Author

Folarin Kehinde

Headlines

Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria faces sexual harassment allegations at Abuja embassy

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Usra Hendra Harahap, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, is under investigation following allegations of sexual harassment by a former staff member at the Indonesian Embassy in Abuja.

Jakarta Globe reports that the allegations, outlined in a petition by the victim’s legal team, claim that the incident occurred on February 7 during official duties.

The victim, whose identity remains confidential for privacy reasons, described the encounter as traumatic and has since returned to Jakarta to seek counselling and support.

A psychological evaluation conducted by Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry reportedly diagnosed the victim with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

She also alleged retaliation, including unjustified termination and excessive scrutiny in her role at the embassy.

The victim’s legal representatives have called for an independent investigation, the reversal of her termination, and compensation for damages suffered.

Roy Soemirat, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia, confirmed that the Ministry is taking the allegations seriously.

“We are thoroughly examining the reports, ensuring that the investigation follows all legal guidelines,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Ministry has also extended psychological support to the victim and reiterated its commitment to addressing sexual violence within its diplomatic ranks.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Tinubu
Headlines

Bola Tinubu rank 3rd most corrupt President Globally

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has been ranked among the world’s most corrupt leaders.

This is according to a ranking released by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

The award comes after a global poll that sought to spotlight individuals notorious for promoting corruption and criminal activities.

According to the OCCRP, Tinubu came third in the poll, following Kenyan President William Ruto and former Indonesian President Joko Widodo. However, the overall “Person of the Year” title was awarded to Bashar al-Assad, the recently ousted leader of Syria.

Tinubu’s alleged role in entrenching a regime of corruption in Nigeria earned him this dubious distinction. His eight-year tenure as governor of Lagos, from 1999 to 2007, was marred by allegations of corruption and amassing wealth for himself and his family.

The recent controversy surrounding the award of a multitrillion-naira road project to a company run by his son has only added to the reputation that handed the Nigerian leader the award.

Tinubu’s alleged history as a cocaine dealer in Chicago and allegations of certificate forgery have also been cited as reasons for his inclusion in the OCCRP ranking.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Martins
Entertainment

Stolen Funds: N78m recovered, 102m still missing – Verydarkman

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Controversial social critic, Verydarkman has disclosed that N78 million out of the N180 million allegedly stolen from his NGO account has been recovered.

The revelation comes days after he took to Instagram on Friday to raise an alarm about the hacking of his organization’s account, claiming N180 million was missing.

However, his statement sparked skepticism, with many questioning the credibility of his claims.

Providing an update on the recovery process via Instagram on Sunday, Verydarkman expressed gratitude and shared the next steps in the investigation.

“Thanks to the people who called to check up on me. I also want to thank God for the process so far: we have been able to recover N78m, even though the suspect pointed out that the person he did with has run to Ghana, so hopefully, we would be going to Ghana very soon,” he said.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

I’m ready for war’ – Dele Farotimi dares Afe Babalola

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Embattled human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, on Sunday said he is ready to face his ongoing trial.

Farotimi said his battle axes have been sharpened, and his guns primed, ready for war.

Posting on X, the activist lawyer said he’s strong enough to confront principalities and powers.

“I am strong enough to rumble unruffled against principalities and powers, but I am human enough to retain the capacity to shed tears of joy in appreciation of the grace of God, expressed in the concerted efforts of fellow victims.

“My battle axes are newly sharpened, my guns primed, I am ready to war.

“My resolve was NEVER tested, but I was waiting for next round of the fight to commence.

“I KNEW that the first round had been lost by those responsible for my imprisonment.”

A few weeks ago, a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti had granted Farotimi N30 million bail.

Farotimi was subsequently freed after meeting his bail conditions.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

I brought you back to life politically, Wike blasts Odili

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has hit back at a former Governor of Rivers state, Dr Peter Odili who he said was politically dead until he decided to revive him.

Describing him as a sycophant who would praise any government in power for pecuniary gains, Wike said he won’t be shocked if Odili goes ahead to arrange a new wife for the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Recalling how Odili praised him to high heavens when he (Wike) was governor, the minister said Dr Odili went as far as hanging his (Wike’s) portraits in all the rooms in his house, including the kitchen ams toilets.

