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Apologize to Odili Now, Rivers Elders Charge Wike
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A group, the Concerned Elders of Rivers State, has asked Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to tender an unreserved apology to Dr. Peter Odili over his recent insult on the person of the former governor of the State.
The elders’ demand was conveyed through a statement signed by prominent leaders of the State, including former Governor Celestine Omehia, Prince Uche Secondus, former Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Austin Opara, Senator Ngoji Denton West, former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, and Senator Lee Maeba.
Other signatories included Dr Dam Sam Jaja, Alabo David Briggs, High Chief Dr Shedrack Akolokwu, Dr Reginald Okeya, Ambassador Oji Ngofa, Hon Emma Okah, Alabao Senator Adawari Pepple, Chief Ambrose Nwuzi, and Chief Emeh Glory Emeh.
The elders expressed disappointment over the abuses Wike poured on Odili, his family and his medical institution: PAMO University of Medical Sciences during an event at a Church in Ororgwe.
They noted that such behaviour is not only unbecoming but also stands in contrast with the time-honoured traditions of mutual respect, especially respect for elders and deference to wisdom and experience that Rivers State holds dear.
Odili said last week that Governor Siminalayi Fubara stopped Wike from turning Rivers State into his private estate. This statement infuriated Wike, who has been at loggerheads with Fubara over the control of the State’s political structure.
On Wike’s accusations that Odili “chickened out” of the presidential race, the concerned elders explained that Odili merely yielded to the directive of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, who asked him to step down in the interest of the party.
They noted that what Wike’s statement meant was that, he (Wike) would disobey President Bola Tinubu if he was told to step down from any race the way Obasanjo directed Odili to do in 2006.
“Dr Peter Odili did not chicken out. In retrospect, we commend the loyalty of Dr Peter Odili who obeyed the call by the PDP to step down for the late President Musa Yar’Adua as the PDP presidential candidate in the 2007 presidential election to ensure North-South balancing.
“As a party man and team player, Dr Peter Odili courageously obeyed without pulling down the house or insulting other Nigerians even though it was certain he would have won the primaries. When Dr Peter Odili was also not chosen as the vice presidential candidate, he accepted his fate and rolled out the drums for his brother from the Niger Delta, Dr Goodluck Jonathan who emerged as the vice presidential candidate and later President of Nigeria without firing a bullet.
“It was the Niger Delta’s gain which Dr Odili represented at that time. This is the measure of a statesman and team player that is alien to Nyesom Wike. Therefore, it was not all about Dr Odili but about the directive of his Party for the stability of the nation,” they elders noted.
According to the elders, Wike’s behaviour is an affront to the values of respect and unity that have long characterised the State.
They emphasised that as a former governor and national statesman, Wike should act as a role model, especially when it comes to respecting elders and maintaining decorum in public discourse.
The statement read: “We stand against the unfortunate remarks made by Chief Nyesom Wike, and his continuous disrespect towards dignified individuals, including former governors, traditional rulers, and clergymen.
“Such behaviour is unbecoming of someone who has held high public office. It must be noted that as an elder and founder of the 1998 Restoration Team which groomed almost all the current politicians in Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili has the right as a political father to call anyone of his erring political children including Nyesom Wike to order.
“Aside from being a governor for eight years, Odili is an accomplished medical practitioner with a thriving medical practice even before he became governor. Today, he is the Founder of the first private Medical University in Nigeria. Such a man does not need any “resurrection like Lazarus” by anybody.
“At 76 years of age and having left office over seventeen years ago as Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili with a high spirit of self-contentment, does not need any patronage from anyone given his accomplishments as a family man, successful professional, great politician and a distinguished national statesman.
“Elders are custodians of our heritage, wisdom and values, and any affront to their dignity is an injury to the entire community. This is why we stand tall against the unfortunate remarks of Nyesom Wike and his penchant to throw caution and decency to the wind by insulting dignified persons and institutions including respected traditional rulers and clergymen whenever he pleases.
“Otherwise, how would anyone justify the current disrespect to the Odilis or would we forget so soon how he denigrated Sir Celestine Omehia, a former Governor of Rivers; some or the other leaders including Prince Uche Secondus or the King of Eberi Omuma Barr Onyekachi Amaonwu JP?
“As elders, we do not want to condescend to the low level of Nyesom Wike. As a person who holds a high public office, he is expected to be a peacemaker and role model who is supposed to be a leader by virtue of his status as a former Governor, holder of the national honour of the Commander of the Order of The Niger, Life Bencher and a serving Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are deeply surprised that all these elevations mean nothing to him and that is why it is important.”
The elders further outlined the events leading to the tension between Wike and Dr. Odili.
According to them, the face off began when Odili advised Wike against an alleged plot to impeach Fubara.
They added that Wike’s refusal to heed the counsel and his continued attempts to destabilise the government reportedly led Odili to support the current administration in the interest of the State.
The statement also addressed specific allegations made by Wike against Odili and his family, rejecting them as baseless. The elders clarified that Odili, a respected medical professional and statesman, has no need for “resurrection” or patronage, as claimed by Wike.
On the issue of Wike’s claim that he built a house for Odili, the elders set the record straight, stressing that the house was a legal entitlement for former governors and not a personal favour from Wike.
They also addressed other points raised by Wike, including the appointment of Justice Mary Odili as the Pro-Chancellor of Rivers State University, stating that it was a well-deserved position for a distinguished legal expert.
Moreover, the statement defended the appointment of Dr. Adaeze Oreh, Odili’s daughter as the Commissioner for Health in the State, highlighting her impressive qualifications and accomplishments in public health.
The elders condemned Wike’s attempt to discredit her appointment, stating that his criticism was politically motivated and baseless.
In conclusion, the concerned elders called on Wike to tender a public apology to Odili, his family, and the people of Rivers State for the embarrassment caused by his tirade.
The statement concluded with a demand for Wike to show respect for the state’s elders, emphasising that such behaviour is detrimental to the peace and unity of the State.
“We expect Chief Nyesom Wike to apologise for the disrespect and insults he has directed towards Dr. Peter Odili and his family, as well as to the people of Rivers State,” the statement added.
President Bola Tinubu has once again given his administration a pass mark, saying that Nigeria is doing well under his watch
Tinubu made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from Deloitte Africa, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ruwayda Redfearn, at the State House, maintaining that his ongoing financial and fiscal reforms are necessary to reposition Nigeria’s the economy.
Tinubu expressed satisfaction that the reforms had steadily stabilised the economy over three years.
While he acknowledged the pains of the reforms, he declared that the “bitter medicine” was necessary, submitting that the economy “is making serious foundational progress.”
Tinubu said the reforms have stimulated the economy, strengthened the fiscal and revenue sectors, repositioned financial institutions, and prepared the country to be more globally relevant and competitive.
“We are following the example of Deloitte’s greatness to change things from the foundation, building the necessary future for our people.
“Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald’s customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about.
“Thank you for your partnership in paying attention to what we are doing here, as we have heard from the Honourable Minister of Finance about the fiscal, revenue and tax reforms that have taken place and are moving the nation forward.
“The reforms on revenue will continue to stimulate growth. And the effect of the reform? Yes, some issues are difficult to take the bitter medicine, but it is working well. For the economy, Nigeria is making serious foundational progress.”
The President further appealed to Deloitte Africa to improve its impact on the Nigerian economy by training and recruiting the dynamic youth population.
“The family of Deloitte; you just reminded me of my cradle years in accountancy and where I cut my childhood accounting teeth in Chicago. Deloitte has a good training programme, and I believe you will continue to reflect that.”
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, who spoke on the reforms and impact, urged the leadership of the accounting and business firm to focus on building capacity among the youth.
In his presentation, the CEO of Deloitte Africa, Ruwayda Redfearn, said the global organisation is primarily focused on digital and business transformation, with over 500,000 employees worldwide working across various roles and locations, including over 6,000 in Africa.
She said the accountancy firm’s revenue was $74 billion in 2025.
“We are before you to say that we want to serve. We have a local team on the ground that is ready, as well as the global firm, to support you and support your administration as you lead the country.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Africa, Yomi Olugbenro, assured the President of the firm’s support for the reforms.
“We do what we do because of the philosophy that our Africa CEOs talk about – making an impact that matters. Where we are at the moment, we believe that the ground has been solidly laid. There is a need to truly extract more value and deliver the dividends of democracy to ordinary Nigerians on the street. The bigger work is really about how to cascade some of those big reforms further down.
“We do believe that with the capabilities that the firm has all over the world, with the half a million people that our CEO spoke about, we have used cases, examples, experiences of how we supported nations all around the world, so Nigeria will definitely benefit from those experiences.
“So that is why we are here, and we welcome the invitation that you may grant us as to where exactly you want us to support you,’’ he added.
Lautaro Martinez scored a 92nd-minute winner as Lionel Messi inspired World Cup holders Argentina to a stunning comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a final with European champions Spain.
