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Shocking Allegations And Political Smear Tactics: Jack-Rich Responds
Mr. Tein Jack-Rich, renowned President of Belema Oil Producing Limited and former presidential aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has expressed profound dismay in response to a recent publication attributed to a former aide of Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
In what can only be described as a provocative and baseless report, politically sponsored agents have engaged in a malicious campaign, spreading preposterous and unsubstantiated claims against Mr. Jack-Rich and his esteemed family.
The online media platform had published an article stating that a certain Mr. Jackson Ude, via his Twitter handle, accused Jack-Rich of permitting a sexual relationship between his wife, Elizabeth, and Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.
Ude further alleged that the philanthropist had bribed Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to Tinubu, with a staggering sum of N500 million in order to secure a ministerial position.
Responding swiftly to these allegations, Jack-Rich expressed disbelief that there are individuals who would stoop so low, defaming their fellow human beings solely for the sake of political gain.
Addressing fellow Nigerians, the family of Mr. Tein T.S. Jack-Rich CON acknowledges the recent barrage of defamatory accusations that have been circulating online over the past two days. These false claims, propagated by politically motivated agents, are intended to tarnish Mr. Jack-Rich’s name and reputation and gain cheap political relevance in the current political landscape.
It is disheartening to witness these individuals resorting to such malicious tactics, attacking not only Mr. Jack-Rich’s character but also besmirching the esteemed office of the Chief of Staff to the President. Their desperate attempts to smear his reputation, as well as that of the Presidency, are both appalling and unwarranted.
It should be noted that this is not the first time the publisher of these falsehoods has targeted Mr. Jack-Rich with similar unfounded stories. In 2021, the same Jackson Ude alleged that Jack-Rich was involved in money laundering activities on behalf of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Yet, to this day, none of these claims have been substantiated, and Jackson Ude and his political cohorts remain faceless and untraceable.
The media team of the humble and soft-spoken Jack-Rich has taken the time to thoroughly review the spurious publications circulating online. They wish to set the record straight, emphasizing that the bribery allegations against him are not only laughable and false but also completely baseless and devoid of any truth.
As a senior stakeholder within the ruling APC party, where he previously contested for the presidential primaries, Mr. Tein Jack-Rich has tirelessly worked to support his great party’s electoral victories. Therefore, he does not need to resort to bribery in order to secure any position within the party that he has actively contributed to since 2014. Contrary to the allegations, Jack-Rich is a committed member of the APC and has never been affiliated with any other political party in history.
The statement said that despite the criticism and challenges faced by the APC in the past, Jack-Rich remained steadfast in his support for the party. Those who once disparaged both the party and Jack-Rich for aligning with it have now suddenly recognized the wealth of opportunities it presents, hence their vehement campaign of slander against a great national promoter like Jack-Rich.
“It is clear that these allegations of bribery and plans for ministerial appointments are nothing more than products of the convoluted imagination of those who view Jack-Rich as a significant obstacle to their own desperate dreams and political survival, especially after losing their own political roots.
“Let it be reiterated that Tein Jack-Rich has never, and will never, resort to bribery in pursuit of any political appointment. He has already served as the Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Presidential Campaign, a testament to his dedication and loyalty to the party. Therefore, there is no reason for anyone to initiate a campaign of calumny and blackmail against him, except out of sheer desperation, ” the group said.
“It is truly shameful that these sponsored publications stoop so low as to not only attack Jack-Rich’s character but also drag his family into their petty and unfounded accusations. The allegations made against Mrs. Jack-Rich are entirely fabricated, concocted solely to satisfy the authors’ sponsors.
“Rest assured, Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Jack-Rich remains unaffected by these false claims. It is a reflection on the sponsors themselves, whose agenda is to engage in cheap political tactics that disrupt families and intimidate aspiring political figures who genuinely have the country’s best interests at heart.
“We would like to emphasize that these wicked political elements will stop at nothing to misinform the public and tarnish Jack-Rich’s reputation. In the days to come, they may resort to fabricating videos, voices, pictures, and even employing technology-enhanced algorithms to further their smear campaign. However, the Nigerian people are wise to their tactics, and the sponsors behind them are known for their agenda of pulling down visionary leaders who work towards the betterment of society.
“In light of these circumstances, Jack-Rich’s team has chosen not to engage further with these individuals. They have adequately refuted all the falsehoods and baseless allegations, and any further response would only serve to elevate their importance.
“Fellow countrymen, Tein Jack-Rich remains a dedicated believer in our President and shares his vision of renewed hope for our great nation. Through this medium, Jack-Rich urges all Nigerians to maintain steadfastness and hope in the promise made by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for a greater and prosperous Nigeria united under God.
“Let us remain vigilant and discerning in the face of these slanderous campaigns. The Nigerian people are aware of their motives, and together, we can uphold the values of truth, integrity, and progress, ” he said.
US President Donald Trump has asserted that he is not jesting about his ambitions for a third presidential term, despite the constitutional restrictions in place.
While the U.S. Constitution prohibits any individual from serving more than two four-year terms, Trump indicated that it is premature to delve into such considerations.
Having assumed office for his second, non-consecutive term on January 20, Trump has hinted at his desire for a third term, addressing the matter more directly in a telephone conversation with NBC News.
“No, I’m not joking. I’m not joking,” Trump reiterated, though he acknowledged, “it is far too early to think about it.”
He hinted at potential avenues to pursue this goal without providing specific details.
According to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, U.S. presidents are limited to two terms, whether consecutive or not. To amend this constitutional provision would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the 50 state legislatures.
Some of Trump’s allies have suggested the feasibility of extending his stay in the White House beyond 2028. Trump himself has alluded to this notion on multiple occasions, often in a manner that challenges his political adversaries. Should he pursue another term after the November 2028 election, he would be 82 years old, having previously made history as the oldest president at the time of his inauguration.
The tradition of limiting presidential terms was established by George Washington in 1796. This practice was largely followed for over 140 years until Franklin D. Roosevelt broke the norm by winning a third term in 1940. Roosevelt, who led the nation through the Great Depression and World War II, sadly passed away during his fourth term in 1945, leading to the enactment of the term limits amendment in 1951.
Steve Bannon, a long-time adviser to Trump, expressed in a March 19 interview with NewsNation his belief that Trump will indeed run again in 2028. Bannon noted that he and others are exploring ways to facilitate this ambition, including reviewing the definition of term limits. “We’re working on it,” he stated, underscoring the ongoing discussions surrounding Trump’s political future.
Traders in Lagos have voiced their concerns regarding the significant decline in food sales, particularly for pepper, attributing the downturn to rising prices and the diminished purchasing power of local residents.
In interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), both traders and consumers shared their experiences regarding patronage as the Sallah celebration approaches.
Mr. Rabiu Zuntu, Chairman of the Tomato Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (Kaduna chapter), linked the situation to the heightened prices of produce and the weakened purchasing capacity of consumers. He stated, “Pepper prices in the north are also steep, with a jumbo 50kg bag reaching as high as N150,000, compared to N60,000 to N70,000 just months ago. This price surge may adversely affect the Sallah festivities, as only a few consumers may afford these products.”
Zuntu further explained, “Currently, we are outside the pepper farming season. Insufficient rainfall has led to a scarcity of this commodity, with only a handful of farmers involved in irrigation. Many will resort to using dried pepper, which is more affordable during this time, although demand remains low. We anticipate an increase in demand as the celebration nears.”
Mrs. Mistura Balogun, a pepper vendor at Lawanson Market in Surulere, echoed these sentiments, noting the unusually low customer turnout. “It’s not just pepper that has become expensive; many other goods have seen price increases as well. Typically, this time of year should see a bustling market, but today is quite different. I have been at my stall since morning, and the number of customers is minimal,” she lamented.
Similarly, Mrs. Mojisola Gbadegesin, another pepper seller at Idi-Araba market, reported a stark decrease in patronage. “Despite the high prices, we usually see customers buying pepper, but this year is different. The market feels deserted, and business is sluggish,” she remarked.
Mrs. Judith Amen, also a foodstuff vendor, highlighted that the rising prices of pepper and other food items are likely to escalate further as the celebrations peak. “At the start of the week, a small bag of scotch bonnet pepper was priced at N70,000, and I expect prices to soar over the weekend due to Sallah. A good quality bag of rice is selling for N85,000, while lower-quality options range from N60,000 to N75,000. Although patronage is currently low, we anticipate an uptick a day before Sallah, but consumers will only purchase what they can afford,” she explained.
Mr. John Nwabueze, a trader in the Agege area, expressed frustration over the lack of customers as Eid celebrations begin. “Sales have been notably low, with people buying only what their budgets allow. The market has been unusually quiet, affecting all commodities, including rice. A 50kg bag of rice is priced between N76,000 and N78,000, yet sales remain sluggish this Sallah,” he noted.
Mrs. Amina Fakunle, a resident of the Alimosho area, remarked that the high cost of pepper would lead consumers to celebrate in a more subdued manner. “Just six pieces of pepper cost about N500, which is the lowest price available. With these prices, people will likely opt for a low-key celebration,” she stated.
Mr. David Oriafo, a resident of the Dopemu area, also commented on the lack of festive activity in the market. “I managed to purchase a few items for my family to save costs, but it’s evident that the usual festive buzz is missing. People are only buying what they can afford, much like myself,” he shared. (NAN)
A Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has died after slumping during a boxing match in Ghana.
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin confirmed the death of the boxer on Sunday.
The 40-year-old boxer, nicknamed “Success”, stumbled to the canvas while fighting Jon Mbanugu, a Ghanian, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was not punched or near his opponent when he collapsed violently in round three of the light-heavyweight bout.
The referee called the match immediately, and medical aid was ushered into the ring.
Olarenwaju died after he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ther boxer was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion.
He competed in 24 bouts with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.
In 2022, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, another boxer, also died after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) in a bout at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta.
Igboanugo died after he took a fatal blow to the nose and did not survive the hit.