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NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2020

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JOMOG NEWS NIGERIA BRINGS YOU NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2020.

ENJOY;

THE NATION

APC governors have failed their states, says Wike

Palace: Olu of Warri not dead but indisposed

DSS raises alert over bombings, others during yuletide

Capital market puts public offers online

Govt rules out another lockdown

Tambuwal tests negative

Anambra, agencies ready for second wave

Varsity teachers get two-month salary arrears

Fed Govt intensifies push for COVID-19 vaccine

SGF: my four children tested positive

Why we soft-pedalled on travel ban, by Fed Govt

Tributes pour in for Bali at Service of Songs

Lagos-Ibadan speed train passengers grow to 187

Fayemi: govts working on plans to make youths shun crimes

Nda-Isaiahs burial arrangements adjusted

What Buhari must do to save Nigeria from failing, by FT

Alleged $2m fraud: How Atikus lawyer laundered $2m, by witness

How I reconciled Egba monarchs, by Ishola

COVID-19 disrupts PenCom 2020 verification exercise

Oyo has poorest pension status in Southwest

Pension complaints and solutions

Promoting distance water fishing in Lagos

Seeking solutions to farmers challenges

GAP: Empoweringfarmers to grow safe, quality products

ODUACCIMA elects new leaders, state vision

Kankara abduction: Letter to the President

Maximising human resource in public sector

Governor Ortoms double speak

VANGUARD

Evasion of technology sustains corruption

2023: Support group nominates Ken Nnamani for presidency

Pro-Buhari group chides Secondus over call for Buhari’s resignation

ONDO TRIBUNAL: Akeredolu, APC jittery of losing at tribunal, says Jegede

CROSSFIRE IN RIVERS: Wike says Bazia stole monarchs’ ‘kola’; my driver stole the dollars, but Wike’s biggest thief, Bazia fires back

Pressure on income may limit household investments in education, others ‘ NBS

Seplat Petroleum, Waltersmith Refinery sign crude purchase agreement

NEPC seeks one window platform for export efficiency

Personnel managers urged to embrace digital transformation

Why we jerked up 2021 budget to N13.58 trillion ‘ Kalu, Reps’ Spokesman

Chigan Madu set to take cinematic industry by storm

Police warn cultists against procession in Cross River at yuletide

Restructuring of Tertiary Education in Nigeria

Police unravels 7-month-old murder case

Boat operators destroying our nets, Lagos fishermen cry out

Court dissolves 6-year-old marriage over defamation, attempted murder

Police arraign man, 24, over alleged theft of N240,000

If Wike says I am a thief, he’s the bigger thief ‘ Bazia

WIKE ON BAZIA: Who would reappoint loafers as commissioners

For communications, another superfluous directive

Covid-19: Our health system can’t bear major outbreak ‘ FG

COVID-19: Japanese agency supports NCDC laboratories with test kits

Lafia infectious diseases diagnostic centre staff tests positive for COVID-19 ‘ Official

Edo: NEMA partners FRSC, Red Cross on reducing road accidents

Edo prepared for second wave of COVID-19 ‘ Okundia

Nigeria’s health system fragile, may not withstand major COVID-19 outbreak ‘ FG

COVID-19 Spike: Sanwo-Olu tasks CDAs on fight against virus in grassroots

COVID-19 at Yuletide: Celebrate responsibly, save lives, NCDC pleads with Nigerians

