The EFCC in Lagos has delivered $22,000, which was reclaimed from a convicted cybercriminal, Hakeem Ayotunde Olanrewaju, to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

This was made known by the EFCC via its X handle on Saturday, May 18.

It reads: “Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos had, on August 15, 2023, ordered that the money recovered from Olanrewaju, who was sentenced to two years imprisonment for identity theft and impersonation, be restituted to his victim in the United States of America, U.S.A.

“Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos, the Acting Director, Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC, Michael T. Wetkas, reaffirmed the Commission's dedication to combating crimes and restoring sanity to the nation.

“We are delighted to be handing over this proceeds of crime today.

“The EFCC is willing and always ready to do more.”

“Responding, the FBI Legal Attaché, Charles Smith, said: “The EFCC and FBI work collaboratively together, and it is thanks to the EFCC that we can recover funds of this nature, especially from Business email Compromise, BEC.

“This type of crime cripples businesses in the US, and for them to recover the money within one to two years gives hope to the affected companies and brings some level of justice, even if not all subjects have been identified.

“We hope our relationship continues and fosters a more cohesive partnership between the two agencies. If there's anything the FBI can do to support this investigation, we will do so.

“We appreciate this on behalf of the FBI and thank the EFCC."

Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury to win historic undisputed heavyweight championship fight
Oleksandr Usyk beat Tyson Fury by split decision to unify the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF world titles; Fury and Usyk were fighting at the Kingdom Arena in Riyad to decide the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in 25 years, the first of the four-belt era
By John Dennen in Riyadh
Sunday 19 May 2024 00:52, UK

Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, the first since Lennox Lewis.

Momentum switched in an astonishing ninth round when Usyk seemingly had Fury out on his feet. The Ukrainian smashed a left hook into Fury's jaw. It shook him all the way through his 6ft 9in tall frame and had him rocking across the ring.

Usyk harried him with further crunching shots, smacking Fury into one set of ropes then another. Fury listed into the strands. He could barely stand and leaned into the rigging.

Tyson Fury made his way to the ring through a tunnel of flames to face Oleksandr Usyk

Referee Mark Nelson darted in then and administered a 10 count, apparently convinced that the ropes had kept Fury up. It could have been a fateful decision. The bell rang to end the round and save Fury from another onslaught.

At the start of the fight Fury had appeared dialled into the best form we've seen from him for some time.

Despite the importance of this fight, the historic nature of the occasion, Fury was showboating, early in the fight too. He shimmied his body when stood in a corner in the first round, slipping his head from side to side.

For a moment in the second round he hid his hands behind his back. But it was his long, flickering jab that was connecting, just directing Usyk's attention away from that right that Fury dug occasionally to the body.

He ended the second round with a cracking right uppercut through the middle that prompted a smile from Fury.

Usyk had shown no sign of being intimidated by his vast opponent. He'd sent a thumping left cross arching over to catch Fury's head in the opening rounds. Solid straight shots hit Fury's long body too.

Usyk tracked forward in the third round, as chants of his name rang out.

Fury stayed elusive in the fourth round, sliding along the ropes. But when Usyk had him in a corner, the Ukrainian unleashed his punches forcing Fury to weave away from them.

When Fury found space to work he could direct his attentions at the Ukrainian's body. But in the sixth round Fury truly sensed blood. A long right to the head hurt Usyk. He had to back away from Fury to recover himself and the crowd warmed to the Briton's efforts.

The undisputed heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk attracted stars from around the world including Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Joshua

Fury was in the ascendancy in the seventh round, going about his work with an expression of glee. Only right at the end of the round, when Usyk tagged him with his left cross did he sound a note of defiance to remind Fury he was up against no ordinary foe.

That prompted Fury to start the eighth round battering hooks round either side of Usyk's head. The Ukrainian gallantly pushed himself forward, but it was getting harder for him to find a way round Fury's long punches.

But when Usyk hurt Fury in the ninth it changed the complexion of the fight.

The Ukrainian sought to press home his advantage in the final round, his lead hook strafing Fury's jaw. But the Briton slugged back at him to keep Usyk off and take the fight the distance.

The decision was split,114-113 to Fury on one card but in Usyk's favour 115-112 and 114-113 on the other two.

A former Media Aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, on Saturday prayed that former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar should step down for his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, in 2027.

Onochie said Atiku stepping down for Obi would make President Bola Tinubu’s reelection easier.

Posting on X, Onochie wrote: “Our Father and our God. Yes, it’s me, your son. I pray that Atiku steps down for Obi, so that 2027 would be an easy job for APC re-election


“You know I never ask you for anything because you are a responsible father who provides for me, always. Thank you for answered prayer.”

Atiku recently said he would not hesitate to support Obi in the next election if the party picks the former Anambra governor.

DAILY POST recalls that Obi and Atiku recently met behind closed doors, sparking speculations about a merger of some opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.


Confirming the move by opposition parties to align in a bid to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 election, Atiku said, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.”

Atiku said if the new “party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him”.

“I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.”

…..Ighodalo hints of Ecumenical Centre, Thanksgiving Day for Edo if elected

The Edo State chapters of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have endorsed the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, as their preferred candidates.

The endorsement and prayer for their victory took place during the PFN’s 2024 Edo State School of Ministry at the PCU-PFN administrative headquarters by Egba Junction along the Benin-Auchi Road. The event, themed “Walking in Dominion,” was attended by over 100 ministers from various ministries.

Speaking at the occasion, PFN state Chairman, Pastor Dr. (Mrs) M.O. Agbonifo, expressed the Christian body’s delight in having Ighodalo and his running mate present with them, stating, “We have no single doubt that they are the best pair for the top job in the state.” She added a humorous note, recounting how another candidate had approached them with a promise of a Coaster bus but delivered a Sienna, likening it to “a man promising to give a cow but delivered a goat” to which the gathering roared in laughter. She then wondered if a man who made a promise before God and failed would ever honour any promise he could have made to man.

Edo State First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, who represented Governor Godwin Obaseki, expressed gratitude for the Church’s immense support for her husband in 2016 and 2020, and its extension to the PDP candidate. “I correct the sacrilege committed by the other candidate by donating the Coaster bus, because we value the church and hold it in very high esteem,” she said.

The State CAN Chairman, Apostle General, Dr. Irekpono Omoike, formally announced the endorsement and led the outpouring of prophetic prayers for the success and victory of Ighodalo and his running mate.

In his acceptance speech punctuated with intermittent applause and shouts of approval, Ighodalo expressed profound gratitude to the Church, saying, “I am really humbled by the trust and confidence reposed on me. And I promise you, I won’t disappoint you or let you down.” He hinted at plans to build an Ecumenical Centre in Edo State and institute an Edo Thanksgiving Day, and pledged to provide a 100KVA generator to power the PFN administrative centre.

“I wish to say this, too, that Edo State, like some other states, should have an Ecumenical Centre as a further step to fostering unity within the Christian faith in Edo State and we will ensure everybody has the freedom to practice and observe his faith without let or hindrance .More also, we will institute an Edo Thanksgiving Day, a day set aside in the year to thank God for everything”.

In a brief speech, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of the Trinity House Church, Lagos, who is the younger brother of the candidate, emphasized that the election in September transcends partisan contest and that it is essentially a contest between the forces of light and darkness in Edo State. He said that anyone who had come across his brother would know that he represents light and that he would light up Edo State. He pledged to donate N5 million towards fuel for the 100KVA generator promised by his brother.

Adabo Mohammed, a police inspector has been dismissed over alleged involvement in robbery and kidnapping in the federal capital territory (FCT).


Announcing this on Friday, May 17, the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said Mohammed and five others were members of an armed robbery gang allegedly responsible for the stealing of N29.8 million from a victim during a robbery operation in the Gwagwalada area of Abuja.


The dismissed officer was also part of a gang that kidnapped one Ikechukwu Emmanuel Okafor, in the Tunga Maje area of Abuja and collected N4.4 million in ransom. He further revealed that Mohammed has been charged to court.


Adejobi also disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has also approved the demotion of three inspectors to the rank of sergeant over alleged extortion.


The demoted officers as Osagie Efford, Semiu Agbekin, and Francis Ahuen, who were attached to the special tactical squad (STS) in the FCT. It was gathered that they intercepted an unregistered Mercedes Benz at the Gwarinpa area of the territory and “forced the occupants to part with the total sum of N29.4m”.

Adejobi added;

“While the monies have been returned to the complainants, the officers were subjected to orderly room trial in line with extant laws, and have been demoted.”

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Shehu Gabam has faulted the immediate past government of Muhammadu Buhari for failing to address Nigeria’s challenges, accusing it of bequeathing a comatose economy to President Bola Tinubu. 

Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) handed over to his party man Tinubu about a year ago.

But Gabam claims Tinubu inherited a terrible economy from Buhari.

“I have said several times that Buhari’s government is the worst that Nigeria has ever had. It is the consequence that President Bola Tinubu is suffering from because he knew he inherited an economy that has collapsed,” he said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. 

Following the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, the cost of living was pushed to new levels.

However, the SDP chieftain has faulted the moves, insisting President Tinubu’s reforms were rushed.

“He knew that he inherited an economy that had collapsed. His responsibility is to find the softer ways to revive the economy, not the harsh way because you cannot revive it in a day. When someone faints, it requires a lot of process to bring him back to life,” Gabam said but maintained that: “He inherited an economy that is in the ICU.”

Despite the reforms, inflation has reached historic highs, clocking 33.69% in April 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Gabam has accused the handlers of the economy of not doing the right things. But to make things better, he has some advice for the President Tinubu-led administration.

The SDP chairman said, “what you need is strategic thinkers, strategic applications, and strategic implementation. It has nothing to do with rush hour.”

Gabam asked the Tinubu administration to go back to the basis and use the template already in place to revive the economy.

“There are records in the Ministry of Finance, there are records of successful management of the economy, both regime, both military and civilian regime,” he said.

“There is a base, there is a template for him to follow. And then given the dynamics of the new generation that we belong to, the modern economy that we run, all they need to do is to remodernise, reinject a lot of initiative, a lot of innovation to drive the economy.”

The renewed moves for an alliance or merger between the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, have raised concerns among some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 electioneering circle.

Recall that Atiku and Obi who ran together on the platform of the PDP for the presidency in 2019 went their separate ways in 2022 in a move many analysts believed paved the way for the victory of the APC in the 2023 presidential election.

Though both of them could not unseat then President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 presidential election with their 11,262,978 votes after the former president polled 15,191,847 votes, their combined vote of 13,086,053 in the 2023 election was more than the winning vote of Bola Tinubu of the APC, who got 8,794,726 votes.

The recent development perhaps informed the position of political analysts and politicians across divides that should the talks of alliance or merger being pushed by Atiku and the Professor Pat Utomi-led National Consultative Front (NCFront) materialise before the 2027 presidential election, with Obi on board, the APC may have a stronger challenge to surmount.


The renewed moves for an alliance or merger between the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party…

The renewed moves for an alliance or merger between the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, have raised concerns among some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 electioneering circle.

Recall that Atiku and Obi who ran together on the platform of the PDP for the presidency in 2019 went their separate ways in 2022 in a move many analysts believed paved the way for the victory of the APC in the 2023 presidential election.

Though both of them could not unseat then President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 presidential election with their 11,262,978 votes after the former president polled 15,191,847 votes, their combined vote of 13,086,053 in the 2023 election was more than the winning vote of Bola Tinubu of the APC, who got 8,794,726 votes.

The recent development perhaps informed the position of political analysts and politicians across divides that should the talks of alliance or merger being pushed by Atiku and the Professor Pat Utomi-led National Consultative Front (NCFront) materialise before the 2027 presidential election, with Obi on board, the APC may have a stronger challenge to surmount.

Atiku, who has been clamouring for a coalition of opposition parties, received some political heavyweights as visitors in Abuja in the last week. First was the visit of his running mate for the 2023 election, Ifeanyi Okowa, on May 9. Okowa had maintained a silent approach since the election, and his visit to the former VP was said to have signaled fresh permutations.

But it was the visit of Obi on Monday that more or less let out the cat from the bag. This is because Obi also visited two strong PDP leaders, Bukola Saraki and Sule Lamido, on the same day. And when Lamido, a former Jigawa State governor, himself, visited Atiku 24 hours later, observers said this only confirmed reports that it was Lamido, a strong ally of Atiku, that set the stage for Obi’s meeting with the former VP a day earlier.

While the fresh moves have been said to rattle the APC, it would be recalled that the party also earlier was rattled by talks that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, was working towards a coalition of interests using the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) after he held several meetings with leaders from different parties and visited the secretariat of the SDP.

Several chieftains of the APC, who spoke with Daily Trust about the latest moves involving Atiku and Obi, said the alliance talks and moves had been sending shivers down the spines of most of them, especially in view of the precarious state of the economy which had further pushed more Nigerians into the poverty zone.

