NIGERIANS NOT FEELING TINUBU, SHETTIMA’S ABSENCE – AISHA YESUFU
Dons Eze
- October 17, 2024
- Spirituality
- March 26, 2024
- 67 views
THOMAS OBIATUEGWU: FROM BATTLEFIELD CHAPLAIN TO CATHOLIC BISHOP
THOMAS OBIATUEGWU: FROM BATTLEFIELD CHAPLAIN TO CATHOLIC BISHOP The Orlu Catholic Diocese has welcomed a new Auxiliary Bishop, Monsignor Thomas Ifeanyichukwu Obiatuegwu, in a ceremony that holds significance for the community and for Obiatuegwu, who left religious service in the US Military to take up religious duties as a priest in Orlu, Imo state. In January, Pope Francis appointed him to his new role, and as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Nigerian Episcopal See, Obiatuegwu will assist Bishop Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma, 70, who has led the Nigerian Diocese, accommodating 1.2 million Catholics, since June 2008. Bishop Obiatuegwu was born on January 1, 1966, in Umuaku Uli, Anambra State. He attended the Minor Seminary in Umuowa and Saint Joseph’s Major Seminary Ikot-Ekpene, and subsequently at the Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu. He further pursued higher education, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Philosophy from the Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, and a Master’s Degree in Public Management and Policy from Indiana University in the United States of America. Obiatuegwu was ordained a Catholic Priest on August 26, 1995, and has since established himself as a religious nomad, serving in various offices in Nigeria and overseas. From 1995 to 1997, he served as the Chaplain of the hospital of Amaigbo, Ebonyi and in the three years after, was the Parish Priest of Saint Theresa’s in Amauju, Isunjaba, Imo. . In 2004, he moved to the United States and served as the Parish Vicar of Saint Patrick’s in Kokoma, Indiana, United States of America from until 2010. In that year, Obiatuegwu joined the U.S. military. He served in the Corps of Army Chaplains until 2017 becoming a U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant. Coming back to Nigeria in 2017, he became the Parish Priest of Holy Rosary in Orlu until 2018 the Parish Priest of Saint Michael’s in Urualla until 2023. In that same period, he was the Dean of the Saint Michael Pastoral Region, and since 2023, was the Parish Priest of Saint Joseph’s in Umuna, Orlu. “The Holy Father is sending me to you in total obedience to him and without any reservation. Here I am, willing and ready to serve just like Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve,” Bishop Ifeanyichukwu said during his ordination. Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state expressed delight at Obiatuegwu’s appointment considering it a forward step in unifying Anambra, his native land and Imo, where his diocese is situated. “This momentous occasion, is fostering greater unity between the sister States of Imo and Anambra, without neglecting the importance of our respective roles each play in the growth and sustainability of peace in our region,” he said. “I was propelled by this unity to emphasize the significance of collaboration between the Church and Government, stressing their complementary nature in addressing societal challenges, particularly the prevalent insecurity issues,” he added. Uzodinma is optimistic about the potential of this collaboration to create a brighter future for the communities involved. Obiatuegwu recognizes his path to the pulpit and embraces collaboration, seeking support from all Bishops, members of the Clergy, and all Catholics.“I solicit your continuous prayers and mentorship on how to be a good and holy Bishop,” he said.
NIGERIAN GOVT INVITES GUMI FOR QUESTIONING
NIGERIAN GOVT INVITES GUMI FOR QUESTIONING The Nigerian Government has invited controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, for questioning. Gumi was invited for questioning over his comments on the activities of bandits in the country. The minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed while addressing journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Monday. The minister said the Islamic cleric was not “above the law”, adding that the government has deemed it necessary to invite him for questioning. A few weeks ago, Gumi had urged the Tinubu-led government to join him in negotiating with bandits. Gumi urged Tinubu not to repeat what he described as the ‘mistake’ made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to dialogue with bandits.He also said that terrorism in Nigeria was not financed by Nigerians but by the terrorists who kidnap people for ransom.
