The sacking of Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, stirred controversy and political tensions, as Nollywood mourned the loss of actor, Pope Odonwodo, in a boat accident.
Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in jail without the option of a fine for abusing the naira.
The Federal Government announced the unveiling of new national identity cards. Amidst these developments, Atiku Abubakar clashed with the Presidency over infrastructural development.
Below is a recap of the biggest news stories in the country this week, from April 7 to April 13, 2024.
After months of contention, the Edo State House of Assembly sacked the embattled state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, on Monday.
Shaibu, who became deputy governor as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, initiated legal action against the Chief Judge of Edo, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, alleging abuse of office and misconduct. He was sacked following a probe into alleged perjury and leaking of government secrets.
Meanwhile, members of the opposition All Progressives Congress in Etsako West Chapter, Edo State, protested against Shaibu’s rumoured plan to return to the party, citing potential discord.
Governor Godwin Obaseki promptly announced Omobayo Godwins as the new Deputy Governor of Edo State, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute positively to the state’s development agenda.
Shaibu has claimed that his removal from office was caused by his ambition to become governor, rather than any wrongdoing.
In a video shared on his X handle, he said, “The allegations brought against me are nothing more than a smokescreen to conceal the true motive behind this impeachment. It’s a flagrant abuse of power and a betrayal of the trust the people of Edo have placed in their elected officials.”
After a tragic boat accident on Wednesday claimed the lives of actor, Pope Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, and three others, Nollywood mourns as questions arise about safety standards on movie sets. Despite initial confusion about Pope’s condition, it was later confirmed that he had passed away. The incident has sparked debates about using life jackets and emergency procedures on film shoots. Meanwhile, tributes pour in for the beloved actor, highlighting his dedication to his family and his impact on the industry.
The Anambra State Police Command has recovered the three remaining bodies of the victims involved in the recent boat accident along the River Niger coastline. The recovery was announced by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state police spokesman, emphasising safety consciousness among water commuters. The bodies have been deposited in a hospital mortuary in Asaba, Delta State, with an expedited investigation promised by the Commissioner of Police.
Earlier in the week, Nollywood actress Adejumoke Aderounmu, popularly known as Esther in Funke Akindele’s popular TV series Jenifa’s Diary, passed away.
The Nigerian film industry has seen a surge in the deaths of notable performers in 2024. The tragic boat accident comes after the deaths of veteran Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina; veteran actress Ethel Ekpe; and Yoruba Nollywood actor Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri. John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, died a day after Sisi Quadri’s demise. Another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor, died after battling kidney disease for a long time.
- Olubadan succession and health debate
In an unexpected turn of events concerning the appointment of the next Olubadan, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, asserted on Tuesday that the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, remains unwell and not fit to ascend the throne. Speaking to journalists at his private residence, Oba Ajibola emphasised concerns about Olakulehin’s health, suggesting that rushing his installation was driven by selfish interests.
However, a member of the Olakulehin family, who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised by the family to react, challenged this assertion, arguing that there’s no legal basis to disqualify him and insinuating ulterior motives behind the opposition.
Amidst this controversy, the Olubadan-in-Council nominated Olakulehin as the next Olubadan, awaiting gubernatorial ratification, while debates over proper succession protocols and the candidate’s health continue to divide opinions within the Ibadan community.
The Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to six months in prison without the option of a fine for abusing the naira.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro emphasised that the judgment aimed to deter others from similar actions. Despite Bobrisky’s plea for leniency, citing ignorance of the law, the judge maintained that ignorance is not an excuse and stressed the importance of using his platform to educate his followers about legal currency practices.
The six-month prison sentence has ignited diverse reactions. While some perceive him as a scapegoat and advocate for leniency, others urge a community service approach for victimless crimes.
The Federal Government is set to launch three new national identity cards, including a bank-enabled National ID card, a social intervention card, and an optional ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, with a target of reaching about 104 million citizens across Nigeria. The initiative aims to provide various services, such as authentication, financial inclusion, and access to government programs. Despite some reservations about the need for additional cards, the government plans to roll out the new IDs, with citizens able to request them online and through bank branches.
However, concerns about technological capacity and data privacy have been raised by experts, reflecting past challenges faced in similar projects.
- Atiku, FG clash over road project
Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, accused President Bola Tinubu of prioritising personal business interests over Nigerian infrastructure development.
Atiku alleged that Tinubu’s administration is involved in questionable dealings surrounding the construction of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar coastal highway. Despite recent announcements by the Federal Government regarding the project’s commencement, Atiku claimed that the allocation of the project to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech Construction Company Limited lacked transparency and competitive bidding processes.
He further criticised the lack of disclosure regarding the project’s total cost and warned that Tinubu’s control over the infrastructure fund may lead to the misappropriation of public funds for dubious projects. Atiku also highlighted Tinubu’s previous business ties with Chagoury and raised concerns about the project’s focus on Lagos, suggesting that it may not reach Calabar as intended.
The Presidency has refuted Atiku’s claims regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, dismissing them as a “misrepresentation of facts.”
Special Adviser Mr Bayo Onanuga clarified that there is a distinction between the coastal highway and the coastal rail, emphasising that Atiku’s comments lacked accuracy. He criticised Atiku for allegedly being misled by his aides and engaging in divisive politics, urging him to act as a statesman.
Onanuga defended the decision to start the project in Lagos, highlighting its strategic significance for industrial zones and emphasising the importance of national progress through infrastructure development. He called on Atiku to refrain from fruitless exercises and advised him to seek accurate information before asserting.
