Sowore’s Dramatic Confrontation at Lagos City Marathon; Total Disregard for constituted authorities

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday when Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, forcefully gained access to the seat of the Executive governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu.

Despite being persuaded by security operatives and a few other dignitaries, he refused to vacate the governor’s seat.

Sowore had taken a seat in the designated area reserved for the Governor of Lagos State, while he was delivering a speech at the event.

When security personnel and event organizers asked him to leave the area, Sowore allegedly refused, sparking a tense standoff.

The situation escalated, requiring the intervention of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade and security operatives to peacefully resolve the matter. After a brief but intense confrontation, Sowore and his supporters were eventually escorted off the premises.

While Sowore has been known as a clout chaser and a attention seeker, Saturday’s events have sparked debate about the limits of protest and the importance of respecting event protocols and security procedures.

Sowore’s actions have been widely condemned as a blatant display of disrespect to the Lagos State government, the organisers of the marathon, and the well-meaning Nigerians who have invested significant time, effort, and resources into making the event a success.

Regional Groups gives thumbs up to PAP Boss, Otuaro

The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN) has denounced a coordinated smear campaign against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro.

The group accused unnamed individuals and their sponsors of spreading false allegations of financial misconduct against Dr. Otuaro in an attempt to discredit him.

A statement signed by the IYN President and Secretary, Frank Ebikabo and Federal Ebiaridor, specifically called out the “Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum (NGLEF)” for alleging that Dr. Otuaro engaged in fraudulent disbursement of funds and awarded contracts to inactive and unregistered companies.

The NGLEF claimed that Dr. Otuaro approved N50 billion for a company lacking legal standing in Nigeria.

The IYN dismissed these allegations as baseless, stating that its independent investigations revealed the claims were fabricated to tarnish Dr. Otuaro’s reputation and disrupt the ongoing reforms in the PAP.

The group linked the latest attack to individuals behind a protest against Dr. Otuaro at the United Nations headquarters in New York last December.

Since assuming office in 2024, Dr. Otuaro has implemented significant reforms, including expanding the PAP scholarship scheme and introducing new vocational training Programmes to bridge the skills gap in the Niger Delta.

The IYN urged stakeholders to disregard the allegations and support the ongoing transformation of the PAP under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership.

** Niger Delta Energy Security Forum Defends Presidential Amnesty Programme, Supports South-South Development Commission Bill

Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Energy Security Forum (NDESF) has come out in defense of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), dismissing recent attacks as baseless and driven by individuals who benefited from past abuses and mismanagement.

According to George Kerley, Convener of the NDESF, the current administration’s reforms have put an end to “free money” and restored the program’s original mission.

Kerley attributed the increase in Nigeria’s crude oil production to the program’s renewed focus, stating that former militants are being discouraged from engaging in crude theft and illegal refining.

He also highlighted the program’s past failures, which contributed to a drastic drop in oil production and severe environmental consequences, including soot pollution in Port Harcourt.

Regarding the proposed South-South Development Commission Bill, Kerley expressed strong support, emphasizing the need for a well-run and efficient commission to ensure zero crude oil theft, bunkering, and illegal refining in the Niger Delta.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to recognize the importance of establishing the commission, warning that it would fail if hijacked by political interests.

Bayelsa: Governor Diri has become a beacon of positive change, Daniel Igali declares 

The commissioner for Sports Development, Bayelsa State, honourable Daniel Igali, has praised the Prosperity Government led by Governor Douye Diri for its unwavering commitment to socio-economic development through sports initiatives over the past 5 years.

This was contained in a statement made available on Friday by Daniel Igali in celebration of the one year second term and 5th overall anniversary of the Prosperity Government in office.

Honourable Igali highlighted the Prosperity Government’s dedication to the sustainable development of young people in the state and across Nigeria through sporting engagement

Igali described Governor Douye Diri and his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as a beacon of positive change, impacting millions of lives across the country.

The world and Olympic champion noted that since its inception, the Prosperity Government has embraced an unwavering vision to uplift youth into wealth via various sports programmes and policies.

Igali elaborated that the recent move by the Bayelsa State Government to construct a befitting iconic FIFA approved stadium in the state shows the deliberate effort of the government to attract socio-economic development to the capital of the Ijaw Nation.

Honourable Daniel Igali, on behalf of the Ministry of Sports and the sports family in the state, congratulates Senator Douye Diri and Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on their anniversary and expressed their leadership will continue to bring pride to the state.

Senator Nwoko declares 100 percent support for Warri state creation

**Says he consulted Okowa, Delta North HoR, State Assembly Members for Anioma State Creation 

The Senator representing Delta North Constituency in the Senate, Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko has revealed how he reached out to the three members of the House of Representatives and members of the Delta State Assembly from Delta North over the renewed quest for Anioma State creation.

Speaking with mainstreamnews Thursday on phone, the Senator, who recently changed party platform on the floor of the Red Chamber from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), said he also consulted the immediate past governor of Delta, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and did all that was required of him to do as a legislator to carry every stakeholder along.

“I reached out separately to each of the three members of the House of Representatives. In fact, Hon. Ngozi Okolie said he fully supports the creation of Anioma State and was physically present at the Anioma Stakeholders Summit at Grand Hotels on August 31st, last year.

“Nnamdi Ezechi also said he supports the renewed quest for Anioma. It was only Hon. Victor Nwokolo that told me he needed to consult the former governor, Dr Okowa. I also consulted the former governor Okowa, consulted the Nine members Delta North caucus of the Delta State House Assembly through the majority leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi.

“These consultations were done before my we organised the Anioma Stakeholders Summit which held on August 31st. I believe I have done what I ought to do as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing my people of Delta North”, the newly appointed chairman of the Senate Adhoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft stated.

“Not regarding the role I’m playing for the creation of our dear Anioma State, we all owe our people and our forebears this most important responsibility to ensure we realise the Anioma dream. I don’t have to push or lobby any Anioma stakeholder to support the actualisation of Anioma State.

“I’m not the initiators of the creation of Anioma State. In fact I joined the clamour during the 2014 Constitutional Conference under Jonathan’s administration. Now that I’m in the Senator I took it up from where all of us left it at that conference.

“Again, what I’m doing in the Senate does not stop my people in the House of Representatives from also pushing for Anioma State. It makes the effort easier. In fact, that is why I’m happy about the Bill for the creation of Warri State before the House of Representatives.

“I’m giving the initiators of the Warri State my 100% support. With the push for Warri State, automatically Anioma State becomes easier to achieve. At the stage where we are in the Senate, it would no longer be necessary to undertake all the processes since there’s another Bill also pushing for the split of the present Delta State”, the celebrity legislator enthused.

How Defendants Duped ‘me Abel” of N56.35m, Witness Tells Lagos Court

The first Prosecution Witness (PW1), Patience Abel in the trial of Jennifer Kelechi and Goodnews Onyii Amah on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 narrated before the Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja and presided over by Justice R.A. Oshodi how the defendants lured her to invest N56,035,000.00 (Fifty-six million, Thirty-five Thousand Naira) in a non-existent business.

They duo was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on December 24, 2024 on a five-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, stealing, forgery and obtaining by false pretence.

One of the charges reads: “Ezeagu Jennifer Kelechi, Goodnews Onyii Amah, and Nigel Odinaka Vitalis (at large), between 11th May, 2024 to 13th June, 2024, in Lagos conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit; obtaining by false pretence the sum of N5.35 million, property of Patience Abel under the false pretence of investment in supplement business and supply from a hospital in Uganda, which representation you knew to be false”

Another reads: “Ezeagu Jennifer Kelechi, Goodnews Onyii Amah and Nigel Odinaka Vitalis (at large), between 11th May, 2024 to 13th June, 2024, in Lagos conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit; stealing the sum of N56.35 million, property of Patience Abel”.

They pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, prompting their trial.

Led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, S.I. Suleiman, the witness, narrated how she met the first defendant who convinced her to invest in a supplement business.

“I met the first defendant sometime in May 2024 when I bought supplements from her, and she talked me into investing in the supplement business and I knew of few people that were doing it with her.

“When she started talking to me about the investment, I did not have money, but I had some monies in my possession which belonged to my sister, so I decided that instead of the money to lay there in the bank, I should invest it in her business, but I never had any idea that she was a fraudster.

“She told me that she had supplies from a hospital in Uganda, and we made the necessary documentations and I first gave her N3 million and after three days, I gave another N5 million and after that was N48,350,000.00.

“Only for her to come up with some funny stories that her uncle was expecting $40 million USD and that they needed $30,000 USD to clear the money, and at that point, I knew it was fraud. I had to open up to my sister, who wrote the petition to the EFCC and we played along with them because she claimed to be a pharmacist.

“The total amount I invested was N56,350,000 and to be paid back N74,750,000.00 in three weeks as soon as the medications arrived in Nigeria,” she said.

She identified her petition when it was shown to her by the prosecuting counsel.

Franca Umeri, and A.U. Enwerum, who are counsel to the first and second defendant, respectively prayed the court to admit their clients to bail and for an adjournment for the cross-examination of the witness, which was objected to by the prosecution counsel on the ground that the witness resided out of the jurisdiction of the court and also based on the fact that the second prosecution was available in court and would be presented for testimony.