ABACHA: BEST PRESIDENT NIGERIA EVER HAD, DIDN’T LOOT ANY PENNY – BUBA GALADIMA
ABACHA: BEST PRESIDENT NIGERIA EVER HAD, DIDN’T LOOT ANY PENNY – BUBA GALADIMA A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has described former Head of State, General Sani Abacha as Nigeria’s best President. Galadima made this assertion in an interview, noting that the former military head of state was so far the best President Nigeria has had. Galadima said Abacha did well in infrastructural projects, noting that throughout his four years plus reign, the dollar-to-naira rate was N84, and the fuel price never changed. He said, “I have answered this question severally. For me, Abacha was the best President that Nigeria ever had because he held this country like this. And Abacha built the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly, and several others “Throughout Abacha’s four years plus, the dollar was N84, fuel never changed, you can plan for your business. “Which of these leaders can beat his chest to say the dollar remains the same for six months?” When asked about Abacha’s looting, Buba Galadima said Abacha didn’t loot any penny. The interviewer then asked if Abacha stored money abroad. In response, he said, “I was part of the government, and I knew how much I left in the government’s coffers, which were wiped out in two months after Abacha’s regime.” He further explained the several returns from different countries claiming to be looted funds from Abacha. Galadima said, “the so-called Abacha loot, Abacha was advised by Saddam Hussein, to establish dummy companies around the world not linked to you, gather as much money that you can that can serve your country’s import for at least six months, because there were several sanctions by the West. “Abacha followed the advice and deposited the money in different countries for importation purposes, and the money was not recorded in Abacha’s name. “The money was never recorded in Abacha’s name.”.
ATIKU’S AIDE MOCKS TINUBU GOVT OVER ESCAPE OF DETAINED BINANCE DIRECTOR
AKIKU’S AIDE MOCKS TINUBU GOVT OVER ESCAPE OF DETAINED BINANCE DIRECTOR Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has berated President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the reported escape of one of the detained Binance executives. Atiku was also the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections. Shaibu accused President Tinubu’s government of transforming Nigeria’s detention centres into amateur magician training grounds where detainees escape any time they want. It was earlier reported that one of the two executives of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange who were arrested in Nigeria had escaped from the custody in Abuja. Sources privy to the incident disclosed this, identifying the fugitive as Nadeem Anjarwalla. The 38-year-old Mr Anjarwalla reportedly fled from the Abuja guest home where he and his colleague were detained on Friday, March 22, when guards took him to a nearby mosque for prayers because of the ongoing Ramadan fast. According to insiders, there is a likelihood that Anjarwalla, who also has Kenyan citizenship, flew out of Abuja on a Middle East airliner. However, it remains unknown how Mr Anjarwalla got on an international flight even though his British passport, with which he entered Nigeria, is still in the hands of Nigerian authorities. Reacting to the report, Shaibu in a post on his social media handle described Anjarwalla’s escape as another riveting episode of what he called “Nigeria’s Got Escapes,” saying that no one needs security in the country anymore when the government can provide an escape room experience for all detained executives. He said, “Another riveting episode of ‘Nigeria’s Got Escapes,’ brought to you by the @officialABAT administration! Detained Binance executive pulls off a vanishing act right under their noses? “Bravo, @officialABAT, for transforming our detention centers into amateur magician training grounds! Who needs security when you can provide a thrilling escape room experience for all detained executives?“Stay tuned for the next episode: “Escape from Nigeria: The Sequel” or ‘Nigeria’s Got Talent: The Fugitive Edition.’”
- Foreign Affairs
- March 26, 2024
- 83 views
INTERPOL GOES AFTER FLEEING BINANCE DIRECTOR – MINISTER
INTERPOL GOES AFTER FLEEING BINANCE DIRECTOR – MINISTER Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday said there is no hiding place for Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Director of Binance who escaped from custody and fled the country after he was detained by the Nigerian Government. The minister said the International Police (Interpol) were currently on Anjarwalla’s trail. Idris was reacting to the Binance executive’s escape from Nigeria. According to Idris, since Binance is an international firm, there is no way the culprit will evade arrest. His explanation came barely few hours after the Office of the National Security Adviser confirmed that Anjarwalla, a key suspect in the ongoing criminal investigation regarding Binance’s activities in Nigeria, managed to escape lawful custody on Friday, March 22nd, 2024. In an official statement released by the Head of Strategic Communication for the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, it was explained that collaborative efforts between the office, relevant security agencies, various government bodies and the international community are already underway to swiftly locate and detain the fugitive. The statement stressed that security agencies are working with Interpol for an international arrest warrant on the suspect as preliminary investigation shows that Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport. The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention. It would be recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria, like other governments around the world, has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform. Anjarwalla, who holds British and Kenyan nationalities and serves as Binance’s Africa regional manager, was being tried by Nigerian courts before he escaped while under a 14-day remand order issued by a court.He was scheduled to appear before the court again on 4 April 2024.
HOW BINANCE MANAGER ESCAPED FROM NIGERIA – NSA
HOW BINANCE MANAGER ESCAPED FROM NIGERIA – NSA The office of the National Security Advisers, ONSA, has confirmed the escape of the Binance regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla. Appnjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, escaped from custody on March 22, 2024, from an Abuja guest house, where he and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, were detained for alleged tax evasion. A statement issued by ONSA head of strategic communication, Zakari Mijinyawa, said Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport”. Mijinyawa said the personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect has been arrested and investigation has begun.“Preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport”. “The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention,” the statement reads.Meanwhile, Binance in reaction to the development said the safety of its Manager remains top priority.The firm stressed that it is working with the Nigerian authorities to resolve the issue.
LP CRISIS: PETER OBI, OBIDIENTS DUMP ABURE AS SEARCH FOR NEW CHAIRMAN BEGINS
LP CRISIS: PETER OBI, OBIDIENTS DUMP ABURE, AS SEARCH FOR NEW CHAIRMAN BEGINS The crisis rocking the Labour Party, LP, took a dangerous dimension last week, with members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, picketing the party’s national secretariat and some of its state offices. There are also indications that the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi and his supporters known as Obidients may have abandoned the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure to his fate. This is not unconnected to the internal crisis that has been rocking the party structure since the 2023 general elections was concluded. After a series of legal battles with the factional chairman of the party, Lamidi Apapa, Abure has been in the news over alleged financial impropriety and other disturbing issues. Peter Obi had in February 2024, called for a thorough and forensic investigation into an embezzlement allegation levelled against the party’s chairman, Abure. The call by the former Anambra Governor was in response to allegations earlier made by Oluchi Oparah, the national treasurer of the party, accusing Abure of allegedly misappropriating N3.5 billion. Oparah also alleged that the Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, was working hand-in-hand with the Edo State Government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of the September 2024 governorship polls. Similarly, in a letter signed by Comrades TItus Amba and Chris Uyot, the chairman and the secretary of NLC Political Commission, the party expressed concerns over recurrent scandals and pending cases of fraud. Abure was recently accused by some stakeholders of the party, including the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, of running the LP as a “sole administrator.” The Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Dr Theophilus Ndubuaku, who spoke when the workers occupied the Labour Party headquarters in Abuja recently, said the decision to picket the party’s headquarters was taken to express workers’ grievances against Abure’s style of leadership. He said, ”Now, it is in the hands of this usurper, he is looking for N30 million, N40 million, and so on to buy forms, excluding the people who founded the party. Enough is enough, Abure must go,” said the acting General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Bello Ismail on the cost of governorship interest and nomination forms. Similarly, in a letter issued by Comrades TItus Amba and Chris Uyot, the chairman and secretary of NLC Political Commission, respectively, the union also knocked Abure for not being committed to the ideology of the Labour Party. The embattled LP Chairman was in the news recently again over his alleged plan to hold National Convention without due processes. The Abure-led National Working Committee, NWC, was accused of planning to hold the national convention of the party in Umuahia, Abia State capital on March 27. The planned convention was captured in a notice issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on March 13. The move was, however, rejected by critical stakeholders, such as the House of Reps Caucus and the NLC, leading to the recent picketing of the party’s secretariat last week. Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission – the political wing of the NLC, had in an open letter dated March 15, condemned the planned convention. While demanding for the immediate resignation of Abure, the commission described the plan as illegal, noting that it would not allow any form of illegality in the affairs of the party to stand. A source who spoke on Saturday on condition of anonymity, alleged that Abure’s intention was to impose leadership on the party. He said major stakeholders in that party were against the March convention, stressing that the party needs more time to select its leaders. “Everybody in the party including our leader, Peter Obi is tired of Abure’s leadership.…