“Let me tell you the truth; within the party hierarchy, this alliance is being talked about all the time, and the hope is for it to collapse like a domino before it even gets serious traction,” said a party chieftain from one of the North West states who is close to the national leadership of the APC.

He said the problem the country had found itself in with some of the policies of the government had pushed more people away from the ruling party, hence that it would be disastrous if the masses saw an Atiku/Obi alliance as a viable alternative in 2027.

“Beyond the economic realities, you know some of our leaders, especially in the North, are not happy with the president. With the exception of the NSA (Nuhu Ribadu), it’s difficult to find anyone among the top Northerners close to Mr President who doesn’t have reservations.

“Look at the situation with the national chairman (Abdullahi Umar Ganduje). You know a lot of our people believe that the Kano State Government wouldn’t have gathered the liver to do what they are doing if not for perhaps support from the top as part of the plot to edge him out. Don’t forget, some people are still not satisfied with how Nasir el-Rufai was treated by the presidency,” he said.

He added that there was the belief now that only Atiku could rally Northern votes, hence that with this, it would be suicidal for the APC to allow him to consolidate this with an alliance with Obi who had huge support in the South with his Obidient Movement.

“The argument that both (Atiku and Obi) failed in 2019 does not hold water again because of the Buhari factor in 2019. The situation is different now as evidenced by the 2023 results, where we only survived by the whiskers. The Buhari factor is no longer there for the APC in the North, and the economic realities have further eroded the little goodwill our party still enjoys in the North. So, if we joke with their alliance talks, then it may be too late by 2027,” he added.

Corroborating this view, another party chieftain from one of the Southern states observed that there was also disenchantment in the president’s stronghold in the South West, with many raising concerns about the appointments by the president going mostly to politicians from the Lagos axis.

On Tuesday, the women leaders of the party, during their protest rally to the party’s national headquarters, lamented that they had been neglected after working to deliver results for the party. They expressed grievances over their exclusion from the distribution of palliatives and appointments, accusing the party of using and abandoning them after the 2023 elections.

Citing the example of the women leaders, the party chieftain, who asked not to be named, said this was a common apprehension among party leaders across the country, hence that the success of any alliance between Atiku and Obi might turn some of them away from the party.

Nothing to worry about — Ex-APC chair

But a former acting National Chairman of the APC, Hilliard Eta, told Daily Trust Saturday in a telephone interview that there was nothing new about Obi, Atiku and others meeting to cook a political meal, saying it was not a threat to the APC.

He said, “APC welcomes the virile, responsive and responsible opposition if, by coming together, they will be able to provide that; that will be fantastic.

“But there is nothing new about Obi, Atiku, Saraki, Lamido and others meeting. It is a PDP meeting. It has always been like that. There is nothing new.

“When Buhari and Tinubu joined forces in 2013, they were from different political platforms and political enclaves, and they came together. This one is not exactly like the one we had in 2013. So, it is not a threat to the APC.”

Also, a member of the APC National Caucus, Chief Sam Nkire, told Daily Trust in a telephone interview that defeating the APC in 2027 would be a hard nut to crack, noting that before the 2027 elections, the APC-led government would have delivered on its campaign promises and made Nigerians happy.

He said there was no vacancy for the office of president in 2027, but insisted that by 2031 power must shift to the South East.

It’s a big threat to APC if… — Analysts

But analysing the development, Aminu Yakudima, a public affairs commentator, said the opposition’s strategy to wrest power from the APC in 2027 was a big threat to the APC.

He said if the proponents of the force succeeded, the APC would be compelled to wake up from its slumber.

Similarly, a professor of political sociology at the University of Abuja, Abubakar Kari, told Daily Trust Saturday that if the internal crises in the parties involved were resolved and a strong force was formed, it would give the APC a big fight.

He, however, said the big fight would depend on the political dynamics before the 2027 elections.

He said, “I don’t think we are going to remain like this. Yes, Tinubu has not lived up to expectations, but he has spent just a year. He may change. He may perform in the next two and a half years and the story will change.”

Temitope Ogunsanwo, the owner of Temmy Autos, in this exclusive interview, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI on his decision to apprehend the controversial street singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, over a N14 million pending debt from his acquisition of a N27 million Mercedes Benz

There is a viral post alleging that the renowned musician Portable purchased a vehicle from you but failed to fulfil the payment terms How correct is the post?

