₦airaland Forum

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has directed the suspension of the state’s guidelines on safe termination of pregnancy.

Prof. Akin Abayomi, the state Commissioner for Health, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday, July 7, in Lagos.

Abayomi noted that the guidelines had generated immense public interest which necessitated escalating it to the Governor.

He said that the governor advised further sensitisation of the public and key stakeholders to ensure a clearer understanding of the objectives of the guidelines.

“To this end, we are suspending the implementation of these guidelines in the meantime for the Executive Council to deliberate on this matter and ensure adequate public sensitisation and stakeholder engagement to reach a consensus required for a successful guideline development,” he said.

According to him, the ministry is seeking different methods to eliminate illegal abortions and ensure that a mother does not die at childbirth, thereby disrupting an entire family unit.

The Lagos commissioner said that illegal abortions and high-risk pregnancies leading to unresolvable complications rank high among the several factors that contribute to maternal mortality.

“In this regard, it became imperative to examine, in keeping with existing National and State laws and policies, if there are indeed justifications and medical reasons to offer abortion to a woman whose life is threatened by a pregnancy,” he said.

He noted that following this, the guideline was developed over four years through painstaking work by experts in Law and in Obstetrics, and Gynaecology.

Abayomi noted that the guidelines’ focus was on creating the opportunity to reduce maternal mortality in line with existing laws.

He said that the ministry remains committed to planning, devising, and implementing policies that promote qualitative, affordable, and equitable healthcare services to the citizens.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/lagos-suspends-guidelines-on-safe-lawful-abortion-seeks-more-stakeholders-discourse/

Popular Nollywood actor, Uche Maduagwu has claimed that he was arrested by security operatives for coming out as gay in 2021.

The actor on Tuesday, July 5 announced on his Instagram platform that he was born gay and would forever be gay. Maduagwu did not stop there, he also condemned the death sentence given to a man in Bauchi for being gay.

On Wednesday, July 6, the actor claimed that he was arrested for being a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender (LGBT) community. He also mentioned that he will be leading a protest in the coming days following the arrest.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/uche-maduagwu-claims-he-was-arrested-for-coming-out-as-gay/

Veteran Nigerian rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem has been diagnosed with kidney failure.

Myke Pam, an associate of the singer, revealed his health condition in a statement via Instagram on Wednesday, July 6.

Pam said Abdulkareem has been undergoing dialysis in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos state since his diagnosis.

He said the ailing singer has been put on an appointment for a kidney transplant, adding that the surgery will take place later this month.

He said one of the singer’s family members has volunteered to be the donor.

The associate called on the singer’s fans to pray for him during his “challenging times”.

“Eedris Abdulkareem of ‘Nigeria Jaga Jaga’ fame needs the sincere and unalloyed prayers of all Nigerians and his fans around the world in these hours of his travails,” the statement read in part.

“The Lakreem Entertainment Inc. boss has recently been diagnosed with kidney failure and has been undergoing dialysis since the detection at a reputable hospital here in Lagos, Nigeria.

“The date for the transplant surgery is now fixed for the end of this month of July.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/eedris-abdulkareem-battles-kidney-failure/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the July 16 Osun State Governorship election as low-hanging fruit for the party.

The party’s National Secretary, Mr Samuel Anyanwu, stated this on Wednesday, July 6, in Abuja.

He spoke when the party’s Special Reconciliation Committee for Osun and Lagos submitted its interim report on Osun State to the party National Working Committee (NWC).

Anyanwu said that the PDP had no doubt about winning Osun State, which according to him would be extended to Lagos and other South West states.

“On behalf of the NWC, we want to appreciate you for your time because we know how tasking this could be

“We pray that this assignment will yield fruit. By the special grace of God, Osun State is low-hanging fruit for PDP. This time around, we are going to win again.

“It will be in the history of our party that this committee devised the process of wining Osun and we are going to send you more assignments.

“We have no doubt that Osun was a positive report on Lagos State. If we are able to win Osun and Lagos State, we are already for the South West,” Anyanwu said.

The party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who accepted the interim report, commended the committee for its speedy response to the call of the party.


Damagum, who is also the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North), described the way the reconciliation was carried out as one of the best.

“In less than six to seven weeks after the assignment was given, we have seen your handiwork.

