Obasempire reports that prominent Nigerian statesman Edwin Clark responded to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s assertion that his political dominance was unassailable in a recent video shared by News Central TV.
Amid the ongoing conflict between Wike and his successor, Governor Sim Fubara, Clark made these statements.
Clark offered a historical view on political leadership in Rivers State, detailing a tradition of governors transferring their political frameworks to their successors.
He pointed out that Wike himself had benefited from this practice, having been endorsed for leadership positions early in his career by numerous political figures.
The elder statesman recounted Wike’s political journey, stating, “Nyesom Wike was a young lawyer struggling to make a living in our motor park. He showed great efficiency in managing the motor park in his local government so he was recommended by John Mbata to be made a local government chairman during the tenure of Odili.”
Clark further detailed Wike’s career progression, noting his roles as Chief of Staff under Rotimi Amaechi and later as a minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, all facilitated by recommendations from influential leaders.
Challenging Wike’s claim of sole ownership over the state’s political structure, Clark posed a rhetorical question: “The question I want to ask is if all these persons I mentioned come to claim to own the structure, where will be Rivers State for Wike to tell his supporters that no one will take their structure not while they live?”
Radda made the comments during a town hall meeting in Daura, tagged ‘Public Engagement: 2025 Citizens’ Budget Participation Process’.
In a trending video on social media, Radda, who appeared angry could be heard saying, “It is unfortunate that a few bandits/gunmen would raid and abuse a whole community. Even themselves (bandits), are afraid of death,” he said.
He added, “…of all the terrorists operating in Katsina State, they are barely in possession of 700 rifles.
“Regrettably, three famished and emaciated bandits would hunt down 1,000 people while we look helplessly as some hide beneath their beds,” he lamented.
He then asked, “Members of the clergy are here, and it’s mandatory upon them to pass to the general public Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s message concerning a robber that comes after your life or wealth. What did God command you to do?”l
“What humiliation! A situation where you stand idly watching while your wife or daughter is being raped? What is the essence of you being alive thereafter? Death is more honourable than some kinds of humiliation,” he said implying there’s every gain after death for the people to confront the bandits.
He added, “They spare any community that they are aware resists their incursions. They don’t dare attack such communities.
“We must raise insurrections and wanton killings. We have to be battle-ready,” he added.
He pointed out that, “Anytime, five or even 10 of them raid your community and you mobilise like 500 people, before he eliminates five persons, you would have tamed him – whoever he is.
“It is just a façade…they are runaways and afraid of death even more than us. They only want to instil fear and anxiety in us,” the governor added.
Katsina State has been plagued by banditry and terrorist attacks, with over 13 local government areas under terrorist control.
Obasempire reports that Nigerian talent manager Paulo Okoye has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, business tycoon Aliko Dangote, and the CEO of NNPCL to reduce petrol prices to N450 to benefit the public.
The recent fuel shortages and escalating petrol prices have significantly impacted the country.
As of Tuesday morning, some NNPCL stations in Lagos were selling fuel for between N865 and N897 per litre. This trend has been noted at various NNPC stations, especially in Lagos and Abuja.
In response, Paulo respectfully requested that they take action to lower petrol prices as a demonstration of their commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
Obasempire reports that the newly elected Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Chapter, Yemi Davids, has said that the suffering faced by Nigerians due to President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies ‘looks like wickedness.’
The PFN boss said that the country faces huge economic setbacks due to policies which include the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023 and the floating of the naira in June the same year.
His comments follow the scourging hardship faced in Nigeria after prices of energy rose by more than 400 per cent driving inflation to 33.4 per cent in July.
Cost of Premium Motor Spirits (PMS) has risen to N897 per litre, which is already complicating hardship.
Davids said, “It’s a lot, the conference of policies from the government in terms of beyond even the fuel. We’ve been trying to sort out the electric tariff where food prices are up and the pressure on us as a church, our churches are a lot.
“Our welfare system is stretched. Unfortunately, we don’t talk about that every time. I mean, we spend a lot virtually every week feeding people, and we would love the government to have some empathy.
“It looks like wickedness. Everything coming together at the same time. It looks like somebody is being wicked on the people. It looks like that. We all feel the pain. Both the leadership of the church and members of the church also.”
The chairman said there should be a human face when the government makes its economic policies.
He said churches have made efforts to solve the problems of some Nigerians.
“We grapple with school fees, house rents, feeding especially, and we encourage people, churches, to do that. The challenge with churches is that we don’t communicate actually to the public. So it looks like churches are not doing enough,” he added.
