News

2023 Elections – Shina Peller Acknowledges Call To Run For President

The member representing the Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola federal constituency, Honorable Shina Peller has acknowledged the call of the Progressive Youth of Nigeria for him to run for president.

In what has become the new trend in the Nigerian political space, campaign posters of Peller were seen flooding the streets before he is yet to make his intentions official.

Peller said he was aware of the posters (which were made by the Progressive Youth of Nigeria) and that he aligns with the courage of the youths clamoring for a vibrant and innovative Nigerian to take up the nation’s highest office.

However, Peller added that the nation was suffering from a system failure, thus it isn’t time to get carried away by selfish ambitions.

Without officially declaring his bid for the presidential seat, Peller said he would work with his party to ensure that the best man emerged flagbearer at the party primaries.

The rep member made this known while speaking at the fourth Shina Peller/NUJ Oyo Chapel Ramadan lecture on Monday, April 18, 2022.

Here is his speech in full;

“I’m aware of this because I have been visited by various youth groups calling on me to officially declare for the highest office in the country. I have been able to have a conversation with the group that is responsible for polling out the posters and they are the Progressive Youth of Nigeria, basically the Northern Youth.”

“They are clamouring for energetic, vibrant, innovative Nigerians who are successful both in private and public lines, all these qualities fit me truly and they are clamouring to run for Presidency in Nigeria come 2023.”

“I align with their courage, doggedness, and youthful determination for a vibrant person to lead. Northern youths, in particular, have demanded that I join the presidential race, scattering Shina Peller for President posters across the country. As Nigeria is at crossroads, the nation needs politicians and leaders who can make sacrifices at this crucial time. More so, it will give meaning to the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ bill that was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari a few years ago. A bill that has since paved the way for young people to contest elections in Nigeria.”

“But like I have always said, our country is suffering from failure; this is not the time to get carried away by individual ambition or interest, but about collectively redefining the destiny of our great nation. It is for this reason that I have chosen to work with my party to ensure only a candidate who can provide the desired leadership emerges out of the primaries.”

“I’m working with my party to ensure that we put into consideration the inclusiveness of women, youth, and people with disabilities. I would work with my party to ensure whoever comes up as the candidate of our party flagbearer. I align myself with the yearning of young people calling for a younger president.”

In addition to being a politician, Shina Peller is also recognized as a businessman who owns and operates the Aquila Group of Companies and Club Quilox.

News

EFCC to Arrest EezeeTee over Mercy Chinwo’s $340,000 Royalties

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that Ezekiel Thankgod, known as EezeeTee, must appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi to answer allegations concerning Mercy Chinwo’s royalties.
The EFCC accuses Thankgod of laundering and dishonestly converting $340,000 in royalties meant for the gospel artiste.

According to the EFCC’s statement, Justice A. O. Owoeye ruled on Monday, February 17, 2025, that the defendant must appear in court to take his plea, setting March 6, 2025, as the next hearing date.

“The defendant, Ezekiel Thankgod, has consistently evaded arraignment despite multiple attempts by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate to serve him. This prompted the issuance of a warrant for his arrest on January 16, 2025,” the commission’s statement read.

The EFCC detailed that the former manager of Mercy Chinwo and the CEO of Eezee Global Concepts Limited are facing a three-count charge involving money laundering and dishonest royalties conversion.

One of the charges states that in 2023, Thankgod retained $260,494 in an EEZEE Global Ministry account with Zenith Bank, an amount allegedly linked to unlawful activity.

The EFCC prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, noted that the agency had been unable to serve the charges directly to Thankgod, as he remained unreachable.

However, on January 24, 2025, his defense counsel, Dr Monday Ubani, SAN, accepted service on his behalf but filed a preliminary objection to challenge the charges.

Justice Owoeye had previously adjourned the case for arraignment, but Thankgod failed to appear, opting to be represented by his counsel.

With the bench warrant still active, the EFCC insists that the accused must personally appear in court on March 6 to defend himself.

News

AfDB President Hints At Possible Run For Nigerian Presidency

The outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at the possibility of running for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, stating he is “available to serve” once his tenure at the bank concludes.

In an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni, Adesina, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan, affirmed his commitment to national service, saying he is open to serving “globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country, Nigeria.”

When asked directly about his political ambitions, Adesina reflected on his deep attachment to Nigeria, recalling a moment when he chose to retain his Nigerian citizenship despite the opportunity to obtain a U.S. passport.

“I remember telling a colleague that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport. I cannot and will never trade it for anything,” he said. “God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian. He didn’t make a mistake in making me an African.”

Expressing his passion for public service, Adesina noted that his ultimate source of happiness is witnessing a transformative change in people’s lives.

Drawing a parallel with Nigerian pop artist Davido’s hit song, ‘Unavailable,’ Adesina playfully remarked, “I would ask Davido to change that song—‘I am available, they will see me.’”

Adesina was first elected as AfDB President in 2015 and secured re-election for a second term in 2020. His tenure at the continental financial institution has been marked by a focus on economic development, infrastructure financing, and poverty alleviation across Africa.

While he did not declare his candidacy for the 2027 presidential race, his remarks have fueled speculation about his political future.

His track record and reputation as an economic reformer have long positioned him as a potential contender for Nigeria’s highest office.

As Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts towards the next general elections, Adesina’s latest remarks may signal a move towards a more defined political role.

Whether he formally declares his ambition remains to be seen, but his message was clear: he is ready to serve in any capacity that aligns with his vision for change

Celebs

Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga Passes On

Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga, popularly known for his role as a native doctor is dead.

His death was announced on Instagram on Thursday by fellow movie star, Hilda Dokubo.

Sharing the news, Dokubo wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport Rivers State Nollywood.”

Beyond acting, he was a senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Port Harcourt.

His most notable film roles include Issakaba (2003) and 7 Kilometre (2015).

Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama (City People Entertainment Awards), Most Promising Actor in Nigeria (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Best of Nollywood Awards).