The defection of Nigeria’s former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode to the nation’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has re-opened conversations regarding the back and forth of Nigerian politicians across political parties depending on what serves their selfish interests per time.
On one hand, it shows the lack of an ideology and values on the part of the politicians as their defections are always selfish and disgusting to see, at best. On the other hand, is the lack of fundamental principles in the political parties themselves as they are open to embracing just anyone that will seem to help them score some political points in one way on the other, irrespective of the individuals’ history and how that may rub off on the party.
This last point has been the genesis of most internal party squabbles as most times these defections come with promises of positions by the parties and this results in rancour within the party system as older members begin to feel aggrieved and disregarded.
However, one of the conversations that have been opened up with the latest defection is the fact that corrupt politicians now move to the ruling party, the APC, to escaped political charges. This conversation holds sway because it has been noted that several politicians in the APC have thrived despite the political scandals hanging over their heads.
And for a government that boasts about fighting corruption, this trend has reduced that agenda to an empty talk – a social media joke, at best. It is often quoted among critics of the Buhari-lead administration that the president treats corrupt politicians in the opposition parties (the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) precisely) with insecticides but treats corrupt politicians in his own party with perfumes.
Furthermore, several members of the APC have boasted publicly while trying to woo prominent politicians from other parties that they can do no wrong if they join the ruling party. A case in point is a quote by Adams Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the APC, during the 2019 elections when he announced that those who joined the ruling party would have their “sins” forgiven.
“I am told that there are a lot of very senior people from PDP who have decided to join forces with President Buhari to take the broom to sweep away PDP and to continue to ensure that APC continues to preside all over Nigeria. We have quite a number of other leaders who have come. We have quite a number of other leaders who have come… in fact, once you have joined APC, all your sins are forgiven.”
Here is a list of some politicians (and non-politicians as well) in the APC who have been protected by the party and have avoided prosecution by the nations’ anti-graft agencies.
Senator Godswill Akpabio – Accused of diverting over N100 billion while he was governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015. Involved in N40 billion fraud in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje – Bribe video scandal
Orji Uzor Kalu – Alleged money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the tune of N3.2 billion.
David Umahi – Alleged diversion of N400 million into private pockets during the 2015 presidential election through an arms deal.
Adams Oshiomhole – Petitioned over allegations of large scale corruption, during his days as governor of Edo State and APC National Chairman.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu – Prosecuted alongside 18 others for allegedly stealing N15bn from the treasury through contracts awarded when he was governor for eight years. His son, Nurianu, was also arraigned by the EFCC in January 2018 for alleged N90m fraud.
Senator Stella Oduah – Under investigation by the EFCC for her alleged involvement in over N9.4 billion fraud.
Rotimi Amaechi – Accused of allegedly misappropriating N97bn through the sale of the state valued assets.
Abdul’ aziz Yari – Alleged to have diverted almost N700m from the Paris Club refunds to his state.
Adebayo Alao-Akala – Accused of an N11.5 billion fraud by the EFCC.
Hope Uzodimma – Alleged to have diverted the sum of $12m for the dredging of the Calabar channel, a contract awarded to his company by the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA).
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro – charged for the N4.7 billion traced to firms linked to him, and had charges instituted against him by the EFCC.
Odumodublvck drops 23-track Industry Machine album
Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has officially dropped his highly anticipated 23-track album, Industry Machine, featuring powerhouse collaborations with Wizkid, Davido, Skepta, Seun Kuti, and several others. Produced by Telz and P.Priime, the project seamlessly fuses hip-hop and Afrobeats, underscoring Odumodublvck’s versatility and bold sonic direction. Within hours of its release, the album soared to No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart, signaling both widespread acclaim and the rapper’s growing dominance in the music industry.
Among the standout tracks, “Big Time” featuring Wizkid debuted at No. 9 on Apple Music’s Top Songs chart, earning praise for its infectious rhythm, Wizkid’s captivating verse, and Odumodublvck’s sharp lyricism. Fans and critics alike have hailed Industry Machine as a defining moment in Nigerian music, celebrating its high production value and collaborative depth. Speaking on the project, Odumodublvck described it as “a celebration of creativity, hustle, and the evolution of the industry,” cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most innovative and influential rap voices.
For a while now, followers of Nigerian music have been keenly aware of the concept of the ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE.’ The swaggering phrase has been an integral part of the digital vocabulary of Nigerian rapper and singer, ODUMODUBLVCK, hinting at the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2023 mixtape, ‘EZIOKWU’, which spawned several hit tracks and established his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest Hip-Hop acts.
