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Video Showing Ganduje Receiving Bribe Authentic -Jaafar
Publisher of the online newspaper, Daily Nigerian, Jaafar Jaafar, which published the video clips showing Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, allegedly receiving $5 million bribe from contractors, yesterday appeared before the State House of Assembly committee investigating the matter.
Chairman of the committee set up by the House of Assembly, Bappa Babba Dan Agundi, gave Jaafar the floor to prove the validity of the video clips he published.
In the course of his appearance and during cross-examination, he vowed not to disclose the source of the video recording but said he was ready to swear by the Holy Qu’ran that the video was authentic.
Jaafar, who hung a copy of the Holy Qur’an on his shoulder, said he took the Holy book with him in anticipation of the fact that he would be asked to swear by the lawmakers.
He said: “I’m ready to swear by the Holy Qur’an if you want me to, because the report I published was nothing but the truth, and I should put it on record that I have nothing personal against Governor Ganduje, but doing what is right.
“More than two years ago, a contractor friend of mine complained to me that the governor had been receiving kickbacks, ranging from 15 to 25 percent, for every project executed in the state from contractors. “We then agreed to plant spy cameras on his Kaftan lapel so that he can capture the brazen act in hard evidence.
He captured at least 15 clips, nine of which fully showed the governor’s face, body and hands collecting bundles of dollars.
“Before Daily Nigerian published the stories, pictures or videos on its website, the editors subject them to rigors of verification to establish their authenticity or otherwise. In the case of the video clips in question, our in-house technical expert, the editor-in-chief and editorial adviser certified that the videos were original and not doctored contents.
“Experts from Amnesty International, Nigeria, BBC and Premium Times also watched the clips and certified their authenticity before we went to press.” He also talked about the timing of the recording, explaining that the first video was published on October 14, 2018, comprising two clips that occurred on two different dates as shown on the videos themselves.
According to him, the video showed the governor receiving bribe from a contractor in foreign currency, specifically United States Dollars.
“The video also showed His Excellency tucking these monies under his flowing gown and putting them inside an envelop,” Jaafar added.
He said his medium was willing to share the content of the video without any form of editing to assist the committee in its investigation.
He also promised to share the full clips of the videos already published to the committee in the course of the performance of their legislative function. Jaafar thanked the committee for deeming it appropriate to invite him to make presentations before it, in respect of this matter.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice promised to be fair, irrespective of who was involved. “The office of the AG is for anybody and not for Governor Abdullahi Ganduje,” he stated.
Meanwhile, pictures of underaged Kano students carrying placards in support of Governor Umar Ganduje has stirred reactions online from Nigerians.
The students were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as: ‘Jafar, your video will not stop us from voting Ganduje’, Jafar is a great liar’, ‘Ganduje is a great man’.
The students seem to be condemning the video which captured the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje receiving bribe amounting to about $5million from contractors in the state released by Jaafar Jaafar, the Publisher of Daily Nigeria.
The images stirred different opinions from Nigerians on Twitter, condemning the use of children for politics.
Here are some comments gathered by The Tide from Twitter:
@Nasidiqura “These poor kids who were supposed to be in schools were forced to carry placards to “protect” a governor whose children attend best schools in Europe and the US. Nigeria keeps disappointing us!
@Antscroll “Today is a placard, tomorrow will be machetes, daggers, and guns. Turning underaged children into political thugs and taking advantage of their innocence to cover-up your mess. This is another form of Child Abuse.”
@Elbinawi “That shameless thief in Kano, Gov Ganduje used kids to protest against his corruption bribe-taking by Jaafar. This shameless crook is exploiting these kids who should be in School. Kano state has the highest out-of-school children in Nigeria.”
@Leke “Who approved the use of school pupils to protest in favor of Ganduje during school hours? This is child abuse.”
@UmarG “The sad thing is the students may not even be able to read what’s written on the cardboard.”
@Zinadabo1 “The outfit of this kids seem to like that of children sent to Islamiya only for their mallams to connive with Ganduje’s boys & bring peoples’ children to the street to support corruption by holding placards with inscriptions they can’t read.Why? Kano why?
@Aliyussufiy “This picture of Sallari Primary School pupils carrying cardboards that reads “We don’t agree, it is fake news against governor [@GovUmarGanduje]” is making me cry. Someone, possibly their teacher, who should help prepare them for our future, is using them to cover.”
@ZaydGaya “Those kids should be in their various classes not on the streets. What sort of dirty politics is this? Ganduje Please have the decency to use grown adults, not underage persons. No one said you’re guilty just prove your innocence that’s all we demand for.”
@Nafeezi “Their children are busy in classrooms, studying in a highly equipped and conducive environments in private schools in and outside Nigeria. They have forced the children of the poor out of dilapidated classrooms to the street to raise placards in their support.”
@AhmadWakili “ Ganduje is grooming Kano Primary School Children to be political thugs. This is dangerous for Nigeria’s Democracy, it’s indeed pathetic and worrisome. These minors suppose to be in school now!
@joshseal “No wonder he’s so corrupt, his stooges force children out of school to protest over his corruption hearing. They are not eligible to vote take note @inecnigeria. What transpired in 2015 will not be accepted come 2019 election.”
@Alabitosin “Shame to this country. Can you see what they are using these children for? children that they have stolen their future.”
@Mujahid_yh “No no no! This is totally unacceptable. They belong to the classrooms and not the streets.”
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo