James Onanefe Ibori

I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country

2003!!!!!

To God be the glory

So long Comrade!

I received with great sadness the news of the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, former National Chairman of the PDP and ex-Minister of Agriculture. He was one of the most effective chairmen the PDP ever produced. He was not about money or bribes; he upheld internal democracy in the party and was a man of integrity. The late Audu Ogbeh was a very humble and unassuming gentleman. As National Chairman of the PDP, he had express instructions to prevent me from running in 2003, but he was too decent to act on such underhanded schemes. On behalf of myself, my wife, and my entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and the good people of Benue State. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Africa my Africa!

Throwback Friday BUSINESS REPORT ECONOMY Nigeria moves to stop oil theft, unrest in Niger Delta Published 21 years ago 1min Lagos - Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has set up a panel to seek a solution to the problems of the oil-rich Niger Delta region, which is plagued by piracy and ethnic violence. Nigeria loses more than 100 000 barrels per day to heavily armed gangs of pirates, who control smuggling in the delta and earn millions of dollars stealing crude from pipelines. "The committee is also expected to resolve some of the agitations that can be avoided and to reduce the spate of violence in the Niger Delta," a presidential spokesman said. He said the panel is headed by Delta State governor James Ibori, who has in the past initiated peace talks among three of the region's rival ethnic groups, the Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo. Hundreds of people died and thousands fled their homes during ethnic violence in the western delta in March. And oil majors like Anglo-Dutch Shell, ChevronTexaco and Total have shut down dozens of oil wells and pumping stations in the region. Nigeria is Africa's biggest oil producer and the fifth largest exporter within the Opec cartel. At the height of March's violence in the delta region, Nigeria's exports were cut by more than a third, sending shivers through world oil markets. Much of that shortfall has since been made up by increasing production and exports elsewhere, but along the ethnic faultline in the western delta, oil facilties still lie abandoned. Gangs of pirates have exploited the chaos to step up attacks on pipelines and oil facilities, regularly kidnapping workers for ransom or hijacking supply barges. - AFP

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua was a remarkable leader whose legacy of humility, integrity, and dedication to Nigeria continues to be remembered and celebrated. His commitment to the rule of law, due process, and national unity left a lasting impact on the country. As we mark 15 years since his passing, we honor his contributions and reflect on his leadership style, which was rooted in sincerity and service. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his ideals continue to inspire present and future leaders. Aljannar Firdausi

Erhiatake, Today 45 years ago, God almighty gave you to the family. I celebrate you with immense pride and gratitude. Over the years, you have grown into a fearless and principled leader, standing firm against compromise and defending values greater than personal gain. Your decision to walk in my footsteps politically has been vindicated. Without you the assaults on my legacy might have prevailed. I thank God for your life, as well as the mentors, supporters, and loved ones who have guided you on this journey. Today, I wish you continued good health, divine wisdom, and unyielding strength as you forge ahead. You have made your immediate family proud, your siblings proud, and your constituency proud. Above all, you have made me profoundly proud. On behalf of my wife, your siblings, and our entire family, I pray that today is as remarkable as the impact you make every day. Happy 45th Celebration, Erhiatake! May the years ahead shine even brighter. Dad.

Throwback Friday: Mr David Wyatt, Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission-2003 and Yours Truly.

With a heavy heart and profound sorrow, I bid farewell to a man of extraordinary intellect, unshakable conviction, and relentless patriotism, Dr. Doyin Okupe. The news of your passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew you, but your legacy as a warrior for democracy and a pillar of Nigerian politics will endure for generations. Our journey together began in the trenches of the National Republican Convention (NRC) during the Third Republic, a time of great hope and uncertainty. Even then, your brilliance as a vibrant, articulate, and fearless leader shone brightly. You were not just a colleague but a brother-in-arms, standing firm in your belief that Nigeria could rise above division and realize its democratic destiny. In the Fourth Republic, we reunited under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where your strategic genius, eloquence, and unwavering loyalty became indispensable. As a spokesperson, adviser, and defender of our party’s ideals, you earned respect across political lines, not just for your sharp mind but for your integrity and passion. Doyin, you were more than a politician. You were a healer—both as a physician and a peacemaker. Your loyalty was as fierce as your intellect, and your friendship was a gift I will forever cherish. Today, as we mourn your passing, I am reminded of the Yoruba proverb that says "The death of one does not erase the hope they inspired". Though you are gone, your contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, your mentorship to countless people, and your unyielding faith in a better future remain etched in our collective memory. To your beloved family, I extend my deepest condolences. May they find solace in knowing that Dr. Doyin Okupe lived a life of purpose, courage, and service—a life that truly mattered. Rest well, dear brother. Nigeria has lost a titan. Adieu.

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark (E. K. Clark) was a fearless fighter, a staunch federalist, and an exceptional leader of our time. He never hesitated to speak the truth when it mattered most, serving as a moral compass for the Ijaw Nation, Delta State, and Nigeria at large. In him burned the true spirit of the Niger Delta—courage, determination, and an unyielding commitment to justice. His leadership was a beacon of hope and resilience, and his passing leaves a profound void. We will sorely miss his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering voice. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

To God be the glory!

Ladoja unleashes 18-year secret, not Adedibu, Akala, but Obasanjo behind my impeachment The former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, has finally opened up about his impeachment 18 years ago, pointing fingers at former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the mastermind behind his removal. In a recent interview on Fresh FM to celebrate his 80th birthday, Ladoja revealed that Obasanjo was the powerful force responsible for his impeachment, contrary to popular belief that it was orchestrated by the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu and his then-deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala. “You see, some people said it was Akala, it was Adedibu. No, it was not any of them. It was Obasanjo. It was during the time of Ileya (Muslim festival Eid-el-Kabi). We went to see Baba Obasanjo. I think it was on a Friday or Saturday that we went to see him in Abeokuta. I was there with Oyinlola, Daniel and Agagu. Ladoja shared that he, along with other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, including Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief Gbenga Daniel, and Dr. Segun Agagu, had pleaded with Obasanjo in Abeokuta to halt the impeachment plans. This revelation sheds new light on the events surrounding Ladoja's impeachment in 2006. We did not call Fayose, because we knew that Fayose was Baba’s son. So they knelt down and I knelt down with them. They were begging him, ‘Baba, please, let Ladoja be.’ “Baba then said ‘Rashidi, go and resign!’ I said ‘No, I won’t resign!’ He said, ‘If you don’t resign, you would be removed’. “I said ‘No, they cannot do it.’ He asked ‘why?’ I said ‘because you cannot get two-thirds. He said ‘two-thirds my foot’ and then he left the place in fury. Daniel ran after him.” Oba Ladoja added: ” While we were reflecting on what we were going to do, myself, Agagu and Oyinlola, a man came in, it was the former World Court Justice Bola Ajibola. “He said ‘what is wrong with you?’’ He said: “I know your problem. Your problem is that you don’t want Ladoja to be impeached. They, Oyinlola, Agagau and Daniel said yes. Justice Ajibola said ‘well, I’ve talked about it to Segun, he’s just adamant. He said ‘but you’re leaders in your own rights. There comes a time when you must have to stand up and fight.” Oba Ladoja maintained: “ Then he told us the story of ‘Jafitafita.’ The story of ‘Jafitafita’ is simple. It is about tortoise and his wife, yannibo.” “I must put it on record that Prince Ajibola did wonderfully for us because he told us exactly what to do and we “jafitafita. When eventually we got the judgement of the Appeal Court. Baba said no. People said this is a declarative judgement, he said they are going to stay its execution. And eventually, it stayed until the Supreme Court confirmed the judgement of the Court of Appeal.” It's worth noting that Ladoja's impeachment was a contentious issue, with the Oyo State legislators voting him out of office on January 12, 2006. However, the Appeal Court later declared the impeachment null and illegal, and Ladoja was reinstated on December 7, 2006. Ladoja's accusations against Obasanjo are significant, given the former president's influential role in Nigerian politics. theyorubatimes.com/ladoja-unleash…

@elrufai @VP Ameeeen & Ameeeen!!!!!

WEEKEND REFLECTION: “NONE of us has to fail for ALL of us to succeed. And in unity there is strength.” - @VP Kamala Harris, US Vice President (2021-2024) and Democratic Presidential Candidate at the Democratic National Convention, The quote above led me to reflect on the meaning and implications for our situation in Nigeria. Feelings of envy require that EVERYONE fails for ONE to succeed. Envy is quite prevalent amongst the key actors in our political system. Competence, capacity, and commitment are some personal leadership qualities that attract the envy of those lacking or deficient in these indices. Instead of striving to attain, the envious seeks to hate and destroy those that are better. Envy leads to hatred. Hatred leads to destructive thoughts and actions, including unspeakable crimes like perjury, malicious prosecution, persecution, unlawful imprisonment, torture and even murder for the target(s) of the envy. Can the incurable disease of envy amongst Nigerians, particularly within the members of the political class be cured? Personally, I doubt it. The emerging problem of Nigeria is the outcome of the continuously deteriorating competence, capacity and commitment of the political leadership. Societies succeed or fail depending on these personal and institutional qualities. No matter what, the incurable virus of ENVY has to be confronted and degraded, if not cured, if Nigeria is to achieve its manifest destiny of greatness and leadership of the Black Race. I pray this can be realized. Amen. - Nasir @elrufai

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON on his ascension to the esteemed stool of Asagba of Asaba. Your Majesty, your selection for this prestigious position is a testament to your exemplary leadership, profound wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Anioma nation, and the people of Asaba in particular. Your distinguished career as a legal luminary and your contributions to academia have undoubtedly prepared you for this significant responsibility. I am confident that your reign will usher in an era of progress, unity, and cultural preservation for the people of Asaba. Your wealth of experience and deep understanding of both modern governance and traditional values will be invaluable in guiding your people towards a prosperous future while honouring their rich heritage. May your reign as Asagba be marked by peace, development, and the continued elevation of Asaba's status both nationally and internationally. Congratulations Your Majesty! JOI

The Supreme Court has dealt a severe setback on the principle of federalism as defined by section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The section expressly provides thus: "Any amount standing to the credit of the Federation Account shall be distributed among the Federal and State Governments and the Local Government Councils in each State on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly". Sections 6 provide further clarity on the subject matter. (6) Each State shall maintain a special account to be called "State Joint Local Government Account" into which shall be paid all allocations to the Local Government Councils of the State from the Federation Account and from the Government of the State. The courts ruling on the matter is an assault on true federalism. The federal government has no right to interfere with the administration of Local Governments in under any guise whatsoever. There are only two tiers of government in a federal system of government. I’m opposed to fiddling with the allocations to the Joint LG Accounts at the state level but that in itself does not call for this death knell to the clear provisions of section 162 of the constitution. The implications of the ruling are far reaching and the issues that readily come to mind are: 1. Constitutional Interpretation: The Supreme Court's ruling appears to contradict the explicit provisions of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution. This raises questions about judicial interpretation and whether the court has overstepped its bounds in reinterpreting clear constitutional language. 2. Balance of Power: The ruling potentially shifts the balance of power between the federal government and states. By allowing federal intervention in local government finances, it arguably centralizes more power at the federal level, contrary to the principles of federalism. 3. State Autonomy: This decision could be seen as an erosion of state autonomy. States are meant to have significant control over their internal affairs, including the administration of local governments, in a federal system. 4. Financial Independence: The ruling may impact the financial independence of states and local governments. If the federal government can directly intervene in local government finances, it could potentially use this as a tool for political leverage. 5. Precedent Setting: This decision could set a precedent for further federal interventions in areas traditionally reserved for state governance, potentially leading to a more centralized system of government over time. That Local Governments must be “democratically elected “ goes without saying. Yes, I agree, that’s the position of the constitution but withholding their allocation is not the way to go. It’s wrong. In the coming days, we will begin to fully understand the implications of the Supreme Court decision. An assault on the constitution is not the answer to fiddling with the Joint LG Acount. If the ruling is saying Governors cannot temper, touch, fiddle with the Joint Accounts, that’s fine because they shouldn’t be doing that in the first place. But asking the Federal Government to pay Local Governments allocations to the account of the Local Government directly will lead to utter chaos and avoidable friction in governance. Like the Hon. Justice Oputa JSC of blessed memory once said in describing the Supreme Court " we are not final because we are infallible, but we are infallible only because we are final". It is my sincere hope that the judgement delivered today will be reviewed at the earliest time possible because it clearly stands the concept of federalism on its head. James Onanefe Ibori