2023: Atiku unveils youth-driven ‘Operation Rescue Nigeria’ project

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has unveiled the ‘Operation Rescue Nigeria’ project ahead of the 2023 elections.

 

The project was unveiled on Saturday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

It was an honour to unveil “Operation Rescue Nigeria 2.0” under the aegis of the PDP New Generation. I shared the importance of building bridges across this great country, Nigeria, from the North to the South, East and West, so that we might have a united Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/g3cqSw7EEF

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) July 31, 2022

While urging PDP chieftains and members to firm up mobilisation at the grassroots, the former vice-president said the party’s campaign strategy will be polling unit-based, in line with the new electoral process.

After mother’s death, Don Jazzy reflects on own support for bereaved friends

 

Don Jazzy is reflecting on his own support for his bereaved friends during their grief.

The record producer, who recently lost his mother to cancer, took to Twitter to speak of her burial arrangements.

 

He apologised to friends who he said might feel he didn’t support them enough during their own grief.

 

“Experience is truly the best teacher. Before I thank everyone for their calls, visits, and messages,” he wrote.

 

Nigerians’ll vote individuals, not parties – CAN President

 

Nigerians would not use the political party as a deciding factor in the choice of a candidate to succeed the President,  Muhammadu Buhari, in 2023, the Christian Association of Nigeria said on Sunday.

 

According to the organisation, Nigerians have gone beyond voting based on the political party presenting candidates.

 

The President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, stated this while delivering his sermon at the 2022 men’s conference of Christ Holy Church International, titled, ‘By faith, give leadership.’

 

He insisted that the electorate, particularly the Christians, would vote for candidates in the next general election using their current capacities and antecedents as criteria.

Leaked memo reveals how NDLEA discovered meth laboratory in Lagos estate

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has discovered a laboratory used for the production of methamphetamine in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos.

 

NDLEA officials were said to have busted the laboratory domiciled at K-5A/2, Road 14, VGC, on Saturday.

 

The development was disclosed in an internal security incident memo signed by Yusuff Morufat, general manager of Victoria Garden City Property Owners and Residents Association (VGCPORA).

 

According to Morufat, the apartment in question is occupied by Emeka Nzewi, a tenant who had been wanted by NDLEA since 2017.

BBNaija: Big Brother introduces two new fake housemates

 Big Brother Naija season 7 which kicked off with 24 housemates via a double launch premiere on the 23rd and 24th of July 2022 has seen the introduction of two new housemates but they’ll be fake housemates and won’t be competing for the N100 M grand prize.

 

The two new big brother naija season 7 housemates were introduced on July 31st during the Sunday live eviction show.

 

The new housemates Deji and Modella were sent into the  Level 2 and level 1 housemates respectively, taking the total number of housemates to 26 housemates.

  

Deji Morafa is an indigene of Lagos state, says, he is in a complicated relationship but intends to mingle in the house. Deji was sent into the Level 1 house, and he received a lukewarm welcome from the housemates while Modella from Osun state promises to bring 'vibes on vibes and loads of energy.' According to her, the show has just begun.

 

BBNaija: Biggie issues Beauty her first strike over fight with Ilebaye

 Big Brother Naija season 7 housemate, Beauty, has been issued a strike for charging at Ilebaye during their altercation on Sunday.

 

Gathering the Level 2 housemates in the lounge, Biggie noted that the contestants had flouted the rules of the game.

 

He stated that both Ilebaye and Beauty overstepped each other’s boundaries during their heated quarrel.

 

Beauty, an ex-Miss Nigeria, got angry seeing her love interest, Groovy dance with Level 1 housemate, Chomzy at the Saturday party.

 

Nigeria nearing collapse, some officials helping terrorists – Gani Adams

Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams said the spate of insecurity is a sign that Nigeria is “sleepwalking into collapse”.

 

In a statement by spokesman, Kehinde Aderemi, Adams decried the pain inflicted on the people “by the inaction and connivance of those in authority with terrorists”.

 

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the drift, warning that breaches in recent months confirmed that “all is not well with the security architecture”.

 

“A dollar is now more than N700. This is an administration that met dollars at less than N200 in 2015.

