Mathew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, says Nigerians traveling abroad should do so for the purpose of returning to develop the country. Speaking during an inauguration lecture on Saturday, Kukah said the incoming administration must rise up to the challenge of uniting the country. He said Nigerians traveling abroad must be given a reason to return, adding that the incoming leadership must manage the diversity and create a habitable country. “I will also end by saying right now that 133 million Nigerians are suffering from various levels of multi-dimensional poverty,” he said.   “I have not put up the light and see the part where Muslims are living that they have light, while others for not. I have not seen the part of the country where Muslims are eating and the rest of us are not. So we must come to terms with the fact that we are not bleeding. “We are not suffering because we are Christians or Muslims, but we are in a country that is malfunctioning. How to make that country work, for the rich, for the poor, for the aged, and for everybody is a challenge. “I would like to just end by saying and I have made the point very clearly, in the struggle with the problems of Nigeria, I remain exceptionally optimistic. “I traveled the world. People say to me, well, where do you find this courage to say that Nigeria is working? Okay, it may not be working, but this is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I am not being flippant. “When I went to the United States of America to study, I preached in a church but the parish priest said to me, listen to me, you speak with such eloquence and I like you, we will get you a green card, you can settle here in America. I looked at him, I said, you know, this God is a wonderful God. You are giving me a green card and my passport is actually a green passport. “The challenge for us as Africans is to think the way the Asians have thought that you can go to Europe, you can go to America with a purpose. But the purpose of course means coming back to develop your country but it also means that that country must create an environment in which you can feel confident to come and present the gift that God has given you. “I have two young men in America they just finished from a prestigious university, I say when are you coming home? They say Bishop coming home to do what? We do not have an uncle who is a senator, we don’t have anybody, so coming to Nigeria to do what?   “Vice-President-elect, the challenge for you is to make this country believable, livable, credible, so that all of us together can serve and build a great nation.”

  The Vice-president-elect, Kashim Shettima, has dismissed alleged plot by the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to Islamise Nigeria. He said the president-elect, who has not Islamised his family, cannot Islamize Nigeria. Shettima stated this while speaking at the inauguration lecture of the incoming government in Abuja on Saturday. Recall that Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket had generated mixed reactions from the public prior to the 2023 general elections. But, Tinubu and his party justified the ticket, noting that the joint ticket was the best for their political reality. Speaking on the Muslim- Muslim ticket, Shettima said he deliberately picked an Igbo man, who is a Catholic, as his chief security officer and a northern Christian as his aide de camp for the purpose of togetherness. He said, “I was a child of necessity, there is no Islamisation agenda. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Muslim who is married to a Christian, not only a Christian but a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. “Someone who has not Islamised his family, people are alluding that he has the intention to Islamise the nation. “Politics is about perception. As we begin the formation of a new administration, I deliberately picked an Igbo man, a Catholic, to be my chief security officer. “For the purpose of inclusivity and togetherness, again I deliberately picked a northern Christian to be my ADC. So the so-called founder of Boko Haram is going to be protected by….” The former Borno governor said the Tinubu’s administration understands the seriousness of the work ahead, adding they were ready to serve Nigerians. He said, “We are to serve. We are to listen. We are here to be held accountable. We are not sent on an evangelical mission. Therefore, like every mortal, we may stumble here and there. None of these mistakes could be intentional.” “We shall never be oblivious of the impermanence of this power and we acknowledge that we shall be judged by man and God.”

  The President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina has decried the fuel subsidy regime by the Federal Government, saying it only benefits the rich.   Speaking during the presidential inauguration lecture in Abuja on Saturday, Adesina said the continued payment to subsidise petroleum products is killing the Nigerian economy.   According to him, fuel subsidy cost the economy of Africa’s most populous nation $10 billion alone in 2022. President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, speaks during a presidential inauguration lecture in Abuja on May 27, 2023. He explained that Nigeria keeps borrowing for what shouldn’t be borrowed for, advising that such money should be channelled to national development. “The place to start therefore is to remove the inefficient fuel subsidy. Nigeria’s fuel subsidies benefit the rich, not the poor, fuelling theirs and the government’s endless fleet of cars at the expense of the poor,” he stated. “Estimates show that the poorest 40 per cent of the population consume just three per cent of petrol. “Fuel subsidies are killing the Nigerian economy, costing the economy of Nigeria $10 billion in 2022. That means that Nigeria is borrowing what it doesn’t have to borrow.”   Rather than spending billions on crude oil, the AfDB boss called on the Federal Government to support private-sector refineries as well as modular refineries for efficiency and competitiveness. The move, according to him, is necessary to drive down the pump prices of petroleum products. He commended the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for commissioning the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, recently, saying the project will revolutionise Nigeria’s economy. Adesina also commended Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, for investing $19 billion to construct the refinery in the country. Reduce Cost Of Governance While giving his talk, the former agriculture minister made a case for a reduction in the cost of governance in the country. Describing governance cost as too high, Adesina said it should be “drastically reduced to free up more resources for development”. To the AfDB President, Africa’s most populous nation spends very little on development, a situation that may be responsible for being ranked among the countries with the lowest human capital index globally. He canvassed for a change in the current statistics, urging the Nigerian authorities to rely more on the private sector for infrastructure development to reduce the burdens of the Federal Government. Tax Revenue Speaking on the tax drive, Adesina wants the Federal Government to increase the tax generation in the country. Specifically, he wants the government to move from tax exemption to tax redemption and also ensure that multinational companies pay appropriate royalties and taxes. He also wants the Nigerian authorities to block tax leakages in revenue collection. Noting that simply raising taxes is not enough, the AfDB boss wants the Nigerian government to provide the basic amenities to the masses. “Nigerians therefore today pay the highest implicit taxes in the world. The government needs to ensure an effective social contract by delivering quality public service. “It is not the amount collected, it is how it is spent and what is delivered. Nations that grow better run effective governments that assure social contract with their citizens,” he added.

