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Emerging Facts On Why Ngelale Was Allegedly Booted Out Of Office 

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Emerging Facts On Why Ngelale Was Allegedly Booted Out Of Office 

Emerging Facts On Why Ngelale Was Allegedly Booted Out Of Office 

Interestingly, more details have emerged regarding why Ajuri Ngelale, the spokesperson of President Bola Tinubu, was sacked on Saturday.

 

 

While Mr Ngelale said he was stepping aside to deal with medical matters affecting his family, several reports revealed that he left the position after he became suspicious that he could be humiliated out of office.

Emerging Facts On Why Ngelale Was Allegedly Booted Out Of Office 
Insiders alleged that among many sins including his arrogance, acrimony with other appointees and civil servants, a list of immediate issues are:
1. He asked Julius Berger to affix a bold Coat of Arms in his residence during a massive reconstruction work on his residence. DSS got wind of it and it was seen as treasonable and reported by CSO to the President. They (his benefactor) pleaded on his behalf that he was ignorant and they let it slide.
2. The one that allegedly broke the camel’s back was that he allegedly collected a 50k USD bribe from Hope to insert his name on the China trip. The President had blacklisted Hope after the EDO primaries disaster. When he was questioned by COS, he was rude and said he’s only answerable to MR P. He was reported and Mr P asked for him to be sacked. His benefactor only intervened for him to be given safe landing. After much tears and begging, they let him step down and draft that fabricated statement.
 Furthermore, it would also be recalled that according to a report by FIJ,  Ajuri Ngelale, the broadcast journalist who made a name for himself with his eloquence and sonorous voice, did not resign as special adviser to the president on media and publicity to tend to a “vexatious medical situation” in his family as he claimed.
Instead, FIJ understands, he was fired by the presidency and only allowed to publicly resign after his repeated pleas for a soft landing.
Ngelale, who was also the special presidential envoy on climate action, stunned Nigerians on Saturday morning when he announced his abrupt exit from office, citing “medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family”.
A FACE-SAVING COVER-UP
“On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family,” Ngelale wrote.
“While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonising decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.”
He said he looked “forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit”, and respectfully asked “for some privacy for my family and I [sic] during this time”.
But multiple highly-placed sources in and around the presidency told FIJ on Saturday afternoon that Ngelale’s exit was not triggered by a family health emergency, but rather his loss in a power tussle with Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
LONG-RUNNING FEUD WITH ONANUGA
FIJ understands that following the election of Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s president in 2023, Ngelale did not exactly hit it off with Onanuga, largely because having been in government before Onanuga — President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Ngelale his senior special adviser on public affairs in 2019 and he served in this position until the end of Buhari’s tenure — he considered himself Onanuga’s boss.
Ngelale, 38, began his career with the Africa Independent Television (AIT) in the 2000s, while Onanuga, 67, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of NJigeria (NAN), began his career in the 1980s. There was one problem, though: while Ngelale was special adviser on media and publicity, Onanuga was the special adviser on information and strategy.
FIJ understands that civil servants found the roles confusing. This was nothing like in the Buhari administration when Femi Adesina was the special adviser on media and publicity and Garba Shehu the senior special assistant on media publicity. In the latter case, everyone knew Adesina, as SA, was senior, while Shehu, as SSA, was subordinate.
Ngelale and Onanuga both had special adviser roles; and the profolios seemed similar. However, by design, the civil service structure of the villa reported to the SA media, and that was Ngelale.
“Ngelale considered himself untouchable because he had the backing of the president’s son Seyi and Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff,” one source who asked not to be named for fear of retribution told FIJ.
