Paul Ibe, the media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has denied reports claiming that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, through Ms. Aisha Achimugu, provided Atiku with funds allegedly belonging to Lagos State.i

Ibe described the accusation as completely false and a politically motivated attempt to damage Atiku’s reputation while serving the interests of President Bola Tinubu.

According to Ibe, the real aim behind the allegation is to tarnish Sanwo-Olu’s image and undermine the coalition that opposition leaders, including Atiku, are working to build.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Ibe warned that the smear campaign against Atiku must stop immediately.

He stated, “We at the Atiku Media Office have seen reports suggesting that Governor Sanwo-Olu, through Ms. Aisha Achimugu, gave Atiku funds allegedly tied to Lagos State. It’s also being reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the matter.

“Let it be clear — this is a baseless and politically driven lie designed to serve Tinubu’s interests. Their plan is simple: take down Sanwo-Olu and weaken the opposition coalition led by Atiku.

“This politically motivated attack on Atiku’s integrity needs to stop immediately.”

Actress Eniola Badmus, who serves as the Special Assistant for Social Events and Public Hearings to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reaffirmed her support for President Bola Tinubu despite the ongoing economic struggles in the country.

Eniola, who actively campaigned for Tinubu before the 2023 presidential election, recently made it clear that her support for him remains unchanged. In a recent Instagram post, she wrote, “Still standing on Daddy Seyi’s mandate.”

Her statement sparked mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians accusing her of being out of touch with the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens due to the country’s struggling economy.

One user, Olori_Nini, commented, “This really isn’t the right time to post this. People are struggling and frustrated. It comes off as insensitive. You can support your candidate without making it feel like you’re mocking Nigerians.”

Another user, Oliver_Of_Lagos, said, “Anywhere belle face. Nothing lasts forever. The internet never forgets.”

Hypeman Ruby shared his frustration, saying, “As the breadwinner of my family, this mandate has only made things harder for me. I love you, Baddoskie, but this is tough.”

On the other hand, Alh_Alubarika defended Eniola, saying, “People need to relax. Everyone has their reasons. That’s her source of income. If any of us were in her position, we’d probably do the same.”

A devastating fire erupted at the Iweka Electronics Market in Onitsha on Tuesday evening. It led to the destruction of numerous shops and goods worth millions of naira. The blaze began around 8:30 PM, reducing many traders’ livelihoods to ashes.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed profound sorrow over the incident. In a heartfelt message on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, he conveyed his sympathies to the affected traders, acknowledging the immense loss of goods and years of hard work.

Obi emphasized the compounded pain of such tragedies amidst ongoing economic hardship. He also calls on authorities to investigate the fire’s cause and implement preventive measures.

The Iweka Electronics Market, a vital commercial hub in Onitsha, has faced similar calamities in the past. In October 2019, a fuel tanker explosion near Upper Iweka Road led to a massive fire, causing significant damage to shops and properties in the area.

Traders affected by the recent fire are urging the government to provide support. They’re urging them to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.