News

It’s Baseless; Writers Faceless, Group Reacts To Petition Against PAP Administrator, Otuaro

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2025

Editor

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

A group known as Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has described as baseless petition against the Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Dr. Dennis Otuaro by a group the IPDI described as ‘faceless.’

A group which identified itself as Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum (NDLEF) had written a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wherein it called for the investigation of the PAP Administrator.

The petition signed by one Jude Gbaboyor was published by some national dailies.

Reacting to the petition in a statement signed by the IPDI president, Comrade Austin Ozobo, the IPDI described the group led by Gbaboyor as illegal, arguing that it doesn’t have the moral and legal rights to petition against Otuaro.

Ozobo added that besides that, the PAP Administrator does not have sketelon in his cupboard that should warrant EFCC investigation, adding that he was appointed on merit.

Ozobo argued that the petition was an attempt to distract Otuaro from carrying out his job and reforming the PAP, insisting that Otuaro has done nothing wrong.

“To set the record straight, Otuaro’s appointments were based on merit and not to suit any particular interest.

“The latest empty petitions and propaganda were attempts to distract Otuaro from his mission to reform and reposition the PAP. Every well meaning leader, youth and stakeholder of the Niger Delta must stand against the detractors who are pursuing personal interests.

“The non-existing NDLEF and its co-travellers misfired. The PAP administrator Dr Otuaro has done nothing wrong to be investigated by EFCC. No money is missing in the PAP office.

“The faceless NDLEF petition written to the EFCC is baseless, barbaric, concocted and contains nothing but lies. The EFCC can’t entertain empty petitions that are based on nothing, rather hearsay and propaganda.

“It is very shameful that the troublemakers, who appear to be deceitful and manipulative, like Jacob, but also ruthless and aggressive, like Esau are manipulating and formulating misleading information against the PAP office for no fact.

“It is worthy of note that there is no group such as self-styled Niger Delta Liberators and Ex Agitators Forum (NDLEF). We have consulted a CAC consultant to verify the group registration status, but we were told that there is no existing group like the above name. This is a clear proof that the group is a fake and non -juristic entity.

“So it lacks power to sue and be sued. It doesn’t have the legal ground to petition anyone because it is an illegal group.

“What Gbaboyor is doing could be described as an unlawful gathering, which is a treasonable felony punishable in the law,” Ozobo added.

The IPDI president, while noting that the “public is aware that the current administrator, Dr Otuaro is prudent in handling money in the PAP office,” advised the “mischief makers to desist and join other well meaning leaders and stakeholders to give massive support to the administrator.”

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.