Connect with us

celebrity radar - gossips

The agonies of Buhari and Oshiomhole

Published

6 years ago

on

CUSTOMSGATE: $3 BILLION PROJECT RUNS INTO DISPUTE

Tunde Odesola

For the All Progressives Congress, it’s not raining, it’s pouring but the umbrella is with the hot-chasing rival, the Peoples Democratic Party.

Each time Nigerian President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), boots a penalty kick into throw-in, I begin to ponder the importance of secondary school education as a useful tool for political leadership.

Whenever I imagine how former comrade, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, hid his tragic flaws, and led labour unions out against governments, only to now fall face down to the very ills of hypocrisy and highhandedness for which he had countlessly grounded the country back in the day, I take heed of the idiom, which says character, like smoke, can’t be trapped in a fist.

The illogicality of some self-indicting pronouncements by Buhari leaves so much bile in the stomach and provokes the mouth to snarl the Igbo proverb, “If the oracle asserts too much power, it will be shown the tree it was carved from.”

Last week, Oshiomhole’s rootless invincibility was dragged naked to the Ovia River by his ruthless ex-godson, Godwin Obaseki, who decimated the godfather and set Edo electorate agog.

Devastatingly, the Interstate Ballistic Missiles deployed by the coalition of enemies-turned-friends in the Edo electoral blitzkrieg also hit the chief priest of godfather politics in Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, ripping apart his political carapace while the song, “Edo no be Lagos,” erupted in the camp of the prodigally famous PDP.

Aside from demystifying Buhari’s APC and disgracing the Lagos-Edo godfathers, the battle for the soul of Edo between the two major political parties reveals that lust for power was the superglue that binds Nigeria’s political elite, and not the love of the masses because the countdown to the election was totally bereft of masses-oriented issues but abusive rants by both parties.

I, hereby, invite Nigeria-loving comrades, not labour union-exploiting, brown khaki-wearing ‘come-raids’, into the world of Yoruba mythology as I tell the story of Ifa and Okete.

Every land has a name for the okete. Among the Yoruba, okete is the pouched rat with the famed white-tipped tail. Long before it was demystified and became a choice delicacy in earthen pot soups, okete was a bosom friend of Orunmila, the grand priest of Ifa – Yoruba’s traditional religion and system of divination. Okete was also an adherent of Ifa.

According to the Araba of Osogbo, Ifayemi Elebuibon, Orunmila grew suspicious when the secrets of his divination became subjects of discussion in the marketplace. Thus, Orunmila consulted Ifa, who told him what to do.

On the third day, as commanded by Ifa, Orunmila stood before his shrine and looked skywards, chanting some incantations and suddenly brought down his spear, driving it hard into the earth in one fell swoop. There was a violent vibration within the earth as the spear pierced an unseen creature. The creature had burrowed a tunnel from its house through to Orunmila’s shrine, where it daily listened to Ifa divinations from under the ground.

Orunmila yanked out the spear together with its kill from inside the ground and okete was seen at the long end, bleeding from a cracked skull with spilled brains. Disappointed, Orunmila lamented the treachery of Okete in these very words, “Okete, ba yi ni iwa re, o ba Ifa mu’le, o da Ifa.”

Without jibber-jabbering, the oath President Buhari swore to, on behalf of Nigerians, is to protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic. And the Constitution guarantees the inalienable right of Nigerians to aspire to any post in the land, among many other rights being more honoured in breach than in observance by the Major General Buhari regime.

The Nigerian Constitution guarantees equitable representation in appointments at the federal level – in line with the dictates of the country’s federal character policy which seeks to build national unity and foster a sense of belonging among the geopolitical zones of the country.

Buhari’s unsurpassable kith-and-kin governance, however, has consistently negated this constitutional provision with ALL key security headships, except one, going to northerners. Similarly, the heads of more than 80 percent of critical non-security agencies are from the North with Buhari hand-picking junior northerners above their far more competent southern superiors – to head the organisations.

Last week, I read with mouth agape, the strident call of a president with an unenviable track record of nepotism, demanding from the United Nations an equitable representation on the Security Council. Major General Buhari who comes to equity, mustn’t come with bloodied hands.

In a video sent to a virtual meeting by world leaders to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UN, Buhari said there was the need for fair and equitable representation in the Security Council ‘if we must achieve the United Nations we need’.

By his penchant for clannishness, unjust distribution of appointments and projects, I’m strongly persuaded to believe that Buhari never made that equity-demanding statement credited to him by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina. That could never have been Buhari talking because equity won’t rehabilitate Boko Haram members while their homeless Christian victims are still in sackcloths, gnashing their teeth and mourning dead relatives. Equity won’t support Fulani herdsmen usurpation of southern territories while the Buhari government comes up with various policies seeking to legitimise their criminal activities.

Like okete, Buhari has clearly not stayed true to his oath to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the citizenry.

What about Oshiomhole? For some days, Oshiomhole went incommunicado from the public after the crushing defeat in Edo only to find his voice in a gym, where he futilely attempted to downplay the PDP victory by trying very hard to appear strong, unperturbed and sportsmanly.

In the same manner that okete was eventually subdued and exposed, the one minute, forty-seven seconds video exposes a subdued Oshiomhole painfully swallowing his pride and putting up a show, pretending to be oblivious that Obaseki now stands astride a certain coffin with a sledgehammer and nails in hand.

A hitherto tough-talking, no-nonsense, almighty Oshiomhole caught a pitiable sight as he sweated and clasped his hands like a defrauded merchant, prevaricating on the electoral loss.

Oshiomhole tried very hard to gloss over the loss but he failed. Without mentioning the nightmarish loss, Oshiomhole, in the video, also didn’t mention the name of his party, his party’s candidate, the PDP or Obaseki – all screaming telltales of living in denial.

If he was as strong, sportsmanly and undisturbed as he tried to evince in the video, Oshiomhole should’ve commended the electorate and the Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduct of the largely peaceful election. Also, he should’ve praised the standard bearer of his party, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, for putting up a good fight, and spared Obaseki and the PDP a word of congratulation.

But Oshiomhiole appeared devastated by the loss that put paid to a golden opportunity to reinvent himself in his Edo home base after he was sacked in Abuja as national chairman of the APC.

In retrospect, I think Oshiomhole would probably have wished he had tolerated Obaseki and retained the Edo Government House. Ize-Iyamu too would likely have fancied his political prospect if he had remained in the PDP. May the Lord direct my steps, lest I mismove in life.

Unwanted in Abuja, rejected in Edo, it’s now Oshiomole’s turn to taste the bitter pills he served his predecessor and former National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun; a former Edo governor, Lucky Igbinedion, and the late Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Tony Anenih, whom Oshiomole boastfully declared he retired.

In the next four years, it will take political mismanagement on the path of Obaseki for Oshiomhole to bounce back in Edo, a state intolerant of godfathers who shout hosanna in the morning and chorus, kill him at night.

Email: [email protected]

Related Topics:

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

Continue Reading
Advertisement

celebrity radar - gossips

Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

Published

3 hours ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

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

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

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

Published

2 days ago

on

April 21, 2026

By

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.

 

 

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

Published

3 days ago

on

April 20, 2026

By

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

 

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has raised alarm over an alleged threat by Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye (Mr P) against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu, warning that the singer will be held responsible should any harm come to the journalist or his family.

Hold Peter Okoye Responsible If Any Harm Comes To Our Member – NASRE Fires Back At Singer

 

In a press statement issued on April 20, 2026, NASRE’s leadership, led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expressed concern over the incident reportedly occurring at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye.

 

 

NASRE views the alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable, stating that any language suggesting intimidation against a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns about press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

 

 

The association has therefore called on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu, while also urging all parties involved in the ongoing legal matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Read the statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

NASRE RAISES ALARM OVER ALLEGED THREAT BY PETER OKOYE (MR P) AGAINST BAYO ADETU IN COURT, WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES

The leadership of the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), led by Comrade Femi Oyewale, expresses concern over an alleged threat issued by popular Afrobeat artist Peter Okoye, widely known as Mr P, against journalist and NASRE Directorate member, Mr Bayo Adetu.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Ikoyi High Court during proceedings in the ongoing legal dispute involving the music duo P-Square and their elder brother, Jude Okoye. Eyewitnesses present in court stated that Mr Peter Okoye drew the attention of Justice Alexander Owoeye to Mr Adetu’s presence, noting that he was formerly P-Square’s publicist but now works with his brothers. The remark reportedly generated reactions in the courtroom.

It is further alleged that after the court session, Mr Peter Okoye confronted Mr Adetu in the presence of others and said, “You, Bayo, I will set you up.”

NASRE views this alleged statement as inappropriate and unacceptable. Any language suggesting harm or intimidation directed at a journalist performing lawful duties raises serious concerns regarding press freedom, safety, and professional ethics.

We state unequivocally that should anything happen to Mr Bayo Adetu or any member of his family, Mr Peter Okoye will be held accountable. Such statements, when directed at a media professional, are taken with utmost seriousness.

NASRE will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment, or threat against its members. We are fully prepared to activate all lawful media and legal channels to protect our members and safeguard the integrity of the profession. Mr Peter Okoye must be aware that utterances of this nature carry consequences and he will be held responsible for any outcome arising from this matter.

We therefore call on Mr Peter Okoye to retract the alleged statement and issue a public apology to Mr Bayo Adetu. We also urge all parties involved in the ongoing matter to conduct themselves with restraint, respect, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

The safety of journalists remains paramount, and the media will not be silenced.

Signed:
Lateef Owodunni
Media Director, NASRE
April 20, 2026

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

RSS Africa-Newsroom

RSS APO Group – Africa-Newsroom: latest news releases related to Africa

Trending