Sometimes believing in the Nigerian project is incredibly hard. Here are 10 reasons why. In no particular order.

Akwa Ibom first lady tussle

The first official visit of the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari to Akwa Ibom State was marred by a security breach allegedly caused by Senator Godswill Akpabio’s wife, Mrs Unoma Akpabio. The drama occurred at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo when Mrs. Akpabio, attempted to assume the responsibility of the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel by positioning herself to receive the first lady. Thankfully order was restored

Parade of fake first lady

The treatment meted out to Amina Mohammed, a woman accused by the Department of State Security (DSS) of posing as the first lady of Kogi state to gain entry to the presidential villa was a sad and traumatic display of the state of our institutions. Thanks to the collusion of the DSS officials and journalists at the venue of the press conference, the rights of the lady in question were stripped away as she was treated in a totally undignified and dehumanising manner.

Nigerian Army vs UNICEF

On December 14^th, Nigeria suspended the operations of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) accusing the aid group of spying for Boko Haram. Justifying the insipid action, the army spokesperson insisted that UNICEF was “training selected persons for clandestine activities,” claiming possession of credible information that foreign aid agencies and NGOs were training and deploying spies for Boko Haram. The Ban was rescinded hours later but damage had been done.

EFCC’s several embarassing attempts to humiliate banks and MTN

In September, several officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday raided the headquarters of Standard Chartered Bank in Lagos. Following the invasion, EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren dissociated the commission from the action, describing the shameful incident as “the handiwork of errant officers who acted without authorization.’’

The current state of Lagos

In perhaps the single worst decision to afflict a mega city, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode introduced the Cleaner Lagos Initiative, a state assembly backed misfire that returned a large chunk of the waste management responsibilities to Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, a foreign firm with no demonstrated competence in managing the over 10,000 tons of waste generated daily by Lagos residents. Lagosians were instead forced to watch with dismay as the state devolved into something from the distant past. Major roads, inner streets and public institutions overrun by filth.

Children protesting for Ganduje

It wasn’t enough that Kano state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje was caught with his hands in the till, shamelessly soliciting and accepting bribes, his supporters managed to introduce innocent children into the mess.  Videos and photos showed students in Kano state displaying various placards stating their support for Governor Ganduje. This irrational protest happened when the publisher of Daily Nigerian Newspaper, who exposed the bribe-taking videos of the Governor was expected to testify before an ad-hoc committee set up by the Kano State House of Assembly to investigate the video evidence of Ganduje on the take.

Yaba Market March

On December 15, a group of women-and men- staged a march at the popular Yaba market in Lagos to protest the seemingly ingrained sexual harassment and derogatory sexual slurs that accompany women going about their business. Change is hard but the reaction from some of the traders at the market was dispiriting. Protesters were pelted with stones and water, derogatory remarks were hurled while the men reiterated their ownership of women’s bodies. Sad day to be male and Nigerian, it was.

The illegal arrests of 57 suspected gay men

No fewer than 57 suspected gays were arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly gathering to conduct initiation rites. Using choice words like covert operations and subterfuge, the Lagos Police spokesperson paraded the victims, allowing reporters shove microphones and cameras in their faces while triumphantly celebrating their profound feat of policing. It is sad to note that every year, there is at least one incident like this. Shame on us.

Justice for Ochanya

On October 18, 2018, 13-year old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbaje succumbed to a gruesome five-year sexual abuse ordeal after she died of Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and other health complications at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. According to multiple reports, Ochanya was allegedly molested, defiled, drugged and abused for 5 years by her 52-year old uncle, Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer in the department of catering and hotel management of the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, and his son, Victor Ogbuja.

Fr Ejike Mbaka’s blessings go to the highest bidder

N a now viral video distributed eagerly on the internet, spiritual director of the Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka cut a disturbing figure as he berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for not launching a project for his church, warning him of the consequences. Fr. Mbaka curiously withheld Obi’s blessings, offering to release them only after Obi had done a project for the church. Mbaka would later gloat about this when Kano state’s thieving Governor paid him a visit.

Read » #YNaija2018Review: Nigerian Army on UNICEF, #JusticeForOchanya, Ambode’s filthy Lagos…10 moments that prove Nigeria is a zoo on YNaija

The internet loves a good buzz, something to rally round, support or be outraged about. This year had a list of those moments. We bring you 10 of the best. In no particular order/

#BergerToAjah

Attempted rape, scummy men, receipts, this scandal had all the salacious ingredients. Using her Twitter handle @OmogeDami, a young lady accused a fellow, @UcheDandyMUFC of attempted rape. Reacting to the weighty allegations, @UcheDandyMUFC refuted the claims insisting he and the lady in question had consensual sexual relations. According to him, she agreed to come to his house from Berger on the Mainland, all the way to Ajah on the Island but he lost interest after interacting with her. The internet was never quite the same after that.

Bill Gates in Nigeria

Billionaire philanthropist and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates was in Nigeria early in the year to oversee the sprawling work that his foundation is doing in Nigeria across various development sectors. The high point of the Bill Gates visit was his straight to the issues speech, a scathing and unbiased address that failed to pander to any group and outlined the hard choices Nigeria must make if progress is to be made. The Gates speech caused a furor online and was something of an embarrassment to government.

Black Panther

Marvel’s Black Panther didn’t just happen on the world. It took strategic marketing including grassroots organizing, GoFundMe campaigns and a release date during Black History Month. For Nigerians, Black Panther landed on a thirsty audience and was characterized by fans going to the cinemas repping Wakanda in their best traditional outfits. The discussions around the film ranged from the deep- relationship between Africans and African Americans- to the utterly superficial- Chadwick Boseman’s cool hotness- and sent ticket sales to record numbers.

Davido and Chioma serving loads of assurance

The most prominent romance of the year was the one between popstar Davido and his chef girlfriend Chioma Avril Roland. Played for maximum impact, the duo were constantly trending with reports of every luxury item Davido chose to spoil her with it be it a Range Rover sports or an endorsement deal. Davido-Chioma fever hit a peak when Davido’s single Assurance had both figures at its red hot, overhyped center.

#ENDSARS

The End Special Anti-Robbery Squad (#ENDSARS), is an advocacy campaign against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a unit of the Nigerian Police Force, notorious for gross human rights violations. The movement started as a social media campaign using the hashtag, #ENDSARS in which Nigerians shared stories of how the SARS engage in unlawful arrest, high-handedness, humiliation, detention and extortion. A petition signed by 10,195 people was submitted to the National Assembly calling for scrapping of SARS. In June, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo ordered an immediate restructuring of the unit.

FIFA World Cup

Half of the world tuned in to the FIFA World Cup in Russia so it was only right that outtakes from football’s biggest spectacle would dominate the internet. From the exciting matches, Russian hosts, behind the scenes drama, emotional footballers’ testimonials from Players Tribune, the delightful Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Kylian Mbappe’s retirement of Lionel Messi and a finale that delivered all the goods, the World Cup was indeed a spectacular affair.

In My Feelings challenge

Drake swept the Internet with the In My Feelings Challenge, a popular dance craze involving thousands (millions?) of social media users including celebrities sharing videos of themselves doing the exact same moves to the tune of Drake’s number one song, In My Feelings. The viral challenge was spotlighted in Drake’s official music video for, In My Feelings,” and it featured the campaign’s comedian originator.

