General News
How World Powers Plotted Jonathan’s Defeat
President Goodluck Jonathan lost his re-election bid several weeks before the March 28 poll to a web of plots hatched at home and honed abroad, according to the Tribune.
The Tribune said that last-minute contest between forces that wanted him to bow out and those that wanted him to hold out for as long as necessary even when it was evident that the news from the field pointed at a possible defeat.
It was learnt that as of 5.00 p.m. on Tuesday, hawks around the president were still at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, piling pressure on him not to concede defeat.
Those working on him to concede and bow out, reportedly led by a former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, were also said to have stayed put in the same Presidential Villa, persuading him that it was the most honourable way to go since it was clear that figures from the field were not in his favour.
The drama in the Presidential Villa was also said to be closely monitored by combined international forces that had concluded on post-Jonathan presidency, reportedly led by the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
One of those around the president persuading him to stay put was said to be a General in the army from a not-too-core Northern state, reportedly assuring him that the alleged irregularities in the North, underage voters, among other issues, which were beamed live by a national television station and shown on the Cable News Network (CNN) would be enough ground for him to reject the outcome.
The Tribune reported that the president was also allegedly told that he would be making General Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) heroes by conceding to them, because all the good works he had done which were nearing fruition would blossom during their reign and would count as their achievements.
He reportedly told them that no matter how long he stayed in office, he would still leave one day and since crisis was certain to herald his opposition to the outcome, he would be reneging on his promise that no Nigerian blood would be worth his political ambition.
Convinced that it was the way to go, the president reportedly took “his own” by surprise by making the now-famous phone call to Buhari without telling them, although they were present at the president’s abode.
He was also said to have played a fast one on the hawks by making the call before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Buhari as the winner, following his assessment of the figures available to him, while those pressurising him to hang on reportedly thought the concession would be after the announcement by the electoral body as is usually the practice.
The western world, according to available information, keyed into the Buhari presidency project months before the election and the refusal to sell arms to Nigeria to fight the Boko Haram insurgency by Washington was said to be mainly predicated on the likelihood of Jonathan’s administration using same to quell possible civil disobedience if he manipulated the results to remain in power.
With political forces in the nation led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo reportedly concluded on getting him out at all cost, the western world, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, were said to have been persuaded into the project on two main planks; corruption and insecurity.
Settled that Jonathan’s administration had been underwhelming in performance in those two critical areas and convinced that the incumbent was bent on retaining his job, the international coalition allegedly undermined his administration as much as possible, with allies elsewhere, including Africa, also allegedly brought into the Jonathan-must-go project.
A source pointed at two main happenings in the course of the election to show how deeply the international community was involved, while making the outgoing president to be at ease, despite the rug being pulled off his feet.
The US and the UK had been at the forefront of peace pacts across the nation, starting with Jonathan and Buhari in what came to be known as Abuja Peace Accord, with Jonathan’s government having to react angrily at a point at the perceived temerity with which top diplomats from the western world were handling peace pacts and activities regarding the electoral process.
“They almost became a parallel government in Nigeria. That is what you get when a leader is too pacifist,” a source in the government said.
The unprecedented joint statement by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, overtly accusing Jonathan’s camp of moves to tamper with the incoming results of the presidential election was seen as the final move by them to show the side they were on in the contest.
The government source noted that APC was always calling on the international community to wade in when accusing Jonathan’s government of plots to manipulate the elections, because an understanding existed between them after Buhari’s appearance at Chatham House and his famous interview with the CNN.
After the field job was done and figures confirmed Jonathan’s loss, those behind the plot to ease him out and save the country from chaos were said to have moved to the last stage in the presidential contest, which was to persuade him to accept defeat, since his refusal of same could ignite the South-South and South-East and possible bloody attacks on Northerners in such states.
A predictable reprisal in the North was projected as possible fulfilment of the feared break-up. The oil interests of those western nations in the Niger-Delta also reportedly necessitated a negotiated peaceful exit for him by persuading him to accept defeat and assurance obtained from Buhari that Jonathan would face no harassment out of office.
Having fulfilled his own part, Buhari had also fulfilled his with public pronouncement that Jonathan had nothing to fear under his administration, while engaging in peace preachment to his supporters.
Apart from obtaining assurance from Buhari, the western world would also lead in global praise of Jonathan, aimed at attenuating the pains of making the wrong history of being the first defeated incumbent, while leading opposition figures were also said to be under firm instruction not to attack him in any ways until he steps down on May 29.
The US and UK were particularly said to have completely bought into the anti-Jonathan project following his decision to turn to Russia for purchase of arms, with a diplomat in foreign service saying that it would have been better for Jonathan to completely move over to Russia’s side instead of playing in the middle.
According to him, “whoever advised him to purchase arms from Russia when a real war was on with the United States misled the president. You don’t even do that during the Cold War, let alone during this “Hot War.” There was no way US intelligence circle would forgive a big nation like Nigeria making such diplomatic faux pas.
“These security experts have serious leverage over American presidents. Regardless of any friendship that could be between (American president, Barack) Obama and Jonathan, when such security goons say it is time for a leader of a nation to go, American presidents hardly say no and, obviously, Jonathan had no serious pact with (Russian president, Vladimir) Putin, beyond buying arms.”
Since the presidential election result was announced, President Obama had issued about three press statements on the outcome, Jonathan’s concession and the need for the two leaders to keep preaching peace to their supporters as well as asking that finest democratic ideals should be upheld in the conduct of the April 11 governorship election.
A government source explained that Obama’s unusual interest in the governorship election was borne out of fears that Jonathan might take his frustration of loss out on the process and tamper with it in a way to give his party, which would be in opposition from May 29, an edge in governorship spread by winning as many states as possible.
In days ahead, it was gathered that beyond the phone calls, Jonathan may be visiting the United States as a special guest of Obama which, an insider said, is aimed at retaining him as the face of peace offering to the Niger-Delta, which is feared could become the breeding ground for fifth columnists that would make the nation’s economy unmanageable for Buhari.
Ossai Ovie Success, special assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State, has defended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu over the backlash trailing her recent advice encouraging Nigerians to embrace small-scale businesses.
Ossai Ovie Success, special assistant on Media to the Governor of Delta State
The controversy followed a viral video in which the First Lady urged unemployed Nigerians, particularly women, to consider starting businesses such as frying akara, roasting corn and producing kuli-kuli, noting that such ventures require little start-up capital.
Her remarks sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians arguing that government officials should focus on creating jobs rather than encouraging citizens to take up petty trading.
Reacting to the criticism in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Ossai said he was surprised that many people looked down on the akara business, insisting it can generate more income than some white-collar jobs.
According to him, an akara seller operating in a strategic location can earn substantial profits with just a few hours of work daily.
“Akara business is better than a bank job sometimes. If you fry akara in a good location, after all costs, you make N20 per akara and sell 500 pieces every day,” he wrote.
Ossai estimated that such a business could generate about N10,000 daily, translating to approximately N60,000 weekly and N240,000 monthly, while noting that some operators earn well above N1 million every month.
“How much again is a bank job? Ask yourself,” he said.
The Delta governor’s aide also argued that the business is not as demanding as many people assume, saying it typically requires only a few hours of work each day.
“Before I forget, know that akara business is not a 6-to-6 job. It’s about three hours daily.
“I am disappointed in those looking down on akara business,” he added.
The remarks add to the growing debate sparked by the First Lady’s comments, with supporters describing entrepreneurship as a practical means of livelihood, while critics argue that the government should prioritise policies that create sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerians.
General News
EVC NCC, Aminu Maida, to Lead Speakers @ Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would be the Special Guest of Honour at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The theme of the Roundtable is: Fintech: Driving the Future of Digital Financial Ecosystem in Nigeria.
Dr. Aminu Maida was appointed the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Maida holds an MEng in Information Systems Engineering from Imperial College, London in 2002 and in 2006, he bagged a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Bath, United Kingdom.
Between 2018 and 2019, Maida completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (FinTech Pathway) program at the Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Until his appointment by the President, Dr. Maida was the Executive Director, Technology and operations at Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), the country’s central switch company owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all licensed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria.
At NIBSS, Maida was responsible for holistically spearheading the technical and operational standardisation of all devices deployed in the financial system in Nigeria for interoperability.
Maida led a dynamic team that ensured that all terminals used in the e-payment industry and all devices deployed in Nigeria would accept all cards issued by banks and other licensed card schemes without discrimination.
Prior to his appointment at NIBSS, Maida was the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at the Nigerian-based FinTech Arca Payments Network and Senior Manager at Cisco Systems, United Kingdom.
As a seasoned technical professional with over 15 years of multi-functional and international experience in FinTech & Telecoms & Enterprise Technology, Maida between 2010 and 2014, worked as a Network Design Consultant at EE, part of BT Group, and one of the largest mobile communications companies in the UK.
He was also at some point (2006-2010) a System Engineer at Ubiquisys, a leading company in intelligent 3G and LTE small cells, which is now part of Cisco.
Maida, a professional par excellence, combines a broad range of experiences, making him technically strong and commercially sound.
Reacting, the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal Media Group, Prince Cookey said:
“Dr. Aminu Maida came to the NCC at a time Nigeria needed strategic repositioning of the digital economy landscape and telecom regulation in the country. He has positioned NCC as a leading voice in the digital space and telecom regulation in Africa and around the world.
Accordingly, stakeholders attending the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 would be looking forward to a robust conversation on the State of the digital economy, fintech market and the numbers on financial inclusion today and tomorrow.”
Cookey added that Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) will also be on board as Special Guest of Honour while Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) will Chair the event.
Mr. Emmanuel Ovaga, Managing Director/CEO, PufferPay Limited will deliver the keynote paper at the Roundtable while Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, President/Chairman of Council of NCRIB is Guest of Honour.
Distinguished members of the Panel include:
- Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE)
- Mrs. Idu Okeahialam, Group Managing Director/CEO, Royal Exchange Plc
- Mr. Jide Orimolade, Managing Director/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited
- Dr. Obioha Oti, President, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN)
- Mr. Sarafadeen Fasasi, President, Association of Financial Inclusion Agents of Nigeria (AFIAN)
The revolutionary success story of Moniepoint, Opay, PalmPay, Flutterwave and others in the digital payment system in Nigeria represents a positive expansion of the financial services sector in the country.
With millions of Nigerians and businesses lacking access to basic financial services, the importance of Fintechs remain sacrosanct in achieving substantial level of Financial Inclusion and expanding the frontiers of the industry.
According to AI Overview, Fintechs in Nigeria have revolutionised the financial landscape by dramatically increasing access to banking services, driving, for example, a 20% increase in financial inclusion and helping to bring the banked population to roughly 63%. These firms have introduced faster, affordable digital payments, lending, and investment services, forcing traditional banks to adopt digital transformation.
On investment, AI Overview stated: “Fintechs in Nigeria dominate the tech landscape, securing 35% of total tech funding ($2 billion total) in 2024, with over 430 companies attracting roughly 36% of all African fintech investment. Despite global challenges, the sector remains highly resilient, driven by high demand, with significant deals including Moniepoint’s $110 million series C.”
The 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 aims to underscore the positive contribution of Fintechs in deepening Financial Inclusion, expanding access to financial services and contributing to economic growth in the country.
Expected participants at the Roundtable include regulators, operators from key sectors of the economy, media and members of the public.
(LASTMA) has launched a new toll-free short-code hotline, 3367, to improve emergency response, enhance traffic managemestrengthen accountability across Lagos State.
The new platform replaces the agency’s previous long-service code and provides a simpler and more accessible channel for residents to report traffic-related incidents. The service is available at no cost to subscribers on MTN, Glo and Etisalat (T2) networks.
Motorists and other road users can use the hotline to report vehicle breakdowns, road crashes, disabled trucks, stranded tankers, traffic obstructions and other emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
The platform also allows members of the public to report the conduct and professionalism of LASTMA personnel, a move aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within the agency.
To ensure wider accessibility, callers can communicate with hotline operators in English, Yoruba or Pidgin English, helping to eliminate language barriers and encourage greater public participation.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager, LASTMA, described the launch as a major milestone in the agency’s efforts to build a safer, more efficient and technology-driven traffic management system.
He said the hotline reflects LASTMA’s commitment to leveraging digital solutions to tackle transportation challenges while strengthening collaboration with residents.
According to Bakare-Oki, the 3367 hotline provides Lagos residents with a direct, convenient and free channel to report incidents requiring urgent attention, noting that the growing complexity of Lagos as a major African megacity demands a proactive and technology-enabled approach to traffic management.
He assured residents that all reports received through the platform would be handled professionally and confidentially before being forwarded to the appropriate operational units for prompt action
Bakare-Oki urged the public to make effective use of the hotline to support road safety, improve accountability and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable transportation system across the state.
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