 

Food price hike: Nigeria vulnerable because we are import-dependent, says Utomi

 

Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, says Nigeria is currently in a “vulnerable” position because the country depends on importation.

 

Utomi spoke on Thursday in an interview with Channels Television.

 

There have been concerns over the rising cost of food items, and the country’s inflation rate hit a five-year high in June 2022.

 

Speaking on the state of the country’s economy, Utomi, a former presidential candidate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said for Nigeria to develop, the electorate must vote for leaders who are truly interested in serving the country.

 

Umahi emerges APC’s Ebonyi South senatorial candidate

 

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, was on Sunday declared the winner of the All Progressives Congress’ Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone fresh primary election.

 

Earlier, the chairman of the APC electoral panel, Prof Emmanuel Adebayo Kehinde said that five contestants participated in the fresh primary election of the party.

 

The election, which took place at the Afikpo North Local Government Area headquarters, witnessed the presence of prominent stakeholders of the state, including the members of the state executive council.

 

The contestants included; Austin Chukwu Umahi, David Umahi, Mrs Ann Agom-Eze, Mrs Ibiam Margret Ezenwanyi, and Mrs Chiko Elizabeth Nwakaego.

 

Rafiatu Lawal sets new Commonwealth Games record, wins Nigeria’s 2nd gold medal

 

Folashade Rafiatu Lawal has won Nigeria’s second gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

 

The 25-year-old won the medal in the women’s 59kg weightlifting event on Sunday.

 

Lawal lifted a total of 206kg to set a Commonwealth record for accumulated lifts.

 

She also set the Commonwealth record in the snatch category after lifting 90kg for her first lift.

Stop complaining about PDP primary, be like Osinbajo, Amaechi —Sule Lamido to Wike

 

Sule Lamido, former governor of Jigawa, has asked Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, to stop complaining about the outcome of the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Lamido spoke in an interview with THISDAY, which was published on Sunday.

In May, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar won the PDP presidential ticket after he polled 371 votes, while Wike, his closest challenger, secured 237 votes.

Prior to the selection of a running mate, many believed that Wike would be favoured by Atiku but the former VP picked Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta.

ISWAP responsible for attack on soldiers near Zuma rock – Report

 

The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) is reportedly behind the attack on a military checkpoint in the Madalla area of Suleja LGA, Niger state.

Gunmen had on Friday attacked soldiers of the guards’ brigade stationed near Zuma rock.

Muhammad Abdullahi, spokesperson to the chairman of Suleja LGA, had said the gunmen attacked in large numbers and shot sporadically.

Abdullahi added that his friend, who was around the area during the attack,  said the attackers killed two military operatives.

Atiku discovered Peter Obi before keyboard warriors knew about him, says Dino Melaye

 

Dino Melaye, former senator representing Kogi west, says Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), was not known nationally until Atiku Abubakar, standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “identified him”.

 

Obi, a former governor of Anambra state, was the running mate to the former vice-president in the 2019 general election.

 

He defected to LP shortly before the primary election of the PDP which Abubakar won ahead of 2023.

 

Speaking at an event in Abuja on Saturday night, Melaye described Abubakar as a “talent hunter”.

 

We’re working seriously to prevent terrorist attack – Lagos Police

 

The Lagos police command says it is “working seriously” to prevent any form of terrorist attack in the state.

Benjamin Hundeyin, Lagos police spokesperson, spoke during a Twitter Space on Saturday, which was monitored by PUNCH.

Over the past few days, the spate of violent attacks has increased in many parts of the country.

Abuja, the country’s capital, has also witnessed a series of violent onslaughts on security operatives, including a recent attack on troops of the presidential guard.

Atiku: You’re not the best politician in Nigeria – Okowa hits Tinubu

 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has condemned former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu’s attack on ex-vice president, Atiku Abubakar.

 

The vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) told Tinubu that he isn’t the best politician in Nigeria.

 

The governor was reacting to Tinubu’s comment that his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima was better.

 

In a statement by his spokesman, Olisa Ifeajika, Okowa advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate to leave the campaign of calumny.

 

2023: More than five govs, other top leaders working for Peter Obi – LP

 

Ahead of the 2023 elections, the Labour Party has said more than five governors and other leaders are supporting its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

 

The Deputy National Chairman of the party, Bashiru Apapa made this known in Ado Ekiti during a sensitisation programme for LP members at the weekend.