THISDAY

Seplat Signs Crude Purchase Agreement with Waltersmith

As Access Bank Joins War against Gender-based Violence

Erisco Foods Appoints New MD, ED

Okafor Retires from May & Baker

NSE Launches Platform to Ease Public Offerings Subscription

2020: Stock Market Soars to Positive Close

Revving Up Gas Utilisation

Enhancing Flow of Diaspora Remittances

Titan Trust Bank Launches Drive-through Banking Service

AfDB Seeks Greater Water Security

Rewane Forecasts 16% Inflation Rate for 2021

NAEC Lists Benefits of Cooperation with Global Atomic Agency Body

Despite COVID-19, Others, Sugar Master Plan Intact, Says NSDC Boss

Julius BergerWinsNIS2020Merit Award for Excellence

Data Security is Crucial for Businesses in new Normal

Artec Practice Receives NIS Professional Excellence Award

IFMA Nigeria Chapter Gets 11th President, Other Council Members

Lafarge Restates Commitment to Improving Literacy in Nigeria

Why Lagos Wont Relax Battle Against COVID-19

Ex-Militant Leaders Resolve to End Sea Piracy, Kidnapping in Niger Delta

Humanities also offer Solutions

Second-tier Brentford Knock out Newcastle to Reach Sfinal

Premier League Reveals Seven New Positive Covid-19 Tests

Ndidi, Oshoala, Osimhen, Others Win at 7th Nigeria Pitch Awards

Oshoala Fires Brace as Barca Femeni Crush Deportivo Ladies

GOtv Boxing Night 22 Postponed

HiFL 2021 PACE Sports Confirms Sponsorship Deal with NIVEA Men

Verbal Agreement Reached on Joshua Vs Fury Blockbuster Showdown

Gov. Abdulrasaq Commits to Golf as Ologun Wins Kwara Open

AC Milans Leao Scores Fastest Italian Serie AGoal

PUNCH

Buhari orders sanctions for in-bound passengers evading COVID-19 test

#EndSARS: Groups seek joining in $1bn suit against Twitter

Amotekun combs Oyo forest, goes after female quarry workers abductors

FG shuts Third Mainland Bridge Sat, partially closes Lagos-Ibadan expressway

Ondo PDP suspends five members for alleged indiscipline

Alleged elopement: Shariah court orders probe of Kano singer, producer

One arrested, houses burnt in Rivers community cult war

Zulum visits Bama, announces Christmas largesse for 700 soldiers, commanders

Wike challenges APC states to showcase projects

Threats to sanction PDP caucus leader wishful thinking

PDP will remove Akeredolu at tribunal, says Jegede

Ekiti PDP faction berates Fayose for attacking Makinde

Im not planning to impose successor Emmanuel

How suspected herdsmen killed couple who were expecting their first child after seven years of marriage Relative

Attention CBN

SIM card integration palaver

Buhari and Zulums call for mercenaries

Cooking gas price rises 20% on weak naira

Debt servicing hindering Nigerias economic growth efforts NECA

Toyota Nigeria wins automobile of the year

COVID-19 frustrates physical verification of FG intending retirees

Caverton Helicopters laments COVID-19 impact on operations

Coscharis reintroduces Renault brand into Nigeria market

SIM/NIN linkage applicants stranded as NIMC website crashes

Reps to probe dredging in Lagos community

Nigeria closer to full gas utilisation potential Buhari

NNPC adopts third party financing for oil projects

BUA, Chinese firm to build $1.05bn cement plants

Air Peace operates direct flight to Jamaica

Experts foresee early recovery for aviation in Africa

Third Mainland Bridge for 72-hour complete shutdown

Lagos demands patience on road rehabilitation

May & Baker managing director set to retire

28 million Africans earning below minimum wage ILO

Credit bureau appoints director

Consumersll avoid buying expensive items in 2021 CBN survey

Stock market sustains positive sentiment, gains N235bn

NBRRI gets new director-general/chief executive officer

CBN debits 23 banks N349.72bn

Dangote gets recognition for CSR

Cadbury appoints directors

Minister urges youths to embrace entrepreneurship, others

Abachas family dusts FG, others over bid to reclaim Malabu

THE SUN

Only PDP means well for Nigerians ‘Wike

My vision is to make Abia State sufficient on IGR ‘Gov Ikpeazu

Alleged forgery: Court refuses to stay proceedings in APC suit against Obaseki

Only PDP means well for Nigerians ‘Wike

Court orders APC to open case against Obaseki in alleged forgery suit

Only PDP means well for Nigerians ‘ Wike

Unremitted N46.8 billion: Prosecute Dankwambo, Gov. Yahaya urges new LG chairmen

We ‘ll occupy NASS in January if ‘, Lere Constituency members threaten Speaker, Gbajabiamila

