Seyi Tinubu’s Shocker
In the past months, tongues seem to be wagging about the administrative style of Bauchi State Governor, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar. Out of sheer curiosity, some say it could be due to the harsh economic condition in Nigeria, which has consequently forced many state governors to be circumspect.
To keen observers of happenings in the state, Abubakar is known to frown on financial recklessness, particularly when it borders on public funds. But Spyglass learnt that he is taking his prudence to an exaggerated level. Or how would one describe this scenario that played out few weeks ago in the state?
Spyglass gathered that the lawyerturned politician was returning from one of his trips to the local governments in the state when he was accosted by some members of a vigilance group. The group had, prior to its encounter with the governor, engaged some dare-devil robbers in a shoot-out. It was gathered that one of the group members had been shot in the legs by the robbers. So, on sighting the governor’s entourage, their spirit was buoyed, particularly when he stopped and got down from his vehicle.
But they never bargained for what they got, as the governor reportedly handed a measly amount of money to the injured member for his treatment. As he counted the four pieces of N1000 notes, the affected member was said to have looked so dejected and downcast, vigorously shaking his head ruefully.
When Dapo Abiodun, the CEO, Heyden Petroleum Limited, contested for the Ijebu-East Senatorial District election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, his plan was to use the platform to serve his people. But the plan was truncated, as Kashamu Buruji of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was declared the winner. Consequently, he went court to claim what he believed was stolen from him.
It will be recalled that Abiodun’s journey into politics began in 1996 when he won a senatorial seat under the defunct UNCP. His ambition, however, was truncated when the then Head of State, Gen. Sanni Abacha, died and all political parties were abolished by General Abubakar Abdulsalami. He later contested for governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, before pitching his tent with the APC in the last general elections.
However, following that electoral loss, it was rumoured that Abiodun, also Chairman, First Power Limited, was forced to recoil into his own cocoon, licking the wound occasioned by the defeat.
As fate would have it, all this may be history now, as the top socialite, who is also Chairman, OMS-Heyden Exploration and Production Limited, has got back his groove and shamed his detractors. How? A few days ago, he celebrated his 56th birthday amidst pomp and circumstance. The exclusive party brought together top politicians, respected monarchs, captains of industry and celebrities, a development that has reaffirmed his far-flung connections in both the business and political circles in Nigeria.
Another source revealed to us Abiodun might be aiming for a top political position in the state in 2019, this he has kept close to his chest, though he is making moves underground.
Among the dignitaries in attendance are: Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; business mogul, Aliko Dangote; Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi; Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Lanre Ogunlesi; Muyiwa Bakare; Nkiru Anumudu; Tunde Ayeni, Capt. Francis Ogboro; Eyimofe Atake, SAN; Anslem Tanbasi; Prince Bolu Akin Olugbade; Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Sijibomi Ogundele ,CEO of Sujimoto Group of Companies, among others.
Seyi Tinubu, son of a former governor of Lagos State and national leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, used to be one of the most eligible bachelors in town. A vivacious and amiable guy, many of the ‘hot babes’ in and around the town reportedly always swarmed around him like bees to nectar.
But the story changed last year when the Polo- loving young Tinubu, a Law graduate of the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, finally found his proverbial missing ribs and proposed to his 25-year-old heartthrob, Layal J. Holm, at Lansdown Resort, Aburi, Ghana, in a most romantic way.
Interestingly, since the lovers released their pre-wedding pictures in April, many have been looking forward to what they probably tagged wedding of the century, going by his father’s pedigree in the society.
However, if what Spyglass gathered is anything to go by, the man would shock many as the family has opted for a secret wedding with a few friends and close associates in attendance. Besides, the wedding will be taking place outside the shores of the country.
Holm, who is of Lebanese and Nigerian descent, holds a degree in Political Science and African Studies from the School of Oriental Studies, SOAS, University of London, and a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship & Business Management from the University of Surrey. She is a consultant with foremost audit firm, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC).
Since the two lovebirds met over three years ago, their love affair has been the envy of many. ‘‘Let commit the perfect crime; I’ll steal your heart, and you will still steal mine.’’ The above quote, no doubt, captures the deep feeling of love that was acted out recently when the Founder and General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries Interna- tional, Apostle Johnson Suleman, and his beautiful wife, Reverend (Mrs.) Lizzy Suleman, celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary at the Church headquarters in Auchi, Edo State, on Sunday, June 5, 2016.
For the couple, the occasion offered another rare opportunity to delight their fans with the secret of their blissful marriage, while also giving some nuggets on how to keep a home.