“He was fired; I became aware of this on Tuesday, but I won’t rule out the possibility that it happened earlier. When he got the letter, he started to plead to be allowed to resign as a soft landing. He was eventually given a soft landing, which is understandable. News of his sacking in public would have thoroughly embarrassed not just Ngelale but the presidency too.”
Although this source expressed regrets that things eventually got to a head, they conceded that there was no other way out, given Ngelale’s unwillingness to discuss his long-drawn-out feud with Onanuga when the opportunities were presented to him.
“The Ngelale-Onanuga feud was no secret in the villa, so several top appointees and cabinet members attempted to intervene at separate times; and while Onanuga was open to peace talks, Ngelale wasn’t,” the source continued.
“For example, Mohammed Idris Malagi, the minister of information and national orientation, called for talks four times. Onanuga was willing to attend but Ngelale snubbed them all, always claiming he was busy.”
‘BLOCKING ONANUGA’ FROM HAVING AN OFFICE
Civil servants who asked not to be named, as well as a source familiar with presidency happenings, told FIJ that Onanuga, despite being formally appointed in October 2023 “was a squatter in the presidency and did not have an office of his own until just a few months ago”.
“When Onanuga was appointed, he had no office. He was squatting in Tunde Rahman’s office,” said one of the sources. “It was just recently that he eventually got an office that belonged to either Wale Edun or Zacheus Adedeji when they were still advisers.
Rahman, the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, was appointed in July 2023 — three months earlier than Onanuga’s appointment.
These were people who had been with Tinubu for decades, unlike Ngelale, so how did Ngelale become so powerful that he got appointed earlier, blocked Onanuga from having an office to himself and all the aforementioned appointees could not fix Onanuga an office?
As written earlier, Ngelale had the backing of Seyi Tinubu and Gbajabiamila, but a third source took it even further, saying: “It was about how he got the job.”
How Ajuri ingratiated himself with Tinubu
“During the 2023 presidential electioneering, Jumoke Oduwole, the special adviser on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), introduced Ngelale to Gbajabiamila,” said the source.
“When Ngelale got there, he met Seyi. He told Seyi he would facilitate a CNN interview during which Tinubu’s presidential ambition would be discussed. Seyi thought it was impossible, but Ngelale did it. He secured the interview on CNN. He then told Seyi the time and date it would air. Seyi promised Ngelale that Tinubu would phone him if he pulled it off. Immediately after the interview was aired, Tinubu called Ngelale.
“When Tinubu won the election, Ngelale was abroad. People told him to return home but he said no; he insisted he would get his own appointment once he arrived in the country. And that was exactly what happened: Ngelale’s appointment by Tinubu was announced days after his return to Nigeria.
“Conversely, Gbajabiamila delayed the announcement of Onanuga’s appointment for at least two months. It required Chief Bisi Akande, who originally made the case for Onanuga’s appointment, to return to Tinubu for follow-up conversations. That was when Tinubu ordered that Onanuga’s appointment should be made, and that was how Onanuga came to the villa.”
FIJ understands that villa staff and civil servants whose work related to the president’s communication strategy noticed the tension between Ngelale and Onanuga and thought if they worked with one, then the other thought they were against him.
“This meant the work of publicising the president’s progressive policies was derailed,” said the source.
“By the way, Ngelale instructed civil servants that no statement from Onanuga could go out if he had not personally cleared it. If you speak with sources across divides, they would tell you Onanuga was the more peace-seeking of the duo. But this particular order from Ngelale to civil servants annoyed Onanuga.”
FIJ understands Ngelale’s standing with Tinubu started to plummet once it was easy to pitch to the president how Ngelale’s unharmonious relationship not just with Onanuga but with the media was hindering good publicity for the president.
“He did not have a good relationship with journalists. Ask the reporters; ask the state house correspondents. And also ask editors,” added the source.
“Many people consider him disrespectful and arrogant, even the editors. You can hardly find any important editor in Nigeria who likes or regards Ngelale.”
FIJ sent a text and WhatsApp messages to Ngelale, seeking his comments, but they were not replied. FIJ also made cellular and WhatsApp calls to Ngelale’s number, but none was answered.
When FIJ repeated the process with Onanuga, the outcome was the same.