Lagos APC swears in caretaker committee

Lefty Unity Cup for grabs in Mbaise

Organisers postpone GOtv Boxing Night 22

CAFCL: Enyimba confident ahead of Al-Merrikh clash

NBA: Jordan Nwora gears up for first official game

Anthony Joshua to grace WBF fight in Ibadan

Tennis-Djokovic withdraws from ATP Player Council elections

FIFA accusations against Blatter are baseless ‘ Blatter’s lawyer

How electronic stacking of containers’ll facilitate trade at seaports

Amaechi commissions APM Terminals in Apapa

Ourterminal efficient in barge operations ‘Olugbade

Dangote voted 2020 Best Company in CSR, infrastructure devt

COVID-19: PenCom adopts automation forannual verification, enrolment of MDAs employees

BUA to construct $1.05bn cement plants in Sokoto, Edo, Adamawa

FG, Jamaica launch direct flight

How to link your mobile number to NIN

SystemSpecs emerges NBLA’s Payment Technology Company of the Year

Anchor, New Horizons commission international IT skills empowerment centre

Insecurity: Were frustrated, governors cry out

Countering Boko Haram, ISWA remains our top priorities US

Nigeria on the brink of failing London Financial Times

Again, gunmen abduct passengers on Benin-Auchi Road

Soldiers nab killers of Benue lawyer, pregnant wife, kill one other

Residents protest, barricade road as Customs kills 3, injures many in Ogun

Imo police arrest 2 murder suspects

COVID-19: Nigeria health system cant survive another outbreak, FG warns

Buhari extends PTF mandate till March 2021

Expect mass protest if you impose lockdown again, cleric tells Buhari

Nigeria is bigger than any citizen

Hidden knowledge on why people suffer (17)

Hereafter advice to Nigerian leaders ‘ Babangida in focus

Fatality’ versus ‘ghastliness

Is National Assembly constitutionally competent to summon President Buhari’ (1)

