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Sir Don Sets Record Straight on Divorce, Says Sharon Asked for Separation Twice

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Prominent Nigerian businessman and politician, Sir Don, has broken his silence following AfrikMedia’s viral post, offering a clear and factual account of his short-lived marriage to Sharon Maduekwe who is now married to Shawn Faqua. In a statement made available to the press, Sir Don described the relationship as “a mistake that no man my age should ever make.”

He explained that the marriage was built on the wrong foundation and did not reflect the values of faith and discipline that guide his life today.

“There was nothing godly about the foundation of that marriage,” he said. “It was a decision I should never have made, and I take full responsibility. It cost me my peace, my dignity, some friends and temporarily strained my relationship with my daughters. I must admit my mistake and take responsibility for what I put my family through.”

Sir Don recounted meeting Sharon in 2016 when she was a struggling student working as an usher at his father’s burial. She confided in him that she was about to drop out of school, out of compassion, he gave full educational scholarship, a monthly graduate salary allowance and sponsored her brothers’ education.

Additionally, he also helped her parents, who lived in Ikorodu, by supporting her mother and a funded a business for her father.

He later funded her event planning training and established her event management company, covering all the start-up costs and guiding her through its early growth with funds and connections to clients.

“I believed she could do better for herself, so I invested heavily in her education and family. Unfortunately, that kindness was misinterpreted, and the relationship became something it should never have been,” he said.

The businessman/Lawyer revealed that from the start of the marriage, the relationship was toxic and filled with constant quarrels, disputes, and embarrassing situations including some involving misappropriation of funds from her clients, unpaid vendors etc… a pattern he said no man of his values should tolerate.

“I don’t want to wash her dirty linen in public … as I want her to remain in this new marriage and leave the fake Instagram life because I know what’s true and what’s not. That was not the life I wanted nor the reputation I worked hard to build,” he said. “It became clear that peace could not exist in that environment.”

He clarified that contrary to social media reports, Sharon herself asked for a divorce twice (with evidence) shortly after their wedding, before he eventually decided to end the marriage and the drama.

Don specifically emphasized that the marriage did not collapse suddenly but did as a result of accumulated issues, including what he described as Sharon’s lack of gratitude, sense of entitlement, financial greed, constant quarrels, disrespect and other sensitive situations he asked us not to mention.

“Let it be clear, I did not just wake up one morning and asked for a divorce. It was an accumulation of issues, and the situation had become unbearable. I ended the marriage so it would not end me,” he stated.

Don said he was shocked when Sharon demanded a substantial portion of his wealth in the divorce for a marriage that lasted less than nine months, making the entire process appear transactional and opportunistic.

Despite that, he ensured she was well settled, providing her with a roof over her head, a car, and cash to start afresh. When they were married her had promised her a trip to Paris, Italy etc, but literally while they were in divorce court, he kept his word and sent her on an exotic trip Paris and Italy with all expenses paid for. As she had never been to Europe before and he felt he make it happen.

“I prayed with her on our last day together and wished her well,” he said. “I even told her that I pray and hope she would find her own person, and in that moment, she even offered to curate my future wedding… that was how peaceful I wanted things to end.”

He expressed disappointment that despite his efforts to end things amicably, Sharon has continued to feed damaging narratives online. Even as at yesterday, Sharon’s father called to apologize to Don on behalf of his Daughter, stating that his family will forever be grateful for his kindness.

“I have kept quiet long enough, but it is time to correct these lies. I have moved on and so should she. I strongly advise her to desist from mentioning my name or that of my family in any capacity. The latter will be addressed legally and that includes blogs and press. I am not interested in public drama or deceitful storytelling.”

“Paying blogs to carry a story of the past for clout is never a way to start a new marriage. Testimonies built on false narrative is an attention a child of God must avoid. We both made mistakes and Our story is more of a lesson to Men and women. Our Testimony is God’s mercy in helping us find our person eventually despite both our mistakes.” He stated

Reflecting on his experience, Sir Don said the episode has been one of the biggest lessons of his life.

He was engaged to another woman when he met Sharon which destroyed that relationship, a mistake he said he will never make again.

“You do not marry your side-chick and expect wife material,” he stated. “Marriage must begin on the right foundation… built on respect, faith, and maturity. I have since learnt that lesson, and by the grace of God, my life today reflects peace, wisdom, and restoration.”

Sir Don noted that his current marriage has brought him stability and peace, restoring the bond with his family and daughters.

“God gave me another chance at life, and this time, I did it right …with the blessings of my family and in the presence of God. My current wife has brought peace and balance back into my life, and for that, I am grateful,” he said.

It is important to note that Don affirmed that this public clarification was necessary “to put an end to the half-truths, lies and misrepresentation” surrounding his name.

Sir Don says his focus is now on faith, family, and public service. “Mistakes teach. I learnt mine the hard way, and I thank God for mercy and grace. I have moved on in peace, and I intend to remain there.”

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New financial markets facility set to open in Abia

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A forex trading facility is expected to open in Abia State in October, following the 2025 Abia Forex Expo, which organisers said attracted more than 1,500 participants.

The facility is being established by entrepreneur and financial markets personality, Sam Keys, as a platform for financial education, market analysis, trading activities and networking.

According to the organisers, the project followed increased interest in forex trading and other financial market activities among youths and business communities in the state.

The proposed facility will provide a physical location where traders, aspiring investors and other participants can access financial market information, take part in educational activities and interact with others in the sector.

Keys had previously organised the 2025 Abia Forex Expo, which brought together participants interested in forex trading, investment and financial markets.

The new facility is expected to complement such events by providing a permanent location for activities relating to financial market education and trading.

The October opening is expected to attract traders, investors and other individuals interested in learning about the financial markets.

 

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Abia debunks N50,000 akara tax claim

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Abia State Government has debunked reports that akara sellers and other petty traders in the state are being compelled to pay N50,000 as tax, describing the claim as misinformation.

The government also said it had approved the designation of some historical and natural sites as State Monuments and State Natural Monuments, while declaring Aba a Creative and Innovative City.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the historical sites approved as State Monuments include the National War Museum, Umuahia; Ojukwu Bunker, Umuahia; and Government College, Umuahia.

Those designated State Natural Monuments are Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area.

According to him, the designations would strengthen the government’s efforts to preserve the state’s cultural and natural heritage, promote tourism and open up new economic opportunities.

“These sites have been elevated to heritage sites that enhance the state’s tourism potential. With this approval, they are primed to attract recognition as UNESCO Heritage Sites,” Kanu said.

He further disclosed that Aba had been designated a Creative and Innovative City in recognition of its longstanding commercial, industrial and creative significance.

The commissioner said the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum had reached about 80 per cent completion and was expected to be concluded before the end of 2026.

He said the projects would improve the preservation of the sites, enhance visitors’ experience and strengthen their tourism potential.

Kanu also disclosed that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy had received approval to develop the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor in Arochukwu.

He said work had commenced, including grading of access roads to the waterfall, with completion expected before the end of the year.

The commissioner added that the state government had commenced the erection of monuments at strategic locations to preserve Abia’s heritage, honour its heroes and heroines and promote the state’s cultural identity.

He cited a monument being dedicated to the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot as one of such initiatives, saying it would celebrate their courage, resilience, resistance and leadership.

No N50,000 tax on akara sellers
On the controversy over alleged excessive taxation, Kanu said there had been no fresh increase in tax rates by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, noting that most of the rates being circulated were contained in tax laws enacted in 2020 under the previous administration.

He stressed that the Board could not unilaterally increase tax rates without enabling legislation.

“For starters, these rates are not new. Most of the rates are 2020 tax rates that were introduced by the previous government.

“Let me reiterate that the Board of Internal Revenue cannot raise tax rates without the backing of enabling laws. And no such increases have been introduced by the Abia State Government,” he said.

Kanu explained that demand notices issued by the BIR were provided for under the law, urging taxpayers to comply with relevant tax provisions while assuring that legitimate concerns would be addressed by the appropriate officials.

On the specific claim that akara sellers were being made to pay N50,000, he said: “This is pure fallacy. Nothing can be further from the truth. Akara sellers don’t pay tax or levies. They pay daily tolls. And none can pay N50,000.”

The Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Uche Elekwachi, corroborated the clarification, saying there was no revenue window under the state’s tax laws requiring akara sellers to pay such an amount.

Elekwachi said the Abia Internally Generated Revenue Service Law establishing the applicable framework was enacted in 2020, before the present administration came into office.

“This whole thing has always been in existence. The Abia Internally Generated Revenue Service Law was enacted in 2020 long before this government came onboard, so we need to make that clarification,” he said.

Gratuity: 2011–2025 retirees next.

On outstanding gratuities owed retired workers, Kanu disclosed that the government had completed payments covering 2001 to 2010 and was preparing for the next batch covering 2011 to 2025.

He said the next payments would commence after the completion of ongoing internal verification and other necessary processes.

The commissioner dismissed claims that the government had only commenced gratuity payments because of pressure from the opposition, explaining that the huge financial commitment involved made payment in batches necessary.

“The payments will be in batches. The funds involved are huge for one balloon payment,” he said.

Kanu also clarified reports suggesting that gratuity payments would continue only until 2031, explaining that such reports are incorrect.

He explained that the State Gratuity Committee had recommended the inclusion of gratuity provisions in the state’s 2026–2031 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and subsequent annual budgets to ensure that gratuity obligations were systematically provided for and prevent the accumulation of fresh arrears.

“That does not translate to payments being terminated in 2031. As the internal processes and verification of beneficiaries of these payments continue, due payments would still be made in batches,” he said.

He added that the government remained committed to clearing the outstanding liabilities and expressed optimism that the process could be completed earlier than anticipated.

“The conclusion of payment of outstanding gratuities may happen earlier than we ever imagined. Let us therefore wait and see how the next batch of payments will unfold,” Kanu said.

The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr Emmanuel Okpechi, were also present at the briefing.

Source: Vanguard.

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‘I have no objection’ – Obi urges UNN to release his academic records

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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi has said he has no objection to the release of his academic records amid reports of a legal action seeking certified true copies of his certificates and other educational documents.

Obi stated this in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, saying he had given consent for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make available his academic records and other official documents relating to his admission and studies, subject to applicable laws.

His statement followed reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking certified true copies of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and other academic credentials relating to his admission into the university.

He wrote, “I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records.

“I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, my academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University. I equally have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which I attended, making my academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.”

Obi said he believed strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for individuals seeking public office, but stressed that public scrutiny should be fair, lawful and consistently applied to all presidential candidates.

“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. I am prepared to subject myself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the highest office in our country,” he said.

Obi said candidates seeking the nation’s highest office should be willing to subject themselves to reasonable scrutiny and demonstrate that they had nothing to conceal from the people they sought to serve.

He subsequently challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.

“Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them,” he said

Obi added that transparency, integrity and accountability should begin with those seeking to lead the country.

“I therefore welcome the scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who ask Nigerians for their trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability,” he added.

 

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