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The Federal Government of Nigeria says state governments across the 35 states and school administrators should start making preparations for the full reopening of schools in the country.

This is contained in an address made by Dr. Sani Aliyu, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19.

However, the Federal Government announced the resumption of graduating pupils effective August 4, 2020, to write this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination from August 17, 2020, through September 12, 2020.

While speaking on Thursday during a briefing at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, , Dr Sani Aliyu said the task force recommends phased return of students to classrooms.

Aliyu said, “For educational institutions which include daycare, primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. Educational institutions should begin the process of working towards potentially reopening within this phase.

“However, we strongly recommend that states conduct risk assessment to ensure all schools are at a level of compliance and create a monitoring mechanism to assess, create, and monitor this level of preparedness.

“Meanwhile, all daycares and educational institutions are to remain closed to in-classes until this level of risk is assessed. And if there will be opening of schools, it must be staged and preferably carried out in phases to ensure that this does not pose a risk to the general public and in particular to vulnerable groups that might end up getting infected by students going back home.”

This statement is in affirmation to the fact the reopening of schools is long overdue in Nigeria.

https://www.ngtimes.net/2020/09/federal-government-ponders-on-reopening-of-schools-in-nigeria.html

Argentinian Superstar Messi’s father who also doubles as the agent, Jorge Messi has landed in Barcelona for showdown talks over his son Lionel’s future – and declared: “I don’t know anything“.

He was pictured boarding a private plane in Argentina on Tuesday night to head to Spain.

Jorge Messi landed at El Prat Airport in Barcelona first thing on Wednesday morning where he was met by a scrum of reporters after his son plunged the Catalan club into chaos.

In his first public appearance since the news broke, he simply said: “I don’t know anything, guys” as he headed into a taxi beyond a scrum of reporters.

He will meet with club chiefs and president Josep Maria Bartomeu later this day.

It is claimed Jorge wants to negotiate an amicable exit from the club, whilst Bartomeu and Barcelona still hope to convince their star man to pen a new deal.

Details>> https://www.ngtimes.net/2020/09/jorge-messi-jets-to-barcelona-for-showdown-talks.html

The latest on the list as the new third-richest person in the world is Elon Musk. The surge in many leading U.S technology stocks have unsurprisingly created wealth for their founders, investors and stock traders.

What we know: Elon Musk just surpassed the co-founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg to become the third-richest person in the world. Shares of Tesla Inc. continued its unrelenting surge after the recent stock split of Tesla stocks. Musk is now estimated to be worth about $115.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Musk is the present chief executive officer of Tesla, a maker of electric vehicles.

The Palo Alto, California-based company sells sedans, sport utility vehicles, and is the state’s largest automotive employer. He’s also CEO of Space Exploration Technologies, a rocket manufacturer tapped by NASA to resupply the space station.

Musk, 49, has seen a meteoric rise in his wealth, with his net worth growing by $87.8 billion this year as Tesla shares surged almost 500%.

Also helpful: an audacious pay package – the largest corporate pay deal ever struck between a chief executive officer and a board of directors – that could yield him more than $50 billion if all goals are met.

On Monday, it was reported that Tesla’s share price rose to almost $500 following a 5-for-1 split. Nearly 70 million shares had changed hands as at then, two-thirds of the daily average over the past year.

Tesla’s $464 billion market value now exceeds that of retail behemoth Walmart Inc., the largest company in the U.S. by revenue.

Tesla was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers who wanted to prove that people didn’t need to compromise to drive electric – that electric vehicles can be better, quicker, and more fun to drive than gasoline cars.

Today, Tesla builds not only all-electric vehicles but also infinitely scalable clean energy generation and storage products. Tesla believes the faster the world stops relying on fossil fuels and moves towards a zero-emission future, the better.

Details>> https://www.ngtimes.net/2020/09/new-third-richest-person-in-the-world-unvield.html

Matt Doherty is expected to undergo Tottenham medical as Jose Mourinho side are in top gear to bolster their team ahead of the 2020/2021 Premier League campaign.

Having defeated Reading on Friday in the pre-season as they continue their preparations for the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, Spurs are looking for major improvements after finishing sixth last term in the league and failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg became Tottenham’s first signing of the summer but the club are about to land their second this weekend.

Matt Doherty ‘s medical at Tottenham is set for today as the 28-year-old moves a step close to his transfer switch from Wolves.

Spurs and Wolves have already agreed terms and he will undergo final checks today ahead of the move.

Jose Mourinho’s men are starting to make their mark on the transfer market and there is also a lot of noise coming out of the pre-season camp.

Tottenham have also been offered the chance to sign former Chelsea star Diego Costa.

Full Report>> https://www.ngtimes.net/2020/08/matt-doherty-in-for-spurs-medical-diego-costa-to-reunites-with-mourinho.html

Black Panther Star, Chadwick Boseman Dies of Cancer in His Home

Details>> https://www.ngtimes.net/2020/08/black-panther-star-chadwick-boseman-dies-of-cancer-in-his-home.html

A black woman identified as Jasmine Twitty has made history in the United States after becoming the first to be appointed youngest judge in history at age 25-years-old.

Jasmine Twitty was said to have determined to achieve that dream while she was undergoing her law degree.

Jasmine Twitty started nursing the ambition right from the elementary when she believed and was convinced those in government have a role in shaping our society.

In her words, “I was interested in the role of government, I believe government have a role to play in shaping our society so I decided to take up a role in government”

See videos of her stories https://ngtimes.net/2020/08/jasmine-twitty-made-history-when-she-became-youngest-judge-at-25-video.html

Wendy Fiore is one whose attractiveness makes it even hard for any man to concentrate on anything else, especially if you are one who appreciates beauty then you will agree when you see one.

There are some women whose beauty is totally breathtaking; one of such women is Wendy Fiore, and she is a celebrity well-known due to her hot photos. So who is she and what is so unusual in her appearance?

This lady is not shy to show almost all parts of her body to fans. However, appearance may be deceiving, and it is more important what kind of person she is. Go on reading to know more details about Wendy Fiore biography and life! Who is Wendy Fiore?

This lady is a model who began her career on Facebook and Twitter nine years ago. The beauty created several web pages known as Wendy4, Chicago Wendy, Chicago Party Girl and Wendy Combattente for posting rather erotic and hot photos.

Details>> https://ngtimes.net/2020/08/bio-of-wendy-fiore-age-measurements-and-hot-photos.html

A governorship aspirant and the Executive Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, NDPHC, Engr. Ife Oyedele has claimed there is no alternative to voting the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu back to the office in the October election.

Oyedele, said this while donating his campaign office to boost Governor Akeredolu re-election project.

Recall that Oyedele stepped down for Akeredolu less than 24 hours before the party’s governorship primary.

He maintained that Akeredolu remained the best option among his co-contestants in the coming poll.

Oyedele however corrected the misconception that members of the Unity Forum were determined to remove Governor Akeredolu by all means.

He said what the group was after was to ensure that whosoever would replace the governor in the forum must be a better candidate.

He added that since Unity Forum failed to get a better choice, it’s advisable as party loyalists to support and work for Akeredolu continuity.

Oyedele advised the electorate not to allow the state to return to the path of destruction on which, he said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Labour Party, LP put it for eight years.

https://theupdates.net/ondo-election-no-alternative-to-governor-akeredolu/

Nollywood actress who is popularly known by her name, Yvonne Jegede has made a replica of the look of the dress she wore for legendary Nigerian singer, 2Baba, formerly 2face Idibia’s African Queen music video 16 years ago.

https://theupdates.net/yvonne-jegede-celebrates-16-years-with-replica-of-african-queen-attire/

The Bauchi State Government has recently disclosed that about 89 medical doctors have been identified to be on the payroll of the state government illegally while they are employed elsewhere.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Works Mr. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, who briefed newsmen on the outcome of the weekly State Executive Council, SEC meeting, which was held yesterday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Bauchi State.

The illegally employed doctors, according to Ibrahim, were exposed by the verification exercise conducted by the state government to know the actual number of the workers on its payroll.

He added that a cabal has hijacked the payroll of the state government.

“The annoying thing is that these medical doctors were trained with the resources of the government but they chose to work elsewhere, yet, they are illegally taking money that is supposed to be used for others.

“There was a discovery of one person who was drawing salaries from the local government, (LEA) as well as the state government while another person’s account was used by the cabal to take the sum of N2 million monthly without him knowing. No level of intimidation and name-calling will stop the government from implementing the civil service reforms as no one is marked out for victimisation by the exercise,” he said.

https://theupdates.net/89-ghost-medical-doctors-uncover-on-payroll-in-bauchi/

Imaginatively, you could probably create a mental picture of your office right now; perhaps it’s literally by the cafeteria, or maybe it’s in the kitchen, or near the elevators. It’s the place co-staff gather for friendly banter and to catch up on the previous weekend to have a chat of the football matches, and the random conversations you have there are an important part of the glue that holds the workplace together.

That kind of casual bonding with co-staff can be beneficial for morale and business. A 2018 LinkedIn survey revealed that 95% of professionals think being friends with co-staff is a good thing, with 65% saying that work friendships “encourage us to learn from one another” and 55% believe they “can make things easier when challenges arise.”

Besides COVID-19 that have caused so many to remote or virtual work, ‘workplace‘ is no longer one office location where everyone clocks in 9 AM-5 PM and works side by side.”

According to Lindsey Pollak, a multigenerational workplace expert and author of The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace. “Many teams today include remote workers, flexible schedules, multiple offices, and global teams, so it’s critical for morale, productivity, and trust to make sure everyone feels connected and included.”

But how do you get on well with co-staff who don’t work in the same office as you? Some multinational and conglomerates like Proctre and Gamble (P&G), Google, Facebook, MTN, UBA, GLO.e.t.c. got co-staff in different citie or even different countries… Try these tips to foster strong bonds, no matter where everyone (male or female) sits.

Begin With Empathy
“We all bring different expectations to work,” Pollak says. “I always come back to the importance of empathy; of putting yourself in the shoes of the people you work with. When you’re not in the office, what makes you feel included?”

Do think about ways you can be inclusive in typical work situations. For instance, have all meeting participants call in, rather than asking just one remote employee to dial in to a meeting that everyone else is attending in person. Such act could get rid of that feeling of being alienated.

Be mindful of time zones. “If I’m invited to a conference call and someone gets my time zone wrong, I feel excluded and unimportant,” Pollak says. To that end, when you’re scheduling conference calls or meetings, remember that some participants may be in a different time zone, World Time Buddy can help here.

Utilise Technology
Technology, of course, makes it possible for far-flung colleagues to interact much more easily and casually. So go beyond conference calls and use Skype or other video conferencing technology for meetings. Being able to see someone’s expressions and reactions can go a long way in understanding their tone.

And if your co-staff are comfortable with it, follow them on social media. Connecting on LinkedIn is a no-brainer for colleagues, while Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are good ways to connect on a less formal level. You’ll get a peek into their lives, their hobbies, and what they do on the weekends, so next time you jump on a video call you’ll have something to chat about before you dive into the topic at hand.

Communication
Don’t assume that your preferred method of communication is the same as your co-staff. Do ask how they like to communicate. Do they love the immediateness of Slack or G-chat? Do they hate being interrupted by phone calls when an email will do?

Agree on multiple ways to communicate, in addition to conference calls and video meetings, have shared docs, send emails, and create group Slack channels. Giving people options can help keep the lines of communication open when co-workers can’t just pop over with a question.

“Peace Time” Interactions
Face time is the best way to create a bond, especially early on in a work relationship. But if face-to-face visits aren’t possible, take it upon yourself to schedule a quick video call. Consider it a virtual cup of coffee. “Be the person who reaches out and builds a connection,” Pollak says. “You can be on 17 conference calls with someone and never have talked to them one-on-one.”

It’s those casual exchanges and niceties that can get lost when co-workers are in different offices. But the effort you put into creating “peace time” relationships, getting to know them as people and bonding over, say, your favorite book or Netflix show—will go a long way when an issue pops up that you have to deal with together later on.

Jargon and Slang
Be mindful of words that co-workers from other countries might not be familiar with, Pollak says, sharing an example of a time when she was speaking to a global audience in the U.K. “I did this whole slide talking about how to get employees to do grunt work,” she says. “About halfway through, the audience looked confused, until one person finally asked, “What is grunt work?” The lesson: Run your talking points past someone from that culture and ask if there’s anything that doesn’t translate. You can’t get on well if you don’t understand each other, so take the time to make sure you and your colleagues are on the same page.


