Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • PDP BoT meeting turns violent as thugs clash

    PDP BoT meeting turns violent as thugs clash

     

    Flowerbudnews

    ThePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees meeting in Abuja got off to a chaotic start as thugs loyal to National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and his challenger Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye clashed.

    The violence escalated to the point where Ude-Okoye was forced out of the meeting hall by Anyanwu’s loyalists.

    The presence of police at the venue of the meeting could not stop the fracas, just as the Acting National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagum is trying vehemently to calm the situation.

    Key party stakeholders in attendance include Senator Ben Obi, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, Board Secretary Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and former governors Babangida Aliyu and Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

    The meeting’s agenda has not been publicly disclosed, but it’s expected to focus on party unity, internal leadership matters, and strategies for future elections. This gathering comes at a critical time for the opposition party, which is grappling with internal cohesion and political realignments.

    Scenes from PDP BoT meeting. Thugs loyal to the PDP National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and his challenger, Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye clashed as Anyanwu’s loyalists forced Udo-Okoye out of the meeting Hall.

  • Eruwa kingship Tussle: Akalakoyi ruling house insists on rotational arrangements.

    Eruwa kingship Tussle: Akalakoyi ruling house insists on rotational arrangements.

    Eruwa kingship Tussle: Akalakoyi ruling house insists on rotational arrangements.

    By Adewale Owoade

    The Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Ruling House in Eruwa town has insisted on rotational arrangements and distance itself from any attempts to hijack the right of Olaribikusi Ruling House to produce the next Eleruwa of Eruwa in Ibarapa East local government area of Oyo State.

    The Ruling House said such actions would be tantamount to cheating their brethren (Laribikusi) and creating bad blood between the two ruling houses which has been the sole producer of Eleruwa.

    A letter written to governor Makinde and signed by Prince Abolanle Akeem, Prince Adedokun Amos, Prince Adejumobi Olugbade, Prince Afolabi Abimbola, Prince Oloyede Raji, Princess Bosede Oyebola, Prince Kolawole Olaniyan, Prince Adejumobi Olukunle urged the governor to prevail on those seeking to destabilize rotational process between the two royal houses and impose their anointed candidate from Akalakoyi to rescind their decision.

    The Akalakoyi called on governor Makinde to ensure that the selection process of the new Eleruwa is fair, transparent, and in accordance with the provisions of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftancy Declaration.

    He letter reads, “We, the members of Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Royal Family, write to bring to your attention on the ongoing Eleruwa Kingship tussle in Eruwa land, Ibarapa East Local Government Area State.

    “As stakeholders in this matter, we deem it necessary to provide clarification and guidance on the proper interpretation of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftancy Declaration.

    “As you may be aware, the Eleruwa Kingship is rotational between the two ruling houses: Akalakoyi and Laribikusi. Following the demise of Oba Bolanle Olaniyan Gbajumola II from Akalakoyi, it was the turn of Olaribikusi to produce the successor.

    “However, the selection of Oba
    Samuel Adegbola from Olaribikusi was challenged in court and ultimately led to his dethronement on November 29, 2019, due to his ineligibility to be the Eleruwa.

    “The Supreme Court ruling explicitly stated that the new Eleruwa should be selected from Laribikusi House, as it is still their turn. This decision is in line with the Yoruba adage, “ti Oba kan o ba ku, omiran kii je,” which emphasizes the importance of respecting the rotational order of the kingship.

    “As you may be aware, your government has already initiated the process for selecting a new Eleruwa through the Afobaje, in line with the Supreme Court ruling and the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftancy Declaration.

    “We believe that it is essential to respect the rotational order of the kingship and allow Laribikusi to produce the next Eleruwa.

    “Thank you for your time and consideration. We appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will take the necessary steps to ensure that justice, transparency, and fairness prevail in the selection of the next Eleruwa.”

    Meanwhile, representatives of the Laribikusi family while featuring on a popular radio program in Ibadan (Dende Oro) to discuss the ongoing crisis surrounding the throne of Eleruwa provided insight into the Eleruwa Chieftancy declaration of 1957/58, which recognises only two royal families – Laribikusi and Akalako – as eligible to ascend the throne.

    The Laribikusi family representatives who appeared on the program included Prince Mukaila Adejumo, Prince Azeez Olabode, Prince Mike Oke, Prince Ijaola Olabode and Alhaji Hazim Bello among others.

    According to them, “Oba Bolanle Olaniyan, who reigned as Eleruwa until his death in 1994, was a member of the Akalako family. His successor, Oba Samuel Adegbola, was removed by the Supreme Court on November 29, 2019, for allegedly reigning illegally.”

