A new controversy has emerged regarding the acquisition of a new presidential jet for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Nigerian lawmakers denying any involvement or approval of the purchase.

Reports surfaced in late June about the Nigerian government’s acquisition of an Airbus A330 from a German bank, which had seized the aircraft from an Arabian prince who defaulted on debt. The Presidency did not initially provide an official statement, leading to public speculation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio addressed the issue in a recent session, confirming that the National Assembly had not yet received any formal request regarding the jet’s purchase. He assured that the Senate would consider matters beneficial to the Nigerian people, referencing the potential risks of outdated aircraft.

The controversy intensified when a Chinese firm, under a French court’s order, seized three Nigerian aircraft, including an Airbus A330. This plane was released to allow President Tinubu to attend a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, sparking speculation that it might be the same aircraft recently purchased.

A presidential spokesperson confirmed the purchase, suggesting it might have been procured under the Service Wide Vote, which may not require National Assembly approval. However, lawmakers, including members of both the Senate and House of Representatives, have stated that they were not involved in the decision-making process and that no official request was made for their consideration.

The lack of transparency and communication surrounding the deal has raised questions about the procurement process and the oversight of such significant expenditures. The National Assembly and the public are awaiting further details on how the multi-million-dollar deal was finalized without legislative input.

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to depart Abuja for France on Monday, August 19, 2024, for a brief working visit. According to Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, the President will return to Nigeria following his short stay in France.

The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended Preye Josiah, the prime suspect in the June 25 dynamite explosion near Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt. Josiah, who was on the police “Wanted List” before the incident, is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the blast.

Details of the Incident

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, confirmed that Josiah, a 40-year-old from the Kabiama community in Sagbama Local Government Area, detonated the improvised explosive device (IED) along the Port Harcourt–Aba Expressway. Following the explosion, Josiah sought medical treatment at a hospital where he was recognized and subsequently arrested.

Josiah is implicated in several armed robberies in the state from 2012 to 2016, including high-profile heists led by Daniel Gogo, alias “Full Payment.” He is identified as the dynamite expert of the robbery gang and a member of the Vikings Confraternity. Josiah has confessed to his role in the Port Harcourt explosion.

Ongoing Investigations

The police are actively pursuing leads to identify Josiah’s accomplices and sponsors involved in the explosion. In a related development, the police provided details about the August 5 bombing of the Action Peoples Party (APP) secretariat in Port Harcourt.

Iringe-Koko revealed that two men planted and detonated an IED at the APP secretariat, causing significant damage but no casualties. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) squad has collected residue samples for forensic analysis. The police have intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible for this attack.

The late Engineer Ernest Madu Onyekwena, a distinguished Second Republic lawmaker and acclaimed agricultural engineer, will be honored by prominent figures during his burial ceremony, scheduled for August 30th and 31st, 2024, in Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Tributes from Prominent Figures

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo will lead the tributes. They will be joined by other notable dignitaries, including the Minister of Health, Ali Pate; the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai; and the Speakers of both the Anambra and Enugu State Houses of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze and Hon. Uche Ugwu, respectively.

Legacy of Sir Ernest Onyekwena

Known affectionately as “Omekannaya 1 Ufuma,” the late Sir Ernest Onyekwena served as a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly in 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). During his tenure, he collaborated with influential leaders like the late President Shehu Shagari and Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

Onyekwena was also a pioneer in agricultural engineering, recognized as a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE). His contributions to food security and agricultural infrastructure continue to impact Nigeria today.

The funeral rites will begin with a Service of Songs on August 23rd at his Enugu residence, according to a statement from his son, Dr. Obinna Onyekwena. The ceremony is expected to attract a wide array of dignitaries, traditional leaders, and individuals from across Nigeria and beyond.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised serious concerns about the safety of bread sold in Nigerian markets, revealing that many products are failing laboratory tests due to the use of saccharine, a sugar substitute. This issue arises from the high cost of sugar, which forces bread producers to cut corners and potentially compromise consumer health.

NAFDAC’s Warning

During a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, NAFDAC’s Southwest Coordinator, emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining food safety standards despite the economic challenges faced by manufacturers. “Recently, we observed that bread sold in the markets is failing laboratory tests because producers are using saccharine due to the high cost of sugar,” Ajayi stated. She stressed that NAFDAC will not compromise on its standards, highlighting the importance of product quality and consumer health.

In addition to the bread issue, NAFDAC cautioned water producers, patent medicine dealers, and other regulated product manufacturers against selling fake and substandard goods. Recent inspections revealed that some patent medicine dealers were distributing restricted drugs and unregistered products, while others failed to meet proper packaging and storage standards.

Atiku’s Aide Responds

Phrank Shaibu, senior assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticized the government’s response to the NAFDAC report on social media. He sarcastically commented on the enduring freshness of bread since the current administration took office, suggesting that bread now remains unspoiled for weeks, a phenomenon he attributes to government actions.

Shaibu questioned whether the government had responded adequately to the concerns raised by bread makers last November regarding forex issues and implied that NAFDAC’s complacency in addressing these problems was contributing to the current crisis. “When bread makers voiced their forex woes last November, did the government heed their call? Surely, an esteemed agency such as yours ought to have anticipated that manufacturers might resort to excessive preservatives,” Shaibu wrote.

The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended Preye Josiah, a notorious bank robbery suspect and dynamite expert, in connection with the June 25 explosion near Hotel Presidential on the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway. Known as “Metusah,” Preye hails from Kabiama Community in Bayelsa State.

Preye, who had been on the police wanted list for years due to his involvement in high-profile bank robberies between 2012 and 2016, was a key figure in his gang’s criminal activities, which included theft of significant weaponry and explosives. The arrest followed a failed attempt by Preye to detonate a dynamite during a protest by Pro-Wike supporters, which led to severe injuries requiring three major surgeries. He is now recovering in police custody and will face charges once investigations are complete.

Calls for Thorough Investigation

The Coalition for Human Rights Advocacy in Africa (CHRADA) has praised the police for capturing Preye but stresses the need for a comprehensive investigation into the explosion. Dr. Joyce Idakwo, CHRADA’s spokesperson, has called for the arrest of Preye’s sponsors and collaborators, who are suspected to be high-profile individuals within the government. CHRADA expressed concern about potential political involvement in criminal activities, particularly those linked to Pro-Wike supporters.

The group emphasized that a thorough probe is crucial to holding all responsible parties accountable and preventing further violence in Rivers State. “The people of Rivers State deserve peace and security,” Dr. Idakwo stated, urging law enforcement to ensure justice is served.

The Nigerian Army has reported the neutralization of a prominent Boko Haram commander, Abu Rijab, along with other terrorists during an operation in Bula Daloye, Bama Local Government Area of Borno on Saturday. The offensive resulted in the death of three terrorists, the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, and various mobile phones.

Additionally, eight terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area. In Konduga Local Government Area, two suspects were apprehended with 52 bags of illicit drugs intended for terrorist supplies.

In a related development, troops in Taraba arrested Alhaji Adamu Tanko, Chairman of the Gassol Local Government Area Hunters’ Association, for selling an AK-47 rifle to a suspected terrorist. The rifle was previously recovered in Boki Lamba during a joint operation against terrorists. Troops in Plateau also detained two individuals in Jos North Local Government Area with a fabricated rifle and mobile phones showing images of various arms and ammunition.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, praised the troops for their efforts and thanked the public for their support and information.

The pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly condemned recent calls for Igbo people to vacate Lagos. This follows a social media campaign warning Igbo residents to leave the state and other South-West regions by August 20, 2024. The faceless group behind the campaign has threatened a 10-day protest action to force the departure of the Igbo if they do not comply.

Ohanaeze praised former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere for their swift condemnation of the campaign. The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Chiedozie Ogbonnia, highlighted the dangerous nature of the ethnic hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric against the Igbo community. He also recalled threats made by the Oba of Lagos and political figures that have targeted the Igbo people in recent years.

The statement lauded Obasanjo’s commitment to equity and fairness, and commended Sanwo-Olu and Afenifere for their public denouncements and support. Ohanaeze called for stronger consequences against those promoting hate and division.

Prices of perishable items have sharply decreased in Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa states in recent weeks. In Damaturu, Yobe, a large basket of tomatoes has dropped from ₦120,000 to ₦40,000, and a small basket from ₦75,000 to ₦18,000. Pepper and okra prices have also fallen, though onions have increased from ₦28,000–₦30,000 to ₦50,000 per bag.

Conversely, yam prices have surged in Bayan Tasha Market, from ₦1,500 to ₦4,000 for two small tubers and from ₦3,500 to ₦15,000 for three large tubers, due to lower supply and higher transportation costs from other states.

Alhaji Usman Ngari, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Yobe, urged government support for farmers to establish storage facilities, which could enhance productivity and stabilize prices.

In Borno and Adamawa, while perishable prices have fallen, grain prices remain high. Local rice, beans, maize, and millet are expected to decrease after the harvest in October.

Lagos is experiencing severe fuel shortages as many filling stations have run out of stock, leading to long queues and widespread frustration among motorists and commuters. Stations along Ikorodu Road, Bank Anthony, and in Somolu Metropolis have been particularly affected, with some stations forced to close due to chaotic scenes.

Illegal fuel hawkers have emerged as a result, taking advantage of the scarcity. These hawkers are seen along major roads such as Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Gbagada, and Ogba, selling fuel at inflated prices.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) has been implicated in the shortage, with allegations that the company has been unable to pay importers since March, leading to supply issues. Some stations are reported to be selling fuel at prices ranging from N618 to N800 per litre, and in the black market, prices have soared to over N1,200 per litre.

Motorists are facing significant increases in transport costs, with fares rising from N200 to N300 for trips between Bariga and Onipan. The scarcity has led to persistent traffic jams around fuel stations.

NNPC Ltd.’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, denied reports of the company owing $6.8 billion to international oil traders. Soneye stated that NNPC Ltd. has been meeting its financial obligations and remitting taxes regularly. He emphasized that the quality and quantity of imported petroleum products are regulated by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), not NNPC Ltd.

The Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has successfully rescued two siblings, Chijioke George Igwe and Uchenna Augustine Igwe, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Anambra State. The brothers were taken from their vehicle at Nkwelle-Ezunaka on August 16 while returning from a wedding.

The NHFSS operatives, responding swiftly to a distress call, tracked the kidnappers to a forest area near Umueri. The rescue operation also led to the recovery of the victims’ Lexus Jeep 330 and Toyota Highlander SUV. During the operation, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled into the forest.

In addition to rescuing the siblings, the hunters apprehended two suspects involved in extortion schemes using fake threats to extract money from their victims. The collaboration between the NHFSS, Nigerian Army, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS) was praised for its effectiveness in combating kidnapping and other crimes.

Urgent demands have emerged for independent management at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other key oil and gas agencies. These calls follow allegations by Dangote Group Chairman, Aliko Dangote, who claimed that some NNPCL staff and traders are involved in operating a blending plant in Malta, where adulterated fuel is processed.

The Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN) have called for a judicial inquiry to investigate these claims and address the alleged fraud in the importation of substandard fuel into Nigeria. CEFRAN Convener Obinna Francis criticized the leadership of NNPCL, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), demanding their resignation to facilitate an impartial investigation.

Francis highlighted concerns over Matrix Energy and its partners, accusing them of prioritizing profits over public health and safety by importing and distributing inferior fuel. He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by establishing an independent management team for NNPCL to ensure thorough accountability and justice in the scandal.

President Bola Tinubu has authorized the immediate reconstruction of the Wagga bridge, which connects Adamawa and Borno states. Mohammed Goni, Director-General of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), confirmed this decision following a recent inspection of the collapsed bridge in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.

Goni noted that the bridge had been damaged multiple times, with the most recent collapse occurring after heavy rainfall. He assured that, while reconstruction may be delayed due to weather conditions, alternative measures will be implemented to facilitate vehicle movement. Goni also promised the repair of other damaged culverts along the route.

Local resident Malam Mohammed Saidu reported significant challenges due to the bridge collapse, including difficulties accessing markets and farm areas. He called for urgent assistance from both federal and state governments to alleviate the hardships faced by the community.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has announced a major boost for local women and transportation infrastructure in the state. On August 15, 2024, in Yola, Fintiri disbursed ₦500 million to 10,000 women, providing each with ₦50,000 to support or start businesses, thereby promoting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

In addition to the financial support, Fintiri inaugurated 31 luxury mass transit buses aimed at improving the state’s transportation system. These buses are expected to alleviate transportation difficulties and support students by addressing the challenges of school commutes.

The governor highlighted ongoing efforts in skill development and social investment, noting that over 45,000 youths have been trained and provided with starter packs, while 30,000 beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of ₦10,000. The new disbursement is part of the Fintiri Business Wallet initiative launched to combat poverty and foster economic growth.

The Speaker of the Adamawa House of Assembly, Mr. Bathiar Wisly, and Mr. Michael Wadaragwo, Director-General of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), praised Fintiri’s initiatives. Beneficiary Hadiza Yahaya expressed gratitude, promising to use the funds effectively to improve her situation amid the current economic climate.

There is a national uproar following the arrest of Alhaji Bashir Hadejia, a former special adviser to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Hadejia, who was apprehended under accusations of treason and subversion against the state, has sparked widespread commotion and demands for accountability from the authorities.

Security operatives arrested Hadejia on August 12, 2024, leading to significant media attention. A video circulating on social media shows Hadejia displaying a gold bar engraved with the image of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, which has fueled public interest and speculation.

Hadejia’s arrest has brought to light his connections with prominent politicians and celebrities, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and top government officials like Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. These connections have raised concerns about his influence and the potential implications for those in power.

Citizens United Against Terrorism (CUAT) has praised the security agencies for their actions but stressed the need for a thorough investigation into Hadejia’s alleged accomplices and connections within the government. CUAT Convener Dr. Emmanuel Agabi emphasized the importance of addressing the broader network involved in the alleged destabilization plot linked to Hadejia.

The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Olukoya, has claimed that his ministry has produced the highest number of first-class graduates from Nigerian universities.

Speaking at the church’s 35th anniversary on August 18, 2024, Olukoya revealed that he incentivized members to achieve first-class honors by offering car gifts. He started this initiative in 2011, and the tradition has grown significantly over the years.

During the anniversary convention, titled ‘Power from on High,’ Olukoya presented car gifts to 492 first-class graduates from the church. This tradition, which began with 19 students receiving cars in the first year, has evolved to include financial rewards for subsequent years due to the increasing number of achievers.

Olukoya highlighted the program’s success and its impact on motivating MFM students to excel academically.

Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has responded to the circulation of campaign posters on social media that suggest he is planning to run for president in 2027. The posters also hinted that Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, would be his running mate. The slogan on the posters read, “For Nigerians, prosperity and human capital development.”

Ganduje, however, has dismissed these claims as “entirely false and a malicious piece of fake news.” In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje accused certain mischief-makers, possibly collaborating with members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, of creating the posters to sow discord between him and President Bola Tinubu.

The APC chairman reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and his commitment to supporting the president’s vision for Nigeria. Ganduje urged the public to ignore the fabricated story and avoid spreading unverified information.

This development comes amid rumors that President Tinubu might be considering reassigning Ganduje to an ambassadorial role, potentially to make way for another candidate as APC chairman.

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are experiencing relief as the prices of some staple food items have decreased in both the city center and surrounding areas. A survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) across several markets, including Apo Fish Market, Dutse, Lugbe, Wuse, Nyanya, and Orange Market, revealed that while some food prices have dropped, others remain high.

The reduction in prices is largely attributed to the ongoing harvest season, which has boosted food supply, and a tax waiver on certain food items granted by the Federal Government. For instance, the price of tomatoes, which reached ₦230,000 per basket in June, has now dropped to between ₦40,000 and ₦55,000. Similarly, the price of yams has also decreased, with five tubers now selling for between ₦12,000 and ₦18,000, compared to ₦25,000 to ₦35,000 earlier.

However, not all food items have seen a price reduction. The cost of meat, rice, beans, and some other staples has either remained unchanged or increased. A 50kg bag of local rice that was ₦64,000 in June is now priced between ₦80,000 and ₦84,000, while the price of beans has also risen significantly.

Despite the price drops in some areas, many residents are still finding it difficult to cope with the high cost of living. Economists are advising the government to focus on boosting local production to reduce reliance on imports and stabilize food prices, which could help alleviate the financial strain on Nigerians.

The Attorney General of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN), has called for national honours to be bestowed upon Justice Sylvanus Oriji for his decision to restrict the nationwide protest in Abuja. Justice Oriji, of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, ruled on July 31 to limit the August 1 to August 10 protests to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, following an ex-parte application by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Ajulo praised Justice Oriji’s ruling as a necessary measure to ensure public safety and maintain order, urging Nigerians to support both Oriji and Wike for their roles in averting potential chaos. He emphasized that while the right to protest is crucial, it must be balanced with the need for public safety and respect for judicial processes.

Ajulo also encouraged President Bola Tinubu to recognize Justice Oriji’s contribution to preserving peace by conferring a national honour on him. He highlighted the importance of reasonable and proportionate restrictions on protests, pointing to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s approach to maintaining peace during protests as a model for managing public demonstrations effectively.