Connect with us

celebrity radar - gossips

EDO 2020: CAPT HOSA SPEAKS ON SMEAR CAMPAIGN, MUDSLINGING AND CHARACTER ASSASSINATION…. PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE!!

Published

on

My attention has, once again, been drawn to the attempt by some unscrupulous person(s ) to drag my name into the murky politics of the forthcoming Edo governorship polls, scheduled for later this year.

It is,  from all intents and purposes, infantile, silly and odious. It is the height of mischief and evil to drag a man who has been quietly minding his business into the political arena, which he has  chosen to distance himself from.

One of such malicious write ups sprang up in the aftermath of the alleged botched shadow primaries  to  pick a consensus candidate among APC aspirants, seeking to challenge the incumbent Governor, His Excellency, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

In the said piece, “The True Reason the APC Congress was cancelled”, by one Sebastian Okungbowa, it maliciously claimed that I was the ‘unseen hand’ behind the fiasco, because I plotted to manipulate the process for a favoured aspirant (Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu). 

The hack writer also posited that not only have I pledged to ‘bankroll’ Ize-Iyamu’s election if he got the ticket, I had also led him to the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s residence for his endorsement.

My immediate response? Fake news! Fake news!! Fake news!!! , and could only have  emanated from a warped mind bent on sowing the seeds of discord, evil and anarchy. Nothing in what the man and other hack writers have written could be farther from the reality.

The truth of the matter, as I have restated several times, is that I AM NEITHER INVOLVED NOR A PARTICIPANT, in the processes of the primaries or picking aspirants in the Edo governorship 2020 elections. I do not have anointed aspirant or aspirants. I have not pledged or promised to bankroll any aspirant. I do not have free or idle funds to bankroll any aspirant(s). I am a businessman minding his business!

For the purpose of clarity and setting the records straight, and to respond to the spurious charges of the malicious write up under reference, I wish to state as follows:

  1. I have a close relationship with all the aspirants in the Edo governorship race. First, the governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, is a friend and brother. We are supporting him in the discharge of his electoral mandate.
  2. Engineer Ogiemwonyi is my elder brother. I organized a party for him in Benin City when he retired from the NNPC. So, he’s someone I have a relationship with.
  3. Dr Pius Odubu is a brother and friend. I also have a relationship with.
  4. Pastor Osagie is a friend and a younger brother also; ditto the other aspirants.

So, it is absolutely nonsensical to say that I attempted to manipulate the shadow primaries for a preferred candidate. It is mischief taken too far!

The other malicious point raised in the jaundiced write up is that I led Pastor Ize-Iyamu to Asiwaju Tinubu’s residence. How low and evil can some people descend in the manufacturing of deliberate falsehoods? The truth is, no such thing happened! The last time I saw Asiwaju Tinubu was at the birthday party of Chief Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin kingdom, in Benin City. So, when did this phantom visit take place?

 I  wish to state emphatically that I am not a coward; I have never been. I do not hide behind a finger when I speak or take a position on any issue.

As a bonafide citizen of Edo State and Nigeria, it is my inalienable right to join a party of my choice and support aspirants or candidates of my choice. However, in the Edo governorship race, I have chosen to stand aside from the fray for personal and private reasons. I do not want to get involved; I am not involved.

 From 1999 to 2015, when I got involved in the political process, I have learnt my lessons; sometimes hard lessons.

 I wish to urge merchants of mischief, fake news purveyors, character assassins and smear campaigners to please leave me out of their machinations in their dirty politicking.

 In this era of rampaging coronavirus pandemic, I want to be left alone to face my family and  business concerns. The COVID-19 issue has placed enormous burden on many businesses globally, especially the oil and gas industry which is my forte, which I am presently engaged in seeking how to navigate the troubled waters. Political distraction is a luxury which I can’t afford at this critical time. 

A final word for mischief makers whose pastime is rumour mongering and spreading falsehoods: Get busy!

SIGNED
Capt(Dr) Idahosa Wells Okunbo

celebrity radar - gossips

General Buratai to deliver University of Ilorin’s distinguished personality lecture

Published

on

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

General Buratai to deliver University of Ilorin’s distinguished personality lecture

 

​The Department of Criminology and Security Studies at the University of Ilorin has announced that a former Chief of Army Staff and former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Lt. General (Rtd) Tukur Buratai (CFR), will deliver its prestigious Distinguished Personality Lecture.

 

​The lecture is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, at the University Auditorium by 10:00 a.m. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), is expected to be the Chief Host, while Dr. Monsurat Isiaka (Ph.D.), Head of the Department, will serve as Host.

