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The rage against Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari

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By Comr. Solomon Adodo

On the 24th June 2019, an unusual political activity took place in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. A public demonstration staged by an obscure political group that gave its name as APC Concerned Nation Stakeholders led by an even more obscure figure called Dr. Symeon Chilagorom proclaimed that they were protesting against internal forces pulling down the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his public speech, the Convener of the group, Symeon Chilagorom specifically identified ALH Mamman Daura, Samaila Isa Funtua and Mall Abba Kyari as members of the group that is pulling down the administration. In his words, “the people of this country elected Muhammadu Buhari as their President, not Mamman Daura, Samaila Isa Funtua and Mall Abba Kyari.”

Of the three people mentioned in that speech, only Abba Kyari holds an office in the Buhari government. He is Chief of Staff in the Presidency. The other two accused persons hold no office in the government whatsoever. The agitators protesting their role in government have a responsibility to prove to Nigerians how the President has abdicated his executive responsibilities to them or how they have hijacked those duties and responsibilities.

The office of Chief of Staff is not of Cabinet rank, the holder of the office wields no executive powers, controls no ministry and or department of government. He is an extension of the office of the president, playing managerial and advisory roles such as selection and coordination of key staff, control of people who come to see the President and protecting the interest of the President or any other responsibilities that are entrusted to him by his principal. To demonstrate that he is subordinate to the president, the Constitution does not require that he is screened and confirmed by the Senate.

To accuse him of usurping the powers of the President is to accuse the President of gross incompetence and dereliction of duty. Even as Symeon Chaligorom and his group make great pretense of “love for the President” and vouching for his “personal integrity and capabilities”, the implication of their public pronouncement and outburst on Monday is that the President is incompetent and has lost control of his office.

It is indeed sad that people who profess love for their President and trust in his competence will in the same breath accuse him of abdicating his office to a subordinate he employed and has the powers to fire. This accusation is even more grave and an open insult on the President when a few individuals who have no office in government are accused of rendering the president impotent in exercising the powers invested in him by the constitution he swore to uphold and defend. The target for destruction by Symeon and his confederates in the APC Concerned Nation Stakeholders is not Mamman Daura, not Ismaila Funtua and certainly not Abba Kyari. The target is the President himself.

With ‘friends’ like Symeon Chulagorom and his group, President Buhari does not need to worry about who is his enemies.

Since his appointment as Chief of Staff to President Buhari in 2015, Abba Kyari has been faced with a cocktail of spurious allegations against his person. None of these allegations have been proven and remain in the realm of speculation and fiction by those who are envious of his enhanced status. The public is yet to be presented with any evidence that the man is corrupt and or incompetent for the job. The demonstration on Monday carried the unsubstantiated allegations a notch higher. If anything, a glance at the resume of Abba Kyari gives one conclusive prove that President Buhari couldn’t have made a better choice for the office of Chief of Staff.

Trained at University of Warwick in England where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, he also possesses a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Law from the University of Cambridge. He was called to the Nigerian Bar after attending the Nigerian Law School in 1983. In 1984, he obtained a master’s degree in law from the University of Cambridge. He later attended the International Institute for Management at Lausanne, Switzerland and participated in the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School, in 1992 and 1994. These are the best universities one could attend anywhere in the world.

After such a brilliant academic career, Abba Kyari worked in a couple of blue chip firms where he acquired management skills and gained a lot of corporate experience. He worked for the law firm, Fani-Kayode and Sowemimo for some time after his return to Nigeria. From 1988 to 1990, he was Editor with the New Africa Holdings Limited Kaduna. In 1990 he served as Commissioner for Forestry and Animal Resources in BornoState. From 1990 to 1995, Kyari was Secretary to the Board of African International Bank Limited.

At the United Bank for Africa, he was Executive Director, Management Services and was later appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Bank. He was appointed a Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc. in 2002 and is a Director of Exxon Mobil Nigeria. He is a recipient of the Nigerian Honor Award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (O.O.N).

There is no doubt that Kyari must have made enemies among some prominent people in the country who see him as an obstacle to their inordinate political ambition and rapacious desire for material resources. All the noise against Kyari must be coming from this group of people who see the country as a cow to be milked.

The other two gentlemen who are being maligned with spurious and unsubstantiated allegations are private citizens who have made their marks in their chosen careers but have no office in government. Why Symeon Chulagorom and group should embark on a campaign of gratuitous calumny against these two patriots is difficult for all sane Nigerians to understand.

The constitution under which President Buhari was elected into office does not bar him from having blood relations nor does it require of him to cut communication with his blood relations or friends. There is nothing in the laws of the land or morality that bars him from having blood and or personal relations with other Nigerians.

Since President Buhari’s election in 2015, the two gentlemen have been subjected to spurious allegations from some aggrieved politicians and their collaborators in the media. The public demonstrations last Monday is perhaps the most bizarre demonstration of hatred and political illiteracy since the 4thRepublic began. This one too shall come to pass.

  • Comr. Solomon Adodo is the National Convener, Guardians of Democracy and Development. He wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.

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Aliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors

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By Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.

The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.

The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.

Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.

At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.

Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu

The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.

Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.

The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.

Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).

Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.

Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.

With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.

His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.

His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.

The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.

His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.

In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.

His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence.

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Ogun State Prominent Monarchs, Business Tycoons, Others Honor Olusho Agba At The Confession 2024

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The Olusho Agba’s confession 2024 attracted more dignitaries as three respected monarchs in Ogun honour the event by physical appearance, alongside side most prominent CEOs in Ogun.

 

The royal fathers present at the laudable event held at Continental Suits in Abeokuta include HRM Oba Oyabanji Adetunji (Oloja Of Oja Odan) HRM Oba Buhari Makinde (Oniwoye of Iwoye Land) HRM. Oba Lukmon Kuoye (Olu of Imasayi).

 

Also Chief Executive Officer of IBD Foundation, Dr. Mrs. Lara Dende, the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited Amb. Dr Tunde Adeyemo and CEO of Zolakaz Oil and Gas Alh. Sanni Azeez was also present at the event.

 

The Confession 2024 features a series of content creators, comedians, singers and dancers, and artists of different fields such as Dr Smile, Hafeez Oyetoro (Simply Saka), Woli 3310, Chukwuka Jude, Babalegba

Biola Adekunle, Femi Obimodede, Ishau Abidemi, and many more.

 

Below are some pictures from the event…

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Wife drags Ex-UBA Top Shot, Samuel Eziafa Adikamkwu to court over abandonment of family, infidelity …….Petitions IGP over threat to life

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Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gudu District and presided over by Justice M. Osho-Adebiyi, on Wednesday adjourned to January 19, 2025 a divorce case instituted by Mrs. Loretta Adikamkwu against her husband, Samuel Eziafa Adikamkwu, a former top official of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

 

The mother of four, Mrs. Adikamkwu has dragged her husband of over 31 years to court for divorce over abandonment of the family for more than four years and alleged infidelity.

 

According to court document seen by our reporter with Suit number PET/073/2023, Mrs. Adikamkwu alleged that her husband packed out of their matrimonial home at Recreation Drive, Cooperative Villas, Badore, Ajah, Lagos and removed almost all his belongings therefrom (which included personal chattels, clothing and six vehicles of assorted brands) leaving behind the petitioner only vehicle (a Toyota land Cruiser) he gave to her some years back.

 

 

She further alleged that Mr. Adikamkwu withdrew all financial support and upkeep to the family, prompting her to desperately begin to dispose of all her belongings, in order to feed herself, the children and meet urgent Sundry costs, arising from the running of the home.

 

She also alleged in Paragraph 6(c) of her petition that after her husband abandoned his family, he was said to have been cohabiting with a lady called Miss Stella Umejuru with whom he regularly travels outside Lagos for business.

 

Mrs. Adikamkwu declared that her husband, who was formerly a Lecturer at Bendel State University, (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma before Ndidi Elumelu, his friend, facilitated his employment by the United Bank for Africa (UBA), has no reason whatsoever not to cater for his family as he is now engaged in booming property business after leaving the bank.

 

 

 

According to the lady, who is a graduate of Bendel State University, she would have been financially independent and be in position to cater for herself and the children but for her husband who stopped her from working several years ago.

 

She stressed that because of the financial difficulties she was facing with her children she was compelled to sell the Toyota land Cruiser which her husband gave to her some years back to maintain the house that was dilapidating, settle numerous bills, including electricity and other sundry expenses.

 

The lady lamented that her husband got furious when he heard she had sold the car and he succeeded in retrieving the vehicle from a car dealer and the issue is now a subject of police investigation as some unknown persons have been stalking her and threatening her life since the family feud erupted.

 

 

However, the Respondent vehemently denies the averments contained in paragraph 6(c) of the petition and states that he does not know, neither is he acquainted with anybody ( lady) called Miss Stella Umejuru, and denies that he lives or travels with either the said lady or any lady at all.

 

The Respondent also denied the assertions contained in paragraph 6(d) of the petition and denied that he has committed adultery or that he has deserted the petitioner.

 

He admitted he is no longer living in the family house in Lagos as he had to “temporally relocate to Abuja when he secured a Contract Appointment with The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) from 2021 to June, 2024.

 

Mr. Adikamkwu added an affidavit in response to his wife’s petition that he “is not aware that there is any debt burden on the family, but states that if there is any such debt, it is personal to the petitioner.”