The classic way business is done is changing. The modern reality is further forced upon us all, we all work in different places, in different ways, and in different time zones. So take it upon yourself to be the initiator, the person who reaches out just to say “Good morning” and includes the person who’s not in the office, Pollak says. “Think about what you personally are doing to build genuine, deeper relationships with co-workers who aren’t in the same office as you.”

https://ngtimes.net/2020/08/5-ways-to-get-on-well-with-distant-co-staff-male-or-female.html

Dominique Fishback stars as “Robin” in the highly anticipated movie, Project Power. This movie hits NetFlix a few days ago and is now no. 1 on the movie streaming platform.

Recall Hollywood actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a chat with Collider, Gordon-Levitt revealed his special character is young girl Robin in Project Power. While talking about their relationship, the actor revealed how much he cherishes his co-star, Dominque Fishback.

“She’s my favorite part of this movie,” Gordon-Levitt said. “Anybody out there who’s into movies and acting and who’s interested in an up and coming talent, you have to check out Project Power just to see Dominique Fishback.”

Fishback had earlier to celebrated her idols, Jamie Foxx and Gordon-Levitt on her Instgaram page.

She wrote; “BATMAN & ROBIN. Who else gets a Batman like mine ��� @iamjamiefoxx I almost feel like I’m in a dream but thats because one of my biggest dreams have come true. Thank you all for making our movie #1 on @netflix @netflixfilm �❤️���
#jamiefoxxandMe #projectpower #heroinewithathousandsfaces“

https://ngtimes.net/2020/08/project-power-hollywood-actress-dominique-fishback-celebrates-idols-photo.html

Project Power is presently number movie on NetFlix, it features notable cast of familiar faces, including award-winning actor, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Also included in the cast are Hollywood heavyweights like Jamie Foxx and Courtney B. Vance.

However, Gordon-Levitt actually calls his co-star, Dominique Fishback, the “favorite part” of the movie.

The movie is an unconventional superhero story centered on a mysterious drug that is being pushed on the streets of New Orleans. As users begin to learn that the drug can give them unique superhuman abilities, some criminals start using it to their advantage.

It stars Jamie Foxx, the movie tells the story of a mysterious man who vows to stop the spread of drug that gives users temporary superpowers. The story sounds like it was ripped straight out of Marvel or DC, which is why fans are wondering if Project Power is based on a comic book.

In a chat with Collider, Gordon-Levitt revealed his character, Frank’s special bond with the young girl Robin in Project Power. While talking about their relationship, the actor revealed how much he cherishes his co-star, Dominque Fishback.

“She’s my favorite part of this movie,” Gordon-Levitt said. “Anybody out there who’s into movies and acting and who’s interested in an up and coming talent, you have to check out Project Power just to see Dominique Fishback.”

https://theupdates.net/project-power-dominique-fishback-is-my-favorite-part-of-the-movie-gordon-levitt/

Lionel Messi has reacted to the fact that he won’t have any problem passing the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo if the Juventus man happens to join Barcelona this summer.

Recall Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague had earlier claimed in the week that the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has in his name out there with Barca amongst those contacted.

Spanish Mundo Deportivo, quoted the former World footballer of the year as suggesting that he would pass to the Portuguese superstar if they played on the same team.

Recall Messi and Ronaldo have had a heated rivalry lasting over a decade on the field.

When asked if he would pass to the former Real Madrid goal king, Messi said he would eventually do so.

He said, “I guess so, in the end, yes,” as quoted by a Spanish newspaper, Mundo Deportivo.

Following their unprecedented elimination from the Champions League by Lyon, Ronaldo’s future at Juventus has been cast in doubt.

However, Ronaldo, whose contract expires in 2022, has been heavily linked with a move to French Champions, PSG.

https://theupdates.net/messi-reacts-to-possible-partnership-with-juve-star-ronaldo-at-barcelona/

BBNaija: Erica and Wathoni Engage in Brawl Over Kiddwaya

https://theupdates.net/bbnaija-erica-and-wathoni-engage-in-brawl-over-kiddwaya/

Pro-Democracy and human rights group, Concerned Nigerians, has called the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to the death sentence on Kano singer, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.

Recall it was reported during the week that an Upper Sharia Court in Kano had sentenced the singer to death over blasphemy.

