Connect with us

Headline

Just In: APC Replies Obasanjo, Says Former President’s Sins Haunting Him

Published

on

Following a barage of attacks unleashed by a former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, against the person and government of President Muhammadu Buhari, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a statement, saying that the ex-president is being haunted by his past sins.

The party said it would be demeaning for its presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari to engage his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Atiku Abubakar and others in a debate on the same stage.

While the ruling party said Mr Obasanjo was being haunted by his own past, it added it does not have any reason to rig, asking the former president to adjust himself to current realities, because “after February 16th, Obasanjo will realize that he is not a god.”

Addressing a press conference Sunday evening in Abuja, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said during Chief Obasanjo’s regime, government policies were determined by whatever mood he (OBJ) found himself and all decisions of government were subjected to his whims.

When you are used to a particular thing, that means something you know how to do very well. For eight years of President Obasanjo, all the elections he held, in fact his government policies were determined by whatever mood he finds himself and all decisions of government were brought under his wings, and all that he did in those eight years are what is hunting him.

“Obasanjo can not imagine that it is possible for a government to allow INEC statutory independence that it has. We have had 93 elections since APC came to power and we are sure that all those elections were conducted without any interference from this government. In fact, if there is anything you want to credit this government with, it is the fact that institutions are allowed to fulfill their mandate without anybody’s interference. So, we can understand where the former President is coming from, his past is haunting him.

“The 2003 and 2007 elections were nothing to write home about and those elections happened under President Obasanjo. So, for us in APC, votes must count. We are going to have a free, fair and credible election. We have no reason to want to rig elections because our achievements speak for us. So, President Obasanjo should adjust to the reality of imminent defeat that is staring him in the face. He has carried himself about as the dispenser of our destinies and God is showing him clearly that he has just only been lucky and the favour God has done for him, he has now considered them as things that come from him.”

APC also said it is an insult for its candidate to be on the same stage with the presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

Issa-Onilu stated clearly that the debate is meant for those that are seeking power and not the likes of President Buhari who has a lot already speaking for him.

Both Atiku Abubakar of PDP and President Buhari of APC were conspicuously missing at the live presidential debate organised by the Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria (BON) and others.

He said Buhari was already engaging with the public through several other platforms which are considered more important and to meet APC’s interest.

He said: “The president doesn’t have to give any reason at all for not attending that debate. The debate is just one of the several platforms that are available for our candidate to engage with the public, we cannot exhaust all the platforms. So we pick the platforms that are most impactful and we are the ones in the position to determine which platform we want to use.

“To debate with who? That is an insult, that the president will come debate with who? The debate the president is having is what he did that morning in Niger state. The people of Niger state can look forward to a brighter future. The people of this country, everywhere they go can see development, they can see projects going on. So these are the debates that the president is already engaging with public.

“So, that particular debate may be important and I think it is important to people who are seeking power, not for somebody who has a lot speaking for him already. So, for us in APC, the debate as a fantastic idea it is, it is just one of the several options for our own candidate to engage with the public. There are many platforms we have used, there are many platforms we are still going to use and there are many we may not use. It is up to us to chose the platforms that will serve own interests.

“Don’t forget, just few days before this debate came, the president was live for two hours with Nigerians discussing his projects. Beside him was the Vice President of this country, talking about his projects and having very important debate over those policies and projects with Nigerians, with people having unfettered access and opportunity to make calls to him, to seek clarifications and ask questions. That for us is what our candidate needs. That for us is more important.

“That gives us the opportunity to say we are different. We are not in the same class with Atiku and the PDP to come share the same stage with people who ruined this country. To talk about what? The same people who started several projects and they became conduit pipes and the APC government has come in, fixing all these projects one after the other. The same party complaining about the fact that we are completing projects. Is that the party you want us to stand on the same stage to debate with. Don’t take Nigerians for granted. We are not in the same class.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headline

Transformation College Celebrates Excellence at Its 2025 Virtual Graduation Ceremony

Published

on

By

Transformation College of Business and Technology successfully held its 2025 Virtual Graduation Ceremony on Friday, 20 December 2025, marking another milestone in its mission to develop globally competitive professionals across business, technology, and emerging digital fields.

The virtual event brought together graduating students, faculty members, guest speakers, industry leaders, and members of the Transformation College community from different parts of the world. The ceremony served both as a celebration of academic achievement and a reaffirmation of the institution’s commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality professional education.

