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Inside Yahaya Bello’s Media War Room – How His Image Makers Fight Fire With Fire

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), by virtue of its mandate, ought to champion transparency and accountability in public office. However, its decision to honour former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello—currently facing corruption-related charges—raises serious concerns about its professional judgment. Conferring such an award as part of the NUJ’s 70th anniversary celebrations undermines its credibility and suggests a troubling departure from its core values. The gesture was both inappropriate and deeply regrettable.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), by presenting an award to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello—currently facing serious corruption charges—has attracted widespread criticism over what many see as a lapse in professional judgment. The award, presented on June 21 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, was received on Bello’s behalf by former NUJ president and ex-senator Smart Adeyemi. Adeyemi’s role appeared particularly ironic, given his past leadership of the union and the expectation that he would guide the current leadership on ethical matters.

According to the NUJ, the award was in recognition of Bello’s “outstanding contributions to the welfare of journalists,” citing initiatives like the GYB Annual Workshops said to have trained hundreds of journalists and editors. However, such recognition comes at a time when Bello, 50, is under prosecution in two separate cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accuse him of diverting and laundering public funds totalling over ₦190 billion.

One of the charges alleges that Bello conspired with others to siphon over ₦80 billion just weeks after taking office in 2016. Another 16-count charge involves laundering and concealment of ₦110 billion, with some of the funds allegedly used to buy luxury properties in Abuja—including one purchased for ₦950 million in cash. Other allegations involve the use of $500,000 for personal expenses and concealment of funds through fake invoicing and bureau de change transactions. Between 2021 and 2022, another ₦3.08 billion was allegedly hidden during his final years in office.

In 2021, the Anti-Corruption Network, a Kogi-based group, accused Bello’s administration of systemic fraud and irregular contract awards between 2016 and 2019. The administration dismissed the report as politically motivated. In 2024, after the EFCC obtained an arrest warrant, Bello evaded arrest with the help of armed escorts and alleged complicity of serving officials, including Governor Usman Ododo. He was eventually arrested and detained by the EFCC in November 2024. His trial is ongoing, and no conviction has been secured yet.

While Bello is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the public honouring of a high-profile suspect in an active corruption case undermines Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and paints the NUJ as complicit in what critics describe as image laundering. This concern is further heightened by the timing—just days after Bello’s 50th birthday on June 18—when President Bola Tinubu issued a glowing tribute, hailing him as the “youngest democratically elected governor” of the Fourth Republic and praising his role in youth participation.

Perhaps more controversially, a birthday tribute by senior legal luminaries, including a retired Supreme Court Justice and more than a dozen Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), described Bello as a “remarkable public servant” and “inspirer,” praising his “respect for the rule of law”—despite being in the middle of a money laundering trial.

Bello’s defenders argue that the corruption allegations do not define his tenure, pointing to supposed achievements in governance. However, this defence risks normalizing impunity. Celebrating a man under criminal investigation at public events, and with accolades from prominent figures, sends the wrong message. It dilutes the seriousness of the charges and suggests that Nigeria’s war against corruption is more performative than principled.

If an individual facing such monumental allegations can be celebrated so openly, without a modicum of restraint, it underscores a dangerous unseriousness about tackling corruption. The NUJ’s role in this celebratory narrative is especially troubling, as it suggests a departure from its watchdog duty. While Bello is legally presumed innocent until proven guilty, public institutions and moral voices must exercise greater discretion. In cases like this, private celebration may be permissible—but public glorification is tone-deaf and deeply troubling.

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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