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TINUBU’S PLACE IN HISTORY IS SECURED

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The legendary Nostradamus probably reincarnated in me during the historic run-up to the 2015 general elections in my article titled “Asiwaju Nourishing Vipers In His Bosom” which was published by both local and foreign media some eight months ago. In a swift response and reaction Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the Lagos State APC publicity secretary got it all twisted and severely criticized that piece accusing me of wanting to fell the holm oak – the Asiwaju of the Yoruba race. Upon my soul, my intentions were not only misjudged, misrepresented but ultimately misconstrued!

There is no denying Tinubu’s place in history for he has doubtlessly become an iconic figure today in Nigerian letters. He is an astute politician, a political strategist, a tactician who has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle. Tinubu began his political career following his election as a senator in the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic. His daring exploits began in 1993 when the election that would have brought late Abiola to power was annulled by the self-styled evil genius, ex-military president, Ibrahim Babangida. Nigerians on June 12 went out and voted en masse for the above-named uncrowned winner. That was the election in Nigeria that for the first time succeeded in cutting across ethnic and religious divides but, IBB, as he is fondly called had it annulled like a marriage of convenience thus the sovereign wishes of the Nigerian electorates were ultimately bastardized.

At this period under sad review, it became clear that the military was not ready to relinquish their hold on power in Nigeria and Tinubu along with other Nigerians embarked on pro-democracy struggle with the military authorities under the auspices of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) many of whom were killed during Abacha’s reign of terror. It was all in a bid to revalidate the results of June 12 and restore the stolen mandate. This saw his flight from Nigeria on self-exile from where he continued the struggle to return Nigeria to civil democratic rule. As luck would have it, his efforts did not see the light of the day. Abiola died while in detention. The curtain at this juncture was torn in two and the Nigerian political firmament reek of gloom, anxiety and uncertainty which led to a series of demonstrations across the country. Nigeria eventually returned to civil democratic rule in 1999 with Tinubu elected as the Lagos State Governor on the
platform of Alliance for Democracy.

These were indeed interesting times! He delved into work immediately and in no time the plot against Lagos was aided by his policies to restore the state’s lost glory. This he did by dint of hard work to reposition the state in the path of socio-politico and economic development. This found expression in infrastructural renewal and development that ultimately made Lagos a reference point in governance in Nigeria to this day. Continuity has always been the watchword by his handpicked successors.

Tinubu and Lagos, Nigeria’s number one state, and economic hub became the cynosure of all eyes in Nigeria and beyond. Many Nigerians thus wanted the developmental strides in Lagos replicated in their states. In the elections that followed Tinubu’s party rose to capture states in the South West that were under the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) control notably Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and later Edo State. Tinubu has at this time become a formidable political force to reckon with and this brought him to national prominence

By Iyoha John Darlington

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Presidential hopeful and former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has calmly addressed a wave of politically charged misinformation following his recent visit to the Vatican, where he attended an inauguration ceremony. The backlash, largely fanned by known government allies Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and Omoyele Sowore, misrepresented the nature of his visit and falsely accused him of refusing to “pay homage” to the Pope until a supposed presidential intervention.

Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Contrary to the sensational headlines, Mr. Obi clarified that he did not meet the Pope, nor was such a meeting on his agenda. “I bought my own ticket and traveled for what I believe is a personal, non-political trip,” he told a close confidant in Abuja before departing. Emphasizing his commitment to modesty, Obi disclosed that he flew economy class, adding, “It’s the difference between business class and economy that I use for donations to build classrooms.”

Obi’s visit to Rome mirrored his past trips to the Vatican, including the 2013 inauguration of Pope Francis. A Papal Knight and longstanding Catholic faithful, Mr. Obi is no stranger to such events. This time, he traveled alongside former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, both of whom held official passes granting them VIP access. They also paid a visit to Cardinal Francis Arinze, a 90-year-old Nigerian cleric and longtime Vatican figure — an act Obi has made a tradition of during such visits.

The criticisms have drawn widespread rebuke, with many questioning why a man known for self-funding his travels and donating millions to health and education continues to face political smears, while those squandering public funds remain unchallenged. Obi’s quiet return to Nigeria was followed, as usual, by school and hospital visits — the kind of grassroots outreach that has cemented his reputation as a man of service, not spectacle.

