Entertainment
Don’t Take Nigerian Youths For Granted – I Go Dye Writes To INEC Chair
Comedian Francis Agoda, also known as I Go Dye, has written a letter to Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging him not to underestimate the Nigerian youth in the upcoming Governorship and States House of Assemblies elections on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
The comedian called for a free and fair election to restore Yakubu’s reputation in light of allegations of irregularities, malpractice, and shortcomings during the last Presidential and House of Representatives elections organized by INEC, which were widely reported by Nigerians.
I Go Dye, who posted the letter on his Instagram page in the early hours of Wednesday warns the INEC boss not to take the silence of Nigerian youths for weakness, saying the Governorship and States House of Assemblies elections are another litmus test for the Commission’s boss to salvage his reputation.
The letter reads: “Dont take Nigerian youths’ silence for weakness this March 11th Saturday elections. This is another litmus test for you, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to salvage your reputation and that of INEC.
“The nation is bereaved with the series of claims and counterclaims of irregularities on the part of INEC in the just concluded presidential elections. This ugly scenario is not good for our democracy and for such an institution that was grossly funded with over 400 Billion Naira for the 2003 presidential election.
“INEC should not be found unprepared to deliver on their responsibilities. I admonish INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to do all within his capacity to step up their standard because Nigerians will not accept any more excuses from him and his Commission as we once again go to the polls in the governorship and House of Assembly elections.
“We demand for free, fair and credible elections. If you know you are not ready for that, please resign. Don’t damage your name more. I urge Nigerians, most especially, the youths not to get discouraged but rather brace up and conquer all forms of negativity and ineptitude even though the institution concerned with the entire process may want to compromise to destroy their interest.
“So, I call on the youths to come out en masse and vote in the candidates of their choice because the process of nation-building starts when we develop a resilient attitude against all unforeseen circumstances.”
Based on his past experiences and recent endeavors, it appears that I Go Dye has transcended mere comedy and has become heavily involved in advocating for good governance in Nigeria. He has previously written letters to influential leaders regarding national matters, earning himself a reputation as a social commentator.
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Nigerian music legend, Daddy Showkey, has reacted sharply to an order issued by Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, targeting individuals with dreadlocks in Minna.
In a post shared on Instagram, the Ajegunle-born artist, known for his iconic dreadlocks, voiced his outrage at the governor’s decision, questioning the link between dreadlocks and insecurity.
“Na dreadlock dey cause insecurity for the country or na dada dey worry you? What of people with mumu beard?” Showkey asked, visibly upset by the directive.
READ ALSO: Jude Okoye Freed After Two-Month Detention Over Alleged N1.38bn Fraud
The musician also revealed that he had planned a visit to Minna but was now having second thoughts following the order. “Mohamed Umar, dada be your problem? I dey to come Minna but now you have ask your security agents to cut off dreadlocks so hold your state, but make you cut your beer beer,” he said.
The now-reversed directive was reportedly given during a stakeholders’ security meeting at the Government House, where Governor Bago instructed security personnel to shave off dreadlocks and fine offenders.
Widespread criticism from citizens, civil rights groups, and public figures forced the state government to rescind the decision.
Jude Okoye, the older sibling of the famous P-Square duo, has been released from detention after spending more than two months in custody following his arrest in connection with an alleged N1.38 billion fraud.
Okoye, who was formerly the manager of P-Square, faced charges of conspiracy and money laundering, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges accuse him of using his company, Northside Music Limited, to unlawfully divert royalties and funds meant for P-Square between 2017 and 2021.
READ ALSO: Fraud: Court Grants Jude Okoye N100m Bail
He is facing seven counts in the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, which include laundering amounts exceeding $1 million, £34,537.59, and N1.38 billion.
Part of the allegedly laundered funds was used to purchase property valued at N850 million in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, with the money reportedly channeled through a Bureau De Change.
Although Okoye was granted bail in early March, his release faced delays due to difficulties in meeting the bail conditions.
His brother, Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), confirmed Jude’s release on Instagram, posting a heartfelt message. “Jude is finally out after two months + …all their efforts to frustrate his bail have finally collapsed. Welcome home, brother @judeengees. And happy birthday,” Paul wrote, sharing a video of Jude’s return home.
This release comes amidst a high-profile family dispute, with Peter Okoye (Mr P), Jude’s younger brother, playing a key role in the case.
Peter testified in court, accusing Jude of depriving him of his fair share of earnings by diverting substantial amounts of money through Northside Music Limited and withholding critical financial records.
“When I asked why financing had stopped, I was told, ‘As you leave P-Square, you leave the money,’” Peter testified in court.
Jude’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate Clement Onwuenwunor, has dismissed the charges as exaggerated, claiming that the case is more about family disagreements than criminal behavior.
Onwuenwunor stressed that Jude had fully cooperated with the investigation, and that the allegations stem from misunderstandings among the brothers.
The EFCC charges also include allegations that between 2016 and 2023, Jude converted more than $1 million and £34,537.59 in digital royalties for his personal benefit.
Jude has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.
The case is expected to continue, with Peter Okoye set for cross-examination when the trial resumes on June 4.
Street-hop sensation Portable has opened up about his wish for a music collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, revealing he would have preferred a feature over the N20 million cash gift recently sent to him by the Afrofusion star.
The singer, known for his eccentric personality and social media outbursts, disclosed during an Instagram live session that Burna Boy’s generous gesture came after his participation in a celebrity boxing match against fellow entertainer, Speed Darlington.
Despite expressing gratitude for the financial boost, Portable shared his disappointment about the silence that has followed from Burna Boy’s end.
READ ALSO: Portable Remanded In Kwara Prison For Failing To Meet Bail Terms
“Shout out to Burna Boy. Some people want to wash my brain with advice, but this man gingered my brain with the N20 million,” he said.
However, the singer made it clear that money wasn’t all he was hoping for. Portable revealed that communication between them has been non-existent, even after several attempts to reach out.
“The person who gave me N20 million has never replied to me on Instagram; I don’t have his number, and he doesn’t pick up my calls,” he lamented.
He went further to call out Burna Boy for not following him on social media despite the generous gift.
“Burna Boy, you gave me N20 million, but you didn’t reply to me. Give me a feature. Why are you stingy about replying to messages? He isn’t following me on Instagram but he gave me money.
“He is my helper but he should feature me instead because the N20 million can finish in a day. If I collaborate with the person who gave me N20 million, I will go viral,” he added.
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‘Na Dreadlock Dey Cause Insecurity?’ – Daddy Showkey Slams Gov Bago Over Arrest Order