    They explained that the nomination process coordinated by the Ibarapa East LG Chairman, Hon Akeem Arogundade does not follow due process and not transparent as no 14 days deadline as stipulated by law was given as claimed either written or verbal before rumor of taking it to the other ruling house.

    Therefore, they are appealing to His Excellency, Governor Makinde to come to their aid so that the right thing be done and they won’t be denied of their heritage

  • BREAKING: ECOWAS officially approves exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, gives further conditions

    BREAKING: ECOWAS officially approves exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, gives further conditions

     

    Ny Flowerbudnews

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially approved the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the sub-regional organization.

    This development was confirmed in a statement issued by the institution on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in West African regional dynamics.

    The decision follows months of political tensions after military coups in the three Sahel countries led to their suspension from ECOWAS in January 2024. Efforts to resolve the standoff reportedly failed, prompting the formal approval of their exit.

    It reads: “The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025.

    “However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to:

    a) recognize National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.

    b) continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

    c) allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.

    d) provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.

    “These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

    “The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.

    “This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”

  • Worst days are over, economy fully recovering under President Tinubu,  TMSG tells Nigerians.

    Worst days are over, economy fully recovering under President Tinubu,  TMSG tells Nigerians.

    By Majeed Ishola

    The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has said that the worst days are over as available economic indices are showing positive signals indicating that the economy is fully recovering under President Bola Tinubu.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment, since assuming office, to steering the economy in the right direction is responsible for the unprecedented economic rebound.

    It said: “We acknowledge that on assuming office, though President Bola Tinubu’s famous declaration that ‘fuel subsidy is gone’ seemed to have disrupted the order of things almost immediately with significant impact on the people, current positive realities have put him on the right side of history.

    “It was an unexpected move, even though there was no provision for fuel subsidy beyond June 2023 in the budget inherited from the Muhammadu Buhari administration but it also set the right tone for the economic reforms of the administration.

    “Today, fuel subsidy removal and the unification of multiple foreign exchange rates are the bulwarks of reform policies that have opened the country to more foreign investment and freed up more funds to all tiers of government with a resultant upsurge in economic activities.

    “Like all reforms anywhere in the world, the Tinubu reforms also came with its downside which even the President acknowledged and described as short-term pains for long-term gains for the Nigerian people.

    “It is against this backdrop that we maintain that the benefits are beginning to show and we agree with the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu who confirmed recently that the economy is on the path to full recovery.

    “Like a policy think tank, the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI), said in a recent statement, that there have been ‘evolving green shoots’ since the economic policies were deployed which showed that President Tinubu is indeed steering the economy in the right direction despite misgivings from a few naysayers.”

    Continuing, TMSG gave some insights into the positive developments in the economy in recent months.

    “We invite Nigerians to note that the oil and gas sector is witnessing unprecedented growth with fresh investments from global oil majors, some of which last invested in the country in 2013. This is aside from local players in the sector, which have continued to acquire lucrative onshore assets because of improved security and new fiscal incentives.

    “It is therefore not surprising that for the first time in several years, Nigeria was recorded to have met its OPEC production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day with expectations in the foreign media that the country can go beyond the limit.

    “This is also coming at a time when the oil sector is recording a boom, which has also brought a positive impact on the balance of trade. Recent data from the Central Bank show a positive trade performance for three consecutive quarters in 2024 driven by more substantial export earnings than imports.

    “This will make it easier for the government to raise funding for programmes including the Renewed Hope Housing, Agriculture modernization initiative, Consumer Credit Scheme, Students loan fund, and CNG energy transition, amongst others, which are all designed to have a major positive impact on the citizenry.

    “And lest we forget, a global brand that was reported to have left Nigeria last year recently has announced an 82.06% increase in revenue less than a year after it was acquired by a Nigerian conglomerate

    “We are hopeful that more good news will emanate from the economic front this year as the economic policies of the administration continue to take root,” TMSG added.

    It enjoined Nigerians to continue to have faith in President Bola Tinubu’s unflagging desire to turn the curve and unleash the vast potentials and opportunities in the nation to bring about vast positive fortunes for the Nigerian people.

     

  • Nigerians deported from the US are welcome back home – FG

    Nigerians deported from the US are welcome back home – FG

     

    Nkiruka Gloria

    The Federal Government has stated that Nigerians who were deported from the United States, are welcome to come back home.

    The Director of Media and Corporate Affairs of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, made this known while speaking in an interview on Tuesday.

    The Commission stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in charge of such development, adding that FG has already set up an inter-agency committee to handle the matter should Nigerians be deported from the US.

    “The Federal Government has set up an inter-agency committee, comprising the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, should there be mass deportation of Nigerians from the US.”

