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Former Governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha has blasted Governor Emeka Ihedioha to face his job or derail while chasing him! ‘This guy is simply afraid of my shadows “, Rochas charged. “I remained in Abuja since the end of my tenure as governor and I don’t know where I instigated people against officials of the current administration”, he announced. The former governor says attacks on him by the government of Emeka Ihedioha is the result of ‘fear of the unknown” on the part of his administration. “I have done my bit; why is he so obsessed with okorocha”, he queried. Governor Ihedioha since assumption of office been descending on the legacies of now senator Rochas Okorocha destroying the statues he built as well as closure of some known property.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State whose flagship programme of “greater lagos” has urged manufacturers operating in the State to use biodegradable or recyclable materials in the packaging of their products. He said the appeal became important to enhance waste management in the State. The governor noted that effective waste management starts from individual household where waste must be properly bagged and sorted to facilitate recycling. He told them: “You will recollect that at the inception of our administration, I signed an executive order with clear instructions to the management of Lagos State Waste Management Authority to implement strategies that will ensure proper and efficient evacuation and disposal of waste across the State.” The governor added that his government has since gone ahead to reactivate the dormant landfill sites as well as waste water loading stations located at strategic areas in the State. He enjoined all stakeholders to support strategies and ...

The incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has won the All Progressive Congress (APC) primary held on Thursday, 28 th August. He polled 3,224 votes to emerge the winner, beating 10 other aspirants. The primary recorded a total number of 3,500 delegates. The Governor was followed by Dr. Babatunde Irukera who polled 109 and one Hassan Baiwa who polled a miserly 44. The results were announced by Governor of Jigawa State Badaru Abubakar, who was the returning officer. He subsequently urged delegates to accept the result of the election in good faith. Governor Bello thanked the party faithful for giving him another opportunity to revolutionize the State. The Governor promised to pay attention to road rehabilitation, infrastructural development and social welfare. He also promised to drastically improve the welfare of pensioners and civil servants.

Two pressure groups, the South East Professionals (Abuja chapter) and the League of Patriotic Youths also in Abuja have risen in stout defence of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode branding the move by the Lagos State House of Assembly to probe him as provocative, worrisome and sheer blackmail. The groups in different press conferences held at the capital city charged the Assembly members to be mindful of being used as cannon fodders in the destruction of an innocent soul warning that their game plan has already failed like a pack of cards and cannot stand the test of time. The groups admonished the Assembly members to desist from pursuing shadows and  concentrate on the sacred mandate of making non-partisan laws that would deliver the electorate out of poverty. They stressed that the move to probe the former governor was  laughable, childish and a cheap Addressing reporters, Mr. Kenneth Okoh, President of the South East Professionals said it is regrettable that the Lagos ...

An overwhelming majority of lagosians has condemned the move by the Lagos State House of Assembly to probe the purchase of 820 buses by former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for public transportation, describing it  as unnecessary and diversionary! The poll result exposed the move as  a tactic designed to coarse and intimidate political appointees to submission and subject them to perpetual manipulation! They also faulted the subject of the probe insisting that the buses are visible for all to see and already in operation! These are some of the  startling revelations  plucked out from the hastily conducted  opinion poll to ascertain the mood of Lagosians after the news broke out last tuesday whether they are in support or not. A large majority views the attempt as no more than a kangaroo attempt to nail the former governor at all cost. The poll carried out in strategic districts around the Lagos metropolis showed a staggering 65% of Lagosians are clearly not in...

Appointed since 1 st April, 2015 till date, Prof. Adepoju Adeshola Olatunde, Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) has left no room to chance.   The Ph.D holder in Agricultural and Environmental Economics (2002) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State has taken extra-ordinary steps to see the Forestry Institute to the next level of existence.   One of such steps is the repositioning of FRIN outstation for better research focus.   Others include renovation of dilapidated structures, repositioning of staff members for optimum performance, reclaiming/security all encroached land and resources of the Institute, successfully enacting on Act to Establish Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria for Forestry Research; Education and Training; establishing Six strategic Rural Resource Centers for communities engagement, capacity building and extension services. Prof. Adepoju who also holds B.Agric (Agricultural Economics), 1995 ...

Prof. Nwajuiba is known popularly as a consummate professional who has contributed immensely to the expansion of frontiers of knowledge through numerous publications.   This Vice-chancellor of the Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, has published over 160 articles and papers as conference and conference proceedings as well as international and local journals and books.   Prof. Nwajiuba is no ordinary name in the academic parlance.   The holder of B.Agric (1986) and M.Sc. (1989) in Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria and a PH.D in Agricultural Economics from the University of Hohenheim, Germany (1994), he had been a Part-time lecturer at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike as well as External Examiner to the University.   Prof. Nwajuiba who is married to Dr (Mrs.) Chinyere Nwajuiba and blessed with children is set to carry the Federal University to greater heights among them to become a hub fo...

