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Shettima Steps In, Warns Akume–Alia Rift Could Cost Benue Dearly.
According to Nivo News, Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to put aside their differences and work in unity for the progress of the state and the nation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Shettima cautioned that any prolonged disagreement between the two leaders could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Benue State but also for the entire North-Central region and Nigeria as a whole. He made the appeal on Sunday in Makurdi while speaking at the wedding reception of Akume’s son, where he highlighted Benue’s critical role in Nigeria’s unity and development.
The Vice President described Benue as far more than the country’s food basket, stressing its influence in shaping national cohesion and political direction. He noted that the state has consistently played a leading role in fostering national integration and stability.
Shettima also commended the Tiv people, whom he described as the largest non-Muslim ethnic group in Northern Nigeria, with significant populations across several states and the Federal Capital Territory. He praised their sense of responsibility and patriotism, particularly during the 2023 general elections, which he described as one of the most polarising in recent history.
Reflecting on the elections, Shettima applauded Benue voters for prioritising national interest over ethnic or religious considerations, describing the decision as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
The Vice President further praised Akume’s leadership, portraying him as a unifying figure whose influence extends beyond Benue to the entire North-Central zone and the country at large. He warned against political disunity, stressing that unresolved conflicts among leaders often end up hurting ordinary citizens the most.
Quoting the words of American civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., Shettima warned that division could be destructive if not addressed, emphasizing that harmony and cooperation remain essential for progress. He stressed that the disagreement between Akume and Governor Alia must not be allowed to deepen, as the people of Benue would ultimately pay the price.
Shettima described Akume as one of Nigeria’s most experienced public servants, highlighting his long and distinguished career spanning multiple key positions in government. He noted that Akume’s decades of service underscore his continued relevance and leadership stature in national affairs.
Despite acknowledging past political differences, the Vice President insisted that unity must take precedence. He assured that he would personally work towards reconciling both leaders, emphasizing that peace, cooperation, and shared responsibility are crucial for the stability and development of Benue State, the North-Central region, and Nigeria as a whole.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed how he rejected an offer of political asylum from the United States despite warnings that he could be arrested if he returned to Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The former leader also recounted how he left the Nigerian Army to pursue farming before his return to the country led to his arrest and imprisonment under the administration of late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Obasanjo shared the experience while discussing his encounter with Abacha in an interview featured in a video published by BBC News Pidgin on Tuesday.
The 89-year-old explained that he ventured into agriculture after leaving office as Nigeria’s military Head of State in 1979.
According to him, his farming business was progressing successfully until Abacha allegedly made plans to eliminate him.
Obasanjo said he had not intended to retire from the Army at the age of 42, but had reached the highest position possible in the military, having become a four-star general and Head of State.
He said, “When I was leaving government as military head of state, there was, I was leaving too early. I didn’t join the army to retire at the age of 42.
“Now I had to retire at the age of 42. At the age of 42, I had become a four-star general. There’s nothing else I can do in the army. I’ve become the military head of state. That’s the highest political office I could rise.
“So what can I do? I decided I would go into farming. It really was going well, and it went well until I was arrested. Abacha had decided that I must be liquidated; otherwise he would not be able to have his way.”
The former President further disclosed that he was unaware of the alleged plan against him until the American ambassador to Nigeria contacted him while he was travelling.
According to Obasanjo, the ambassador informed him that the US government had offered him political asylum because it anticipated that he would be arrested if he returned to Nigeria.
However, he said he rejected the offer because he believed he had committed no offence that warranted an arrest.
He explained that upon arriving in Nigeria, his passport was seized, and he headed to his farm, only to discover that security operatives had surrounded the premises.
Obasanjo said a plain-clothes police officer later approached him, claiming that an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) wanted him to assist with an issue.
He recalled rejecting the invitation, insisting that the AIG should personally come to his farm if he needed his assistance.
The former leader said he eventually drove himself to the police station, where the AIG informed him that he had been instructed to arrest him.
Obasanjo added that he was subsequently detained, and former US President Jimmy Carter later intervened on his behalf, leading to his placement under house arrest.
However, he said security operatives returned one night while he was playing squash at about 1 a.m. and took him away to prison.