  Outgoing President, Muhammadu Buhari and former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, on Saturday, tasked the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to work towards uniting Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and political affiliation. Both leaders gave the charge during the Inauguration Lecture at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. This was contained in the statement issued on Saturday by Tinubu’s media officer, Tunde Rahman. The appeal is coming barely 48 hours before the swearing ceremony of the President-elect and his Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the popular Eagle Square in Abuja. In his keynote address, Kenyatta pleaded with the incoming president of Nigeria to unite the country irrespective of ethnic, political, and religious cleavages that may exist. “The contest is now over and the hard work of building a prosperous and unified Nigeria now begins. Upon assuming the office of President, you would be wise to transcend from the tactical politics of an election and assume your role as Nigeria’s vision bearer.” The outgoing president also re-echoed Kenyatta’s appeal, stressing that the inauguration lecture highlighted the imperatives of democratic governance, nation-building, and various challenges that confront the socio-political fabrics of Nigeria. Buhari emphasised that Nigerians can overcome their differences if they agree to work together and practice true democracy. He said, “We have learnt that democracy is not just a system of governance. It is a way of life. True democracy is when the voices of people are heard. Our nation’s progress rest on inclusivity, unity and not leaving any citizen behind, and ensuring every citizen enjoy the dividends of good governance. “We must heed the lessons of this lecture and translate them into action. We must fight against corruption in all its form. We must remain united. Our diversity is our strength. We can overcome our differences and forge a common cause towards progress.” On his part, the incoming president spoke extensively on the significance of democracy in driving Nigeria’s sustainable development. The President-elect, who was represented by Shettima, used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to stand together with the incoming administration to birth a better country. “Distinguished guests, democracy is more than a system of governance. It is the very lifeblood that empowers a nation to flourish and thrive. We stand at the precipice of a new era, where the ideals of democracy will guide our path towards sustainable development,” he said. Tinubu, while embracing his African identity, also recognized the collective efforts of Nigerians and Africans in shaping their democratic political cultures and institutions, tailored to the unique conditions and challenges faced by their societies. He articulated the essence of democracy, emphasizing that it transcends being a mere form of government. “Our democracy is not an abstract ideal; it is a practical vessel that will propel our nation to new heights in every facet of our collective existence. Democracy, my fellow countrymen, is not only a political system; it is a way of life. It embodies a distinctive code of thought and conduct, demanding the utmost integrity and self-improvement from leaders,” he said. “Today, I stand before you, ready to dedicate my entire being to the service of our great nation and the African continent,” the President-elect proclaimed resolutely. The lecture was graced by the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Idris Wase; Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha; Sultan Mohammed Abubakar Sa’ad of Sokoto; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; popular Catholic Bishop Mathew Kukah; President of Africa Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina and Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations, Amina Muhammed.

  Emekeme Joseph popularly known as Semikolo the Chairman of Covenant Suites, a hotel chain and a Deacon of Winner’s Chapel is dead. From a reliable source, the man fell gravely ill after his sons assaulted him. The sons who graduated from Covenant University it is alleged caught their father with a side chick and demanded a million naira bribe or they’ll inform their mom who was at the time holidaying in the United States. It is said that the father called off their bluff and true to their threat they reported the sleazy affair to their mother who was incensed. The next day the father dropped by at the Coca Cola depot of the wife and when the sons saw him they hounded him out of the place. According to insiders he angrily went home and seized the keys of the cars of the sons which drew their ire and they descended on him with blows and kicks. He called the police and the boys broke the head of one of the police men. The boys were arrested and the father was rushed to the hospital. The condition of the father was deteriorating quickly and he was referred to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital where he was fighting for his life. The wife quickly flew back to the country and facilitated the release of the sons from the police custody and strangely discharged the husband against doctor’s advise from UBTH where he was in a coma and brought him home where he died.”

  Court of Appeal Kano division has stayed and suspended the order granted by the federal high court in Kano, which nullified the election of the Labour Party in the 36 states due to the late submission of the list of candidates to INEC. Governor elect of Abia State Alex Otti had filed to the appellate court as an interested party although he was not a party of the suit at the trial court. A 3 member panel lead by Justice Mbaba granted the order pending the hearing and determination of the motion. The court also ordered Mr Otti to sign an undertaken to pay the sum of N2million if the notice of appeal is not duly served at the federal high court.

  The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has secretly authorised the reinstatement of three Special Protected Unit (SPU) officers dismissed for unprofessional conduct. The officers, attached to a popular Kano-based musician, Dauda Rarara, were captured in a viral video repeatedly firing shots from their firearms into the air in the presence of civilians including children. The officers: Inspector Dahiru Shuaibu, Sergeant Abdullahi Badamasi, and Sergeant Isah Danladi attached to the SPU Base 1, in Kano were subsequently arrested, subjected to an orderly room trial and dismissed on April 13. However, THE WHISTLER exclusively obtained a document from the office of the IGP, with number: AH: 6790/FPM/ FHQ/ABJ/VOL, dated May 25, stating the IGP’s approval of their return to the force. The document, signed by CP Shawulu Danmamman, in charge of Discipline and Reinstatement at the Police Force Headquarters, noted that the approval took effect on May 18. The reinstated officers will however not be entitled to salary arrears. The document titled: ‘RE: Instatement Inspectorate/ Rank. and File. AP/No.186796 INSPR Dahiru Shainu. F/No. 276195 SGT Abdullahi Badmasi. F/No. 277774 SGT Isah Danladi’ read: “The Inspector General of Police has graciously considered the appeal against the dismissal of the above named appellants and has subsequently approved their reinstatement without salary arrears with effect from May 18, 2023. “They have however been rewarded the punishment of severe reprimand. “You are to document rekit, and restore their salary/emoluments. “It is a further directive of the IGP that they are demobed from your unit to the police commands within the southern part of the federation”.

  The Senate has amended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act and 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act. The new amendments by the lawmakers increased the total CBN advances to the Federal Government from the current 5% to a maximum of 15% while the amendment of the 2022 Appropriation act extend the implementation year from the 30th of June to the 31st of December, 2023. According to the Senate Leader, who read the lead debate on the bill, the proposed amendment is to enable the Federal Government to meet its immediate and future obligation in the approval of the ways and means by the National Assembly and advances to the Federal Government by the Central Bank of Nigeria. These were part of the deliberations of the upper chamber which convened an emergency session just two days before the presidential inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu. Speaking on the amended Appropriation Act, the senators said its to allow full implementation of the budget, especially in light of the 2022 supplementary budget approved in December 2022. The extension had allowed the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government to utilise a large proportion of funds released to them. However, according to Senate Leader, Abdullahi Gobir, significant amounts of funds remain with MDAs and will require a further extension to be fully expended. He said that considering the critical importance of some key projects nearing completion, requesting a further extension of the expiration clause in the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill is expedient to avoid compounding the problem of abandoned projects as some of them were not provided for in the 2023 Budget. The Senate is therefore amending the 2022 appropriation act to allow full utilization of the capital releases to help reflate the economy. This is the second time in the 9th Senate that an emergency session is convened. The first was during the COVID-19 pandemic to approve funds to address the pandemic.

  Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has described the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, as the worst in the history of Nigeria, saying the outgoing president “must be told that he failed woefully and Nigerians are feeling the impact of that failure because we are all suffering.” He said the president plunged the country into unimaginable poverty and insecurity, unlike what used to flourish under his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan. Speaking at the commissioning of the headquarters of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, BSCVGs, in Makurdi, Ortom said that Buhari took Nigeria from the top to the bottom, making life miserable for all Nigerians. He said, “I served under the then President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and we all saw how Nigeria flourished under that administration. We all knew what the prices of goods and services were at the time. “We also know what our exchange rate was at the time and what it is today. I want Nigerians to do a simple comparison and you will realise how bad it has been under this government and how Nigeria has been taken several years backwards by the Buhari government. “The fact is that never in the history of Nigeria did we experience this kind of bad governance in the country. “Corruption is so endemic in this government, yet people who steal chicken are thrown into prison, but people in government who are busy stealing the wealth of the people are walking free. “The President recently apologised to Nigerians; we accept the apology but he must be told that he failed woefully and Nigerians are feeling the impact of that failure because we are all suffering.” Ortom also lamented the refusal of Buhari to curb the excesses of the armed Fulani herdsmen and designate them a terrorist organisation for being responsible for the killings in the country. “The President told us he is retiring to tend to his cattle, is it because he is returning to be a herder that he failed to deal decisively with herdsmen? That was unfair to Nigerians,” he added. The governor assured me that he would continue to speak out against injustice in the country.

  The Osun state Police command has arrested a 48-year-old herbalist identified as Isiaka Ogunkoya for the murder of one Pastor, Kalejaye Ezekiel. Ogunkoya met with Karma on his way to Isoyin. He was arrested during a stop-and-search operation where he confessed the human parts belongs to a pastor. “I killed the pastor for rituals, needed to make use of a human during that period and the pastor came around. He told me he needed more spiritual powers so as to have more members to his church so I thought it was a good opportunity for me to make use of the pastor for the rit¥als I’m supposed to do that time. “I gave him a substance to drink which he drank and slept off. So I butch£red him and took out his heart and intestines which i used to make a concoction,” he said.