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  • Overview of Key Issues in the Pre-Election Period for the June 18, 2022 Ekiti State Governorship Election (Pre-Election Press Statement)

    Overview of Key Issues in the Pre-Election Period for the June 18, 2022 Ekiti State Governorship Election (Pre-Election Press Statement)

    T
    he first of two off cycle governorship elections for 2022 will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti State, on June 18, 2022. The election is the seventh in the state since the return of the current democratic dispensation in 1999. Following a 2010 Court of Appeal verdict, which removed then Governor Segun Oni, and declared Dr. Kayode Fayemi the rightful winner of the 2007 governorship election, Ekiti became one of several states holding off cycle governorship elections. The June 18, 2022 Ekiti State gubernatorial election is the very first to be conducted under the amended Electoral Act, 2022.

    As voters in Ekiti State head to the polls for tomorrow’s governorship election, the contest is apparently shaping up to be a three horse race involving the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which has clearly emerged as a third force in the election. CDD observes that there are 16 political parties fielding candidates for the election. Only two candidates and seven deputy governorship candidates are women, just as the age range of the candidates indicate low participation of the youth.

    The CDD EAC will be closely observing the electoral process with the objective of collecting data to support evidence-based analysis of key aspects of the Ekiti State governorship election. The CDD EAC will also host a fake news hub for the purpose of tracking and countering fake news and misinformation as it affects the election.

    Pre-Election Observations

    Based on the observation of the CDD EAC in the pre-election period, the following are the key trends, which have underlined the process.

    CDD notes that the June 18, 2022 Ekiti State Governorship election is significant because it will serve as the first dress rehearsal as the INEC prepares for the 2023 general elections. The election will also be the first to be conducted under the Electoral Act, 2022, and the new INEC guidelines and regulations for conduct of elections. CDD EAC further notes that although INEC has made commitments to conduct a credible election in Ekiti State, its success in this regard would depend on its neutrality, professionalism and the level of its understanding and commitment to the new legal framework. The credibility of the process would also depend on how well INEC uses some of its new powers as derived from the extant electoral law, especially the power conferred on the Commission to delay the release of election results, if the Commission needs to take a second look.

    The CDD EAC is concerned about violence, money politics and violations of incumbency powers and the possible effects of these on the credibility of the election. CDD EAC notes that Ekiti State, has recorded several incidents of violence during previous elections. In the build up to the 2022 governorship election, pockets of election-related violence have been recorded in places like Ado Ekiti, Efon Alaiye, Oye, Ido/Osi and Oye Ekiti. Other observable issues, which would shape the credibility of the election include; how well INEC is able to effectively deploy technology, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), impartial security provisioning, the quality of results management, curtailing the role of money, incumbency and god fatherism in the election. Also critical is the need for stakeholders in the election to proactively track, and counter fake news and misinformation. Already, the pre-election period has witnessed the spread of fake news capable of undermining voter confidence and participation in the process. An example is the fake news which trended recently on a purported Appeal Court decision nullifying the primaries of one of the major political parties and, by extension, its candidate.

    In terms of some of the election risk factor, CDD notes that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU) has crippled the local economy especially in university towns in Ekiti State. This has created a threat in terms of the availability of idle youth being recruited for activities, which could undermine the credibility of the election. By grounding the local economy, the strike has also created the wrong incentives as voters are more likely to see the election as an opportunity for economic survival, thereby exacerbating the risk of vote buying. This becomes even more relevant when it is considered that Ekiti State introduced the issue of “stomach infrastructure” into the Nigerian political lexicon. CDD has also observed that based on history of past violence in elections in the state, the following Local Government Areas, constitute potential flash points in the election; Ado Ekiti, Efon Alaiye, Ido/Osi, and Oye.

    Signed:

    Professor Adele Jinadu

    Chair, CDD EAC

  • FACT CHECK: Will there be three days of darkness in Nigeria? 

    A video circulating in the media warns Nigerians to stay indoors for 3 to 5 days beginning April 8, 2024. The video, which originated on TikTok, has gone viral on social media platforms such as WhatsApp. The video, voiced by an AI, says:

    “Three days of darkness will occur when the earth passes through the photon belt, this is as the earth enters and passes through this belt. There will be neither sunlight nor moonlight on the earth’s surface. Photons are electromagnetic particles that travel at the speed of light and will act as a temporary shield across the earth, preventing the light of the sun or the stars from passing through it. This is expected to last 72 hours, or five days. There are no breaks or periods of light during the three days, only darkness. Recommendations: stock up on food, water, candles, and other essential items. All sunlight will be blocked, and solar panels will not generate energy. Stay at home and avoid travelling for safety reasons. The sunlight will return to the earth, marking the beginning of the golden age.” 

    These claims have caused a frenzy of responses and fear on social media, with some Nigerians nearly resorting to panic buying and requesting time off for their staff members on those days.  

    Verification

    The CDD War Room examined this claim and discovered that, in fact, there will be a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon entirely obscures the face of the Sun as it moves between the Earth and the Sun. The sky will darken as though it were dawn or dusk.

    According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this unusual occurrence will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The duration of the eclipse, also known as the Great American Eclipse, is subject to location, however, the totality of the 2024 eclipse will last approximately 4 minutes and 9 seconds.

    Will the solar eclipse affect Nigeria? 

    The CDD War Room spoke with Dr. Felix Ale, the National Space Research and Development Agency’s director of media and corporate communications. He stated that the 4-minute long eclipse will only affect the western part of the block, along the American axis, and not Africa. He explained that the sun will be directly overhead the equator, which this part of Africa faces. He said that there would be very little impact from the eclipse because it would occur during the night here in Africa. 

    Verdict: 

    Misleading. 

    The CDD War Room confirms that the solar eclipse will not impact Nigeria, and it will only last a couple of minutes on the western axis, not three days as claimed.

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  • FACT CHECK: Is viral broadcast message on UK visa requirements true?

    FACT CHECK: Is viral broadcast message on UK visa requirements true?

    A viral broadcast message being shared on messaging platform WhatsApp made multiple claims on the visa processes for Nigerians going to the United Kingdom. The lists varies from visa fee’s, fast track fees and required documents.

    CDD War Room tried to verify the authencity of the claim.

    Claim 1: Are these the UK Visa fees as claimed?

    The broadcast message stated that the visa fee’s were, 410,000 NGN   for   six months Visa,   

    1,088,000 NGN   for  2 Years Visa, 2,070,000 NGN   for   5 Years Visa  and 2,700,000 NGN for 10 Years Visa.    

    CDD War Room combed through the website of the UK government and found that the British Embassy had various fee’s for different categories of visa applications. 

    On the Visiting categories the fee’s are as follows:

    For a standard visiting visa for 6 months, the fee is 151 Dollars. When converted to naira at the rate of $1,345 to a dollar, it is approximately, 203,115 Naira. At the rate of 1,500 naira to a Dollar, it is 226,500 Naira.


    For a short study visa that is over six months but not more than over 11 months the fee is 263 Dollars. When converted to Naira at a 1,500 Naira to a Dollar rate, it is 394,500 Naira.

    For study visa’s, it is categorised into Short-term study visa, Parents of children at school, Points-based system, Tier 4 – Isle of Man, Student and EC as a student Gurnsey and Jersey.
    The fee’s rate are 263, 836, 643/391 and 643 for both. Converted to naira,  394,500, 1,254,000, 964,500/586,500 and 964,500.

    Visa’s for studying where grouped into, Parents of children at school, Family of settled people (settlement), Settlement for current and former members of HM armed forces, and their dependants, Members of armed forces and their families (non-settlement), Family members of European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals and exempt visa’s.

    The price range are 836, 530-4267 and 2424 respectively. Other sections are free.

    Converted to Naira it is 1,254,000, 795,000 – 6,400,500 and 3,636,000.

    For work application made outside the UK, the fee’s are between 1864 and 391. Converted to Naira it is 2,796,000 and 586,500. 

    Verdict: Misleading

    While some figure’s found by the CDD War Room are similar to those on the broad cast message, the message did not specify what categories these applications were made. 

    Claim 2: Does the UK have Application Centre’s in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu

    Part of the claim from the broadcast message stated that the United Kingdom had visa application centre’s in five places in Nigeria. 

    CDD War Room combed through the website of the UK Government and found that the claim was true.

    The website showed that the locations where in Abuja, Lagos (Ikeja), Lagos (Victoria Island), Abuja and Port Harcourt. 

    Verdict: True

    Claim 3: Are the listed documents needed for visa application to the United Kingdom?

    The broadcast message listed documents needed while applying for a Uk visa. CDD War Room fact checked the claim.  

    According to the official website of the UK government, documents needed for application for a UK visa varry according to the category (section) being applied to. For instance, application for a student visa while the applicant is above 18 is:

    1. A current passport or other valid travel documentation
    2. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

    You may also need to provide:

    1. Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course 
    2. A valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it
    3. Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18
    4. Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if you’re under 18
    5. Tuberculosis test results
    6. Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months.

    For a minor the requirements are, 

    1. V isa application
    2. Living and care arrangements in the UK
    3. Travel to the UK
    4. A copy of your birth certificate (or another government issued document) that shows the names of parents.

    A work visa requires, 

    1. Evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)
    2. Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

    your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country

    1. A criminal record certificate – if you’re working in certain jobs
    2. A valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher
    3.  UK PhD certificate, or your unique Ecctis reference number (formerly unique UK NARIC reference number) if your qualification is from outside the UK
    4. A blank page in your passport for visa

    Verdict: MIsleading

    While some documents are general as earlier stated, various categories and pecularity of the applicants, determines the documents needed. 

    Claim 4: Are the fast track service price accurate?

    The broadcast message further listed figures of fast track services as 

    “1 week fast track visa  = N1,540,000

    “2 days fast track visa = N3,080,000”

    The UK fast track service according to the website are divided into priority and super priority. 

    The priority visa means the applicant would get a response within 5 working days for individuals and 30 working days for Family visa.

    The cost of a priority visa is £500. Using the rate of 1,764 naira to a pound sterling, in naira, the equivalent would be 882,000 Naira. 

    For the Super priority track it costs £1,000 with a next day response on a working day and a two day response time if the application was during the weekend or a public holiday.

    When converted to Naira at a 1,764 naira to Pounds rate, the result is 1,764,000.

    Verdict: Misleading

    The figures claimed by the broadcast messages are inaccurate with the official rates being charged as well as the time line of deliveries.

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  • FACT CHECK: Is Hadiza Balarabe Nigeria’s first elected female deputy governor?

    FACT CHECK: Is Hadiza Balarabe Nigeria’s first elected female deputy governor?

    The lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the house of representatives, Bello el-Rufai claimed that Hadiza Balarabe was Nigeria’s first elected Deputy Governor.

    El-Rufai made this claim in a recent Podcast hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye while speaking on the achievements of his father Nasir el-Rufai. 

    Verification

    CDD War Room combed through the Nigeria’s electoral history to find that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Bola Tinubu won the Lagos governorship election under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) party with Kofoworola Akerele-Bucknor as his running mate.

    It is also on record that Lagos has had other female deputy governors in the state. Also, states like Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, and Bayelsa had their fair share of female deputies.

    In the North, however, Hadiza Balarabe was the first deputy governor.

    In 1992, Sinatu Ojikutu was running mate to Micheal Otedola who was elected governor of Lagos state under the National Republic Convention (NRC)during a short civilian rule.

    Verdict: Misleading

    Sinatu Ojikutu is Nigeria’s first democratically elected deputy governor in Nigeria. However, Hadiza Balarabe was the first to be elected in the North.

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  • FACT CHECK: Was Simon Ekpa on the cover of a Finnish Magazine as claimed on X?

    FACT CHECK: Was Simon Ekpa on the cover of a Finnish Magazine as claimed on X?

    An X (formerly Twitter) user claimed that Biafran separatist agitator and former spokesperson of the proscribed group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was featured on a Finish magazine.

    The user stated that Finland as a nation which fought for independence put Ekpa on the magazine cover thus insinuating that Ekpa was not a criminal as claimed. 

    The user said, “For those of you calling Simon Ekpa a criminal. Can a nation like Finland that fought hard for their independence put a criminal on their front cover? Igbo saboteurs shame on you.”

    Verification


    CDD War Room conducted a reverse image search to confirm the authenticity of the photo. We confirmed that it was authentic. We searched for the magazine online to locate its websites and social media pages. We found the social media page of the magazine and found that the name was Suomen Kuvalehti abbreviated as (SK).

    We found that the magazine did put the agitator’s image as the cover of the magazine. However, it was not an applause as claimed. Instead, the magazine gave an overview of the agitator through an interview, explaining who he was and what his struggle was about.

    The magazine was quoted as saying, “Simon Ekpa from Lahti has already caused a diplomatic explanation and a police investigation.

    “Next he’s going to give the Declaration of Independence.

    “Ekpa grew up in Ebonyi state in south east Nigeria, a former Biafra region. Every one that knew him when he was young, knew the history of Biafra. How Christian Igbos declared Biafra independent from Nigeria ruled by Islamic north in 1967

    “In Finland, his idea is to learn how to make politics, so that he could sometimes export the same models to his homeland.

    “A story written by journalist Aurora Rämö reveals who Ekpa is and what his role played in the struggle for Biafra independence.”

    The magazine is up for sale on their website.

    Suomen Kuvalehti is owned by Otava which was founded by Hannes Gebhard in 1890.

    Verdict: Misleading

    Simon Ekpa’s image was on the cover of SK magazine but he was not expressly praised as an epitome of independence. 

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  • FACT CHECK: Do these viral videos show a newly commissioned road washed away by flood in Anambra?

    FACT CHECK: Do these viral videos show a newly commissioned road washed away by flood in Anambra?

    Multiple videos have circulated on social media alongside the claim that a road which Charles Soludo, the governor of Anambra state recently commissioned, has been washed away after heavy rain.

    Lindaikejiblog posted the videos on Instagram with the caption, “Anambra residents call out state governor, Charles Soludo, after heavy downpour washed off road commissioned weeks ago.” The post has garnered over 9,000 likes as of the time it was retrieved from Instagram.

    Screenshot of the Instagram post

    In one of the videos, an unidentified man was heard saying, “This is the road, Iweka road. The new road that Soludo built. The road is flooded now. The road is yet to be completed but look at flood everywhere. Is this the kind of road that Soludo is giving to Anambrians?”

    An X user, Jude Nnamdi, also posted the videos with the caption, “This is the same Ochanja-Iweka road they were celebrating its newly constructed needless roundabout some weeks ago.”

    Claim: Videos show a newly commissioned road washed away by flood in Anambra state

    Verification

    The CDD War Room found that the state government has described the claims as misrepresentations of fact according to a statement released by the press secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. 

    Aburimee explained that the Ochanja-Iweka road, affected by the heavy rainfall on Monday, March 25, was still under construction and was yet to be inaugurated by the governor of the state. The press secretary described the viral claim as an attempt to distort reality and spread misinformation.

    Parts of the statement read, “The Ochanja-Iweka road remains an active construction site, with work ongoing even during the heavy downpour yesterday. The brief vulnerability of the newly paved section is attributed to insufficient curing time before the heavy rain due to the construction schedule. 

    “Thus the trending video deliberately includes misleading footage of a different, already existing road that is not under construction. The Ochanja-Iweka road project is neither finished nor commissioned by Governor Soludo. He has only commissioned the Port Harcourt road and Niger Street road in Onitsha South LGA, both of which are demonstrably well-built and functional.”

    Verdict: MISLEADING

    The CDD War Room confirms that the Ochanja-Iweka road, where some sections were reportedly washed away due to heavy downpours, was yet to be commissioned by the Anambra state government, according to the press secretary to the governor.

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  • FACT CHECK: How true is the claim that video of soldier challenging IPOB to a fight surfaced online on March 22, 2024?

    FACT CHECK: How true is the claim that video of soldier challenging IPOB to a fight surfaced online on March 22, 2024?

    The Nation Newspaper recently shared a video showing a Nigerian soldier challenging the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to a fight, with the claim that it surfaced online on Friday, March 22, 2024.

    The newspaper posted the video on its Instagram page with the caption, “In a video which surfaced online on Friday, March 22, a Nigerian soldier was captured challenging the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to a fight. The soldier claimed that all members of IPOB had fled due to their presence in the area.”

    In the video, the soldier could be heard chanting, “IPOB, make una come make we fight una no gree, you think say na play we come to play ba, come out if you fit, thunder fire una father.”

    Screenshot of The Nation’s post on Instagram

    As can be seen here, Sahara Reporters also linked the video to the recent killings of over 12 officers of the Nigerian Army by armed men in Delta State.

    Claim: Viral video of Nigerian soldier challenging IPOB to a fight, surfaced online on March 22, 2024

    Verification

    The CDD War Room conducted a reverse image search on the video to confirm the authenticity of the claim. We found that the video had been online since January 2024.

    The same footage of the soldier was posted on Facebook by PressExpress Nigeria on January 28, 2024, with the caption, “Viral video of soldier challenging IPOB soldiers to come out and fight.” The post had garnered 1,200 views as of the time it was retrieved from Facebook.

    Screenshot of the Facebook post

    Verdict: FALSE

    The CDD War Room confirms that the viral video had been in circulation long before March 2024, contrary to the claims that it recently surfaced online.

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  • FACT CHECK: Did the deceased Ondo APC aspirant raise an alarm over a threat to his life? 

    The news of the passing of an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for governor of Ondo State dominated social media early on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. 

    Paul Akintelure was one of the leading contenders for the APC governorship ticket in the primaries on April 25, 2024. It was claimed that the deceased, prior to his death, raised the alarm about a threat to his life. 

    Verification

    The CDD War Room investigated the claim and found that on March 21, 2024, a few days before his death, Akintelure raised an alarm through his spokesperson. He stated in the statement obtained by the People’s Gazette —and which was reported by other media houses —that he is compelled to speak out about a matter of grave concern regarding a threat to his life. He insisted that the threats only strengthened his resolve to do what is right, and that he had reported the threat to security agencies. 

    Earlier in March, before Akintelure raised the alarm, other aspirants complained of violence targeted at them. Wale Akinterinwa, another APC aspirant, claimed that his supporters were attacked by thugs armed with a variety of dangerous weapons who fired gunshots in the air. He stated, via his spokesperson, that all supporters of the aspirants, except those loyal to the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, were injured. 

    Akintelure was said to have complained of chest pains before his death. 

    Verdict: TRUE 

    The deceased raised an alarm regarding a threat to his life on March 21, 2024, five days before the announcement of his demise. 

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  • FACT CHECK: Is Anambra the biggest commercial city in West Africa as Soludo claims?

    FACT CHECK: Is Anambra the biggest commercial city in West Africa as Soludo claims?

    The governor of Anambra state, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, claimed in a recent interview on national television that Anambra is the biggest commercial city in West Africa.

    Soludo made the assertion while speaking about some of the achievements recorded by his administration since he assumed office.

    Speaking on his approach for addressing insecurity in the state, Soludo said, “The others are about law and order in the society, getting touts and criminals off the streets and markets. There is testimony now about our anti-touting crusade that people are now coming back again from all over the country to shop at Onitsha and its environs. Anambra is the biggest commercial city in West Africa, but Onitsha was almost dying and gone. We are rebuilding these cities.”

    Claim: Anambra is the biggest commercial city in West Africa

    Verification

    The World Bank and the African Development Bank consider Nigeria Africa’s largest economy. Also, the country is ranked the biggest economy in West Africa and the region’s largest market for goods and trade, according to the West African Power and Energy Cooperation Conference (WAPECC).

    A 2023 report on the population of Africa by country, puts Nigeria as the largest with over 223.8 million people. Similarly, Lagos is ranked the largest city in Africa, with over 9 million inhabitants as of 2023. As of 2022, Lagos was ranked the largest city in Nigeria and sub-Saharan, with over 15 million inhabitants.  

    The Lagos SDG and Investment portal shows that Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital. This is corroborated by multiple media sources as can be seen here and here. As of August 2015, the GDP of the economy of Lagos was estimated at $136.6 billion, contributing 30% to Nigeria’s GDP. The GDP has an estimated growth rate of 10% and it’s projected to hit $355 billion by 2025.

    Statista, in its report, “Top cities for startups in Nigeria 2023,” ranks Lagos as the best city for startups in Nigeria.  “In 2023, the best city for startups in Nigeria was Lagos, with a total score of 8.23, according to data provided by StartupBlink. Lagos ranked first in Africa and 82nd worldwide. Lagos is the largest city in Africa and represents an important financial hub for Nigeria as well as for the whole continent. Abuja and Ibadan were other ranking Nigerian cities.”

    Verdict: INACCURATE

    The CDD War Room found no credible data to show that Anambra is West Africa’s biggest commercial city. Multiple media sources show that Nigeria is West Africa’s biggest economy, and Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital.