“The moment you were inaugurated, you hit the road. It has yielded fruits greatly, and we are sure of victory.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/pdp-expresses-confidence-in-victory-during-osun-gov-elections/

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika says Nigeria will have a national carrier before the end of 2022.

Sirika said this at a two-day Africa Public Private Partnership Network (AP3N) Investment programme held in Abuja on Tuesday, July 5.

The programme was organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission with the theme, “Financing Africa’s Infrastructure through Public-Private Partnership (PPP).”

Nigeria Air is the nation’s proposed national carrier which was unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom in July 2018.

The minister, represented by Mr Akin Olateru, the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), said the Air Transport License had been issued.

“We have a team in place, the Air Transport License has been issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and we are in the process of processing the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) which will lead to the start of the airline.

“When you are setting up an airline, there are five phases for the AOC process.

“You need to bring in airplanes when you are in phase three. So in phases one and two, you do not need to bring an airplane but you need to have identified them.

”But because people do not understand the process in aviation, they see it as another business. But aviation has its peculiarities and strict guidelines in everything we do,” Sirika stated.

The panelist who discussed the topic “Transforming the Aviation Sector through Private Sector Participation” underscored the need for funding from private investment in the sector to ensure efficiency.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/sirika-aviation-minister-says-national-carrier-will-be-ready-before-end-of-2022/

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. – Gen. Farouk Yahaya, have pledged their readiness to collectively ensure lasting peace in the state.

The duo made the promise when the COAS paid a courtesy call to the governor in Owerri on Monday, July 4, as part of activities marking the 2022 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

Uzodinma thanked the COAS and his team for thinking towards the state and expressed hope that NADCEL would help to renew the zeal of the officers for the overall security of Nigeria.

He promised to be committed to the welfare of veterans and widows of fallen officers as well as the needs of serving officers.

The governor appealed for more support from the Army to stamp out oil bunkering activities in the state and also called for increased civil-military co-operation to allay the fears of the populace.

”I strongly believe that our military deserve to be honoured and celebrated for their bravery and dedication to duty, hence the NADCEL, which hopefully, will renew the zeal of officers of the Army for the overall security of Nigeria.

”The need for increased synergy between the armed forces of our nation cannot be over-emphasised. I, therefore, urge our security agencies to come together for the overall good of Nigerians,” Uzodinma said.

Reacting, Yahaya thanked the government and people of Imo for hosting NADCEL and said that he had come to pay a formal homage to his host, the governor.

He pledged commitment to work with the governor, to ensure lasting peace in the state.

”I appreciate the government and people of Imo for the hospitality and for hosting the 2022 NADCEL.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/uzodinma-coas-synergise-for-lasting-peace-in-imo/

A man set his house ablaze with his wife and children in it in Kwara State.

The man, said to be a resident of Lekki Phase 1, Eyenkorin Area of Ilorin, Kwara State, had a disagreement with his wife before he set fire to their house on Sunday, July 3.

It was gathered that the man and his wife, who have 4 children, had been living separately due to irreconcilable differences.

The man, who left the house he shared with his wife and kids reportedly asked his wife and children to pack out of the building but the wife refused, claiming the house was a joint venture between her and the man.

Following her refusal, the man sprayed the building with petrol on Sunday, July 3, and set it ablaze.

Men of the state fire service said that their timely intervention saved the building from total destruction.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/man-sets-family-members-ablaze-in-kwara-state/

Several students of the Peaceland College of Education, Enugu escaped death by whiskers on Thursday, June 30 when fire gutted some parts of the school’s female hostel.

The institution is located opposite the Matured Students Programme of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, near the popular Nkpokiti junction, at Independence Layout, Enugu.

Several students were said to have sustained injuries when students were scampering to different directions as confusion engulfed the premises.

However, there are conflicting accounts as to what triggered the fire.

While some said it was caused by power surge some said a student left an electrical appliance on and went to class.

Though no life was lost in the inferno, it was gathered from some staff of the college that the fire destroyed the roofs, ceilings, windows, beddings among others, at the top floor worth over N30 million.

The fire, it was gathered also destroyed some certificates and other credentials of the students.

Some lecturers who spoke to correspondent on condition of anonymity, said save for timely intervention of men of the Enugu State Fire Service the fire would have razed down the entire hostel and other classroom blocks.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/enugu-students-escape-following-fire-outbreak-on-campus/

Moses Simon is the only Nigerian player nominated for the 2021/22 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder made 30 appearances last term for Nantes, scoring 6 goals and creating 8 assists.

The most notable absentee from the CAF list is Napoli hitman and Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen who scored 14 goals and created 2 assists in 2021/22 Italian Serie A season.

Moses Simon will be up against eight current Premier League players including Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez, as well as numerous other stars plying their trade around the world.

It is the first time the award will be presented since 2019 due to Covid-19 pandemic, with recent Bayern Munich acquisition, Sadio Mane the current holder of the prestigious award.

See the full list of shortlisted nominees below:

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Manchester City)
Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso & Aston Villa)
Blati Toure (Burkina Faso & Pyramids)
Edmund Tapsoba (Burkina Faso & Bayer Leverkusen)
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon & Napoli)
Karl Toko Ekambi (Cameroon & Lyon)
Vincent Aboubacar (Cameroon & Al Nassr)
Youssouf M’Changama (Comoros & Guingamp)
Franck Kessie (Cote d’Ivoire & AC Milan)
Sebastien Haller (Cote d’Ivoire & Ajax)
Mohamed Abdelmonem (Egypt & Al Ahly)
Mohamed ElNeny (Egypt & Arsenal)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)
Mohamed Shenawy (Egypt & Al Ahly)
Musa Barrow (Gambia & Bologna)
Naby Keita (Guinea & Liverpool)
Aliou Dieng (Mali & Al Awarded
Hamari Traore (Mali & Rennes)
Yves Bissouma (Mali & Tottenham Hotspur)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco & Paris Saint-Germain)...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/moses-simon-nominated-for-caf-award/

Naima Idris Usman is a medical doctor and reproductive health specialist from Northern Nigeria. She founded the Musan Lafiyarmu foundation to help create, and spread awareness on health related issues.

During the Covid19 pandemic, the foundation donated countless of hand sanitizers and disinfectants to the needy.

Naima uses her social media platforms to advocate for feminine health and hygiene. She leaves no stone unturned in her advocacy which leads to her videos, particularly on Instagram, being tagged as controversial.

Her alma maters include; Queen’s College, Lagos, Southeast University, China and the University of Port Harcourt. Naima is currently a Mandela Washington Fellow at Texas Tech University.

Awards
Nominee for the 16th edition of The future Awards Africa (Advocacy).
11th Diamond special recognition awards (women empowerment through health and safety).

Naima can be said to have single-handedly helped in dismantling the barriers surrounding issues that affect the reproductive health of women online. Her videos are done in Hausa, English and Pidgin. You can find her on Instagram @girls_talk_series where she has a large following of 140000 people.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/naima-idris-usman-feminine-health-and-hygiene-advocate/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed worries over the low rate of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) collection in Lagos State.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, made this known at the Eighth Annual Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Thursday, June 30, in Lagos.

The meeting is organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly on the importance of PVC ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The meeting holds simultaneously in the 40 constituencies of the state.

Agbaje was represented by an INEC official, Mr Emmanuel Adegboyega, during the meeting held at the Eti-Osa II Constituency.

Agbaje said, ”The low rate of PVC collection in Lagos State is worrisome as only 6,382 PVCs out of 34,242 received from the commission’s headquarters for the first and second quarters CVR had been collected by their owners.

“This is just 18.6 per cent; similarly, for the old PVCs, a total of 1,091,157 are still uncollected by their owners.”

He urged stakeholders to properly educate and mobilise voters in line with the Electoral Act 2022 and 1999 Constitution as amended.

According to him, such is a significant area where the commission needs the positive input of all stakeholders to complement its ongoing efforts towards improving the level of awareness.

“This will no doubt increase the PVC collection rate.

“Also, avoid voter apathy that have characterised past elections in the state where only 1,156,590 out of 6,570,291 registered voters, that is, 17.6 per cent participated in the 2019 general election in the state,” the INEC official said.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/inec-bemoans-low-rate-of-pvc-collection-in-lagos-voters-apathy/

The Senate, on Wednesday, June 29, at plenary, screened and confirmed all the seven ministerial nominees sent by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 21.

Buhari had in a letter that conveyed the names of the ministerial nominees to Senate, explained that the confirmation request was in accordance with the provisions of Section 147 subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

Out of the seven nominees screened and confirmed by Senate, three were excused from taking questions from lawmakers.