Linda Ikeji falling pregnant

Billionaire blogger, Linda Ikeji gave Nigerians an early Christmas present when she decided to (over)share the story of how she got pregnant and became mother of her son. Of course, a Linda Ikeji drama had to come with the goodies and Ms Ikeji spilled the beans on her doomed romance with baby daddy, Sholaye Jeremi. Her story involved details like travelling to Lekki’s famed fifth roundabout and a promise of marriage that never quite worked out. The result of all the drama was that Ms Ikeji ‘’fell pregnant.’’

#Stew

We have Wizkid to blame for this one. The Starboy first tweeted the word #Stew while promoting new music. But it wasn’t until the arrival of the sexy music video for his hit Fever, that the internet truly caught on. Wizkid and his bestie Tiwa Savage set tongues wagging when they appeared in the video holding hands and making out like a pair of star crossed lovers. Of course the interwebs found it too much to handle #StewEverywhere.

#ThisIsNigeria

Falz became the most talked about rapper of the year for taking a splash in not just socially conscious, but politically charged waters. He released the Childish Gambino remake, This is Nigeria, a timely if uninspiring piece of music that painted a broad picture of contemporary Nigerian society. This is Nigeria proved hugely successful, especially online, where it quickly achieved viral status and was noticed by P. Diddy.

The writer tweets from @drwill20

Read » #YNaija2018Review: #BergerToAjah, #ENDSARS, FIFA World Cup…See our list of 10 moments/hashtags that broke the internet on YNaija

We are just wondering where you were if you weren’t at any of these major highlights.

Bole Festival     

The 2018 Bole Festival, tagged the reunion, held at the Obi Wali Cultural Center, on Saturday the 4th of August 2018 was Port Harcourt’s contribution to the culture. A celebration of the staple street delicacy, Bole, the umbrella term for the meal of roasted plantain, with or without yam and fish with special sauce, the Bole festival is an annual food fair aimed at promoting and showcasing rich and unique preparations of roasted indigenous delicacies. This second edition had about 6000 food lovers trooping in to enjoy the goodness of Bole.

Concert Season

December in Lagos is a sensory overload of music concerts and events designed to give fun seekers the best of times. Simi, Wizkid, Wande Coal and Mayorkun have already hosted live concerts this month. But that’s just the beginning. Still to come? Davido, Burna Boy, Olamide and Show Dem Camp. Then there are holiday staples like Rhythm Unplugged, Afropolitan Vibes and Nativeland. How is a merry party goer to cope?

Dangote- Abubakar Wedding

The high society wedding between billionaire daughter Fatima Dangote and Jamil Abubakar, son of a former Inspector General of Police wasn’t just talk of the town, it was the town itself, and then some. Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates arranged his schedule around the wedding, so did Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and every other person who is anybody. For pop culture moments, the wedding gave us the viral picture of the table that could never be shaken and a video of Davido’s uncle Senator Adeleke singing along to the hit, Money.

The Experience

Nigeria is a religious country. So it comes as no surprise that the biggest social event in the country is a religious one. For the thirteenth year in a row, The Experience, put together by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of the House on the Rock cathedral invited leading ministers and singers from all over the world- Kirk Franklin, Don Moen, Chioma Jesus- to deliver the message of the Gospel to a record number of worshippers. This year’s, themed Jesus Our Peace was held on 7, December 2018.

Lagos Fashion Week

Lagos Fashion Week is the ultimate fashion party, a fashion platform that brings together buyers, consumers and the media to gaze on latest collections from designers from home and abroad. Sponsored by Heineken, the leading fashion event in West Africa through events like Fashion Focus Africa and the Creative Lounge helps strengthen the fashion industry. The Lagos Fashion Week was followed shortly by the GTB fashion weekend, a consumer focused fashion exhibition and capacity building event that aims to promote enterprise within the fast growing Nigerian fashion industry.

The Future Awards Africa’s night of inspiration

Described by Forbes as the “Most important awards for outstanding young Africans,” The Future Awards Africa honors outstanding achievements recorded by young persons across the country. Bolanle Olukanni and Tobi Bakre were hosts of a high profile event that rewarded names such as Samson Itodo, Simi, Zainab Balogun and Mark Angel. Obiagaeli Ezekwesili, Kingsley Muoghalu, Fela Duratoye were present to send short charges to fire up the youth.

Guinness Flavour Room                       

Mixing art with entertainment and product showcase, Guinness unveiled the Flavour Rooms from 29th November to 1st December in Lagos. The Guinness Flavour Rooms, a multi-sensory area that presents consumers with the chance to explore the many dimensions of flavours in the Guinness packaging. English football legend Rio Ferdinand made an appearance and superstars Olamide and Burna Boy thrilled fans at the end of the experience.

Kano Durbar

From Sokoto to Ilorin, Katsina to Bida the annual Durbar festival is celebrated in several states in the North to mark the end of the Eid el-Fitr celebrations. In June this year, the Kano Hawan Durbar was a fabulous display of pomp and pageantry. Every detail was present. Procession of horsemen, acrobats, musicians parade, purple turbans and metallic swords glistening. The celebration began with prayers, followed by a parade of Emir Sanusi and his entourage on horses, accompanied by musicians, and ending at the Emir’s palace.

Lagos Art Season

The Lagos art season is a multi-month long stretch of events- including but not limited to ART X, Lagos Photo Festival, Lagos Book and Art Festival, Art Summit, Ake Arts and Books Festival, Lagos Fringe, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Lagos International Poetry festival, Infinite Treasures. A heaven for arts lovers, the season usually starting in October and lasting through December is an overload of art, movies, drama, books and pure escapism.

Macron at the shrine

On his first official visit to Nigeria, French President, Emmanuel Macron met with Muhammadu Buhari but no one was talking about that meeting the next day. All of the media attention was on Macron’s conspicuous trip to New Afrika Shrine, the famous concert and recreation venue run by the family of the Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Macron launched the Season of African Cultures 2020, a French celebration of Africa’s rich and diverse cultures and was entertained by Nigeria’s biggest music and movie stars.

The writer tweets from @drwill20

Read » #YNaija2018Review: The Dangote Wedding, The Experience, Lagos Fashion Week…See our Top 10 events of the year on YNaija

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has released the names of members of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 elections.

This was contained in a statement by President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, on December 28, 2018.

See the list below:

CHAIRMAN
President Muhammadu Buhari

CO-CHAIRMAN
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

DEPUTY CHAIRMEN
1.  The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

2.  The APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole

VICE CHAIRMAN NORTH
Senator George Akume

VICE CHAIRMAN SOUTH
Senator Ken Nnamani

DIRECTOR GENERAL
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (OPERATIONS)
Senator A.O. Mamora

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (COORDINATION)
Arch. Waziri Bulama

