I welcome, with much happiness, the safe release of the remaining 23 kidnapped train passengers held in captivity by Boko Haram terrorists. Like the entire nation, I am delighted by this news, and we are all grateful to the military and other security agencies.
Our nation's Armed Forces, and all other security and intelligence agencies, are as good as any. Given the needed support and encouragement, as we have been doing, there is no task that they cannot accomplish. I commend them for this remarkable outcome.
I congratulate and rejoice with the families of the victims for having them back alive.
I have made it very clear to our security and intelligence agencies that the ongoing momentum being experienced in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping must be sustained at all times, across the country. We must continue to work to secure every inch of our land.
Nigeria’s @DefenceInfoNG announcing that the remaining 23 kidnapped victims from the Abuja-Kaduna Train attack have regained their freedom today. This chapter of a most harrowing saga is finally over - even though the trauma will no doubt linger for victims and families.
Singer, Bukola Elemide, also known as Asa, has issued a copyright infringement notice to her colleague, Joseph Akinfenwa, aka Joeboy, over his recently-released song, “Contour”.
The notice, which was shared by Joeboy on his Instagram story on Monday, revealed that Asa demanded the sum of N300 million and gave a 24-hour ultimatum for the song to be removed from all digital streaming platforms.
The singer, through her management, also asked for a 60 per cent publishing split on the song, and a written apology, as seen in the notice.
The notice dated September 30 read in part, ”It has been brought to our attention that your newly released song, Contour (the “Song”), infringes on the copyright of our Client, as recorded/captured in a musical composition (the “Composition”) which she created in a recording session, which took place on 22 September 2020, with the producer of the Song, Alageu Michael Chidozie (p.k.a Tempoe) in attendance.
“We, hereby, demand that you immediately remove the Song from all DSPs and any other platforms within twenty-four (24) hours of your receipt of this letter, with a written apology issued to our Client as well as halt any additional infringements of our Composition, including any other infringements.”
Reactingto the suit on his Instagram story, Joeboy said that people seemed to want to take him for a ride because he was quiet.
He further dared Asa’s management to take legal action and reminded them that the 24 hours notice had elapsed.
He said, “Cos I day always do love and light you think say I be soft meat. You said I have 24 hours, it’s been 48 hours, do something.”
Tempoe also reshared Joeboy’s posts on his Instagram story.
In an attempt to clip the wings of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the Federal Government will on Tuesday present a certificate of registration to the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA), a breakaway faction of ASUU.
Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Chris Ngige will do the presentation.
This was contained in an invitation sent to reporters on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Oshundun Olajide.
CONUA, a breakaway faction of ASUU with a presence in a few federal universities, is led by its National Coordinator, ‘Niyi Sunmonu, a lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The message by the Ministry of Labour read: “The Honorable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige cordially invites you to the recognition and presentation of Certificate of Registration to the Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA).
“The Programme is scheduled to hold as follows:
“Date: Tuesday, 4th October 2022
“Venue: Hon. Minister Conference Room, Federal Secretariat, Phase 1, Abuja.
“Time: 2:00pm
“Your media organisation is invited to cover the event and strictly by invitation.”
ASUU has been on strike since February 14 to press home its demands.
Despite a ruling by the National Industrial Court on Sept 21, 2022 ordering the university to return to work, the University lecturers have remained adamant.
Last week, ASUU through its lawyers, filed an appeal against the court ruling.
Umaru Al-Makura, senator representing Nasarawa south, says Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), can be likened to leaders of the First Republic.
The First Republic was the republican government of Nigeria which spanned three years from 1963 to 1966 when the country had its first military coup.
The former Nasarawa governor said Tinubu belongs to the league of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ladoke Akintola, and Sir Ahmadu Bello — who played key roles in helping Nigeria secure its independence.
Speaking with NAN on Monday, Al-Makura said none of the presidential candidates can match the competence and achievements of the APC standard bearer for the 2023 election.
He said the combination of Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, his running mate, would put the country on the path of progress and development.
“You cannot find any of them that can come close to the combination of Tinubu and Shettima,” he said.
“Take them one by one and compare with any of the two pairs in other parties, you won’t go far before you realise that it is not a contest.
“Take Tinubu and what he has done in Lagos state and the country physically, politically, socially, culturally and economically, I do not see any presidential candidate that can match his competence, achievements and vision.
“In the course of trying to defend Nigeria’s democracy, Tinubu had to flee the country. Tinubu and others stood their guns to ensure that democracy was rooted in the country.
“How many brave Nigerians could do what Tinubu has done to this country way back in 1993? He sacrificed his time and comfort for the sake of democracy.
“For that alone, he has no equal among the presidential candidates. Take infrastructural development and transformation of Lagos.
“Look at the way he mentored people. I call him mentor of mentors. You can liken Tinubu to our leaders of the First Republic. The Sardaunas, Akintolas, the Awolowos, the Azikiwes, who made people what they were at that time.
“And this to me is a leader that is cut in their image. Talk about any prominent Nigerian.
“Get a number of prominent Nigerians that have excelled and attained certain very enviable positions, you find substantial number of them were mentored by Tinubu. Examples are all over the place to see.”
There is still uncertainty on the fate of Bashir Machina, the Yobe North Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, despite Senate President Ahmad Lawan’s concession of defeat and vowing not to appeal the judgment.
Recall that a High Court in Damaturu, Yobe State had recognized Mr Machina as the bona fide candidate for the Yobe North Senatorial District, ordering the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to include his name in their list.
But the Yobe State chapter of the APC, in a statement on Friday by its Chairman, Mohammed Gadaka, insisted that the Senate President remains the bona fide candidate for the district, as recognized by the Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC.
Mr Gadaka disclosed that the state chapter of the party would appeal the judgement that recognised Mr Machina as the candidate for the party in the Senatorial district.
The statement read: “We are aware of the Wednesday, September 28, 2022, the ruling of the Federal High Court in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, with respect to the forthcoming Yobe North Senatorial District election.
“However, we respectfully reject the decision of the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Ahmad Lawan, accepting the judgment of the court which disqualified his candidature and participation in the election.
“In exercise of our legal rights, the Yobe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has decided to appeal the Federal High Court ruling in the interest of Yobe State, Nigeria and good governance.
“We have a duty to protect and sustain Senator Ahmed Lawan’s twenty-three years exemplary sojourn as a lawmaker and his impeccable record of leadership and patriotism – and commitment to making Nigeria work.”
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, charged the party’s Presidential candidates, former Vice President, Atiku and other members of the party not to mind the doomsayers.
Udom stated this Wednesday at the venue of the PDP Presidential campaign inauguration the campaign council will carry and publicize the message on how to rescue and restore the hope of Nigerians.
He stated, “I want to say here, don’t mind the doomsayers, I read everywhere all those doomsayers saying PDP here, PDP there, but I want to assure you that PDP is a solid Rock and we know that no matter the wind it will not move the Rock. So irrespective of the wind that you see around the rock, it will not move the rock. The rock remains as solid as ever. Please don’t mind the doomsayers.
“We want to assure you that we are campaigning to win. Nothing is acceptable to PDP outside victory for PDP, But this will also require that all of us must also work.
“This time there is no sitting in Abuja, everybody will have to work hard and carry the message home. PDP is not an Abuja party, you win from your unit, your ward and not by sitting in Abuja. The campaign council will take the message to the unit”.
Also in his remarks, the Director General of PDP NCMC Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal expressed confidence that victory is assured for PDP Presidential candidate.
Tambuwal also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
The Director General NCMC assured that they are going to hit the ground running and shall work collectively as a family to ensure the victory of PDP.
Sokoto State Governor continued “all of us are going to hit the ground running and we shall work collectively as a family and expeditiously to ensure the victory of our party.
“The PDP and our candidate is the party to beat in this election, it is only for us to work and with God, on our side, we shall deliver this victory to our party and Nigerians. We have the support of Nigerians and we appeal that INEC will conduct a free and fair election, and victory by the Grace of God will be guaranteed for PDP”.
The presidency says no state has been issued authorisation to procure automatic weapons for its security outfits.
In a statement on Tuesday, the presidency said the illegal possession of automatic weapons and AK-47 remains illegal in the country.
NO STATE HAS APPROVAL OR AUTHORIZATION FOR AUTOMATIC WEAPONS
The Presidency wishes to strongly assert that there is no state, not Katsina, not any other state in the federation, that has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.
Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.
Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.
Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorization, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government.
In the specific Katsina State often cited, the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their Vigilantes for a five-day period “in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles,” emphasizing that “the Vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria but to assist them.”
The Presidency appreciates the active involvement of states with security matters.
As they continue to expand their capabilities as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities. The President in particular has expressed happiness that in the last couple of years, security outfits mandated by state governments have been associated with several important initiatives, and reports have reached him of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism.
He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels.
He, however, cautions against the politicization of security.
Government at the centre with a national mandate cannot afford to alienate Ondo State or any other state for that matter on the important issue of security and urges leaders at various levels to exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season.
A bill that seeks to include rotation of power among the geopolitical zones in the Constitution was stepped down at the Senate on Tuesday.
The journey of the bill, which started in the Senate on 26 July, was cut short at the second reading stage.
Benue South senator, Abba Moro, who sponsored the legislation, made a decision to step it down after senators argued against the bill and the manner in which it was presented.
Before the bill was withdrawn, Mr Moro referred to the principle of federal character in the Constitution which requires fair and equitable representation of different ethnic and regional groups.