Agriculture on the rebound

Migration: The socio-economic adventure with untold challenges

GAGE Awards unveil Judges for 2021 edition

Akhiimien emerges AIEDM Education Ambassador

The abduction of Kankara schoolboys

PBO TV to air Nigerian movies during Christmas Week on StarTimes

GUARDIAN

Rivers APC crisis deepens as Amaechi, Abe factions fight rough

Taraba APC moves to unseat PDP, receives decampeessoon

Again, gunmen reportedly kidnap 17 in Katsina

Senator condemns death of three in customs, smugglers Ogun clash

Reps member donates equipment to Mushin PHC

Teenager dies in Ondo after smoking Colorado

Deeper Life School assures of godly values

Youths, farmers hold Christmas sales

Organisers postpone GOtv Boxing Night 22

NPA electronic call-up system to decongest ports

Reciprocity to determine tariff concessions under AfCFTA

Nigeria, South Africa bilateral trade hits $8.2b yearly

Nigeria contributed 7% to intra-African trade

Inflation, new year concerns drive consumer apathy

Airtel announces yuletide initiative

MTN trains 2,000 young entrepreneurs on ICT

Nigeria, HP collaborate on anti-counterfeit operation

NCC endows N40m professorial chairs in two varsities

5G will generate 7 billion tonnes of CO2

Seamfix wins NiTA award

Agency to drive productivity with new fibre optic Internet connectivity

Sub-Sahara Africa’s mobile data to grow by 6.5 times in 2026

Ekeh, Zinox boss, warns entrepreneurs against executive blackmail

Nigeria to get smart addressing system

Stakeholders task youths on nation building

Coronavirus diary – Part 38

2020 and its many scars

Security: Where is the Commander-in-Chief

Food for thought

Is Buhari being wisely advised

How Bola Ige ‘washed’ Soyinka’s Nobel Award in 1986

Buhari deserves to be replaced not praised

Can a government be so irresponsible

43 vessels stuck in Lagos waters

Doubts as Buhari hinges revenue, job creation on gas sector

Buhari extends COVID-19 panel’s mandate to March

Nigeria keeps mum about Financial Times’ ‘failed state’ verdict

Merchant Navy, others make case for Nigerian seafarers

Amaechi commissions ‘Operation Command Centre’ in Apapa port

Nigeria, 44 others designate seafarers ‘key workers

Bottlenecks stall Africa’s $4tr yearly income from blue economy

Antonio Sandouk is Lagos Autofest’s king of drift

Airtel to feed 5,000 in IDP camps during Christmas

TRIBUNE

Pope warns Vatican hierarchy against conflict

Kidnapped Edo HoS regains freedom

UI acting VC lauded for act of patriotism

Court to hear Ibadan North LG caretaker chairmanship suit January 5

NDIC begins closure of 42 microfinance banks

Yuletide: FAAN beefs up security across airports

Forum tasks government on environmental challenges

Nigeria records 356 new COVID-19 cases, total now 78,790

COVID-19: Nigeria recorded 5,178 new infections last week

FG mulls travel ban over new strain of COVID-19

Tyson Fury Out to Try and Set His Legacy In 2021

Equities market sustains bullish run as investors gain N344bn

SEC orders fintech company to stop sales of shares

Union Bank MD retires, board appoints successor

Bolt introduces web app alternative to reach more riders

Online Trading in Nigeria: What is it & How to Get Started

2021 Budget: Senate passes N13.588 trillion, approves N3.324 trillion for debt servicing

How 15-month border closure almost ruined private sector ‘ Presidential panel

SPORTS

AC Milans Leao Scores Fastest Italian Serie AGoal – Thisday

Alex Iwobi heaps praises on Arteta in Everton win – Peoples Daily

Alex Runarsson a shadow of the no2 Emi Martinez was as Arsenal handed Carabao Cup thumping by Man City – Yahoo

Ancelotti reveals why he rejected Manchester United coaching job – Goal

Anthony Joshua helps fund British amateur boxing – New Telegraph

Anthony Joshua to grace WBF fight in Ibadan – The Sun

Anthony Pettis Announces He’s Leaving UFC to Explore Other Opportunities – Bleacher Report

Arsenal 1-4 Manchester City: Guardiola’s men compound Arteta’s misery – Goal

Arsenal 1-4 Manchester City: Pep Guardiola triumphs in battle with former assistant Mikel Arteta – BBC

Arsenal in ‘big trouble’ says Mikel Arteta after miserable Carabao Cup exit – Yahoo

Arsenal lose again as Carabao Cup holders Manchester City inflict heavy punishment en route to latest semi-final – Yahoo

Arsenal striker Martinelli limps off against Man City on full return from long-term injury – Goal

Atletico beat Sociedad to cement La Liga lead – Punch

Atletico go clear at top of La Liga – New Telegraph

Barcelona stroll to win as Lionel Messi breaks Pele’s club scoring record – Yahoo

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi Breaks Pele’s Record for Most Goals with Single Club – Bleacher Report

Better but not enough – Odisha, NorthEast United lacked a cutting edge – Goal

Brentford 1-0 Newcastle: Josh Dasilva sends Bees into Carabao Cup semi-finals – BBC

Bryan Harsin Reportedly Hired as New Auburn HC After Gus Malzahn’s Firing – Bleacher Report

CAF Confederation Cup: we are on a mission in South Africa ‘ Rivers United – Peoples Daily

CAFCL: Enyimba confident ahead of Al-Merrikh clash – The Sun

Carabao Cup: Holders Man City hammer Arsenal to book s’final spot – New Telegraph

Carson Strong Shines as Nevada Beats Tulane in 2020 Idaho Potato Bowl – Bleacher Report

Chiefs’ Travis Kelce: Andy Reid Trolled Me with ‘Catching Kelce’ Trick Play Name – Bleacher Report

Chievo accuse Pisa forward Marconi of racism after alleged abuse of Obi – Goal

Chukwueze Rewards Former Coach With grassroots Football Equipment – Peoples Daily

