Business

Trouble brews for Acting President, Osinbajo as Nothern leaders accuse him of appointing Church Members, Yorubas

Published

8 years ago

June 5, 2017

LEAVE OSINBAJO OUT OF THE POLITICS IN SADNESS

Northern leaders in the past weeks, have been grumblings about the acting president’s appointments

Dr Ismaila Farouk recently accused Osinbajo of ‘tactical’ nepotism and cronyism. He said: “Contrary to the widely held belief that vice President Osinbajo, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and a Professor of Law is above board, a forensic analysis of his activities since he assumed office reveals that the VP has consistently abused his office, negating the principles of Federal Character and has systematically favored members of the Redeemed Church and his Yoruba tribe

The Northern leader lambasted the acting president for the appointment of Dr Okey Enelamah as Minister for Trade and Investment. He argued that Enelameh was his Deputy and later successor at the RCCG, Banana Island, Lagos. He also accused the acting president of appointing “his RCCG Brother” Alex Okoh as DG of the Bureau of Public Enterprise. According to the statement: “While Nigerians were trying to come to terms with the shock of Pastor Enelamah’s nomination, VP Osinbajo took a step further in his nepotistic disposition in the setting up of his office and selection of personal staff. ” First, he chose his former colleague at the University of Lagos Ade Ipaye who was also his Special Adviser while he was Attorney General of Lagos to serve as his Chief of Staff. Unsurprisingly, Ade Ipaye hails from Ogun state, the VP’s state of origin. ” He went on to relocate Laolu Akande, an indigene of Ogun state who was hibernating in New York to serve as his Media Adviser. For his Chief Economic Adviser, he appointed Ambassador Dipeolu also of Yoruba extraction. “The VP didn’t stop there, of his 10 Principal Officers in his office, 9 are from his Yoruba ethnic group. In his quest to perpetuate his ilk in government, the VP has capitalised on the magnanimity of President Buhari’s implicit confidence in him to plant his Yoruba and RCCG brethren in key agencies of government.” Senior Special Assistant, Media to the acting president, Laolu Akande, declined to comment, according to the Sun. Meanwhile, some northern leaders also criticized the acting president. Abubakar Tsav, former commissioner of police, Lagos state “Osinbajo has been very active as acting president working very hard, with zeal, dedication and utmost efficiency and this is commendable. However, the recent appointments he has been making alarm me. Those appointments are very narrow and sectional. Those appointments will create division and sow seeds of ethnic discord. “How can Osinbajo appoint more than 80 per cent of his personal staff from South-West? Not only that, names of Yoruba also feature prominently on the list of appointments he made into parastatals. Again, most of these appointees are Christians. This is unacceptable. Osinbajo should realise that he is now a national figure