My name is Temitope Ogunsanwo, and I am a car dealer and owner of Temmy Autos, Lagos. So, concerning the question you asked, the post is indeed accurate. He (Portable) acquired a car from me. I got acquainted with Portable through a friend. That friend brought Portable to my office because he wished to acquire a Mercedes Benz GLE 350. Following discussions about the price, he expressed a desire to commence payment in instalments. I made it clear that I do not accept instalment payments. However, my friend, representing Portable, implored me, assuring me that Portable would adhere to the agreement, and suggested that we could reach an agreement.

What was the eventual agreement?

On that very day in January 2024, Portable stated that he intended to make a payment of N12,000,000. Regrettably, he claimed to have forgotten his token at home. He requested that one of my assistants accompany him to enable him to transfer N12,000,000 and settle the remaining balance, as specified in the agreement document circulating online to which I consented based on my friend’s assurance.

However, upon reaching Portable’s location, he failed to fulfil the agreement, and my assistant returned empty-handed.

What steps did you take after that?

Upon my assistant’s return empty-handed, I started calling Portable. I made numerous attempts to reach Portable, but he declined to answer my calls. After one week, instead of remitting N12m, I received an alert for N1m. I was taken aback and found myself asking, “What is this?” Subsequently, Portable began making sporadic payments, often as low as one or two million. The largest amount Portable remitted in this transaction was N3m. Ultimately, he paid a total of N13,000,000 in instalments. The funds became inconsequential as I could not utilise them for any meaningful purpose because of the way it was paid.

Following this, he ceased making payments. I continued to call Portable, but he was not picking up my calls. On the rare occasions he did answer my calls, he resorted to cursing and verbal abuse.

I persisted in my efforts to contact him but received no response. I even reported him to his father, but no action was taken. I reported him to his lawyer, who eventually grew weary and was unable to intervene.

I lodged a complaint with Zone 2 Police, and Portable was summoned, but he refused to appear. Consequently, I proceeded to report the matter directly to the Commissioner of Police, leading to his arrest three days ago.

Could you elaborate on the specifics of the agreement you entered into with Portable?

The agreement was not dissimilar to what has been posted online. It pertained to a black Mercedes Benz GLE 350, with CHASSIS NUMBER: 4|DASHB6GA656575, priced at N27m. He pledged to make an initial payment of N12m on January 10, 2024. A second payment of N5m was due on January 24, 2024. The third payment of N5m was scheduled for February 10, 2024. The final payment of N5m was to be made on February 24, 2024. The total sum amounted to N27m.

So, how much is Portable owing you now?


He has only paid a total of N13m out of N27m, so currently, he owes me N14m. It should be noted that the N13m was paid in instalments. We agreed that the N27m payment would not exceed one month and two weeks following the initial N13m payment, but he ceased payments at that juncture.

Were you worried Portable was trying not to pay the remaining balance?

He stopped answering my calls. If I called him, he would not pick up. If he called me, he would resort to threats and insults. Prior to this, even before the commencement of the business transaction, we conversed in a civil manner. Had he been cooperative, I would not have resorted to involving the police. He stopped answering my calls. If I had the opportunity to speak with him, he would resort to insults, curses, and rudeness.

Where are you currently based?

I am based in Lagos, and my business operates here as well.

How has this situation affected your business operations?

To be honest, it has had a negative impact. Portable cannot deny the existence of our agreement. I have evidence, including videos, which I have chosen to keep private as I do not wish to share them online. Additionally, I have voice notes of him pleading with me for the car. I am not the type to resort to such actions.

How did you manage to get him arrested?

It was quite an ordeal before I was able to apprehend Portable as I could no longer tolerate the situation. Imagine a business involving £27m, and he began making payments of just one or one and a half million in instalments. The money was essentially wasted. However, I believe divine intervention is at play now, and things will improve.

Have you encountered a similar situation in the past?

No, I have not. This is the first time I have experienced such an ordeal. Even if someone who is not a celebrity approaches me to purchase a car and explains their payment plan, we would collaborate and make the process transparent, unlike this. I recall that when I contemplated entering this business, many people warned me against conducting business with Portable. However, I am compassionate, and I viewed him as a budding talent, which is why I engaged in business with him. Unfortunately, he betrayed my trust.

How do you plan to prevent such a situation from occurring in the future?