As misinformation continues to plague Nigeria’s political discourse, observers are calling for a return to truth and substance. “Enough of the lies. Enough of the propaganda. The truth has no tribe,” said a supporter who met with Obi before his Rome trip.

In an era of performative politics, Obi’s response has once again underscored his consistent message: humility, service, and transparency over noise.

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Casssahaaat!” – Davido Sparks Frenzy After Flaunting Mysterious Multi-Million Dollar Paycheck

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Casssahaaat!” – Davido Sparks Frenzy After Flaunting Mysterious Multi-Million Dollar Paycheck

Afrobeats sensation Davido has set social media ablaze once again after teasing fans with a cryptic Instagram post flaunting a massive paycheck — but keeping the final figure under wraps. In the now-viral post, the superstar shared an image revealing just “$11” followed by a string of blurred-out zeros, captioned simply with his signature exclamation, “Casssahaaat!”, and laughing emojis.

Casssahaaat!” – Davido Sparks Frenzy After Flaunting Mysterious Multi-Million Dollar Paycheck

The post has sparked a wave of speculation and banter online, with fans and critics alike attempting to decode the real figure behind the blurred digits. Many believe the paycheck is a staggering $11 million, roughly ₦1.7 billion, though Davido has yet to confirm.

This latest flex follows backlash the singer received for flaunting his $500,000 diamond-studded teeth and $2 million necklace, fueling debates around extravagance and humility. But Davido, never shy to stir the pot, appears unfazed by the criticism.

Fans flooded the comment section with mixed reactions. One user, Rich Hommie_yslimm, joked, “Make I show my account balance na radio station?” while Victor Timilehin quipped, “Fatherless children will soon start crying.” Another fan, Akass Onah, threw shade with, “30BG but we ain’t sure the amount, that might be 11k dozz,” and Ayomitunde Adeleke chimed in, “Now I know why they call me the broke Adeleke.”

As usual, Davido remains a master of both music and mystery — leaving fans guessing, critics grumbling, and the internet buzzing.

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From the Pulpit to the Tarmac: Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Deported After 8-Year Legal Battle

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“Unwelcome Return: South Africa Deports Televangelist Timothy Omotoso After Acquittal

 

JOHANNESBURG — Controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa after being declared an undesirable person by the Department of Home Affairs, just weeks after his dramatic acquittal on high-profile criminal charges.

Omotoso was officially deported on May 18, 2025, with viral footage showing him being escorted by South African police and Home Affairs officials as he boarded a flight back to Nigeria at OR Tambo International Airport.

The founder of Jesus Dominion International was acquitted in April of 32 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and racketeering — allegations that had kept him behind bars for nearly eight years following his arrest in 2017. His case gripped the South African public and drew widespread international media coverage, particularly due to the graphic nature of the testimonies and repeated delays in the judicial process.

From the Pulpit to the Tarmac: Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Deported After 8-Year Legal Battle

While Omotoso walked free from the courtroom last month, his legal vindication did not spare him from expulsion. According to the South African Department of Home Affairs, his presence in the country was no longer considered welcome, prompting immediate deportation proceedings.

“Mr. Timothy Omotoso has been declared an undesirable person under the Immigration Act. He was removed from the Republic on May 18, 2025,” the department confirmed in a brief statement.

The deportation has reignited debate around South Africa’s immigration and justice systems. Critics argue that Omotoso’s lengthy pretrial detention and eventual acquittal reflect deep flaws in the country’s legal machinery. Others insist his removal was necessary to preserve public trust and prevent further division.

Omotoso’s defense team, meanwhile, has decried the move as politically motivated and unjust, suggesting the televangelist is being punished despite his acquittal.

“This is not just deportation. It’s an attempt to erase a man who was never proven guilty in a court of law,” a source close to Omotoso’s ministry told reporters.

Since his return to Nigeria, Omotoso has remained out of the public eye, with no official statement yet from his church or legal representatives. Whether he will attempt to continue his religious mission from his home country — or mount a legal challenge to his deportation — remains to be seen.

His case, marked by emotional testimony, legal wrangling, and now, forced removal, is likely to be remembered as one of the most polarizing chapters in South Africa’s recent legal history.

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