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Angry Atiku Blames Tinubu For Report Of His ‘Defection From PDP’ – Lifestyle Nigeria

Atiku Abubakar has blamed President Bola Tinubu and those he described as his handlers for the news report that the former vice-president is set to defect the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for a new mega party.

Rebutting the claim in a tersely worded statement on Tuesday, Atiku said that it was unfortunate that President Tinubu would in the face of serious issues facing the nation in the security and economic arena find time for such acts of political mischief as the report that he would defect from the PDP.

Affirming his loyalty to the PDP in the context of seeking relevance within the larger opposition to confront the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Atiku while reassuring his followers that he had no plan to defect from the PDP, said:

“In a blatant display of political mischief, Bola Tinubu and his lackeys have shamelessly peddled false reports suggesting Atiku Abubakar’s imminent departure from the PDP. This malicious attempt to sow discord and confusion among the populace cannot go unchallenged.

“Let it be known to all, especially the esteemed supporters of Atiku Abubakar, that the so-called “report” in The Nation newspapers is nothing but a pitiful attempt to deflect attention from the pressing issues plaguing our nation.

“At a time when insecurity, poverty, and failed policies threaten the very fabric of our society, Tinubu and his cohorts would rather engage in cheap political theatrics than address the real challenges facing Nigerians.

“Despite their nefarious machinations, Atiku remains steadfast in his commitment to the PDP and the vital process of opposition party merger. He unequivocally condemns Tinubu’s attempts to undermine democracy and calls for swift action to unite opposition forces against the tyrannical grip of the APC.

“Let there be no doubt: Atiku Abubakar is unwavering in his dedication to the PDP and the fight for a better Nigeria. As he urges the current administration to prioritize governance over petty politicking, let us stand united against the forces of corruption and oppression. The time for action is now, and Atiku will not rest until justice prevails and the voice of the people is heard.”

Related Topics:Angry Atiku Blames defection lifestyle Nigeria PDP Report Tinubu

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Yahaya Bello’s Media Office Clarifies Issues Regarding ‘American School Refunding $760k’ Claim

The media office of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state, has clarified issues concerning the American International School Abuja (AISA) and their intention to refund $760,000 of school fees paid in advance, describing the report as “mischievous narrative”.

Lifestyle Nigeria reports that on April 26, documents in which AISA asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees paid for the children of Bello, made media rounds.

In a letter addressed to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, the school said the sum of $845,852 has been paid in tuition “since the 7th of September 2021 to date”.AISA said the sum to be refunded is $760,910, because it had deducted educational services already rendered.

On April 23 2024, Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chairman, had said in a televised press briefing that Bello paid $720,000 in advance as fees for five of his children from the coffers of the Kogi state government.

However, in a statement signed by Ohiare Michael, the ex-governor’s media office said “Yahaya Bello’s children have attended the American International School, Abuja, since before he became Governor, and he has paid their fees as due without fail”.
The statement added that Bello did not use Kogi state funds to pay the fees.

“He did not pay USD720,000 or USD840,000 as alleged. The payment commenced in 2021, not when he was leaving office,” the statement reads.
“He did not use Kogi State Government funds to pay the fees.
“The EFCC’s attempt to recover funds from the school was unsuccessful, and the court mandated the school to continue providing services.
“The documents published online are public documents filed in court and show that Yahaya Bello has nothing to hide.

“The payment is the subject of an ongoing court case, and we await the EFCC’s proof in court.”
Michael added that Bello will not be intimidated by blackmail.
“We will not engage in prejudicial statements while the matter is sub judice,” the statement reads.
“We thank Nigerians who recognize the EFCC’s desperation as personal vendetta.
“We implore others not to be misled by mischievous narratives but to follow the case until justice is served.
“Yahaya Bello will not be intimidated by blackmail and will continue to follow due process.”

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Funeral Arrangements Announced for Late Actor Junior Pope (Photo) – Lifestyle Nigeria

The family of late actor Junior Pope has released his funeral arrangements. Junior Pope, who tragically drowned on April 10 along with four crew members while working on the film “The Other Side of Life”, will be laid to rest on May 17th in his hometown of Nsukka, Enugu State.

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140-Year-Old PZ Cussons Considers Leaving Africa Over Nigeria’s Sales Plunge

There are indications that PZ Cussons Plc may leave Africa after sales plunged in its Nigeria operation. PZ Cussons has put its Africa business under review, potentially pivoting away from the region in which it was founded to invest in its remaining business and pay down debt, Bloomberg reports.

According to media platform, the British soap maker was set up in Sierra Leone 140 years ago and now gets almost 30 per cent of its sales from Africa, even after a 48 per cent decline over the past year. With annual sales of around £500 million ($622 million), it is spread across many geographies and product lines. It also operates in Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region.
Chief executive officer, Jonathan Myers, said: “We have to have an eye on the future as well as a respect for the past. There could be many permutations of the outcome, which could include a change in ownership. We are going to be objective and not emotional in how we make this decision.”
The company’s shares rose five per cent on April 24, 2024, but down 50 per cent over the past 12 months.
PZ Cussons also plans to sell fake tan brand, St. Tropez. It said the label has grown significantly since the company bought it in 2010, adding that significant long-term growth potential remains in the US and new markets. It could be worth £100 million, Investec analyst Matthew Webb said in a note.
Myers said that the company will focus on branded items for babies, as well as beauty and hygiene products, citing recent acquisition, Childs Farm, which makes toiletries for babies with sensitive skin as an example.
UK, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia are Myers’ priority markets. Following a strategic review, the board has decided that on top of the difficulties in Nigeria, the company is too complicated for its size. In a financial update, it cited “financial and human resources spread too thinly to generate consistent returns.”

In Nigeria, the company sells a range of products including Morning Fresh dishwashing liquid, refrigerators and cooking oil. The devaluation of the naira means sales fell sharply in pound terms. It also stoked inflation which has hit consumers’ purchasing power.
In March, regulators rejected PZ Cussons’s application to buy out the 27 per cent of its Nigerian arm that it does not own, in order to delist it. The regulator said the offer price of N23 per share was unfair.
The PZ Cussons Nigeria in a release by the company secretary, Olubukola Olonade-Agaga, said: “It notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has declined the Company’s request for its No Objection to PZ Cussons (Holdings) Limited’s (the majority shareholder) intention to acquire the shares held by all the other shareholders of PZCN at an offer price of N23 per share.”
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