This will not deter me from assisting individuals in need of business support. However, I will be more discerning when entering into business agreements, and I will thoroughly assess the character, reputation, and associates of potential business partners.

What advice would you offer to other car dealers when dealing with high-profile clients such as celebrities?

To me, there are many upstanding celebrities out there, and the Portable issue has left me perplexed. Frankly, I am at a loss for words. However, my advice to fellow car dealers is to exercise caution and thoroughly vet the individuals they engage in business with.

Is there anyone who has supported you throughout this ordeal?

I have received numerous calls from friends, family, and customers. Some have blamed me, while others have viewed this as a learning experience. Releasing a car of N27m just like that. Portable is not my relative, he betrayed my trust. If Portable’s fans attempt to persuade me that my actions were unjust, they should reflect on the fact that I made significant efforts to accommodate him, releasing an N27m car without receiving any payment upfront. I am not a politician. I am a hardworking Nigerian.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr Babachir Lawal, has said Nigeria collapsed after the swearing of President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.

Lawal said the shocking announcement of fuel subsidy removal by Tinubu on the day of inauguration plunged the country into economic malady, stating that the policy was launched before the cabinet was assembled.

The ex-SGF said this while discussing state of the nation on Trust TV’s Daily Politics.

According to Lawal, the announcement of fuel subsidy removal led to increase in the transportation which is basically the engine of business for both the rich and common man in Nigeria.

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Describing the action taken on May 29, Lawal said the non-existence of the cabinet and the Federal Executive Council to address the consequences of such a harsh policy was the undoing of Tinubu, leading to a total collapse of the country.

“I can only repeat what I said before. I’ve spoken on this before. First of all, I did say one time you came into government on the day you were inaugurated,” he said.

“After swearing in you embark on the first major policies that are very impactful on the lives of the society. It is like a cowboy, or macho man removing subsidy. At that time, he didn’t have a minister of planning, that should plan the outcome, the consequences to take care.

“You don’t have a minister of finance who will calculate the impact of this society. You did not even have the federal executive council that will approve that, you have nothing. As at that time, nobody to advise, nobody to break out ‘what ifs’”.

Speaking further, he said, “So immediately after that inauguration, Nigeria collapsed. It is like a balloon. Nigeria fell down. It deflated completely. Immediately transportation (fare) tripled,” he noted.

“That week! I used to buy animal feed for my cows from Zaria, I used to pay N270,000 per truck. Immediately that week, I couldn’t buy anymore, because transportation alone was going to cost me N1 million,” he explained from his personal experience as a farmer.

“I couldn’t afford it because the cost of fuel just jumped up. Everything. Last week I bought some equipment for my farm. I wanted to transport it from Kano, they were asking me to pay N3 million to transport three tractors and only to be put in a trailer. One trailer carrying three tractors!. Everything has gone up. So that policy alone crashed everything.”

The Cross River State Government has dismantled no fewer than 50 illegal revenue points in parts of the state.

This follows a monitoring and inspection exercise led by Special Adviser to the Governor on Tolls Collection, Mr Bassey Ita Edet, in the northern part of the State.

Findings indicated that unauthorised persons allegedly use the 50 revenue points to extort money from commuters on the roads within the State. 

Edet told journalists that they are poised to clamp down on the menace of illegal checkpoints and tolls, which is the reason a massive crackdown on such collections has begun.

He stressed that the end to all illegal tolls and checkpoints was in line with the mandate of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People’s First.”

He said the team is given the mandate to enforce, inspect, and monitor all approved checkpoints and toll collection to ensure compliance and due process.

Edet warned those that have constituted themselves as hindrances to the government’s effort to stem illegal collection of taxes, rates, and assessments as a way of creating an enabling environment for commercial users of the roads, saying his team will not condone such any further.

Further findings confirmed that vehicles carrying goods are subjected to paying N27,000, and failure to comply results in impounding ‘offending’ vehicles.

Victims of road harassment by touts alleged that they used military men to enforce the extortions.

A driver, Etom Daniel, who plies the Cross River North routes, lamented other road taxes in other parts of the state.

“This is one of the major reasons for the increment in the costs of food items and farm produce cultivated in Cross River State.

“Some persons who have no idea about public administration are trying to tarnish the governor’s name.

“I am the Governor may not be aware of all these harassment, wickedness and extortions perpetuated by those they’ve given sub-heads,” he said.