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HATE SPEECH BILL SPONSOR, SENATOR ALIYU ABDULLAHI SABI: WHAT IS YOUR GROUSE? WHAT ARE YOUR FEARS?

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8 years ago

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Indeed, the popular saying that “where there’s smoke there’s fire” is truism.

For some days, I have been bothered as to how one who witnessed, read or heard of the evils perpetrated under several military interregnums in Nigeria, would want to re-introduce a Bill akin to the controversial Public Officers (Protection Against False Accusation) Decree No 4, such as the controversial Hate Speech Bill?

Why create a Hate Speech Commission in a nascent democracy like ours? This is a recipe to gag Free Speech, Press Freedom and muzzle the opposition into submission by any ruling government at Federal, State and Local Council levels.

What does APC Senator Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi, Senate Spokesperson and Senator representing the good people of Niger North Senatorial District want?

DIGGING DEEP

‘Distinguished’ Senator Sabi, four months ago, precisely on November 3, 2017, was allegedly assaulted and stoned in Kontagora, the headquarters of Niger North Senatorial District where he represents.

Irked by the humiliation he suffered, Sen. Sabi may perhaps be nicodemusly joining forces with the enemies of Free Speech in Nigeria to introduce the Hate Speech Bill, which when passed, any person found guilty of any form of hate speech that results in the death of another person shall die by hanging upon conviction.

The bill also seeks the establishment of an ‘Independent National Commission for Hate Speeches’, which shall enforce hate speech laws across the country, ensure the elimination of the menace and advise the Federal Government.

For offences such as harassment on the grounds of ethnicity or racial contempt, a culprit shall be sentenced to “not less than a five-year jail term or a fine of not less than N10 million or both.”

Whatever the above means for Senator Sabi and his collaborators, I state that this is a recipe to gag Freedom of Expression, as well as Press Freedom in Nigeria. The opposition will be muzzled into submission. Take this to the banks.

FLASHBACK: ANTI-SOCIAL MEDIA BILL

If Nigerians are not suffering from National Amnesia, it should be recalled that Senator Balla Ibn Na’Allah, the current Senate Leader, while he was Deputy Leader of the Senate, sponsored the controverisial Frivolous Petitions Bill also known as the Anti-Social Media Bill in 2015. That controversial bill was met with resistance by Nigerians online and offline.

Na’Allah, an APC Senator, represents the good people of Kebbi South Senatorial District.

That controversial bill of Na’Allah passed for first reading on November 24, 2015 and second reading on December 2, 2015, in spite of widespread agitations by Nigerians.

But in a dramatic u-turn on May 17, 2016, the Senate threw out the bill to avoid the hammers of Nigerians.

The Senators it was said, took the decision following the report of the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the bill.

Delivering the report, Chairman of the Committee, Senator David Umaru (APC, Niger East) said the bill was opposed by almost all stakeholders during the Public Hearing on it. He therefore said, his committee recommended its withdrawal.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, also backed the withdrawal.

See link: more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/senate-throws-anti-social-media-bill/

SENATOR SABI AT IT AGAIN?

Note, Senator Sabi, was elected on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), based on the popularity he garnered through President Muhammadu Buhari and the support of the late Emir of Borgu, Sen. Dr, Haliru Dantoro.

The Senator was allegedly humiliated by APC party executives in Kontagora, the headquarters of Niger North Senatorial District, where he was stoned, disgraced and insulted.

It was reported that the Senator having called the executives for a meeting at the town hall in Kontagora, which would be the first time he was having such a meeting, since his election in 2015, could not give a satisfactory answer to why he wanted to meet, a year away from the 2019 general elections.

Those at the meeting asked him to give a list of projects he had done/ attracted to Kontagora since he was senator. He was also asked what financial support he had rendered to students of his constituency.

In response to these questions, the Senator in his defense, said that the Buhari led administration, had not given him any funding for constituency projects.

It was said that his answer provoked members of the executives at the meeting and they became hostile, asking him how other elected members of the National Assembly got funding to execute projects and empower the youths in their constituency.

Save for his security details, it was said that the Executives couldn’t physically assault Senator Sabi, but he was chased out of the town hall, as his security team surrounded him and he was quickly taken away in a Peugeot 406 car, which was smashed by a hail of stones. The Civil defense truck did not fare any better either.

The cars in his convoy were also said to be wrecked by a hail of stones, as they drove out of the premises.

That was the humiliation Senator Aliyu Abdullahi Sabi suffered at the hands of his Kontagora constituents on November 3, 2017.

It will also be recalled that earlier in 2017, Senator Sabi faced a similar attack in the town of Babanna, Borgu local government and Rofia in Agwara local government as well.

Could this be the ANGER of Senator Sabi? Sincerely, only him could answer this question.

Without much ado, it is quite unfortunate that since the present administration came on board, there have been several attempts to gag Nigerians from critically assessing the government.

Even President Buhari himself has said that social media is particularly his problem. Why the Fear?

It’s imperative for well-meaning Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to kick against this anti-peoples bill.

What even determines Hate Speech, a discerning mind would ask?

No doubt, this bill is a recipe for anarchy, if it scales through as an Act with a Presidential Assent.

I reieterate well-meaning Nigerians should rise up to the ocassion, and not allow Senator Sabi and his collaborators succeed with this anti-peoples bill.

Like the 2015 Anti-Social Media Bill of Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah was thrown out of the Senate in 2016, it is certain that this cup would pass too.

Ikenna Asomba, a Social Commentator writes from Atlanta, Georgia.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

1 week ago

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April 24, 2026

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

⸻

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

Published

1 week ago

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April 23, 2026

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

 

 

The current threading in *entertainment* world of speculated society marriage between oganla Fuji, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma with Nollywood icon, and widely acclaimed Queen of the tube jaiyeola Kuti has brought out different opinions amongst the fans and entertainment personnel.

 

What started as a rumour and mirage is gradually turning to reality and some fans are saying it’s not possible for Jaiye Kuti who is one of the scandal free Nollywood actress to be involved in such an unholy union with Pasuma

Most people who spoke with our correspondence, are of opinion that such a marriage can only happen in a mirage sessions and in Nollywood movies that apart Jaiye Kuti been responsible and married with children, Pasuma is someone who have vowed not to married and have a woman under his roof.

But to some also, it’s not impossible as artistes are known to be engaging and married to each other after denied and counter claims, which made and at the end they will go ahead and married . With this most people believe that truly there’s marriage in offspring for both celebrities While both parties refused to comment on the trend controversial issues about the whole issue , the world is anxiously waiting if this well circulated story of Pasuma getting married to Jaiye Kuti will come to pass or it will turn out to be a mirage.

Either way the die is cast as all eyes will be on Jaiye Kuti and Pasuma with searchlight on Nigeria entertainment industry once again

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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1 week ago

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April 21, 2026

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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