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Rivers crisis: Wike camp heads for court as Fubara swears in LG chairmen

•APC, PDP factions vow legal battle as gov, Atiku, others counsel LG chiefs on residents’ welfare

The Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress factions on Sunday rejected the conduct and outcome of the local government election, stating that no election was held in the state on Saturday.

The Rivers PDP loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, described the poll as an exercise in futility, vowing to challenge it in court.

The Wike camp said this as the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, swore in the newly elected council chairmen of the 23 local government areas of the state.

The exercise was held on Sunday at the Executive Council Chamber of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, hours after the chairmen were issued certificates of return by the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Adolphus Enebeli.

The Saturday council election, which was marred by explosions and gunfire, was won by the Action Peoples Party which secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance candidate won one seat.

The APP also won 314 out of the 319 councillorship seats in the 23 LGAs in the state.


The exercise was complicated by the ongoing power struggle between the Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.

After losing control of the PDP to Wike, Fubara’s supporters switched to the APP, securing chairmanship positions in their local government areas.

PDP challenges poll

Speaking to The PUNCH hours after the election winners were sworn in, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kenneth Yowika, said the party would challenge the conduct of the poll in court.

‘’We are pressing further through the courts to ensure that justice is done and seen to have been done. So, we do not agree nor do we recognize if any swearing-in is taking place today (Sunday) or tomorrow (Monday),” he asserted.

Yowika said from the beginning, the ruling party in the state had insisted on the Federal High Court judgment barring the conduct of the council poll, pointing out that what the state government did was illegal.

Yowika said, “First of all everything concerning that issue is illegal. We have said it clearly that elections should not be held, you know, relying on the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu.


“And I had said before this time that any action taken regarding the issue of the local government will be futile because if we say we are a country that stands by the rule of law, then we should not be doing things that are contrary to the law.

“The law had said do things that will be in line with the judgment of the Federal High Court and the Government of the day has not obeyed that.

“So, we are a law-abiding party. We are not going to come out physically to begin to fight. We had a protest yesterday (Saturday) clearly showing that there was no election.

“And we stand by that decision that we have taken that there was no election, and we wait for the judiciary and other arms of government that should put things in proper perspective to act. We continue to hold on that there was no election.”

Continuing, he said, “We visited the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission yesterday and clearly, the world saw that there was no election there. So, we stand by the ruling of the Federal High Court which said that that election should not go on.

“Well, they went ahead to do whatever charade people saw and that is not acceptable by the Peoples Democratic Party. Like we said we are a law-abiding party, and we stand to remain that.”

Similarly, Chibuike Ikenga, Publicity Secretary of the Chief Tony Okocha-led APC insisted on the Federal High Court judgment which restrained the state government from conducting the poll.

Ikenga also said the swearing-in of the election winners ‘is neither here nor there,’ saying the party is pressing further through with the law.

“As a party, we insist on obeying the decisions of the Federal High Court under Justice Peter Lifu. And that is the reason why we did not acknowledge that any election ever took place. But the government is known for disobedience of court order went ahead. So, they are on their own.

“Our position is that you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand. So, whether anybody has been sworn in or not is secondary, we are not aware and we are not interested in whether it is taking place today (Sunday) or tomorrow (Monday).

“We are pressing further through the courts to ensure that justice is done and seen to have been done. So, we do not agree nor do we recognize if any swearing-in is taking place today or tomorrow,’’ he stated.

Asked if the party will return to the court based on the latest developments, he said, ‘’The state government already took the matter to the Court of Appeal where they asked for a stay and the stay was refused. So, the matter is on at the Court of Appeal.”

However, the APC loyal to the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the election, saying it would not contest the outcome.

Chizi Enyi, who is the Chief of Staff to the APC Chairman, Emeka Beke, said the party did not lose out because it won a councillor slot.


“The APC won the council slot. We are satisfied with the election held. Our biggest worry was those who said the election should not be held. So, we accept the outcome and we will not litigate it,” he said.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Environment and immediate past Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Sydney Gbara, also expressed satisfaction with the election, describing it as the freest and fairest election in the history of the state.

Gbara said, “Yes, I’m very satisfied and I can tell you that this is the freest and fairest and most peaceful election that has been conducted in Rivers State so far. The most striking thing about the election is that there was no police security yet everywhere was peaceful. That is the most interesting thing about the election.

“This is the best election that Rivers people came all out to participate in because they know that their future depends on yesterday’s election.”

Asked why he was excited even though his party did not win any slot, he said the interest of the state is paramount.

Gbara stated, “It is unfortunate that my party withdrew from the contest but as a Rivers man, the interest of the state supersedes any other interest, any personal or individual or group interest.

“For me, it is a step of liberation for the Rivers people and it is a day we have all been waiting for.”

Addressing the election winners, Fubara said the state has now entered into a season of transformation where democracy would not only thrive but the people shall witness the delivery of democratic dividends that satisfy their aspirations.

He acknowledged with great delight the support of Rivers people in the fight to salvage the local government system, according to him, ‘’it was at the precipice of doom because of the activities of some distractive political forces that wanted a grip on it.’’

He said that the pressure to destroy the LG system in Rivers State became intense three days before Election Day when an attempt was made to invade the RSIEC Headquarters.

The governor said, “But the truth remains, desperate situations require desperate measures. We were confronted with a situation where the local governments of this state was heading for doom.

“And the truth about it is, because of the genuine love that we have for this state, we must salvage the local government election. And what we did, with the support of Rivers people, was to salvage the local government council. And to the glory of God, that has been done and dusted.”

Fubara said with the elections now over, his administration would not engage in undemocratic action to confront or fight anybody.

Rather, he promised to deploy peaceful means to protect the state’s assets.


He added, “We will assure the Federal Government that we are not going to be a party to anything leading to the breakdown of law and order in this state. This is because we know quite alright that if there is a breakdown of law and order in this state, Nigeria will suffer, and we are not going to be party to it. That is the reason why our standard, in terms of maturity, was high.”

Gov admonishes chairmen

Fubara admonished the new chairmen to remain connected with the people in their council areas.

He urged them to emulate his approach to peace by being patient with the people and resolving every situation amicably.

He added, “For the newly sworn-in chairmen, I want you to see yourselves as servants. Once you see yourself as an emperor, that is where the problem begins. Once you see yourself as the one who knows it all because of the power of the fund available to you, that is where you will start seeing crisis.

“But see this opportunity as a call to service. It is an opportunity for you to bring people together and to deliver to the people of Rivers State. We need development in the 23 local government areas.”

The governor observed that his administration had provided certain critical infrastructure and other levels of development, but added that more needed to be done.

Handing down leadership tips to the new council leaders, he stated, “Represent them well. Work for the betterment of your local government, and ensure that you are a servant leader. Open your doors, embrace everyone, and I assure you, that nothing is bigger and greater than that.

“That is the structure. When you work for the people, when you bring them in, when you help them, there is nothing bigger than that. So, that will be the ingredient of this administration.”

Fubara said he is aware that his detractors were mobilising 20 people per political unit to attack the council chairmen when they reported to their various council secretariats on Monday.

He, however, advised them not to confront their adversaries or fight them.

He said, “I’m aware that they are mobilising 20 people per unit to go and confront you tomorrow when you resume in your local government headquarters. Please if they are coming with violence, avoid them.

“The peace of this state is too important to us. Everybody knows what they are planning but please I want to beg everyone to follow my approach.

“At the right time, you will always win if you are patient and calculative. We have made our promises to our people. We are going to lead them to the promised land.”


Fubara also said that his administration had promised Rivers people that he would lead them to ‘the Promised Land of greater development in an egalitarian society where everybody is equal.’

The governor urged the grassroots leaders to key into that commitment, which he said, would help them to work with so much enthusiasm as if the government would end the next day.

He warned them against greed and the urge to amass wealth indiscriminately.

He added, “You must ensure that this opportunity God has given you at this critical time is protected. Don’t fail Him. Don’t fail these elders that have come here to witness this ceremony.

“We want this to be a landmark. This is the beginning of a new Rivers State, and I am going to make sure that I supervise it with all that I have.

“I will follow up with whatever is happening in the 23 local governments with everything because I believe this is not a time for me to make any mistake.”

While expressing gratitude to God, Fubara appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his democratic approach and support for his administration.


“So, on behalf of the good people of Rivers State, I want to thank him (President Tinubu). I am so glad that the Chairman of the Governor’s Forum of PDP, and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, is here with us to witness the ceremony. I want to assure you that I remain a member of PDP,” the governor stated.

‘Election credible’

Speaking earlier while presenting the certificates of return to the winners, the RSIEC chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, noted that the outcome of the election had made a profound statement that the ballot paper in the hands of the people is stronger than arms and ammunition.

This is even as he declared the candidate of the Action Alliance party, Uzodinma Nwafor, as the winner of the chairmanship seat of Etche Local Government Council.

Enebeli explained that after it was stood down on Saturday, the process of collation of votes cast in Etche Local Government for the chairmanship position had been completed.

That was done, he stated, with discrete introspection, impartiality and electoral justice, with the lawful votes meeting the two-thirds of the majority of valid votes cast in favour of the Action Alliance party candidate, which was declared the winner and returned elected.

Enebeli said, “We can see that Rivers people and residents in their overwhelming majority of opinion have given veracity of vindication to Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission avowed position to conduct a free, fair, credible, transparent, all-inclusive, violence-free, successful and treasured election by the Treasure Base of the Nation, Rivers State, without police or security agencies.”


Enebeli said that of the 319 political wards, the Action Peoples Party won 314 councillorship positions while other parties clinched the remaining five positions.

The five councillorship seats were won by the All Progressives Congress which secured Okrika Ward 3, Boot Party which bagged Ahoada West, the Labour Party won Ward 3, while the Social Democratic Party and Young People’s Party each won councillorship seats in three other local government areas.

He said, “If I may say so without any sense of immodesty, the election that took place, conducted by us and the results make a vocal statement to Rivers State and Nigerian nation that the ballot paper in the people’s hand is stronger than arms and ammunition.”

Enebeli eventually presented Certificates of Return to the 23 chairmen and vice chairmen-elect who were returned elected in the October 5 council election.

This was done in compliance with section 59 of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law No. 2 of 2018.

Commenting on the poll, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, commended the Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara and the residents for rejecting ‘’The machinations of self-serving godfathers.’’

It will be recalled that ex-governor Wike’s faction had also clashed with Atiku during the 2023 Presidential election, a conflict that was believed to have contributed to Atiku’s defeat.

Atiku in a statement on Sunday stated that the era of political intimidation and judicial manipulation has ended, allowing for a focus on genuine governance in the state.

The former Vice President urged the newly elected council chairmen to prioritize the welfare of the people as their primary badge of honour and commitment.

The statement read, “With the conclusion of the local government election in Rivers State, the shadows of political intimidation and judicial chicanery have dissipated, paving the way for the noble pursuit of governance to commence in the State.

“From the bustling heart of Port Harcourt to the tranquil shores of Onne, the populace has spoken in harmonious unison, affirming that nothing can better democracy!

“As prophesied, it has now been revealed that the citizens of Rivers are astute and resolute, unwavering in their rejection of any form of political oppression, harassment, or the machinations of self-serving godfathers.”

Atiku urged the chairmen to avoid tyranny and unrealistic ambitions in their political pursuits.

The statement continued, “As I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected local government leaders, I urge them to wear the welfare of the people as their foremost badge of honour, shunning the path of tyranny and delusional ambition in their political endeavours.


“Moreover, I commend the resilient people of Rivers State for their steadfastness in the face of adversity, courageously ensuring that yesterday’s election unfolded with peace and integrity.

“I must also applaud Governor Fubara for his unwavering commitment to the people’s interests, safeguarding the sanctity of the local government elections even amidst provocative challenges.

“In the grand tapestry of this election, it is ultimately the people who emerge victorious, their sacred right to choose their leaders firmly upheld within the framework of our democratic process.”

Also speaking on the election, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Kenneth Minimah (retd), commended the Rivers state governor for the seamless conduct of the LG poll.

In a congratulatory message to the governor on Sunday, he lauded Fubara’s resolve in ensuring that the elections took place, even as he described its outcome as a significant milestone for the state.

While urging the governor to remain resolute in driving the development of the state, he urged politicians to prioritize the welfare of the people and put the needs of their constituents above other considerations.

“I wish to praise Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the seamless conduct of the local government elections and his resolve in ensuring the elections took place. The outcome of the election is a significant milestone for the state.


‘’ Fubara has the steering the ship of state and I urge him to remain resolute in driving development. This development and successful local government election signifies Governor Fubara’s administration’s commitment to the people at the grassroots,” the statement read in part.

Minimah also commended the RSIEC and the people for their part in the success of the election.

Meanwhile, the Ogonis in the Diaspora, under the aegis of Greater Ogonis in Diaspora Organisation, has strongly condemned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over his handling of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

The group in a statement on Sunday called for his immediate resignation.

President of GODO, Chief Ambrose Kii, also threatened to drag the IG to the International Criminal Court if the police continued to take sides in the political crisis in Rivers State.

He cited alleged excessive use of force and violence, particularly against Rivers people and disrespecting the state governor, whom he described as the chief security officer of the state.

If you really want to become a confident speaker, say goodbye to these 10 habits


Ever wondered what sets confident speakers apart from the rest?

It’s often not about skill, but about habits.

Some habits can quietly chip away at your confidence, making you seem less capable than you truly are.

If you want to become a confident speaker, it’s time to let go of these habits, even if they’ve been with you for years.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 habits you need to break.

Let’s get started.

1) Filler words


One of the biggest barriers standing between you and confident speaking is the overuse of filler words.

We all do it. Those little “um’s”, “uh’s”, “like’s”, and “you know’s” that sneak into our speech more often than we’d care to admit. They might seem harmless, but they can significantly undermine your authority and confidence as a speaker.

The problem with these filler words is that they distract your audience and dilute your message. They make you seem unsure, less knowledgeable, and less confident.

If you’re serious about enhancing your speaking confidence, it’s time to consciously start eliminating these filler words from your speech. It won’t happen overnight, but with practice and awareness, you can significantly reduce their frequency.

And believe me, once you start speaking without these unnecessary fillers, you’ll sound more articulate, more confident, and more credible to your audience.


2) Speaking too fast
I’ll confess, this was a habit I had to kick myself.

There was a time when I would speak at lightning speed, especially in nerve-wracking situations. I thought that if I spoke quickly, I would get through the presentation faster and hence face less scrutiny from my audience.

People who stay mentally sharp in their retirement usually adopt these 7 daily habits
But I was wrong.

Speaking too fast can be a major barrier to effective and confident communication. Your message becomes unclear, your audience struggles to keep up, and worst of all, it broadcasts your nervousness loud and clear.

Once I realized this, I started consciously slowing down my speech. It was hard at first, but over time it started feeling more natural. And the difference was like night and day! My audience began engaging more, my messages were clearer, and most importantly, I started feeling more confident while speaking.

3) Neglecting body language
Did you know that up to 93% of communication is nonverbal? That means what you don’t say can be just as important, if not more so, than what you do say.

Body language is a silent orchestra that provides context, emotion, and meaning to your spoken words. If you’re slouched, fidgeting or avoiding eye contact while speaking, it doesn’t matter how well-crafted your words are. Your body language is shouting out a lack of confidence.

Confident speakers harness the power of body language. They stand tall, make eye contact, and use open gestures. If you want to join their ranks, start paying attention to your nonverbal cues. Stand up straight, look people in the eye, and keep your gestures open and relaxed. Your confidence will thank you for it!

4) Over-reliance on notes
Look, I get it. Notes can be a safety blanket when you’re speaking. They help ensure you don’t forget anything important and can provide a sense of security.

But over-reliance on notes can become a crutch that hinders your speaking confidence. Constantly looking at your notes disconnects you from your audience and makes it harder to engage with them. Plus, it can make you seem less confident and less knowledgeable about your topic.

Confident speakers use notes as a guide, not a script. They know their material well enough that they can speak naturally and fluidly, referring to their notes only occasionally for key points or statistics.

If you want to boost your speaking confidence, start working on reducing your reliance on notes. Practice speaking about your topic without constantly referring to your notes. It might be challenging at first, but with time, you’ll notice a significant boost in your confidence and presentation skills.

5) Overcomplicating the message
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that using complex language and jargon will make you sound more intelligent and confident. But in reality, it often has the opposite effect.

When your message is complicated or filled with technical jargon, your audience may struggle to understand what you’re saying. This can lead to confusion, disengagement, and can undermine your credibility as a speaker.

Confident speakers know the power of simplicity. They focus on clarity and understandability, using simple, everyday language to convey their ideas. They know that the ability to explain complex concepts in a simple way is a hallmark of deep understanding and confidence.


Cut out unnecessary jargon, use clear and concise language, and make sure your ideas are easy for anyone to understand.

6) Avoiding vulnerability
Many of us believe that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness, especially when we’re in the spotlight. We think that to be a confident speaker, we must project an image of perfection, never admitting to our mistakes or insecurities.

But let me assure you, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Embracing vulnerability can be one of the most powerful ways to connect with your audience and boost your confidence. It shows your audience that you’re human, just like them. It makes you more relatable and trustworthy.

I’ve seen it time and again – the most impactful speakers are those who aren’t afraid to share their struggles, their fears, and their journey. They understand that their power lies not in their perfection, but in their authenticity.


Don’t shy away from being vulnerable when you speak. Share your stories, express your emotions, and don’t be afraid to show your true self. It might feel scary at first, but believe me, the connection you’ll build with your audience will be worth it. And as a bonus, you’ll feel more confident and authentic in your speaking.

7) Neglecting the power of pause
I used to be terrified of silence. In my early days of public speaking, I would rush through my speech, fearing that any pause would be perceived as a mistake or a loss of train of thought.

But over time, I realized that pausing is an essential tool in effective communication. It allows your audience time to absorb what you’ve said, adds emphasis to important points, and can even build suspense and interest.

Now, I consciously incorporate pauses into my speeches. And let me tell you, it’s been a game changer. Not only do these moments of silence allow me to gather my thoughts and breathe, but they also make my message more impactful.

Start experimenting with it in your own speaking and see how it enhances your delivery and boosts your confidence.


.8 Trying to eliminate all nerves
Here’s a secret: Even the most confident speakers get nervous. The butterflies, the sweaty palms, the racing heart – we’ve all been there.

Many people think that confidence means never feeling nervous. But that’s not the case. Confidence isn’t about eliminating nerves, it’s about learning to manage them and channel them into energy for your presentation.

Nerves can actually be a good thing. They show that you care about what you’re saying and can give you the adrenaline boost needed to deliver a passionate, engaging speech.

So instead of trying to banish your nerves completely, focus on strategies to manage them. Deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk can all help turn your nerves into an asset rather than an obstacle.

Believe me, once you stop fighting your nerves and start embracing them, you’ll find your confidence as a speaker skyrocketing.


9) Ignoring your audience
Confident speaking isn’t just about delivering a great speech, it’s also about engaging with your audience. It’s easy to get so caught up in what you’re saying that you forget to pay attention to the people you’re speaking to.

But ignoring your audience can be a big mistake. It can make you seem detached and uninterested, and can prevent you from connecting with your listeners.

Confident speakers understand the importance of audience engagement. They maintain eye contact, respond to audience reactions, and adjust their delivery based on the audience’s response.

Look for your audience’s reactions, adjust your pace and tone based on their responses, and don’t be afraid to interact with them. Your audience will appreciate your engagement and you’ll feel more confident as a speaker.

10) Not practicing enough
There’s a saying: “Practice makes perfect.” And when it comes to confident speaking, it couldn’t be more accurate.

No matter how talented a speaker you are, without regular practice, your skills and confidence will likely stagnate. Practicing helps you familiarize yourself with your content, refine your delivery, and become more comfortable with public speaking.

Make practice a non-negotiable part of your speaking routine. Whether it’s in front of a mirror, with a trusted friend, or through a video recording, regular practice is the key to becoming a more confident speaker.

NBA reacts to police’s decision not to provide security for Rivers LGA election

NBA says a court can't stop police from carrying out its constitutional duty of providing
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concerns regarding the security arrangements for the Rivers State loocal government elections scheduled for Saturday, 5 October.

This concerns arose from a controversial announcement made by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, that the police would refrain from providing security during the elections, citing compliance with a Federal High Court order.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Federal High Court in Abuja stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the register of voters for Rivers State to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 5 October.

In the judgement delivered on Monday, the judge, Peter Lifu, also barred the Inspector General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) from providing security for the controversial elections.

The judgement was in a suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which challenged the legitimacy of the election process.

In a statement released on Friday, NBA President Afam Osigwe described as a “brazen” decision, the police’s refusal to fulfil their constitutional mandate to maintain peace and security..”

Mr Osigwe noted the troubling reports that police officers had allegedly attempted to seize electoral materials from the headquarters of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at night.

The branch chairpersons of the NBA in Rivers State had earlier maintained that the police had a non-negotiable duty to ensure public safety.

Echoing a similar view, Mr Osigwe said, “The responsibility of the police to ensure peace and security in Rivers State is constitutional and cannot be restrained by any court.”

He noted the troubling implications of a law enforcement agency declining to protect citizens during a crucial electoral process.

Legal and democratic concerns
The association said the police’s refusal to provide security as not only unconstitutional but also as a serious threat to democratic rights.

Mr Osigwe argued that such an abdication of responsibility could create an environment conducive to lawlessness, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

He warned, “The refusal to provide security is not only unconstitutional but also illegal, immoral, and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness and undermines democracy.”

The NBA has called on all security agencies to rise to the challenge of safeguarding lives, property, and the democratic process during this critical period.

He urged Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to launch an immediate investigation into reports of police attempts to tamper with electoral materials and to ensure that any officers found culpable are held accountable.

Governor Fubara’s standoff with police
Tensions have further escalated with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s public confrontation with the police’s decision to withhold security for the elections.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Governor Fubara declared that the citizens of Rivers State would take it upon themselves to protect their voting rights.

He staid, “We’ve been taking enough nonsense from this institution,” referring to the police.

He criticised the conflicting court orders issued by both the Rivers State High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja, which have created uncertainty regarding the elections.

He suggested that the police’s actions might be influenced by political motives, particularly the influence of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over law enforcement.

Governor Fubara questioned the rationale behind the police’s refusal to provide security, asserting, “Okay, police don’t provide security, is it the same thing as blocking the election?”

The local government elections in Rivers State have been enmeshed in acrimony, an episode of the escalating feud between Governor Fubara and Mr Wike.

Governor Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to holding the election as scheduled, emphasising the importance of upholding the rule of law and democratic governance in light of the State High Court’s order.

In contrast, both the All Progressive Congress and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have organised a joint protest against the election, citing concerns related to the Federal High Court order.

Men what can make you lose interest at this point?

DAVECENA:
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Hezbollah leader agreed to temporary ceasefire days before assassination, says Lebanese foreign minister

'This is something dangerous': Lebanese Foreign Minister on Israel's incursion.

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah had agreed to a 21-day ceasefire just days before he was assassinated by Israel.

The temporary ceasefire was called for by US President Joe Biden, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and other allies during last week’s UN General Assembly.

“He [Nasrallah] agreed, he agreed,” Habib told Christiane Amanpour in an interview aired on Wednesday.

“We agreed completely. Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire but consulting with Hezbollah. The [Lebanese House] Speaker Mr. Nabih Berri consulted with Hezbollah and we informed the Americans and the French what happened. And they told us that Mr. [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu also agreed on the statement that was issued by both presidents [Biden and Macron.]”

White House senior adviser Amos Hochstein was then set to go to Lebanon to negotiate the ceasefire, Habib continued.

“They told us that Mr. Netanyahu agreed on this and so we also got the agreement of Hezbollah on that and you know what happened since then,” the foreign minister added.

Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Friday in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut.

A day earlier, a joint statement issued by the United States, France, Australia, Canada, the European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar called for a 21-day ceasefire, “to give diplomacy a chance to succeed and avoid further escalations across the border.”

A Western source familiar with the negotiations also said Hezbollah had agreed to the temporary truce shortly before the US released the proposal last week. The source didn’t say whether the decision had come directly from Nasrallah, but said that for the movement to agree, they would have needed his approval. A second source familiar with the talks agreed that the US was aware that Hezbollah was agreeing to the ceasefire.

However, an official from the Biden administration told CNN that Nasrallah himself agreeing to the deal is “not something we have heard before. If true, [it] was never communicated to us.”

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller did not rule out that it had happened, but also said the US was not aware.

“I can’t speak to whether he ever agreed to it and told somebody inside Lebanon. Obviously, that could be something that happened that we wouldn’t be aware of. I can tell you that, if that’s true, it was never communicated to us in any way shape or form,” Miller told CNN at a press briefing Thursday.

“We were having a number of diplomatic engagements to talk about the proposals that we were going to put forward. I think all of the parties were well aware of the proposals that we were going to put forward, but at no time in those conversations did we get a message that Hezbollah had agreed or was going to agree to it,” Miller said.

Hezbollah never officially announced their position publicly. It appeared Hezbollah was waiting to see what Israel would do once the US, France and the other allies put out the statement on Wednesday night announcing the ceasefire.

A US official previously told CNN that the US-led statement had also been greenlit by Israel after working on it together for several days. On a hastily-arranged call that night, senior Biden administration officials told reporters with confidence: “the ceasefire will be for 21 days” across the Lebanon-Israel border.

But hours later, Prime Minister Benjajmin Netanyahu said Israel would “continue to hit Hezbollah with all our might.” Israeli officials tried to explain what happened as an “honest misunderstanding,” saying they thought the proposal “was the start of a process that could ultimately lead to a ceasefire.”

The US official said that the administration retreated from pushing last week’s ceasefire plan once they learned Israel may try to take out Nasrallah.

In response to a question on the United States’ diminishing influence in the region, Habib said Washington was “always important in this regard.”

“I don’t think we have an alternative. We need the United States’ help. Whether we get it or not, we’re not sure yet, but [the] United States is very important, vital for the ceasefire to happen,” said Habib.

Breaking:

UN Secretary - General Gutteres and his office declared persona-non-grata; Banned from entering Isreal


Israeli occupation Declares UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Unwelcome for Failing to Align with Its Narrative

The Israeli Foreign Minister has announced that Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, is no longer welcome in the country.


Today, I have declared UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres persona non grata in Israel and banned him from entering the country.

Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran's heinous attack on Israel, as almost every country in the world has done, does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil.

This is a Secretary-General who has yet to denounce the massacre and sexual atrocities committed by Hamas murderers on October 7, nor has he led any efforts to declare them a terrorist organization.

A Secretary-General who gives backing to terrorists, rapists, and murderers from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and now Iran—the mothership of global terror—will be remembered as a stain on the history of the UN.

Israel will continue to defend its citizens and uphold its national dignity, with or without António Guterres.

I really don’t think you understand the absolute miracles that we witnessed last night here in Israel.

In fact, I am sure you don’t.

Let’s break this down.

Israel has three air defense systems, each one of them a technological wonder and that’s not me saying it. That’s Dr. Gold who basically invented the Iron Dome who told me that. The level and sophistication of the Iron Dome is simply unparalleled.

But the Iron Dome only knows how to detonate short range rockets or missiles within a 70 km range, give or take.

Then Israel has the David’s Sling system. That knows how to deal with mid range missiles up to approximately 300 km.

Then we have the Arrow system that literally detonates missiles that can fly outside of the earth’s atmosphere. That has a range of about 2,400 km!! 🤯

Last night, as Iran rained down ballistic missiles on Israel, all three defense systems were activated and implemented to perfection.

The chances of all of these incredibly complex systems working in unison as flawlessly as they did last night, are basically non existent.

If one thing went wrong, if one of those ballistic missiles hit an apartment building, a shopping center, or an army base, we would now be burying hundreds of Israelis.

And all of that is not even the biggest miracle.

A few hours ago, I got a WhatsApp message from a good friend who is a senior executive at Microsoft and who wasn’t exactly a God fearing Jew. Until yesterday.

Here is what he wrote me.

“If you’re looking for miracles man - last night I started believing. Missiles hit all around me but none of them hit my house or any house, for that matter.”

He elaborated some more and shared info about the missiles that he watched land just meters away from very strategic places in Israel, to say the least.

Each one of those defense systems is, in and of itself, pretty miraculous, but what is even more insane is the low casualty numbers from the rockets and missiles that we’re NOT intercepted.

Where did those missiles go? I’ll tell you where. They landed in sand, in water, and in “Empty spaces”.

Have you been to Israel? It’s a microscopic country. What empty spaces? Where are these empty spaces? 🤷‍♂️

How have hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles all either get detonated by miraculous systems or totally miss their mark and land in empty spaces causing zero casualties and minimal damage?!

How??

Listen, I get it. This thought process begs the question, where was God during the horrible terrorist attack yesterday? Where was He on October 7th? Where was He during the holocaust?

All valid questions that require a very serious nuanced conversation.

But if you know anything about what had to happen last night and throughout this war in general, for such a low number of casualties, you’ll know that what we witnessed last night was the equivalent of God splitting the sea right before our eyes.

Guess what. When God split the sea, there were those who didn’t believe it was a miracle and didn’t jump in. And there are also those who feel the need to explain it naturally. Ok, that’s fine.

You don’t want to call yesterday an act of God? That’s your choice, but like my Microsoft friend, if you look at these events objectively, you’d have a really hard time seeing those hundreds of deadly missiles land in empty spaces and not see the hand of God.

Last night was an incredible display of the collaboration between two of the powers that protect the Jewish people: The IDF and Hashem.

Last night will go down in history right alongside many of Israel’s accomplishments in this war including the beepers and the unprecedented low ratio between combatant and civilian, as a military operation the likes of which the world has never seen. Ever!

Last night will be analyzed by military strategists and experts for generations.

Last night, we witnessed history.

Last night we witnessed open miracles.

Last night, we witnessed God in all His glory watching over His children.

Lalami3232:

A compilation of the Funniest write ups on innocent people’s clothes you will ever see on the internet

Community kicks over alleged diversion of Lagos-Calabar Expressway

The Okun Ajah Community Development Association, the apex body of indigenes and residents of Okun Ajah in the Eti Osa Local Government area of Lagos State, has raised the alarm over an alleged diversion of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Expressway into their community.

The community alleged that the road was diverted from the 2006 Gazetted Coastal Road Alignment to favour some set of persons.

The body in a statement sent to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday and signed by its chairman, Isah Noibi and secretary, Yusuf Odunuga, called for an investigation into the matter.

While noting that the people of Okun Ajah were aware of the intention of the Lagos State and Federal Government to construct a coastal road nearly 30 years ago, they stated that the community did not encroach on the Approved Establishment Right of Way for the road.

The statement read in part, “We are writing this open letter because the people and residents of Okun Ajah are being threatened with an illegal demolition of their properties, lifelong investment, houses, and estates, just for being law-abiding.

“The Okun Ajah town in Eti Osa Local Government area of Lagos State is an ancient town with a history going back to over 500 years ago. The population of Okun Ajah comprising both indigenes and residents is substantially large and diverse

“The Okun Ajah people, most of whom are law-abiding people, became aware of the intention of the Lagos State and Federal Government of Nigeria to construct a coastal road nearly 30 years ago. We are also aware that the Coastal Road Alignment was gazetted and approved in 2006, while Your Excellency (Bola Tinubu) was the Governor of Lagos State.

“Multibillions of naira worth of investments of Nigerians in the Diaspora and lifelong investment and retirement plans of the Etisalat Workers Cooperative Society, Addax Petroleum Workers Cooperative and Seplat Energy will be affected by the diversion of the road.”

The group however alleged that the supposed favoured group of persons purchased lands on the coastal road to influence the diversion to other areas of the community that did not encroach into the Right of Way.

The community also clarified that no telecommunications cable was present in the community, which was said to have warranted the diversion.

“For clarification purposes, the Okun Ajah Alignment is at chainage 16+500 – 17+500, while the MTN cable is at chainage 24+500, which is at ShopRite Road, Okun Mopo about seven kilometres away from Okun-Ajah “They, therefore, appealed to the President to kindly direct the Minister of Works to comply with the 2006 Approved and Enacted Coastal Road Alignment and to stop further deviation from it,” the statement added.

When contacted on Tuesday, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, declined comments on the matter. “Direct your question to the Honourable Minister of Works, please,” she said

HurricaneLanter:
Iran attacked Israel, not USA so why are we reading updates about Iranian missiles from the White House

Iranian report: 5 dead, 12 wounded IRGC forces from the Yanbarkaf unit in the explosion of a Segil missile before firing (therefore the launch) at Mallard.

Also: A Palestinian from Gaza living in Jericho was the only reported death in the IRGC attack.

The Islamic Regime only killed IRGC members and Palestinians in this attack.

IDF completely took over this Hezbollah tunnel and position.

Zero resistance. Wild footage pic.twitter.com/Fek7UJz5D8

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 1, 2024

Here are the full details that can now be shared regarding the IDF's covert operations in southern Lebanese villages over recent months:

- More than 70 special operations took place, with IDF forces spending over 200 nights inside enemy territory in southern Lebanon.
- Some… pic.twitter.com/iookwLPe4N

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 1, 2024

Time for serious introspection, David Mark tells Tinubu

ABUJA- FORMER President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has taken stock of Nigeria’s tortuous journey to nationhood and submitted that the time calls for sober reflection as the country celebrates its 64th independence anniversary, saying that this is the time for serious introspection by President dent Bola Tinubu and other leaders.

In a goodwill message to Nigerians, Senator Mark reflected on the journey so far and noted that despite the challenges of insecurity, poverty, disease, and general underdevelopment, Nigeria is endowed with human and natural resources capable of changing the tide for good, adding that this is achievable if all citizens are patriotic and united with a common mission and purpose.

In a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, Senator Mark said, “Disappointing as the situation may seem, the shortcomings of the past should serve as useful lessons for progress. We must learn from our past mistakes and work towards a better future.”

The former President of the Senate recalled the 30-month-old fratricidal civil war, occasional ethnoreligious conflicts and the uncertainties surrounding political engagements, saying that all these issues are traceable to inadequacies of leadership and citizens’ failure.

Senator Mark who cautioned against divisive tendencies and inflammatory statements in recent times that tend to exacerbate the already fragmented atmosphere, said, “Those who exploit our fault lines of ethnicity and religious differences to promote hatred are enemies of the country”.

Despite the challenges, Senator Mark noted that Nigeria has made progress in some areas pointing out that, “though we are not yet where we should be, we are certainly better than yester years. This should serve as motivation for us to continue working towards a better Nigeria.”

The former Senate President who emphasized that political leaders should lead by example and strive to put the citizens at the centre of their programmes and policies, said, “Leaders must prioritize the needs and well-being of the people.”

Senator Mark was optimistic that Nigeria could come out of its current challenges if all Nigerians resolved to bury the hatchet of yesterday, “We must unite and work together to address our challenges”.

To further address the challenges of underdevelopment, Senator Mark advocated for huge investments in enterprises and production that would improve income and end capital flights.

He stated, “We need to create an environment where everyone can ply his or her trade in any part of the country without fear of intimidation or molestation. We need to be our brother’s keeper at all times. I wish Nigerians a prosperous nation.”

etrouble:
Imagine this cursed Cameroonian bisexual talking about rotational Presidency when he fought tooth and nail to make sure it didn’t happen in PDP

Lawyer Challenges Lagos Govt's ‘Unconstitutional’ Move To Limit #FearlessInOctober Protesters To Specific Venue

Adedeji stated that the Attorney General’s role is to guide the government in adhering to legal standards, not to advise actions that contradict constitutional rights.

A Nigerian human rights lawyer Taiwo Adedeji Esq has condemned the actions of the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), in securing a court judgement confining protesters to a specific area.

Adedeji described the move as unconstitutional.

Adedeji stated that the Attorney General’s role is to guide the government in adhering to legal standards, not to advise actions that contradict constitutional rights.

He emphasized that the 1999 Constitution, in Section 40, guarantees every citizen the right to assemble freely and associate with others, including forming or joining political parties, trade unions, or other associations to protect their interests.

#FearlessInOctober Protests: Lagos Govt Reaffirms Protest Restrictions To Two Locations, Urges Compliance

The lawyer further argued that by limiting the protestors’ right to assemble, the Lagos State government, under the advisement of the Attorney General, had disregarded established legal principles and court rulings, undermining the rights of citizens to peacefully demonstrate.

Adedeji said, "I have seen a statement circulating online and credited to the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) insisting that protesters should restrict themselves to Gani Fawehinmi Park Ojota for the purposes of the planned October 1st nationwide protest against inhuman government economic policies.

"With the greatest respect to the learned Attorney General, he is wrong and very wrong. As the Attorney General, his duty is to advise the government to follow the path of legality and not the other way round.”

The lawyer noted that Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution states: "Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference."

According to the human rights lawyer, the same 1999 Constitution in section 40 Provides that “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union, or any other association for the protection of his interests”.

He noted that the above underscores the illegality of any government policy to restrict the peaceful movements of protesters.

Adedeji said the above sections of the Constitution have been given judicial affirmation in a plethora of cases.

He explained that the one that readily comes to mind and particularly relevant to the analysis is the case of Inspector General of Police Vs All Nigeria Peoples Party where the Court of Appeal upheld the earlier Federal High Court decision where it was held that requirement for police permit to organise public protest is unconstitutional.

He said, "Earlier the Federal High Court held that ‘The Public Order Act in so far as it requires the issuance of police permit as a condition precedent to the holding of rallies or processions, is inconsistent with Section 40 and the Constitution and to that extent, it is null and void."

He said the decision was affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

Adedeji said, "The general slogans of Ccnstitutional rights not being ‘absolute’ which the learned Attorney General also made allusions to is with respect to him, begging the question - if the rights are not absolute, shall we then resort to illegality in an attempt to limit the ambit of the applicability of the rights?”

Veteran singer, Stella Monye, was off the music scene for many years to take care of her sick son but she is back and she says she has no regret leaving the scene to tend to her offspring.

Monye, who just released a new song titled ‘He Prepared Me’, maintained that her son was more important to her than her career.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “I have no regret doing what I did. My son will always be more important than anything. Even though we are still on the journey of trying to get it right, as he is in a critical condition. However, I need to work to be able to pay his bills and take care of myself.”

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, she said, “The title of the song is ‘He Prepared Me’, and it was written by a friend, who based it on the turbulence I went through. It was basically inspired by the experience I had during those turbulent times.”

On why she had to return to the industry at this time, the singer said, “My son had an accident while I was on a national engagement with other Nigerian artistes. That tragic incident stopped me from working, because I had to take him to numerous hospitals.

“However, at this stage, I might never be able to see him through his predicament if I don’t go back to work. The systematic medical procedure laid down for him in the United States of America is to go on concurrently until he is given a clean bill of health, and that is not a joke financially. He is still on danger list as we speak.”

Asked if she was confident she could assert her brand amidst the array of talents currently making waves in the industry, she said, “I am not in competition with the old or new generation of artistes. Like wine that gets better with age, I am bringing my wealth of experience to bear. I have gone mundane lyrics and will only put out edifying content.

“As a matter of fact, I would like to work with a host of the young artistes out there, such as Bnxn (formerly Buju), Asake, Olamide and Davido.”

On the toll her son’s ill health has taken on her over the years, Monye said, “It has taken a huge toll on me. I suffered a heart attack, and I have other health conditions as well. I am currently dealing with diabetes and high blood pressure.”

‘My ex-wife tarnished my image, married out our daughter without my consent’- Fred Amata alleges

‘‘This is an abomination. This is taboo. Nowhere in the world, nowhere in Africa, nowhere in Delta State, and the lands where we come from can a woman give away her child in marriage, especially when the father is alive.’’