The group also wrote the State Governor, Umar Ganduje and the US Embassy over the court’s ruling.

The religious court also allows Aminu to appeal the ruling within 30 days even though he did not deny the charges.

In the letter addressed to Buhari, Ganduje and the US embassy, the group said judgement is repulsive to natural justice, equity and good conscience.

The Concerned Nigerians also frowned at the attempt to religiously police the country, saying that the country is a secular state.

“Our constitution forbids religious policing in section 10, which prohibits the practice of state religion in any part of Nigeria and section 38 guarantees the right to freedom of thought, religion and conscience, including freedom to change religion and belief.”

“We are appealing to the president and The American Embassy to prevail on the Kano state Governor to pardon the victim of this great injustice as his life is in serious danger at the Kano Central Prison where he’s being detained.”

The group said it was in touch with the convicted musician, revealing that he is currently being kept under the worst possible conditions.


https://theupdates.net/blasphemy-death-sentence-concerned-nigerians-call-out-us-buhari/

The embattled Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who was removed by the University Governing Board on Wednesday, has briefed a constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Mike Ozhekhome, SAN to commence legal fireworks.

Ogundipe through his lawyer would challenge his removal as Vice-Chancellor of the university.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the law firm, which was personally signed by the lead Counsel, Mike Ozekhome, he said, Professor Ogundipe was unjustly removed from office, saying that, it’s wrongdoing that will be remedied in Court.

At an emergency meeting, which was held at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja, the Governing Council headed by Dr. Wale Babalakin, had allegedly sacked the Vice-Chancellor over alleged misconduct and financial sleaze.

Ozekhome in the statement explained the that constitution was clear on removal of public officers from office, insisting that the manner in which the University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor was removed breached all known rules of natural justice.

Part of the statement said: “At an emergency meeting held at the National Universities Commission (NUC), Abuja, on 12th August 2020, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe was sacked.

“The VC is saying that the Council breached all known rules of natural justice and section 36 of the 1999 Constitution in purportedly removing him as Vice-Chancellor.

DETAILS: https://theupdates.net/sacked-unilag-vc-ogundipe-heads-to-court-briefs-ozekhome/

No fewer than 15 persons were said to have been killed by armed bandits in Ukuru village in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger state.

It was gathered that the attack took place in the community around 12noon on Thursday.

Eyewitness account stated that victims met their untimely death at a tea joint while taking their breakfast, when the gunmen on motorcycles in their number unleashed the attack.

They stormed the area shooting sporadically and killed 15 persons, mostly men and escaped with some animals.

The source further recalled that men of the local vigilante had a few days ago repelled an attack by the bandits in which they were said to have killed four of the armed men.

Recall just a few days ago bandits kill over 20 people in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, the hometown of the state governor, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle

However, efforts to get the police through the Public Relations Officer, ASP. Wasiu Abiodun for confirmation were not successful.

Also, officials of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency NSEMA were not available for comment on the incident as it was learnt they have gone on inspection of resettlement of flood victims in Suleja.

https://theupdates.net/bandits-kill-15-in-niger-village-abscond-with-animals/

Ahead of the September 19th Edo gubernatorial election, the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD has raised the alarm over the tension and violence in the State.

It advised politicians to de-escalate the situation ahead of the September 2020 election.

Idayat Hassan, CDD Director, in a statement on Thursday, said there has been rampant defacing or outright destruction of campaign billboards by supporters of rival partisan camps.

Hassan said these have been the happening in the strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

CDD announced its observation that foot soldiers of politicians are engaging in the exchange of verbal abuses, hate songs and chants.

The director condemned the near-exclusive focus by candidates and key party figures on personal insults against opponents.

Hassan also alerted of stockpiling of small arms and light weapons in the state.

CDD further expressed concern over the non-compliance with coronavirus prevention protocols at political events.

It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security agencies to call parties, members, and supporters to order.

CDD advised the electoral umpire to start a strategic and effective solution to implementing its coronavirus policy during the election.

“For instance, if a voter shows up at a polling unit without a face mask, how should ad-hoc staff respond to the situation without disrupting the elections?

“There is also a need to train INEC ad-hoc staff to enable them to understand what is required of them in the context of coronavirus prevention on election day,” it added.

https://theupdates.net/cdd-raises-alarm-over-tension-violence-between-apc-pdp-in-edo/

A fake lawyer identified as Adedeji Ebenezer Oluwagbenga has bagged three years prison term in Ogun State.

According to the police, Oluwagbenga was arrested on August 5 at Itori Chief Magistrate Court, where he was appearing for a client.

A statement by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, on Thursday, said the convict was arraigned before Chief magistrate B.A Somorin on one count charge of unlawful and illegal appearance as a lawyer knowing full well that he is not.

Oyeyemi said Oluwagbenga initially pleaded not guilty.

However, “he later changed his plea to guilty when he was confronted with evidence,” Oyeyemi disclosed.

According to him, the court, therefore, sentenced him to three years prison term with hard labour without an option of fine.

“The convict was arrested during a court session at Itori Chief Magistrate court when his conduct was not in any way in tandem with the practice of somebody who has been called to the bar, as noticed by the magistrate himself.

“He was subsequently detained at Ewekoro Police Station from where he was transferred to state criminal investigation and intelligence department for diligent prosecution,” the PPRO said.

https://theupdates.net/fake-lawyer-gets-three-year-prison-term-in-ogun/

Lower economic activity levels will see oil demand dropping by 9.1 million barrels per day according to OPEC’s latest monthly report, as the group raised its number on demand fall compared to last month.

“World oil demand in 2020 is estimated to decrease by 9.1 million b/d, adjusted lower by around 0.1 mb/d as compared to last month’s assessment. The downward revision is mainly to reflect weaker-than-expected data in 2Q20 (second quarter) in a few non-OECD countries, in addition to considering the recent adjustment to global GDP in 2020 from -3.7 per cent in July to -4.0 per cent in August,” the report noted.

“Oil demand growth in the non-OECD was revised lower by 0.2 mb/d in 2020, more than offsetting the upward adjustment in OECD, mainly accounting for weaker-than-expected demand in the other Asia region during 1H20 (first half of 2020) and reflecting softening economic activities as compared to last month,” the report added, stating that oil demand for this year would reach 90.6 million barrels a day.

Oil prices on Wednesday saw Brent on $45.03 and West Texas Intermediate at $42.16 in the late UAE afternoon hours, as prices continued to remain stable in the low to mid $40 range.

Looking ahead, OPEC said oil markets still faced volatility in the second half of the year as a result of the coronavirus, which would require producing member states to continue rebalancing the market.

“Crude and product price developments in 2H20 will continue to be impacted by concerns over a second wave of infections and higher global stocks.

“Product inventories may remain elevated due to the weak road and air transport fuel demand… This points to the need for continued efforts to support market rebalancing both on the supply side through production adjustments by Opec and non-OPEC producers.”

https://theupdates.net/oil-demand-to-fall-by-9-1-million-barrels-daily-in-2020-opec/

Shehu Sani has likened the political crisis in Edo State to that of ‘Syria’.

The crisis heightened on Thursday when security personnel invaded the State House of Assembly.

The Speaker, Frank Okiye and the Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly were also impeached on the same day.

This has led to camps of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC, throwing jabs, accusations and counter accusations at each other.

Just last night, Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, said Governor Godwin Obaseki will be voted out come September 19 because of his “woeful leadership”

According to the National leader, Obaseki who promised to be the Governor of all the people of the State has denied 2/3 of the people of his state their right to representation in the state’s only legislative chamber.

Also, Governor Umar Ganduje described Obaseki as a woeful failure and a liability to his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Obaseki had fired back at Ganduje saying he was in no position to assess his performance because he has “baggage of the viral video of him stuffing dollars collected from contractors”.

But Shehu Sani, reacting to the rivalry between both parties said Edo State has become Syria with Wike acting as Putin and Buhari as Trump.

His tweet read: “Edo has become Syria;Obaseki is Assad, Wike is Putin, Baba is Trump, Jagaban is Nathanyahu with Saudi, Turkey, Iran and Terror groups all in there.“

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday endorsed Pastor Ize-Iyamu as the APC flag bearer for the next month’s elections in Edo State.

Governor Nyesom Wike had expressed disappointment over Buhari’s endorsement.

According to him, Buhari’s endorsement was wrong especially for someone whose main agenda is fighting corruption to back Ize-Iyamu.

Ize-Iyamu of the APC will battle it out with the incumbent governor and PDP candidate, Godwin Obaseki, in the September 19, 2020 polls.

https://theupdates.net/edo-is-syria-wike-is-putin-baba-is-trump-shehu-sani/

The Lagos State Police Command operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID had yesterday arraigned Afrobeat artist, Azeez Adeshina Fashola, widely referred to as Naira Marley, before the state’s Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Oshodi for violating the cessation of movement and interstates travel order in Lagos.

Recall Naira Marley was arrested on June 13, 2020, for allegedly violating the lockdown order.

The command spokesman, SP Elkana Bala, in a statement, said: ”He embarked on non-essential travel from Lagos to Abuja and back to Lagos the same date, through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja for a musical concert in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“ He was arraigned alongside his Manager, Seyi Awouga, a female, on one count charge of breach of the cessation of movement and interstates travel order made by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Regulation 4(i) of the Lagos State Infectious Disease Emergency Prevention Regulation No 2 of 2020 and committed an offence punishable under Section 58 Public Health Law, Ch. P16, Laws of Lagos State 2015

“ The two accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge and were awarded a fine of N100, 000 each by the presiding magistrate.”

https://theupdates.net/naira-marley-manager-arraigned-police-in-lagos/

Juventus manager, Maurizio Sarri insists his future is not dependent on the result of their Champions League last-16 clash against Lyon on Friday.

The Italian champions face Lyon trailing 1-0 from the first leg before the COVID-19 lockdown.

There has been speculation that Sarri could lose his job if he fails to guide Juventus to the quarter-finals – despite having led them to the club’s ninth successive Serie A title.

But former Chelsea boss Sarri threw down the gauntlet to the club’s directors to avoid looking “like amateurs” by sacking him as a knee-jerk reaction should Juventus be eliminated by their French opponents.

“I don’t think my future is riding on this game,” asserted Maurizio Sarri in quotes reported by the BBC.

“I think I’m dealing with high-level directors. They will decide whether to continue or to change. But it doesn’t depend on a single game.”

https://theupdates.net/maurizio-sarri-clears-air-on-juventus-exit-rumours/

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu who a few weeks ago defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, alongside his boss, said he begged Adams Oshiomhole to let go of any grievance he had against Godwin Obaseki but the former labour leader went on with the battle.

Philip Shaibu further revealed how Oshiomhole tried to scheme him into joining the move to unseat Governor Obaseki.

“Oshiomhole wanted to use me to impeach the Governor knowing that I was closer to the members-elect as of that time and members of the State Assembly because I spent 8 years in the House of Assembly here and 18 months in the House of Reps and I have goodwill among the legislators because of my own style.

“And he wanted me to use the same member when they’re elected to remove the Governor and for me to be the Governor and I said no.

“And I said, If I didn’t betray Oshiomhole when I was given money and a plot of land in Maitama to sign his impeachment as at then, I will not betray my own Governor. I don’t have the tendencies.

“I knelt down to beg Oshiomhole for forgive, no matter what Obaseki would have done, which all the questions I asked him, he had no tangible reasons (for wanting to remove Obaseki).

“I knelt down and I begged him. I said ‘I’m your son. Why not because of me and forgive.”

The Edo deputy governor also revealed that on realizing that Oshiomhole had declared a war against the governor, he told the former governor that he will stand with Obaseki come what may.

Shaibu said he will fight to the very last to ensure that his boss is defended, the same way he fought for the former Governor when there were plots against him in Edo State.

The Deputy Governor, however, said it was time for Oshiomhole to come and test his popularity when the votes are to be cast.

According to him, the former NLC President has lost his integrity and is no more the man of the people.

https://theupdates.net/i-begged-oshiomhole-to-forgive-obaseki-philip-shaibu/

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, has claimed 33 people were killed in another attacks carried out by suspected Fulani militias in five villages of Atyap Chiefdom, in Zangon Kataf local government area of Kaduna State.

The union explained that this is happening under a 24-hour curfew imposed in the area for the past 65 days since the unrest in Zangon Kataf following the alleged killing of a 32-year-old man in a farmland.

The SOKAPU National Public Relations Officer, Luka Binniyat, while explaining the situation in a statement, said the villages affected are: Apiashyim, Kibori, Apiako, Atakmawei and Magamiya, stressing “Prior to now, they were all shut down with fierce armed military men patrolling and enforcing the 24 hours curfew. But when the gunmen struck, they were not on ground.”

The statement added that four Atyap youths from Majuju, and Kibori villages who went to farm under the curfew were arrested by soldiers after being thoroughly beaten and handed over to the Police who whisked them to SCID, Kaduna, stressing that they have been denied bail since 26th June, 2020 which is the trend of brutality that have forced the people indoors for nearly two months today.

The statement regretted that the Fulani herders have been moving freely and grazing over large swaths of maize farms of the locked up farmers.

According to the statement, on Wednesday night around 11pm, trucks loads of armed Fulani militia made their way through military checkpoints under the curfew and stormed Apiashyim and Kibori villages, adding that they laid siege to Apyaishyim, killing, looting and burning houses and left six people dead, and 20 houses burnt.

In nearby Kibori village, the statement further explained that 7 persons were killed by the armed Fulani militias.

It added that around 12am, the Fulani militias struck Atakmawei sleeping community and carried out another carnage in which 12 persons were killed and ten houses burnt.

The statement explained that the attackers also went to Apyiako and killed 3 people, and burnt houses, including the home of late Col. Bobai Ishaku among others, saying that at the same time, Magamiya village was also attacked and 5 people killed and seven houses burnt.

The statement explained that Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state has tied up the law abiding people under what it called an irrational, protracted curfew “which is obviously intended to cause maximum harm to our communities”, pointing out that they are inundated by daily cries for food, medicine and money, with rising cases of child malnutrition and kwashiorkor as parents cannot go out and look for food for their starving children.

The statement said that no one wants to risk the brutality of the military that are enforcing the curfew, adding that even if the curfew is lifted, freely grazing cattle herded by armed Fulani men have eaten up and trampled over thousands of hectares of grain farms, yam farms, sugar cane crops, among others.

The union appealed to the international community, men and women of conscience, and all lovers the world to come to the aid of the affected people as there is what the group described as a government-sponsored genocide against Southern Kaduna communities.

https://theupdates.net/southern-kaduna-33-people-killed-in-fulani-militias-attacks-sokapu/

Two massive explosions hit Beirut on Tuesday, leaving many injured and killing hundreds of people, strewing devastation across multiple neighborhoods and shattering windows for miles around.

The cause of the late afternoon blast was vague, however, senior officials said it appeared that flammable materials stored in a warehouse had caught fire. An earlier, smaller explosion had apparently ignited a fire, then came two secondary blasts, propelling a vast mushroom cloud of pink and yellow smoke over the city.

The casualty toll rose through the evening. A report quoted Health Minister Hamad Hassan as saying as many as 50 may have been killed and over 2,000 injured. Reuters had however reported the death toll to at least 30.

The explosion coincides with mounting tensions between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, which maintains a facility at the port and has long been accused by U.S. officials of using it to smuggle weapons into the country. The explosion follows a series of mysterious blasts at Shiite militia storage sites in Iraq last year that Iraqi and Israeli officials have said Israel was responsible for, and more recently a string of similarly unexplained explosions at military sites and power stations in Iran.

https://theupdates.net/beirut-bombing-nearly-50-people-died-over-2750-injured-health-minister/

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building has been lit up in the colours of the Lebanese flag to pay tribute to those dead and those injured in Beirut bombing.

According to a Twitter user, @EkeVanVictor, the Great Pyramid of Giza was also light up in honour of the victims. It’s indeed a black Tuesday for the good people of Beirut in this tough time.

It’s so sad and heartbreaking to see how so many lives and properties have been destroyed in Beirut. The world should send their thoughts and prayers to the affected families Beirut bombing.

The two massive explosions that shook Beirut on Tuesday, killed nearly 50 people, while over 2, 500 have been reportedly injured strewing devastation across multiple neighborhoods and shattering windows for miles around.

According to the Health minister, Hamad Hassan while commenting on the Beirut bombing, as many as 50 may have been killed and over 2,000 injured. However, Reuters put the toll at least 30 dead.

https://ngtimes.net/2020/08/worlds-tallest-building-lights-up-to-pay-tribute-to-victims-of-beirut-bombing.html