SECRETARY
1.  Adamu Adamu

2.  Dele Alake

ZONAL DIRECTORS
a.  North West: Senator Aliyu M. Wamakko

b.  North East: Senator Muh’d Ali Ndume

c.    North Central: Senator Abdullahi Adamu

d.  South West: Sola Oke, SAN

e.  South East: Sharon Ikeazor

f.    South South: Senator Godswill Akpabio

DIRECTORATES
a.            Director,  Buhari Support Groups – Dr. Mahmoud Mohammed

b.          Director,  Strategic Communications – Festus Keyamo, SAN

a.    Deputy Director- Abike Dabiri- Erewa

c.            Director, Contact & Mobilization –  Hadiza Bala Usman

a.    Deputy Director South -Victor Eboigre

b.  Deputy Director North- Senator Bashir Nalado

d.          Director, Election Planning & Monitoring – Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN

a.    Deputy Director I-  Baba Kura Abba Jato

b.  Deputy Director II-Chief Emani Ayiri

e.            Director, Logistics – Dr. Pius Odubu

a.    Deputy Director- Senator Umanah Umanah

b.  Deputy Director II- Nasiru Danu

f.              Director, Policy Research & Strategy- Prof Abdulrahman  Oba

a.    Deputy Director- Prof. A.K. Usman

g.            Director, Youth Mobilization- Hon. Tony Nwoye assisted by the APC Youth Leader  sadiq

a.    Deputy Director North- Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed

b.  Deputy Director South –  Jasper Azuatalam

h.          Director, Admin- Onari Brown

a.    Deputy Director I- Chris Hassan

b.  Deputy Director II- Abubakar Magaji Gasau

i.              Director,  Women Mobilization- Woman Leader Salamatu Baiwa

a.    Deputy Director North – Binta Mu’azu

b.  Deputy Director South – Adejoke Orelope Adefulire

j.              Director Security – Gen. A. . Dambazzau

a.    Deputy Directors – Brigadier General Gambo and Mr. U. Ukoma

k.          Director Legal – Emeka Ngige, SAN

a.    Deputy Director- Prof. Maman Lawan Yusufari

l.              Director Field Opertaions- Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

M.  Director Finance – Wale Edun

Deputy Director ….Alhaji Adamu Fadan

SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MR. PRESIDENT
1.  Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

2.  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

3.  Senator Ahmed Lawan (Senate Leader)

4.  Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila ( Leader of the House )

5.  APC Party National Chairman  Comrade Adams Oshiomole

6.  Alhaji  Aliko Dangote.

7.  Mr. Femi Otedola

COUNCIL MEMBERS
1.  Chief Bisi Akande

2.  Chief John Oyegun

3.  Senator Ita Enang

4.  All APC serving Senators

5.  All APC serving and former Governors

6.  All APC Members of the House of Representatives

7.  All members of the National Working Committee of the APC

8.  All Zonal Women Leaders

STATE COORDINATORS
1. Governors are to serve as State Coordinators in their respective states

2. Gubernatorial Candidates in non- APC States will serve as State Coordinators in their respective states.

Read » APC names Tinubu, Dangote, Otedola, others in Buhari’s campaign council on YNaija

Follow the links to read the stories and analyses on YNaija:

APC names Tinubu, Dangote, Otedola, others in Buhari’s campaign council

Read » The YNaija Cover – the 28th of December on YNaija

Nigeria’s first Executive President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari GCFR, has passed on at the age of 93.

According to a tweet by Bello Shagari, grandson to the late statesman, he died late Friday at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.

I regret announcing the death of my grandfather, H.E Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who died right now after brief illness at the National hospital, Abuja.

— Bello Shagari (@Belshagy) December 28, 2018

The Sokoto-born politician served as the first and only President of Nigeria’s Second Republic, after the handover of power by General Olusegun Obasanjo‘s military government on  October 1st 1979, having won the 1979 presidential election under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) alongside his Vice Presidential candidate, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme who died barely one year ago.

Shagari who also served seven times in a ministerial or cabinet post as a federal minister and federal commissioner from 1958–1975, was elected for a second term in the 1983 presidential election, but was overthrown by General Muhammadu Buhari in a military coup on December 31, 1983.

Read » Just In: Nigeria’s first elected President, Shehu Shagari is dead on YNaija

These are the stories that drove the conversation today:

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday flagged off his re-election campaign in Uyo, Akwa Ibom where he promised to improve on the war on corruption and insecurity, as well as build the economy in the interest of the people.

Speaking to a large crowd of supporters who turned out for the South-South rally, the president who said that a lot of people have been arrested and investigated and a lot of money and property recovered from them, added that on assumption of office, Boko Haram who was holding 17 local governments in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, no longer holds any local local government today but have resorted to suicide attack and other methods which he assured Nigerians he would soon stop.

Boasting that the country was already enjoying some sorts of food security as it had drastically reduced its imports, he said “I assure you that you will not regret trusting us. We are going to secure this country, we are going to manage it properly. We are going to stop corruption, so you better sweat and work for a living because there is no more handouts.

A Diesel-laden tanker on Friday exploded at the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, around Biogas Industries, in the nation’s economic capital, Lagos.

As reported by Vanguard, while the cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained, an eyewitness said the 4000-litre tanker filled with diesel was heading towards the Mile 2 area before it got flamed up, consequently causing gridlock within the axis before it was eventually contained by the officers of the Nigerian Police Force.

Nigeria’s apex electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has introduced an application to enable the Nigerian electorate act as election observers and report live from their polling units, with a bid  to address the new challenge of vote buying which characterised the recent governorship elections in some states.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Board of The Electoral Institute, Mustapha Leeky, who disclosed this on Thursday while declaring open a workshop on electoral security training in Abuja, said the app was developed to address the new challenge of vote buying which characterised the recent governorship elections in some states, adding the commission had introduced a number of measures to ensure that vote buying does not interfere with the electoral process in 2019.

“It is geo-reference, so we know exactly where that issue is taking place and we can easily draw the attention of police or other security agencies to make sure that the matter is actually addressed. “It allows every Nigerian to be an observer and a reporter of events as it happens. This, you can download freely, and have it on your smart phones. So, you can take pictures, you can also take a short video and send it to us,” he explained.

The Police on Friday laid a siege to the residence of the Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye as witnesses in the area told Premium Times that at least 10 officers forcibly entered the building, while 10 others, including at least 10 plainclothes officers, were manning outside.

The Senator who confirmed the development in a series of tweets on his Twitter account, alleged that the operatives beat his security personnel to stupor, hand cuffed him and put him in a truck, adding that he officers tried planting guns in his cars within the premises.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has however condemned the development in a statement alleging that “the invasion is part of the larger machination by the Buhari Presidency to use state apparatus of power, particularly the police under IGP Idris to harass, intimidate and clamp down on opposition members in a bid to create fear and subjugate the opposition ahead of the 2019 general elections.”

United States President, Donald Trump has threatened to shut down the border with Mexico over illegal immigration if Congress fails to fund his proposed wall.

“Either we build (finish) the Wall or we close the Border,” the US president tweeted after nearly a week of deadlock in Washington over the federal budget. (BBC)

Russai and Britain have reached an agreement to return some staff to their respective embassies after they expelled dozens of diplomats early this year, the Russian embassy said on Friday. (Reuters)

Sudanese police have fired tear gas and stun grenades on hundreds of protesters in several cities, including the capital Khartoum, as opposition groups urged for more anti-government protests.

The protests, which entered their 10th day on Friday, were staged after the weekly prayers in some areas of Khartoum, its twin city Omdurman, Port Sudan, Atbara and Madani, witnesses said. (Al Jazeera)

Brazil’s far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday and while both pledged to deepen ties, there was no announcement as some anticipated of Brazil moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia’s new foreign minister struck a note of defiance Friday in the face of international outrage over critic Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, rejecting the kingdom was in crisis and his predecessor had been demoted. (AFP)

Read » The Late 5: You have to sweat and work for a living, no more handouts – Buhari tells Nigerian youth; Diesel-laden tanker explodes in Oshodi | Other top stories on YNaija

Every day on the Nigerian Internet, there are people who keep our eyes glued to our phone screens as we read their rants, opinions, perspectives on political and social issues, etc. Sometimes, they are just downright ridiculous. We make it our job to take down the names of these noisemakers.

Here’s our list from today:

1. Yemi Adesanya

#Todayshypothesis

The more popular you become, the more haters you acquire. #Becoming cc @DrJoeAbah

— Yemi Adesanya (@toyosilagos) December 28, 2018

True talk.

2. Smith Vinci

I think it's a good thing that Buhari has Dangote and Otedola on his campaign team..
.
It will make sending him back to Daura a bit easier.
.
Dangote Truck to pack his load, Otedola Forte Oil to fuel the truck. pic.twitter.com/3JQTpPUq86

— The Kingmaker (@SmithVinci) December 28, 2018

Bros haff vex….Is it like that they told you?

3. Shehu Sani

Dear Bro Aliko,don’t use Broom to reinforce your silos,don’t use Broom as your plasterboard;don’t use Broom to mix your concrete,maintain the use of your machine concrete mixer.

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) December 28, 2018

Uncle yi sha….Must the message be crypted? Lol.

4. Yommie Oye

Dangote and Otedola ha otipari I'm going to bed election is won and lost.

— yommie oye (@yomslim) December 28, 2018

LOL.

5. Ugwunna Ejikem

I remember when I told my Mom that AY and co often place tables for ≥1million at their comedy shows, woman shout, saying in igbo "is that not madness, better to take 20k out of the money and pay someone to tickle you all night to acheive the same result".

— Ugwunna Ejikem (@UgwunnaEjikem) December 28, 2018

6. Eloye Ayo

Church Group chat BCs be like,
"Dear beloved, this is to inform you that the Last Friday of the Month Vigil has been postponed till Monday 31st, stay blessed"

And I'm like what??!
You just moved a Friday to a Monday… Wow!

— HOEloye Ayo (@OfficialAyo_) December 28, 2018

National Vigil is a goal.

7. Sultan Ahmed

Which would you choose: Fame or Wealth?

— SULTAN AHMED (@MeetMrAhmeed) December 28, 2018

Wealthy Fame.

Read » Today’s Noisemakers: Yemi Adesanya, Shehu Sani and other reactions to APC Presidential Campaign Council list on YNaija

Read » The Daily Vulnerable | New year, new … what? on YNaija

These were the stories that drove the conversation this week:

Nigeria’s first Executive President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari, passed on at the age of 93.

The  information was made known by  Bello Shagari, grandson to the late statesman, who said he died late Friday at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh.

The suspects are the man who reportedly hired the assailants and the one who is said to have pulled the trigger that led to Badeh’s death on the Keffi-Abuja road following the information that he had some cash on him to pay for an additional farmland.

The governing All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday released the names of members of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 elections.

While the list had a number of predictable names, the surprise however for most Nigerians was the inclusion of Billionaires, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola in a list of seven named as Special Advisory Committee to Mr. President.

The party also flagged-off its Presidential campaign same day at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom despite initial concerns raised by the state government over the potential damage to the facility and the humongous repair cost it will incur after the event.

After vehemently denying the report, the Nigerian Police on Thursday dismissed 121 of at least 167 police officers who left their duty from a counter terrorism training facility to avoid deployment against Boko Haram insurgents last week.

According to Premium Times, the 121 officers of the police rank-and-file were accused of committing mutiny and desertion, prompting Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris to order their dismissal with immediate effect.

The Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Monday said that he did not call Seun Sakaba, Lt. Col Ibrahim Sakaba, wife of one of the 44 soldiers killed by Boko Haram insurgents during an attack on 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno in November.

As contained in a statement issued on behalf of the former Vice President, following efforts to get the contact of his widow to enable him express his condolences over the loss of the fallen hero, he was over the weekend availed with phone numbers of Mrs. Sakaba and Maryam, younger sister of the late soldier, in the alternative but was only able to contact Maryam during which he expressed his deepest condolences to the family, after unsucessful attempts at reaching the widow of the deceased on Sunday.

President Buhari on Tuesday blamed the Nigerian system for his administration’s slow pace of fighting corruption.

The president while playing host to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) community, who paid him Christmas homage at his official residence in Abuja, said “It’s not Baba (Buhari) that is slow but it is the system. So, I am going by this system and I hope we will make it.”

Presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, however berated President Muhammadu Buhari over the statement as he stressed that President Buhari’s admittance that his administration is slow shows failure of his administration in tackling corruption, adding that though “the system has challenges, where there is political will, the system can make progress.

Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to an allegation by his wife, Aisha Buhari that his government has been hijacked by two powerful elements who are behind the slow pace of development in the country under his administration, describing it as baseless and “her business.”

The President who disclosed this during a recent interview with the Hausa service of Voice of America (VOA) as seen in a clip shared on Twitter by a Nigerian journalist with the service, Saleh Shehu Ashaka, insisted there was no cabal running his government and asked his critics to name one decision taken by the cabal.

Former Governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose on Wednesday, accused President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to hide under the killings by bandits in Zamfara to impose emergency rule on the state, as he advised the federal government to admit its failure and apologise to the people of the State, who were left at the mercy of bandits.

In a statement he personally signed  Fayose said: “With the emergency rule, there will only be Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state in February next year while governorship and state House of Assembly elections will be postponed till May,”  stressing that the alleged plot by the federal government was aimed at paving the way for a fresh electoral process in the state so that APC can field candidates.

The People’s Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PPCO) has declared that President Muhammadu Buhari no longer has the moral standing to seek re-election until he directly answers to the allegation that he has soiled his hands in the alleged corrupt acquisition of Etisalat Nigeria and Keystone Bank PLC, as revealed by its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Presidential Media aide, Garba Shehu, in a statement on Wednesday however said the PDP neither have the strength and support to fight President Buhari nor records of accomplishments in infrastructure, hence the reason they are dragging the President’s wife into their politics.

Socio-political groups; Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, The PDP and the African Action Congress (AAC) on Sunday, faulted a statement credited to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo that the victory of President Buhari in the 2019 presidential election would guarantee South-West Presidency in 2023.

While Ohanaeze Ndigbo said Nigeria would continue to wallow in “abject socio-political, economic and developmental blindness until an Igbo man becomes the President,” Afenifere through its spokesperson, Yinka Odumakin wondered what the Yoruba people had gained since Osinbajo became Vice-President.

The PDP Presidential Campaign Council in his criticism of the VP said, “giving out two promises has exposed the insincerity and dubious intention of the Buhari-led Federal Government with the people of the South-East and South-West geopolitical zones with empty promises of bequeathing power to the two zones at the same time in 2023.”

Read » Suspected killers of former CDS, Alex Badeh nabbed; Buhari slams wife again over statement on cabal frustating his govt | Other top stories this week on YNaija

Are you a lover of adult contemporary? Are you a lover of good music? Will you like to experience a one of a kind concert that puts these two together? Then let me talk to you about the Grown & Sexy Concert put together by Goodlife Entertainment.

The Grown & Sexy Concert is a concept that caters to the adult contemporary, a type of music often mistaken to be loved by the ‘old’. This misconception has been proven wrong over the years as many of these ‘old’ artistes have come out with sounds that creates an atmosphere of fun and quality music for the matured minds who knows how to have fun the good way.

Being the season of giving, buying tickets to give the people you love a front row seat to see the mind-blowing performance from icons like Styl Plus, Seyi Sodimu, Eldee, Olu Maintain, Paul Play Dairo, the incredible MI Abaga and the artistic Brymo won’t be a bad idea. It will in fact be a change in gifts as that night promises to be an unforgotten night of great musical experience.

The Grown & Sexy Concert slated for the 30^th of December 2018 at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites is not the kind of concert you want to miss. The night will be filled with maximum fun of good music and quality vibes you don’t want to be told about.