England had been on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead 10 minutes after half-time in the semi-final in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta.
But the great rivalry between these nations has produced several memorable contests on the World Cup stage down the years, and this will be remembered as the stuff of legends in Argentina as the South Americans denied England with two late sucker punches.
Messi set up Enzo Fernandez to fire in an 85th-minute equaliser and then, with extra time looming, crossed for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.
It was maybe not quite up there with Diego Maradona’s legendary display in putting England to the sword in 1986, but the goals this time brought Argentina back from the dead and kept alive their hopes of winning back-to-back World Cups.
No team has retained the trophy since Brazil in 1962, and now Messi will become just the second player after Brazilian great Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals.
The game will take place at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday in New Jersey as the first 48-team World Cup boils down to a controntation between the reigning champions of Europe and South America.
Messi had waited until the age of 39 to get the chance to play against England, and now he will face Spain for the first time in a competitive game.
His career appeared to be complete when he dragged Argentina to glory in 2022 in Qatar, but he is clearly not done yet.
England, though, will have huge regrets as they head to Miami to play France in Saturday’s third-place play-off, a game neither team will want to contest.
The prospect of a first World Cup final appearance since their sole triumph 60 years ago was a momentous one, and they were so close, but will live to regret sitting back after Gordon’s opener.
The key men for Thomas Tuchel’s side during this campaign have been Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane, yet they failed to deliver on this occasion, and England’s players slumped to the turf at full time.
Given the deep-rooted rivalry between these nations, this was always likely to be a game with an edge and there was a tangible feeling of tension in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Argentina’s players were clearly fired up, partly by a determination to hold onto their World Cup crown but also by a sense of what this fixture means.
That translated into a niggly contest pockmarked by fouls in the first half, including Elliot Anderson being booked for scything down Messi.
There were no real chances to speak of in the first half, but England struck in the 55th minute.
Kane was involved in the build-up as the ball eventually came to Morgan Rogers on the right, and he whipped in a low cross towards the back post where Gordon stole in front of Nahuel Molina to score.
But this was the stadium where Argentina produced a stunning comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt in the last 16, and they were not done.
They threw everything at their opponents, as Jordan Pickford made a great save from a Nico Gonzalez header, and Alexis Mac Allister was then denied by the post in the 76th minute.
Fernandez was denied from range by Pickford, but moments later he equalised, controlling a Messi pass on the edge of the area and letting fly past the goalkeeper.
Argentina smelled blood, and Mac Allister again hit the post before England failed to clear and Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner from an exquisite Messi cross to spark chaotic scenes of celebration and leave England completely deflated.
AFP
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of 48 out of 57 properties worth N212 billion linked to the former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.
Judge Joyce Abdulmalik granted the final forfeiture application filed by the EFCC and dismissed several objections filed by Mr Malami, his family members, and some companies claiming ownership of the properties, saying they all lacked merit.
She held that the issue before the court was not “who owns the property, but how legitimate are the funds used to acquire the properties.”
The properties to be forfeited span Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states and include luxury hotels, duplexes, plazas, warehouses, shopping units and residential estates acquired over several years.
Below is the full list of the 57 properties, including hotels and luxury homes initially seized by the EFCC through an interim forfeiture order. 48 of them will be handed over to the federal government following today’s court ruling.
1. Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500, 000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5,950,000,000).
2. Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11,Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased Dec. 2018 at N7,000,000,000.
3. Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising of a five storey Building (Now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in Sept. 2020 at carcass level at N850,000,000 with additional N300,000,000 to take possession (value after completion N8,400,000,000).
4. Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, Comprising Terraces, purchased in January 2021 at N360,000,000.
5. Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Limited, Maitama With 15 ROOMS), which was purchased in February 2018 at N430,000,000 (current value after rehabilitation is N12,950,000,000).
6. Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent) AsokoroDistrict, which was purchased in July 2021 at N325,000,000.
7. Shop No. C82 Citiscape — Shariff Plaza, Plot 739 Cadastral Zone A07, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse Il, FCT, Abuja, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120,000,000.
8. No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano, which was purchased in December 2022 at N300,000,000.
9. Plot 157, Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa, GRA, Kano, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.
10. A Plaza, Commercial Toilets, Laundering, Warehouse Tanks Adjacent to Birnin Kebbi Market at N100 million.
11. 100 Hectares of l;and Along Birnin Kebbi, Jega Road, which was purchased in 2020 at N100,000,000.
12. Four Bedroom Bungalow Gesse Phase, Birnin Kebbi, which was purchased in 2023 at N101,000, 000.
13. Shops Nos. A36, B3 Vegas Mall, Wuse 2, Abuja, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158,000,000.
14. No. 26, Babbi Drive, Bua Estate, Abuja, purchased in 2022 at N136,000,000.
15. No. 27, Efab Estates Avenue, 5th Avenue, 59th Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja, purchased in January 2016 at N120,000,000.
16. Four Bedroom/ 2 Rooms Boys Quarters at No. 10B, Doka Crescent Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, purchased in January 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.
17. Plot No. 13, Ipent 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja, purchased in June 2018 at N85,000,000.
18. A Bedroom Duplex & Boys Quarters at No. 12 Yalinga Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse Il, Abuja, purchased in Oct. 2018 at N150,000,000.
19. Two Warehouse Shops B40 And B46, Wuse Market, Abuja, purchased in July 2020 at N50,000,000.
20. Twin Houses at Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Cadastral Zone B01, Plot 14014, Gudu District, Abuja, was purchased between February and May 2017 at N250,000,000.
Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage namely.
21, 22, and 23. Nine units of three bedroom, bungalow, three units of two bedroom bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between February 2023 and September 2023 at N187,000,000, among other assets listed in the schedule.
RAYHAAN UNIVERSITY, KEBBI STATE
24. Rayhaan University Permanent Site -N56,000,000,000.00
25. Rayhaan University Temporary Site -N37,800,000,000.00
26. Rayhaan University Third Site – N2,450,000,000.00
27. Rayhaan University Vice Chancellor – N490,000,000.0
RAYHAAN AGRO ALLIED FACTORY IN KEBBI STATE
28. Factory Buildings -N4,200,000,000.00
29. Factory Machines and Plants Units -N10,500,000,000.00
30. Factory Mosque – N2,450,000,000.00
31. Rayhaan Mill Staff Quarters – N1,487,500,000.00
32. Rayhaan Bustan Building – N3,150,000,000.00
AZBIR ARENA KEBBI STATE
33. Azbir Hotel – N10,325,000,000.00
34. Printing Press – N1,050,000,000.00
35. Gallery – N581,000,000.00
36. Gardens – N392,000,000.00
37. Mosque – N252,000,000.00
38. Azbir Clothing – N350,000,000.00
39. Azbir Pharmacy and Supermarket – N175,000,000.00
OTHER PROPERTIES HELD IN KEBBI STATE
40. Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage opposite Rayhaan University Health Centre, along Sani Abacha Bypass Road, Birnin-Kebbi – N2,450,000,000.00
41. Rayhaan Model Academy -N11,200,000,000.0
42. Rayhaan Primary and Secondary School – N8,750,000,000.00
43. Rayhaan Security House, off Sani Abacha Bypass, Birnin Kebbi – 245,700,000.00
44. Rayhaan Radio along Sani Abacha, Bypass Road, Birnin, Kebbi – N78,750,000.00
45. Uncompleted 2 Storey Complex Plaza located opposite Central Motor Park, (Eastern Park) Birnin Kebbi – N665,000,000.00
46. Amasdul Oil and Gas Ltd filling station Structure along Sani Abacha Bypass, Road, Birnin Kebbi near Jambali Automobile Workshop, Birnin Kebbi – 1,050, 000,000.00
47. Malami Support Organization Building – 210,000,000.00
48. ADC Kadi Malami Foundation Building – N56,000,000.00
49. Abubakar Malami SAN’s House GRA – N350,000,000.00
50. Abubakar Malami SAN’s House Behind Mobil – N490,000,000.00
51. Abdulaziz Malami (First Son’s House) at Gesse Phase II in Birnin Kebbi – N1,659,000,000.00
52. Abiru-Rahman Abubakar Malami (Second Son’s House) at Gesse Phase II in Birnin-Kebbi – N2,989,000,000.00
PROPERTIES IN KANO
53. Assets of Zeennoor Hotel at Kabuga Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano with 131 rooms – N11,200,000,000.00
54. Zeennoor Mosque at Kabuga, Satellite Town, off Gwarzo Road, Kano – N84,000,000.00
55. Zeennor Old Hotel Building -N280,000,000.00
56. Rayhaan Hotel, Kano Located at Plot 27/28 Opp-Aminu kano Teaching Hospital, Southern Kano (Land And Luxurious Building of more than 50 rooms, with appurtenances- N2,240,000,000.00
57. Rayhaan Gym, Kano House Comprising of a Storey Building Opposite Rayhaan Hotel – N1,225,000,000.00
