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Shonekan: Nigeria’s Leader Overthrown Without Resistance

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Abbas Yushau Yusuf

With the announcement of the death of the first and only Nigeria’s interim leader ,Chief Ernest Shonekan on 11 January 2022 at a Lagos Hospital after a brief illness ,a cross section of Nigerians may not be aware of the peaceful life lived by the Late Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Shonekan will go down memory lane as the first and only interim civilian leader Nigeria had since independence considering the circumstances which he emerge Nigerias leader.

When General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida annulled the June 12 1993 Presidential election won by Late Chief MKO Abiola , General Babangida had no option than to handover power ,the first reason was that since 1990 General Babangida has been shifting goal post ,so when finally Abiola’s election was cancelled by him Nigeria was thrown into serious political turmoil.The political elites were seriously divided and there was crack in the military,there are some military officers that have the notion of maintaining General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as the commander in chief beyond August 26 1993, the day set for handing over to civilians,while others nursed the idea of violently toppling General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and install Chief MKO Abiola as the President and commander in chief.

Breaking:Former Head Of Interim Govt Chief Ernest Shonekan Is Dead

Since the handover is going to take place on the appointed date and Abiola’s election was annulled, Babangida has no option than to voluntarily handover the reins of government since extension of his tenure will be illegal.

With the seeming crisis General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida settled for the chairman of Nigerias Transition committee Chief Ernest Shonekan.

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To appease south west whose son won the election in a landslide, Shonekan like Chief MKO Abiola is from the South West and Ogun state, therefore handing over to him is the natural thing to do.

On the D-Day , August 26 1993 ,General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in his white robe at the council chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa handed over power to Shonekan in a low key event and went straight to Minna the capital city of Niger state and his home town.

But when Babangida was leaving , Shonekan’s hand was tied as all the members of the interim Government was appointed Babangida including ministers ,and from day one Shonekan started with the crisis of loyalty.

The Secretary of Defence General Sani Abacha was the first military officer to become a full general like the sitting President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida,so in the ensuing political scenario General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida while handing over to Shonekan retired with Military officers who are Junior in Rank to General Sani Abacha and left General Sani Abacha to secure the interim Government.

So when Late Chief Ernest Shonekan settled for another transition to civil rule,issues that seems to render him incompetent in the eyes of Nigerians appeared like fuel Scarcity,Tanker drivers strike and increment in fuel price.

Another blow to Late Chief Ernest Shonekan’s government was the hijack of Nigerian airways plane and taken to Niger Republic,after that a Lagos high court declared his government illegal.

The Late business tycoon also battled with disloyalty among his cabinet as some ministers are not standing to honour him when he enter the council chamber to preside over meetings.

People like Chief MKO Abiola who won the June 12 election and members of NADECO started to agitate for military take over.

The political atmosphere become hazy and on the night of 17 November ,83 days after the assumption of Late Chief Ernest Shonekan as Head of interim National government,the secretary of Defense General Sani Abacha accompanied by Lt.Gen. Aliyu Muhammad Gusau,Lt.Gen Oladipo Diya and others stormed the presidential villa in Abuja.

They condoned the seat of power with battle ready armoured tanks,they were welcomed by Chief Ernest Shonekan to the President’s office,they sat together with Late Chief Shonekan, they reviewed the country’s political situation from the day Shonekan was appointed Head of state and to the day they entered his office.

General Sani Abacha and his colleagues demanded that the Head of the interim National government Chief Ernest Shonekan should resign .

Without hesitation chief Shonekan resigned as Head of the interim National government on November 17 1993 and General Sani Abacha and his fellow coupist offer to take Shonekan to his home town by air which he refused.

Late Chief Ernest Shonekan left for Abeokuta by road on that night and retired to his home peacefully without resisting the offer of resignation by the military led by General Sani Abacha.

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Yusuf did not leave NNPP for self interest but kano state development and prosperity -NNPP

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The Dr Boniface Aniebonam led New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) says Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State left the Kwankwasiya Movement and the party because of Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso’s slavery intentions and not for selfish reasons.

The party also stated that the main betrayer in the saga is Kwankwaso, who betrayed the trust of the NNPP founder, Aniebonam and not Yusuf. All efforts made by Yusuf as the leader of NNPP for reconciliation were resisted out of arrogance and greed
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The party was reacting to comments by Elder Buba Galadima on Yusuf’s defection.

In a statement by its National Vice Chairman Northwest, Alhaji Sani Danmasani, the party stated: “Let the relations and families of Kwankwaso and Galadima intervene before depression will catch up with them.

“This is because a critical analysis of the condition of Galadima on Arise television suggested that something may become clinically wrong.

“The cross over of Yusuf to APC is affecting Galadima’ and Kwankwaso so much that the bitterness and pain are evident in their speeches.

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“Their pain is so much that it may result to depression if something urgently is not done . It is most likely that these great men are having sleepless nights.”

According to the party, what is striking in the details of Galadima’s expression during the session on Arise TV were his experiences, travelling by road from Enugu airport to Umuawulu town in Anambra, hometown of NNPP Founder, Aniebonam.

“Galadima’ said he got to Anambra by 2.a.m to meet Aniebonam for the purposes of getting a political platform for Kwankwaso and others against the 2023 general elections.

“Incidentally Yusuf who is a prime beneficiary of the risky trip to Umuawulu is the one found to have betrayed NNPP family to join their enemy, a former governor Kano state and APC stalwart, Ganduje.

“Galadima and Kwankwaso crying fowl of betrayal of trust were the same people who were favoured at no cost to use the NNPP platform to contest elections in 2023.

“They were the same people who betrayed Aniebonam, and fighting to hijack the party he founded 2001. They are still fighting to hijack the structure of the NNPP without conscience, yet calling Yusuf a betrayer.

“One begin to wonder why Kwankwaso and Buba Galadima are crying fowl and disturbing the peace of the society as if they do not know that God acts differently.”

It noted that Yusuf’s decision was a self defence , protection from modern slavery and undue interference from Kwankwaso in governance of Kano state.

The party said that rather than continue to lament over Yusuf, Kwankwaso and his group should seek the face of God and ask for forgiveness from those they betrayed.

The party noted that Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano politics has fizzled out, and will not affect Yusuf’s re-election in 2027.

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Hon. Bichi commissions Hagagawa Mega Primary School, employs additional 180 temporary Teachers

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Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, the member of the House of Representatives for Bichi Federal Constituency from Kano State and the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, has officially commissioned the reconstructed Hagagawa Mega Primary School in Bichi Local Government Area yesterday, Tuesday.

Hagagawa Primary School was established in 1930 and before the reconstruction the structure was on the verge of collapse.

In addition, the lawmaker has employed 180 more classroom teachers, who will be deployed across primary schools in Bichi Local Government.

This brings the total number of teachers employed by Hon. Bichi to 500, each earning a monthly salary of N60,000. In total, the legislator spends N₦30,000,00 monthly on teachers’ salaries, amounting to ₦360,000,000 annually.

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Speaking at the Commissioning, Hon Bichi reaffirmed his commitment to building similar model schools in Danzabuwa in Bichi north, Saye in Bichi East and Ciranci communities.

Teachers and students associations across the local government commended the lawmaker during the commissioning of the school.

As part of the reconstruction, Hon. Bichi also constructed a modern mini-stadium, upgraded classrooms, a computer lab, a modern library and recreational facilities for students to enhance extracurricular activities.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Reps. Kabir Alhassan Rurum, Reps Sagir Ibrahim Koki, Repa Abdullahi Rogo, Reps. Hussaini Kero, MD Hadejia Jamare River Basin Development, Dr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, DG National Productivity commi, Hon. Baffa Babba, Chairman of Bichi Local Government, Hon. Hamza Maifata, and the member representing Bichi in the Kano state assembly Hon. Lawan Shehu Bichi, SUBEB Chairman Kano, Old Students, well wishers and other community leaders.

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Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Unveils 2026 Lagos Convention Logo

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The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), Nigeria, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, unveiled the official logo for its 2026 Lagos National Convention at a press briefing held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, Abuja, with former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, calling for conviction-driven Christian leadership across business and public life.

The unveiling marked a key milestone in preparations for the national convention, which is expected to attract members and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond. Leaders of the fellowship used the occasion to outline the vision, theme, and activities planned for the 2026 gathering.

Among dignitaries present were the National President of FGBMFI Nigeria, Barrister Isaac Okpanachi; Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Southwest 3 District Coordinator and Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Sunny Beyioku; Board of Trustees member, Arc. Daniel Wadzani; National Vice President (Convention), Mr. Victor Tony Emmanuel; National Vice President (Outreaches), Mr. Wake Ademo; Chairman, Special Outreaches, Dr. Kelechi Idimogu; Chairman, National Convention Committee, Mr. Kelechi Agu; and District Coordinator, North Central 1, Sir Roland.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Beyioku assured members of the public that preparations for the convention were progressing steadily. He said all districts of the fellowship were actively involved in the planning process, with deliberate efforts to highlight the origins and growth of FGBMFI in Nigeria, adding that the fellowship remained committed to fulfilling its mandate.
Addressing the gathering, Barrister Okpanachi announced that the 2026 National Convention would hold at the National Theatre, Lagos, described as the historic venue where the fellowship first began in Nigeria. He also unveiled the theme of the convention as “Pressing Towards the Mark” (Philippians 3:14), noting that it reflects focus, resilience, and unwavering commitment to God’s calling.

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The national president explained that the newly unveiled logo symbolises the fellowship’s vision of reaching professionals, public servants, and individuals engaged in legitimate vocations. He also acknowledged Senator Anyim for his longstanding support of the fellowship, expressing optimism that Nigeria would continue to serve as a model for integrity in business and governance.

According to him, the 2026 convention is designed to connect, inspire, and reposition members spiritually and professionally. Planned activities include rallies, Bible teachings, prison outreaches, and exclusive dinners and luncheons for professionals, politicians, civil servants, artisans, and other stakeholders.

Responding to questions from journalists, the leadership highlighted the impact of previous conventions, noting that sustained outreach programmes and publications have increased the fellowship’s visibility nationwide. They cited several prominent Nigerians who have been associated with the fellowship as examples of ethical leadership in public service.

On digital engagement, FGBMFI leaders said the fellowship is strengthening its online presence, expanding virtual meetings, and developing youth-focused content. Barrister Okpanachi also referenced his YouTube platform, LifeLight Help TV, as part of efforts to reach a wider audience.

Speaking at the event, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim stressed that Christian engagement in public and professional life must be rooted in conviction, noting that the fellowship plays a critical role in reinforcing moral values across sectors.

The event concluded with a joint unveiling of the convention logo and closing remarks by NEC member, Dr. Jerry Abutu, followed by prayers.

Founded in December 1951 in Los Angeles, California, by dairy farmer Demos Shakarian, the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International has grown into a global movement. Nigeria is currently described as having the largest concentration of FGBMFI chapters worldwide.

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