Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George has stated that Nigerians would have rejected Atiku Abubakar’s presidency if he had won the in 2023 presidential election.

The former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP stated this while expressing concerns that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidency in 2023 would have brought instability to Nigeria.


Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television, George revealed that Atiku’s emergence as the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election could have led to significant problems, including an unstable polity, because of his ethnicity.


The PDP chieftain argued that most Nigerians were yearning for a power shift to the south after former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year stint at the helm.


George stated that the choice of Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate, while the PDP’s national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, also hailed from the north, created deep divisions within the party.


“By the time Ayu left, he should have left long before the election. There was an agreement. It was the emergence of Atiku from the north as a presidential candidate that completely disorganised the norm of the party,” George said.


He further elaborated on the issues that arose from Atiku’s candidacy, noting, “The moment we interfered with it, manipulating the whole process to satisfy Atiku, that’s where the problem started. For us to pretend as if there was not a problem, we are just wasting time. Let us stand by the truth because it is only the truth that would liberate you. When we had that election, we divided the party (PDP) into two.”

George emphasized the challenges that would have arisen if Atiku had won the election in 2023.

“If Atiku had won, I would have stayed in my house because I know for real that in future he would collapse. This country would never accept. If he had won that election you think this country would have been stable? Because somebody from the north had just finished eight years and our own norm is that after the eight years, the presidential candidate must come to the south. Those who are running around for appointments, we wish them best of luck,” he stated.


Addressing the current state of the PDP, George noted that the party is embroiled in deeper problems, with three factions fighting for control. He expressed scepticism about the party’s ability to address the ongoing challenges, stating that the PDP has no moral authority to criticize the current government’s actions.

George also declined his appointment to the Disciplinary Committee, which was set up to sanction members accused of working against the party in the 2023 general elections. He refused to serve under Chief Tom Ikimi, the committee’s chairman, citing differences in party hierarchy and experience.


“I know Tom very well, he met me in this party. The founding fathers handed over to us. So the culture of the party, the do’s and don’ts are with us. So you don’t make me be a member under somebody that I know in terms of hierarchy of the party, and say I should go and serve under him,” George explained.

He concluded with scepticism about the effectiveness of the committee, saying, “Just setting up a committee, where will it lead you?”

Stakeholders in the Nigerian banking sector are expressing doubts about Nova Merchant Bank’s ability to thrive following its recent transition to a full-fledged national commercial bank.

Founded by Philip Oduoza, the bank has rebranded as Nova Bank after receiving approval from its shareholders to transition from a merchant bank to a commercial bank at its 6th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos last year.


The bank’s board of directors outlined their transition strategy during the meeting, and with the backing of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nova Bank recently unveiled its first commercial banking branch at 18 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

At the opening ceremony, Chairman Phillips Oduoza emphasized Nova Bank’s commitment to excellence, stating, “We continue our tradition of excellence with our trademarked PHYGITAL experience, combining strategically located branches with seamless digital banking for personalized and innovative service.”


Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also praised the bank’s progress, saying, “You have successfully steered your bank to the point where the Central Bank now deems it fit for you to transition from a wholesale bank to a retail bank.”

Despite the fanfare surrounding the branch opening and plans for additional branches in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, stakeholders are skeptical about the bank’s ability to function effectively in its new capacity. Questions have been raised about the viability and robustness of Nova Merchant Bank even before its transition. Concerns also focus on how the bank plans to meet customer needs with only a single branch initially.

The challenging business climate in Nigeria adds to the skepticism, as better-established banks have struggled to survive. There are also doubts about Nova Bank’s ability to manage investors’ funds effectively.

These concerns have been amplified by a recent lawsuit, marked FHC/L/CP/2641/2023 and filed on December 19, 2023. The bank, through its counsel Kemi Balogun (SAN), asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to place a lien on the assets of Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) and freeze its accounts in 25 banks due to an alleged N1,648,649,286.68 debt.

In the petition, Nova Merchant Bank stated, “The respondent has become insolvent due to its inability to pay its debt in the sum of N1,648,649,286.68 owed to the petitioner. The failure of the respondent to pay the petitioner has caused great financial hardship on the petitioner.”

This scenario has led stakeholders to question the bank’s due diligence processes, as granting such a substantial loan to a defaulting company raises concerns about Nova Bank’s ability to safeguard investors’ funds, especially in its new role as a commercial bank.

“We are all aware that the banking sector is facing a reform, even more established banks are struggling to meet the new set valuation of the CBN. Everybody is doing one right issue or the other to meet up.