This was because of their legislative background and experience, in line with the tradition of the Senate, while four of nominees answered questions from the lawmakers.

The nominees excused from questions at the screening were Goodluck Nana Opiah (Imo), Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub (Kano) and Ademola Adewole Adegoroye (Ondo).

Those who responded to questions included Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh (Abia) Umana Okon Umana (Akwa Ibom), Ekumankama Joseph Nkama (Ebonyi) and Odum Odi (Rivers).

Responding to questions earlier, Ikoh, a nominee from Abia, promised to contribute to development of the nation’s economy, if confirmed, given his background in the private sector as an industrialist.

On how jobs could be created for the teeming unemployed youths, Ikoh re-emphasised the need for the establishment of modular refineries, to refine the nation’s crude oil locally.

Responding to questions on how to improve the revenue and foreign exchange earnings to Nigeria, the nominee from Akwa Ibom, Umana Okon Umana, said the free trade zone was a veritable platform to improve the nation’s revenue earnings.

He advised that effort should be made to improve Nigeria’s production sector for export, which would enable the inflows of foreign exchange .
The nominee from Ebonyi, when asked how he could contribute to youth development, given his youthful age, said there was need to ensure a national re-orientation for the youths, on get-rich-quick mentality.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/senate-screens-confirms-buharis-seven-ministerial-nominees/

Nigerian movie director, Austin Faani, the husband of Nigerian actress, Chacha Eke has addressed the allegations that he has been physically assaulting his partner.

Earlier, News Round The Clock reported that Chacha Eke announced that she was walking away from her marriage based on domestic violence allegations.

The actress mentioned that it is preferable she ‘quit while she was still alive than leave as a corpse’. She went on to state other reasons for deciding to walk away from her union with the movie director.

However, in a statement shared on Austin Faani’s Instagram page on Tuesday, June 28; the movie director mentioned that he is not a violent person, hence, he has no reason to assault the mother of his children.

His statement reads;

https://newsroundtheclock.com/austin-faani-chacha-ekes-husband-breaks-silence-over-domestic-violence-allegations/

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has said that the State Government relied on an extanct legislation to direct residents to acquire weapons to defend themselves.

This is contained in a statement issued by Jamilu Magaji, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, June 28.

Magaji stated that the governor made the remark while inaugurating some security committees in Gusau.

The statement explained that the governor’s directive was part of the administration’s efforts to tackle protracted security challenges in the state.

It added that the State Government was aware of the misgivings expressed in some quarters regarding the new measure.

It noted that the measure was meant “to encourage the communities suffering almost daily from the inhuman aggressions from the bandits to acquire firearms to defend their communities.



“Self-defence is a natural instinct and has always been part of human survival strategy.

“As those entrusted with the safety of lives and property of the people, we will do everything possible to uphold this responsibility within the ambit of the law.

“We are also aware that the security forces are doing their best to combat this formidable challenge.

“Their efforts are, however, hampered by the lack of adequate modern warfare equipment and the dearth of personnel.

“Our decision to mobilise people to secure their communities is, therefore, for the people to complement the efforts of the conventional security forces in dealing with banditry and fishing out informants

“The acquisition and usage of firearms by the public, who desire to do so, would be governed by the Nigeria Firearms Act,” he further stated.

The statement added that the state government had explored all options to address the issue to no avail...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/matawalle-why-we-directed-citizens-to-acquire-guns/

Popular Yoruba movie actor, Taiwo Hassan who is better known as Ogogo has explained why he engaged in a scuffle with a tout in Ilaro, Ogun State.

In a video that surfaced online, the actor was seen brawling with an unidentified man in the midst of a crowd; and afterwards getting into his car and driving away from the scene.

In reaction to the incident, Ogogo took to his Instagram page on Friday, June 24, 2022, to tell his own side of the story.

He said after parting with all the money he had on him, a greedy fan demanded for more and dragged his native attire ‘agbada’ in the process which resulted in his reaction.

Infuriated by the harassment, Ogogo engaged in a bout with the fan after he dared him to do his worst.


Narrating what happened, Ogogo said; “Before bloggers pick this up, let me tell my side of the story and the truth.”
He added;

‘I was in Ilaro, my own home town, for an inspection of a project, after which some unknown guys walked up to me for the normal appraisals.

