Real Blog Music: 07/04/23

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Festus Keyamo Reacts to EU Report Discrediting the 2023 General Elections

Former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo has broken his silence after the European Union Observer Mission (EUOM) gave a damning report on the 2023 general elections.

Reacting, Keyamo said the report cannot delegitimize the President Bola Tinubu-led government.

He stated this while reacting to the EU report released recently that pointed out some flaws in the general election and made recommendations to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The EU Electoral Observer Mission had said that trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been severely damaged, especially as a result of the failure to upload the result of the presidential election electronically. The EU which identified six areas for improvement in Nigeria’s electoral process moving forward, noted that the presidential election exposed enduring systemic weaknesses and therefore signalled a need for further legal and operational reforms to enhance transparency, inclusiveness and accountability.

In his reaction posted on his Twitter handle, Keyamo stated that there is no election worldwide without irregularities. He added that the mentalities of many Africans have been so skewed to see any kind of report or data from any organization in Europe or America as an unquestionable report or data from God.

‘’Declaring certain aspects of an election or electoral process as ‘flawed’ is not synonymous as saying the whole process was a cataclysmic failure. This is the simple difference a whole bunch of people have failed to realise.

THERE IS NO SINGLE ELECTION IN THE ENTIRE WORLD THAT WOULD NOT RECORD CERTAIN COMPLAINTS OF IRREGULARITIES IN CERTAIN AREAS. The REAL ISSUE to determine is whether those supposed irregularities substantially affected the election to the extent that the loser(s) could have won or the winner could have lost. If you cancel an entire process each time some irregularities happen or are reported, we may conduct an election 100 times and no winner would be announced.

It is only a forensic examination of the entire process by the judiciary that can clearly determine the extent the supposed ‘irregularities’ affected the final outcome of the elections. And there are legal rules already laid down to achieve this. The EU report is NOT (and cannot be) a document that tells you who won or lost an election. It only reports the ‘irregularities’ noticed and makes recommendations for improvement in future elections.

Therefore, all the hoopla over that EU report is neither here nor there when it comes to legitimising or delegitimising the government of the day. That power or responsibility belongs to the judiciary.

I hope those who are now gyrating excitedly as if they are ‘speaking in tongues’ over the EU report will also have the spirit and ‘anointing’ to accept and embrace the actual forensic judgment by our properly constituted law courts when they eventually decide on the 2023 elections.

Till then, as a very senior member of the Bar, I hold my peace and I say no more.

Funny thing is, the mentalities of many Africans have been so skewed to see any kind of report or data with the imprimatur of any organisation or body from Europe or America, especially as regards Africa or any African country, as an unquestionable report or data from God!”

Posted by Real Blog Music July 04, 2023

There’s Work To Be Done, Tinubu Tells Service Chiefs At First Meeting

Details of the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and newly appointed service chiefs have been made public.

Tinubu urged the chiefs to work as a team, noting that there is work to be done.

Tinubu made the remark on Monday when he met the new National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the new service chiefs for the first time, since their appointment on June 19, 2023.

The NSA told State House Correspondents afterward that the President assured the service chiefs of his unwavering support during the meeting.

Ribadu, who said the service chiefs, on their part, pledged their loyalty to the President and Nigerians, also underlined their commitment to work tirelessly to secure the country.

Ribadu said, “We are here to thank Mr President for the opportunity he gave us to serve our country and to serve his own government. We also pledged our loyalty to him, to Nigeria and Nigerians.

“We believe that the choice he made is the right one, the correct one, and we know what he wants for this country. We are going to work tirelessly to ensure that we accomplish that objective of securing our country, establishing peace, stability and let’s get our lives back.”

The NSA, who is a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said although the task ahead is a big one, it would be done.

“Where we are today, and you can see already, things are improving in our country. If you see, the record of crimes and activities of criminals are going down, it will continue to go down. We’ll secure this place,” he said.

“Nigerians have seen the quality of the people that are given the opportunity, they are probably some of the best we have and they are not going to fail you, they’ll certainly deliver.”

The Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. C.G Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen T. A Lagbaja; the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral E. A Ogalla; and the Chief of Air Staff, AVM H.B Abubakar, were at the meeting.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun was also present at the security meeting.

Posted by Real Blog Music July 04, 2023

Kaduna: Two More Pilgrims Die In Saudi Arabia

The two pilgrims that recently died brings the total number of deceased pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to four from the state.

The deceased pilgrims

Two more pilgrims from Kaduna have died while performing their hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.

This was confirmed by the special assistant to the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Ibrahim Giwa.

According to him, the pilgrims were identified as Bashir Umar Sambo from Kubau Local Government and Sulaiman Abubakar (Unguwan Lalli) from Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

He explained, “The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency announces the death of Sulaiman Abubakar Unguwan Lalli, KD 086 TRK from Igabi LGA and Bashir Umar Sambo, KD 318 KB from Kubau local government area.”