In the two years since ‘EZIOKWU,’ ODUMODUBLVCK has only grown more unstoppable, racing to the top of charts in Nigeria on multiple occasions while showcasing the full breadth of his amorphous Okporoko sound on songs like “100 Million” and “NOT ALL THAT” as well as on collabs like “JUJU,” “Funds,” and “Flako.”
Seven months after the surprise drop of ‘THE MACHINE IS COMING,’ ODUMODUBLVCK has finally released ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE,’ bringing a thrilling conclusion to months of anticipation with a blockbuster 23-track release that runs through the full gamut of the Abuja rapper’s fascination and beliefs across a variety of soundscapes.
Throughout ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE,’ ODUMODUBLCK glides between euphoric party starters (“BANZA BOY, “VINICIUS,” and “GROOVING”) and gritty Rap joints (“UNAWARE,” “IF YOU LIKE GYM,” and “LAYI WASABI.”). At different turns, he reveals a new layer to his work without losing touch with the uniquely Abuja perspective that broke him through.
#SpotlightAfricaThrowBackSeries Ado-Ekiti Indigenes Celebrate the Life and Times of Late Chief Ogunremi
Ado-Ekiti witnessed an outpouring of tributes as family, friends, and dignitaries gathered to honour the life of High Chief Oluwasesan Ogunremi, the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti and a respected leader of the traditional warlord chiefs in the kingdom.
The funeral began with a Christian wake and service of songs at the open grounds of St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, before proceeding to the deceased’s compound in the Idolofin axis of the town for the main service. The ceremony, attended by top figures from within and outside Ekiti, featured prayers, thanksgiving, and eulogies in recognition of the late chief’s contributions to his community.
Following the service, Chief Ogunremi’s remains were interred at his residence, accompanied by hymns and tributes from relatives and well-wishers.
A reception later took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, where guests—including family members who travelled from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany—were entertained with a lavish banquet. The event featured a performance by renowned gospel and highlife singer Evangelist Yinka Ayefele, while veteran emcee Olushola Oladele, popularly known as Pa Aristoe, anchored the proceedings.
The gathering attracted prominent personalities such as Mr. Babatope Adebiyi (King Jafil), Mr. Goke Olatunji, Regent Omotunde Adelabu, Hon. Abiodun Fawekun of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, members of the Ewi-in-Council, lawmakers, politicians, business leaders, and artisans.
Born on February 7, 1929, to Mr. Williams Akomolafe Ogunremi and Princess Abigail Ogunremi in Ado-Ekiti, Chief Ogunremi began his education at St. George’s Primary School, Agere, before moving to Lagos for electrical training. He later founded the well-known Micho Electronics and worked with business figures such as Chief Lawrence Omole and Chief Ajanaku in Ilesha.
He married his first wife in Ilesha, where the ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In 1970, he returned to Ado-Ekiti and established Micho Motors, expanding his business interests into the automobile sector. His ventures took him across Europe, including Austria, Brussels, Italy, and Germany.
In July 1988, he was installed as the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti by Oba George Adelabu, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. He became widely known for hosting the Udiroko Festival at his Okeilaja palace, a major cultural event that drew indigenes and chiefs before culminating in celebrations at the Ewi’s Palace. He later served as commissioner of the Ekiti State Electricity Board during the administration of Governor Adeniyi Adebayo.
Until his passing, Chief Ogunremi remained an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti. He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Fresh reaction emerges over Saraki’s peace move amid PDP crisis
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Renaissance group has praised the reconciliation efforts of the committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, describing the intervention as pivotal in preventing the party from collapsing under internal disputes.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 28, Bashir Sulaiman, convener of the group, commended both Saraki’s Reconciliation and Strategy Committee and the PDP Governors’ Forum under Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for “restoring peace where many expected chaos.”
“I am very impressed by what Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, and PDP Governors Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, have done to get the PDP back on track,” Sulaiman said.
“They were tasked with resolving disputes and preparing the party for its convention, and they have delivered with precision and dedication.
The PDP has been in turmoil since the 2023 general election, with key figures such as Sunday Udeh-Okoye, Setonji Koshoedo, and Sam Anyanwu embroiled in a tussle for the National Secretary position.
According to Sulaiman, Saraki’s intervention was instrumental in ensuring that the long-standing dispute was finally resolved in favour of Anyanwu.
“Many had predicted that the PDP would collapse under the weight of its internal disagreements. Yet, thanks to Dr. Saraki, his Reconciliation Committee, and the backing of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the party has defied those expectations,” Sulaiman noted.
“The 100th, 101st, and 102nd NEC meetings were conducted without rancour, and lingering disputes have been amicably settled.”
With preparations for the party’s convention and zoning framework now underway, the PDP Renaissance group believes the opposition is on course to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The party is now better positioned to take power back from a government that does not care about the needs of the people,” Sulaiman said.
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