He also noted that for Nigeria, as an ethnic and diverse nation, power rotation can be a veritable tool for national integration, peace and stability.
The legislation, he explained, was not intended for the 2023 general elections “because by the time it runs its full cycle, the elections would have been concluded and for democracy to thrive, it must be adapted to the political realism of its environment.”
Plateau senator, Istifanus Gyang, was the only lawmaker who spoke in favour of the bill which he said seeks to address the management of diversity in the country.
Feelings and sentiments, he added, can be addressed with the existence of such legislation.
“Parties adopt principles of rotation but bringing a statute to formalise it is better,” he said. “Ethnic minorities suffering would as a result of marginalisation, be grateful to the ninth assembly.”
For Bala Na’Allah (APC, Kebbi), the danger of rotation will do great violence to the desire to live as a united country.
The Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, noted that the bill is not a constitutional amendment bill and therefore must be represented as such.
“To deprive somebody of the right to run for office through a piece of legislation, contrary to the Constitution, will render that Act, null and void,” he explained.
He would go on to mock senators of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) whom he said were speaking based on sentiments.
If the PDP senators are serious, he said, they should “plead with their presidential candidate to step down so that power can come to the South. Why wait to codify this into law?
Adamu Bulkachuwa (APC, Bauchi North) was arguing against the bill when Mr Moro raised a Point of Order – 42 and announced his decision to withdraw the bill.
He said after listening to the debate from colleagues, he would step down the legislation, make further amendments and represent it in a proper manner on another legislative day.
The proposed legislation comes amid crisis in different political parties arising from disagreement over power rotation.
The gale of defection that hit major political parties like the APC and the PDP, especially at the state and National Assemblies, was essentially because lawmakers disagreed with their state governors who had other candidates to impose or insisted that a candidate from another district be given tickets.
The current crisis at the PDP is based on the demand by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and some southern leaders to balance the lopsidedness in the leadership structure of the party.
Dani Alves has named Cristiano Ronaldo as the toughest opponent he's ever played against, singing his praises in a new interview.
Alves tussled with Ronaldo for several years during his illustrious first spell at Barcelona where he won six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns, among countless other honours and accolades.
Establishing himself as one of the greatest full backs in the game's history, Alves has shared the pitch with plenty of football's biggest stars and had to defend against some incredible players.
Now plying his trade in Mexico with Pumas UNAM, the 39-year-old sat down with ESPN journalist Hugo Sanchez, and when asked who the toughest opponent he had faced was, he picked Ronaldo.
"This b*****d doesn't let you breathe for a second. I didn't do too badly, but it's difficult.
"He's a scoring machine," he added, paying tribute to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner who tore up La Liga for Real Madrid while Alves played with Lionel Messi for Barcelona.
Ronaldo is currently Real's all-time top scorer having bagged 450 times in all competitions for the club before leaving in 2018, following an incredible near decade-long rivalry with Messi in the Spanish top flight.
His rampant goalscoring for club and country has established him as one of the game's greatest players, breaking the record for most goals scored at men's international level in 2021.
The Accession Council, a meeting of Privy Counsellors and Great Officers of State, only meets on the death of a monarch to proclaim the new King or Queen. It was broadcast live for the first time from St James's Palace in central London this morning.
[quote]King Charles has vowed to follow his mother's "inspiring example" as he took the oath and swore to serve the people.
With the centuries-old ceremony televised for the first time in history, Privy Counsellors, including Prince William and the Queen Consort, Camilla, former prime ministers David Cameron, Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, met at St James's Palace in London to declare King Charles the new sovereign on Saturday morning.
The ceremony, which dates back to Saxon times, was made available for the public to see for the first time in history. It was also the first time women were allowed to attend - the last council meeting in 1952.
In his personal declaration, the King said: "I know how deeply you and the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in this irreparable loss we have all suffered."
Split into two parts, the first saw the Lord President of the Council, Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt MP, pronounce the death of the Queen in the picture gallery as past and present politicians and religious leaders listened.
"It is my sad duty to inform you that her most gracuoius Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away on Thursday 8 Septemnber 2022 at Balmoral Castle," she said.
The Clerk of the Council then read the Accession Proclamation, which declared King Charles the new monarch, Head of the Commonwealth, and Defender of the Faith (head of the Church of England).
He described the Queen as "our late sovereign lady".
Declaring Charles III King, he said: "We now hereby with one voice, and consent of tongue and heart, publish and proclaim that Prince Charles Philip Arthur George by the death of the late sovereign of our happy become, be our only lawful and rightful liege, King Charles III, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and his other realms and territories."
It was signed by the 'platform party' - first by heir apparent: Prince William, then Camilla, Queen Consort, followed by Lord President: Penny Mordaunt, Prime Minister Liz Truss, Lord Chancellor Brandon Lewis MP, the Lord Privy Seal, Earl Marshal, and the Archbishops of Canterbury (Justin Welby) and York (Stephen Cottrell).
The Privy Counsellors then moved to the throne room where the King arrived for the second part, which was effectively the first meeting of the Privy Council under his reign, and saw him make a personal declaration, followed by a Scottish Oath.
This dates back to a time when Catholic Europe was seen as an existential threat to Britain and promises to protect the security of the Church of Scotland, because, unlike in England, church and state are separate there.
Standing before the throne, he said it was his "sorrowest duty" to announce the death of his "beloved mother, the Queen".
He said the "whole word" was suffering her loss, adding that hers was an "inspiring example".
The proclamation was then signed, and trumpeters from the Life Guards and drummers from the Coldstream Guards played, before it was read aloud on the balcony above Friary Court at St James's Palace - officially proclaiming Charles III King.
At midday, as is tradition, it will be read aloud again from the Royal Exchange in the City of London.
It will also be read out in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and other locations across the Commonwealth at the same time on Sunday.
The Accession Council is different to the coronation, which may not be held for some time.
Queen Elizabeth was proclaimed sovereign on her return to London from abroad in February 1952, but was not crowned until June the following year.
Elizabeth took over as monarch after the passing of her father and then King of England, King George VI in February 1952 and was coronated in June 1953.
It's been confirmed that the King will be known as Charles III.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II after her incredible 70-year reign, her son Charles Philip Arthur George will be crowned King Charles III.
William and Kate's Twitter account @KensingtonRoyal now refers to the couple as The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.
But could the new King have chosen a different name? If we look to the British monarchy's long history the answer is yes, if he wanted to.
The history of the names of British kings and queens is a tale of Williams, Georges, Henrys and Edwards, with a couple of Elizabeths and Marys as well.
Nigeria's Ifechukwude Christiana Ikpeoyi has won silver in the women’s Singles Classes 3-5 (Sitting/wheelchair classes) Para Table-Tennis event at the ongoing XXII Commonwealth Games holding in Birmingham.
She lost to India's Bhavina Hasmukhbhai Patel 0-3 (10-12, 2-11, 9-11).
Ifechukwude is ranked World No 47, and Patel won Silver at the Tokyo2020 Paralympics.
Nigeria's Ebikewenimo Welson has won Silver in the final of the men's Freestyle 57kg wrestling event at the ongoing XXII Commonwealth Games holding in Birmingham.
He lost to India's Kumar Ravi by Victory by technical superiority (0-10).
Ebikewenimo Welson claimed Silver in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, then Bronze at the 2018 edition at the Gold Coast.
Nigeria's Miesinnei Mercy Genesis has won Gold in the final of the Women's Freestyle 50kg wrestling event at the ongoing XXII Commonwealth Games holding in Birmingham.
She defeated Canada's Madison Parks by Victory Fall Against (3-1)
Nigeria's Faith Obazuaye has won Bronze in the final of the Women's Singles Classes 6-10 Table-Tennis event at the ongoing XXII Commonwealth Games holding in Birmingham.
Classes 6-10 are for athletes who have disabilities that allow them to play standing
She defeated England's Felicity Pickard by 3-1(6-11, 11-7, 11-6, 11-8
Nigeria's Eucharia Njideka Iyiazi has won Gold in the final of the Women's F55-57 ShotPut at the ongoing XXII Commonwealth Games holding in Birmingham.
Her compatriot, Ugochi Constance Alam threw 9.30m to break the Commonwealth Games Record, in her 4th attempt, only for Iyiazi to throw 10.03m minutes later, setting a new Commonwealth Games Record in the F57.
Nigeria finished with Gold and Bronze... Congrats, Team Nigeria.
Cameroon's Arlette Mawe Fokoa took Silver (Personal Best - 9.38m)
The 49-year-old Iyiazi won Silver at the Athens 2004 Paralympics (Javelin throw), Gold at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics (Discus throw), Gold at the 2008 Beijing (Shot Put), Bronze in each of the London 2012 (Shot Put), 2016 (Discus) and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (ShotPut) respectively.
JUST IN: Esther Omolayo KOLAWOLE was in tears after winning Bronze medal in Women's Freestyle 62kg at the #CommonwealthGames2022. She defeated Abbie FOUNTAIN of Scotland by VTS: (Victory by technical Superiority - without any point scored by the opponent).
Nigeria's Esther Omolayo Kolawole has won Bronze in the final of the Women's Freestyle 62kg wrestling event in the ongoing XXII Commonwealth Games holding in Birmingham.
She defeated Scotland's Abbie Fountain by points (10-0 = Victory by technical superiority) to claim one of the Bronze medals.
Politics › Buhari Welcomes Release Of 23 Kaduna Train Attack Victims With Much Happiness by chokekachy(op): 9:13pm On Oct 05, 2022