‘We watch your movie’, ‘give up money; ‘We watched you all through our childhood’…

https://newsroundtheclock.com/actor-ogogo-explains-why-he-physically-engaged-touts-in-ogun-state-video/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria dropped by one point from 30 to 31 in the latest Fifa global ranking and are 4th in Africa. Meaning that their great start to the Afcon qualifiers has failed to boost their status.

The Super Eagles dropped a step down to make room for Tunisia, as the Carthage Eagles are now 30th in the world and third on the continent. Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions complete the top five ranking teams in Africa.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/fifa-rankings-nigeria-drop-by-one-spot/

Senator Ike Ekweremadu has been charged with conspiring to traffic a child to the UK in order to harvest his organs.

According to a BBC London report, Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court in West London, on Thursday June 23, 2022.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/video-ike-ekweremadu-wife-appears-in-london-court/

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate says only the PDP will wrestle from the All Progressives Congress in 2023 general elections.

Okowa stated this while addressing the people of Delta and party faithful who turned out enmasse to receive him at the Grand Reception organised by the State PDP on Thursday, June 23, in Asaba after his emergence as the party’s Vice Presidential candidate.

The governor, who appreciated God and thanked Nigerians for his elevation and support, said he was grateful to the Party Presidential Flagbearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, for selecting and nominating him as the vice presidential candidate.

According to Okowa, the Atiku/Okowa joint ticket is for victory, hope and the only ticket that will rescue power from the APC led government come 2023.

He said that the nation needed to pray, be resilient and be hopeful, adding that the process of rebuilding the country and give hope to the youth, women and indeed to Nigerians has begun.

Okowa advised youths not to be carried away by the euphoria of the time but remain committed to work with PDP for the positive change that would come.

He said that he had in the past seven years, with the support of youths, built Delta State, adding that this would be replicated in the national level should the party emerge winner.

The governor said that the PDP-led government, if returned to power, would tackle insecurity, create jobs and rebuild the economy and ensure that education remained key to end this incessant strikes in federal universities and other institutions.

“Atiku has been talking on the need to restructure the country and the need to engage the private sector to provide opportunities for the youth and women.

“We wants to assure the private sector that a new hope is coming and we shall tackle the issues of insecurity by providing jobs for the youth.

“We cannot do this alone but with the support of the women and youths; we shall bring back Nigeria among respected nations in the world.

”So, I urge all of you to go out there to register and collect your Permanent Voters’ Cards and by the grace of God we will win in 2023,” Okowa said.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/okowa-confident-pdp-will-regain-power-in-2023-elections/

The Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige says the Federal Government has been meeting with the Academic Union of Universities (ASUU) over its lingering strike and assured Nigerians that the dispute with the lecturers will be resolved soon.

Ngige said this on Wednesday, June 22, while briefing the press after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja.

According to him, contrary to insinuations that the government was not engaging with ASUU, there have been a series of meetings between all parties, and the next one is scheduled for Thursday to resolve the face-off.

“As the issue is bordered on money, remunerations, welfare, we did another conciliation meeting inviting the ministry of finance, budget office of the federation, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and again, with their employers on the 1st of March,” Ngige added.

“After that, it became clear that two cardinal things were still keen — the issue of renegotiation of their welfare package as in the 2009 agreement; that agreement says you can review every five years, so, that issue stuck out like a sore thumb.

“Then another issue arose in that agreement — the payment platform of university transparency, accountability solution, which they say they’ve invented. They said they don’t want to be on IPPIS; that IPPIS was amputating their salaries and taking off certain allowances, and so, that it is not capturing their peculiarities.

“So, we now have to ask them to go back to these places, form committees with them. Education took them on the issue of 2009 agreement, which is renegotiation of their conditions of service, emolument, their remuneration allowances. Therefore, salaries, income and wages, and ministry of finance that produce the money are involved. So, they went back.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ngige-says-ASUU-strike-to-be-resolved-soon/

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River on Tuesday, June 21, disclosed that the state would work hard to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer, Sen. Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, Ayade said he remained committed to the victory of the party at the polls, regardless of the outcome of the presidential primaries.

“As for my presidential ambition, indeed, l am grateful to God that he gave me the opportunity to showcase to the country what I had to offer.

“I am happy because sincerely, l like the reactions that l have received from various people about my speech at the primaries.

“There was a clear indication that everyone knew that l had something to offer this country, but it was not my time, it was not my day.

“It was someone else’s and l am happy for Sen. Bola Tinubu who has taken the ticket of our party.

“Based on the principle of our party, we will all work to deliver him come 2023. Cross River will ensure 100 per cent votes for our presidential candidate,” he said.

On his recent foreign business trip to Spain, Ayade disclosed that the aim of his visit was to explore opportunities for the take-off of Cally Airlines as an entity.

“I just got back from Spain where l went for an extensive meeting and discussions with the intent to actually bring oxygen to Cally Air.

“As you are well aware, Cally Air has two aircraft and we need three to be licensed to actually run an independent airline. That has been a challenge for some time now.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/tinubu-cross-river-gov-ayade-pledges-to-deliver-state-for-apc-in-2023/

A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from ending voter registration on June 30.

The interim order was granted on Monday by Justice Mobolaji Johnson after hearing an ex parte motion filed by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against INEC.

SERAP sued INEC over the commission’s failure to extend the voter registration.

It asked the court to declare as unconstitutional, illegal, and incompatible with international standards the commission’s failure to extend the deadline for voter registration to allow eligible Nigerians to exercise their rights.

In the suit filed alongside 185 others, SERAP asked the court for an order restraining INEC, its agents, or any other person(s) claiming through it from discontinuing the continuous voters’ registration exercise from June 30 pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.



Justice Johnson adjourned the matter until June 29 to hear the motion on notice.

SERAP said the suit was premised on the grounds that INEC extended the deadline for the conduct of primaries but failed to also extend the online pre-registration which ended May 30 and the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ending June 30.

In the suit with the number FHC/L/CS/1034/2022 filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, and transferred to Abuja, SERAP is asking the court for the following reliefs amongst others:

“To determine whether the failure of INEC to extend the deadline for voter registration is not a violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, and international standards.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/court-stops-inec-from-ending-voter-registration-june-30/

On Tuesday 14th of June 2022, at exactly 1:16 pm, a certain Ameerah Sufyan claimed that she had been kidnapped. She shared this on Twitter. Her tweet stated that she was kidnapped at gunpoint, with 17 other people, including 3 pregnant women, from different parts of Abuja. Naturally, her tweet raised a lot of alarm on Twitter spaces, with users calling on security forces to quickly rescue the alleged abductees.

On Friday 17th of June, the FCT police force debunked the alleged incident and states that Ameerah has in fact been found, and not rescued. Since this development, Twitter users have become agog and want an explanation. This article will point out five inconsistencies since the beginning of the saga.

1. Possession of a mobile device

It is not news that when people are under hostage one of the first things the hijackers do is thoroughly search their victims. Particularly for mobile devices. Somehow, Ameerah successfully hid her device, while still under constant surveillance.

2. Clear and concise information
When the alleged abductee started sharing updates about the kidnappings, she used clear language while passing her message. There was no iota of panic whatsoever in any of her messages.

3. WhatsApp location updates
While alternating between Twitter and WhatsApp, she shared her location to several people on her WhatsApp. Which again begs the question : how have they still not caught you?

https://newsroundtheclock.com/5-inconsistencies-in-the-alleged-kidnapping-of-ameerah-sufyan/

Former Vice-President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku has chosen Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta as his running mate for the 2023 poll.

Atiku said this at an unveiling of his running mate at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday, June 16.
He said that choosing his running mate was a difficult task as three eminently qualified persons were recommended, out of which Okowa was finally selected.

“It is a difficult decision that I was called upon to take. But, as someone hoping to lead a complex country such as ours, tough and difficult decisions would remain a part of my everyday life.

“Let me, therefore, start this momentous journey with a crucial decision about who, among the eminently qualified shortlist, would be my running mate.

“Accordingly, let me state that the person I have chosen as my running mate possesses all those identified qualities.

“He personifies not only the seriousness the current moment represents for our country but also the future that our young people yearn for and deserve.

“He is a serving state governor who has demonstrated, in his state and through his conduct, that governance is about service to the people,” he said.

Atiku added: “Please join me in welcoming to the ticket the next Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Gov. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.”

In his statement, Okowa says it is time for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) return to power at the centre, after being in the opposition for many years.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/atiku-picks-okowa-as-running-mate/

Excellence is the deliberate effort to achieve a dream. Tanitoluwa Adewumi is an excellent achiever. At age 11, he stands tall among his peers as a fantastic chess player.