He said, “I didn’t know that it was a decision of Abacha that some of us must not be kept free; otherwise, he would feel unsafe. I was put in a place. Then President Jimmy Carter came. He pleaded, and then they put me under house arrest.
“Then they came one day; I was playing squash at about 1 am. They came and said they were taking me away. And they took me away, and from there, I went to prison.”
Nigerian music producer Krizbeatz has recounted an experience from a visit to the residence of popular Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The producer shared the story while speaking about his Christian faith during an interview on the Zikoko podcast.
Krizbeatz described himself as someone who grew up in the church and has continued to maintain a connection with Christianity.
Recalling his encounter with Tiwa Savage during a music production session, he said he visited the singer’s home to work on her song titled Energy.
However, he was surprised by what he found the award-winning singer doing when he arrived at her residence.
According to him, Tiwa Savage was reading the Bible at the time.
He said, “I am the producer of Tiwa Savage’s song ‘Energy.’ The day I visited her house to produce the song, I saw her reading the Bible.”
Meanwhile, Tiwa Savage recently responded to a social media user who questioned her decision to describe herself as an African Baddie.
The controversy started after the man criticised the singer for using the description despite being in her 40s.
He wrote, “African baddie at 40… this one no serious.”
Reacting, the singer disclosed that she is 46 years old and expressed confidence in her appearance, financial status and music career.
She also dismissed the criticism while promoting her forthcoming song, African Baddie.
Tiwa wrote, “46, fine, paid, unbothered and dropping my super hottttt record ‘African Baddie’ on Friday. What exactly is the problem, boy?😂 #AfricanBaddie.”
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed how he rejected an offer of political asylum from the United States despite warnings that he could be arrested if he returned to Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The former leader also recounted how he left the Nigerian Army to pursue farming before his return to the country led to his arrest and imprisonment under the administration of late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Obasanjo shared the experience while discussing his encounter with Abacha in an interview featured in a video published by BBC News Pidgin on Tuesday.
The 89-year-old explained that he ventured into agriculture after leaving office as Nigeria’s military Head of State in 1979.
According to him, his farming business was progressing successfully until Abacha allegedly made plans to eliminate him.
Obasanjo said he had not intended to retire from the Army at the age of 42, but had reached the highest position possible in the military, having become a four-star general and Head of State.
He said, “When I was leaving government as military head of state, there was, I was leaving too early. I didn’t join the army to retire at the age of 42.
“Now I had to retire at the age of 42. At the age of 42, I had become a four-star general. There’s nothing else I can do in the army. I’ve become the military head of state. That’s the highest political office I could rise.
“So what can I do? I decided I would go into farming. It really was going well, and it went well until I was arrested. Abacha had decided that I must be liquidated; otherwise he would not be able to have his way.”
The former President further disclosed that he was unaware of the alleged plan against him until the American ambassador to Nigeria contacted him while he was travelling.
According to Obasanjo, the ambassador informed him that the US government had offered him political asylum because it anticipated that he would be arrested if he returned to Nigeria.
However, he said he rejected the offer because he believed he had committed no offence that warranted an arrest.
He explained that upon arriving in Nigeria, his passport was seized, and he headed to his farm, only to discover that security operatives had surrounded the premises.
Obasanjo said a plain-clothes police officer later approached him, claiming that an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) wanted him to assist with an issue.
He recalled rejecting the invitation, insisting that the AIG should personally come to his farm if he needed his assistance.
The former leader said he eventually drove himself to the police station, where the AIG informed him that he had been instructed to arrest him.
Obasanjo added that he was subsequently detained, and former US President Jimmy Carter later intervened on his behalf, leading to his placement under house arrest.
However, he said security operatives returned one night while he was playing squash at about 1 a.m. and took him away to prison.
He said, “I didn’t know that it was a decision of Abacha that some of us must not be kept free; otherwise, he would feel unsafe. I was put in a place. Then President Jimmy Carter came. He pleaded, and then they put me under house arrest.
“Then they came one day; I was playing squash at about 1 am. They came and said they were taking me away. And they took me away, and from there, I went to prison.”
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