Tickets are available on www.amplifiedtickets.com and www.afritickets.com at N7,500 for Regular, N25,000 for VIP, N100,000 for VVIP, N1M for Silver table and N2M for Gold table.

For sponsorship, enquiries and table reservation, call 08061138333 or 08072000690.

Read » Grown & Sexy Concert hits Lagos and we are here for it on YNaija

We present, the worst of the pile. Only films that scored a cinema release were considered for this list.

10. Date Night

In the era of #TimesUp and #MeToo, writing a powerful female anti-heroine is all very welcome but Date Night soon gets muddled up in its sexual politics, leading to plot holes, questionable decisions and godawful clichés. The writing isn’t nearly as smart as it thinks it is and sitting through the film makes for plenty of exasperating moments. The twists are pretty embarrassing, the story is a bore and the actors are never believable in their roles. By the time it arrives at its overdue ending, only shrugs are elicited.

9. New Money

New Money is a jumble of noisy scenes, clanging and screeching loudly with overemoting actors doing their best to frustrate audiences. Then there is the extra-judicious use of pop music. Simisola, the debut album by pop star suffers the most as director Tope Oshin hides under its umbrella to cover a lot of her deficiencies. And they are a lot. The picture is pretty, actors even more so, but all that brightness does not even attempt to cover up the screenplay’s paucity of depth. The result is the film’s underwhelming ending.

8. The Ghost and the Tout

Ranting about all of the ways that The Ghost and the Tout does not hold up as a proper film would be redundant. It would be all too insincere too, as by this time, those who pay money- this reviewer to see a film produced by and starring Toyin Abraham know exactly what to expect. Hint: Not much. Truth be told, there is hardly anything to write home about The Ghost and the Tout.

7. The Vendor

The Vendor doesn’t have a credible plot going for it. It instead relies on the physical presence of its star, Odunlade Adekola and the bulk of the film’s running time has Adekola moving from one clumsy set up to the other in a desperate search for laughs. Initially it seems like this isn’t going to work as the first thirty minutes of the overlong film is bound to test even the most excited of fans, what with the sluggishness and unsuccessful attempts at humor.

6. Mummy Dearest: The Wedding

Mummy Dearest: The Wedding is for the bulk of its running time, a rehash of tropes already explored in the first chapter of the franchise, nothing new to see. The characters haven’t grown significantly, thus their actions are only recycled and played for cheap laughs. The major attraction is the chemistry between Liz Ameye and Daniel K. Daniel but even that is stretched beyond limits. The plot is paper thin, and audiences are expected to reach back to the first film to dig up some residual connection with characters who don’t work for such a reward.

5. The Blind Spot

The Blind Spot is a difficult sell. The writing credited to Igunwe Alfred Otaniyuwa sucks, so does the acting, especially from the supporting team. The pace is all wrong and the director seems like he is in over his head, juggling multiple genres all at once. Sometimes The Blind Spot tries to be funny- doesn’t always succeed- other times it dials up the drama, adding elements of suspense to sweeten the mix. None of it works at all. This makes one wonder why anyone bothered with the project.

4. What Just Happened!

We are all for actresses who are facing a paucity of film roles, taking the plunge to produce their own films. But when the products of these enterprises come out looking like What Just Happened!, Ufuoma McDermott’s latest vanity pageant- her directing debut, last year’s Christmas is Coming was just as bad- then maybe it is time to rethink that strategy. Directed by Charles Uwagbai, What Just Happened! Is an unfunny, derivate, uninteresting waste of time.

3. Memoirs of 4

Memoirs of 4, an exploration of female friendships amongst adult Nigerian women is certainly shot like a television project. The overreliance on dialogue, reluctance to get to the point and the multiple points of view stretch the film way beyond its welcome. It runs for a little over two hours but still feels like a lifetime. There is nothing new to see here.

2. The Bridal Shower

There is almost nothing good to report on this egregious piece of non-cinema. From the ugly poster to the non-existent writing and total lack of talent associated with the film both in front of the screen and behind. Billed as a horror film- obviously a sick joke, The Bridal Shower is what happens when people with no expertise convince themselves of the validity of their dreams and get together to make a film project unsupervised. It is still a wonder how this one got any kind of distribution deal. *Shudders*

1. Disguise

Disguise is so erratic, it is hard to place what it exactly wants to achieve. It jumps up and down unremarkably like a yo-yo, moving from comedy to drama and then to faux reality tv. None of it works. The film requires superhuman levels of patience to be able to get through, all the way to the convoluted, senseless, not to mention, boring ending. The only thing genuinely decent about the film is Onilogbo Hakeem’s fetching make up work.

The writer tweets from @drwill20

Read » #YNaija2018Review: New Money, Disguise, Date Night…See the 10 Most Disappointing Films of the Year on YNaija

The year was awash in excellent Eps and mixtapes with both established and upcoming stars putting in commendable effort to curate these side projects.

We have the extremely difficult job of picking out the best 10. Ranked from good to best.

10. Lagos City Vice- Wani

With six dynamic and evolving tracks, Wani’s Lagos City Vice encapsulates the Lagos contemporary scene. Without coming off as forced or pretentious, Wani approaches Lagos via afropop, dancehall and contemporary R&B. Wani gets really creative as he reworks and remakes well known hits by Eminem Tekno and 2Baba but finds a way to make the creations purely his own.

9. Leopards- Sute Iwar

While his latest EP, Leopards may seem like a coming of age record, it seems right that Sute Iwar appears to be settling into pure hip hop after being pulled in different directions in his earlier work, some available on Sound Cloud. Suté is raw and tense on Leopards, with drums and piano keys helping to present a fuller picture of the person he is at this stage of his life.

8. Make E No Cause Fight- BOJ, Ajebutter 22

On Make E No Cause Fight, Ajebutter 22 and BOJ set about a common goal, appealing to their shared fanbase. Their easy familiarity blurs the lines that would have separated them and their artistry becomes a single coalescing unit. The linearity of this sound isn’t quite the drawback but it helps that Tay Iwar is around somewhere to introduce some variety to the record.

7. The Biggest Tree- Paybac

How does one process loss? Paybac isn’t quite sure yet but with The Biggest Tree, he lets us into the process. Paybac’s latest is a deeply personal record, a cathartic offering highlighting insights on loss. Paybac doesn’t just dwell on the darkness though. He is processing his feelings as well and seeking for ways to leave some of it behind him.

6. Rendezvous- M.I

M.I went left of field and teamed up with a bunch of exciting young (and alte) talents to produce a playlist unlike anything he’s done before. The mood is wavy, the sound is lazy and on tracks like Lekki and Soup with Cassper Nyovest, M.I shows himself as a chameleon making some of the most dynamic and self-assured music of his career.

5. First Daze of Winter- Maleek Berry

The follow up to Berry’s 2016 stunning debut, Last Daze of Summer is a subtle shift from carefree summer goodness. Winter is light on ideas but has a delicious groove that is sure to win over hard-to-please dissenters. With tracks like Sisi Maria and What If, Berry’s project relays brittle emotions, carried on the back of lush yet minimal afro-pop beats.

4. The Cries of my Subconscious- Deena Ade

It is hard to place Deena Ade in a box. She is constantly ready to evolve at a moment’s notice and with the change of a track but on The Cries of my Subconscious, her liberal bonafides shine through. She is a modern Nigerian woman and wants to live as such without fear of judgement. On this EP, she pours out her mind.