COVID-19: LMC seeks PTFs clarification over league kick-off – Punch

David Moyes supports return of twice-weekly coronavirus tests in Premier League – Yahoo

December 27 resumption of NPFL is sacrosanct ‘ sports Minister – Peoples Daily

DeMar DeRozan Discusses Raptors Playing LeBron James, Cavs in 2016 Playoffs – Bleacher Report

EFL Cup: Second-tier Brentford stun Newcastle to reach semis – New Telegraph

Enyimba, Rivers in tough continental battles – Punch
EPL: Abraham scores twice as Chelsea beat West Ham – New Telegraph
Ex-Italy defender Bellugis legs amputated after COVID-19 complications – Punch
Falcons Will Allow New GM to Part Ways with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones – Bleacher Report
Feghouli scores first goal of the season in Galatasaray’s victory over Goztepe – Goal
FIFA accusations against Blatter are baseless ‘ Blatter’s lawyer – The Sun
FIFA cancels U-17, U-20 Women’s World Cup – New Telegraph
FIFA Cancels U17, U20 Women World Cups ‘ CAF – Daily Independent
Former winners Rob Cross and Adrian Lewis crash out at Alexandra Palace – Yahoo
German DFB-Pokal: Akpoguma On Target As Hoffenheim Crash Out To Lower Division Club – Complete Sports
GOtv Boxing Night 22 Postponed – Thisday
Gov. Abdulrasaq Commits to Golf as Ologun Wins Kwara Open – Thisday
HiFL 2021 PACE Sports Confirms Sponsorship Deal with NIVEA Men – Thisday
I always want more ‘ Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Peoples Daily
Im ready for Fury showdown, says Anthony Joshua – Punch
ISL 2020-21: Jamshedpur FC vs FC Goa – TV channel, stream, kick-off time & match preview – Goal
It will be a big mistake’ – Guardiola says Arsenal shouldn’t sack Arteta – Goal
Italian FA probe Juventus goalkeeper Buffon for blasphemy – Punch
James Harden Trade Rumors: Michael Porter Jr. Targeted in Nuggets Talks – Bleacher Report
Juventus 0-3 Fiorentina: Juan Cuadrado sent off as 10-man Juve are humbled at home – BBC
Juventus 0-3 Fiorentina: Ten-man champions humbled at home as unbeaten start ends – Goal
Kano Pillars threaten players with pay cut – New Telegraph
Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant Combine for 48 as Nets Rout Steph Curry, Warriors – Bleacher Report
Lakers Championship 2020 Ring Ceremony Twitter Reaction and Highlights – Bleacher Report
Lefty Unity Cup for grabs in Mbaise – The Sun
Leicester defender Jonny Evans close to agreeing contract extension – Yahoo
Lewis Hamilton wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year – Peoples Daily
Lionel Messi breaks Pele’s record as Barcelona ease to win at Real Valladolid – Yahoo

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I Delivered $15m Agency Cash To Ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi, EFCC Witness Tells Court

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A prosecution witness, Captain Ezekiel Bala-Agaba, testified in a Lagos Federal High Court on Thursday, that he personally delivered $15 million in cash to former NIMASA DG, Patrick Akpobolokemi.

The witness, Bala-Agaba, a former Executive Director of Maritime Safety, Shipping Development and Marine Operations at NIMASA, made the disclosure while testifying before Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Captain Agaba, who appeared as the 15th prosecution witness, told the court that funds meant for pipeline surveillance were withdrawn from NIMASA’s accounts, converted into dollars, and handed over to Dr Akpobolokemi.

According to him, the money was taken to a Bureau de Change, which converted it into $15 million before the cash was delivered to the NIMASA office on Burma Road, Apapa, Lagos.

He said he subsequently took the money to the office of the then Director-General.

“The money was sent to a Bureau de Change, which later brought the dollar equivalent to our office at Burma Road, Apapa, Lagos. I asked my Personal Assistant, Ekene Nwakuche, to carry the bag and follow me to the Director-General’s office,” he told the court.

The witness explained that he collected the bag from his aide before entering the office.