  The founder of Marcel Ofomata Foundation, Chief (Dr) Marcel Amaechi Ofomata has been in the news lately – for better though.   The gist’s is from the Anambra State Government commending him for his cultural preservation and attitudinal orientation drive.   Dr Ofomata, who hails from Isuofia, Anambra State, received the attention of the Anambra State Government for his donation of a Roped Bronze to the Igbo Ukwu Museum.   Dr Ofomata has been standing in the gap as a Cultural Ambassador for the State.   The Chairman of American Group of Companies posited that the Igbo Ukwu Museum in his home State is home to one of the first artifact in Africa and he takes pride in showcasing it to his foreign and local partners whenever they visit. Dr. Ofomata, through his company employs the services of over 2,000 Nigerians for his humanitarian and philanthropic activities

The best way to answer this question is to peep into the environment circles; there you will find the whiz kid Nigerian born amiable Dr Paul C. Abolo, a.k.a (Paulo) who is fast grabbing limelight as the most decorated specialist in the environmental world. The easy going and amiable   graduate of Colorado Technical University, U.S.A is extremely gifted   for coordinating change process in global eco-awareness, eco-efficiency and eco-innovations; Dr Abolo who is the President of Ecologists Integrated Services has also made a cut for himself for his wizardry in   facilitating access to global climate change funding and technological support for developing Nations. With qualifications in Environmental Studies and Business Management along with Certificate in Strategic Finance from Harvard Business School, membership of the American Academy of Management as well as National Association of General Management, specializing in Environment and Social Sustainability,...

It is obvious: Americans are heading for a final showdown with their tweeter loving President Donald Trump.  They are not letting up their insults despite the fact that the target is no other than the President of the United States of America! Daily, on major news channels, no effort is spared by chagrined public figures to pummel their President, calling him names such as “liar” “unfit”, “inexperienced”! But he has continued to show restraint, apparently for some unclear reasons. “It is shameful to see these public figures hurl abuses at their president’, declared one Richard Brume, an ardent Trump supporter. “They shouldn’t do this “said another observer, pointing out that “Americans should have more serious issues to contend with than castigating openly the president of the most powerful nation in the world.” “I can’t believe it; sometimes, I feel like throwing up when I watch CNN and hear what they say about this man Donald Trump”, disclosed one Marylyn Ogeh. “Somehow, the...

That Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State has hit the ground running is evident.   There is no better confirmation than the swift manner his new cabinet has been formed and eventually sworn-in. Since then, the Governor’s fast paces has touched critical areas such as road repairs, infrastructure overhaul and many others including crime prevention, consolidating the security apparatus. “There is no iota of doubt that this governor is building on the legacy of his predecessor in officer”, one Jide Adeloye, a political enthusiasts. Setting the tone for the implementation of his administration’s plan for a “greater Lagos”, the Governor at the recent four-day retreat for Cabinet members enjoined his Commissioners and Advisers to be above board and focus on their tasks and responsibilities.   The Governor is among two other Governors, Prof. Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Abdulralman Abdurazaq (Kwara) accompanying President Buhari for the 7 th Tokyo International Con...

  English football team Manchester United, are not having the best of times after two costly penalty miss that has left them 4 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. Now with a fumbling goalkeeper DeGea to cope with it is a matter of time before coach Ole Gunner Solkjear would be made to pay for it. His strategy has not come under searchlight yet, but the Club’s poor involvement in the purchase of new players has not gone down well with fans who are clearly holding Ed Woodword responsible.   They stroll him for lack of activities in the open window that saw the arrival of only David James, Maguire and Aaron Wan-bisaka. As most soccer pundits have observed, the current crop of players lacks confidence and they are bereft of ideas in almost all departments. “This is not the team that will confront Manchester City or Liverpool”, quoted one Ben Hanson.

Thirteen times European Champions Read Madrid footballing Club of Spain are not having the best of times.   The once invincible ball jugglers are already wobbling after only few weeks into the new 2019 – 2020, league campaign.   The worst is that returnee coach Zinedine Zidane appears to have lost his magic wand especially after the pre-season heavy defeat to city rivals Athletic Madrid by such a scandalous margin as 7-3.   Sports enthusiasts however felt the blame should be put on the doorstep of Club President, Fiorentino Perez whose blind love for fumbling Karim Benzema has beclouded his search for a suitable striker, after the departure of Christiano Ronaldo. Their thirst and hunger for goals has since vanished with lesser known teams humbling them right in their lair-the Bernabeu. Having signed players like Luka Jovic, Eden Hazard and a few others, the Club still pin their faith on the ageing striker who has continued to misfire in front of goal post and no...