3. 1997- Tay Iwar

Short and sweet never sounded so good. 1997, named for the year of Tay Iwar’s birth is a wldly successful experiment in genre bending. This 3-song compilation flaunts the dazzling level of artistry Iwar usually unlocks in his live performances. It is almost inconceivable how much musical goodness Iwar packs in merely nine minutes.

2. Serenade- Funbi

In Serenade, Funbi comes almost fully made. His chemistry with Spax is incredible, almost palpable and the duo serve up sweet melodies, catchy hooks and gorgeous vocals. Serenade is a reasonable 7-track compilation in which Funbi projects his songwriting depth over a variety of funky, bluesy and relatable narratives.

1. Create. Repeat- The Collectiv3

When Show Dem Camp, Funbi, Poe, Spax and Ikon come together under the banner of The Collectiv3, expect nothing short of music magic. Temi Doll Face is missing but, Live. Create. Repeat is a worthy sequel to its 2015 predecessor. Forward thinking, genre defying and vigorously entertaining, Live. Create. Repeat is an instant classic.

Read » #YNaija2018Review: Serenade, Rendezvous, 1997… See the 10 Best Mixtapes/EP of the year. on YNaija

True to his word, Burna Boy gave a multitude of fans an unforgettable musical experience at the ‘Burna Live’ concert on Wednesday, December 26 at EKO Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

With tickets having been sold out weeks in advance, the venue was filled to capacity with eager fans and some of the industry’s most respected personalities, public figures, and dignitaries. Even before the concert kicked off, the atmosphere was electric.

While fans waited indoors for the star to arrive, a massive crowd made up of his fans from the streets met Burna Boy en route to escort him to the venue. The outpouring of love was overwhelming, as hundreds formed a human barricade, singing praises as the convoy traveled to the venue. Unfortunately, this slowed the artiste down and caused the show to start late.

The concert featured elements Burna had promised fans they would witness following the announcement of the concert a couple of weeks back, including a spectacular entrance where he got on stage in a model plane; which undoubtedly became one the most alluring highlights of the concert. Several ace musical artistes rocked the stage along with Oluwaburna, including his sister Nissi who was one of the opening acts, with most fervently expressing their love for the Afro-fusion artist after each performance.

The performances took a more personal turn when Burna apologized to his fans for the delay, declared indigenous wordsmith Zlatan his personal favorite and brought a fan who was celebrating his birthday on stage, encouraging the audience to celebrate him. The crowd was ecstatic when veterans D’banj and Tuface performed their collaborative effort ‘Baba Nla’ alongside Larry Gaga, and Wande Coal performed ‘Amorawa’ before the award-winning vocalist went on to perform his other hits. Perhaps one of the most exhilarating performances of the night came when DMW’sascended the stage, with Davido and his signees, Peruzzi and Dremo.

As the show progressed with more Burna performances, the singer brought out Star Boy Wizkid on stage; further sending fans into an uncontrolled frenzy as the two superstars shared the stage. Singers Timaya and Patoranking also raised the boisterousness of the night several notches by surprising Burna Boy on stage; with both artists thanking his fans for coming out to support the singer on his big night.

All in all, Burna Boy didn’t let his fans down. He performed live for over two and a half hours, reestablishing himself as one of the few Nigerian artistes who have a knack for sounding just as good live as they do recorded. Burma Live was definitely a spectacular concert that will go on to become one of the most momentous musical gatherings in the history of Nigerian music as we know it.

Read » Burna Boy makes up for late start with brilliant performances at Burna Live on YNaija

These are the stories that drove the conversation today:

Former President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Shagari was on Saturday laid to rest in his hometown, Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto.

Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, led the Federal Government delegation to the burial, with other dignitaries attending the funeral prayers including Governor Aminu Tambuwal, alongside members of the state executive council, Governors of Kebbi and Zamfara states, former Sokoto Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, former Independent National Electoral Commission chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, Senator Aliyu Wamakko and former Minister, Mukhtar Shagari.

The Presidency late Friday said Aliko Dangote, is not a member of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) as erroneously announced on Friday.

Presidential Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, who made the clarification in a statement in Abuja, said “it has become imperative to further clarify the status of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, named under the sub-head ADVISORY MEMBERS in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council announced on Friday, December 28, 2018, adding that “Africa’s richest man, not being a card-carrying member of APC, cannot, and is not member of the PCC.”

“He is also a member of the Peace Committee, and thus cannot be in a partisan campaign council,’’ the statement read.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has taken a swipe at Senate President Bukola Saraki for what he described as an indecent attempt to trivialise the April 5, 2018 robbery attack in Offa that left 33 people dead.

Speaking in Offa, Kwara on Saturday at the 2018 Ijakadi Festival, Mohammed who was reacting to an alleged claim by the Senate President during the radio programme that when he visited the town to commiserate with the people after the attack, he donated 10 million Naira, even when what was stolen from the banks’ vault was 7 million Naira, as he said claims of compensating the victims in monetary terms cannot equate the lives lost in the incident.

“How many of those who were killed in that attack have they also been able to bring back? How can any sane person equate human life with money? No amount of money is worth any human life. And no one should play politics with human life. All people of conscience must condemn this glib comment by a desperate political warlord,” he said.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) says it is opposed to the reintroduction of a nationwide military exercise, Egwu Eke III otherwise called Python Dance, scheduled to commence from January 1, 2019 and last till February 28 in preparation against security challenges anticipated before, during and after the 2019 general election.

In a statement on Saturday by the PDP spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari was plotting to use the military operation as an opportunity to unleash heavy security presence to intimidate, harass and instil fear in voters in PDP strongholds across the country and pave the way for the allocation of fictitious votes to President Buhari and the APC, having realised that he cannot win in a free and fair poll.

“In spanning the military operation to February 28, 2019, the Buhari Presidency betrayed its anticipation of public rejection or violence, which can only come when a result that does not reflect the actual wish of the people is announced,” the statement added.

Embattled former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana has declared that he is in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), to win the forthcoming 2019 presidential election and not to be running mate to former Cross River Governor, Donald Duke. 

As reported by The Nation, Gana, who was speaking at the unveiling of his campaign programme tagged ‘SWIFT’ said the leadership of SDP would not want to take the decision of him accepting to become running mate to Duke, if the party wants to win election. 

“I do not mind at all but, the party will definitely want a strategy, that is a winning strategy. Let us be very realistic the South South have just concluded a turn of the presidency during former President Goodluck Jonathan, if Nigerians are to be real they will know that it is too soon to have a presidential candidate running for an election from that zone. 

“The other zones of Nigeria would also want to have the vote, so if you want to win election the party will not do that. But if they want to just play politics they would do that. I am not for that I am for winning election,” he said.

And stories from around the world:

US President Donald Trump on Saturday blamed opposition Democrats for the death of two immigrant children in US custody, comments set to heighten tensions as the second week of a government shutdown began over his demands for a border wall. (AFP)

Russia and Turkey have agreed to coordinate ground operations in Syria after last week’s announcement of a United States’ military withdrawal, Turkish and Russian foreign ministers said. (Al Jazeera)

France’s “yellow vest” demonstrators kept numerous roads across the country blocked on Saturday as groups of protesters gathered in city centers, but the anti-government backlash was more muted than in previous weeks.Police in Egypt have killed dozens of militants during security raids on their hideouts, the interior ministry has said. (Reuters)

The raids killed “40 terrorists” in Giza and North Sinai on Saturday morning, according to a statement from the ministry. (BBC)

Yemeni rebels have begun to withdraw from the lifeline port of Hodeida, under an agreement reached in Sweden earlier this month, a UN official said Saturday.

The official, who requested anonymity, said the Huthi rebels began to pull back from the Red Sea port at midnight. (AFP)

Read » The Late 5: Lai Mohammed hammers Saraki over alleged statement on Offa robbery; PDP kicks against Operation Python Dance during elections | Other top stories on YNaija

Every day on the Nigerian Internet, there are people who keep our eyes glued to our phone screens as we read their rants, opinions, perspectives on political and social issues, etc. Sometimes, they are just downright ridiculous. We make it our job to take down the names of these noisemakers.

Here’s our list from today:

1. Dr. Joe Abah

The problem with the ASUU strike over the years has been that a govt Minister with no training in negotiation skills will promise something he knows that government cannot pay, just to “End ASUU strike.” Govt will predictably fail to meet it and ASUU will strike again.

— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) December 29, 2018

UHM! Insightful.

2. Usman Alabi

Just like 2014/2015, things seem to have fallen apart especially in terms of security, the custodians of the state are busy campaigning for a second term while those they swore to protect continue to leave in uncertainty..The electorate need to do better come 2019..

— Usman Alabi (@HusmanAlabi) December 29, 2018

It’s a sad story.

3. Miss Oyin

Nigerians and pidgin English sha

Which one is toilet dey hungry me …

Bhet what's my own

— Mo (@mhyiss_oyin) December 29, 2018

Lol. Is it your hunger?

4. Juliet Kego

Once you learn to skilfully suspend reality, you can strategically bypass the limitations of reality to break through glass ceilings and walls.

Every system respects dreamers who dare to do. To be able to do, you must be willing to let go of all fears and reality-based barriers

— Juliet 'Kego #JusticeForOchanya (@julietkego) December 29, 2018

Deep!

5. Onye Nkuzi

The predominant sentiment in Nigeria is cynicism.

— Onye Nkuzi (@cchukudebelu) December 29, 2018

We shall overcome someday.

6. Rinsola Abiola

The "problem" in your team isn't the person who's clearly against your decision or proposed line of action. Rather, it's the timid/indecisive ones who agree with you and understand the need to act, but won't do the needful when the time comes.

— Rinsola Omo Akin (@RinsolaAbiola) December 29, 2018

Read » Today’s Noisemakers: Joe Abah on #EndASUUStrike, Rinsola Abiola, Juliet Kego and others on YNaija

These are the stories you should be monitoring today.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured an interim order to seize the $2.8 million which its operatives recently intercepted at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

The anti-graft agency has also retrieved documents on foreign transactions from the Enugu branch of Union Bank.

Neither the bank nor the Bankers Warehouse has approached the EFCC to lay formal claim to the cash. Bankers Warehouse only allegedly wrote to an unnamed Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the cash.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to give the Igbo a chance at the presidency.

The former president spoke at a stakeholders meeting at Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra residence of the First Republic Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazuluke Amechi.

Obasanjo asked the Igbo to support Peter Obi, the PDP presidential running mate with a view to giving the Southeast their much desired foothold in government.

All Progressives Congress Deputy Governorship candidate in Lagos, Obafemi Hamzat, has disclosed that he rejected $5 million alleged bribe from former President Goodluck Jonathan during the electioneering campaign in 2014.

He made the disclosure at the launch of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat Advocates held on Friday at Fidimaye Hall, Oko-Oba, Abule-Egba, Lagos.

He said that in 2014, “I contested with the current Governor, Akinwumi Ambode for the Governorship ticket of the party and as we all know how it went, the then President Goodluck Jonathan offered me bribe of $5 miillion and I refused it. Some of you here are my witness, I mean some of you that were sent, are here to testify. I refused because I was thinking about the future and I don’t want to spoil my name. Let us remain calm, our turn will come.”

Nigerian Air Force has deployed about six fighter and surveillance aircraft to the general area of the Headquarters of the 7 Brigade Multinational Joint Task Force, Baga, Borno, which was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists on Wednesday and Thursday.

The deployments were done to combat the Islamic State of West African (ISWAP) faction of the Boko Haram insurgents who attacked the Baga area as well as to locate scores of Nigerian soldiers said to have been displaced from the headquarters following the attacks.

Read » The Big 5: Jonathan offered me $5m in 2014 – Hamzat; Obasanjo says Igbos should be given a chance at the centre | Other top stories on YNaija

It began with a petition written against one Filis Arinze – which seems like a threat.

The Special Task Force (STF), Jos, Plateau, have detained a businessman, Suleiman Mohammad Dikwa, alongside his lawyer, Felix Pukuma, after it was said that they had written a petition against Miss Filis Arinze.

The arrest took place on December 21, 2018, and according to reports, Mr. Dikwa and his lawyer were assaulted, but the latter was released and later invited by the military to ask his client to discontinue the petition against Miss Arinze; a condition for his release.

In a document, Mr Pukuma said, “I, Felix Musa Pukuma, ESQ, hereby testify that on this day 21/12/2018 at 11:30 am, I was arrested alongside my client, Mr. Suleiman Mohammed Dikwa, in Jos by the JTF military personnel. We were beaten, humiliated, dehumanised, handcuffed and bundled into their Hilux van and taken to STF Headquarters, Jos, for an offence that, according to my client’s instructions, I had already filed a petition against one Miss Filis at the Police Area Command, Jos. Dikwa is still in military detention for failing to agree to withdraw this petition against the lady whom he accused of being a serial blackmailer.”

Pukuma added, “We were duly informed that the lady in question has the backing of a military general, who has ordered the continued detention of Dikwa until he backs down.”

This development has prompted Dikwa and his lawyer to write a petition to the Chief of Army Staff and afterwards go to court, where the military will be sued “for this unimaginable impunity and lawlessness” that has bedeviled the duo of Dikwa and his lawyer.

One of Dikwa’s family members had this to say:

I have never seen a situation where someone writes a petition to the Police seeking redress over a matter and the military abducts the petitioner and hold him against his will to withdraw the petition in question. Sadly, even the Police seem helpless.

The family member continued:

This is happening at a time the Nigerian military is facing accusations of human rights abuses by Amnesty International and other NGOs in Nigeria. They are holding our relative at gunpoint, as if he is a criminal for writing a petition against a fellow citizen to the Police. We are not saying he innocent or the lady is guilty.

Adding:

Why would a lady report a lawyer and client to the military for writing a petition to the Police. Why won’t she go to the same Police to clear her name? What is she afraid of?

Dikwa remains in custody and has not being charged as at the time of filing this report. All efforts to secure his release have been unsuccessful, according to his friends, family and neighbours in Jos.

We fear for his life, because we have heard reports of people allegedly being arrested and detained by the military and are never seen again, the family member added.

Read » This is one of many reasons Nigeria’s security architecture may need a complete overhaul on YNaija

Somebody gag them, they need to shut it. Honestly. Arranged from least cringe worthy to most cringe worthy.

10. “But let me remind you, all of the assets that the Ministry of Power used to control power were sold by the last administration before I came. And so if you don’t have power, it is not the government’s problem. Let us be honest.”- Babatunde Raji Fashola

Three-in-one minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola speaking at the Nextier Power Dialogue in December. The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, continuing his administration’s favorite past times of denying promises and shifting responsibility to the previous government. No surprise here.

9. “MURIC rejects Falz’ explanation that the the girls in hijab in his ‘Shaku Shaku’ dance symbolize the Chibok girls because nothing in the video indicates that the girls represent the Chibok girls. At least none of the Chibok girls have been seen dancing like a drunkard. They are always in pensive mood. Do they have any cause to be dancing? Are they happy? This video is the most detestable, odious and insidious Islam-bashing in recent time.’’– Professor Ishaq Akintola

This extract from the lengthy diatribe against Falz’s This is Nigeria video signed by Professor Ishaq Akintola, director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is sad, funny and tragic.