 

Apapa, who said Obi’s presidential bid was daily receiving overt and covert support across the nation, said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, are afraid of Obi’s recent popularity.

 

Apapa, however, said the party will not mention the names of the governors for now.

 

IGP orders arrest, prosecution of skit, movie makers over use of police uniform

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of skit and movie makers who use the police uniform without approval.

 

The order was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer.

 

The statement also decried the illegal sale of police materials and accoutrements by traders in shops, and open stores not approved nor recognized by the police authority.

 

The statement added that the IGP equally frowned at the “demeaning manner in which movie makers and skit makers portray the police institution in their movies and skits, using the police uniform without recourse to the provision of Section 251 of the Criminal Code law, and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law which criminalise such unauthorised use with accompanying necessary sanctions.

 

Your PVC is your meal ticket – INEC commissioner tells Nigerians

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told Nigerians that their Permanent Voters’ Cards are their meal tickets and should be handled with care.

 

The National Commissioner of the commission in charge of Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno states, Maj:-Gen Modibo Alkali (rtd) stated this while addressing voters registrants on Sunday.

 

Alkali urged Nigerians to treat their PVCs like part of their lives.

 

“Ensure that you get your PVC and handle it as if it is part of your life.

 

Commonwealth Games 2022: Team Nigeria wins Bronze in Weightlifting, qualify for table tennis semis

 

Edidiong Umofia has won Team Nigeria’s second medal at the ongoing 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

 

Umofia clinched Bronze medal in the weightlifting event.

 

In the men’s 67kg category, Umoafia lifted a combined 290kg (Snatch, Clean and Jerk) to get on the podium.

 

India’s Jeremy Lalrinnunga won Gold medal in the event.

Physically challenged Nigerian beaten to death in Italy

 

Alika Ogorchukwu, a Nigerian, has been beaten to death in Civitanova Marche city in the Province of Macerata, Marche region of Italy.

According to Al Jazeera, the 39-year-old physically challenged vendor was attacked at his stall by a “32-year-old from Salerno” on Friday.

The assailant grabbed the vendor’s crutch and struck him down. He wrestled the supine victim in broad daylight with several surveillance cameras recording.

Matteo Luconi, the police investigator, said the attacker repeatedly struck the Nigerian with his bare hands, causing his death.

PHOTOS: Tinubu, Lawan, Zulum attend wedding of Shettima’s daughter

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led other dignitaries to attend the wedding ceremony of the daughter of his running mate Kashim Shettima.

 

According to NAN, the presidency was represented at the wedding by Ibrahim Gambari, President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief of staff, and Babagana Monguno, national security adviser.

 

The report added that 12 gold coins were paid as dowry at the ceremony, witnessed by other dignitaries, including Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Aliko Dangote, Dahiru Mangal, Ahmed Indimi, Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto and his Jigawa counterpart, Abubakar Badaru.

 

Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, IGP Usman Baba Alkali, and Abdullahi Adamu, APC national chairman, also graced the event.

 

Only solution to insecurity is for Buhari’s government to leave – Dino Melaye

 

Dino Melaye, a former senator, says the solution to the security situation in the country is for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to leave — “either ceremoniously or unceremoniously”.

 

The former lawmaker spoke in a chat with Africa Independent Television on Friday.

 

His comments come in the wake of the six-week ultimatum given to Buhari by opposition lawmakers. The lawmakers had warned that the president’s inability to improve the security situation in the country would result in impeachment proceedings.

 

Lending his voice to the conversation on insecurity, Melaye said Nigeria is “in perilous times”.

 

Why el-Rufai was first to inform Buhari about bandits’ kidnap threat – Aide

 

Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, has explained why his principal discussed with President Muhammadu Buhari on a kidnap threat.

 

In a video that surfaced over the weekend, bandits had threatened to abduct the president and the governor.

 

Speaking on the development on Wednesday, el-Rufai had said the president was unaware of the threat before he discussed the matter with him.

 

Giving further details on why the governor was the first to inform Buhari about the kidnap threat, Adekeye, in a statement on Friday, said it was not an attempt to show security agencies were not effective.