“Honestly speaking, I don’t think this is the right time for Nova Bank to be taking the leap they have taken. I don’t feel they are ready yet. But if the management believes that is the right thing to do, it’s just a matter of time before we know if the works or not,” Femi John, an Economist who spoke with us said.

“You are aware of what happened to Heritage Bank and how the CBN eventually got involved and shutdown the bank. It’s what is going to happen to Nova Bank eventually. The bank is not yet ready for the next level it has just taken, how solid is Nova Bank, what are their investment portfolios.

“See when people like us say these things they either say that we are an alarmist or that we are being pessimistic, but it’s the reality. In the case of Heritage Bank, we were raising the red flag for years, but the management and CBN kept assuring deposits falsely that their money was safe, it didn’t take magic for Yemi Cardoso to see what we were saying. Nova Bank is diving into a sector it is I’ll prepared for and they are not going in feet first, they are doing it head first,” Aliyu Bamanga, a financial analyst in Abuja noted.

Amidst these fears, there are endorsements of the bank’s achievements. Gabriel Ogbechie, Founder/GMD of Rainoil Limited, stated, “NOVA Bank is a bank that has rendered excellent services and supported Rainoil Limited tremendously. So we are not surprised at their growth trajectory which has culminated into what we are witnessing today.”

Looking ahead, Nova Bank’s chairman expressed optimism about the bank’s future, saying, “I am excited about the prospects of NOVA as we embark on this new growth phase. This strategic move aligns with our vision of expanding operations and diversifying services while providing exceptional services to our valued customers. The Management of the Bank has firmly established a remarkable legacy of growth since its inception and has consistently demonstrated its ability to achieve substantial progress across various parameters. The commercial banking license will strengthen the Bank’s revenue base, entrench value creation, impact earnings growth, and sustain higher returns for the shareholders while affording more banking customers across the nation the opportunity to enjoy the products and services of NOVA Bank.”

Source: The Octopus News

"Discover Delta" Set To Position Delta State As Global Tourism Hub

"Discover Delta", an initiative by Leisure Park and Film Village Asaba is set to position Delta State as a global tourism destination.

Powered by Nigeria's leading amusement park and resort, Omu Resort, "Discover Delta", is a multifaceted initiative that promises to redefine the tourism landscape in Delta State.

Set to be launched in September 2023, "Discover Delta" encompasses a series of enchanting tourism-focused events, projects, and agendas to be unveiled in due course.

Speaking on the concept, Joseph Umukoro, a representative of Leisure Park and Film Village Asaba said "The concept, "Discover Delta" is a platform that will propel Delta State into the global spotlight, presenting the world with a captivating blend of the state's culture, heritage, and diverse attractions."

Further, he noted that at the heart of "Discover Delta" lies a palpable passion to nurture a deep appreciation for Delta State's cultural heritage and breathtaking attractions that will position it as a global tourism hub.

"Discover Delta" will first be unveiled with two remarkable endeavors that embody the organisation's commitment to elevating tourism experiences in Delta State, while others follow.

"The "Discover Delta" initiative involves a whole lot including the celebration of the rich heritage of Delta State from the history of the first Olu of Warri till date, a talent hunt that encompasses comedy, the movie and music industry among others. However, we are starting with the unveiling of a coffee book and a 45-minute documentary. The coffee book is a 200-page literary masterpiece that invites readers on a thrilling pictorial journey into the realms of tourism, culture, and cuisines of Delta State. It is an exquisitely crafted volume that beckons global tourists to step into a world of colors, flavors, and narratives that weave the essence of Delta State.

"The coffee book invites readers on an immersive journey through the vibrant stories, the traditions, and the awe-inspiring landscapes that define Delta State. On its part, the 45-minute documentary; a visual narrative that captures the essence of Delta State's uniqueness via storytelling and breathtaking visuals complements the literary endeavor.

"The documentary unveils the magic of Delta State's treasures, shedding light on the hidden gems, the cultural vibrancy, and the awe-inspiring natural wonders that await discovery," Umukoro said.

Furthermore, he said that as a son of the soil, he is very excited as the company prepares for the official launch of the "Discover Delta" campaign in September 2023.

"Culminating from meticulous planning, creative ingenuity, and a shared passion for Delta State's rich culture, this campaign sets the stage for a transformative chapter in our tourism journey.

"The "Discover Delta" slogan encapsulates our shared mission—to unite, promote, and celebrate the captivating allure of tourism in Delta State. With unbridled enthusiasm, we invite all to rally under this banner and embrace the remarkable journey that "Discover Delta" promises. Together, let's celebrate the beauty of our home and set forth a legacy that future generations will cherish," he concluded.

Leisure Park and Film Village Asaba is a one-of-a-kind theme park located on Anwai Road, Asaba, Delta State. It boasts exciting facilities including one of the largest man-made lakes housing a wave pool, kayaking, waterslides, swimming pool, and others. The zoo section has over 70 rarely-seen, eye-catching animals from over 50 species in secure enclosures, all in a serene and comfortable environment that guarantees fun-seekers a good time.

NAZAP, as the national Zoo Association in Nigeria, has engaged the Imo State Government in recent times on their suspicious and ill-advised decision to wind up the State's historic Zoo at Nekede, Owerri.


It was considered that such major translocation of wildlife involved in such winding up should be guided or carried out in concert with relevant professional stakeholders, especially the federal agencies that superintend wildlife. Moreover, the proposed site for the new zoo promised by the State Government ought to be fully developed and ready before the relocation of the wildlife exhibits from the current Nekede site.

However, against all rational and professional ethics and recommendations, and without further recourse to our earlier interface, the Imo State officials commenced the evacuation of the wildlife exhibits to Jos Wildlife Park. Both the Imo State Zoo and Jos Wildlife Park are members of NAZAP, but this massive translocation of wildlife was not communicated to the network of stakeholders for professional inputs as should be the norm.

Moreover, there are clear indicators that Jos Wildlife Park has major maintenance deficits as to make the facility unsuitable to received such large number of wildlife, along with necessary quarantine procedure for the containment of possible spread of wildlife disease and genetic pollution.

As the shock of this unexpected events unfold, it should be recalled that Imo State Zoo was one of the thriving Zoos in Nigeria, until recent years when the State Government became derelict in its responsibilities to the Zoo, while making contrary policy statements of supporting the conservation schemes of the zoo.

NAZAP therefore stands in absolutely condemnation of this move of translocating the Zoo's wildlife without due diligence. NAZAP is in urgent consultation with all concerned for necessary damage control as some of the animals could die in transit or upon arrival in Jos.

Nothing short of distress to the animals will result from this translocation, in addition to other mounting logistical and technical problems.

It is also important to note that the loss of Imo State Zoo as a major conservation hub in the Southeast of Nigeria is a tragedy of national and international proportions.

Finally, on a sad note, one of the three Leo Pantheras is dead. This is an endangered specie rapidly loosing numbers in Nigeria. This will not be taken lightly by all quarters.

NAZAP assures the conservation community of its commitment to see to the protection of animals from abuse and will be coming up with further updates on this matter.

Encomium has been pouring in for Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa following the completion of Leisure Park Asaba.


Leisure Park Asaba is another innovative addition to the long list of Okowa's infrastructural development in Delta State.

Located at Anwai road, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, the park is the latest addition to the tourism industry in the south-south region, boasting some of the finest amusement attractions ever seen in Nigeria including adrenaline-pumping amusement rides.

Leisure Park Asaba also has one of the largest man made lake housing wavepool, kayaking, waterslides, and swimming pool, with the zoo section boasting of over 50 eye-catching and rarely seen animals from over 50 species in secure enclosures.

Built in a safe, serene, and comfortable environment, the theme park guarantees visiting guests a fun-filled time and a sweet connection with nature.
Designed by renowned architects,contemporary design associates and Powered by Nigeria's leading resort, Omu Resort along with other consulting firms, Leisure Park Asaba is in a class of its own.

Speaking on the new park which has been described as an architectural masterpiece, a representative of the concessionaire of the park described it as the most modern park in Nigeria. According to him, this singular attribute stands it out.
Furthermore, he said that the park boasts a Sky Tower that allows guests to see the whole of Asaba, adding that on a clear day guests can see Onitsha and Benin with binoculars.

According to him, Leisure Park Asaba is one of the most elaborate, well-sculptured, and planned theme parks.

On the arrangement between Omu Resort and the Delta State government, he said that they were part of the team that implemented the park and the zoo, adding that they would manage the park for some time to come.

"We have a similar facility, As I said, it is one of the most elaborate projects I am proud to be associated with. We have an arrangement to run it professionally, based on the state governments desire for the park be run by professionals.

This story is a very popular one. I am not talking about your friend whose life was cut short when it started making sense. I am talking of so-called repentant cultist heros used to count scores.

It is unfortunate especially when the old timer has really turned a new leaf. I heard the story of one, he was such a lovely guy, a peacemaker, having changed, but when retribution came, they cut him short just by the gutter in from of his house in Abeokuta, Ogun State. So sad, but like they say blood begets blood. He who kills with the sword dies by the sword.

Young people should learn from this storylines.

You are forgiven my son, go and sin no more.