celebrity radar - gossips
Oyedepo/Obi Saga: Notable Politicians Involved In Leaked Conversation
Oyedepo/Obi Saga: Notable Politicians Involved In Leaked Conversation
A few weeks after the February 25 presidential election, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, was enmeshed in a controversy as a phone conversation between him and Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church, aka Winners Chapel, leaked on social media.
The leaked audio generated heated conversations with many Nigerians condemning Obi for weeping up sentiment in a multi-religious country like Nigeria.
In a viral leaked audio published by an online medium, People’s Gazette, on Saturday, Obi was heard begging Oyedepo for support. He was heard telling the Bishop to help him get votes from Christians in the South-West.
“Thank you Daddy, I need you to speak to your people in South West and Kwara, the Christians in South West and Kwara, this is a religious war,” Obi said in the leaked audio.
In a statement in the wee hours of Sunday, Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign, confirmed the authenticity of the audio but claimed it was taken out of context by critics.
But Obi’s is just one among a couple of leaked audios involving notable politicians in Nigeria. Daily Trust takes a look at other leaked audios, especially those that are election-related.
OBANIKORO/FAYOSE’S CONVERSATION
An audio recording revealing how some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains allegedly connived with security agencies to rig the Ekiti State eelection was released by an army officer in 2014.
At the meeting, as evidenced by the recording, the then prominent chieftains of the PDP were heard discussing strategies for rigging the 2014 Ekiti governorship election, a poll in which the party eventually won by a landslide.
But some of the actors, including Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Defence Minister, and Ayo Fayose, who defeated the incumbent governor, denied being a party to the plot to rig the election and questioned the authenticity of the recording.
Obanikoro had also threatened a court action against news organisations who had published the conversations in the audio tape.
Despite their denials, the then Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, who also attended the meeting, confirmed that the tape was authentic.
He, however, disagreed with the context of the discussion, saying the meeting was never about plans to rig the Ekiti State election.
MELAYE’S DISCUSSION WITH JUDGE
Dino Melaye, former Senator representing Kogi West was also thrown into controversy when an online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, leaked his phone conversation with Justice Akon Ikpeme, the tribunal judge who handled his election case in 2015.
The media outfit later claimed that the judge in a bid to get a soft landing confessed to receiving bribe twice from Melaye because he handled the lawmaker’s cases twice.
ATIKU’S AUDIO ON CONTRACTS
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was also caught on tape in January 2023 admitting his involvement in a complex conspiracy that for years took advantage of federal contracting expenditures.
In a viral audio shared by Atiku’s former aide, Michael Achimugu, the former vice-president was heard narrating how he took charge of setting up onshore shell businesses to serve as a conduit for syphoning significant sums from public work contracts for himself and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Atiku also revealed how the government designated some funds stolen during the process to political allies to fund their party’s activities without traces.
“What happened was when we came into office and I advised the president against open corruption.
“I told him to give me three people you trust and I will prepare three companies in which they will be subscribers or rather the directors.
“So that if there is any contract that we give they will act like consultants and they are given a fee. That fee is what we use to fund the party,” he said in the audio.
Althought Atiku’s campaign team said the audio was doctored, the former aide who leaked it stood his ground.
FAYOSE/WIKE’S CHATS OVER RIVERS POLL
Sahara Reporters also leaked an audio of a telephone conversation between Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his counterpart in Ekiti State, Governor Ayodele Fayose, in which both men discussed Wike’s role during the December 10, 2016 rerun of legislative elections in Rivers State.
In the leaked telephone conversation, the two governors can be heard having an excited conversation about how Wike stormed a collation center during the election.
The tone of the exchanges made it clear that Wike’s aim was to manipulate the results of the elections in favour of his candidates.
In a tone that showed how he outmanouvred the Nigerian Army, Wike declared in the conversation that, “Nigeria Army does not exist again.”
celebrity radar - gossips
Buratai Lauds Emir of Biu for Bestowing ‘Sarkin Yaki’ Title on Gen Bulama Biu mini (Rtd)
Buratai Lauds Emir of Biu for Bestowing ‘Sarkin Yaki’ Title on Gen Bulama Biu mini (Rtd)
His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Mustapha Umar Mustapha Aliyu II, CON, the Emir of Biu, has conferred the prestigious traditional title of ‘Sarkin Yaki Biu Emirate’ on Major General Bulama Biu mni (Rtd) in recognition of his immense contributions to security and peace in Borno State and Nigeria at large.
The Emir described General Bulama Biu as a fearless and patriotic son of the Emirate who played a critical role in the fight against Boko Haram, bringing stability to the region. “The people of Biu Emirate are proud of you as a very distinguished professional soldier,” the Emir declared.
Reacting to the honor, former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai CFR, commended the Emir of Biu for recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of General Bulama Biu. He highlighted the retired general’s outstanding military service, particularly his leadership as GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 3 MNJTF, where he exhibited remarkable bravery and tactical excellence.
“General Bulama Biu is a warrior whose contributions to national security will never be forgotten,” Buratai stated. “His military career was shaped by discipline, courage, and an unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria. This honor by the Emir of Biu is well-deserved, and I have no doubt that he will continue to serve the Emirate and the nation with distinction.”
Buratai further noted that General Bulama Biu follows in the footsteps of his late father, Major Bulama Biu MON, the first Regimental Sergeant Major of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), who was highly respected for his role in training generations of military officers.
Borno State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, also congratulated General Bulama Biu, describing him as a fearless and pragmatic leader who won the admiration of his troops, security agencies, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF). “He was always in the bush, leading from the front, never backing down,” the deputy governor remarked.
The traditional turbanning ceremony for General Bulama Biu is set to take place on a date to be announced, as the people of Biu Emirate prepare to celebrate one of their own—a battle-tested soldier now honored as their ‘Sarkin Yaki’ (Warlord).
celebrity radar - gossips
Mum Saved My Destiny!’ – Gospel Star Frank Edwards Remembers How His Mother Stopped Him from Signing $320,000 Deal
Nigerian-UK Worship Powerhouse Celebrates 15 Years in Music, Promotes New Hit ‘Jigidem,’ and Gears Up for April 2025 Release!
Grace Efobi, the UK-based Nigerian contemporary gospel artist, has continued to soar in the global gospel music scene, marking 15 years of professional music ministry with an unwavering passion for God’s kingdom. Born and raised in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, her journey began in the church choir, where her voice first captivated hearts. Today, she stands as a seasoned recording artist with 10 powerful tracks to her name.
‘JIGIDEM’ TAKES CENTER STAGE!
Efobi’s latest release, Jigidem, is making waves across digital platforms, blessing listeners with its soul-stirring melodies. Featuring the sensational Rheta Ritche Jacobs, the song is a divine anthem of hope, faith, and strength in God.
NEW MUSIC ALERT: ‘YOU REIGN’ DROPS APRIL 2025!
As she continues her remarkable journey, Efobi is set to release a brand-new single, ‘YOU REIGN,’ in April 2025. The song is a powerful declaration of God’s supremacy, the resurrection of Christ, and His infinite greatness. With her signature heartfelt delivery and lyrical depth, You Reign promises to be a worship anthem for generations.
A WOMAN OF IMPACT
Beyond the music, Grace Efobi is a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother, balancing her family life with an unshakable commitment to spreading the gospel through music. Her unwavering faith and dedication continue to inspire many across the globe.
Stay connected with Grace Efobi:
Instagram: @graceefobi
Facebook: @graceefobi
TikTok: @graceefobi
YouTube: @gefobi7@googlemail.com
With her voice as a vessel of worship, Grace Efobi’s legacy in gospel music is only getting stronger!
#GraceEfobi #Jigidem #YouReign #GospelMusic #WorshipAnthem #KingdomSound
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