Presidency Described Atiku’s Claims On EFCC Probe, Sanwo-Olu “Baseless”

Presidency described Atiku’s claims on EFCC probe, Sanwo-Olu “baseless”. The Presidency has described as “baseless” claims by the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, that he was being targeted for investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A statement signed by Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday said Atiku’s claims are “false and reflecting a troubling patter of relying on social media gossip.”

On Thursday, Atiku claimed that the EFCC was probing him in connection with financial activities involving the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. In a statement on Friday, Onanuga described Atiku’s claims as baseless and misleading.

The Presidency dismissed the allegations as Atiku’s “desperate attempt” to remain politically relevant through unfounded accusations and social media gossip.

“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to the unfounded allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claims to be the subject of an EFCC investigation regarding unsubstantiated financial dealings involving Lagos State. “These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance.

It is disheartening that a politician of Atiku’s stature would lend credibility to baseless social media speculation to remain politically relevant.

The statement explained that President Tinubu does not have time for gossips, as he is busy addressing national challenges. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration’s agenda for Nigeria’s growth and stability.

The President has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.
Atiku was advised to take leadership responsibilities and quit the desperate search for attention.

“Atiku’s allegations are infantile and a transparent ploy to deflect from his political setbacks. His repeated attempts to drag the Presidency and now the Lagos State Government into fabricated controversies reveal a desperate bid for attention amid his fading attempt to cobble a coalition.

Atiku, Sanwo-Olu

“Since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, the former Vice President has failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman. Rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, he has chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.

“We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy toward initiatives that foster unity, economic progress, and democratic stability—qualities Nigeria urgently needs. “Lastly, the former Vice President should know that the EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence.

Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency’s professionalism and the rule of law.

“The Presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development—priorities that demand our undivided attention.”

Chinese Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin Arrested For Celebrating Mass Without State Approval

Chinese Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin arrested for celebrating mass without state approval. Wenzhou, China – March 6, 2025
Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin, 61, of Wenzhou, was arrested by officials from China’s National Security Office for refusing to pay a fine of 200,000 yuan (approximately US$27,000).

The fine was imposed after he celebrated a Mass on December 27, 2024, attended by over 200 faithful, to mark the opening of the Holy Jubilee Year. Authorities claim the gathering violated Article 71 of China’s Religious Affairs Regulations.

Bishop Shao, appointed Coadjutor Bishop by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and who succeeded the late Bishop Vincenzo Zhu Wei-Fang in 2016, has consistently refused to join the state-sanctioned Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association.

His rejection of the fine is based on his position that the celebration of Mass was a lawful religious activity.

As of this report, Bishop Shao’s location remains unknown, and his detention is expected to be prolonged. Due to his refusal to align with the Patriotic Association, Chinese authorities do not recognize him as the legitimate bishop of Wenzhou, instead declaring the episcopal seat vacant and endorsing Fr. Ma Xianshi—a government-approved priest—as the diocesan administrator.

Bishop Shao has faced repeated arrests over the years. The Wenzhou Catholic community, considered part of the “underground” Church loyal to Rome, has launched a prayer campaign for his release and safety.

Notably, shortly before his latest arrest, on February 25, 2025, Bishop Shao publicly requested prayers for Pope Francis.

Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin

In addition to his arrest, reports indicate growing interference in Church activities across the region. A planned pilgrimage by the Cangnan parish was recently obstructed by local authorities, and children are increasingly barred from entering churches.

Surveillance and restrictions on priests have also intensified, with some clerics prohibited from celebrating Mass.

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Source: Shalom World News.

My Husband Nwaeke, Ex-Rivers HoS, Geld Under Duress In Abuja, Blackmailed Fubara: Florence Nwaeke

My husband Nwaeke, ex-Rivers HoS, held under duress in Abuja, blackmailed Fubara: Florence Nwaeke. Mr Fubara said that the truth was Dr. Nwaeke had been compromised.

Days after the resignation of her husband, Florence Nwaeke, the wife of a former Head of Service in Rivers State, George Nwaeke, has raised the alarm over his whereabouts, alleging that her husband was held under duress to lie against the suspended state Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“This morning people started calling to tell me that my husband granted an interview,” Mrs Nwaeke told journalists on Friday. “So when I saw the interview online, I sent him a message and asked if he was under duress or was kidnapped. He didn’t reply to me.

His numbers are not going through. Nigerians help me, my husband is in trouble.”
Narrating her husband’s experience under Mr Fubara’s administration, Mrs Nwaeke alleged that the erstwhile head of service was accused of covering Mr Fubara up over a sum of N15 billion allegedly sent to the suspended governor from Abuja.

She further claimed that Mr Nwaeke refused to bow to pressure and eventually resigned from his position instead of signing documents in connection to the said funds.

She stated, “Some people said my husband is trying to cover the governor because he is his friend. But he told them he is not aware of any N15 billion, that he did not have anything to do with the state finances.

He told them that he was not covering anything. He later told me he had resigned and that he refused to sign any document in relation to the funds.”

In a press briefing earlier on Friday, Mr Nwaeke stated that he was not pressured to resign from his position, accusing Mr Fubara of orchestrating the crisis that led to the proclamation of state of emergency in the state.

Accusing Mr Fubara of masterminding the bombing of the state’s house of assembly among many other infractions, Mr Nwaeke claimed, “I was there with them when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside.

I want to tell Rivers people today that the House of Assembly complex in Moscow Road was clearly brought down by Edison Ehie under the instructions of Governor Siminilayi Fubara, I challenge him to an open confrontation.”

My Husband Nwaeke

He added, “A day after that incident, I almost resigned, but I was very scared because I knew the power of a sitting governor. He knew that I was aware of the whole plan and that I was uncomfortable with the unconscionable act and his deliberate posture of innocence.’’

Meanwhile, Mr Fubara in a statement late Friday accused Mr Nwaeke of compromise, debunking the allegations against him.

“The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me,” the suspended governor said.

On Tuesday, the sole administrator in the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, announced Mr Nwaeke’s resignation from his position and immediately appointed Iyingi Brown as the acting Head of Service.