“Although Osinbajo is humane, but he should be more liberal, and try to be pan-Nigerian in whatever he is doing . With the public outcry against him on this issue, I think he should do the needful. He should realise that what he has done on this appointments issue is not good for his own image, for the interests of the country, and it is also inimical to the growth and development of democracy in this country.” Alhaji Balarabe Musa, second republic governor of kaduna state said: “I will comment appropriately when I see it in prints. It has happened before. For instance, this culture of WAZOBIA all the time, and people are not ashamed of it. When the president comes from the North, you see him marginalizing the Southeast, when the president comes from the Southwest, you see him marginalizing the North, even when the president comes from the South-south you will not see the Southeast getting its fair share. That is why some people who are honest are saying that this time it has to come from the Southeast to give every Nigerian a sense of belonging and for national unity. So, let us test them and see if it will be the same thing from those from the North, Southwest and South-south. “It doesn’t make sense to surround yourself with people from your area; it doesn’t provide you with security. With the exception of Gowon and Murtala Mohammed, others didn’t give equal opportunities to people from other parts of the country. That is what Nigerians who are concerned should put their heads together to stop.” Dr. Junaid Mohammed, second republic member of the House of Representatives in his reaction said: “The way and manner Osinbajo made the recent appointment goes to prove that in the event of Osinbajo succeeding Buhari, we are going to have the same problem of nepotism, clannishness, cronyism and religious bigotry. “Buhari doesn’t know the difference between cronyism, clannishness and religious bigotry, but the one by Osinbajo is determined and being done to pursue and favour the Yoruba agenda in Nigeria. “This untenable and unacceptable and he should be reminded in very clear terms that he has failed legitimately, he was not elected. He is nothing but a spare tyre and he still remains that. “I understand (I have not been there though) that since Buhari came to power, if you go to Osinbajo’s office it is Ogun dialect that is spoken there. In addition also, all the key appointments, even those not made by Buhari, as he was not in office, he insisted on his own Yoruba people. Is that the kind of Nigeria we want to build? “All this goes to show that Nigerians were unfortunate to have Buhari as a leader, because if Buhari had been a leader there won’t have been all these problems, but because he is not in charge of the Presidency, it has been hijacked by the cabal, and Osinbajo is trying to hijacked what remains of the presidency. His actions are condemnable.” On his part, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), said: “a lot of government officials behave like that. When Buhari was making his appointments, some of us shouted and told him that this would not augur well with the nation, and we are thinking of how to unite the country to avoid any reason for people to be making agitations. What Osinbajo is doing is not different from what Buhari is doing whereby all appointments go to Daura village. “This won’t help us, we must begin to see that the right thing is done and begin to consider other people and give each person a sence of belonging. When you see agitations coming from some quarters, it is not that they want to go; it is that they are not given the sense of belonging. Meanwhile, the special assistant to former president Goodluck Jonathan on public affairs has said that it will be wrong for the Acting president Yemi Osinbajo to run for presidency if anything should happen to President Muhammadu Buhari. Doyin Okupe in an interview with Tribune said the Northern region of Nigeria will feel cheated out if Osinbajo runs for president in 2019. Citing the case of a former president late Umaru Yar’Adua, Okupe said the northerners are scared that what happened in 2010 after Yar’Adua’s death might happen again

Business

FIRSTBANK’S DECEMBERISSAVYBE LIGHTS UP LAGOS WITH DAVIDO CONCERT

Published

1 hour ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

FIRSTBANK’S DECEMBERISSAVYBE LIGHTS UP LAGOS WITH DAVIDO CONCERT

By Farouk Mohammed

Once again, FirstBank has reaffirmed its position as a champion of arts, culture, and entertainment through its annual DecemberIssaVybe initiative. This year, the bank brought music lovers an unforgettable Christmas Eve experience with the Davido Live in Lagos concert, held at the iconic Eko Hotel Convention Centre. As part of the initiative, the event was a highlight of the festive season, delivering joy, excitement, and unmatched entertainment to thousands of fans.

Delivering Exclusive Experiences

True to its legacy, FirstBank ensured its customers and followers had the chance to enjoy this spectacular event through ticket giveaways across its social media platforms. By engaging with fans on Instagram (@firstbanknigeria) and Facebook (First Bank of Nigeria Limited), the bank seamlessly connected with its audience, creating opportunities for them to witness one of Nigeria’s biggest stars perform live.

Through its First@arts initiatives like these, FirstBank continues to elevate the entertainment experience for its stakeholders, positioning itself as more than just a financial institution but a lifestyle enabler. The bank’s efforts underscore its commitment to bringing premium opportunities to its customers, creating memorable moments for families and individuals alike.

Davido: The Highlight of DecemberIssaVybe

On Christmas Eve, the atmosphere at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre was nothing short of electric as Davido, the Afrobeats superstar, delivered an exhilarating performance. With hits like “Feel,” “Unavailable,” “FUNDS,” and “Dami Duro”, the audience was immersed in a musical journey that celebrated Nigerian creativity and artistry. The energy was infectious, as fans sang along to every lyric, making the concert an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

For many, this was their first time seeing Davido live, and FirstBank made it possible, proving once again its dedication to supporting the arts and providing access to world-class entertainment.

The Spirit of DecemberIssaVybe

The DecemberIssaVybe initiative is not just about music; it’s about community, homecoming, and shared joy. Designed to resonate with Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, the initiative creates opportunities for family bonding and cultural connection during the festive season. Events like Davido’s concert, the Calabar Carnival, and Flytime Fest have all contributed to making the 2024 edition of DecemberIssaVybe truly extraordinary. Through DecemberIssaVybe, FirstBank continues to demonstrate its commitment to enriching the lives of its customers by providing access to premium events and creating platforms that celebrate the essence of Nigerian culture.

More Than Banking: A Commitment to Community

FirstBank’s impact goes beyond providing financial services—it’s about enabling memorable experiences. By supporting events like the Davido Live in Lagos concert, FirstBank strengthens its bond with customers, enhancing its role as a catalyst for joy and togetherness during the festive season.

With its steadfast support for the arts and entertainment industry, FirstBank also contributes to the economic empowerment of the value chain, showcasing its leadership in promoting culture, music, and creativity in Nigeria.

Stay Connected, Stay Vibing

For those who experienced the magic of Davido’s concert and other DecemberIssaVybe events, the memories will remain cherished. For those who missed out, FirstBank offers more opportunities to join the excitement. Stay tuned to its social media platforms—Instagram (@firstbanknigeria), Twitter (@FirstBankngr), and Facebook (First Bank of Nigeria Limited)—for updates, contests, and more exciting opportunities.

Business

Don’t Return Fuel Subsidy Through Dubious Means, Group Tells NNPCL’s Mele Kyari

Published

7 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Don’t Return Fuel Subsidy Through Dubious Means, Group Tells NNPCL’s Mele Kyari

The Afenifere Mandate Forum (AMF) has cautioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against re-introducing fuel subsidy through dubious means, citing the regime’s notorious history of corruption.

The group emphasised the need for transparency going forward, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to make payments to NNPCL’s foreign partners in the name of subsidy.

In a statement signed by its President, Otunba Davies Folorunsho, the group said the fuel subsidy regime was embroiled in corruption, with allegations of fraudulent payments and inflated subsidies.

Folorunsho said Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of NNPCL, was at the centre of the controversy, with reports of the company importing toxic fuel from Malta.

He noted that this not only perpetuated corruption but also endangered the health and safety of Nigerians.

However, Folorunsho said the he removal of fuel subsidy has been a significant step towards economic recovery, saving the country billions of dollars that were previously spent on subsidizing petrol prices.

“In 2022 alone, subsidies gulped $10 billion, leaving the state oil company NNPC with nothing to remit to the treasury,” he added.

“Fuel subsidy were not only financially ruinous but also largely regressive, benefiting mostly car-owning urbanites and those who could afford petrol-powered generators.

“As a result of the subsidy removal, the financial burden on the government has been significantly reduced, freeing up more funds for critical infrastructure and social programs.

“Additionally, government revenue has increased, smuggling has decreased, and the risk of adulterated fuel has been mitigated. The removal of fuel subsidy has also paved the way for a more sustainable energy ecosystem, encouraging the use of alternative energy sources and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The group urged the NNPCL to maintain transparency in its operations and avoid re-introducing fuel subsidy through the backdoor.

“We believe that the removal of fuel subsidy is a step in the right direction, and we urge the government to continue on this path towards economic recovery,” Folorunsho said.

Business

Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas with Customers, Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

Published

12 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas with Customers, Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

As the world embraces the joy and warmth of the Christmas season, Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, has extended heartfelt greetings to its esteemed customers while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

In a message of gratitude and celebration, Adron Homes expressed deep appreciation to its customers for their trust and loyalty throughout 2024. The company highlighted its unwavering dedication to making incredible housing affordable for all Nigerians, in line with its mission of reducing the country’s housing deficit.

“Christmas is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude,” the statement read. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to have played a role in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Nigerians. Our vision is clear—to bridge the housing deficit by providing affordable, luxurious, and secure homes for all, regardless of income level.”

Adron Homes has continued to lead the real estate industry by implementing innovative solutions that make homeownership accessible, including flexible payment plans and cost-effective housing models tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

As part of its Christmas and end-of-the-year celebration, the company has launched a special festive promotions ‘Lemon Friday’ aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to join its growing community of homeowners.

“We remain committed to transforming dreams into reality. This is not just about building homes; it’s about building futures and creating opportunities for families to thrive in a space they can call their own,” the statement added.

Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians and its global customers, urging them to embrace the season’s spirit of love and hope. “May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Christmas and beyond.”