The two pilgrims that recently died brings the total number of deceased pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to four from the state.

Posted by Real Blog Music July 04, 2023

She’s My Bestie – BBNaija’s Kiddwaya Replies Fan Who Asked Him To Marry Erica

Recall that the duo were widely tipped by fans for a romantic relationship given their onscreen chemistry during the reality show.

Erica and Kiddwaya

Ex-BBNaija housemate, Kiddwaya has responded to a fan who urged him to tie the knot with his love interest on the show, Erica Nlewedim.

Recall that the duo were widely tipped by fans for a romantic relationship given their onscreen chemistry during the reality show.

A fan with the Twitter handle @DonShulace on Monday, asked Kiddwaya to consider marrying Erica.

The fan wrote, “Kidwaya please I want you to marry Erica.”

Responding, Kiddwaya said Erica is his “bestie.”

He wrote, “That’s my bestie @EricaNlewedim.”

Posted by Real Blog Music July 04, 2023

You Don’t Need A Church Wedding To Be Married — Reno Omokri

The author conveyed his belief that a church wedding is not obligatory, urging people to liberate themselves from religious bondage.

Reno Omokri

Former Presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has given his opinion on church weddings.

The author conveyed his belief that a church wedding is not obligatory, urging people to liberate themselves from religious bondage.

Contrary to popular belief, Omokri asserted that a pastor or prophet cannot confer holiness upon a marriage.

Instead, he emphasized that the only individuals capable of bestowing such sanctity are the parents of the marrying couple.

In a series of tweets, Omokri stated:

“Someone said church wedding is necessary because pastors are God’s representatives on Earth. To that man, my question is this: What are your parents? Devil’s representative? No blessing on Earth is greater than parent’s blessing. After God, parents”

While Omokri’s remarks challenge the notion of a church wedding’s significance, he emphasizes the importance of parental blessings and their role in the marital union.

Posted by Real Blog Music July 04, 2023

Jay-Z’s Mother Marries Long Time L*sbian Partner

The star-studded wedding was attended by Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Tina Knowles-Lawson, Tyler Perry, and Robin Roberts.

Gloria Carter and Roxanne Wilshire

Gloria Carter, the mother of iconic rapper, Jay-Z, got married to her longtime partner, Roxanne Wilshire in New York City on Sunday night.

The star-studded wedding was attended by Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Tina Knowles-Lawson, Tyler Perry, and Robin Roberts.

The wedding guests reportedly partied hard with the reception which was held in Tribeca, wrapping up at around 1am.

As the evening drew to a close the newlyweds were seen leaving the party with Gloria dressed in a white suit, and Roxanne in a stunning gold and white shimmery dress.

Jay-Z has been extremely supportive of Gloria, who came out as a l*sbian in his 2017 track “Smile”. She jumped on the song to talk about “living in the shadows” as a g*y woman.

“Mama had four kids, but she’s a l*sbian/Had to pretend so long that she’s a thespian/Had to hide in the closet, so she medicate/Society shame and the pain was too much to take,” he rapped. “Cried tears of joy when you fell in love/Don’t matter to me if it’s a him or her/I just wanna see you smile through all the hate/Marie Antoinette, baby, let ’em eat cake.”

Jay-Z confirmed in an interview with David Letterman on the Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction that he did shed tears of joy upon discovering his mother fell in love.

Posted by Real Blog Music July 04, 2023

Stop Doing Domestic Jobs For Politicians – Police Issues Warning To Personnel

The command, which warned its personnel to stop carrying out acts other than protecting their principals from security threats, added that appropriate sanctions would be meted out on erring police personnel.

The Osun State Police Command has issued warning to officers attached to government officials to desist from carrying out domestic chores such as carrying hand bags and umbrellas.

The command stated that their function is to protect lives and properties.

The Commissioner of Police, Patrick Kehinde Longe made this known on Monday via a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola.

The command, which warned its personnel to stop carrying out acts other than protecting their principals from security threats, added that appropriate sanctions would be meted out on erring police personnel.

It also advised government officials responsible for such to employ the services of domestic staff and personal assistants to carry out such services.

According to the statement, “The Osun State Police Command is miffed with consternation the way these personalities use police orderlies attached to them for domestic duties such as carrying hand bags, umbrellas, opening of gate, etc.

“We wish to state emphatically that the policemen attached to them are meant to protect their lives and property and not serve as domestic servants.

“The Command, therefore, warns police officers attached to these officials to stop carrying out or serving purposes other than protecting their principals from security threats, as such behaviour is highly unethical, unprofessional and would attract appropriate sanctions against erring such police personnel.

“These categories of Government officials are enjoined to employ the services of domestic staff/Personal Assistants to carry out such services.”

Posted by Real Blog Music July 04, 2023

South-East Group Blasts JAMB Over Mmesoma, Demands Independent Probe

Odinkemmere described the JAMB statement as an ‘ambush’, saying that the young girl was not given a fair hearing before JAMB went to press with its report.

