Metro
Uber driver who returned lost $4000 gets recognition
By John Akubo, Abuja
At the launch of the book ‘The Ethical Dilemma,’ an Uber driver’s uncommon sincerity to have returned $4,000 forgotten in his cab to the owner without being prompted, has stoked conversation on the new advocacy for society to comply with ethical standards.
The event, which was held at the Institute of Human Virology, Jabi, Abuja, yesterday, as part of activities to mark Democracy Day, saw the author of the book, Tajudeen Toyin-Oke, among others, stimulate ethical conversation amongst Nigerians while unveiling the Uber driver, Francis Sunday Adedokun, as an exemplary Nigerian who is ethically compliant.
According to the author, Adedokun took him and his wife home when they had an accident only for them to be confronted with an uncommon Nigerian in Adedokun, who returned $4,000 they forget in his car when they were yet to even discover they lost such money.
“What we are preaching is an ethical-compliant society. This gentleman helped my wife and me when we had an accident a few weeks ago we forgot $4,000 in his car and he returned the money to us.
“We did not have his contact, we did not know how to get back to him and he saw that the money was not his own and returned it. I appreciate him and his wife and children. Like somebody said, whatever we are doing, the children are watching. So his kids are already watching and you would not be surprised that we still have this kind of people in Nigeria.
“I am giving you a copy of this book, the ‘Ethical Dilemma’, charting a new part for ethics and value in Nigeria. You are an example of what I am talking about in this book and I really appreciate you.”
Adedokun, who hails from Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, said: “At first, for someone in need of money, a lot went through my mind when I saw the money, but my conscience would not allow me to help myself with the money.
“That was how my parents brought me up. If we go out and we were given something, we must first take it home to them before any other thing. When I saw the money, what came to my mind was the fact that it was not mine, it does not mean I was not in need of money but I remembered that if I decide to make use of the money it will finish.”
“What example would I be giving to my kids and other Nigerians. I thank my wife because when I stumbled on the money, I called her because she is really my better half, no matter what happens like that I always make a recourse to her. I am a bolt driver and I have seen a lot of forgotten items, like phones which I have always returned to them.
“I called my wife to intimate her about what I saw, and she said, I should come home. On getting home I showed her and explained she said we should return it.
“As I speak, my house rent expired since December, school fees of my Children I have not paid, I am owing people, there are a lot I need money for but I felt if I used the money I may run mad at the end.
“Having returned the money, I have peace of mind, I am very happy.”
Coordinator of the event, Jamilu A K Ibrahim said, the author of the book has a passion for raising the ethical standards of Nigeria.
“As part of that passion he wrote the book ‘The Ethical Dilemma and now he is trying to simulate that ethical conversation amongst Nigerians and this is the reason for this event today.
“Last week he did something in the Divine Mercy School, he created a Society within the school such that we can capture the students from an early age so that they can begin to have that ethical awareness right from school and it is expected to spread from to different schools, this is the initiative.
“One of the things he is trying to show which he has just addressed in his presentation was that he has engaged several other organizations to be part of this cause.
“Also he decided to choose democracy day as a reason to create a forum where we can talk about ethics, it is all about leadership, he believes passionately that if we have the right leaders we can at least correct some of the imbalances within our society
“What Tajudeen Toyi Oke is trying to do here is actually to create that critical mass. As soon as we get that critical mass the politicians must listen.
“The problem is about creating that critical mass. By going to the schools, galvanising people into action, getting people to talk about these issues and creating that critical mass we need from the grassroots then automatically the politicians will have no option but to key into the ethical standards we are trying to advocate.”
“For this we said let’s talk ethics on democracy day. We have seen that we as grown-up we have disappointed the nation. So we want to catch them young.
Culled From the Guardian
Metro
Obidient Movement tackles APC for threatening Peter Obi, demands accountability
The Obidient Movement has strongly condemned the recent remarks by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, describing his comments as reckless and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Arise TV on January 5, 2025, Mr. Morka asserted that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.” This statement, the movement insists, constitutes a veiled threat to Mr. Obi’s life and safety, as well as an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy.
The coordinator of the Obidient Movement Dr. Yunusa Tanko in a statement on Monday raised critical questions about the legitimacy of such remarks asking rhetorically what line Mr. Obi crossed, and who set these boundaries? What specific actions or statements justify such ominous threats? What exactly is ‘coming to him,’ as implied by the APC spokesman?
Such language, the group contended, reflects authoritarian tendencies and undermines the rule of law, which guarantees freedom of speech and protection from harm.
Explaining further, the statement indicated that Mr. Peter Obi’s commitment to issue-based politics, constructive criticism, and solutions-driven proposals has been a hallmark of his leadership.
“His New Year address, which evaluated Nigeria’s current challenges while offering actionable solutions, was devoid of hate or incitement.
“The APC’s attack on Mr. Obi shows a disturbing trend of silencing opposition voices rather than engaging in meaningful debate,” the statement noted.
The Obidient Movement issued a stern warning to the ruling APC and its agents, declaring that they will be held directly responsible should any harm come to Mr. Obi, his family, or supporters.
“This administration must know that democracy cannot thrive under threats and intimidation,” the statement emphasized.
The Obidient Movement therefore semanded an immediate retraction and apology from Mr. Felix Morka and the APC leadership.
The Movement demanded an investigation by security agencies into the intent and implications of Mr. Morka’s remarks.
It also demanded a commitment by the government to protect democratic values and promote constructive engagement over divisive rhetoric.
The monement vowed that it can not be intimidated, stressing that Nigerians must resist the slide into dictatorship by demanding accountability and justice.
“We urge Nigerians to stand united and protect the gains of democracy. We also call on the international community to take note of this emerging pattern of repression and help safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
Finally, the Obidient Movement called on the APC to discipline its spokespersons and adopt a more mature approach to political discourse, focusing on solutions rather than threats.
Metro
Incessant Military Strikes on Defenceless Nigerians Unacceptable
An activist and public affairs commentator, Malam Salihu Othman Isah, has condemned what he described as the incessant air strikes and other forms of military attacks on defenceless civilians in some parts of the country.
Isah, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said in an interview that it is unprofessional for the Nigerian military to continue unleashing its weapons on people they are trained and paid to protect.
He also criticized the approach being deployed by the authorities—both the government and the Nigerian Armed Forces—to stop the killings, which have become a recurring situation in the country.
He disclosed that it is common knowledge that hapless and harmless Nigerians, going about their normal duties to seek their livelihoods, are sent to their early graves through avoidable military attacks.
According to him, some of these attacks and killings—both by the ground army and the Air Force—cannot be justified, as they are extrajudicial in nature.
“The army of any nation is established primarily to defend the territorial integrity of its people and not to eliminate them.
“The army is supposed to complement other arms of the security apparatus of a nation. It is meant to protect its citizens and not mow them down,” he reiterated.
It will be recalled that a few days ago, a fighter jet said to be carrying out an attack on Lakurawa bandits in Sokoto killed over ten innocent civilians during the operation.
An Air Force fighter jet, on a mission to dislodge the bandits, was reported to have terminated the lives of innocent villagers going about their legitimate businesses.
But in their usual manner, the Federal Government as well as the army authorities have set up commissions of inquiry primarily to ascertain the remote cause of the incident.
Isah expressed disappointment over the trend, saying, “We often travel this same lane anytime there is an occurrence.
“Why would the Chief of Army Staff constitute an inquiry to investigate the remote cause of the attack on defenceless Nigerians instead of acting decisively to tackle the failure of its men and officers?
“Instead, energies should also be directed at solution-seeking, beginning with holding errant officers responsible for such killings accountable.”
He lamented that investigations and inquiries have become too monotonous and counterproductive, surmising that real action is required.
The civil rights activist advocated that the armed forces must follow laid-down rules of engagement, which is a global practice required for any army operation to be successful, especially when carried out in civilian-populated areas.
Isah pointed out that, “Beyond the rules of engagement, every individual army officer must have service rules to guide their operations. And while these are available but flouted, there must be consequences.
“It is not enough to set up inquiries whose reports are kept secret and with no reprimand of violators.”
He further stressed that the trend has always been to condemn military actions against civilians, adding that such condemnations have come in torrents.
Nigerians in both high and low places have been unanimous in their criticisms after the recent attack.
“It’s sad that after this, we usually move on, awaiting the next incident and speculating where and how it will occur. Don’t expect any severe action against any of the officers responsible for this action. And next time, another attack will occur, the real targets will be missed, innocent souls will be terminated, and the vicious circle will continue with no end in sight. For how long will this be?” he noted.
The political scientist also stated that a nation with no disciplined army and no regard for its citizens is bound to fail. This is simply unacceptable.
“Henceforth, those found wanting should be called out, and punishment must be meted out to serve as a deterrent in the future.”
Metro
Bayelsa Groom Flees Engagement Ceremony Over Endless Cash Demands in Imo
***Elders’ N850,000 Refund Request Sparks Drama
What was meant to be a joyous union turned into high drama in Imo State when a Bayelsa man, Biobelemoye David, fled his engagement ceremony after being subjected to a series of outrageous financial demands by his bride’s family.
The ceremony, which began on a celebratory note, took a dramatic turn as David faced mounting charges, including a N1.5 million bill for food, tents, chairs, and a public address system, in addition to a N100,000 bride price that both families had initially agreed upon.
However, tensions escalated when David was asked to pay an extra N50,000 fine for impregnating his fiancée before the ceremony. The fines didn’t stop there—he was slapped with another N10,000 penalty for mistakenly taking a wrong route to the bride’s homestead and a N15,000 charge to appease elders who had grown impatient with his late arrival.
The breaking point came when David was subjected to a bizarre test. Twelve veiled women were paraded before him, and he was asked to identify his fiancée. When he guessed incorrectly, he was fined N15,000 yet again.
But the final straw was the elders’ demand for an N850,000 refund—allegedly covering the bride’s school fees and upkeep since childhood. Unable to contain his frustration, David excused himself under the guise of using the toilet.
Eyewitnesses later confirmed that David switched off his phone and was spotted boarding a bus back to Bayelsa, leaving the ceremony in chaos and disbelief.
The incident has since sparked widespread debate on social media, with many condemning the excessive demands and calling for an end to exploitative marriage practices.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach David for comments have been unsuccessful as his whereabouts remain unknown.
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