 

‘African Queen’ is a blessing and curse, says 2Baba

 

Innocent Idibia, the Nigerian singer better known as 2Baba, says ‘African Queen’, his first single hit, is a source of blessing and a curse.

 

The 46-year-old hitmaker spoke about the 2004 hit song in the fifth episode of the ‘Journey of The Beats’ documentary which premiered on Showmax last month.

 

The documentary centres on the history and rise of the Afrobeats genre.

 

The singer said he regards ‘African Queen’ as a blessing because it’s the track that thrust him into the limelight and earned him awards, international recognition, and accolades.

Big Brother Naija Season 7: Biggie summons Beauty as she attacks Ilebaye (VIDEO)

 

Big Brother Naija housemate, Beauty, on Saturday night, engaged in a heated argument with fellow housemate, Ilebayi.

 

Beauty, after the night party, attacked Ilebayi for taking sides with Chomzy who was her roommate at the hotel before the show.

 

The 24-year-old ex-beauty queen was angry with Groovy for dancing with Chomzy, a Level 1 housemate at the Saturday night party.

 

Beauty, who is Groovy’s love interest, felt disrespected that he danced with Chomzy who she had issues with.

Peter Obi: Ayo Adebanjo not on social media – Afenifere

 

The pan Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has distanced itself from a social media account allegedly belonging to its Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

 

In a statement by the organization’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere said that the Twitter account which some electronic media houses quoted does not belong to any of its leaders, least of all, Pa Adebanjo.

 

“It is hereby clearly stated that Chief Adebanjo has no social media account of any sort. Whenever he has anything to say to the public, he does so directly by addressing the Press, through an interview or a Press statement. He also addresses the public through the Secretary-General or the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere,” he said.

 

The statement added that the social media account was created by mischievous persons for nefarious objectives as could be gleaned from one of the posts purporting to explain why Adebanjo is supporting Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the forthcoming presidential election in 2023 “instead of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a Yorubaman.”

 

Terrorism documentary: Nigerian govt asked to withdraw threat against BBC, Daily Trust

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has kicked against the threat to sanction the BBC and Daily Trust over documentaries on terrorism.

 

The body asked President Muhammadu Buhari to instruct Information Minister, Lai Mohammed to withdraw it.

 

Mohammed had said the government would sanction the BBC and Trust Tv for airing “promoting terrorism and banditry” in Nigeria.

 

In a letter dated July 30, 2022 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, he condemned the position of the authorities.

Terrorism: ‘Nigerians haven’t seen anything, more coming’ – Primate Ayodele

 

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Sunday, issued some warnings concerning the security situation in Nigeria.

 

Primate Ayodele revealed that Nigerians have not seen anything yet, adding that more was still coming.

 

In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric said except President Muhammadu Buhari changes those who are in charge of security in the country, things would not get better.

 

Explaining that one major reasons for insecurity is corruption in the country’s security system, Primate Ayodele said a governor will be attacked and important personalities will be kidnapped.

 

Kidnappers of Nollywood actors demand $100,000 ransome

 

Twenty-four hours after prominent Nollywood actors and members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Cynthia Okereke and Clemson Cornel, aka Agbogidi, were kidnapped in an Enugu suburb, their abductors have contacted their families.

2022 Commonwealth Games: Olarinoye Adijat wins Nigeria’s first gold medal

 

Olarinoye Adijat has won Nigeria’s first gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the women’s 55kg weightlifting event.

The 22-year-old lifted a total of 203kg to set a game’s record for accumulated lifts.

Lassa fever kills 164 Nigerians – NCDC

 

The Lassa fever cases in Nigeria have jumped to 857 and 164 people have so far died from the disease in the first seven months of 2022.

PVC will be ready in October, November, says INEC

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday said the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) for  persons captured in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) would be ready in October and November.

Atiku charges PDP members to change strategy to win

 

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has charged members of the party at all levels to change strategy in order to ensure the party wins the 2023 general elections.

Imo state govt blast Innoson Motors - "Your debt claims mischievous, half-truths, cheap blackmail"

 

Imo state government has described as distasteful and cheap blackmail the claim by Innoson Motors that it is owing the company N2.5b being cost of the vehicles it supplied to it some months ago, insisting that the company’s claim are half truths ,intended to impugn on the integrity of the state government for ulterior motives.