    The spokesperson however stressed that its commission was not aware of Nigerians in America being processed for deportation.

    Recall that about 3,690 Nigerians in the United States are faced with deportation as Donald Trump crackdown on illegal immigrants in the country.

  • Gov. Adeleke To Build Content Creation Studio in Osun

    Gov. Adeleke To Build Content Creation Studio in Osun

     

    Flowerbudnews

    The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has disclosed plans by his administration to launch a content creation studio, that will serve as a hub for creators.

    Adeleke said the studio will equip content creators with the tools, resources, and spaces they need to bring their ideas to life.

    He noted that it will also empower filmmakers, digital storytellers, fashion designers, musicians, and all other creatives to tell their stories, amplify their voices, and create solutions for societal challenges.

    While speaking in Iragbiji, Osun, the governor at the Sustainable Development Goals Creative Conference on Tuesday, said the availability of heritage inspires the imagination in the state.

    He said Osun being home to the sacred Osun-Osogbo Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also has famous cultural celebrations like the Olojo Festival, Sango Ede Festival and countless others, adding that the state is deeply rooted in tradition with creativity.

    “Today, we are here to reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the creative economy and its vital role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Creativity and innovation are critical to building a sustainable future, and Osun State is ready to lead this charge.

    “One key step forward in this journey is the launch of the Osun State Content Creation Studio. This is a collaborative effort with members of the private sector. This studio will serve as a hub for creators. It will equip them with the tools, resources, and spaces they need to bring their ideas to life. It will empower filmmakers, digital storytellers, fashion designers, musicians, and all other creatives to tell their stories, amplify their voices, and create solutions for societal challenges.

    “But this is more than just a space for creation; it is a significant leap toward achieving the SDGs. This initiative reflects our vision of an Osun State where culture meets innovation, tradition meets progress, and creativity becomes the engine of sustainable development.

    “To the creators, thinkers, and visionaries in this room today, you are the torchbearers of this future. The stories you tell, the art you create, and the solutions you design will not only transform Osun but also inspire the world,” Adeleke said.

    He called on stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the conference to work together, foster collaboration, and build a thriving creative ecosystem that drives sustainable development and prosperity for all.

    Earlier in his address, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations to the Governor, Bamikole Omisore, said the conference was organised to bring stakeholders together and discuss the best possible ways of collaboration that will put Osun on the world map as the global custodian of culture

  • Paternity dispute: Court cautions ex-minister’s lawyer over frivolous adjournment

    Paternity dispute: Court cautions ex-minister’s lawyer over frivolous adjournment

     

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nyanya, on Tuesday cautioned Khalit Jatau, a lawyer to Mr Kabiru Turaki, former Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Minister, over frivolous adjournment in his paternity dispute suit.

    Justice Aliyu Shafa ordered Jatau to put his house in order ahead of the next adjourned date.

    The development occurred shortly after the matter was called
    Jatau had told the court that he was informed by his principal that the matter had been transferred to Kwali High Court and the matter fixed for March 27.

    “I had to come to the court (High Court Nyanya) yesterday to verify at the registry,, but I was told that the matter would be coming up today before Justice Shafa.
    “Due to the misinformation, I am not adequately prepared for the matter,” he said.
    Justice Shafa told Jatau that it was only the chief judge of the court that had the power to reassign a matter to another court.
    The judge, therefore, ordered the counsel to go and put his house in order, confirm whether the case is actually in Kwali and report back to the court in the next adjourned date
    The defendants’ lawyer, Sani Idriss, expressed surprise at the development.
    Justice Shafa consequently adjourned the matter until March 18 for hearing.
    Justice Shafa had, on Oct. 22, 2024, refused Turaki’s application seeking to stop a woman, Uwani Arabi and two others from further making any form of publications about a paternity dispute between them.
    The judge, in a ruling, refused the motion on the ground that the ex-minister had sought similar prayer in the main suit.
    Justice Shafa held among others that granting the prayer sought in the motion would amount to deciding the substantive case.
    The judge, however, granted an order for accelerated hearing in the substantive suit and adjourned the matter for definite hearing.
    Turaki, in the main suit marked: CV/189/2024, had accused Arabi, her ex-husband, Musa Baffa and her daughter, Hadiza, of defaming him.
    The ex-minister alleged that the defendants raised allegations of sexual impropriety against him to the extent of claiming he fathered a child through Hadiza.
    In a supporting affidavit, Turaki stated that the interim restraining order was necessary to stop the defendants from further spreading false information against him during the pendency of the substantive suit.
    Turaki, who is claiming damages in several millions of naira against the defendants, said he was a benefactor to Arabi and Hadiza because he took responsibility of paying her fees while she schooled in Baze University, Abuja and assisted her mother too financially.
    He denied allegations of sexual impropriety allegedly raised against him by the defendants, stating that he only fell out with the mother and daughter because he stopped Hadiza from further visiting him when her alleged criminal acts became unbearable for him.
    In their joint statement of defence, the defendants denied defaming the ex-minister, insisting that he was the one who volunteered to sponsor Hadiza’s university education.
    They also denied that Hadiza was involved in some criminal acts, alleging that the former minister took advantage of her by sleeping with her until she became pregnant.
    The defendants stated that “none of them made slanderous allegation or defamed the character of the claimant but rather, it was the claimant that slandered and defamed the reputable name of their family by breaching the trust of their family.”
    They claimed that the claimant “is frustrating investigation into the matter, more especially when it came to his knowledge that the only way to know the truth of the matter is by conducting DNA test.
    “The defendants aver that the Investigation Police Officers are of the same opinion that since it is a matter that involves paternity of a baby girl, only DNA Test can resolve the issue between the claimant and the defendants.
    “The defendants, at the trial of this suit, will rely on all the voice messages, conversation, WhatsApp chats, medical reports and any other documents closely or remotely related to this case,” they averred.