Who is Tanitoluwa Adewumi?
Born on September 3, 2010, Adewumi is a Nigerian-American chess player who got into the United States with his family as refugees. He is the son of Kayode and Oluwatoyin Adewumi, devoted Christians who sought asylum in the United States due to the attacks by Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, in Northern Nigeria.

In early 2018, he played in his first tournament. His performance was quite impressive which got him commendations from his coaches.

Competitions
In March 2019, he competed in the 52nd Annual New York State Scholastic Championships in Saratoga Springs, New York. He won the event outright with a score of 5.5/6 (five wins, one draw, no losses). This made him to become the 28th youngest chess player in history to do so.

In August, 2021, he won the under-12 division of the North American Youth Chess Championship with a score of 8/9. Also, in April 2022, he scored 7.0/9 in the New York Spring Invitational Norm event.

Accolades
His achievements have been recognized by some notable personalities in the world. Former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, described Adewumi as one with a winning spirit.

He said, “’Refugees enrich our nation and talent is universal, even if opportunity is not.’ This story made me smile. Tanitoluwa, you exemplify a winning spirit – in chess and in life. And kudos to your hardworking parents. You all should stop by my office in Harlem; I’d love to meet you.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/tanitoluwa-adewumi-a-chess-player-par-excellence/

The Senate has directed the Federal Ministry of Justice to ensure the prosecution of any official of the Correctional Service found complicit in the unjustified incarceration of minors.

It also directed its Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters; and Interior to investigate the circumstances surrounding the admission of each inmate of the Borstal facilities and come up with appropriate recommendations to the Senate.

These were resolutions reached by the Senate on Wednesday, June 15, after it considered a motion on “The need to investigate admission of inmates and operations of Borstal facilities across Nigeria”.

The motion was sponsored by Sen. Oluremi Tinubu (APC-Lagos) during the plenary.

The Senate also directed the relevant authorities to ensure the implementation of the Child Rights Act 2003; while urging State Assemblies across the country on its domestication.


Tinubu noted that the Borstal Institutions attempt to keep delinquents out of prison and away from adult offenders to avoid molestation and negative influence that could make them become repeat offenders.

According to her, there are only three borstal facilities in Nigeria, situated in Kaduna, Abeokuta, and Ilorin.

Tinubu observed that these Borstal facilities were established to admit only male juvenile delinquents between ages 16 and 21 on the day of conviction.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/senate-seeks-prosecution-of-officials-behind-unlawful-incarceration-of-minors/

Popular Nigerian actress, Ada Ameh has explained in a newly released post on her Instagram platform that she is currently battling an issue that is threatening to ‘take her life’.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday morning, June 15, the ‘The Johnsons’ actress stated that there is an underlying issue that is affecting her life and she requires the assistance of the ‘good people’

In the video, Ameh who lost her only daughter in October 2020 stated, “It is taking my life.”

The actress went further to reveal that due to her mental health challenge, she didn’t follow through on a job and she’s being sued for it.

Sharing the video on Instagram, she included the caption, “Do me good. Because God is good”

In her words;

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ada-ameh-nigerian-actress-breaks-down-over-an-issue-taking-her-life-video/

Nigerian musician, Temilade Openiyi, who is better known as Tems on Tuesday, June 14 revealed that she has been diagnosed with Reflux Laryngitis.

Specifically, the medical condition known as Reflux laryngitis is an irritation in the back of the throat due to acid or other chemicals that come up from your stomach.

She noted that her upcoming shows have now been postponed due to the medical condition.

It breaks my heart to say this but there has been no other option for me. I’m not feeling too good at the moment. After my last performance, I was diagnosed with Reflux Laryngitis and I have to take some time off to protect what’s left of my voice,” she wrote.

On doctor’s order, I have to postpone the two shows this week. The new dates for both shows will be announced tomorrow.

All tickets are still valid! Again I am so sorry. I am so sorry for this inconvenience but I promise to be back better than ever by the grace of God. Then I'll give you the best show ever. Appreciate you all for understanding. You mean the world to me. Love you

https://twitter.com/temsbaby/status/1536767281396690945?t=PRGozYMOCnaarxkKOM-AZA&s=19

The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, has boasted that no political party can wrestle power from the ruling APC.

He said APC has brought so much development to the country that it will be difficult for any other political party to defeat it in any election.

Tinubu gave the assertion at the grand finale of the campaign activities of APC for the Ekiti Governorship election on Tuesday, June 14, at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.

He said going by President Muhammadu Buhari-led government’s developmental strides, it will be difficult for any political party to take over governance from the party at the moment or in the nearest future.

Tinubu, who allayed the fears of infighting in APC as a result of the just concluded presidential primary election, said it is making the party stronger, stable and united now than before.

He assured Ekiti people of more development and dividends of democracy if they vote for APC in the June 18 governorship election and the 2023 general elections.

“There is no home without a quarrel. Democracy is full of twists and thorns, hills and valleys; but we cannot burn down the house, I am not going to be a party to that. I am not only a builder but a successful builder.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has asked me to deliver a message to APC members, particularly those in Ekiti to work for the unity, stability, and progress of our dear party ahead of the 2023 elections.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/tinubu-scores-apc-government-high-in-national-development/

Popular Nigerian thespian, Mercy Aigbe has broken her silence following the bout between herself and Lagos socialite, Omolara Olukotun.

The movie star took her Instagram Stories on Monday, June 13, 2022, where she gave her side of the story.

“I have been bullied several times online by Larrit (Lara). She calls me unprintable names unprovoked. Yesterday, she took it a step further by physically assaulting me. I was at a friend’s store opening to celebrate with her,” she wrote.

“Larrit was one of the guests.
This woman for some reasons best known to her, slanders me at every opportunity she gets. She has done many live videos and posts to this effect.
I tried to reach out to her to understand what the issues were but she chose to ignore them.”

Aigbe also revealed that she has known and done business with the socialite for a while. She, however, wondered what her grievance against her was all about.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/mercy-aigbe-narrates-her-side-of-the-story-following-fight-with-lara-olukotun/

Nigerian actress, Mercy Aigbe and popular socialite, Omolara Olukotun, the founder of Larrit Shoe Village (LSV) allegedly engaged in a brawl at a recent event in Lagos state.

According to reports gathered, the incident happened on Sunday, June 12, 2022, at the Lekki axis of Lagos.

Friends and partners of a popular businesswoman, Remmy Gold, had gathered at the launch of her new plaza located in Lekki.

The event was attended by several movie stars and socialites including Iyabo Ojo, Aigbe, Eniola Ajao and Bimbo Thomas.

In the video that surfaced online, the drama started after Aigbe and Larrit got into a heated argument.

It didn’t take long before Larrit threw a bottle at the actress and the two went all physical with each other.


Watch the video below...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/mercy-aigbe-fights-socialite-lara-olukotun-at-event-in-lagos/

Now that the major players in the political scene in Nigeria have known their Presidential candidates, the battle is now set for who occupies the number one seat in the land between Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

Not ruling out the chances of other presidential candidates of other political parties, these three are seen as the frontrunners for the top seat in Nigeria for the upcoming 2023 general election.

The credibility of these men can’t be questioned having been in the public office for over a decade except for Obi who is a two term governor in Anambra.

The fact remains that it is a game of number. Who will get the highest number of votes come 2023?

By this time next year, Nigeria will have another President in power. It won’t be a surprise if one of them emerge the winner of the election.

Peter Obi gaining a lot of followers on social media

The social media has been no doubt a huge tool in the Nigeria space, especially join political and entertainment matters.

This could be the reason Peter Obi has been putting this to a good use. His support base has risen in matter of days after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party for the Labour Party.

“Whenever I hear of NO STRUCTURE, my answer to it is simple; the 100 million Nigerians that live in poverty will be the structure. The 35 million Nigerians who don’t know where their next meal will come from will be the structure,” Peter Obi responded in one of his tweets.

But the questions many needs to answer is that will that result into votes come next year? The obvious answer is no.

The social media campaign is good so far it is not of hate or some shrewd propaganda to smear the image of your opponent.

But can Peter Obi who against all odds emerged governor in Anambra, breaking the stronghold of the PD in the state do it again as a President? Time will tell.

Obi is said to have no structure to gather enough votes. But the former Anambra governor has claimed that his structure are those that have been disappointed by government in the past alongside the youths.

Can Tinubu do the job?
Tinubu has the needed resources but his barrier will be his ill health should he emerge the President.

There have been videos on the internet that shows that this would pose a huge challenge for him.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/2023-battle-line-drawn-for-tinubu-obi-and-atiku/