Graduates were celebrated across a wide range of industry-relevant programmes, reflecting the College’s multidisciplinary approach to skills development. The graduating programmes included the Certificate in English Language and Communication Skills, Diploma in Microsoft Office 365, Diploma in Marketing and Digital Innovation with Google Suite, Certified AI and Automation Specialist, Certified AI Business Analyst, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, as well as Software Application Development and Cybersecurity. Each programme was structured to equip learners with practical competencies, global best practices, and career-ready skills aligned with the demands of the modern workplace.

The ceremony opened with welcome addresses and institutional reflections from the College’s leadership, who highlighted the academic journey of the graduating cohort. Speakers commended the resilience, discipline, and commitment demonstrated by the students throughout their training, particularly as many balanced professional responsibilities alongside intensive learning schedules. The leadership also reaffirmed Transformation College’s founding vision of democratizing access to professional education while empowering learners with skills that translate directly into relevance, value, and employability.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Dayo Sobowale, Ph.D, Dean of Computer and Information Engineering at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. In his address, Dr. Sobowale stressed the importance of continuous learning, ethical practice, and adaptability in an increasingly technology-driven world. He urged graduates to view their certificates not as endpoints, but as foundations for lifelong professional growth and leadership.

The ceremony also featured an industry-focused address by Mr. Wale Adedeji, Chief Executive Officer of Datamellon. Drawing from his experience in entrepreneurship and technology leadership, he challenged the graduates to remain innovative, solution-oriented, and courageous in applying their skills to real-world challenges. He emphasized the growing demand for professionals who can effectively combine technical competence with business insight and integrity.

One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the formal presentation of certificates to graduating students. In line with Transformation College’s tradition, the certification segment celebrated academic effort, personal growth, and professional readiness. Graduates were acknowledged for their perseverance, commitment to learning, and successful completion of programmes designed to meet global professional standards.

Beyond individual accomplishments, the ceremony highlighted the broader impact of Transformation College across Africa and the global professional space. Reflections shared during the event illustrated how the College’s programmes have supported career transitions, enhanced workplace performance, and expanded opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds.

As the event drew to a close, graduates were formally inducted into the Transformation College alumni community, joining a growing network of professionals positioned to drive innovation, ethical leadership, and sustainable development across various industries.

Founder of Transformation College of Business and Technology, Dr. Orlando Olumide Odejide, said, “Transformation is a deliberate commitment to growth, relevance, and excellence. As our graduates step into the world, this moment marks not an end, but the beginning of a journey to continually evolve, create value, and lead with purpose in an ever-changing global landscape.”

The 2025 Virtual Graduation Ceremony stood as a clear testament to Transformation College of Business and Technology’s continued commitment to excellence, relevance, and empowerment. As the institution expands its offerings in business, technology, artificial intelligence, and professional development, it remains focused on shaping a new generation of skilled, confident, and globally competitive professionals.

Continue Reading

Headline

Tax Law Controversy: National Assembly Orders Re-gazetting

Published

on

By

Amid the ongoing controversy regarding alleged discrepancies in Nigeria’s gazetted tax laws, the National Assembly has ordered the re-gazetting of the tax laws and the issuance of Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the versions duly passed by both chambers.

The legislative arm said this is part of an ongoing institutional review of the legislative process.

Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said that the directive was jointly issued by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in the interest of clarity, accuracy and the integrity of the legislative record.

According to the House, the Clerk to the National Assembly has been mandated not only to re-gazette the Acts but also to issue Certified True Copies of the authenticated versions passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The laws in question are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.

The development follows revelations that provisions contained in the gazetted versions of the Acts differ materially from those passed by the National Assembly.

The alarm was first raised by a member of the House of Representatives, Abdulsamad Dasuki, who during a plenary session alleged discrepancies between tax laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions subsequently gazetted and made available to the public.

He said his legislative rights had been breached because the content of the gazetted tax laws did not reflect what lawmakers debated and approved on the floor of the House.

The tax bills were passed by the House in February after months of debates, public hearings, and clause-by-clause consideration, and were later harmonised with the version passed by the Senate.

On 26 June, President Bola Tinubu signed the four bills into law.

Since then, opposition parties and civil society organisations have been calling for investigation into the matter.

This triggered the House to establish a seven-member ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged discrepancies.

The committee is headed by Aliyu Betara, while members include Idris Wase, Sada Soli, Adedeji Faleke, Igariwey Iduma, Fred Agbedi and Babajimi Benson.