Bureau De Change Operators to CBN - "Abolish official exchange rate now"

 

The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to float the naira to halt its further depreciation.

The President of ABCON, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, made the appeal on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

Community Shield: Nunez, Salah score as Liverpool beat Manchester City

Liverpool on Saturday evening defeated Manchester City to win this year’s FA Community Shield.

Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez ensured Liverpool won 3-1 against Manchester City.

However, Julian Alvarez did score for Pep Guardiola’s side at the King Power Stadium.

Liverpool will now face Strasbourg on Sunday in their last pre-season friendly tie at Anfield.

Lawyers threaten to drag INEC to court over plan to end voter registration

The Coalition of Legal Practitioners has threatened legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the commission’s planned closure of the Continuous Voters Registration exercise nationwide.

It was earlier reported that the exercise will end on July 31 (Sunday), according to the electoral body .

Reacting, the group Chairman, Barr. Emma. Chukwunyere Njoku, while fielding questions from journalists on Saturday at Nguru Mbaise, argued that some Nigerians that would attain 18 years by August and upwards are going to suffer as they will never participate in choosing who leads and preside over their interests.

The group said it has become expedient to remind the electoral empire that their decision to stop registration and Issuance of PVC to would-be Voters would surely disenfranchise a good number of electorates.

Eunice Igweike: NYSC sympathizes with family of slain prospective corps member

The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Fadah and its management have commiserated with the family of Miss Eunice Igweike, prospective corps member slain in Ogun State.

The commiseration was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Eddy Megwa.

Megwa said Igweike set out for NYSC permanent orientation camp in Sagamu, Ogun state from Abia, having been deployed to the state for National Service under 2022 Batch ‘B’ Service Year.

“A call by her elder brother to the NYSC on July 20, reporting that he had not been able to reach her on phone since her departure to NYSC Ogun camp from Aba, prompted the scheme to contact the security agencies to know her whereabouts.

2023 presidency: TUC vows to work for Labour Party’s victory, change narratives

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have vowed to mobilise workers to work to ensure that the Labour Party (LP) wins next year’s presidential election.

LP’s victory, the said would change current narratives where bandits and terrorists have threatened to take over even the nation’s capital.

Chairman of the TUC in Cross River State, Comrade Monday Ogbodum, who spoke at LP Sensitisation and Town Hall meeting held in Calabar, also emphasised that because of how serious the task ahead is, they have resolved to nip in the bud their earlier differences they had with the LP leadership and break all barriers in order to achieve their aim.

“We have sorted out earlier differences we had for the sake of achieving our aim. We are not leaving any vacuum.

No government has touched lives of ordinary citizens like that of APC — Idris Wase

 

Idris Wase, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, says no government has touched the lives of “ordinary citizens” as that of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

Wase spoke on Wednesday, when he received a delegation from the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) support group at the national assembly, Abuja.

 

The group was on a courtesy call to the deputy speaker to solicit support for Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the APC.

 

Wase said the House of Representatives, “particularly members of the All Progressives Congress, shall collaborate with every organisation to ensure victory for the Tinubu/Shettima ticket”.

 

Police begin search for missing actors, recover vehicle left on highway

 

The police in Enugu state say they have begun an investigation to locate the missing actors Cynthia Okereke and Clemson Cornel.

 

Daniel Ndukwe, Enugu police spokesman, confirmed this to NAN on Saturday.

 

It had emerged on Friday that the two were reported missing, with their family members confirming that they didn’t return from a film location at Ozalla Town in Enugu state.

 

The assumption was that they had been abducted, given the spate of kidnappings across the country in the past months.

 

‘I no get shishi’ — Babatunde Gbadamosi seeks donations for Lagos LP guber form

Babatunde Gbadamosi, a former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADP), has asked his followers to donate money for him to procure the nomination form of the Labour Party (LP).

 

Gbadamosi, in a post published on his social media platforms, declared his intention to contest the 2023 Lagos governorship election, saying the state must be rescued from those who have turned it to a personal money-making machine.

 

The real-estate developer however said he does not have the money to purchase the N15 million LP nomination form for the governorship election.