8. “We are like best friends and outside this house nothing changes, Miracle is my everything. I have a boyfriend and I love him.”- Nina Onyenobi

Poor, confused #BBNaija housemate, Nina cannot quite decide if she wants to be with boyfriend Collins, or housemate, Miracle. But why choose when she can have them both?

7. “They keep saying ‘he cancelled the freest election’ but why not give us credit for conducting that election,”- Ibrahim Babangida

The ghosts of June 12, 1993 are obviously still haunting military dictator Ibrahim Babangida, turning his brains to mush. How else does one explain this kind of failed rationalization? Someday, he will take responsibility for his role in truncating democracy in Nigeria.

6. ‘’Then I fell pregnant. It wasn’t planned, it just happened; though we talked about having a child together just two months before I fell pregnant…and we laughed. But after I fell pregnant, things became extremely weird between us.’’- Linda Ikeji

Linda Ikeji, a privileged adult who owes no one anywhere an explanation for how she chooses to carry on with her private life, going on in a needless post that is problematic on so many levels.

5. ‘’She can’t even believe it lol, she probably fucked for the award #Headies- Ebiye

Comedian Ebiye vomiting his ugly mind on Snapchat after soul singer Aramide beat a strong line up of male nominees to win the Headies trophy for Best Alternative Song. He was promptly dragged for misogyny and was forced to put out an apology thereafter.

4. “Who cares about youth service? I don’t bloody care whether she (Kemi Adeosun) did youth service or not. It’s irrelevant as far as I am concerned…I don’t believe it. I don’t see anything serious about not doing youth service. I don’t see anything serious about it.’’- Professor Itse Sagay

Somebody please check to ensure the learned gentleman Professor still has his marbles intact.

3. “More than 60 per cent of the population is below 30, a lot of them haven’t been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria is an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education free.”- President Muhammadu Buhari

President Buhari, a lifelong beneficiary of government largesse painting Nigerian youths with a tar brush during a panel appearance with world leaders at the Commonwealth Business Forum in London.

3.  “You can’t sit down here and just make conclusions. Yes, the herdsmen values even the life of the cow more than his own life. That is how God has created him.’’- Aisha Dukku

People of Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe State, here is your rep, Aisha Dukku and the quality of the representation that she brings to the table. Must be the maggi in her stew.

• “It might sound selfish, but we can’t all be specialists. We can’t. Some will be farmers, some will be politicians. The man who sews my gown is a doctor. He makes the best gowns. And some will be specialists, some will be GPs, some will be farmers.”- Isaac Adewole

Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole with his head in the clouds, responding to a reporter’s query on how he plans to address the difficulties faced by doctors in getting opportunities for residency training.

The writer tweets from @drwill20

Read » #YNaija2018Review: Linda Ikeji “falling pregnant,’’ Buhari’s Lazy Nigerian youth, “Miracle is my everything’’… See the 10 Worst Quotes of the Year on YNaija

Sifting through the loads and loads of music put out during the calendar year, we made use of parameters such as audience acceptance, pop culture effect, quality of recording and lyrical content to assemble our 10 best songs of 2016.

10. So Mi So- Wande Coal

Wande Coal peaks with the sweetly seductive and compulsively hypnotic So Mi So. This Juls produced gem doesn’t actually say anything but good luck attempting to resist that groove when it creeps up on you quietly and holds you hostage for four hot, sweaty minutes. Coal’s voice is an instrument in itself and he marries it suitably to the trancey, laid back melody that Juls brings on. Submission is the only outcome.

9. Bad Energy- Skepta ft. Wizkid

The first official collaboration between Wizkid and London based grime artiste, Skepta is a welcome surprise. Who would have thought they would blend so well together? For this laid-back fusion of hip hop and afrobeat, Skepta comes to the culture with respect and curiosity and Wizkid gives back only good vibes. The instrumental is well suited for the summertime, driven by an up-tempo, bouncy percussive arrangement.

8. Ewu- Tobe Nwigwe

The subtle genius of Ewu is credited to Tobe Nwigwe mostly because he does most of the writing and rapping but the single, as with every other music project that Nwigwe does, is the product of a solid creative partnership between Nwigwe, his wife, Fat, and producer LaNell Grant. The southern twang on Ewu is raw and edgy and Nwigwe’s rhymes are sophisticated and simple, all at once.

7. Wetin We Gain- Victor AD

Wetin We Gain isn’t ashamed about what it represents. It is a love song, but for money. A hopeful prayer for the kind of money that will make Aliko Dangote sit up. Who here hasn’t dreamt of riches of that sort? Victor AD ties in two of Nigeria’s favorite past time, money and God, with the later compensating for the sheer thirst for the former, giving off the illusion that the song is a heartfelt prayer. Brilliant move. Is it any wonder that the song is so popular?

6. Freaky- Santi ft Bridge, Nonso Amadi

The latest single from Santi re-imagines Ikechukwu’s classic 2008 hit Shobeedo, and churns it out as a mélange of post-groove sound design courtesy of producer Genio. Coming along for the wavy ride are Santi’s hypnotic dancehall-inflected flow, rapper Bridge’s distinct drone and R&B crooner Nonso Amadi’s gorgeous lament. Somehow it all works out fine.

5. Uyo Meyo- Teni

Teni’s Uyo Meyo, a traditional dirge sung in her Ondo dialect started life as an Instagram skit timed to celebrate her graduation from University. Months later and Uyo Meyo arrives as a full-fledged single, continuing Teni’s stellar 2018 run and deepening her artistry. Uyo Meyo is a jubilant yet soulful celebration of life that refuses to dwell in the pain.

4. Contagious – WurlD

One of the most audacious pieces of music to be put out this year, WurlD’s Contagious borrows heavily from the fuji sub-genre and updates it with a slick coating of western pop and afrobeats. The result is interesting and utterly beguiling and the hopeful message of self-love and living one’s best life is much needed in these times of strife.

3. Bá’núsọ- Brymo

On the second single from his sixth studio album, BrymO withdraws into his folksy, introspective corner- fans are all too familiar with this BrymO- turning to his roots for inspiration while preaching the importance of privacy. Deploying proverbs generously, BrymO packs a punch into every line and the production elevates the hymn from navel gazing emptiness.

2. Falana- Ride or Die

Fashion’s new It girl found her way back to music this year and the comeback single, Ride or Die is definitely worth the wait. Evoking the charms of a faithful lover, Falana turns in an emotive and sincere vocal performance over a bouncy beat that rises and drops with her vocal control. Ride or Die is the work of a proper artiste confident of her place in the scheme of things.

1. Heaven’s gate- Burna Boy ft. Lily Allen

Heaven’s Gate, a stunning duet with Burna Boy and British Grammy nominated singer, Lily Allen sounds like nothing else on radio. Heaven’s Gate which appears midway into Outside, Burna’s latest album is a burst of rapid machine gun fire that starts out with Burna Boy in menacing vocal form where he unleashes words and rhymes from some scary but exciting place within. He lets up briefly mid stride but picks up shortly after and powers the patios drenched record to a stunning conclusion.

The writer tweets from @drwill20

Read » #YNaija2018Review: Wetin We Gain, Uyo Meyo, Heaven’s Gate…See the 10 best songs of the year on YNaija