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“Worst Year of My Life”: Stanley Nwabali Announces Mother’s Passing

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Football Community Rallies Around Stanley Nwabali Following Mother’s Death

Football Community Rallies Around Stanley Nwabali Following Mother’s Death

 

Johannesburg, South Africa – Barely two months after the tragic loss of his father, Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been dealt another devastating blow with the passing of his mother.

 

The South Africa-based player shared the heartbreaking news via X (formerly Twitter) on New Year’s Day, expressing his grief. “RIP mom, worst year of my life already,” Nwabali posted, accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.

 

The news comes as a shock to fans and well-wishers, particularly as Nwabali had earlier reflected positively on 2024, sharing a video recap of the year with an optimistic outlook for 2025. “2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he wrote in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed their support for the grieving player, sending a heartfelt message via their official social media channels.
“Our heartfelt condolences to Stanley Nwabali on the loss of his mother. Stay strong, Stanley. Sending you strength and support during this difficult time. You are not alone; we are all with you,” the statement read.

 

Fans, colleagues, and well-wishers have also flooded social media with messages of sympathy and encouragement.

“So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family,” commented journalist Latifat Adebayo-Ohio.

Another fan, Hillary Remy, wrote, “So sorry for your loss. May God strengthen you and all your family members.”

Adewale Damilare added, “Accept my heartfelt condolences, chief.”

A Year of Personal Tragedies

Nwabali’s father passed away in November 2024, just hours after the goalkeeper played for the Super Eagles in their 1-1 draw against the Benin Republic during a penultimate 2025 AFCON qualification match. The cause of his mother’s death has not been disclosed, but it has added to what Nwabali described as a “crazy world” in his social media posts.

 

Despite his personal tragedies, the 27-year-old goalkeeper remains a pillar of strength for his club, Chippa United, and the Nigerian national team. As he mourns this latest loss, the footballing community continues to rally around him with messages of support and prayers.

As Nwabali navigates this challenging period, fans and colleagues alike hope he finds the strength to continue excelling on and off the pitch. His resilience has made him a respected figure in Nigerian football, and his supporters remain steadfast in offering their encouragement during these trying times.

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Health, Power, and Prophecy: Iginla Warns Tinubu, Akpabio, and Global Leaders

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Health, Power, and Prophecy: Iginla Warns Tinubu, Akpabio, and Global Leaders

“‘Strong Betrayal Ahead’: Prophet Iginla Sounds Alarm on Tinubu’s Health and Akpabio’s Leadership”

 

Abuja, Nigeria – Renowned cleric and leader of the Champion Royal Assembly, Prophet Joshua Iginla, has delivered a series of prophecies for 2025, cautioning Nigerians about potential challenges facing key political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

 

Speaking during the New Year’s crossover service held at the Champion Royal Assembly in Abuja, Iginla claimed that God revealed these prophecies to him. The cleric specifically warned President Tinubu about a possible medical emergency, urging the president to prioritize his health to avert serious consequences.

Opposition Parties Slam President Tinubu Over Viral Video of Long Queues at Bourdillon; Accuse APC of Weaponizing Poverty

“President Tinubu must pay attention to his health and give himself much rest so that the enemy does not take that as a way of giving him a strong blow. I saw a medical emergency, and we don’t pray for that to happen,” Iginla said.

In addition to health concerns, Iginla predicted intense political drama for Tinubu, including betrayals and gang-ups against him. “There is going to be a lot of gang-up against him strongly, very strongly. The drama will unfold this year like never before, and there will be a strong betrayal,” the prophet added.

Challenges Ahead for Senate President Akpabio

Nigeria Will Become Self-sufficient In Fuel Production This July Says Akpabio

The cleric also foresaw significant challenges for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, particularly from Northern politicians. Iginla predicted attempts to undermine Akpabio’s leadership through a vote of no confidence or impeachment.
“For the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, he is going to have a lot of strong resistance from the strong Northern powers. They want to move a vote of no confidence or impeachment process against him. He must play good politics with the Northern brothers,” Iginla advised.

