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Obasanjo: ‘I Did My Best, But Corruption Remains a Powerful Obstacle’

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has spoken out about the ongoing battle with corruption in Nigeria, describing it as a “great monster” that continues to hinder the nation’s progress. He expressed regret that, despite his efforts during his presidency, the pervasive issue of corruption prevented his initiatives from achieving their intended results.

Obasanjo made these comments on Friday while paying tribute at a ceremony marking the life of Justice Olayinka Ayoola (retd.), the former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), who passed away on August 20, 2024, at the age of 90. The memorial was held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Agodi, in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Reflecting on the challenges posed by corruption, Obasanjo noted, “Corruption is a significant and destructive force that continues to confront us as a nation. It is not that Justice Ayoola, or the ICPC, did not fulfill their roles; nor is it that I, as the one who appointed him, did not take the necessary actions. The problem lies in the overwhelming pressure exerted by this insidious cancer of corruption.”

The former president also took the opportunity to celebrate the life and contributions of Justice Ayoola, describing him as a remarkable individual. “Today, I stand before you to honor the life of this distinguished man, a great Nigerian, a great African, and a global figure, for the impact he made during his time with us.”

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In her tribute, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urged those in attendance to reflect on their own contributions to society. “We must ask ourselves: What role do we want to play in the world, and how will we be remembered when our time comes?” she said. “Justice Ayoola has left an indelible mark on history. His work has greatly enhanced Nigeria’s reputation, and we will deeply miss his presence. The legacy he leaves behind is one that we should all cherish and uphold.”

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished figures, including the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hajo Sarki Bello; Justice Akintola Ladiran; Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Justices Ogunwumiju, Adamu Jauro, Chidiebere Uwa, and Habeeb Adewale Abiru, as well as other Justices of the Supreme Court. Notable attendees also included Dr. Emmanuel Olanrewaju Ayoola, Ambassador Godwin Adama, Dr. Wale Babalakin, and Mr. Folu Olamiti, former spokesperson for the ICPC.

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Just in: Tinubu exposes those behind deadly stampedes

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President Bola Tinubu has accused organisers for the deadly stampedes that occurred during the distribution of relief materials in three states.

Recall in the past week, chaotic scenes in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja led to the deaths of over 60 people, including children, as crowds scrambled for food items.

During a Presidential Media Chat on Monday, Tinubu described the events as a critical failure in planning and execution.

Condolences to those who lost a family member, but it is good to give. I have been giving out food stuff, commodities, etc. in Bourdillon.

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“I am an organized person and that’s why I have been giving people food for the past 25 years and no incident has happened.

“Let this tragedy not affect us”, the Nigerian leader said.

The president also said he has no plans to reduce his cabinet or sack more ministers.

For the controversial tax reform bills, he said it has come to stay.

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He also revealed he has no regrets removing fuel subsidy.

He declared utmost confidence in his security chiefs saying over the past decades, wanton killings has reduced drastically.

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Tinubu To Hold Maiden Presidential Media Chat Tonight

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President Bola Tinubu will hold first presidential chat since assuming office on Monday night.

Accoding to a statement released by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the chat will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on the stations of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.

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“All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast,” the statement.

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‘Putin waiting to meet me as soon as possible’ to end Ukraine war – Trump

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The US President-elect took to the stage AmFest in Phoenix to talk about his contact with the Russian leader.

He told the crowd: “President Putin has said he want to meet with me as soon as possible.”

Trump went on to brand the war “horrible” and stated it needed to end. It is not known whether or not this meeting will take place in person. His comments at the event in the US come as Putin met with another world leader.

Putin held talks in the Kremlin today (December 22) with Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, in a rare visit to Moscow by an EU leader since Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Fico arrived in Russia on a “working visit” and met with Putin one-on-one. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russia’s RIA agency that the talks would focus on “the international situation” and Russian natural gas deliveries.

Visits and phone calls from European leaders to Putin have been rare since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine, although Hungary’s PM Viktor Orban visited Russia in July. Orban’s visit drew condemnation from Kyiv and European leaders.Fico’s views on Russia’s war on Ukraine differ sharply from most other European leaders. The Slovakian PM returned to power last year after his leftist party Smer (Direction) won parliamentary elections on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform. Since then, he has ended his country’s military aid for Ukraine, hit out at EU sanctions on Russia, and vowed to block Ukraine from joining NATO.

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