Destkelamedia

Prominent social media commentator, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has leveled accusations against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Otse alleged that Wike has undue influence over Nigeria’s judiciary, claiming the minister has “judges in his pocket.” The allegations surfaced following the demolition of a property reportedly located near Wike’s residence in the Asokoro district of Abuja. The affected property owner alleged that officials demolished the building, which had been under development for over a decade, to claim the land for personal use. Taking to Instagram, Otse expressed outrage over the incident and highlighted the public’s diminishing trust in the judiciary. “This property is said to be opposite Wike’s house, which raises serious questions. May God protect us from such injustice. It’s disturbing that people would rather seek justice through social media than the courts,” he stated. Otse went further to allege tha...

The Lagos State House of Assembly has raised concerns over Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's proposal to borrow ₦408 billion as part of the 2025 budget, which totals ₦3.005 trillion. During Monday’s plenary session, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa committed the budget proposal to a joint committee on appropriation and finance, directing them to review it and report back within a month. Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, presented an overview of the proposed budget, highlighting the ₦408 billion deficit financing plan. While acknowledging the benefits of loans when utilized effectively, Olumoh emphasized the need for sustainable financing strategies.  “We must adopt a pragmatic approach to funding the budget to avoid excessive reliance on loans,” Olumoh advised. He urged consideration of alternative funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, to ensure fiscal responsibility.  Olumoh also called for a thorough scrutin...

A fresh wave of criticism has emerged from the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, targeting Daniel Bwala over his redesignation as Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu. Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, openly questioned the significance of Bwala’s new role, suggesting it lacked substance. Shaibu, in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), labeled Bwala’s appointment as symbolic of a government with no clear policies to communicate. “Speed without control leads to ruin," Shaibu wrote. "In a government that names someone an S.A. on Policy Communication, one must ask: what policies are there to talk about?” The remark insinuated that the current administration under President Tinubu lacks well-defined or actionable policies for the appointee to explain to Nigerians. Shaibu further described Bwala’s redesignation as equivalent to being a "Special Adviser on Nothing," r...

Dele Momodu, renowned publisher of Ovation Magazine and a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has alleged that during the party’s 2022 presidential primary, one aspirant distributed $30,000 to each of the 774 delegates. Momodu shared this during his appearance on the "Key to Keys" podcast, where he lamented the overwhelming role money played in the primaries. Momodu revealed that he spent nearly N50 million to purchase the PDP presidential nomination form, a decision he now deeply regrets. "The process was completely monetized," he said, describing the experience as disheartening. "Not even a single vote was cast for me because everything revolved around financial inducement." Monetization of Nigerian Politics Highlighting the stark realities of Nigeria’s political landscape, Momodu noted that the use of money to secure votes has reached alarming levels. "One candidate went as far as offering $30,000 per delegate,...

Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct immediate bye-elections for 27 vacated seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The lawmakers in question reportedly defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting the call for fresh elections. In a letter dated November 13, 2024, and titled *“Demand For Immediate Conduct of Fresh Elections in 27 State Constituencies of Rivers State Which Have Become Vacant Pursuant To Section 109 (1)(g) Of The Constitution,”* Damagum emphasized the unconstitutionality of the defections. He argued that under Section 109 (1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, such actions render the lawmakers’ seats vacant unless justified by a division or merger within the originating party, conditions that were not present in this case. Damagum stated: “The Leadership of our great party, the Peoples De...

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has expressed confidence that Nigeria would be in a better position today had Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the Senator representing Abia South highlighted what he described as the shortcomings of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu. According to Abaribe, the nation’s governance under Tinubu has been plagued by nepotism, a challenge he believes Obi’s presidency would have avoided. “If Peter Obi had won, you probably would have seen a better Nigeria than what we are seeing today,” Abaribe stated. “He would not be as nepotistic as this government. That is just who he is; he empathizes with others and considers everyone equally.” Abaribe criticized Tinubu’s appointment of four ministers from Ogun State, describing it as a clear example of nepotism. He argued that such actions foster division...

The People's Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria's main opposition force, is grappling with escalating internal discord as repeated postponements of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings unsettle stakeholders and exacerbate a leadership crisis. Efforts to replace the party's acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, have been repeatedly stalled, leaving the PDP in a state of uncertainty. Originally scheduled for August 15, the NEC meeting was first pushed to October 24, then November 28, and now faces an indefinite delay. These disruptions, officially attributed to logistical concerns, have provoked sharp criticism from within the party's ranks. Behind the Delays The PDP leadership justified the latest postponement, citing the need to attend the funeral of the late Akwa Ibom First Lady, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno. Yet, many party members suspect ulterior motives, accusing the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) of using delays to prolong his t...