Iginla emphasized the importance of collaboration and honoring promises between the presidency and Northern elites to avoid political unrest. “The government of the day should not play with the North in terms of trampling on their views. We should find a common ground for peaceful resolution,” he said.

Health Concerns for FCT Minister Wike

PDP govs lose as NWC hands Wike Control Of Rivers PDP

Turning his attention to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Iginla advised the minister to focus on his health while carrying out his duties. The cleric commended Wike’s plans for reforming the FCT but stressed that health should remain a priority.

 

“As for the FCT minister, he will do more projects and turn the city around. He will step on many toes and bring a lot of reformation, but he has to pray for his health. It’s only the living that can have a political mandate and move forward,” Iginla stated.

Call for Unity and Prudence

In his address, Iginla underscored the need for unity and strategic collaboration across political lines. He warned against actions that might provoke further divisions, particularly with Northern stakeholders, urging leaders to find peaceful solutions to emerging conflicts.

As Nigerians begin the new year, the prophet’s message serves as a call for vigilance and wisdom in navigating the nation’s political landscape.

 

 

 

Biological Weapons and Global Turmoil

In a striking vision, Prophet Iginla foresaw a major scientific experiment with devastating consequences. He described seeing a “transparent glass” containing a chimpanzee, fish, and human, symbolizing dangerous biological manipulations. “The next battle that will shake the world is not physical but biological weapons,” he warned, emphasizing the need for vigilance against evil scientific agendas.

Economic and Political Shifts: BRICS, G7, and Cryptocurrency

Iginla predicted that the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—would strengthen their alliance, drawing other nations to their fold and challenging Western powers between 2025 and 2030. Conversely, he cautioned the G7 nations, including the USA, UK, and Germany, about backlash stemming from poor economic policies.

On the economic front, the cryptocurrency market is expected to flourish significantly between 2025 and 2028, creating numerous billionaires. Additionally, he foresaw groundbreaking technological advancements in India, which would astonish global superpowers.

Prophecies for World Leaders and Nations

China: Prophet Iginla foresees China rising as a formidable global force but warns of internal threats, including a possible insurrection and an attempt on the president’s life.

Russia: President Vladimir Putin was urged to pray for his health and life as Iginla saw his “candle burning fast.” He also warned of manipulation and betrayal, particularly involving a woman.

 

 

African Leaders: Iginla urged African leaders to focus on youth inclusion and strengthen security to prevent coups, warning that revolutions could sweep some out of power.

 

Religious Landscape: Division and Revival

Prophet Iginla warned of increasing divisions within the church, with pastors turning against one another and secrets of prominent leaders being exposed. He predicted that such events could shake the faith of many. However, he also foresaw a spiritual revival in certain nations, including South Sudan, Namibia, and South Korea, where God would raise transformative leaders.

 

Prophecies for Other Nations

Botswana and Namibia: Both countries were predicted to experience economic growth and spiritual awakening,

 

Hope Amidst Challenges

Despite the dire warnings, Iginla emphasized hope and divine intervention. He spoke of major medical breakthroughs curing previously incurable diseases between 2025 and 2032 and called for unity among nations and individuals to face global challenges.

 

“The world is entering a season of great trials and triumphs,” Iginla said, urging leaders and citizens alike to seek God’s guidance.

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General Tukur Buratai: A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Global Impact

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General Tukur Buratai: A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Global Impact By Femi Oyewale

General Tukur Buratai: A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Global Impact
By Femi Oyewale

 

Leadership is not a title; it’s an action. True leaders inspire through their example and lead by initiative.”

 

Few names in Nigeria’s military history carry the weight of General Tukur Yusuf Buratai. From his modest beginnings in Buratai, a town in Borno State, to his extraordinary service as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Buratai’s journey is one of resilience, dedication, and unparalleled leadership. His efforts have shaped not only the Nigerian military but also global counterinsurgency strategies, leaving a lasting imprint on peacebuilding and security.

General Tukur Buratai: A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Global Impact
By Femi Oyewale

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Born on November 24, 1960, in northeastern Nigeria, Tukur Buratai grew up in a family where discipline and service were integral values. His military journey began with his entry into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he graduated as a Second Lieutenant in 1983.

Throughout his military career, Buratai demonstrated a remarkable blend of tactical brilliance, strategic insight, and leadership in various command, staff, and teaching roles. His deep understanding of military strategy, combined with invaluable field experience, earned him respect both within Nigeria and internationally.

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION COMMISERATES WITH GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF BORNO STATE IN WAKE OF DEVASTATING FLOODS IN MAIDUGURI

Transforming the Nigerian Army

Appointed Chief of Army Staff in July 2015, Buratai faced a Nigerian Army struggling to combat the growing menace of Boko Haram in the northeast. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army underwent a dramatic transformation, not only in its strategic direction but in its morale and operational efficiency.

Buratai was instrumental in initiating reforms that reshaped the Nigerian military. He created the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, revamped troop training programs, and made soldier welfare a priority. One of his most significant decisions was relocating the military’s command headquarters to Maiduguri, in the heart of the Boko Haram insurgency, a bold move that reflected his hands-on, proactive leadership.

His leadership was pivotal in crippling Boko Haram’s operational capacity, liberating communities, and bringing stability to conflict-ravaged regions. The Super Camp Strategy, one of his innovations, became a model for asymmetric warfare, gaining recognition from military experts worldwide.

International Impact and Diplomatic Engagement

General Buratai’s influence extended far beyond Nigeria’s borders. As part of multinational efforts with countries such as Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, he strengthened regional security collaborations to combat terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin region. His diplomatic efforts emphasized global partnerships in counterinsurgency and earned him international recognition for his strategic insights on insurgencies and post-conflict stabilization.

Modernizing the Nigerian Army

One of Buratai’s lasting legacies is the modernization of the Nigerian Army. He championed the integration of advanced technology, including drones for intelligence gathering and surveillance, which enhanced the military’s operational capabilities. He also focused on reducing Nigeria’s dependency on foreign imports by encouraging the local production of military hardware, rejuvenating the country’s defense industry.

Under Buratai, the Nigerian Army’s focus on education and research led to the establishment of the Nigerian Army University in Biu, Borno State. The institution became a center for innovation and collaboration between the military and academic sectors, ensuring continuous progress in defense technology and strategy.

A Commitment to National Unity

Throughout his career, General Buratai was deeply committed to Nigeria’s unity. He worked to foster inclusivity within the military, ensuring that personnel from all ethnic and religious backgrounds could work together in pursuit of common goals. His leadership style cultivated a sense of belonging, unity, and purpose among the ranks, which was crucial in the Army’s success.

Humanitarian Efforts and Legacy Beyond the Battlefield

Beyond his military achievements, Buratai is also recognized for his humanitarian efforts. He championed initiatives for internally displaced persons (IDPs), providing relief materials, healthcare, and educational support. His efforts to rebuild communities devastated by conflict underscored his belief in the power of recovery and reconstruction.

Life After Service

After retiring in January 2021, General Buratai continued to serve Nigeria as an ambassador. He leveraged his wealth of experience to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties, participated in global security forums, and contributed to discussions on counterterrorism and governance.

A Lasting Legacy

General Tukur Buratai’s life and career serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on shaping the future of a nation. His leadership transformed the Nigerian Army, modernized its capabilities, and enhanced regional and global security. His enduring legacy as a soldier, diplomat, and statesman remains an inspiration to future generations.

In a world facing unprecedented security challenges, Buratai’s story stands as a beacon of resilience, collaboration, and the unwavering pursuit of peace and stability. His contributions to military excellence and global security continue to influence and inspire, marking him as one of Nigeria’s greatest military leaders.

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