 

 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Adikamkwu has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over issues arising from the sale of the Toyota Land Cruiser which her husband gave her several years ago.

 

The letter to the IGP dated 4 October, 2024 titled “SOS-request for urgent intervention in a case of forgery, threat to lives and high handedness by officers of the Bar Beach Police Station, and Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos” was written on her behalf by one of her Lawyers, Benjamin Nwaokenye, Esq of Integrity Partners law firm, Abuja.

 

Part of the letter reads: “We are solicitors to Mrs. Loretta Adikamkwu (hereinafter referred to as “Our client”, at whose behest, we act in this matter. We write to seek your urgent intervention in a looming threat to the life of our client, and a seeming case of forgery perpetrated against her, by Ojebola and Messrs, Sam Adikamkwu, Segun Ajide, Gbenga ASP Churchill of the Bar Beach Police Station, Lagos.

 

 

To put this matter in the right perspective, we are reliably informed by our aforesaid client that: (a) She was hitherto married to one Mr. Sam Adikamkwu , from whom she is now separated and now locked in a bitter judicial process, in a petition for divorce in PET/073/2023, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Gudu, Abuja).

 

“(b) The aforesaid Mr. Sam Adikamkwu, prior to the aforesaid divorce proceedings, vacated their Badore (Ajah) residence, where he hitherto resided with our client, and removed almost all his belongings therefrom (which included personal chattels, clothing and six vehicles of assorted brands) leaving behind our client, only vehicle (a Toyota land Cruiser) he gave to our client some years back, and strangely, a short machine gun, which was discovered in his wardrobe, in the course of cleaning the house, having forgotten to lock the bedroom door. ( see attached pictures)

 

The aforesaid Mr. Adikamkwu, it must be reiterated, withdrew all financial support and upkeep to our client and the family, prompting our client to desperately begin to dispose of all her belongings, in order to feed herself, the children and meet urgent Sundry costs, arising from the running of the home.

 

“In the course of disposing of her personal belongings, our client contacted one Mr. Segun Ajide, a car dealer, to assist in disposing off her Toyota land cruiser, and thereupon delivered to him, the Original custom and purchase papers of the vehicle, which the dealer demanded.

 

“Mr. Ajide sold our client’s vehicle, debited her with some colossal costs and remitted the balance to our client.

 

“Weeks afterwards, Mr. Ajide contacted our client to inform her that the vehicle had been impounded from the purchaser by Mr. Adikamkwu, with the help of one Mr. Churchill of the Bar Beach Police Station, and thereupon requested our client to intervene.

 

 

Our client insisted on intervening only if a formal invitation was sent to her, which the aforesaid persons could not procure, but resorted to harassing our client.

 

“Mr. Segun was later to inform our client that the vehicle had been released to Mr. Sam Adikamkwu by the Bar Beach Police Station

 

“Upon the request of our client to Mr. Segun Ajide for copies of all documents related to the sale, Mr. Ajide was evasive, until Mr. Adikamkwu filed his answer to our client’s petition wherein, it was discovered that several documents were forged by Mr. Ajide and the eventual purchaser Mr, Odebola, in the alleged sale without probable cause. .

 

“Prior to discovering the forgery, our client had been trailed by strange people, who at different times followed her home, and even laid siege on her place of resident at Recreation Estate Badore, forcing her to flee for her safety, to an unknown location.

 

 

Our client a few days back, received a WhatsApp invitation from the Nigeria Police Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, which directed her to meet up with someone, only whose phone numbers were stated in the invitation, but upon calling the line, our client was shocked, that the number was not allocated, causing more anxiety that, it must be a setup.

 

“Sir, our client is unable to carry on her normal business and live a normal life because, she has been living in fear for her safety, believing her life is endangered by the activities of Messrs. Adikamkwu, Ajide and Odebola, who from all indications, are behind her travails, having opted to brow’ beating her into retrieving the vehicle for them, and they are all men of means who can effectuate their threats.

 

“We are informed by our client also that, before the situation got to this dimension, Messrs. Ajide and Odebola, who from all indications, are behind her travails, had consistently called our client to know her where about, and had requested she came with them to see some policemen, without any arrest or invitation.

 

 

Sir, we solicit your esteemed indulgence to cause an investigation into this matter, to safeguard the life of our client from people who are determined to use their police friends, to intimidate and endanger our client, taking into consideration: (a) The forgeries executed by Messrs. Segun Ajide, Gbenga Ojebola and Sam Adikamkwu, using policemen from Bar Beach Police station, far removed from Ajah division of the police, in an attempt to cover same up, and revalidate their actions.

 

(b) The threat to our client’s life in the whole circumstance.

 

(d) The release of the vehicle By the Bar Beach police station, to Mr. Adikamkwu, without any probable cause.”

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