“When we got to the door of the Director-General’s office, I collected the bag from him and asked him to wait outside. I then personally delivered the sum of $15 million to the Director-General.”

The witness was initially a defendant in the case but later opted to testify for the prosecution.

While being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, he explained the chain of command within NIMASA and how financial approvals were processed in the agency.

According to him, the Director-General is the overall head of the agency and issues instructions to directors, who then implement policies in line with the NIMASA Act.

He told the court that he chaired the agency’s Intelligence Committee, which was responsible for certain security-related operations.

“As chairman of the committee, I oversaw its activities and reported directly to the Director-General, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi,” he said.

During the proceedings, the witness was also shown a document containing a letter from Access Bank to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detailing transactions in NIMASA’s accounts between 2013 and 2015.

When asked how much money he took to the former Director-General, Agaba replied: “$15 million.”

After listening to the testimony, Justice Faji adjourned the matter until April 22 and 23 for cross-examination of the witness.

The EFCC had in December 2015 arraigned Dr. Akpobolokemi and seven others before the court on a 30-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent conversion of funds and money laundering.

Those charged alongside the former NIMASA boss include, Warredi Enisuoh, Governor Juan, Ugo Frederick, Timi Alari, as well as Alkenzo Limited and Penniel Engineering Services Limited.

They pleaded not guilty to the offences.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants conspired to divert funds running into over N1.15 billion under the guise of providing security intelligence in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

According to the EFCC, the NIMASA Intelligence Committee allegedly received N1,153,000,000 between December 2013 and July 2015.

Investigations further revealed that several companies contracted to execute the intelligence operations were either unregistered or lacked the capacity to perform the services, while some were allegedly linked to the defendants.

The prosecution also alleged that the defendants nominated or owned many of the companies used to execute the contracts.

One of the charges stated that the defendants conspired to commit offences punishable under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012.

 

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CBN Bars Chronic Loan Defaulters from Accessing New Banking Services

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive to all financial institutions to immediately restrict certain banking services for large-ticket borrowers with non-performing loans (NPLs).

This move is aimed at strengthening credit discipline and protecting the stability of the Nigerian financial system following a rise in the industry’s NPL ratio to approximately 7%, exceeding the regulatory 5% threshold.

This order is specifically targeted at large-ticket obligors.

The CBN issued the directive in a circular to banks on Monday.

The latest instruction comes almost a week after the CBN asked financial institutions to stress test.

It is uncertain if the two directives are connected or what may have triggered the loan-related instruction, but the apex bank said it furthers its mandate to protect Nigeria’s financial system.

“In furtherance of its mandate to promote a sound financial system, protect depositors, and enhance prudential compliance within the banking sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) hereby directs all banks to restrict non-performing large ticket obligors, whose activities pose systemic risk to the financial system, from accessing specified banking services,” the circular reads in part.

“Any large-ticket obligor with a non-performing facility recorded in the CRMS and/or any licensed private credit bureau shall not be granted additional credit facilities. For the purpose of this restriction, credit facilities include loans and other forms of direct credit.

“In addition, such obligors shall not be granted banking facilities or contingent liabilities such as bankers’ confirmations, letters of credit, performance bonds, or advance payment guarantees.”

 

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Makinde Only In PDP Because He’s Not Seeking Re-election – Otitoju

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Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, the Director of News at TVC News, recently stated that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde would likely have defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) if he was still serving his first term.

Otitoju stated this on Friday on TVC’s ‘Breakfast Show’.

He described the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ibadan last November as a mere waste of time.

“People must show good judgment at a critical phase. What was the point of having that convention? Two courts told you not to go ahead but you went ahead.

“I may not be a fan of former Senate President Bukola Saraki but if he says something that makes sense, I will be the first to admit it. He made sense when he said let’s go for caretaker. What’s the point of not listening to him?

“Later you will be shouting that the ruling party is behind your crisis, meanwhile you are the architect of your own misfortunes. You created this problem.

“If Makinde were in his first term, he would have fled like the dancing governor because his second term would have been in danger,” Otitoju said.

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