Describing Dr Odili as a rent seeker, he said “an elder statesman should not be a trader and a sycophant all the time.”

Dr Odili was quoted to have said that Fubara stopped Wike from turning the state into a private estate.

Odili who spoke at a Christmas ballad organized by him in honour of Governor Fubara and his family, said the governor summoned an unusual fortitude to confront the quest by Wike to capture Rivers state through ferocious, but unnecessary political war.

“Governor Fubara confronted the challenge, prevented the quest by one man to capture the State as a private estate, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance and made civil servants and Rivers people happier as it used to be” he said.

Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said Wike spoke on Sunday at a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Anglican Communion, Eliozu Parish of the Diocese of Evo in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

He said it was unfortunate that somebody who was supposed to be seen as an elder statesman and a father could reduce himself to a sycophant and a trader.

“Must you be a trader all the time? As governor for eight years, what else are you looking for?”, Wike queried.

Speaking further, the Minister said; “You know, I didn’t want to say anything, but somebody called me last night, and told me what someone said in the social media. I said until I read it myself. This morning, I read in the newspapers, what our former Governor, Sir Dr Peter Odili said.

“What did he say? He said that the present governor has been able to stop one man who wanted to convert Rivers State to his personal estate.

“Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State to his personal estate? His wife is a Chairman of Governing Council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge and he is the general overseer. Who has now turned Rivers State to his private estate? I am sure if care is not taken, if there is a chance, he can even arrange a marriage for the governor.

“It was his nephew, his late elder brother’s son who was recommended for commissioner. He took the slot and gave it to his own daughter. Someone who didn’t remember to stand for the son of his late elder brother, is that an elder statesman?”

Wike said it was painful that Dr Odili, out of political sycophancy, has forgotten all that he said in the past, adding that; “All of you here remember when I was governor, this same Odili praised me to high heavens. In fact, he said then that all past governors in Rivers State combined did not do better than me.

“In 2007 after he left office, he couldn’t come near power in the State because Amaechi was the governor then. He was gone!

“Like somebody said that God will use someone to lift up someone. When I came in as governor in 2015, I won’t use the word resurrected, but I brought him back to life.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

“Don’t marry from other churches else’… Apostle Suleman warn members

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Apostle Johnson Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries has warned his members against marrying outside the church.

He gave the warning while highlighting the advantages of his male congregants marrying women within the church.

Suleman, speaking during his recent sermon, stated that he would no longer attend the weddings of his members who choose to marry women from other churches.

In a now viral video on social media, he said “If you wed somebody outside the ministry, I will not attend the wedding because there’s a lot of daughters in this church and you are looking outside.

“The wedding will be conducted. They will wed you but I will not come. 70% of the crisis I have handled in the past two months is from people that married the girls from outside here.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

Ohanaeze Ndigbo drops Peter Obi, crowns Dave Umahi 2024 Igbo Man of the Year

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Senator Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has been crowned 2024 Igbo Man of the Year by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

In a year marked by intense scrutiny and competition among Southeastern leaders, Umahi emerged as the standout figure, surpassing prominent names like former presidential candidate Peter Obi, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu.

“Umahi’s exemplary performance as Minister of Works has set him apart. His leadership in spearheading the rehabilitation of critical federal roads in the Southeast, utilizing innovative cement technology, and creating sustainable job opportunities has earned him widespread acclaim.

“These efforts have not only enhanced infrastructure but also addressed security concerns along major highways, fostering a safer and more connected region.

“Additionally, Umahi’s strategic diplomacy in maintaining a harmonious relationship between the Southeast and the Federal Government has been a game-changer.

“His ability to prevent regional disruptions during nationwide protests highlighted his commitment to peace and progress, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader,” Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said in a statement.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo stated that its selection process involved a thorough evaluation based on its newly developed “Igbo Performance Perimeters and Indexes.”

The organisation noted while several leaders showcased remarkable accomplishments, Umahi’s performance in infrastructure development and regional advocacy outshone the rest.

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was named the second-best performer among National Assembly members.

Governors Peter Mba of Enugu and Francis Nwaifuru of Ebonyi were also celebrated for upholding local government autonomy and ensuring transparency in governance.

Isiguzoro added: “This recognition is a testament to the power of purposeful leadership.

