The very interesting and eventful week began with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) unveiling a three-part investigative documentary outlining the alleged atrocities and s*xual crimes committed by late Prophet TB Joshua, founder of SCOAN.
This documentary exposed the secretive life of the deceased SCOAN founder, alleging abuse, harassment, rape, manipulation, and staged miracles and claimed the church was reportedly aware of these allegations but never conducted investigations.
Additionally, the documentary also shed more light on the collapse of one of the church’s guest houses in 2014.
On the political scene, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation was shaken when the Minister, Dr. Betta Edu was suspended from office by President Tinubu for alleged N585m fraud.
Also still in the same Ministry, former Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq visited headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over an alleged N37.1 billion money laundering case.
In the same vein, Halima Shehu, the embattled Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency domiciled in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is being probed by the EFCC over an alleged ₦44bn fraud.
Consequently, Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors of Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, and Jaiz Bank were quizzed by the anti graft agency in connection with the over N44 billion fraud allegedly uncovered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
In another development, former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, was remanded in Kuje Correctional Service by the EFCC on allegations of fraud in the Mambilla Power Project.
On the Telecommunications scene, it seems there was a lack of proper communication as the Nigerian Communications Commission announced the approval for the partial disconnection of Globacom from MIN Nigeria Communications Plc. (MTN), due to non-settlement of interconnect charges.
Globacom, however, refuted the reports that it was owing MTN interconnect charges.
Glo also noted that a proper cross-checking of facts ought to have been done before concluding that Globacom owes MTN.
Academic field had its own share of drama as there were reports that the NUC had uncovered a list of about 100 phoney professors spread across some Nigerian universities. The universities including Covenant University, and Unilorin denied the existence of such professor’s in their institutions
While Minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was hinting at who actually wields political control in Rivers State, the Supreme Court was busy affirming and reinstating Governors-elect from the just concluded elections acros Lagos, Kano, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Plateau and Abia.
In the spirit of winning, Atiku revealed that he is ready to lead a coalition against APC come 2027.
While the Spokesman of PDP’s Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala had a better idea as he revealed his committment to supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu, even if that requires him defecting to the ruling party; the All Progressives Congress.
Still in the spirit of changing teams, Former Director General of the Labour Party’s presidential campaign, Doyin Okupe resigned from the party citing ideological differences that emerged after the 2023 elections. Although he hasn’t said what his next step is going to be.
On the Economic stage, the World Bank has lessened Nigerians’ worries and given them a ray of hope by saying Nigeria’s inflation should ease in 2024 as the effects of last year’s foreign exchange (FX) market and petrol subsidy reforms continue to wane.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery also widened the ray by announcing it’s commencement of the production of diesel and aviation fuel after affirming the receipt of the sixth crude shipment
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed a change in power by announcing the appointment of new executive officers for Union, Keystone and Polaris banks following the dissolution of the board of the financial institutions.
On the Defence scene, just after COAS hinted that the soldier who criticised Governor of Lagos state, has been arrested, another soldier Ruth Ogunleye, accused a colonel and two other senior officers of harassment, intimidation, and threat to her life. The Nigerian Army has assured that investigation is being carried out on the issue.
On a little dull note, the same week Tinubu approved the outstanding N12billion payments for national teams and coaches, the Super Eagles arrived Ivory Coast for the AFCON 2023 and put up quite a disappointing performance in their opening game after drawing the National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea.
As our bright and dogged youths are setting world skipping records, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have warned that the ‘no gree for anybody’ slogan being used by youths can lead to crises in the country.
With all these going on, have no fear as a Nigerian as Vice President Shettima has assured that everyone’s rights will be protected regardless of religious beliefs.