Reacting to the protest which lasted from August 1-10, 2024, he said that it was wrong for the government to clamp down on protesters.
Davids said hardship led to the protest, adding that the government should focus more on the solutions rather than hunting protesters.
Obasempire reports that a pharmacist, Yusuf Dauran, who criticized former president, Goodluck Jonathan, for pegging the price of petrol at N87 a litre, has asked God for forgiveness.
Quoting the tweet on Tuesday September 3, the pharmacist wrote: “Lord forgive me for I have sinned”
The NNPCL on September 3, 2024, increased the pump price of petrol from N568 to N855, N897 per litre (depending on the location) amidst lingering fuel scarcity.
Obasempire reports that Nigerian artist Seun Kuti has shared his perspectives on conventional Western and Abrahamic religious beliefs, challenging the typical portrayal of God.
In a recent podcast interview, Seun Kuti condemned the image of God as a “white God,” pointing out possible problems with this depiction.
Seun shared his skepticism about the idea of an all-powerful deity constantly monitoring human actions, drawing parallels to earthly leadership and the desire for accountability.
He also pointed out perceived negative portrayals of women in religious books, citing examples from the Bible.
Seun discussed his interpretation of religious teachings, specifically referencing the Book of Revelations. He believes that, according to these teachings, Africans are not destined for heaven but rather for servitude in the temple.
In his words:
“I don’t believe in God in the concept that the Western and Abrahamic religions portray God as their own white God”.
This their own God, if he was living with us , nobody will like him; someone watching you every time and telling you what to do? 5000 years on the throne with no election? Just spend 15 years on earth on the throne and hear your people start complaining, ‘Oga when is the next election.
“He also didn’t like women, every bad thing that happened in the Bible was because of a woman, Eve, Delilah, Jezebel. If you close your eyes and you imagine your God as a white man with white hair, beard and a white robe, you’re lost.”
“Revelations has already made it clear that African people would never make it to heaven. Only 12,000 people from the 12 tribes of Judea, that is 144,000 people, would enter the real heaven. The rest of you will go there to serve in the temple. So slavery has already been secured for you again.”
Obasempire reports that a surge of public anger has erupted following the Federal High Court in Abuja’s ruling to detain protesters from the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, accusing them of sedition and terrorism.
The court, led by Justice Emeka Nwite, decreed that the protesters be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre until a bail hearing on September 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through these accusations, has framed the protest as an effort to destabilize the nation, a move widely criticized as an assault on democratic rights.
The decision has triggered significant outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning it as indicative of a “full-blown dictatorship.”
Critics have charged the administration with attempting to stifle dissent and silence opposition voices.
Some have even alleged that the government is enslaving its own citizens, with the charges viewed as a direct attack on the right to protest in a democratic society.
One Twitter user, @PureStanley1, voiced his concerns, stating, “According to APC and the police, Activists and Journalists are a threat to Nigeria and should be eradicated from the face of the earth, but terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers are not a threat to Nigeria? Nigeria has been captured. The same people that championed and spearheaded series of protests under and against GEJ’s government are now against protests? And you call this democracy? Nigeria is practicing DemoCRAZY and not Democracy, know the difference!!!”
Another user, @AndinoAsuquo, questioned the charges, writing, “Treason for protesting?? Can someone please explain to him that this is democracy government.”
The severity of the charges has also raised alarms among other social media commentators. @Isthisjohnson remarked, “This is really alarming! Treason charges for protesting is a serious escalation. It feels like we’re stepping into dangerous territory where speaking out could have dire consequences. We need to keep raising awareness about this.”
@OurFavOnlineDoc added, “To charge protesters to court for ‘treason’ in a country where the punishment for treason is the death penalty is an attempt by the government to use the powers of the state to execute its own citizens. Why is the Nigerian judiciary entertaining this madness? Why is nobody speaking up about this? Or wait, are we in a dictatorship now?”
The perceived double standard in the government’s handling of different groups was highlighted by @Shehusky, who tweeted, “So, peaceful protesters are the enemies of Nigeria that should be sentenced to death for treason. Not Boko Haram, not bandits, not killer herders, not treasury looters, not kidnappers, not election riggers, not corrupt judges, and not religious extremists. Nigeria is captured.”
@FS_Yusuf_ echoed this sentiment, criticising the government’s actions: “You are rehabilitating Boko Haram terrorists. You are watching politicians loot and walk away freely. Every day terrorists on TikTok send us videos of their successful operations. But you arrested peace protesters and charged them for treason??? The Nigerian government is a criminal organisation.”