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  • FACT CHECK:  Is Nigeria the only country without a Museum in its capital city?

    On March 4, 2024, a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Shehu Sani, posted on his X handle (formerly Twitter) that Nigeria is the only country in the world without a museum in its capital city. 

    Shehu Sani made the claim while reacting to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Qatar, where the president and his entourage were taken on a tour of various Qatari monuments and the National Museum of Qatar by its Director, Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Thani.

    Claim: Is Nigeria the only country in the world without a Museum in its capital city?

    Verification

    In most countries, ‘the national museum’ is located in the cultural or commercial capital. For example, the administrative capital of South Africa is Pretoria, but the South African National Museum is in Cape Town. Nigeria has a National Museum located in Lagos State. Nonetheless, the CDD War Room found that there is a National Space Museum located at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway, Airport road, Lugbe, Abuja. It exhibits historical works which involves rocketry, astronomy among others. The museum offers immersive experiences in virtual reality tours, simulations and games.

    Also, The CDD War Room found that Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has notable private museums that any foreign visitor can visit. For instance the Discovery Museum founded in July 2021, it is located at Adetokunbo Ademola Cres, Wuse 2, Abuja which is touted as Nigeria’s first digital museum. The museum comprises both the Adult and Children’s arena. It features physical artefacts, virtual reality, and digital art gallery, among others. 

    Added to the above, there are other places where museums can be found in the FCT, Retro Africa located in Asokoro created in 2015 as a community of art enthusiasts, curators and collectors, headed by founder and creative director Dolly Kola-Balogun.

    Verdict: Misleading

    The claim by Shehu Sani that Nigeria is the only country in the world without a museum in its capital city is misleading; findings show that there are various museum centres in Nigeria’s capital city. CDD War Room equally found that there are capitals across the world, where national museums are not sited.

  • FACT CHECK: Did Allen Onyema tell NFF not to employ any idiot as Super Eagles coach?

    FACT CHECK: Did Allen Onyema tell NFF not to employ any idiot as Super Eagles coach?

    On March 25, 2024, a claim went viral on X (formerly Twitter) that Allen Onyema, the CEO of Airpeace and a strong supporter of the Super Eagles, warned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) not to bring any idiot as Super Eagles Coach.

    This claim is coming days after Nigeria won a friendly match against Ghana under the interim management of Finidi Goerge. George took over after Jose Peseiro’s contract expired in February 2024. Peseiro had a good outing at the last African Cup of Nations (AFCON), taking the Nigeria team to the 2nd position and a silver medal. 

    Since Onyema granted the interview, the claim has gone viral. Some X users however insinuated that he never mentioned “idiot” throughout the interview. 

    Claim: Allen Onyema told the NFF not to employ any idiot foreign coach for the Super Eagles

    Verification: 

    The CDD War Room found that Allen Onyema shared his view with the City People Magazine on March 23, 2024. In an exclusive interview, Allen Onyema, a football enthusiast and staunch supporter of the Super Eagles, shared his view on the selection of the Super Eagles Coach. 

    He said, “ We are suffering from colonial mentality in this country. We don’t appreciate our own. We don’t appreciate ourselves. With people like you  (Segun Odegbami) and array of other sport superstars, soccer stars produced in this country, I don’t see the reason why we cannot have a look into the country and get somebody out there that will take on the Super Eagles. As far as I am concerned, Eguavoen succeeded to some level.

    A lot of them succeeded. The truth is that when a foreign coach bows out from the group stage, nobody talks, when a Nigerian coach bows out from Quarter finals or semi finals, oh if it had been a foreign coach, we would have won the cup. 

    He added that “Nobody gives Nigerian coaches a chance. Nigerians should rise up against any NFF, that goes again to get any idiot as a foreign coach. We don’t need a foreign coach, let us grow our own, let us even save the Naira. Let us grow our own and give the Nigerian coach the same incentives, you’re giving the foreign coach and see them excel. I do it in my place of work…” 

    Verdict: TRUE

    The CDD War Room found that Allen Onyema made the statement that the NFF should not bring any idiot as Super Eagles coach. In the interview, he made a case for a Nigerian coach and promised to fund a court case to oppose the move, should the NFF decide to hire a foreigner as the Super Eagles coach. 

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