News
2023: El-Rufai regrets throwing his weight behind Tinubu despite all the odds against him

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ex- Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has publicly expressed regret over supporting President Bola Tinubu despite being aware of his past drug trafficking allegations and certificate forgery scandal.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai revealed that he and others overlooked these issues because they believed Tinubu could replicate his Lagos State governance model on a national scale.
His remarks have sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, raising questions about Tinubu’s credibility and leadership. Tinubu’s 1993 Drug Trafficking Controversy One of the most controversial aspects of Tinubu’s past is his alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking in the United States. In 1993, the United States government seized $460,000 from Tinubu after linking his bank accounts to drug-related financial transactions. During the 2022 presidential campaign, this issue resurfaced when the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois released new documents detailing Tinubu’s alleged money laundering and narcotics dealings. Despite these revelations, Tinubu’s political allies, including El-Rufai, stood by him, believing his economic reforms in Lagos State justified their support.
*Chicago State University Certificate Forgery Scandal*
In addition to the drug case, Tinubu’s academic credentials have been widely disputed. His Chicago State University (CSU) records became a focal point of controversy when Atiku Abubakar, his main opponent in the 2023 elections, legally challenged his academic qualifications. The case led to CSU releasing documents that cast doubt on the authenticity of Tinubu’s certificate, fueling accusations of forgery and misrepresentation. Opposition figures and critics argue that no sitting president should face such credibility issues.
*El-Rufai’s Growing Discontent with Tinubu’s Presidency*
El-Rufai’s statement highlights growing frustration among some of Tinubu’s early supporters. Many expected strong economic policies, governance improvements, and stability, but instead, they argue his government has been marked by: Economic hardship, with rising inflation and currency devaluation. Political instability, including factional crises within the ruling party. Public discontent, with widespread protests over fuel subsidy removal and economic reforms. El-Rufai admitted that despite knowing about Tinubu’s baggage, he expected him to lead effectively.
*Tinubu’s Multi-Million-Dollar Lobbying Efforts in the U.S.*
In response to these damaging allegations, reports indicate that Tinubu has paid U.S. lobbyists $2.7 million to improve his international image. According to exclusive findings, the funds were channeled through foreign lobbying firms to influence U.S. policymakers, media narratives, and public opinion.
*Why is Tinubu Paying Lobbyists?*
To counteract negative media coverage about his past scandals. ✔ To improve U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic relations under his leadership. ✔ To influence Western governments and investors for economic partnerships. Critics argue that instead of addressing domestic issues, Tinubu’s administration is focused on repairing his global reputation.
*What Does This Mean for Tinubu’s Presidency?*
El-Rufai’s public disappointment signals a potential political rift within Tinubu’s camp. With economic hardships mounting and opposition voices growing louder, there are concerns about: ✔ *Dissent within the ruling APC* – Will more political allies distance themselves? ✔
*2027 elections impact* – Will opposition parties use this as campaign ammunition?
*Tinubu’s governance legacy*
– Will he regain public trust, or will these scandals define his tenure?
*Will Tinubu Address These Allegations?*
With mounting criticism from both supporters and opposition, Tinubu faces a critical moment in his presidency. As economic challenges persist and his past resurfaces, Nigerians are demanding transparency and accountability from their leader.
El-Rufai’s bold admission raises an important question: Did Nigeria ignore red flags in electing Tinubu, and will the consequences of that decision impact the nation’s future?
What’s your take on El-Rufai’s statement? Do you think Tinubu should publicly address these issues? Share your thoughts in the comments.
News
Trump declares war in Ukraine could end after productive discussions with Putin