“We urge all leaders to emulate Umahi’s commitment to progress and use their positions to serve the Southeast and Nigeria at large.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

“Not yet time” – Gbajabiamila reacts to rumours of his Lagos governorship ambition

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed speculations about his potential bid for the governorship of Lagos State, stressing that his current focus remains on his duties in the presidency.

Speaking at the general assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday, Gbajabiamila attributed the rumours to detractors attempting to undermine his political progress.

“Some people are saying he came back from America about 20 years ago. After spending three to four years, he became the principal officer to the Minority Whip, from there he became Minority Leader, then Majority Leader, and from Majority Leader, he became Speaker,” Gbajabiamila said.

He noted that some individuals see his rise in politics as a threat and believe he might return to Lagos to contest for governor.

“They think with the way I’m progressing, it’s time to quickly drag me down so I won’t have any standing in Lagos,” he stated.

However, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives made it clear that the governorship race is not on his agenda for now.

“Please tell them it’s not yet time for governorship. There are still two and a half years left—it’s still far. God Almighty knows who will become the next governor,” Gbajabiamila noted.

Addressing the challenges of his current position, he added, “My current job as Chief of Staff is so demanding that I can’t even finish it. I don’t have the time to be thinking about governorship.”

The remarks come amid growing speculation surrounding potential contenders for the Lagos governorship seat, with names like Lagos State Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, also being mentioned.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Headlines

BREAKING: Kwara State Governor’s Chief of Staff Confirmed Dead

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Chief of Staff to Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, Prince Mahe Abdulkadir, has passed away after a brief illness at age 73.

According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the late Chief of Staff died in the early hours of Saturday, December 28, 2024.

The statement described Prince Mahe’s death as a tragic loss.

The statement said, “In total submission to the will of Allaah, we regret to announce the passing of the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Prince AbdulKadir Mahe. He died this morning, December 28, 2024, as has been destined by Allah.

“The late CoS will be buried today at his residence on Moro Street, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, after the Asr prayer. His Excellency deeply mourns the death of Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, a perfect gentleman, community leader, urbane public servant, and statesman.

“The Governor commiserates with the Emir of Ilorin Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; the immediate family of Prince AbdulKadir; government establishments; and cabinet members. We ask for the understanding of everyone during this mournful period as the government and family mourn the quintessential public servant.

“We pray that Allaah accepts his return, ease his accounts, admit him to al-Jannah Firdaus, and uphold his family upon goodness”, the statement said.

The late Prince Mahe will be buried today at his residence on Moro Street, Adewole Estate, Ilorin.

Prince Mahe was the eldest son of the 10th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir. He was appointed Chief of Staff about 17 months ago, succeeding the former Chief of Staff, Alhaji Adisa Logun, who also died in office about three years ago during the first term of the governor.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
gunmen
Headlines

Gunmen kidnap Ondo Pastor, wife, children, demand N75m ransom

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Gunmen have abducted a cleric, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, on Ise Akoko/Iboropa Road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Olowolagba attached to the Akoko Anglican Diocese was reportedly kidnapped by the gunmen alongside his wife and two children while travelling along the road last Sunday.

Daily Trust reports that one of the children identified as Goodness was said to be a fresh student at the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko (AAUA) and was on Christmas holiday.

Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Babajide Bada, confirmed the incident to journalists in Akure, on Saturday.

Bada said the cleric and his family members were travelling from Ipesi through Isua Akoko when the gunmen waylaid their vehicle before marching them into the bush.

“The unfortunate incident happened last week [Sunday] between 4pm and 5:30pm. He (Olowolagba) was travelling from Ipesi with his wife, Mrs Olowolagba, and their 16-year-old daughter, Goodness Olowolagba, a 100-level student at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko (AAUA), who came for a holiday at home, and a nine-year-old girl staying with them, identified as Idowu.

“They drove from Ipesi through Isua Akoko, and when they got to between Isua and Ise-Akoko, they were kidnapped. And we did not know, until the following morning, when their members discovered that they didn’t get to Ikaram, where they were going.

“Since then, those who kidnapped them have been calling. They called to ask for a ransom. The kidnappers had insisted on a N75 million before they could set free the victims.”

The cleric said that the matter had been reported to the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun.
“Amotekun is working because we have reported the matter at the Amotekun office in Akure, and they have started work to secure the release of the victims.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts