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President Bola Tinubu has departed Nigeria’s capital city Abuja to attend the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in the United Arab Emirates.https://www.channelstv.com/2025/01/11/tinubu-departs-abuja-for-abu-dhabi-sustainability-week/
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A French diplomatic source tells the Kan public broadcaster that Paris has warned both Israel and Hezbollah “against actions that endanger the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.” According to the report, the warning comes after France privately accused Israel of failing to follow the correct procedure when striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon since the start of the ceasefire last week. Israel has carried out several strikes against Hezbollah operatives and targets since the ceasefire came into effect, all apparently in line with the reported “side letter” from the US that accompanied the agreement and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself against renewed threats. According to reports regarding the contents of the letter, Israel reserves the right to act at any time, should the terms of the agreement be broken in southern Lebanon. Beyond southern Lebanon, however, it is reportedly only permitted to act if the Lebanese Army is unable or unwilling to deal with the violations. In all instances, however, Israel is reportedly required to notify the US wherever possible when it is required to take action in response to threats inside Lebanon. According to Kan, Paris has privately accused Hezbollah of violating the terms of the ceasefire as well. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/france-said-to-have-accused-israel-of-violating-terms-of-ceasefire-in-lebanon/
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The comments by Moshe Yaalon were swiftly denied and condemned by allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, who said that they would hurt the country and help its enemies. A former Israeli defense minister has accused Israel of committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip, a rare critique from a member of the security establishment at a time of war. The comments by Moshe Yaalon came amid mounting criticism of the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza. They were swiftly denied and condemned by allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, saying that they would hurt the country and help its enemies. Mr. Yaalon served as the Israeli military’s chief of staff during the second intifada and as Mr. Netanyahu’s defense minister during the 2014 war in Gaza, the longest conflict between Israel and Hamas before the current war. But he broke with Mr. Netanyahu in 2016 and has since become a critic of the Israeli leader. At an event on Saturday, Mr. Yaalon denounced Mr. Netanyahu’s government for its actions in Gaza. “The path they’re dragging us down is to occupy, annex, and ethnically cleanse — look at the northern strip,” he said. He also said Israel was being pulled in the direction of building settlements in Gaza, a notion that is supported by far-right politicians in Mr. Netanyahu’s government. When the interviewer at the event asked Mr. Yaalon to clarify whether he thought Israel was on the way to carrying out ethnic cleansing, he responded: “Why on the way? What’s happening there? What’s happening there?” “There’s no Beit Lahia. There’s no Beit Hanoun. They’re now operating in Jabaliya. They’re basically cleaning the territory of Arabs,” he said, referring to towns and cities in northern Gaza where a renewed Israeli offensive against the militant group Hamas has caused extensive damage in recent months. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began in response to the deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023. Mr. Yaalon doubled down on his accusations on Sunday, saying on public radio that Mr. Netanyahu’s government was exposing Israeli commanders to lawsuits at the International Criminal Court and was putting their lives at risk. "I’m speaking in the name of IDF commanders who are operating in the northern strip,” Mr. Yaalon told the Reshet Bet radio station. “They reached out to me expressing fear about what’s happening there.” He later said, in an apparent reference to the government: “At the end of the day, they’re perpetrating war crimes” — while making clear that his issue was not with the soldiers themselves. The Israeli military declined to comment on Mr. Yaalon’s accusations, which came ten days after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Mr. Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, his former defense minister for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza. Mr. Netanyahu’s office has rejected the accusations against the men in the warrants, calling them “absurd and false” and accusing the court of being motivated by antisemitism. Mr. Yaalon’s comments were condemned by Mr. Netanyahu’s Likud party, of which Mr. Yaalon is a former member. "Yaalon already lost his way a long time ago,” said the party. “His defamatory words are a prize for the International Criminal Court and the haters of Israel camp. Israel is fighting back against a murderous terrorist group that carried out mass slaughter. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/01/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-yaalon.html
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By Matthew Atungwu Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State said politicians, who conjured election results and announced the same on social media during the governorship election are the same people crying that the polls were rigged.https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/30/edo-politicians-who-wrote-announced-fake-results-now-crying-of-rigging-gov-okpebholo/
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By Casmir Nwankwo Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed concern over the rumoured planned declaration of Biafra. Ohanaeze said it’s compelled to issue a warning in the light of the recent developments concerning the misguided declarations surrounding the so-called Biafran independence scheduled for December 2, 2024. The body stated that “the actions being propagated by detained Simon Ekpa and his dissidents, have perpetuated a cycle of violence, fear, and socio-economic degradation that has devastated the Southeastern region of Nigeria.” This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Okechukwu lsiguzoro. According to the statement, over the past three years, the detrimental activities orchestrated by Simon Ekpa and his associates had resulted in unprecedented pain. He said, “Once teeming with economic vitality and educational prowess, the Southeast now bears the scars of violence, where traditional ceremonies, weddings, and communal activities are increasingly forced to be held outside our homeland due to the crippling grip of insecurity. "We must ask: what fruits have these discordant actions borne? Has the insurrection purportedly anchored in the quest for Biafra autonomy yielded any tangible gains for the people of the Southeast? “Have they succeeded in stymieing Nigeria’s oil production or compelling the Federal Government to divert its investments to our region? Let it be clear that the answer is an unambiguous no. “Instead, we have witnessed a staggering loss- over 34 trillion naira in investment opportunities evaporating from our 95 Local Government Areas since these dissidents embarked on their catastrophic voyage of violence. "The Igbos are the primary victims of this reckless crusade, and it is offensive to witness the opportunistic individuals flourishing in the midst of this turmoil while our communities languish. “In light of the alarming reality we now face, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls upon the Biafrans gathering in Finland to recognize that they lack the mandate to represent the voices of Igbos at home and in the diaspora in declaring a separate sovereign nation. “We urge them to reconsider their actions and to desist from actions that threaten to further entrench the cycle of violence and suffering in our homeland.” Isiguzoro further warned the proponents that “the relentless quest for a declaration of Biafran independence not only undermines our collective sentiments but also risks compounding Simon Ekpa’s existing legal troubles in Finland. “Any provocations linked to their misguided endeavors will only serve as additional evidence against him in the foreseeable legal engagements come May 2025. “Thus, we implore those individuals captured by the allure of violence to step back from this path of devastation- a route that is fraught with doom. "It is appalling that while the Federal Government seeks reconciliation with Niger Delta militants and rehabilitates Boko Haram combatants, offering amnesty and negotiations, those pursuing the Biafran narrative have predominantly faced brutality and disregard. “We reiterate: individuals committed to the declaration of Biafran independence in Finland will bear full responsibility for any eventual repercussions born from their reckless pursuits.” https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/30/biafra-declaration-youll-bear-consequences-compound-ekpas-woes-ohanaeze-cautions-promoters/
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The Nigerian Army has warned against the use of social media to fuel insecurity in the country.https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/28/misuse-of-social-media-fueling-insecurity-in-nigeria-army/
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The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restored the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, abolishing the new traditional councils in Edo South created by the last administration. He also backed the Federal Government’s Gazette, which gave the ownership of the returned artefact to the Oba’s palace, which was looted during the 1897 Benin massacre by the British colonial forces. Also, the state government is withdrawing the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park. These were contained in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Sunday. The statement further read, “This administration is restoring the Oba Akenzua centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose. “This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration. “Accordingly, Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained. "The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the state Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts before the federal government intervention on the matter. “The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.” The statement added that Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of the Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll, and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people. “It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin massacre of 1897. The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts. “Okpebholo said his administration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council. “The governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof, ” the statement read. https://punchng.com/okpebholo-restores-statutory-rights-to-oba-of-benin/
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The foreign ministers of the G7 countries will meet next week to discuss arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and Israel. Belgium has already declared that it supports the arrest warrants for amongst others Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Apart from Netanyahu, the arrest warrants also target former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant and Mohammed Deif, a military commander of Hamas who may have already died. The ICC accuses Netanyahu – and Gallant – of using starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution and targeting civilians. “The alleged crimes against humanity were part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza,” the court said. Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, the current president of the G7, said the G7 ministers will discuss the matter, after her defence minister declared on Thursday that Italy should arrest Netanyahu if he visits Italy. The ministers will meet in Fiuggi, Italy, on Monday and Tuesday. Besides Italy, the G7 includes France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, Canada – and the European Union is represented at all meetings as well. Only the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that forms the basis of the ICC. Reactions to the arrest warrants have been divided. A majority of European member states have stated that they respect the ICC’s decision, although Germany's silence is remarkable. Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain, amongst others, have declared that they support the warrants. The United States and countries such as Hungary reacted disapprovingly. Austria and Eastern European countries are also critical of the decision. https://www.belganewsagency.eu/g7-ministers-to-discuss-netanyahu-arrest-warrant-next-week
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By SAM SOKOL FOLLOW and EMANUEL FABIAN After issuing 3,000 draft orders to members of the ultra-Orthodox community over the summer, the IDF has issued 1,126 “arrest warrants” to those who did not show up to the induction centers, a senior officer tells lawmakers. “Of the 3,000 ultra-Orthodox who received [draft] orders, 1,126 were issued arrest warrants for those who did not report to the first and second orders,” says Brig. Gen. Shay Taib, head of the Personnel Directorate’s Planning and Personnel Management Division, during a Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting. "After that, they will receive a call for immediate recruitment, and anyone who does not come [to the induction center] will be declared an evader,” Taib says. The consequences of being declared a draft evader include receiving a “no exit order” — being barred from leaving the country — and during any encounter with the police, the draft dodger can be arrested. The IDF Military Police does not plan to actually carry out arrests of those who do not show up to the induction centers, but instead wait until they are declared draft evaders and leave it to law enforcement. Responding to Taib, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid issues a statement demanding that Defense Minister Israel Katz direct the IDF to “immediately” issue an additional 7,000 conscription orders to ultra-Orthodox Israelis of military age “and strengthen enforcement against those who did not report for duty.” On Sunday, the IDF sent the first 1,000 of 7,000 new draft orders to male members of the ultra-Orthodox community slated to go out in the coming months. It follows a previous round of 3,000 draft orders sent out during the summer. Out of those 3,000 men, less than 10% showed up at induction centers. The military said it currently requires some 10,000 new soldiers — mostly combat troops — but can only accommodate the enlistment of an additional 3,000 ultra-Orthodox this year, due to their additional needs. Added to the around 1,800 Haredi soldiers who are already drafted annually, this would mean only 4,800 out of more than 60,000 eligible ultra-Orthodox men would be conscripted, a number that committee chair Likud MK Yuli Edelstein has long dismissed as insufficient. In a statement following today’s hearing, Edelstein says the army’s figure of 3,000 “is not acceptable to me” and should be higher. "In addition, those who contributed three years to the state should receive more than those who chose not to contribute. This is true for every citizen in the State of Israel,” ultra-Orthodox or otherwise, he adds. https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-issued-over-1000-arrest-warrants-to-ultra-orthodox-who-ignored-draft-orders-says-officer/
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Pope Francis for the first time tackled claims of Israel’s ongoing “genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza in a forthcoming book, urging further investigation into whether Israel’s actions meet the definition. Titled “Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World”, the book includes his latest and most forthright intervention into the more than year-long war sparked by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. "According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of genocide,” the pontiff wrote in extracts published on Sunday in Italy’s La Stampa daily. "This should be studied carefully to determine whether (the situation) corresponds to the technical definition formulated by jurists and international organisations,” he added. The Argentine pontiff has frequently deplored the number of victims of Israel’s operations in Gaza, with the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry putting the toll at least 43,846 people, most of them civilians. But his call for a probe marks the first time he has publicly used the term genocide — without endorsing it — in the context of Israeli military operations in the Palestinian territory. On Thursday, a United Nations Special Committee judged Israel’s conduct of warfare in Gaza “consistent with the characteristics of genocide”, accusing the country of “using starvation as a method of war”. Its conclusions have already been condemned by Israel’s key backer the United States. It is, however, not the first time that Israel has been the subject of genocide accusations since the start of the war. South Africa has brought a genocide case before the International Court of Justice with the support of several countries, including Turkey, Spain and Mexico. Francis has also frequently called for the return of the Israeli hostages taken by Palestinian Islamist militants on October 7. That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people on the Israeli side, the majority of them civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli official figures. Hamas fighters also took 251 people hostage that day, with 97 still held in the Palestinian territory including 34 the Israeli army says are dead. On Thursday, the 87-year-old pope received 16 former hostages freed after months of captivity in Gaza. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/pope-calls-for-investigation-into-gaza-genocide/amp/
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By Seun Opejobi The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, has identified Osun and Oyo States as the party’s next target.https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/17/ondo-election-osun-oyo-our-next-targets-ganduje-on-aiyedatiwas-victory/
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By Bernd Debusmann Jr & Angélica María Casas Gabriela entered the United States more than two decades ago, gasping for breath under a pile of corn stalks in the boot of a smuggler's car. Now a housekeeper in Maryland, the Bolivian national is one of at least 13 million undocumented migrants living in the US - an umbrella term that includes those who entered the US illegally, overstayed their visas or have protected status to avoid deportation. Across the US, migrants like Gabriela are grappling with what the incoming Trump administration's vow to conduct mass deportations could mean for their future. In over a dozen interviews, undocumented immigrants said it was a topic of heated discussion in their communities, WhatsApp groups and social media. Some, like Gabriela, believe it won't impact them at all. "I'm not scared at all, actually," she said. "That's for criminals to worry about. I pay taxes, and I work." "In any case, I'm undocumented," she added. "[So] how would they even know about me?" In an election campaign where immigration loomed large as a major concern of US voters, Trump frequently pledged to deport migrants en masse from US soil from his first day in office if he were to return to the presidency. But nearly two weeks after his sweeping election win, it remains unclear what exactly these immigration enforcement operations will look like. The president-elect has insisted cost won't be an issue, but experts have cautioned that his promises may run into enormous financial and logistics challenges. His newly appointed "border tsar", Tom Homan, has said that undocumented migrants deemed to be national security or public safety threats will be a priority. And he has suggested the workplace raids - a practice ended by the Biden administration - could return. Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, the former acting director of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement during Trump's first term challenged the notion that "those who enforce the law are the bad guys and those who break the law are the victims". "What member of Congress, what governor or what mayor is against taking public safety threats out of their community?" he asked, adding that the new administration would "follow through on the mandate that American people gave President Trump". Five takeaways from Trump's first week 'It's simple, really' - why Latinos flocked to Trump's working-class coalition. US authorities deporting migrants is nothing new. More than 1.5 million people have been expelled under President Joe Biden, in addition to millions swiftly turned away from the border during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the eight-year administration of Barack Obama - whom some dubbed the "deporter-in-chief" - about three million people were deported, with a focus on single men from Mexico that could easily be deported from border regions. Trump's promised plans, however, are more wide-ranging and aggressive, including enforcement operations in the US far from the border. Officials are reportedly also mulling using the National Guard and military aircraft to detain and ultimately deport people. JD Vance, Trump's running mate and incoming vice-president, has said that the deportations could "start" with one million people. Still, some undocumented migrants believe that they will benefit from a Trump presidency instead of being kicked out. "A lot of Latinos, those who can vote, did so because they think he [Trump] can improve the economy. That would be very good for us too," said Carlos, an undocumented Mexican who lives in New York City. His son is a US citizen. According to the American Immigration Council - a non-partisan organisation that conducts research and advocates for an overhaul of the US immigration system - there are more than five million Americans who were born to undocumented parents and have the security of US citizenship. Carlos says he is "a little" worried about getting swept up in immigration raids. But that fear is tempered by the possibility of an improved economy under Trump and more work. "Things may be a bit tense right in our communities right now, but being worried isn't a solution," he said. "The best thing to do is avoid problems and not commit any crimes." In a recent interview with CBS, the BBC's US partner, Homan was asked about a hypothetical situation in which a grandmother was caught up in a "targeted" enforcement operation going after criminals. When asked if she would be deported, Homan responded "it depends". "Let the judge decide," he said. "We're gonna remove people that a judge's order deported." The arrest and potential removal of such collateral arrests would mark a drastic departure from the Biden administration, which has focused on public safety threats and deporting people soon after their apprehension at the border. While Homan recently dismissed suggestions that there could be "a mass sweep of neighbourhoods" or large detention camps set up, the stock prices of companies that could be involved in building detention facilities have jumped by as much as 90% since the election. They include publicly traded prison firms GEO Group and CoreCivic. Undocumented migrants are employed throughout the US economy - from agricultural fields to warehouses and construction sites. Mr Reichlin-Melnick said operations targeting such workplaces could lead to "indiscriminate" detentions. "I don't think that being a person with no criminal record [who] pays taxes protects anybody," he said. "One of the first things that Trump will do is get rid of the Biden administration's enforcement priorities. And we've seen that when there are no priorities, they will go after whoever are the easiest targets." The possibility of becoming "an easy target" has worried many migrants - particularly those from families with mixed legal statuses. Their biggest fear is finding themselves separated. Brenda, a 37-year-old Mexico-born "Dreamer" in Texas, is currently protected from deportation but her husband and her mother are not. Her two children were born in the US and are American citizens. While Brenda told the BBC she does not believe that "good people" would be the first targets for deportation, she can't escape the thought that her husband could be send back to Mexico. "It's important for us that we see our sons grow up," she said. "Of course, the thought of being separated leaves one frightened." https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79zxjj0j55o
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By Peter Moses Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing gubernatorial election in Ondo State, is leading by a wide margin. According to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Aiyedatiwa had polled a total of 301,113 votes ahead of his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who has 97,051 votes so far, leaving a margin of 204,062 votes. There are just three Local Government Areas (LGAs) where results have not been declared. Final collation commenced at the INEC office in Akure, the state capital, around 12: 35 am. Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Prof Olayemi Akinwunmi, is the Returning Officer of the exercise. The 15 LGAs where results have so far been announced are: Akure North APC – 14451 PDP – 5787 Registered Voters – 87293 Accredited Voters – 21608 Total Valid Votes – 20942 Rejected Votes – 648 Total Votes Cast – 21590
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Some of the political parties participating in the ongoing governorship election in Ondo State including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been caught engaging in vote buying.https://saharareporters.com/2024/11/16/ondodecides2024-apc-pdp-other-political-parties-engage-vote-buying-irele-lga
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday expressed its readiness for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.https://www.channelstv.com/2024/11/15/gov-poll-we-wont-disappoint-inec-assures-ondo-voters/
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By Tosin Tope, Akurehttps://dailytrust.com/ondo-politicians-woo-voters-with-cash-food/
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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has secured an agreement with Dangote Petroleum Refinery to lift products directly.https://punchng.com/petrol-pump-price-may-drop-as-dangote-marketers-sign-deal/
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By Francis Ugwu Ebonyi State-based prophet, His Holiness, Spirit Emmanuel Chukwudi, who prophesied the emergence of Mr Donald Trump has again said that former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will still become the president of Nigeria. According to him, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has disappeared from the spirit realm. Chukwudi, who is the General Overseer King of Kings Deliverance Ministries Worldwide, Gbonum Ulepa Ntezi, Ishielu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, gave the prophecy while speaking in an interview shortly after Trump defeated Kamala Harris last week. DAILY POST recalls that Chukwudi had days before the US election, predicted victory for Trump.https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/01/trump-not-coming-to-war-prophet-predicts-us-election/ He has now said Atiku will become president, as God has directed him to announce it again to Nigerians. He stated “Today, the Lord has said it again, that just as Donald Trump was elevated to lead Americans on November 5, so shall it come to pass in Nigeria regarding His word on Atiku Abubakar. “I prophesied in 2019 and 2023, that Uzodinma will win, and he won. “In 2011, I told Buhari that Goodluck Jonathan will be president. “Jonathan won and Buhari lost. In 2014, I told Goodluck to retire, that Buhari will rule. The word of God came through me as Buhari won and Goodluck lost. "In 2015, didn’t I say that Prince Abubakar Audu of APC will win in Kogi? Didn’t he win? He won and died. “In 2020, I warned Chief Chekwas Okorie of APGA and UPP not to join APC, that he will disappear permanently from politics. Didn’t it happen?” While decrying the release of fake prophecy by people he called puppet prophets, he declared that: “For many years, I have prophesied that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will become president. It has not yet happened and Nigerians are arguing that my prophecy is false. But know that the word of God does not fail. “I have made tons and tons of prophecies, and they all came to pass. I don’t prophecy and fail. The word of God lives in me. I cannot even list half of them here. “Three times, I have said that Donald Trump will be pardoned by God because he is on a rescue mission to save America and the world from the kingdom of darkness. Just a few days before the election, it happened again as I said that he must become president. “Just like Trump, Atiku is coming. Every word of the Lord shall come to pass and His Word on Atiku shall also come to pass. “As a matter of fact, the APC has disappeared from the spirit realm. So, Atiku is coming. He will be president. He has been reserved to save Nigeria, and it shall manifest in our presence.” https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/10/2027-apc-dead-in-spirit-atiku-coming-ebonyi-prophet/
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Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo has expressed concern over what he described as Godwin Obaseki’s bizarre public displays.https://dailypost.ng/2024/11/10/obaseki-has-escaped-whereabouts-unknown-edo-gov-elect-okpebholo-alleges/
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ONITSHA – Dr. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of Obidient Movement, an umbrella body working to actualize the ambition of Peter Obi, the presidentiial candidate of Labour Party, LP in the 2023 general election, has expressed optimism that Obi would clinch victory in the 2027 presidential election, based on his pedigree and antecedent.https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/peter-obi-has-potential-to-become-president-in-2027-says-utomi-yunusa/amp/
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By Stephen Angbulu President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law. He urged the political actors and their supporters to settle their differences in court, saying, “Self-help has no place in a democratic system.” The President’s admonition follows reports of arson and vandalism of public facilities in Rivers State after last Saturday’s local government elections. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President ordered the police to guard public facilities to “restore and maintain peace, law and order immediately.” The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu decries violence in Rivers, directs police to provide security to local government offices.’ The Action People’s Party dominated the recent local government elections in the state when it secured 314 out of 319 councillorship seats across the state’s 23 local government areas. The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, announced the results in Port Harcourt on Sunday. According to the RSIEC, the APP won 314 wards, while the All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and Young People’s Party each clinched one seat. The Rivers State PDP and the APC factions rejected the conduct and outcome of the election on Sunday, saying no election held on Saturday. The Rivers PDP loyal to the former Governor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, vow3d to challenge the results in court. Meanwhile, the incumbent Governor, Fubara, who is now at loggerheads with his predecessor, has since sworn in the newly elected council chairmen of the 23 local government areas. This has sparked tension in the state as supporters of each camp have laid siege to public facilities. In response to recent tension, “the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state,” Onanuga said. The statement read, “He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions. President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately. https://punchng.com/rivers-crisis-settle-your-dispute-in-court-tinubu-tells-fubara-others/
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President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to repositioning the country and creating wealth for generations. The president said on Saturday that his focus was not on the 2027 elections but on making Nigeria great for generations. Mr Tinubu spoke at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-West Zone Assembly at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State. The South-West Governors’ Forum chairman and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted the event. The president, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, said he was pained by the hardship in the country but gave the assurance that Nigeria would get better. “Mr President has asked me to tell you that he is not thinking of the next election but the next generation. “He has asked me to convey his message that he knows he has taken a very tough decision. He sees the light at the end of the tunnel. The time will come when we will all thank him for the decision,” he stated. Mr Tinubu said he made tough decisions for the country’s good. “For every moment in a country, a particular leader is produced for that time. This is the time to produce a leader that is courageous. “The challenges of our country are diverse and immense. When a man has a strong conviction of what he is doing, he pursues it,” he said, adding that he had love for Nigerians and would continue to listen to them and do what would be good for them. In his address, Mr Sanwo-Olu appealed to the leaders and other members to adequately support the Tinubu-led administration. “We should strive to forge ahead,” said Mr Sanwo-Olu. The keynote speaker and immediate past governor of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi, said South-West APC should be ready to forge a united front. “I am convinced that APC will remain strong to accomplish the business of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President. ” APC remains the only successful party that emerged from the cohesiveness of four different political parties. That is history, we must continue to protect what makes us thick,” said Mr Fayemi. Others who attended the event were governors of Ekiti, Ondo and Ogun. Leaders at the meeting include ex-interim national chairman of APC, Bisi Akande, and ex-Ogun governors Olusegun Osoba and Ibikunle Amosun. The event also attracted APC senators, representatives, house of assembly members and other top government officials from South-West. https://gazettengr.com/nigerians-will-still-thank-me-for-my-tough-decisions-causing-hardship-tinubu/
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By Muhammed Lawal Popular Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi, while speaking with MUHAMMED LAWAL addresses issues of banditry and terrorism The rate at which bandits and terrorists kill and kidnap Nigerians is on the increase, particularly in the northern part of Nigeria. In an attempt to combat this, the Federal Government has spent billions of naira to ensure that Nigerians are safe, but this issue continues to ravage the northern region. What do you say to this? No matter how many expensive drugs you give to patients, if they are not the right drugs, they will not get cured. In fact, the drug needed may be very cheap, but you may be giving an expensive drug that is ineffective for the ailment. In this case, there is a need to diagnose what the problem is, especially among the youth. We must understand that these individuals are all young, whether they are Boko Haram or bandits; you will never see an old man among them. There is a social reason associated with all these disturbances, and there is also a lack of respect for leadership. The Federal Government must look at the root cause of this problem and start to apply the right formula to solve it. Spending trillions on ammunition and militarisation when the problem is social will yield no results. This will only compound the issue, leading people to become radicalised and turn to militancy. Recently, you said the Federal Government should not have radicalised bandits and Boko Haram. Why did you say so? Well, it is not the government that started it. A long time ago, when the conflict was a social or ethnic problem, they used the military to quell or suppress it. It is not suppressible. When a society is neglected until it becomes harmful, like the military, the next line of action is dialogue—to sit down with them, especially when they express a desire for dialogue. For instance, I have been there, I have seen them, I have talked to them, and they said they want dialogue. Why does the Federal Government emphasise the kinetic approach when the people say they want dialogue? If they do not want dialogue, that is a different issue. Then the government should come out with the armament. Another thing is that our military is doing very well. It is overstretched from Maiduguri to Sokoto, from Sokoto to Lagos, and from Lagos to all parts of the country. It is not just about the military; it can be the police. What we have to do is downsise the military, expand the police force, and empower them. It is really useless when we spend our money on modern gadgets, intelligence gathering, and all that; we are going astray. The military is a fire engine. It is a fire-for-fire approach. These people they are fighting are guerrillas. Using the military to fight a guerrilla war is like punishing the military. We have seen that in Afghanistan; now Israelis are fighting guerrillas in Gaza and are facing serious consequences for doing that. The military is not designed to fight guerrillas. It is just like using a hammer to kill flies. One will destroy the house. The design of the military is not for this job. We have to empower the police, enhance intelligence gathering, and, more importantly, empower the people themselves. The trillions the government has spent on social welfare and amenities do not even need to be agitated for. This is all agitation. When people don’t see justice, they take justice into their own hands. Many Nigerians want to know how you find bandits and talk to them, and why the Federal Government can’t use you as bait to apprehend them. People should not talk like that. This is unintelligent. For instance, if you are in Lagos or Ogun State and you have access to see people, do you ask how you have access to them? These people are Nigerians; we can trace them through their relatives and all that easily. When one approaches them as a negotiator or a preacher, they open their hearts. So, they can be approached and convinced. The question is: Why is the government not taking that course? Well, I can say the present government has learned from the legacy of the past. The only thing I think is lacking here is that the talking is too much. If you stand on the right side, then we will get results. So far, you’ve said there’s a need for the Federal Government to empower and educate them. Meanwhile, do you agree that the motive of these terrorists is towards the Islamisation of Nigeria? Before the herdsmen became bandits, they were fighting an ethnic war. They respect the government as an authority and have said that the problem is vigilante groups. The vigilantes started killing and massacring them; they had no peace, and that was their grievance. If there can be one vigilante group and a state police or local government police, some of them should be incorporated to have a balance. Nobody is saying anything about that, and everyone is doing their own business. Now we are all suffering. Why have you taken the matter of speaking to these terrorist elements seriously? I am in the eye of the storm, and I am a full-fledged Nigerian. I also have an interest in peace and tranquillity. I cannot wait for the official narrative because I have been in the army and I know how things go. Today, 90 per cent of our intelligence is garbage. What we have left is just about 10 per cent. That is why we have coups because intelligence does not have a way to identify these people. https://punchng.com/i-go-with-police-govt-officials-to-negotiate-with-bandits-sheikh-gumi/
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By Tunde Adeleke Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has named his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, as the Acting First Lady of the state, following the passing of his wife, Patience Eno. Governor Eno made this announcement on Friday during a condolence visit from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries in Uyo. Eno explained that Helen would take on the responsibilities of the First Lady’s office, ensuring that the projects initiated by his late wife, particularly the Golden Initiative For All, continue uninterrupted. “To maintain the Office of the First Lady and carry forward my late wife’s work, I present our daughter, Helen, to continue the duties of the office. She will work closely with the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare,” the governor said. Expressing his confidence in his daughter’s ability to uphold the values and vision of her late mother, Eno emphasized his commitment to sustaining the First Lady’s office projects. In an emotional tribute, he described his wife as his “greatest supporter and toughest critic” and reflected on their lifelong bond, saying, “I married her when she was 19, and I was 22. I called her Oluwa-Kemi because she was truly a gift from God. We went through many challenges together, and her passing is an irreplaceable loss for me.” Governor Eno reassured the people of Akwa Ibom that his late wife’s initiatives would continue under the leadership of his daughter, preserving her mother’s legacy. During the visit, Mrs. Tinubu praised the governor’s decision, expressing confidence in Obareki’s ability to succeed in her new role. “Your mom didn’t bring you to me for nothing, and it’s a blessing that your mom’s colleagues and the Vice President’s wife are here to support you,” Tinubu said, adding that she believed Obareki would accomplish even more than her mother. In a separate visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Eno also addressed rumours about remarrying, humorously dismissing the idea. “I’m not considering remarrying anytime soon. I don’t have the money to pay another bride price,” he joked. Helen’s appointment is seen as a continuation of her mother’s efforts, ensuring that the state’s First Lady office remains active and impactful. https://platinumpostng.com/2024/10/05/akwa-ibom-gov-appoints-daughter-as-acting-first-lady-says-no-money-to-pay-another-bride-price/
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by Taiwo Amodu Former Senate Leader and senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, is a member of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review. The erstwhile Senate Chief Whip spoke with journalists last week after a retreat held in Kano by his committee. TAIWO AMODU brings excerpts from the interview. Why is the National Assembly itching for another constitution review? Nigerians see it as another jamboree by the lawmakers who live in affluence while the citizens battle for economic survival. Democracy isn’t cheap, it is expensive. That is one. But that isn’t an excuse. Just because we want a presidential system of government doesn’t mean that you give the players a blank cheque to write whatever amount they want and spend it. Fortunately, there is a budget process. We started with a figure of less than N100 billion for both Houses of the National Assembly and then it went up. It continued to go up and I think now it is about N300 billion. But that is almost like one percent or so of the national budget, because the national budget is beyond N30 trillion. Yes, looking at what Nigerians are going through and looking at us, the National Assembly members – senators, House of Representatives members – and the life we are living and they feel like, look, this government is spending too much. So, I agree with it that our expenses should be looked into so that all of us will look the same. About the constitution review, honestly, I don’t see a problem so much with the constitution. What matters is to defend the fundamental purpose of government. And what is the fundamental purpose of government? It is clearly stated in Section 14 of our constitution. That is enough. It clearly states the purpose of government. It is security and welfare of the citizens. If the constitution is just that one, all other sections are to ensure security and welfare of the citizens. That’s okay. The other thing that we need is to strengthen the institutions of government because security and welfare are to be delivered by the three arms of government: the executive headed by the president and the state governors at the state level and the chairmen at the local government level. Then the judiciary at the federal level must dispense justice, regardless of who it affects. And number three, the legislature is supposed to be an institution that will oversee the government. It ensures checks and balances. All other things will fall in place. You don’t need to tinker with the constitution if the focus is on what I said. That is my own opinion. Now, three things are at the core of our retreat here. One is federalism. Two is the issue of state police and three, the enforcement of local government autonomy and four, our Electoral Act and electoral process. Let me start with federalism. I have made my point and I stand by it. We have 195 countries in the world and only 25 are practising the federal system, including Nigeria. So, this clamour for federalism, to me, isn’t necessary. Of course, it is an idea, a very good one that, if looked into, can be considered, but all this is in line with democracy. What is democracy? All of you know better than me: government of the people, for the people and by the people. So, a decision on which way to go, I think, should be more with those that populate the country. In doing that, this constitutional reform, of course, we are getting there. There will be public hearing, there will be inputs from everybody and after that, the National Assembly passes it and it is the only law of the land. When it is to be passed, everybody will stand up to answer his father’s name. So, I think the media will do this country a great service if you downplay it (federalism) because now the majority of the people are trying to put the cart before the horse and tension is growing in some places and now people’s attention is diverted instead of paying attention to good governance. No matter the type of system you are operating, if the government and the institutions that I mentioned aren’t strong enough to provide accountability, transparency, equity and justice, then it won’t work. But where there is equity and justice, where there is transparency, where there is accountability, citizens won’t care who the head of state is. If these institutions are strong, then the president, or the head of state or whoever is there is not above the law and the legislature as an institution is also not above the law and truly independent but interdependent. But that isn’t what is happening in Nigeria and that isn’t where the attention is going. The most important thing today is good governance and looking at the laws that will improve good governance, on accountability, transparency. Our major challenge in this country is corruption. Up to today, we have no law that can proactively address the issue of corruption. If you see somebody in our system, especially politics, that is not corrupt, then he is lucky; he is God-fearing. Otherwise, it is only in Nigeria that you steal money then you walk free and then you are celebrated. It is only in this country that you see somebody who has nothing this week and then next week, he buys 10 cars, buys jets and his brothers and his parents will be flying with him and they will say Allah has blessed our son. It is only in Nigeria that you do that. In developed countries, they ask you, how, where and when did you get this money? I have tried several times in the National Assembly to initiate a bill on unexplained wealth. It has never seen the light of day. I went to a former President when I realised that you can sign an executive bill on such issues but up to now, there is no Unexplained Wealth Act in Nigeria, there is no Unexplained Wealth Executive Order. There is so much excitement over the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy. But a lot of people are of the opinion that nothing will be achieved if the state governors are still saddled with conduct of council elections. What is your committee doing about that? Should the State Independent Electoral Commissions be stripped of that responsibility for the Independent National Electoral Commission to handle? Well, let me say that I support local the government autonomy because when you say it is an arm of government and it is not autonomous, then it becomes a problem. It is there in the constitution and that’s why Mr President went to the Supreme Court for judgment and the court affirmed the autonomy of local government but we don’t make blank laws because it won’t work. So, if you want the law to be effective, you have to carry the people along. That judgment is very clear. If the institution is strong, it can be enforced. But we need to look at the laws and how the judgment will be implemented. As you have rightly observed, technicalities started coming up after the judgment. In fact, the worst of it, in one state, all the local government chairmen wore attires and went to meet their governor to say, ‘We don’t like the autonomy’; these are four-year-term people talking about something that affects the lives of other people. https://tribuneonlineng.com/if-a-politician-is-not-corrupt-in-nigeria-then-he-is-lucky-senator-ndume/
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By Segun Showunmi, Ibadan President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona are some of the dignitaries expected at a three-day conference of Muslim monarchs, clerics and Islamic scholars in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta slated between 7th to 9th of October at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The conference aims at promoting unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliations. Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the Head of the Media Committee for the conference, Sheik Taofeek Akewugbagold stated that the conference would provide a platform for prominent Islamic leaders and stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting the Muslim community and the nation at large. According to him, the attendance of these influential figures underscores the importance of interfaith dialogue and collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s challenges. He noted that as a symbol of unity, presence of the trio will foster sense of hope and cooperation, adding that the conference represents significant step towards strengthening relationships between religious and community leaders, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s progress and development. Akewugbagold said the conference will bridge the gap between all Muslims Kings in the Southwest, Islamic scholars, and Imams across the country, adding that it will also dissect immediate and remote causes of crises within and among various sects of Islamic organisation with a view in finding the solution to several indifferences. He noted that the conference will also look into ways to protect the honors and legacies of the past and present greater Islamic scholars living and dead for their contributions towards the development of Islam, adding that the conference will also organise special prayer for Tinubu for guidance towards restoring the country lost glory and peace. In his remark, the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land, Imam Yunus Ayilara appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and trust President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, amid current economic challenges facing the nation. He urged Muslims to support the government’s efforts to revamp the economy, stressing that collective responsibility and cooperation are essential for national progress. https://thenationonlineng.net/obasanjo-awujale-to-join-tinubu-at-historic-muslim-leaders-conference/amp/ |
Dennis Naku Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that he remains the greatest loser in the forthcoming local government election since the Peoples Democratic Party won’t be participating in the poll in the state. He, however, said his administration was determined to support the cause of developing a sustainable democracy, stressing that he wouldn’t tolerate any misguided group or individual attempting to create confusion or any form of instability in the state. The governor also urged every registered voter and leader of political groups to ensure they are at their polling units on October 5, 2024, to participate in the process that will usher in new political leadership in the 23 Local Government Councils. Fubara gave the charge while addressing Rivers Political Stakeholders who converged at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, preparatory for the October 5th Local Government election. This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen. Fubara explained that the position and resolve of his government on the forthcoming election is clear, adding that it will be conducted and concluded. Fubara insisted that the local government election will have only those residents in the state who are registered voters participating. He said: “Go, do what the law says you should do, as demanded by the RSIEC Law, and leave the rest. RSIEC will take it from there, and when RSIEC finishes its part, the government will also take it from that point and finish its part, and the process will all be consummated by the special grace of God in a few days coming.” On PDP not participating in the poll, Fubara said: “You know this election, I am the greatest loser because my party is not participating. It is the truth! But because of the Supreme Court ruling that there must be elected officials to manage the affairs of local governments, as a Governor, I have to obey that. "It did not end there. The President, after the Supreme Court ruling, invited us and we had an understanding that we have a compliance duration of 90 days. So, what we are doing here is to make sure that even if my party is not participating, the local council process must stand for Rivers State. "And a good number of you here are my party faithful and you are not even benefiting from it, and you are here supporting us. So, what is the problem? “So, I want to thank you for supporting democracy. I want to thank you for ensuring that there is a rule of law. I want to thank you for sticking your neck out to make sure that Rivers State still stands among the comity of states.” Fubara appealed to everyone to return to their various LGAs, follow the process, be law-abiding, and eschew violence. “I want to thank you for standing with us and assure you that with your strength, we will continue to stand with the flag, and we will not let the flag of Rivers State down by any means. “So, let me conclude by assuring you again, don’t allow anybody, don’t allow any propaganda, don’t allow any aluta movement, and don’t allow any story from the pit of hell to deter your spirit at this point. "I am really happy that everyone is in high spirits. Be assured that the government will do everything to make sure that Rivers State is not put in any state of confusion,” he added. https://punchng.com/lg-poll-im-greatest-loser-says-fubara/
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The applicant, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, sued the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Mr Leo, the Area Commander, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (as at December 12, 2023) Onoja Solomon, Team Leader, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Jabi Area command, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as 1st to 5th respondents respectively. The judgment is based on restricting Abuja VIO alone. Lagos VIO and other state VIO are not concerned in this suit. Meanwhile, Abuja VIO will soon file an Appeal. |
By Ochogwu Sunday The immediate past governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom, has said that God told him not to contest any election in 2027.https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/01/god-told-me-not-to-contest-election-in-2027-ortom-on-losing-2023-polls/
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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe has declared that Nigerians who hate the country may find it difficult to make progress in their endeavours.https://dailypost.ng/2024/10/01/independence-day-if-you-hate-nigeria-you-may-not-progress-apc-chieftain-joe-igbokwe/
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