 

Gbadamosi added that having contested two back-to-back elections in the state, he does not have the financial power to single-handedly sponsor another election.

Napoli doctor explains why Osimhen still wears protective mask

Napoli doctor, Roberto Ruggiero, has revealed why forward Victor Osimhen still plays with a protective mask.

Osimhen sustained a head injury after colliding with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar in a Serie A clash in November 2021.

The 23-year-old missed the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon early this year as a result of the setback.

The striker was sidelined for three months after undergoing surgery.

EPL: Erik Ten Hag suffers first defeat as Manchester United manager

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, on Saturday suffered his first defeat as the club’s manager.

Ten Hag, who was appointed as Man United manager a few weeks ago, watched as his team lost 1-0 against Atletico Madrid in a pre-season friendly tie in Norway.

A late goal from Joao Felix ensured Atletico Madrid defeated the Premier League giants as Fred received a red card.

Ten Hag had led Man United to play a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in a pre-season friendly tie and defeated the likes of Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Melbourne Victory this summer.

Ortom salutes Darius Ishaku at 68

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has congratulated his Taraba State counterpart, Architect Darius Ishaku on his 68th birthday.

The Governor in a Goodwill message to Ishaku praised him for his relentless efforts at promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among the various nationalities and religions living in Taraba state.

Governor Ortom says he craves for more Cooperation between Benue and Taraba States in economic development and security of the neighboring States to enable its citizens live in peace and harmony.

He added that Benue and Taraba states have many things in common, including cultural similarities that must of a necessity, be harnessed for the greater good of citizens.

Magnus Abe emerges SDP governorship candidate in Rivers

 

Former Rivers South East senator, Magnus Abe, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Rivers State.

 

Senator Abe emerged on Saturday after a fresh governorship primaries was conducted in Port Harcourt.

 

The fresh primaries followed the withdrawal of the former SDP candidate Maurice Pronem from the race.

 

Abe pulled 30 delegate votes to emerge unopposed in the contest.

 

Babachir Lawal, Dogara meet with ‘indispensable’ Wike in Rivers

 

Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and Yakubu Dogara, former speaker of the house of representatives, met with Nyesom Wike, Rivers state governor, on Saturday.

 

The trio held a closed-door meeting at Wike’s country home in Rumueprikom, Obio-Akpor LGA of Rivers.

 

Dogara said the visit was geared towards finding ways to build an all-inclusive Nigeria, while he described Wike as an “indispensable” politician.

 

“Everyone agrees with us that Governor Wike is one of those indispensable political leaders,” he said.

Two women arrested for allegedly stealing baby in Ogun

Two women have been arrested by the police for allegedly stealing a baby boy in Ogun State.

The two women were nabbed by men of the Ogun state Police Command on July 25.

It was gathered that one of the suspects, 53-year-old Chinyere Nwozu, was seen with the crying one week old baby at about 9 am of the said date.

As she could not breastfeed the crying baby as a mother, members of the public became suspicious and they immediately alerted the police at Sango Ota divisional headquarters.

‘Kemi Adetiba brought me out’ – Actress Sola Sobowale

 

Veteran actress, Sola Sobowale, has noted that filmmaker, Kemi Adetiba, ‘brought her out’ in the movie industry.

 

In an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, published on Saturday, Sobowale spoke about her lead role as Eniola Salami in Adetiba’s King of Boys.

 

While speaking on her relationship with the filmmaker, Sobowale noted that Adetiba knows her more than she knows herself.

 

“There’s something about Kemi Adetiba. Kemi Adetiba will tell you who Sola Sobowale is. I don’t even know myself. Kemi knows me more than I know myself,” Sobowale said.

 

ICPC secures forfeiture of N120m traced to teacher who earns N76k as monthly salary

A federal high court sitting in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of N120 million linked to the account of Roseline Egbuha, a primary school teacher and her accomplices.

 

The court ordered that the money as well as cars which form part of the N540 million proceeds of crime should be forfeited to the federal government.

 

According to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Egbuha was arrested in June 2020 for allegedly laundering N550 million.

 

At the time of her arrest in 2020, Egbuha, a teacher at Ozala primary school, Abagana, Anambra, was on a monthly salary of N76,000 and had N540 million stashed in her bank account with Guaranty Trust Bank.