According to @mrfestusogun, “Arresting peaceful protesters for the heinous crime of treason is full-blown dictatorship.”
This sentiment was echoed by @bassiology, who said, “The regime is doing everything possible to scare people from protesting and holding them accountable.”
@OkpanachiUdale expressed frustration, stating, “I’ve always maintained my thoughts about this government. There is nothing democratic about it; in fact, it’s worse than any military regime in Nigeria. At least Nigerians didn’t live in fear of kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists during military regimes.”
As the protesters await their next court appearance, the controversy surrounding the charges is expected to grow, with many questioning the state of democracy in Nigeria under the current administration.
The debate over the legitimacy of the charges will likely intensify as the September 11 hearing approaches.
Obasempire reports that law enforcement in Canada has detained Amaka Sonnberger, a Nigerian woman residing in Canada, who had threatened to poison Yoruba and Benin individuals living in the North American nation.
The Toronto Police Service indicated that Ms. Sonnberger, aged 46, was apprehended on Sunday and has been charged with making threats.
“She is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice, 2201 Finch Avenue West on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 107,” the Toronto Police said in a statement published on their website on Sunday.
“This investigation is being treated as a suspected hate-motivated offence,” the police said, adding that those who wish to volunteer information on the case should contact them.
“When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation could be led by a Divisional investigator with the support of the Hate Crime Unit (HCU), or in some cases, will be investigated exclusively by the HCU.
“If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.
“Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time,” the statement said.
Abike Dabiri, the chairperson of a federal agency, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, disclosed the identity of Ms Sonnberger after a video where she allegedly made the threat surfaced on X.
“Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison for all una food for work. Put poison for una water, make una dey kpai one by one,” Ms Sonnberger said in what appears to be a virtual meeting on TikTok.
The woman vowed that she would take poisonous substances to her workplace and poison any Yoruba or Benin person she came across.
She claimed that her comment was in response to the “hate” against the Igbo. Some other voices could be heard, interjecting and prodding her.
It is, however, unclear how many people attended the virtual meeting with her.
“I want make Ndi Igbo get that heart of wickedness. Una too dey quiet,” the woman said, addressing other participants. “Enough is enough! If you have any means of kpaing them, kpai them commot for road.”
They were outrightly rejected due to the absence of their Industrial Training (IT) certificates.
This follows the NYSC’s recent policy requiring proof of IT participation before advancing to Higher National Diploma (HND) programs.
Those unable to resolve the issue arrived at the NYSC orientation camp with disheartening stories. This issue predominantly affected polytechnic graduates mobilized for Batch B Stream.
Their failure to provide evidence of the mandatory one-year Industrial Training (IT) as required for camp participation led to their embarrassment.
NYSC Coordinator in Lagos State, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, had informed NAN on August 3 that the policy would be enforced starting with the next orientation camp.
“That is part of the requirement for obtaining an HND Certificate, isn’t it? So, it’s just that certificate. “That is one of the documents they are required to present at the camp.
“You know, everyone is admitted to the camp, and your documents are scrutinised. But what happens is that that is the requirement”, an NYSC official said.
However, another category of students at the centre of the rejection at the NYSC orientation camp, is graduates of Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) over the non-possession of IT letters.
The board had earlier said SLT graduates from polytechnics must be registered with the National Institute for Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) before being mobilised for service.
However, the NBTE executive secretary, Idris Bugaje said the agency has never made registration with any professional body as a condition for polytechnic graduation to participate at the NYSC orientation camp. Bugaje stated this in a letter addressed to NYSC insisted.
According to him, the NBTE remains the country’s sole regulator of polytechnic education. He explained that NBTE carries out joint accreditation of programmes with the NISLT and other professional bodies.
“The NYSC should have sought clearance from the NBTE as regulators of the polytechnic sector before taking this decision.
Bugaje asked the NYSC to revoke the decision as a condition for mobilising HND graduates to enable them be part of the process at the orientation camp.
No matter how it eventually turns out the stigma of polytechnic Graduates at the NYSC orientation camp may deepened the long-standing discrimination that had trailed them.
Rema traveled by private jet for his performance at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
In a viral video, he was seen performing for the Oba of Benin at his palace. He greeted the king and expressed his desire to sing a familiar song.
He performed “Baby Calm Down,” much to the delight of the guests at the palace.
The footage also showed the enthusiastic reactions of the ladies present, who joyfully sang along with Rema, a known smoker. At one point, a lady approached the singer, and he warmly shook her hand.
