Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Following the suspension of the Nigerian Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu by President Bola Tinubu over a N585 million scandal involving financial infractions, she was denied access to the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been directed to investigate, with Edu expected to be questioned today. Edu is accused of approving payments into private accounts. A panel, led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, will reform social investment programs. Edu denies wrongdoing, attributing the funds to vulnerable groups. Tinubu vows to uphold integrity in public funds management. The EFCC is also questioning Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, over alleged laundering.
2. Doyin Okupe, former Director General of Peter Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization, has resigned from the Labour Party (LP), citing ideological differences that emerged after the 2023 elections. Okupe, a lifelong adherent to right-wing and liberal democratic principles, found the left-of-center ideology of the LP incompatible with his beliefs. In a letter, he expressed gratitude to the party for providing a platform for the 2023 elections but explained that the electoral loss made it difficult for him to remain in a party with conflicting ideologies. Okupe thanked the party leadership and wished them success in future endeavors.
3. The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has declared the prolonged detention of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, without trial as a violation of his fundamental rights. The court imposed a N100 million fine on the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and barred them from re-arresting or detaining Emefiele without a valid court order. Emefiele had been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) and later by the EFCC, facing charges related to procurement fraud. The EFCC expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment and plans to appeal, citing a valid court order for Emefiele’s initial detention. Meanwhile, The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, clarified his alleged involvement in the N438.1 million consultancy contract between New Planet Project Limited and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Tunji-Ojo, appearing on Channels TV, explained that he founded the company but resigned from directorship in 2019 when he contested for the House of Representatives. He said he was not involved in the day-to-day running of New Planet Project Limited, calling the report shocking.
4. President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the Chief Executives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) as part of a restructuring initiative. The affected officials are Babatunde Irukera (FCCPC) and Alexander Ayoola Okoh (BPE). The President directed them to hand over to the next most senior officer in their respective agencies immediately. The move is aimed at repositioning critical government agencies to protect consumer rights and enhance contributions to the nation’s economy.
5. Nigerian digital bank Kuda, in its New Year message, announced it has processed N55.8 trillion ($61.4 billion) in transactions since its launch in August 2019. With over seven million customers, the neobank showcased resilience and success in 2023, facing economic challenges. CEO Babs Ogundeyi expressed gratitude to customers and highlighted achievements, including launching cashless features during a cash crunch and enhancing services for entrepreneurs. Operating under a microfinance bank license, Kuda expanded internationally to the UK and Pakistan.
6. Former Liverpool player Sadio Mane has married his longtime girlfriend, Aisha Tamba, in a private ceremony in Dakar, Senegal. The Al-Nassr forward has kept his personal life private, making the news of his marriage a surprise for football fans. Mane and Tamba, who have been together since their teenage years, have shared pictures from a pre-wedding photoshoot. Mane, known for his secrecy, previously expressed his desire to marry someone without a social media presence and with strong religious values. He has now left Saudi Arabia to join the Senegalese football team for the upcoming African Cup of Nations starting on January 13.
7. Tee Billz, music executive and Tiwa Savage’s estranged husband, has threatened to teach Davido a lesson for allegedly disrespecting his family. Despite the love shown to Davido’s daughter by Tee Billz, Tiwa Savage, and their son, he claims Davido disrespected his family. Tee Billz, not disclosing the specifics, vows that Davido’s family will be the last he disrespects. He plans to reveal details after the Grammys and asserts that he will teach Davido a life lesson about money, sense, and respect. The tension follows recent Instagram unfollows between Davido and Tiwa Savage.
