Tinubu begs Nigerians for understanding says “We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to prosperity”

Jide Ige

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, appealed for patience from Nigerians over the current economic hardship in the country, giving the assurance that there was light at the end of the tunnel. The President said he was fully aware and took responsibility for the difficulties Nigerians had been subjected to on account of government policies. He said he would not complain but welcome all criticisms since he was the one who asked to be Nigeria’s President. The President spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during his visit to the leader…

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NDLEA, PMAN unite to fight drug abuse

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria PMAN, convened in Lekki at the Nigeria Music House for a landmark meeting, heralding a significant step towards addressing the pervasive issue of drug abuse within the nation. The rendezvous witnessed the proposal of a collaborative initiative between the esteemed organizations, aimed at harnessing the power of music to disseminate awareness and combat the scourge of illicit substance abuse. Brig. General Mohammed Buba Marwa, (Retd) CON, OFR, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug…

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Senate approves resolution asking FG to continue electricity subsidy

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Senate has approved a resolution requesting the federal government to continue the electricity subsidy due to the ongoing difficulties faced by the nation. The decision was reached following a thorough review and endorsement of a motion presented during the plenary session by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas (PDP), who represents the Adamawa Central zone. The proposal highlights the importance of maintaining the electricity subsidy for the near future, taking into account the ongoing difficulties experienced by Nigerian citizens.

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How Police killed notorious Rivers cultist, 2Baba -Tunji Disu

Jide Ige

The end of the road for a notorious cult leader, Gift Okpara, a.k.a ‘2Baba’ who was killed in a joint security operation on Monday in Embrass community, Ahaoda West Local Government Area of Rivers State was confirmed on Friday as the police retrieved his decomposing body. The wanted Iceland cult leader, whose corpse was displayed at the headquarters of the Nigeria Police, on Friday was the prime suspect in the murder of a former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, Bako Angbashim, in Odiemudie community, Ahoada East on September 8,…

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Akeredolu’s wife blasts critics as she pays tribute to late husband

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Former Ondo State First Lady, Betty Akeredolu seized the opportunity of her tribute to her late husband and former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, to lash out at her critics asking “do they know what love is? Betty, in her tribute, hit hard on the critics of her relationship with her late husband. The former first lady said “It’s me, your adorable Betty. You just left me. Just like that! It hurts. Badly it hurts. Now alone to face all mockery from the so-called friends and adversaries alike. Now…

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Prophet drowns during Valentine’s day hangout at Lagos beach

Jide Ige

A fun-seeking Lagos-based prophet, Oriyomi Remilekun, was said to have drowned during a beach hangout in the Ajah area of the state to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day. PUNCH Metro learnt that the deceased led some youths of his white garment church to the Avista Beach situated in the area on Saturday, February 17, to commemorate the Day. A source privy to the incident told our correspondent that the picnic which lasted through the evening had ended when the whereabouts of the late Oriyomi became unknown. The colleagues were said…

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Account of court proceedings as Kwara ex-Gov. Ahmed is docked for N10bn fraud

Jide Ige

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the immediate past governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, for N10 billion fraud. Ahmed allegedly spent an aggregate sum of N1,610,730,500 to charter private jets for local travels. The former governor was on Friday, February 23, 2024 brought before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin. Ahmed was arraigned on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged mismanagement of public funds to the tune of N10 billion. Count one of the charges reads: “That you, ABDULFATAH AHMED (while…

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Aide laments alleged secret trial as EFCC docks Kwara ex-Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed for N10bn fraud

Jide Ige

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former governor of Kwara State Abdulfatah Ahmed at Federal High Court Ilorin. However, journalists were barred from covering the arraignment of the former governor as they were denied entry into the court. Speaking with journalists outside the court premises, Wahab Oba, Chief Press Secretary to Ahmed, lamented what he described as secret trial of the former governor, saying the trial is a political persecution. “The former governor Dr. Ahmed is supposed to be arraigned by the EFCC so we are here…

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Tinubu names Nandap as Immigration boss

Jide Ige

President Bola Tinubu has appointed DCG Kemi Nanna Nandap as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The appointment takes effect from March 1, 2024. DCG Nandap takes over from Mrs. Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, whose term in office expires on February 29, 2024. Before her appointment as Comptroller-General, Nandap was the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the Migration Directorate of the Service. Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, said the President anticipates that the new Comptroller-General will deepen the ongoing reforms in the…

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Why we are probing Buhari, Emefiele -Senate President, Akpabio

Jide Ige

Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President has revealed that the current food and security crises confronting the nation now are traceable to the way and manner the Ways and Means loan granted by the Central Bank of Nigeria during Godwin Emefiele’s tenure as Governor to the Buhari administration were given, collected and spent which has necessitated a probe of the immediate past administration. The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday resolved to probe how the N30tn Ways and Means loans of the Central Bank of Nigeria was obtained and spent by the administration…

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PDP protest as Kwara ex-Gov. Abdulfatah spends 2nd day in EFCC custody

Jide Ige

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State on Wednesday converged at the Ilorin zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to protest against the continued detention of a former governor of the state, Abdulfatah Ahmed, by the agency. The protesters, who displayed placards with various messages to express their frustration and anger over the development, said the former governor has been detained for more than 48 hours without being charged in court. Some of the messages on the placards read: “Ahmed was very transparent; EFCC is…

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𝗚o𝘄𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀: 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗯𝘂 m𝗼𝗿𝗲 t𝗶𝗺𝗲 t𝗼 t𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮’𝘀 problems

Jide Ige

A former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), on Wednesday urged Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu’s administration more time to resolve the country’s various challenges. Gowon, who addressed State House correspondents after a meeting with President Tinubu in Abuja, said it was too early in the life of the administration to begin to resolve all inherited crises in different sectors. He said: “Well, I was telling him that no Nigerian leader that got there and will not have all the reports of what is being said about him.…

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Nigerians can’t afford beer any more – Brewery boss laments

Jide Ige

The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi, has said that the economic situation in Nigeria has deteriorated to the extent citizens can no longer afford to buy beer. Essaadi said this on Monday at the company’s investor call following the release of its 2023 results. “It has been unprecedented year for our business in Nigeria. We saw a significant decline in the mainstream lager market as a result of Nigerian consumers no longer able to afford a Goldberg after a hard day’s work,” Bloomberg quoted Essaadi as…

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State Police: Bill scales second reading at House of Reps

Jide Ige

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, passed for second reading a bill to provide for the establishment of state police in the country. Sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu and 14 others, the bill seeks to alter the relevant Sections of the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for states to establish their own policing outfits. As lawmakers took turns to contribute to the debate on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s plenary, Kalu who stood in for the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, urged members to…

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Why we are moving Computer Village out of Ikeja -LASG

Jide Ige

“We are moving the village into a place where their business would thrive while maintaining the status quo, Ikeja Computer Village was a residential area before, it is presently, and I think it will continue to be a residential area. We must ensure that things are done according to the law, since the law says it is a residential area, it should remain as such.

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FIRSTBANK CLINCHES THE PRESTIGIOUS CORPORATE BANK AWARD AT THE 2023 EUROMONEY AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Jide Ige

FirstBank, Nigeria’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, was announced as the Best Corporate Bank at the recent prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence, Nigeria 2023. The Bank clinched the coveted award based on its 130-year commitment to enabling its corporate customers achieve success through relevant and tailored financial solutions. FirstBank’s continuous investment in technology has been crucial to its leading industry role in optimally meeting the needs of its corporate customers. Recent investments in technology include the development of its smart and interactive Transaction Banking Platform known as…

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FIRSTBANK SET TO REWARD CUSTOMERS WITH 36 MILLION NAIRA IN THE SECOND SEASON OF ITS FIRSTMOBILE CASH-OUT PROMO

Jide Ige

FirstBank has launched the second season of its Cash Out promo designed to reward users of FirstMobile, its industry-leading mobile banking solution. The FirstBank Cash Out Promo 2.0 which began on Monday, 15 January 2024, ends on Friday, 15 March 2024, and is open to new and existing customers. Leading up to the grand finale – with 1 million naira up for grabs – the promo comprises three distinct categories, each offering attractive rewards comprising N10,000 worth of airtime and data, N20,000.00, and N100,000.00 respectively. In the first category, 100…

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FG begind payment of ASUU’s withheld salaries

Jide Ige

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the withheld salaries of academics under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, PUNCH Online has learnt. Multiple sources in the academic sector confirmed the development to our correspondent in Abuja on Monday. The chairperson of ASUU at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, who confirmed the development on the record, said, “Yes, it is true. Payment has started rolling in.” President Bola Tinubu Tinubu had in October 2023 approved the release of four of the eight…

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FG warns DISCOs over estimated bills

Jide Ige

Electricity consumers do not want to pay on the basis of estimated bills, rather they want to pay for what they consume and should be provided meters in order to achieve this, the Federal Government told power distribution companies on Tuesday. It disclosed this through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission during a meeting with investors/owners of Discos in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry in Lagos State. The lack of adequate meters has remained an issue in the power sector, as power distributors are still finding it tough to meter consumers…

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Emefiele, others forged ex-Pres. Buhari’s signature to steal $6.2m -Ex-SSG alleges

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The immediate-past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said on Tuesday that $6.2m was released from the Central Bank of Nigeria in February 2023 using a forged document. The money, he said, was released for foreign observers ahead of the 2023 general elections. Mustapha stated this when he appeared as the fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing fraud trial of the immediate-past CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The EFCC arraigned Emefiele on amended 20 counts bordering on forgery,…

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Ondo PDP chairman is dead

Jide Ige

Mr Fatai Adams, the Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, is dead. Though details of his death have not yet been made public, it was gathered that he died in the early hours of Wednesday. The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Mr Kennedy Peretei, who confirmed the incident, said the party would soon make official communication to the media on the matter. “Yes it is true but we will soon communicate you properly on the incident,” Peretei said. The State Working Committee of the PDP in…

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Tinubu showers MON, Abuja flats, lands on Super Eagle

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded the Super Eagles team the Member of the Order of the Niger(MON) national honour for their impressive display at the just concluded AFCON 2023 tournament held in Ivory Coast. They were also given one flat each and a plot of land in the FCT Nigeria came in second place, losing the trophy to the hosts Ivory Coast who were the eventual winners The Nigerian team were received at the State House on Tuesday where they were conferred with the titles. All the…

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Pictures: High emotions, tears, as Abiodun, Dangote, Aig-Imoukhede, others visit Herbert Wigwe’s parents

Jide Ige

Emotions ran high as billionaires wept freely as the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and the President/Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, alongside other associates paid a condolence visit to the parents of the late GCEO, Access Holdings Plc., Herbert Wigwe, on Monday. The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun posted images from the visit on his Facebook account on Monday. The PUNCH reports that Wigwe, his wife, Doreen; son, Chizi; and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, lost their lives in an helicopter crash which…

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Why we won’t return to ECOWAS -Niger’s coup leader, Tchiani

Jide Ige

The head of military junta in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has vowed that none of the three Sahel countries would rejoin the regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Gen. Tchiani made the vow in an interview he granted to RTN news channel in the capital, Niamey Monday. The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger January 28, announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS. The leaders of the three Sahel nations issued a statement, saying it was a “sovereign decision” to leave…

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Why we settled for Bolaji Agbede as Wigwe’s successor – Access Holdings explain

Jide Ige

The appointment of Ms. Agbede is in alignment with our robust succession planning practices. We are strongly convinced that Ms. Agbede, being the company’s most Senior Executive with exceptionally rich, professional and leadership experience and understanding of the Access culture

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Wigwe: ACAMB mourns a fearless and visionary leader

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that The Association of Corporate & Marketing Communications Professionals in Nigeria Banks (ACAMB) extends its deepest condolences to Access Holdings Group on the tragic passing of its esteemed CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR. The renowned business and corporate leader, along with his beloved wife, Doreen, and their cherished son, Chizi, lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash in the United States of America. Dr. Herbert Wigwe, affectionately known as ‘The Fearless One,’ was a visionary leader whose indomitable spirit, dedication,…

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Wigwe: Access Holdings release official statement

Jide Ige

Access Holdings has confirmed the death of its Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Herbert Wigwe. Wigwe died in a helicopter crash on Friday with his wife, son, and a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo. The bank in a statement on Sunday signed by the Company’s Group Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, confirmed the unfortunate incident. “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer…

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Read details of FG’s repayment plan for students’ loan

Jide Ige

Ahead of the official launch of the Student Loan Scheme on February 21, 2024, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund said it is finalising repayment modalities. Although it confirmed that the 10 per cent direct deduction from the beneficiaries’ salaries still stands, applicants can pay higher percentages or 100 per cent upfront if they choose. However, persons confirmed to be dead, terminally ill, and incapable of earning a living through work will be granted waivers, a source close to the board’s activities told Sunday PUNCH. “First and foremost, the modality for…

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Wigwe, family and friends, in US to watch American Super Bowl, as details emerge of chopper crash

Jide Ige

More details have emerged on the ill-fated crash of a chopper that had Herbert Wigwe, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, wife – Chizoba, son and three others on board. THE WITNESS learnt that Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), and two others (yet to be identified) were also onboard the helicopter when it crashed in California near the Nevada border. The United States federal aviation administration (FAA) said the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter crashed around 10 p.m. California time (Saturday,…

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Arogbofa, Jonathan’s CoS slumps, dies in Abuja

Jide Ige

Brigadier Grn. Seinde Jones Arogbofa (rtd), who served as Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, is dead. Arogbofa, who was military Assistant to a former military governor of Lagos State, then Col. Raji Rasaki, slumped and died on Saturday morning in Abuja. He was aged 71 . Born on 10 November 1952 in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, Arogbofa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973. Jonathan appointed him Chief of Staff from February 10, 2014 to May 29, 2015. Arogbofa attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Rochester Institute of Technology,…

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Access Holdings Herbert Wigwe, wife, 5 others missing after helicopter crash

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, was involved in a helicopter crash in the United States, on Friday. Wigwe, his wife and son were in the helicopter when it crashed in California near the Nevada border, as well as Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group). A close source confirmed the development on Saturday evening. Six passengers were onboard, however, no survivors found so far.

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Special Tribute on His Royal Highness, Oba Peter Olusegun Aremu-Cole, the Olukoro of Koro, who joined his ancestral fathers on 1st February 2024

Jide Ige

By Dr. Olu Ajere Several thought forms, thought styles, and perspectives had emerged by community leaders, political leaders and public analysts about the circumstances that led to the gruesome onslaught on our Kabiesi which led to the joining of His ancestral fathers painfully. This matter goes beyond superficial and platonic brain waves’ submission on the serious matter. The Oba of Koro (A Retired Army General) departed this Sinful world as a great and giant ruler and soldier who sacrificed His golden life for the sake of humanity and His professional…

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Ekiti Monarchs Murder: IDC defends Olowolafe, says he is a man of unquestionable integrity

Jide Ige

Members of Igbaraodo Development Council (IDC) in Ekiti State have warned those associating High Chief Oyebanji Olowofela with the current spate of kidnapping in the state to desist from the action, saying that he is a man of good track records and impeccable characters. IDC said in a statement signed by its Secretary, Ayo Adekoya-Benson and made available to the media, that Banji Olowofela is a qualified civil engineer of many decades. Olowofela is said to be “a 1969 graduate of the prestigious University of Lagos, a foremost legislator, the…

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Ladi Adebutu, Baba Ijebu’s son charged for money laundering

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Federal Government on Tuesday arraigned Oladipupo Adebutu, son of billionaire betting magnate, Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, before an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, the State capital, on seven count charges, bordering on money laundering and other offences, with case number AB/10c/2023 (FRN Vs Adebutu &Ors. Adebutu the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ogun State candidate for the gubernatorial election held on March 18, 2023, was accused of criminal inducement during the poll by security agents alongside other members of his party. He was alleged to…

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Late Koro monarch’s wife, maid rescued as Police arrest 13 suspects

Jide Ige

Olori Iyabo Aremu, wife of the slain Olukoro of Koro in Ekiti Local Government of Kwara State, late Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole and her adopted maid identified as Feranmi, who were abducted after the murder of the monarch by some gunmen last Thursday have regained their freedom. The release of the monarch’s wife was confirmed in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer , Ejire-Adeyemi Adetoun, on Tuesday. The statement also said that 13 suspects were arrested by the police in the course of the rescue operation. The…

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Nigeria’s Alake chairs Africa Mineral Strategy Group

Jide Ige

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has been elected as the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group. Dr. Alake was unanimously elected as the chairman of the mining pressure group on Monday, February 5, 2024. Speaking at the meeting of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Alake charged African leaders to forge a common front to get maximum benefits from the mineral resources on the continent. The minister, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, stressed that the era of carting…

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Tinubu: Olaiya Igwe apologises for praying naked

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Olaiya Igwe, the esteemed Yoruba actor also known as Ebun Oloyede, has issued a public apology to Nigerians for going naked at a beach to campaign for Bola Tinubu. In a now-deleted video shared on his Instagram account on Monday, the actor explained that his actions were driven by a divine revelation he claimed to have received regarding Tinubu. In the video, Igwe acknowledged Tinubu’s assistance, particularly in matters related to his health, as the reason behind his show of support for the politician. Speaking in Yoruba, Olaiya said, “Because…

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