 

​Buratai, who brings a wealth of unmatched experience from his military and diplomatic service, will be speaking on the critical theme: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and National Security: The Youth and National Aspirations.”

 

​The lecture aims to foster critical conversation about Nigeria’s future security landscape, the pivotal role of the armed forces in national stability, and the interplay between national aspirations and the country’s youth population.

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

From Global Stages to Public Service: Media Mogul Fidelis Duker Officially Joins House of Reps Race for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South

Published

on

From Global Stages to Public Service: Media Mogul Fidelis Duker Officially Joins House of Reps Race for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South

 

CALABAR, NIGERIA – Renowned media practitioner, veteran filmmaker, and global cultural ambassador, Fidelis Duker, has officially declared his intention to run for the Federal House of Representatives, representing the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency.

In a definitive move that bridges the gap between international enterprise and grassroots governance, the Henshaw Town-born pioneer has successfully picked up his Expression of Interest (EOI) form under the platform of the NNigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Duker’s entry into the legislative race brings an unprecedented level of global exposure and professional pedigree to Cross River State’s political landscape. For over three decades, he has stood as a towering figure in Africa’s creative economy.

As the founder of the Abuja International Film Festival West Africa’s longest-running film festival, and the Regional Secretary General for the Federation of Pan African Filmmakers (FEPACI), Duker has consistently flown Nigeria’s flag at prestigious international fora worldwide. From presenting the brilliance of African storytelling at the legendary Cannes Film Festival in France to driving strategic industry dialogues across Europe and Africa, his extensive global travels have positioned him as a master of international relations and resource mobilization.

“Our constituency does not suffer from a lack of potential; it suffers from a lack of structured, globally competitive representation,” Duker stated following the collection of his nomination documents. “My career has been defined by creating wealth, building platforms, and placing Nigerian talent on the world map. I am stepping into this race to deploy that exact same global network, corporate discipline, and innovative leadership to bring sustainable development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure to Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South.”

Duker’s visionary campaign is backed by an elite, multi-disciplinary educational background curated from top-tier local and international institutions. He holds credentials from the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism and Crawford University, alongside advanced professional training from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His world-class expertise in broadcasting and mass communications was further sharpened at the globally acclaimed BBC Training Academy and the Deutsche Welle Training Akademie, complementing his academic roots at the Cross River University of Technology.

As the Chief Executive Officer of FAD Media Productions—the powerhouse behind FAD 93.1 FM Calabar, FAD FM 101.3 Abuja and FAD 360 TV, Duker is already one of the largest private-sector employers of youth in Cross River State. His legislative blueprint vows to replicate this success on a macro scale by introducing bills that will be tech-driven youth development projects, positioning bills that will attract foreign direct investment to the constituency’s coastal assets, and ensuring uncompromising transparency in the execution of constituency projects.

The NDC leadership and various community support groups have warmly received his candidacy, describing it as a breath of fresh air and a critical step toward elevating the constituency to international standards of governance and economic growth.

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Ileya Tonic : King Saheed Osupa Announces New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis

Published

on

Ileya Tonic : King Saheed Osupa Announces New 2-in-1 Album, Acapella & Metamorphosis

By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)

 

 

Veteran Fuji musician King Saheed Osupa is set to release a new 2-in-1 album titled Acapella & Metamorphosis on May 26, 2026.

The announcement was revealed through promotional materials shared across the singer’s official social media pages, where anticipation has already started building among longtime fans of the Fuji icon. The artwork for the project presents Osupa in a calm and regal setting, matching the mature image he has maintained throughout his career.

While full details about the tracklist and featured artists are yet to be officially released, the title of the project has already sparked conversations online. “Metamorphosis” suggests a new phase or evolution, while “Acapella” hints at a more raw or expressive musical direction. Together, both titles point toward a project that may combine classic Fuji elements with a refreshed sound and message.

Over the years, Osupa has remained one of the most respected voices in Fuji music, known for his deep lyrical style, cultural storytelling, and loyal fanbase across Nigeria and beyond. Even as the music industry continues to evolve, the singer has maintained strong relevance, especially among audiences who appreciate traditional Yoruba-rooted sounds blended with contemporary production.

The decision to release a 2-in-1 album also stands out at a time when many artists are focusing on shorter projects and singles. For established acts like Osupa, larger releases often serve as a statement of longevity, consistency, and artistic confidence.

Fans have continued to react positively to the announcement online, with many already counting down to the release date. The project is expected to arrive on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, Boomplay, YouTube Music, TIDAL, and Deezer.

With the official release now scheduled for May 26, listeners will be watching closely to see what King Saheed Osupa delivers on Acapella & Metamorphosis and whether the project marks another defining moment in his long-running career.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending