NIGERIAN SUFFERING BECAUSE OF SOUTH EAST – ORJI UZOR KALU
Dons Eze
- January 19, 2025
NIGERIAN SUFFERING BECAUSE OF SOUTH EAST – ORJI UZOR KALU
NIGERIANS SUFFERING BECAUSE OF SOUTH EAST – ORJI UZOR KALU Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has said some of the challenges facing Nigeria could be solved in the South East with the right atmosphere.Senator Kalu said there was a need to restore the region to its peaceful state to fasten productivity of the country.He stated that most of the items produced in China and other foreign nations could be produced in the region if security was guaranteed.Kalu stated this on Saturday in an interview with Arise News. He advocated for efforts to be made to fasten the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker noted that President Bola Tinubu would start the second phase of his administration’s policies as soon as insecurity was defeated.“I think President Tinubu is coming there. I mean, Rome was not built in a day. We are just battling with the insurgents in our area and gradually we are coming up. And as we are coming up, we will now start thinking on the next step.“Once we calm down the insurgents or banditry and our unknown government and all the rest of them, the President and his team and all of us will advise him to open the chapter two of the book. And the chapter two will be development. Once you have no insurgents, you have no unknown gunmen, and you don’t have any disturbances about our people, we will talk page two of development,” he said.South East PotentialThe former governor of Abia State emphasized that the South East region needs a peaceful atmosphere, electricity and good policies to maximize its economic potential.While acknowledging the need for Kanu to be released for the security of the region, Senator Kalu called on IPOB lawyers and the judiciary to expedite action on the legal process.“We have always, people we say, we have always asked the president, according to law, find the best way of law to address the issue of South East, both the issue of the IPOB, the issue of everybody, to address this within the context of law of Nigeria. So that possibly, very quickly, Nnamdi Kanu will be released from prisons and we will continue to live a better life and produce everything.“Let me be honest with you. Nigerians are suffering because of the problem we are having in the South East. The South East can produce everything you buy in China. We can make them in Aba, Nnewi and Onitsha. Everything you buy from China. Just give us electricity, give us the way that we need and give us the direction. We will produce everything that you produce in China. The technologies are there, everything, we have it, but we need a better atmosphere.“We need to clean away properly, in agreement, the sit-at-home which has cost hundreds of billions of Naira out of the South East. We need to bring back the I can do it spirit. We need to send back Eging by Eging. We need to go back to what we know how to do,” he stated.Tinubu Believes In the Capacity of South EastThe Abia North lawmaker explained that President Tinubu was waiting for the judiciary to conclude the legal process on Kanu’s case.He added that as soon as the judiciary had done everything in line with the rule of law, the President would intervene.He continued, “When I was governor, a lot of things were being manufactured in Aba. People have begged Aba people to stop putting made in Paris, made in Spain, made in Brazil. They should stop putting made in Aba. We can supply every equipment this country needs from that region of the country.“President Tinubu himself knows this because I can…
COURT BARS FRSC FROM IMPOUNDING VEHICLES WITH FADED NUMBER PLATES
COURT BARS FRSC FROM IMPOUNDING VEHICLES WITH FADED NUMBER PLATES A Federal High Court in Lagos, South-west Nigeria, has barred the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from impounding vehicles with faded number plates or imposing penalties on their owners. According to TheCable newspaper, the judge, Akintayo Aluko, handed down the decision in a suit filed against the FRSC by Chinwike Ezebube, a lawyer. The lawyer, in the suit filed on 13 February 2024, as the sole designer and producer of number plates in Nigeria, bears full responsibility for their durability. Consequently, the agency cannot justifiably impose penalties on vehicle owners for issues arising from the substandard quality of the number plates. The judge agreed with the plaintiff in his judgement delivered on Friday (17 January).He held that “while the defendant cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plates, the plaintiff has a duty to approach the defendant for a replacement of his faded vehicle number plate upon payment of the requisite fees for that purpose.”He added, “By way of conclusion, I hold the view that the defendant cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plate and has no power to impose a fine on the plaintiff for using faded vehicle number plate or impound the plaintiff’s vehicle on such grounds without the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.” He also restrained the FRSC from declaring it an offence to drive with a faded vehicle number plate. “An order of the honourable court restricting the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), from imposing any fine or punishment on the plaintiff for driving with a faded vehicle number plate is granted. Plaintiff’s case Mr Ezebube had asked the court to determine “whether the defendant, pursuant to Section 5 (g) and Section 10 (3)(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act 2007 being the sole designer and producer of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, is not absolutely responsible for the quality and durability of the vehicle number plates as are produced by it?”He also urged the court to determine if the defendant (FRSC) can make it an offence and impose a penalty against him or other Nigerians for driving a vehicle with faded vehicle number plates due to poor quality production as designed and produced by the defendant?”He prayed the court to order the FRSC to replace faded number plates at no cost due to their poor quality manufacturing. FRSC’s lawyer, B.O Nnamani, opposed the suit in a counter-affidavit, urging the court to dismiss The court upheld the plaintiff’s case in its Friday’s judgement.
YOU SENSATIONALIZED MY COMMENTS – EMIR SANUSI ACCUSES FG
YOU SENSATIONALIZED MY COMMENTS – EMIR SANUSI ACCUSES FG Muhammad Sanusi II, the 16th Emir of Kano, has faulted the Federal Government’s reactions to his recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s policies. Sanusi said his comments was sensationalised and reduced to one paragraph. The controversy started last week when the monarch commented on Tinubu’s administration, saying he won’t advise his government on how to tackle the economic challenges facing the country. Sanusi while speaking at a memorial lecture organized in honour of the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, said he started by helping the government but he has now resolved not to help the government again unless the Tinubu government behaves like a friend. “I have chosen not to speak on the economy, or reforms or to explain anything because if I explain it, it will help this government. But I don’t want to help this government. They are my friends, but if they don’t behave like friends, I won’t behave like a friend.” However, Sanusi’s comments did not go down well with the Federal Government as the FG fired back, saying it does not need the Emir’s stamp of approval on Tinubu’s policies. In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the FG said Sansui’s comment was deeply disappointing. In a counter-reaction via his X handle, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said his statement was sensationalised and misrepresented. He stated that his comment was taken out of context, adding that the broader message of his speech was reduced to a single paragraph. He said, “They took one paragraph out of context and sensationalised it; nothing about the nuanced support given to the government. That there are arguments supporting the reforms. That we are paying a price for decades of mismanagement before Tinubu. That there is light at the end of the tunnel. That we should all pray and support the system and talk about the good things happening.” Sanusi insisted that his speech contained his support for Tinubu’s reforms, and an acknowledgement of the sacrifices Nigerians endure due to years of economic mismanagement.
- Entertainment
- January 19, 2025
- 53 views
NIGERIAN MUSICIANS WHO FEEL FROM FAME
NIGERIAN MUSCIANS WHO FELL FROM FAME In the fast-paced Nigerian music industry, many artists rise to stardom only to experience sudden declines in their careers. While some make comebacks, others face challenges that prevent them from maintaining the level of success they once had. In this article, we will explore the stories of Nigerian musicians like Dammy Krane, Sean Tizzle, Tekno, Klever Jay, and Runtown—who once topped the charts but are now navigating periods of struggle. Eyes Of Lagos reports, Though Dammy Krane has tried to revive his career with new music and collaborations, the impact of the scandal has lingered, and he has not regained the level of success he once enjoyed. Several years passed without major hits, and fans began to question his whereabouts. Though he returned with new music in 2019 and 2020, Sean Tizzle’s popularity has never reached the height it once did. His failure to maintain consistency and follow-up with hits has led to a decline in his fanbase, making him one of the most notable examples of a career that went from grace to grass. Despite the controversy, Tekno tried to stay relevant by releasing new music, but his career has not quite returned to its previous level of success. While he is still active in the music scene, his peak seems to have passed, and he has faced increasing competition from newer artists. Despite several releases, Klever Jay never managed to get back to the same level of fame and recognition he once had. His lack of consistent hits and the ever-changing nature of the music industry left him struggling to reclaim his place in the spotlight. However, Runtown’s career took a hit after his legal battles with his former record label, Eric Many. The dispute led to a hiatus, and Runtown struggled to keep up the momentum. Though he returned with new music in 2020, it wasn’t enough to completely revive his career. His absence from the limelight and ongoing legal troubles contributed to a significant decline in his popularity, showing how even top stars can falter when faced with personal and professional obstacles. ConclusionThe stories of Dammy Krane, Sean Tizzle, Tekno, Klever Jay, and Runtown serve as important reminders of the challenges that come with fame in the ever-evolving Nigerian music industry. While many of these artists once enjoyed massive success, they have faced personal and professional setbacks that led to their fall from grace. Whether it’s scandal, lack of consistency, legal battles, or simply the intense competition in the industry, these musicians’ experiences highlight the unpredictability of a music career. For aspiring musicians, the rise and fall of these stars also offer valuable lessons about maintaining relevance, staying grounded, and adapting to change in order to sustain long-term success.
LABOUR PARTY CRISIS DEEPENS AS NENADI USMAN’S CARETAKER COMMITTEE REJECTS APPEAL COURT VERDICT
LABOUR PARTY CRISIS DEEPENS AS NENADI USMAN’S CARETAKER COMMITTEE REJECT APPEAL COURT VERDICT The Labour Party’s internal leadership crisis escalated on Saturday as the 29-member caretaker committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, demanded that Julius Abure cease presenting himself as the party’s national chairman.The committee, established by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, insists it remains the party’s legitimate leadership body. In a statement issued in Abuja, Senator Usman declared that party stakeholders empowered the committee during an emergency convention. She further criticized Abure’s claims to the chairmanship despite recent court rulings. The tussle comes on the heels of a Court of Appeal judgement delivered on Friday in Abuja, which affirmed Abure as the party’s national chairman. The appellate court upheld the Labour Party’s March 2024 national convention in Nnewi, Anambra State, declaring it valid. Justice Hamma Barka, who presided over the three-member panel, ruled that the party’s leadership issues were not justiciable, deeming any actions outside the court’s jurisdiction null and void. The decision invalidated an earlier Federal High Court ruling delivered on October 8, 2024, by Justice Emeka Nwite. Caretaker Committee Rejects RulingDespite the appellate court’s verdict, the caretaker committee, in a statement co-signed by Senator Usman and its National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, criticized the judgement. They alleged that the Federal High Court made significant errors, lacked jurisdiction, and violated their right to a fair hearing. The statement read, “As the duly recognised National Caretaker Committee Chairman and Secretary of the Labour Party, we, on behalf of ourselves and other members, deem it necessary to issue this press release to clarify and set the record straight. “The Court of Appeal affirmed that Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024, filed before the Federal High Court by Julius Abure, concerned a leadership dispute over which the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction. “The Federal High Court erred and acted without jurisdiction by entertaining the leadership dispute brought before it by Julius Abure. It also violated our right to a fair hearing by failing to consider our counter-affidavit opposing the suit before it. “Finally, we wish to remind the public that, on 4th September 2024, the Labour Party constituted a National Caretaker Committee, appointing us as the national chairman and secretary. Both have been diligently and effectively carrying out their duties to the admiration of stakeholders and the entire membership of the party.”
- Foreign Affairs
- January 19, 2025
- 41 views
US PRESIDENT-ELECT, DONALD TRUMP, ARRIVES WASHINGTON AHEAD OF TOMORROW’S INAUGURATION
US PRESIDENT-ELECT, DONALD TRUMP, ARRIVES WASHINGTON AHEAD OF TOMORROW’S INAUGURATION Donald Trump landed in Washington on Saturday ahead of his inauguration, with the billionaire Republican set to attend a series of events and celebrations before reclaiming the presidency. Trump, who arrived with his wife Melania and other family members at Dulles International Airport, headed to a private event, including a fireworks show, at his golf club in Virginia outside Washington. Earlier Saturday, Trump told NBC News that he plans to sign a record number of executive orders after being sworn in, beginning “right after” he delivers his inaugural address on Monday. He said the number of orders he will sign after taking office had not yet been determined but the figure will be “record-setting.” The president-elect is expected to sign orders undoing many of the policies advanced during President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration. Trump’s promises for Day 1 of his new term also include a mass deportation program. The expulsion of undocumented migrants will “begin very, very quickly,” Trump told NBC. “I can’t say which cities because things are evolving. And I don’t think we want to say what city. You’ll see it firsthand,” he said in the phone interview. Hardline immigration official Tom Homan, whom Trump has named his “border czar,” told The Washington Post Saturday that the incoming administration was rethinking its initial moves following media leaks. Multiple US outlets had reported the Trump administration planned a major raid in Chicago on Tuesday. Trump’s team “hasn’t made a decision yet,” Homan told the paper. “We’re looking at this leak and will make a decision based on this leak.” Homan added that he did not know why Chicago had become the focus of media reports but that the new administration will arrest people they deem “public safety threats” from “day one.” “We’ll be arresting people across the country, uninhibited by any prior administration guidelines,” he said. Recent inaugurations have been held on the steps of the US Capitol overlooking the National Mall, but Trump announced Friday the ceremony was moving indoors because of unusually cold weather forecast to hit Washington. “I think we made the right decision,” he told NBC. “The weather was really looking bad in terms of the coldness, and I think it would have been dangerous for a lot of people.” Following Saturday’s private party, Trump is expected to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday before attending a rally of his supporters in Washington. He is also scheduled to address a dinner event on Sunday. Thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets of Washington on Saturday in protest over Trump’s policies.
GOV SOLUDO REPLACES OBI OF ONITSHA AS CHAIRMAN ANAMBRA COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS
GOV SOLUDO REPLACES OBI OF ONITSHA AS CHAIRMAN ANAMBRA COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has appointed Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, as the new Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), replacing the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. The announcement was made during the launch of the “Operation Udo ga-achị” security initiative at the International Convention Centre, Awka. This development has raised eyebrows as Igwe Achebe was notably absent from the event, sparking speculation that his exclusion was deliberate. Critics suggest the move is part of a long-standing vendetta against the Obi of Onitsha, a claim bolstered by past actions of the Soludo administration. A History of Conflict It will be recalled that in 2024, Governor Soludo dissolved the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, declaring it illegal and unlawfully constituted under Igwe Achebe’s leadership. The dissolution came shortly after Igwe Achebe, as chairman of the council, addressed an open letter to the governor. The letter criticized what the Obi of Onitsha described as the “excesses” of the state government, particularly regarding the dismissal of the Traditional Ruler of Neni. The 2024 dissolution effectively removed Igwe Achebe from his position, and no timeframe was provided for the reconstitution of the council. This decision was widely viewed as a retaliatory move, with critics accusing Governor Soludo of humiliating Anambra’s traditional rulers. Public policy analyst Pope Amaefuna described the governor’s actions at the time as “vindictive and senseless”, further stating that it was indicative of a “ruinous disposition” towards traditional institutions in the state. Latest Development Sparks Debate With this new appointment, Igwe Iweka takes the helm of a council that has been mired in controversy since its dissolution. While Governor Soludo has defended the decision as part of his efforts to restructure and strengthen the council under the provisions of the new Anambra Traditional Rulers Council Law, critics argue that it underscores a pattern of disrespect towards traditional authorities. The timing and manner of Igwe Achebe’s replacement continue to fuel speculation about the governor’s motives. Observers believe this marks another chapter in a strained relationship between the state government and Anambra’s monarchs, particularly the Obi of Onitsha, who remains one of the most revered traditional rulers in the Southeast. What’s Next? As the newly appointed chairman, Igwe Iweka faces the challenge of navigating a council still reeling from the aftermath of its 2024 dissolution. Many will watch closely to see how this leadership change impacts the relationship between the state government and Anambra’s traditional rulers, as well as the execution of initiatives like “Operation Udo ga-achị”. The debate over Governor Soludo’s handling of traditional institutions is far from over, and with elections on the horizon, this development is likely to remain a focal point of political discourse in the state.
PRESIDENT TINUBU, EMIR OF KANO, SANUSI, IN COLD WAR
PRESIDENT TINUBU, EMIR OF KANO IN COLD WAR There is a cold war between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II. The strained relationship became public when the Emir declared on Wednesday that he would not assist the Presidency in explaining its economic policies. In a swift response, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, stated that Tinubu did not need Sanusi’s help. Sanusi’s seemingly open withdrawal of support for Tinubu’s administration surprised many Nigerians who believed the two had enjoyed a cordial relationship. Although Sanusi later claimed his statement was taken out of context, the Federal Government’s sharp response mirrored the hostility between the former allies. Tinubu and Sanusi’s bond was strengthened after the latter was sacked by President Goodluck Jonathan as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria on October 30, 2013. Sanusi was removed after alleging that $20bn in oil proceeds was unaccounted for, alongside other accusations of financial impropriety against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. During his tenure at the CBN, Sanusi’s criticism of the NNPCL and other actions of the Jonathan administration became a rallying point for the opposition, led by Tinubu. Politically, Sanusi became a bride for the opposition and a significant critic of the then-government. Sanusi, who was abroad when his suspension was announced, was welcomed back at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by the opposition leaders. When the Kano Emirate stool became vacant, Tinubu, along with other prominent Nigerians, supported Sanusi’s bid to ascend the throne. The then-governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, eventually enthroned him, as a symbolic rebuke to Jonathan’s administration and as a way to restore Sanusi’s dignity. However, despite being a traditional ruler, Sanusi continued to advocate good governance, particularly in northern Nigeria. His criticisms of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State eventually led to his dethronement on March 9, 2020. Following his removal, he was banished to Nasarawa State. Six hours later, the Kano State Government announced Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as Sanusi’s successor. After his dethronement, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, visited Sanusi in Nasarawa State and later accompanied him to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja in the same car. El-Rufai also appointed Sanusi as Vice Chairman of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency and Chancellor of the Kaduna State University. In August 2020, Sanusi described El-Rufai as “a friend to count on” during a programme at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna. El-Rufai, who has distanced himself from the Tinubu administration, has remained a close ally of Sanusi. Political analysts believe that El-Rufai’s stance on the APC-led Federal Government might have influenced Sanusi’s attitude toward the Tinubu’s administration. In June 2023, during a meeting with Tinubu, Sanusi had commended the President for his decisive approach to Nigeria’s economic challenges. “We’ve been friends since his first term as the Governor of Lagos State when I was a banker. I have not seen him since the election, so I came to congratulate him formally. But I also want to thank him for the steps he has taken to put the country’s economy on course. Many of these are issues we’ve been discussing, such as the removal of subsidies that harm the fiscal system and exchange rate distortions. I’m happy he addressed them within his first days in office,” Sanusi had said at the time. However, speaking at the 12th Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in Lagos, Sanusi argued that while some of Tinubu’s policies seemed beneficial on paper, they failed to address the immediate needs of Nigerians grappling with inflation and unemployment. “I have chosen not to speak about the economy or explain these reforms because if I do, it would help this government, and I don’t want to help the government. They are…
WIKE TSUNAMI: VIPS RUSH TO SAVE THEIR PROPERTY IN ABUJA
WIKE TSUNAMI: VIP RUSH TO SAVE THEIR PROPERTY IN ABUJA The Federal Capital Territory has become a battleground for real estate developers and high-profile landowners after the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, revoked land allocations in the Maitama II area of Abuja, affecting 568 prominent individuals. Amid the controversy, developers are scrambling to either pay up or protect their investments. On January 15, 2025, the deadline to settle outstanding Certificate of Ownership fees for plots in Maitama II passed, and those who failed to comply had their land rights revoked under the Land Use Act of 1978. Affected figures include the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Abike Dabiri-Erewa. Also affected are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; a former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade; the Senate Minority Leader, Mr Abba Moro; and the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Samuel Anyanwu, among others. In response to the revocations, many developers are grappling with the reality of having their plans disrupted. An Abuja-based real estate developer, Ameh Daniel said property owners and politically exposed persons in the FCT were rushing to develop their property while also voicing growing frustration among developers in the region. He citied significant challenges arising from recent land revocations and government’s demands for rapid payment of debts. Speaking on Friday, Daniel noted that many developers were shifting away from large-scale projects, preferring to invest in smaller plots ranging from two to four hectares instead of massive land tracts. “Many developers today aim to avoid large-scale projects, typically opting for land sizes of two to four hectares instead of massive plots. This allows them to work within their budgets while still investing in profitable developments,” he stated. Daniel highlighted a looming crisis in the industry, pointing to the recent property revocations by the minister that had