An obviously elated Suleman, who will be jetting to Kigali, Rwanda, next Wednesday for a two-day teaching and healing crusade tagged ‘Restoration Raw Power 2016’, said : “Trust did it. We totally trust each other with everything in our relationship. There are no secrets we have hidden from one another. My wife and I communicate with each other all of the time in the last 12 years. Even as we were dating before marriage, the mystery of who we were had to be discovered by each of us. That is one of the powerful secrets of this union.”
No doubt the couple quite understand the spirit of the four-letter-word, love, as his darling wife also revealed the secret of their successful marriage in the past year, saying, “value and respect and finding creative ways to continue giving and sharing are the hallmarks of our marriage in the past years.’’
Apostle Suleman and his wife run one of the fastest growing Christian congregations in the world.
Without a doubt, ex-governor of Abia State, Orji Uzoh Kalu, means different things to many people: a politician, a businessman, an achiever and a pacesetter.
But to his children, he is, first and foremost, a great inspiration and a role model par excellence. Unlike some, OUK, as he is fondly called, never fails to lavish his love on his children. Though he is ever busy as a bee, he often takes out time to attend to their needs whenever they have cause to engage in the celebration of life.
Spyglass gathered that he was at his best last Sunday when two of his daughters, Nicole and Olivia, celebrated their birthdays. The top politician reportedly cut short his numerous board meetings all over the world to show the good dad that he really is, as he threw a birthday bash for the two girls. The grand party was attended by their friends, the former governor’s friends, politicians as well as his associates from all walks of life.
OUK is, indeed, a man of means and power. He was once named by Forbes as the richest Ibo man alive and one of the richest in Africa. He is the Chairman of SLOK Holding, a wholly owned Nigerian consortium of companies involved in several operations, with a strong presence in West Africa. The Group operates in all sectors of the economy, including oil and gas, banking and finance, media and publishing, real estate, trading, manufacturing, insurance and tourism. It is a member of some industrial institutions such as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nigeria-America Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Nigeria-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Towards the twilight of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, some of his aides reportedly acquired choice presidential guest houses in what was tagged sale of “Government-owned non-essential houses” under the monetisation policy.
It was, however, dogged by a series of controversy, as the properties were sold at dead cheap prices.
According to reports, some of the aides who allegedly bought the houses included the former FCT Minister, Mallam El-Rufai now Kaduna State governor, Akin Osuntokun, Andy Ubah, the late Remi Oyo, among others.
Sadly, Spyglass can tell you authoritatively that the former presidential spokesperson, Remi Oyo’s house located on Yakubu Gowon Crescent, inside the Presidential Villa, has been put up for sale.
According to a source, the house that was bought for less than N100,000 in 2007 now goes for N750 million as asking price.
We were informed by the source that this decision was unanimously taken by her families after several meetings. The reason, the source said, was: “Her children are still very young to manage such a huge mansion.” The sale of the building is being handled by an Abujabased popular estate and property agent.
The former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria and media aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, died in the United Kingdom, where she was undergoing treatment for a cancerrelated ailment in 2014.
Oyo began her journalism career in 1973 at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation( now known as the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria).
She later joined the News Agency of Nigeria as a Desk Editor in 1981, and left in 1985 as a Principal Editor, the first woman to attain such a high position in the agency.
After leaving NAN, she joined the Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS) as the Nigerian Bureau Chief. She later became the international news agency’s West African bureau chief.
She was appointed Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to Obasanjo in 2003 and served in that capacity until the end of the Obasanjo tenure in May.
No one can say precisely why Laolu Saraki, the youngest son of the late politician and Turaki of Ilorin, Dr. Olusola Saraki, has been keeping a low profile.
Unlike his siblings, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Gbemi, who are still very much around in the Nigeria’s political scene, Laolu, a party-loving young man, has disappeared from the public glare.
Spyglass gathered that the popular socialite who was a major item in the social scene seems to be more interested in his family. Now, all that matters to him most is his Spanish wife, Carolina Merry Del Val and his set of twins.
Before he recoiled into his cocoon, he was a fixture of sorts at some upscale night clubs. Nevertheless, in spite of his avowed commitment to his family, he has not totally shut his door against his friends, particularly Kojo Annan, son of former UN Secretary, Kofi Annan.
Laolu, who worked briefly in the administration of the late President Yar’Adua and President Goodluck Jonathan as Special Assistant, is currently the Managing Director of Supreme Offshore, a marine service company that is in partnership with Svitzer and Maersk Supply Service, a member of the AP Moeller Maersk Group.