Actor and movie producer Fred Amata has criticised his ex-wife, Agatha Amata, famous for her talk show, ‘Inside Out with Agatha’, for giving their daughter’s hand in marriage without his consent.

Agatha, the CEO of RaveTV Lagos and Trend FM100.9, Asaba, divorced the famous actor in 2005. The divorce was reportedly amicable, and they have two children, Oreva and Stephanie. Three years after their divorce, her ex-husband welcomed a daughter, Zino, with actress and ex-beauty queen Ibinabo Fiberisima.

Amata, absent at their daughter’s wedding in the UK, ‘reunited’ with his ex-wife for their son Oreva’s traditional wedding in Lagos in June 2023. However, he was absent at the white wedding held in the United States in May of the same year.

Amata’s latest allegations have brought their past issues back into the spotlight.

On Wednesday, Agatha announced on her Instagram page the marriage of her daughter, Stephanie and wished her a blissful union, sharing a video from the wedding ceremony. In the video, she could be seen walking her down the aisle, a tradition that fathers or males typically carry out.

Reacting to the marriage in a post on his social media accounts, the actor Fred Amata expressed his shock and disbelief at his ex-wife’s action, describing it as a grave injustice in their culture.

He said: “Abomination, embrace taboo, stare Africa in the eyes to manipulate my daughter and her husband, hoodwink the lovebirds, and walk my daughter down the aisle to give Stephanie away to a husband. I can’t keep quiet anymore. It’s time to speak up. This is an abomination. This is taboo. Nowhere in the world, nowhere in Africa, nowhere in Delta State, and the lands where we come from can a woman give away her child in marriage, especially when the father is alive.

“Especially when the father is willing and able. Worse still, when the father is in the same city. What malice would drive a woman, in an attempt to rubbish her ex-husband, to lead his daughter to marriage? What manipulation would warrant concealing the date and time from a father who has already given his blessing? Even if the daughter forgets when the father and daughter are in the same city of London, is it not the place of ‘The Good Wife’?”

Heartbroken father
The 61-year-old questioned his ex-wife’s audacity to give their daughter’s hand in marriage without his knowledge.

Amata, who rose to fame in 1986 for his role in Legacy, sought advice from Nigerians and well-wishers on what to do next.

He stated that a good wife would never do such a thing simply to make a man look bad.

“Good people, netizens, well-wishers, haters, and influencers. What options are left to this heartbroken father? How do you throw away the baby with the bathwater? Do you cast away the ones you will forever love because a ‘good wife’ has been blinded by wealth and fury to jeopardise the father’s blessings on his daughter?

“They came to me in London; Aaron brought drinks as kola to me, the father, as the pictures show. Do you throw away the baby with the bathwater? Do you cast away the ones you will forever love because a ‘good wife’ has been blinded by wealth and fury to jeopardise the father’s blessings on his daughter? What kind of ‘good wife’ does a thing like this simply to make a man look bad?”

Tarnished image
The actor also alleged that his ex-wife had tarnished his reputation, belittled his achievements, and exploited his name for her selfish gain since their divorce.

He said he had remained silent and refrained from commenting on their failed marriage, hoping that the wounds would heal and reconciliation might be possible.

He said, “It was over 25 years ago that I came up with the unique idea of ‘Inside-Out with Agatha’, a talk show with six informed and opposing points of view represented by a person with oratorial skills, now male, now female. We had seen a talk show by Regina Askia, and Agatha wanted to be a host. I told her not to worry: ‘I will come up with something; it will make you like Oprah Winfrey,’ and I did it ingeniously.

“I was the dedicated creator, throwing in flesh, blood, and sweat to create and deliver a concept that had never before been done in Nigeria, save for a similar, perhaps less engaging, six episodes of a programme called MEE to You, or something like that, by the late May Ellen Ezekiel, who was married to RMD. A programme that could stand the test of time and put bread on the table of the young marriage—a programme so versatile it is still relevant today.”

Inside Out with Agatha my idea – Fred Amata

Amata further revealed that his ex-wife had leveraged his programme, ‘Inside Out with Agatha’, which has been recognised as Nigeria’s longest-running television talk show, airing for over twenty years, against him.

He added that he sacrificed his initial bid for the presidency of the Directors Guild of Nigeria in favour of ‘Inside Out with Agatha’, which ultimately became a runaway hit.

However, he said he did not realise the programme’s success would threaten his marriage. He said the concept and vision he introduced in ‘Inside Out with Agatha’ were unprecedented in Nigeria.

“‘Inside Out with Agatha’ was an instant hit. The genius of the angle, the production values, the directorial approach, the lighting, and the production design were so engaging that it was irresistible. I was at the height of my directorial rendezvous and had gathered a production crew of the best technical hands in what is now early Nollywood. TV soaps were the biggest things because we dared to stand out from the emerging crowd of Nollywood directors. Kingsley Ogoro, my friend, brother, and nemesis, would lead a high.

“I co-opted Nollywood greats: Zack Orji, Okey Bakassi, Sunny McDon, Francis Onwochei, Emeka Ossai, Zik Zulu Okafor, Francis Duru, Prince Jide Kosoko, and numerous friends who looked up to me. I asked for their support for the first episodes, and soon everybody who was anybody wanted to be part of Inside Out.

“I staked every resource—friends, favours, loyalties, family, extended family, and links. I was involved in the crème de la crème of big productions and studios: Tunde Kelani, Wale Fanu, Tade Ogidan, Tunde Oloyede, Pat Nebo, Uzor Okpeche, Simi Opeoluwa, Opa Williams, the late Chico Ejiro, and numerous others—to ensure no failure of the programme.”

He described the program as one that could endure over time and provide financial stability for young couples.

Fred Amata on Marriage resolution
He stated that during a resolution meeting to their marital crisis, the families (his and his ex-wife’s) agreed that ‘Inside Out with Agatha’ proceeds would continue to support the children.

He said they permitted Agatha to continue the programme because she was the marketing representative.

He alleged that she changed after ‘Inside Out with Agatha’ became the financial backbone of his ex-wife, whom he described as the ‘Good Wife’.

“With the influence it wielded and the contacts and connections it gathered, ‘The Good Wife’ soon built an empire with no emperor. She employed maligning my name to acquire favours and contracts. Inside Out is the source of all the Good Wife’s wealth. My genius, my sweat, my vision, and for 20 years, I swallowed it. My reputation diminished as the Good Wife’s gathered momentum. So today, the Good Wife, using my brainchild, has become a billionaire—no credit to me.

“No compensation, no royalty. But the Good Wife is good; let raising the children be my royalty. Buoyed by her success without recourse to the creator, the Ebu Delta State-born Good Wife has gathered a litany of resentment. She has registered a new company to own the programme, discarding the company we set up. She has sued for and obtained a divorce, and 20 years on, she still carries bitterness and will go to extremes to tarnish my image”, he added.