Rotimi explained that the move to re-gazette the tax reform laws passed by the National Assembly and to issue Certified True Copies (CTCs) is administrative in nature and intended to ensure that the official records available to the public accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly.

He said: “The Ad Hoc Committee, alongside other relevant committees of the National Assembly, working in collaboration with the Management of the National Assembly, is undertaking an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and to identify any factors that may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the legislative and administrative handling of the Acts.

“This includes a careful examination of any lapses, irregularities, or external interferences, should any be established. The review is being conducted in full conformity with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practice.

“In the course of this review, and in the interest of clarity, accuracy, and the integrity of the legislative record, the leadership of the National Assembly, under the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to re-gazette the Acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions duly passed by both Chambers of the National Assembly.

“This administrative step is intended solely to authenticate and accurately reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly.”

He stressed that the review does not imply any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by either chamber, noting that it is strictly confined to institutional processes and procedures.

The statement added that the exercise is being conducted in line with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, the Standing Orders of both chambers and established parliamentary practice, without prejudice to the powers of any other arm or agency of government.

Rotimi added: “This review is strictly confined to institutional processes and procedures. It does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by the House of Representatives or the Senate.

“It is undertaken without prejudice to the powers, functions, or actions of any other arm or agency of government, and without prejudice to any rights, obligations, or legal processes arising under the Constitution or any other applicable law.

“The House of Representatives, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, remains firmly committed to the principles of constitutionalism, separation of powers, due process, and the supremacy of the rule of law.

“Where procedural or administrative refinements are identified, appropriate corrective measures will be taken in accordance with the law and established parliamentary conventions.”

He urged Nigerians to respectfully allow the National Assembly’s institutional processes to proceed without speculation or conjecture.

“The leadership of the House of Representatives remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the faithful discharge of its constitutional responsibility as custodian of the legislative authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

Continue Reading

Headline

Petition: Dangote Gets Dec 29 Date to Appear in Person Before ICPC

Published

on

By

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has told Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to appear personally to adopt his corruption allegation petition.

The business mogul filed a petition before the agency against the former Chief Executive of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Alhaji Farouk Ahmed, alleging fraud.

The agency said the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, does not allow proxy representation on criminal matters.

It gave Dangote December 29 deadline to appear before it.

Reports said the anti-graft commission conveyed its decision to Dangote’s lawyer, Dr. Ogwu Onoja (SAN), through a December 24 letter.

Onoja had, on December 22, gone to the ICPC office to adopt the petition.

But in a letter to Onoja by the Chief of Staff to ICPC Chairman, Rouqayya Ibrahim, the commission said it is necessary for Dangote to come in person.

The letter reads in part: “The commission acknowledges the appearance of your good self…, wherein you adopted the petition in respect of the allegations made against Engr. Farouk Ahmed on behalf of your client, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

“While the commission appreciates your representation, we are constrained to draw your attention to the fact that the matter under investigation is criminal in nature, being conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

“As you are aware, criminal investigations may culminate in criminal proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“In such circumstances, the statement and personal adoption of the petition by the complainant may be required to be tendered in court as part of the evidentiary process.

“It is, therefore, essential for purposes of procedural integrity and admissibility, that Alhaji Aliko Dangote personally adopts his petition before the commission.

“Accordingly, we respectfully request that you kindly facilitate the appearance of Alhaji Aliko Dangote at the Commission’s Headquarters on 29th December 2025 at 10am, for the purpose of formally adopting his petition. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.”

Dangote had alleged that Ahmed spent over $7million of public funds on his four children’s education at elite Swiss schools, with fees paid upfront for up to six years.

He alleged: “That Engr Farouk Ahmed spent without evidence of lawful means of income humongous amount of money of over $7million of public funds, for the education of his four children in different schools in Switzerland for a period of six years upfront.”

The cold war between Dangote and the petroleum regulator had resulted in a N100billion suit.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE filed a N100 billion lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging import licences issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and others, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The refinery accused the regulator of granting licences to import refined petroleum products despite domestic production capacity.

It alleged that the action of the regulator violated some sections of the Petroleum Industry Act.

But the suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, was discontinued in July by Dangote’s lawyers.

ICPC’s petition guidelines say: “Any person anywhere in the world may make a complaint against any other person (corporate or non-corporate) in Nigeria, where reasonable grounds exist for suspecting that such a person has conspired to commit or attempted to commit or has committed an offence under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

Continue Reading

Trending