A group, South East Fact Check has lashed out at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.

This comes after JAMB claimed that one Miss Mmesoma Ejikeme from Anambra State forged her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.

While the candidate, who is a student of Anglican School, Nnewi, is holding a 362 score, JAMB has declared her result fake and forged, saying that she only scored 249.

The education body in a statement by Fabian Benjamin, the Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, said Mmesoma forged results on the JAMB site to manipulate the results she is currently parading, adding that the teenager used the alleged fake results to secure a scholarship worth 3 million naira from Innoson Motors.

But in a reaction in Umuahia, the Chairman of South East Fact Check, Mr Barry Odinkemmere described the JAMB statement as an ‘ambush’, saying that the young girl was not given a fair hearing before JAMB went to press with its report.

South East Fact Check further expressed concern at the tone applied in the statement, saying that it sounded like a premeditated plan against the candidate.

The group noted that a thorough investigation should have been concluded on the matter to determine who is saying the truth, as according to the group, JAMB by its statement, had already admitted that something is wrong with its result portal.

“How can you arrive at this conclusion without a final, thorough and independent investigation?

“This girl, from our findings, has maintained first position from her primary school days.

“If there is a problem of credibility on the JAMB results portal, who should take the blame- is it not JAMB?

“Why will they crucify a poor brilliant girl on the altar of wickedness”, Odinkemmere said.

He advised JAMB to allow a forensic investigation to be concluded before jumping to the media.

“If at the end of the day, the result is confirmed to be forged by the girl, then she should be prosecuted.

“But if it is discovered at the end of the day that she is the true owner, JAMB should pay her compensation with apologies and we will go to Court against them to enforce the rights of the poor girl,” the SEFC leader further said.

The group vowed to mobilize a free legal team for Mmesoma if the need arises.

The group commended Mr Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors for standing with the UTME candidate, until the conclusion of independent investigations.

The South East Fact Check challenged “the Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to wade into this matter immediately, to avoid persecution of our Ada Igbo.”

Posted by Real Blog Music July 04, 2023

Bread Producers Serve Notice Of Imminent Hike In Prices

Bread producers have notified Nigerians of plan to increase price.

According to the producers, the increase is as a result of cost of production which has risen following the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and the liberalization of the foreign exchange (forex) market by the federal government.

President of Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN), Engr. Emmanuel Onuorah, who disclosed this in an exclusive chat with Vanguard, stated: “For us in the premium bread making, it is a mixed feeling laced with a feeling of déjà vu”.

He noted that most of the baking ingredients are import dependent, adding that the floating of forex has led to increase in the cost of clearing of the ingredients.

Onuorah said: “Most of our baking ingredients are import dependent; ranging from flour produced from wheat, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Propionate, Yeast, bread softener etc, are mostly imported. The forex floating led to increase in amount used for clearing; we know this will certainly lead to increase in prices of bread.

“The flour millers even wanted to use the forex floating as an alibi to increase the price of wheat flour; if they do that the price of bread would go up significantly because we would pass on the cost. With any increase in the price of bread now, there will certainly be more drops in sales and more bakeries will certainly close shop”.

On the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, he said: “We feel that the decision was hasty without a clear cut plan on how to mitigate the fall-out of the policy on businesses and Nigerians. The President announced the policy before thinking of how to manage the fall-out, more like putting the cart before the horse.

“The impact on my members was spontaneous because our workers were not able to afford the transport fare that spiked astronomically thereby impeding production due to unavailability of workers.

“Some of our members have delivery vans that use fuel; it spiked their cost of delivery which dovetailed into increased cost of production and reduced margins. Our distributors use delivery vans that use fuel likewise, it affected their sales with the attendant drop in our volumes.”

The bakers’ chief also added that “the imposition of 7.5% VAT on diesel by the new government, the price shot up immediately and this affected our production and sales negatively.”

Posted by Real Blog Music July 04, 2023

JAMB vs Mmesoma Controversy Has Shown 2023 Elections Divided Nigeria – Omokri

Reno Omokri, a socio-political activist has spoken on the allegation brought against Ejikeme Mmesoma by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB.

In a Twitter post, Omokri said the controversy surrounding Mmesoma’s JAMB result has shown that the 2023 general elections had divided Nigeria.

According to Omokri: “The JAMB has given its verdict. If anyone has concrete evidence that they are lying or targeting any group of Nigerians, then come out with concrete proof, not innuendo. Whipping up ethnic and religious sentiments over a purely technical matter will not help anyone.

“Nigeria is already deeply divided from the #NigerianElections2023. There is no need to raise innuendo that will further divide the country. Rather than speculating or making this about ethnicity and bias against certain parts of Nigeria, why not hold your peace until the investigative panel set up by the Anambra State Government establishes the facts?

“And perhaps the Anambra State government and non-governmental bodies concerned should have FIRST verified from the JAMB DIRECTLY by writing them a letter before relying on social media reports.”