He says everything his ex-wife owns directly results from his programme, ‘Inside Out with Agatha.’

‘But understand this, ‘Good Wife’ Agatha: everything you have ever owned and will ever own is because of ‘Inside Out’. It is my brainchild, my intellectual property. You have yet to bury me with your silence and indifference to the billions you have reaped while remaining oblivious to your extravagant wealth.

“This so-called ‘Good Wife’ dares defy tradition, challenge societal norms, and embrace taboos. She dares to confront Africa, attempting to manipulate my daughter and her husband, to deceive the lovebirds and lead my daughter down the aisle to give Stephanie to her husband.”

Agatha hasn’t responded to her ex-husband’s allegations as of press time.

Tunisian presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel jailed for certificate forgery

Days to Tunisia’s election, Ayachi Zammel, a presidential candidate, has been sentenced to six months in prison for using “fraudulent certificates.”

A presidential candidate, has been sentenced to six months in prison for using “fraudulent certificates.”

The Criminal Chamber of the Jendouba Court of First Instance sentenced Mr Zammel to six months in prison for “deliberately using a fraudulent certificate,” Tunisia’s TAP news agency reported Wednesday.

Mr Zammel was sentenced to 20 months in prison for falsifying popular endorsement documents to contest last week’s race.

However, Abdessattar Massoudi, Mr Zammel’s lawyer, dismissed Mr Zammel’s sentence as a plot to ruin his chances in the forthcoming election.

“It is another unjust ruling and a farce that clearly aims to weaken him in the election race, but we will defend his right to the last minute,” Mr Massoudi told Reuters.

Mr Zammel was arrested on September 2 over allegations that he falsified signatures gathered as a requirement to contest for the presidency. He was released four days later but rearrested over similar allegations.

This comes as Tunisia prepare for the presidential election on October 6.

EXCLUSIVE: Out of 6 Months, Bobrisky Spent Only 3 Weeks In Kirikiri Prison


Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, the Nigerian transgender woman better known as Bobrisky, spent only three weeks in prison after receiving a six-month sentencing for naira abuse in April, FIJ can report.

On Tuesday, Martins Vincent Otse, a social media user predominantly known as VeryDarkMan, released a phone conversation during which Bobrisky confessed to serving her term outside the prison and paying N15 million to have the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) expunge ‘money laundering’ from the charges against her.

The controversy has since attracted renewed attention to corruption in Nigerian prisons, with Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo already ordering “an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service”.

On Thursday, sources familiar with the matter told FIJ that while Bobrisky was indeed taken to Kirikiri in April after her sentencing, she left after just three weeks. Meanwhile, she was only officially released from prison in August.

‘GUARDED LIKE A PRESIDENT’

“Bob spent only three weeks here with us in Kirikiri before she was taken out to another place we don’t know,” a prison official told FIJ. “That was where she spent her time; it was an ‘arrangee thing’. And money was involved.”

The source also told FIJ how Bobrisky was “guarded like a president” until she was “secretly taken away after three weeks”.

“She received VIP treatment all through,” said the source. “She lived in a special cell. The money she said she paid is actually true; no lies. Yes, she paid the money.”

The revelations by the source are in consonance with a 2019 undercover investigation by FIJ founder ‘Fisayo Soyombo, for which he deliberately got himself detained for five days by the police and incarcerated for eight days by the prison service, discovering that it was possible to pay money to live in well-furnished apartments inside prisons, pay to bring in phones, drugs and sundry outlawed items, strike one’s name off the prison records and even live outside the prison while supposedly serving out a jail term.

VIDEO CALL CAMERA ON BOBRISKY

Although the prison authorities did not allow Bobrisky to mingle freely with other inmates, consequently reducing the chances of her eventual disappearance being spotted, the prison official told FIJ about one noteworthy incident.

“There was this day one guy was on a video call with his girlfriend, and he suddenly turned the camera on Bobrisky,” the official said. “It was deemed an invasion of Bobrisky’s privacy, so, as punishment, he was locked up in his cell for nearly two months.”

The source added: “As I said, she was heavily guarded, so there weren’t many of such incidents to point at. And she was quietly taken away after three weeks.”

BUT JAMES BROWN VISITED BOBRISKY IN PRISON?

Since Otse released the audio, some social media users have been wondering whom James Brown, another crossdresser, met with when she announced on June 8 that she had gone to visit Bobrisky at Kirikiri.

“By the time James visited, Bobrisky was no longer in prison,” a source in James’ camp told FIJ on Thursday.

“James went there to see one guy called Vindicate who had invited her to join in recording a song from prison. The prison authorities liked the idea of a song recorded from prison, so they let her come.

“I don’t know why James lied that she went to see Bobrisky; maybe for clout. I will send you videos of James in prison with the people she went there to see. But have you ever seen just one photo of Bob and James in prison?”

NO DENIAL FROM THE PRISON SERVICE

The Nigerian Correctional Service has neither denied nor confirmed claims that Bobrisky did not serve her jail term in Kirikiri.

However, on Thursday night, the interior ministry announced that the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board had suspended two deputy controllers of corrections (DCCs) in charge of the medium security custodial centre, Kiri-kiri, Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle, “over their unprofessional conduct in handling the case of Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky”.

Announcing the action, Ja’afaru Ahmed, secretary of the board, said the suspension was done to pave the way for further investigations.

FG To Toll Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Others

Works Minister Dave Umahi says Nigerians are ready to pay for good roads once their safety and convenience are guaranteed.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, says the Federal Government will toll all major roads in the country upon completion of construction and renovation.

“We have the Lagos-Ibadan (Expressway), we are completing it and we are tolling it,” Umahi said on Thursday in Abuja at an Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing, part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

He listed some of the roads as Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Road, and Makurdi-9th Mile, among others.
The former Ebonyi State governor said the tolling of federal roads “is going to bring a lot of money to the Federal Government”.

Umahi said private sector members have been engaged “to bring in funds, construct these roads, work with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Works to toll these roads”.

The minister said the government would start with the Keffi-Makurdi Road that has been completed, stating that his ministry has been engaging with the Ministry of Finance for a paperless mode of payment.

He said, “For example, we are completing the Lagos-Ibadan, we are working on Makurdi to 9th Mile in Enugu State, we are working from Abuja to Lagos. These roads are going to be tolled. But we are not just tolling them, we are bringing confidence in the use of these roads.

“If people can travel at night because we are bringing security, where the response time will be 10 minutes on the entire corridor, where you have solar light permanently there and then reduce travel time, and through the tolling, the roads are maintained, then, there will be confidence because Nigerians will pay if the roads are good.”

He said before now, road developments have not been handled as investments but the administration of President Bola Tinubu has been handling road developments more professionally.

He said the present administration inherited a total of 300 damaged roads and bridges, adding that more road constructions would commence from October 1, 2024, across the six geopolitical zones of the country.