Politics

Romance Scam : Newly Elected Anambra LGA Chairman Franklin Nwadialo Arrested in U.S. Over $3.3 Million Fraud

Published

6 months ago

November 9, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Romance Scam : Newly Elected Anambra LGA Chairman Franklin Nwadialo Arrested in U.S. Over $3.3 Million Fraud

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In a stunning development, Franklin Nwadialo, the recently elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria, has been arrested in Texas, USA, on allegations of orchestrating a $3.3 million romance scam. The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Nwadialo faces a 14-count indictment, and, if convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

Nwadialo, 40, was apprehended by the FBI upon his arrival in Texas, and authorities confirmed he will be transferred to the Western District of Washington, where he will be formally arraigned. According to the indictment, Nwadialo allegedly used aliases, including the name “Giovanni,” to lure victims on dating sites like Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café. Posing as a deployed military officer to avoid in-person meetings, he used fake photos and elaborate stories to gain trust before manipulating victims into sending money.

This high-profile arrest has caused a stir in Anambra State, where Nwadialo’s recent election to office had marked the beginning of his political career. Now, however, the scandal threatens to overshadow his office and may have significant repercussions for political figures across the region as Nigerian authorities and citizens watch the unfolding case closely.

Politics

Canadians snub Trump annexation call, elect Mark Carney as prime minister

Published

9 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Mark Carney

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Canadians have ignored the President of the United States of America’s annexation call, as Mark Carney, a Liberal, has been elected as prime minister of the country, according to the projections of the national broadcaster CBC/Radio Canada.

Carney beat his opposite, Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party, to emerge the winner in one of the country’s most consequential elections in decades.

However, it’s still not clear if his Liberal party will win the 172 seats needed for an outright majority in parliament. The full results will not be available until late Monday evening or early Tuesday morning.

The vote was widely seen as a decision about which candidate could best handle President Trump, who helped spark a wave of nationalism across Canada by threatening to annexe Canada and placing stiff tariffs on the country.

The 60-year-old Carney had a career in investment banking before becoming the governor of the Bank of England during the Brexit turmoil and the head of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 economic downturn.

Carney had never held political office before being named leader of the Liberal Party in March.

His background in finance and his seemingly unflappable demeanour helped convince voters he was the candidate that could best tackle Trump and his sometimes erratic policies.
Carney’s victory comes amid President Trump’s call for the annexation of Canada by the US.

On Monday, Trump repeated his call for Canada to be the 51st US state.

Politics

‘Governors don’t win elections, people do’ – El-Rufai rubbishes defection wave

Published

15 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Former governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State [Facebook]

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El-Rufai’s comments serve as a direct challenge to the assumption that political elite alignments automatically shift electoral outcomes, thereby reinforcing the SDP’s grassroots campaign message.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has downplayed the political significance of recent high-profile defections, insisting that electoral victories in Nigeria are determined by the people, not by governors, presidents, or political godfathers.

Speaking to journalists in Kano State, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) chieftain stated that political movements by elite politicians have limited influence on grassroots voting outcomes.

“As far as I’m concerned, the defection of high-profile politicians is not the issue,” El-Rufai said.

“These defections are good for headlines and to sell newspapers, but politically on the ground, if you don’t have the people, your profile means nothing.”

His comments follow the defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reports also suggest that more governors and lawmakers may soon follow.

El-Rufai emphasised that real political power lies with the electorate.

“We want to return politics to the people, not to godfathers or so-called high-profile politicians.

“A governor has only one vote. Nigerians have millions. If the people say no, it’s over,” he said.

He pointed to his own experience as Kaduna State governor as evidence that incumbents don’t always carry the day.

“I fought hard to deliver the president in my state, but I lost,” he admitted. “Governors don’t determine election results — the people do.”

Politics

Gov Zulum appoints Alhaji Bunu Bukar as Borno’s new Accountant General

Published

31 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Gov Zulum

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Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Bunu Bukar FCNA as the new Accountant General of the State.

This appointment, announced by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, is in line with Section 208, Subsection 2(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Alhaji Bukar will succeed the outgoing Accountant General, Alhaji Bura Usman, who is set to retire on May 8.

Before his elevation, Alhaji Bukar served as the Director of Treasury Operations in the Office of the Accountant General under the Borno State Ministry of Finance. A seasoned finance expert, Bukar is a Fellow of the Certified National Accountants (FCNA) and a member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. His academic background includes a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) specializing in finance, alongside a postgraduate diploma in accountancy.

With over 16 years of experience in the banking sector and 13 years in public service, Alhaji Bukar is expected to bring robust expertise and leadership to his new role.

Governor Zulum congratulated the new appointee and urged him to uphold the values of professionalism, transparency, financial integrity, and accountability.

The Governor also praised the outgoing Accountant General, Alhaji Bura Usman, for his dedicated service and significant contributions to the state’s financial management.