US President Donald Trump has disclosed that the war between Russia and Ukraine could end soon.
According to Trump, this comes after productive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump stated this in a post on his Truth Social, adding that he had requested that Putin spare the lives of completely surrounded Ukrainian troops.
“We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end,” Trump said.
The Truth Social post did not say whether Trump and Putin had spoken to each other.
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin had used the meeting to convey to Trump through Witkoff.
Peskov added that Russia and the US would work out the timing of a phone call between their presidents once Witkoff had briefed Trump.
The US president has said he wants Moscow and Kyiv to agree to a swift ceasefire to pause fighting in a conflict which he has warned has the potential to spiral into World War Three and has already cost many lives on both sides.
News
MEET Nigerian born Joshua Beckford, youngest person to attend Oxford University

Joshua Beckford gained worldwide recognition as the youngest person ever to study at Oxford University.
The youngster was admitted at age six (taking part in courses which were part of an online learning platform for gifted children) and gained distinctions in both Philosophy and History.
When Beckford’s father, Knox Daniel, wrote to Oxford University advocating for his son’s admission, it was a bold move to challenge the conventional age limits for a programme aimed at children aged eight to 13.
His record remains unmatched, with the next youngest Oxford student being at least two years older at the time of admission.
By 10 months old, Beckford could already identify letters and numbers. At age two and a half, he could read fluently using phonics and had begun learning Japanese and some Mandarin.
Aspiring to become a neurosurgeon, Beckford has already demonstrated remarkable medical knowledge.
Using the Microsoft Surgery Simulator, he has mastered complex surgical procedures, including cataract removal, hernia repair and leg fracture correction. His proficiency with surgical instruments showcases his extraordinary abilities beyond his years.
Beyond medicine, Beckford is multi-talented, excelling in art, Information Technology (IT), sports and foreign languages.
In 2017, Beckford was named Positive Role Model of the Year at the UK’s National Diversity Awards.
The Illumination Foundation of North Carolina also listed him among the Top 30 Most Extraordinary People worldwide who have made societal impact.
Beckford serves as an ambassador for the Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network (BMAN), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to mentoring young boys and adolescents in Africa. Within BMAN, he holds the role of Low-Income Families Education (L.I.F.E) Support Ambassador across six countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and the United Kingdom where he was born.
Joshua Beckford also serves as the face of the National Autistic Society’s Black and Minority (BME) campaign. Diagnosed with high-functioning autism himself, he helps to spread the campaign’s mission.
In 2019, Beckford and his father travelled to Nigeria to launch a live mentoring session, delivering a keynote speech at the University of Lagos before an audience of nearly 5,000 people. Their visit was to raise funds for building a secondary school in Kaduna State, providing education to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to a statement on UNILAG’s website, the proposed school was to include classrooms, an administrative block, a laboratory, an ICT Centre and an agriculture green garden and was to be named Joshua Beckford Community School.
News
Dayo Amusa opens up on alleged affair with KWAM 1

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has opened up on alleged romance with Fuji music icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, better known as K1 De Ultimate (KWAM 1).
Speaking on Oyinmomo TV, she dismissed the rumors, made it clear that what they share is far from romance.
She described their connection as one built on deep respect and unwavering support, a bond that has nothing to do with the assumptions people make when they see a man and a woman close.
Amusa spoke of K1 not just as a friend, but as a father figure, a guiding force, and an unwavering pillar in her life..
The movie star revealed how he became her silent anchor in ways she never saw coming, wiped her tears, and pushed her forward when everything seemed to be working against her especially in her movie career, where his influence and support gave her the strength to rise beyond limitations.
For Amusa, a man like that is a presence to be cherished, no matter how many times the world tries to twist the narrative.
This follows her fiery social media outburst in November 2024, where she fiercely shut down relentless speculations and invasive questions about her newborn’s father.
What began as a wave of congratulatory messages quickly spiraled into a frenzy of gossip, fueled by none other than the notorious blogger Auto Bola. The actress soon found herself at the center of a paternity storm, her joy overshadowed by whispers and relentless online probing.
Auto Bola, with her never-ending videos, refused to back down, hammering Dayo with demands to unveil her child’s father.
In her relentless pursuit of a scandal, she dragged King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, assumed he is Amusa’s baby daddy.
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