The President of Nigerians in Diaspora Network  Comrade James Erebuoye has highly commended the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Alhaji Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu  for bringing sanity to bear on the Paramilitary Service. The Comrade spoke while on his way  out of the country to our reporters. The Comrade who is also President of the Rebuild Nigeria Movement also showered praises on the Commandant for restoring the prestige and honour of the Civil Defence by putting square pegs in round holes. " Since his appointment in 2015, look at the way he has turned around for good the image of the service"; Comrade Erebuoye said he is highly pleased. The political activists cum social crusader described Alhaji Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu as highly detribalized, a peacemaker, a consummate believer in service delivery and the principle of Federal Character. "Upon all, you find in him, a perfect example of humility, integrity and a professional", he ...

Mum is the word at the Lagos APC secretariat in Acme road, Ogba, Ikeja where our reporters had gone to gauge the opinion of party members over the recent tango between Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the EFCC. Our reporter’s attempt to speak to the party’s secretary proved abortive as he evaded all the questions put to him; but one of the officials who preferred to remain anonymous gave an insight as to what might have been the likely reason behind Ambode’s ordeal with the EFCC. ‘Look our former Governor was a complete gentleman and a technocrat who knew his job; we are not happy at  what is happening to him”, he began. ‘We, here, in APC, are supposed to support him because he is our own; but because the powers that be fell out with him, it is like he must be crucified”, he told our reporters. The official went on: “You remember that Ambode had begged the powers that be before the primaries; also remember that he even enlisted bigwigs all over the country including Mr President ...

The founder of the Common Wealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo has explained that it was timely legal advice that prevented him from showing up at the probe panel instituted by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). He said he could not honour the invitation because his lawyers feared that he could be victimized . The legal advice was premised on the press statement issued and personally signed by the PFN President Bishop Felix Omobude; the press statement publicly derided the COZA senior pastor. The stylish Pastor was then convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the PFN was already prejudiced and may not conduct an impartial session. Recall that the COZA senior pastor had spent time building his church and had endured many years of difficulties before excelling in ministry affairs. Then, suddenly, an accusation spilled out from nowhere stunning members of the public who at first believed , but as the dusts settled, began to scrutinize the veracity  of the ...

The embattled Head of Service of the Federation Chief Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita has come out to clarify some burning issues surrounding her recent ordeal with the EFCC saying “I do not own proxy companies under any guise and no upscale properties anywhere in Abuja”. She faulted the allegation of collusion  saying “Some people come to me for introduction to some permanent secretaries and I have been doing that without knowing the implication”. She then distanced herself from the N600 million found on a Level 12 officer's account explaining that the said officer  reports to a director of Finance who in turn reports to a permanent secretary before her. “So, why are they linking me to the money?”   She went on to explain that the so-called level 12 officer who is also a Project Accountant is not her aide although he is a staff in the office of the Head of Service of the Federation. On the abuse of estacodes without travelling, she said “Yes, due to work pressure, I may not ...

Leaders from the Isoko All Progressive Congress APC) Delta State branch has completely washed their hands from the unwarranted media attacks aimed at the person of the Deputy President of the Senate Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. “The inciting publications streaming in various online media platforms are not anchored by the patriotic Isoko people”, reads a statement signed by Otunba Nick Ovuakporie and Honorable Goddy Ewerode. The statement adds that “the Isoko people are unique people who have high  regards for Delta State APC established political leadership”. Nick Ovuakporie insisted that “no sane patriot can be a party to unprovoked attacks against any political leader from anywhere not to talk of our much valued Deputy Senate President”! The Otunba attributed the negative articles as sponsored jobs by paid mercenaries. "this has never been a reflection of our Isoko political agenda”, he declared. He therefore called on all Isoko people in Nigeria and the diaspora to...

A cry has gone forth from the camp of the Isoko People to President Muhammadu Buhari help bring to an end, the continued marginalisation of the Isoko people from Federal appointments. They asked Mr. President to  quickly correct what they termed as injustice becasue the Isoko nation has not produced or occupied any of such positions since the creation of OMPADEC. They therefore urged the President to consider  and  appoint one of their own, a financially committed, trustworthy and loyal member  of the All Progressive Congress Party (APC), as the next Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). This, they  say is  purely for fairness and equity purpose! Addressing newsmen in Warri, recently, the Coordinator of the Group, Comrade Peter A. Akpotu pointed out that the Urhobo Nation had gotten the Deputy Senate President in the person of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, , a Minister in charge of the Niger-Delta in the person of Barr. Festus Ke...