interrupted numerous projects. “Recent property revocations in Abuja are causing significant concern in the real estate sector. While property owners are now rushing to develop their property; developers are frustrated by these actions, as they disrupt existing plans and investments. Some developers are being relocated to new areas, which often leads to conflicts,” he added. A major pain point for developers, according to Daniel, is the difficulty in securing the Certificates of Occupancy. According to him, the process is slow and often clashes with the accelerated timelines set by the government for construction. “This challenge arises from the time frames involved in property development. Developers are under pressure from the government to accelerate their construction plans, which complicates the timely processing of C-of-Os,” he said. Daniel also criticised the government’s recent directive requiring developers to settle debts within just two weeks. He argued that the short time frame did not align with the cash flow dynamics of the real estate business. “It’s affecting sales, as potential buyers are becoming hesitant. There is growing concern about the stability of their investments. People are asking: ‘What if my property is revoked too?’ This uncertainty is causing a decline in confidence within the market,” he said. Real-life cases of revocation, particularly in the Idu Train Station area, have further complicated the situation. Daniel recalled one instance where a developer was forced to refund a client after their property was seized for reallocation. “There have been reports of massive land revocations, particularly in areas like the Idu Train Station, where property was seized to be reallocated to people of their caucus,” he said. Daniel added that the current environment had placed developers in a difficult position. According to him, with strict deadlines and the threat of land revocations hanging over them, many are finding it hard to trust the system. The challenge is not…
FROM RICHES TO BANKRUPTCY: FOOTBALLERS WHO LOST IT ALL
FROM RICHES TO BANKRUPTCY: FOOTBALLERS WHO Lost IT ALL The glamorous world of professional football often paints a picture of immense wealth and luxury. However, the reality for many players is a stark contrast, with financial mismanagement, extravagant lifestyles, and unforeseen circumstances leading to devastating financial ruin. This thread explores the unfortunate cases of several high-profile footballers who, despite earning millions, found themselves facing bankruptcy and financial hardship. Ronaldinho Gaúcho: The Brazilian magician, once a global icon, was shockingly found to have only €5 in his bank account in 2020. He was even arrested and detained for entering Paraguay with a fake passport. This incident highlighted a pattern of financial mismanagement and alleged fraud. Taribo West: The flamboyant Nigerian defender, known for his eccentric hairstyles, amassed considerable wealth during his career with top European clubs. However, he reportedly lost millions through ill-advised investments and extravagant spending. He has since embraced a new life as a pastor. Celestine Babayaro: The former Chelsea and Newcastle left-back faced severe financial difficulties in 2011, with creditors relentlessly pursuing him for unpaid debts. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the precarious financial situations many footballers face after retirement. Eric Djemba Djemba: The former Manchester United midfielder declared bankruptcy in 2007. Despite earning significant sums, he struggled to manage his finances, with numerous loans and extravagant spending draining his resources. John Arne Riise: The Norwegian full-back, known for his powerful left foot, also faced bankruptcy in 2007 due to failed business ventures, including a hotel. This highlights the risks associated with diversifying investments outside of football. Diego Maradona: The legendary Argentine, arguably one of the greatest footballers of all time, faced bankruptcy in 2009 due to significant unpaid taxes from his time at Napoli. This case underscores the importance of sound financial planning and tax management. David James: The former England goalkeeper experienced a dramatic fall from grace, losing much of his fortune after a divorce. He was forced to auction off personal belongings to make ends meet, a humbling experience for a player who once enjoyed a life of luxury. Royston Drenthe: The former Real Madrid winger filed for bankruptcy in 2022, revealing staggering losses of over £3.2 million. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive spending and poor financial decisions. Asamoah Gyan: The Ghanaian striker, once one of Africa’s highest-paid footballers, declared he had only £600 in his bank account during a divorce proceeding. He also faced challenges due to assets being held in his brother’s name, complicating the financial settlement. Emmanuel Eboue: The former Arsenal and Galatasaray defender suffered a tragic fall from grace. He lost all his assets to his wife after a divorce, as he unknowingly signed documents that transferred ownership to her. This heartbreaking case highlights the importance of legal and financial counsel when navigating personal and marital matters. Lessons to be Learned: These cases underscore the importance of: Financial education and literacy: Players need access to quality financial advice and education to make informed decisions about their earnings. Sound financial planning and management: Diversification of investments, prudent spending habits, and tax planning are crucial for long-term financial security. Professional financial guidance: Engaging with qualified financial advisors can help players navigate complex financial situations and make informed investment decisions. Protecting assets and income: Players should ensure their assets are properly protected and that they have adequate insurance coverage. While these cases highlight the unfortunate realities faced by some footballers, they also serve as valuable lessons for aspiring and current players. By prioritizing financial education and making informed decisions, players can safeguard their future and avoid the pitfalls that have led to financial ruin for others.