Justice Oshodi admitted the first defendant to bail in the sum of N25 million with two sureties in like sum and refused bail to the second defendant. He adjourned the matter till February 14, 2025 for continuation of trial.

Breaking: Gov. Fintiri presents Staff of Office to Emir of Maiha

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Governor of Adamawa State, North East Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri has presented staff of Office to the Emir of Maiha, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmedu Sabairu in Maiha, LGA, Adamawa State.

The presentation which was done under the Adamawa Chieftaincy Affairs and installation of Newly Appointed Monarchs Thursday February 13, 2025,;was witnessed by thousands of Maiha indigenes as well as well wishers from the Republic of Cameroon.

While presenting the staff of office to the first Emir of Maiha, Gov. Fintiri said the creation of Chiefdoms and Emirates in Adamawa and presentation of staff office to the new monarchs is to enhance unity and preserve the age long traditional culture and ancestral inheritance of the people.

He charged the newly appointed Emir of Maiha to rule the people with the fear of God and be far to all irrespective of tribe, religion and colour, he congratulated Alhaji Sabairu, urging him to carry every one along.

In his response Emir Subairu promised to be fair and just to all irrespective of tribe, religion and ethnic groups in his domain, he commended his subjects and the Government of Adamawa State for the fairness exhibited across all parts of Adamawa State.

Nigeria officially signed agreement to host 2025 Afreximbank Annual Meetings to hold in………………..

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially signed an agreement to host the 2025 Afreximbank’s Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja.

The event which is scheduled for June 23 to June 27 is aimed at enhancing trade financing for African businesses, expanding opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEDAN) as well as boosting cross-border trade.

The signing of the agreement took place at the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters Auditorium in Abuja and was witnessed by the Afreximbank President, Benedict Oramah, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, alongside other stakeholders.

This was disclosed via a statement on the Federal Ministry of Finance’s X handle on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

The statement partly reads: “Nigeria is set to take centre stage in Africa’s economic growth and development as it officially signed an agreement to host the 2025 Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja, reinforcing the country’s leadership in African trade and economic development.

“The signing ceremony took place today at the Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters Auditorium Abuja, with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, representing the Nigerian government.

“Also present at the ceremony was Afreximbank President, Professor Benedict Oramah, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary Special Duties Mr Raymond Omenka, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health Kachollom Shangti Daju, Trade and investment Ambassador Nura Abba, State House. Temitope Peter Fashedemi, alongside senior government officials, business leaders, and financial experts.

“The decision to host AAM2025 in Nigeria reflects Afreximbank’s confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the country’s role in advancing stronger trade across Africa.

“In his address at the event, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, highlighted the significance of hosting the prestigious Meetings, stating:

“Nigeria is honoured to host the 2025 Afreximbank Annual Meetings, which will serve as a critical platform to drive discussions on trade financing, economic growth, and investment opportunities across Africa’.”

Nigeria Customs Service Engages Stakeholders, Suspends Implementation Of 4% FOB Charge

1. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hereby announces the suspension of the
implementation of 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imports as provided in Section
18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCSA) 2023. This is sequel to ongoing
consultations with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister
of the Economy, Mr Olawale Edun and other Stakeholders.

2. This suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and
consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework. The timing of this
suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the Service providers,
including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the 1%
Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS). This presents an opportunity to
review our revenue framework holistically.

3. Under the previous funding arrangement repealed by the NCSA 2023,
separating the 1% CISS and 7% cost of collection created operational inefficiencies
and funding gaps in customs modernisation efforts. The new Act addresses these
challenges by consolidating “not less than 4% of the Free-on-Board value of
imports,” designed to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and
modernisation initiatives. This transition period will allow the Service to optimise
the management of these frameworks to serve our stakeholders and the nation’s
interests better.

4. The Act further empowers the Service to modernise its operations through
various technological innovations. Specifically, Section 28 of the NCSA 2023
authorises developing and maintaining electronic systems for information exchange
between the Service, Other Government Agencies, and traders. The Service is
already implementing several digital solutions, including the recently deployed
B’Odogwu clearance system, which stakeholders are benefiting from through faster
clearance times and improved transparency. Other innovative solutions authorised
by the Act include; Single Window implementation (Section 33), Risk management
systems (Section 32), Non-intrusive inspection equipment (Section 59) and
Electronic data exchange facilities (Section 33(3)).

5. The suspension period will allow the Service to further engage with
stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for
sustainable funding of these modernisation initiatives.

6. The NCS remains committed to implementing the provisions of the Act in a
manner that best serves our stakeholders while fulfilling our revenue generation and
trade facilitation mandate. We will communicate the revised implementation
timeline following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations.

ABDULLAHI MAIWADA
Assistant Comptroller of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
For Comptroller-General of Customs
11 February 2025