NGF Backs Direct Federation Account Oil Revenue Reforms
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has thrown its weight behind Executive Order 9 signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing direct remittance of oil and gas revenues into the Federation Account as essential for fiscal transparency, predictability, and constitutional alignment across federal, state, and local governments.
Contemptous rulers and docile people
Tinubu’s vague overseas trips reveal a presidency more obsessed with image than accountability, leaving Nigerians in the dark while crises rage at home.
Tinubu sends Shettima to Côte d’Ivoire to support Super Eagles against South Africa
Vice-President Kashim Shettima On Wednesday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to lend President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support to the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The spokesperson for the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. He said Mr Shettima’s trip to Côte d’Ivoire was at the instance of Mr Tinubu. The Super Eagles will take on South Africa in the semi-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The match will be played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire later this evening. According to Nkwocha, the visit will strengthen the deep-rooted connection between football and national identity in the country. Mr Nkwocha said the vice-president’s presence would inspire the Super Eagles on the pitch and serve as a rallying point for millions of Nigerians cheering from their homes. According to him, this year’s AFCON has seen the Super Eagles soar to new heights. “With a dominant performance in the group stages and a thrilling victory in the quarter-final, they have established themselves as strong contenders for the title. “With this being their 15th semi-final appearance, Nigeria holds the record for most appearances at this stage. They will be aiming to replicate their success in 2013 when they lifted the trophy in South Africa,” he said. He further said Mr Shettima’s visit to Côte d’Ivoire would serve as a powerful call for national unity and support. “As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial semi-final match, Nigerians across the globe are urged to raise their voices and cheer their team. The entire nation stands behind the Super Eagles,” he said.
Abati Slams Peter Obi For Asking Tinubu To Reveal His Identity
Reuben Abati, a Nigerian journalist, has offered unconventional advice to Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), following his call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address concerns about his academic and identity records. Speaking during a segment on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show,” Abati suggested that Obi should consider a career in evangelism. Obi had on Wednesday conducted a press conference in Abuja, urging Tinubu to disclose his educational background and clarify matters related to his name change and participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. Abati however criticized Obi’s approach, implying that it was driven more by a desire for media attention and publicity. Abati emphasized that the appropriate forum for addressing electoral concerns is the court of law, as demonstrated by the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who pursued legal action in his electoral dispute. In response to Obi’s press conference, the All Progressives Congress (APC) affirmed that President Tinubu did not have an identity problem and dismissed Obi’s claims as a script contrived by Atiku Abubakar.
BBC Report Claims Tinubu’s Certificate Is Authentic
In a report released by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Wednesday, it has been revealed that there is no proof that President Bola Tinubu forged his academic record at Chicago State University (CSU). This revelation comes in the midst of controversy surrounding Tinubu’s academic credentials. Recently, Chicago State University had released and deposited Tinubu’s certificate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as requested by a US court in the context of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. While President Tinubu and his aides have consistently maintained the authenticity of his CSU certificate, Atiku’s camp had alleged that the certificate was falsified. However, the BBC’s Global Disinformation Team’s investigation has not found any conclusive evidence of forgery. The BBC report stated that they contacted CSU for clarification, and the university expressed confidence in the veracity and integrity of their records concerning Tinubu’s attendance and graduation. The report further highlights that there are three different versions of CSU certificates associated with Tinubu, including the original 1979 certificate, a second diploma submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), and another replacement diploma from the early 2000s, which was never collected by Tinubu. Contrary to some allegations on social media, the BBC found that the phrase “with honours” does appear on Mr. Tinubu’s diploma from the early 2000s, which CSU authenticated during their investigation. CSU’s registrar, Caleb Westberg, affirmed that changes in the diploma template over the years might explain differences in appearance. He also attested to the authenticity of Tinubu’s diploma during his deposition. The BBC report concluded that CSU’s documents and Mr. Westberg’s statements confirm that President Tinubu graduated from CSU with honours, dispelling some of the doubts raised regarding his academic credentials.