  • Tanker Explosion: NEMA DG visits Gov. Mbah, assures support for victims’ families

    Tanker Explosion: NEMA DG visits Gov. Mbah, assures support for victims’ families

    By Flowerbudnews

    The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, on Tuesday, visited Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State over the tanker explosion that occured on Jan 25.

    It could be recalled that a fuel-laden tanker exploded at the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, leaving 18 road users dead, about 30 injured and 13 vehicles completely burnt.


    It was also gathered that Umar was in the state to sympathise with Mbah and the people of the state over the tragic incident.

    Speaking during the visit at the Government House, Enugu, Umar said that the visit was the first rapid assessment report to be carried out by the agency on the incident and promised continued support to the state government.

    She said that NEMA was in Enugu to complement the efforts of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) by providing immediate assistance of food and non-food items including medical needs to the affected families.


    The DG added that the agency was ready to coordinate comprehensive support aimed at disaster recovery.

    Umar pledged that the agency would continue to work with the state officials and other emergency responders in providing long-term recovery needs that may arise.

    “On behalf of the Federal Government, we are here to support you along side local authorities and other stakeholders as we navigate these challenges.

    “We are to provide immediate assistance of food and non food items including medical need for the affected families,” the director-general said.

    Responding, Mbah reiterated his call on the law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the anti-spill lock on all the petroleum product tankers plying the roads across the country.

    Mbah, who described the incident as “tearful, avoidable and unfortunate”, commended the Federal Government through NEMA for its support since the disaster occured.


    The governor disclosed that those who sustained several degrees of injury had been taken to the hospital for adequate treatment.

    He promised that the food items and other assistance from NEMA would be judiciously distributed to the victims and prayed God to give the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Italian Premier Claims Being Investigated for Releasing Libyan Wanted by ICC 

    Italian Premier Claims Being Investigated for Releasing Libyan Wanted by ICC 

     

    Meloni says she is accused by Italian prosecutors of embezzlement, aiding and abetting in connection with Osama al-Masri case

    Giada Zampano

    ROME:  Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday she had been placed under investigation by Italian prosecutors over the release of a Libyan police officer wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    Osama Elmasry Njeem, also known as Osama al-Masri, was released last week after being shortly detained in Italy under an arrest warrant issued by the ICC for crimes against humanity.

    Meloni said in a message posted on social media that she is accused by prosecutors of embezzlement and aiding and abetting in connection with the al-Masri case.

    Under Italian law, being placed under investigation does not imply guilt and doesn’t necessarily lead to formal charges.

    “I will not be blackmailed, I will not allow myself to be intimidated, which is why I am disliked by those who do not want Italy to change and become better,” Meloni said in a video posted on Facebook after announcing the investigation.

    Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and State Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano have also been placed under investigation in the same case, Meloni added.

    The repatriation of al-Masri to Libya, a key partner in Europe’s efforts to stop migrants from crossing the Mediterranean and reaching European shores, sparked outrage from human rights groups and protests from Italy’s opposition parties.

    Meloni said her government will ask the ICC to clarify why it took months to issue the arrest warrant and why it was issued only after al-Masri traveled through at least three European countries.

    Meloni also stressed that al-Masri was released by an order of Rome’s court of appeal and not following the Italian government’s choice.

    Al-Masri was sent to Libya aboard an aircraft of the Italian secret services.

    Meloni said Italy’s government decided to expel him immediately for security reasons and, as it happens in similar cases involving dangerous prisoners, didn’t use a regular flight, also for passengers’ safety.​​​​​​​