The United States Department of Justice has indicted dozens of individuals mostly Nigerians, who are accused of involvement in massive business of    e-mail scam and money laundry scheme of about $3bn.   A total of 80 defendants have been implicated in the scheme so far. The FBI said, “The impersonation attacks have cost American businesses more than $3bn loss since 2015.   Prosecutors named one Valentine Iro, 31 and Chukwudi       Igbokwe, 38, both Nigerian nationals and residents of California, as kingpins in the operation. Prosecutors particularly fingered Iro and Igbokwe as “essentially brokers” of fraudulent bank accounts by fueling reports for bank account information and laundering the money obtained from victims.

  The Edo State House of Assembly and its Speaker, Francis Okiye on Thursday withdrew the suit they filed to stop the move by the National Assembly to take over the State Assembly’s functions. This is coming barely two weeks after Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja made an order restraining the National Assembly from going ahead with the takeover plan pending the hearing and determination of the suit. The Judge had fixed Thursday for hearing of the suit in which the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani Omolori, was joined as the respondent.   But in the resumed hearing on Thursday, the Plaintiff’s lawyer, Mr. Silvanus Ugwu from the Chambers of Ola Olanipekun (SAN), told the judge that his clients had instructed him to withdraw the case for which lawyer Henrietta Emedum did not oppose.   The judge, thereafter struck out the case.

The profile of Chief Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria, Governor is on the rise as President Buhari on Thursday commissioned the Post Graduate Center of Excellence at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State. The President explained at the Commissioning that the Federal Government has invested more than N1.3 trillion to develop the education sector in the last four years and promised that is administration will do more in this second coming. But speaking with reporters, the CBN Governor said the bank had spent 21billion to build, equip and furnish three academic Centers of Excellence at the University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.  The Centers are to be activated for academic use in October  2019. He announced that “the Centers are built for post graduate studies in Economics, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Management and specialized areas”. Godwin Emefiele is seen as a sector player g...

  The Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has expressed optimism that he would be victorious at the coming primaries and the November elections. Governor Bello spoke to reporters on Thursday in Lokoja after appearing before the screening Committee sent by the National Working Committee of the Party to screen aspirants for next week’s Party primaries. The Governor said there was such a huge number of supporters, because he has made it a healthy platform for politicians to aspire for political positions. Bellow declared: “The APC is home to every political aspirant jostling to belong and I call on all to support me in my effort to turn around the fortunes of the State”.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria on Thursday said its Committee had concluded sittings on the allegations of rape by Busola against the founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo. The PFN National Public Secretary, Bishop Emma Isong, said though the Committee spoke to the parties involved in the matter they are unable to reach conclusion.   No reason was given for this inconclusive report. But although some Nigerians had called for investigation into the matter as some protested at the COZA Headquarters in Abuja, the Senior Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo had denied involvement and even opted to step down. However, our team of reporters had been conducting discreet and quiet investigation on the matter talking to several well-meaning Nigerians on the issue including Church members. Preliminary findings, the reports gathered, however, indicate that Mr. Biodun Fatoyinbo may have been the subject of “P.H.D” syndrome, i.e. “Pull Him Down”, at...

The Kogi State National and State Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja has sacked Senator Dino Melaye as the representative of Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.   The judgment was delivered on Friday, August 23, 2019.   The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice A.O. Chijioke, while delivering judgment ordered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should conduct fresh election for the district. The judgment was on the petition filed by Smart Adeyemi, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the February 26 election.   But Senator Dino Melaye in a swift reaction on Friday described the ruling as a total miscarriage of justice stating that he would appeal immediately.

    Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita has returned to work saying “I merely took some days off to attend to my health”. The embattled Head of Civil Service of the Federation had been in the eye of the storm over an alleged N3bn bribery, duty tour allowance, falsification and fraud case. Meanwhile, the Presidency has denied any knowledge of tendered resignation letter to the President. Said the Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu: “Our position is still the same.   We are not aware of any letter of resignation”.

President Muhammadu Buhari has received praises from the members of the Re-build Nigeria Movement for defining access to his exalted office. Speaking to the Newspaperman in Abuja on Wednesday, the President, Comrade James Erebuoye who is also the President of Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora commended the President for his boldness; “what are they seeing the President for?” he queried.  He said they have their mandate clearly spelt out; and they are appointed to help Mr. President deliver and not to come and sit with him in Aso Rock.  “We have to discourage this culture where at the slightest excuse you find ministers who are supposed to be working queuing up for hours waiting to see President”. Describing this attitude as bad, the Comrade vowed that his must be allowed to continue.  “Everybody should go back to work; there are roads to be constructed; serious national issues to be tackled; that’s their job – not seeing the President”. In a related de...

  Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, a graduate of Computer Science from the prestigious Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been appointed as the new Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Described as a “Digital Guru and industrial key player”, the new NITDA boss is said to have 15 years’ experience in IT operations, business transformation and solution architecture across both private and public sectors.   He is also 1 st Cisco Certified Internet Work Expert (CCIE) in Nigeria’s Public Sector, he is also a certified project manager and solution architect.   He also has many professional certification in networking, telecommunications, service management and solution design such as: Huawei Telecommunications Engineer, Cisco design professional, ITIC, etc.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has expressed disappointment at the rising cases of corruption reaching his office, warning public officers that whoever was caught would not be spared. Obaseki spoke on Wednesday during the swearing-in of Richard Uyi Edebiri as a Commissioner in the State. He said Government appointment is a call to service rather than an opportunity to make money. The Governor said his administration would partner with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission (ICPC) to ensure that the Civil Service practiced only acceptable code of practice.

Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has charged the Ministers to commence work immediately on the 2020 budget. Mustapha disclosed that the National Assembly have been assured of receiving the budget when they resume from their annual recess in September.   “You are expected to familiarize yourselves with the Permanent Secretaries of various Ministries and within this period, set out to work particularly on the budget”. The SGF assured the Ministers that the ministerial mandate for them to work with the Permanent Secretaries will be sent out shortly to guide and enable them coordinate.

The suspended Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, Okoi Obono-Obla has explained the reasons behind his rushing to the courts.   Obla stated in the suit he filed on Tuesday at the High Court to challenge his Certificate forgery and extortion alleging that the ICPC boss, Prof. Bolaji Owansewoye was too close to the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. In the suit marked HC/ABJ/CS/980/2019 Obla contended that the ICPC had no powers to invite, arrest, detain, investigate or prosecute him in connection with alleged falsification of academic certificates. Through his lawyer, Mr. Faruk Khanagan, Obla also filed an ex-parte application seeking an urgent hearing of the suit.   The embattled Obla had linked his travails to the investigations he launched against some influential persons and organization.

The Presidency has put on hold the retirement plans of Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita the Newspaperman has learnt.   She was asked to remain in the office pending the completion of the investigation of her matter, according to sources close to the Presidency. The embattled Head of Service has been out of the public glare since the news of her alleged N3bn contract scandal broke. She was absent at the Presidential retreat for Ministers designate held between Monday and Tuesday even when she was one of the resource persons, but made an appearance at the swearing-in.

President Muhammadu Buhari has increased the responsibilities of his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari by directing newly sworn -in Ministers to channel all correspondence through his office.   The directive was first made at the end of the Presidential retreat for the ministers designate on Tuesday and repeated again after the swearing in of the ministers at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, last Wednesday.   With the President’s order, no minister will have access to him without Kyari’s clearance.   The Borno born technocrat was first appointed August 27, 2015 and reappointed July 5, 2019. The Chief of Staff manages the President’s schedule and correspondence and any other duties that may be assigned by the President. However, reactions from a broad spectrum of life contend that the elevation of Kyari’s office to superintend ministers was not a healthy development.

A cross section of Lagosians are angry and highly disappointed over Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode’s continued harassment by Operatives of the EFCC.   This is fresh from the anti-grift Agency’s recent raid on Amobde’s Ikoyi and Epe homes even without his knowledge.   Though the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren has explained the raid as part of on-going graft investigation, necessary for all public office holders, opinion put together from the streets by the crop of Newspaperman reporters, suggest that Ambode may be the subject of high handedness by unnamed APC powerful elements.   Said one Saliu Jimoh: “They stopped his second term bid; stopped him from being a Minister and now they are bent on squeezing life out of him”.   Saliu Jimoh who is a trader based in Surulere, Lagos, expressed sadness that “today, in Nigeria, truth, and honesty has been sacrificed on the altars of sheer godfatherism”.   On his part, one Jinadu Solomon wondered “We are surprised that a man w...

The Nigerian Army has been urged to speedily prosecute Captain Balarabe Tijani, the Army Captain who led the brutal assault that claimed the precious lives of three Policemen and two Civilians along Wukari-Jalingo road while on national assignment.   Until the unfortunate incident, the now detained Captain Balarabe was Commander of 93 Battalion, Idi, in Taraba State. The Newspaperman gathered that Nigerians fear that if not carefully handled, this matter may be swept under the carpet.