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APC National Vice Chairman, Salihu Lukman Tenders Resignation July 26, 2023 The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Mallam Salihu Lukman, has officially resigned from his position. His resignation letter was submitted on Wednesday to the Acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Abubakar Kyari. The development is coming one week after the former National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, tendered their resignations. In the copy of the letter made available to PUNCH, the Vice Chairman from the North-West region hinged his resignation on the alleged illegal acts and interference in the affairs of the party, which he claimed, was at variance with the vision of the founding fathers. Lukman said that he opted to throw in the towel rather than remain in the party to continue his agitation and be seen as a distraction. The letter read, “Your Excellency, I hereby kindly resign my position as National Vi

Insecurity: Govt rendered helpless as ‘women, children are raped’ in Zamfara — Lawmaker Honourable Kabiru Adamu, a member of the House of Representatives from Zamfara State, has raised a distressing alarm that the state capital, Gusau, is on the verge of being overrun by bandits. In a grave report, the lawmaker detailed the increasing acts of violence perpetrated by the bandits, including the horrifying instances of women and children being raped. He painted a disturbing picture of a state government that appears to be helpless in the face of this mounting security crisis. In response to the deteriorating situation, Honourable Adamu is urgently calling on the President to direct the service chiefs to take immediate action. The lawmaker emphasized the importance of prompt intervention in order to safeguard lives and properties and to prevent the bandits from seizing control of the entire state. The appeal underscores the dire security situation in Zamfara State and highlights the need f

My father won’t fail Nigeria — Seyi Tinubu 26th Jul 2023  Seyi, son of President Bola Tinubu, has absolute trust and faith in his father to deliver on the “Renewed Hope” mandate. He has assured the Commander-in-Chief will not disappoint the nation. The serial entrepreneur appreciated actor, Lege Miami, particularly, for his undaunting love and faith vested in Nigeria’s number one citizen. He guaranteed that Tinubu is undoubtedly the president we’ve all longed and hoped for. “Lege Miami, I want to thank you so much for everything you do. I want to say thank you for the faith you have in our president. “The hope that we’ve been looking and hoping for is here. The president that we’ve all wanted is here; I guarantee you my brother,” Seyi stated. A few days ago, popular actor, Kehinde Adams aka Lege Miami urged critics to leave the President to work. In the aftermath of the fuel hike, trolls have persisted in bashing the film star who’s a staunch supporter of the president forcing him to r

Kidnapped baby found three days later at refuse dump 26th Jul 2023  A six-month-old baby, Chinedu Chukwueke, who was kidnapped from his mother’s shop on Monday at the Kure market in Minna by a yet-to-be-identified woman has been found at a refuse dump close to the Gauraka Police Station, Minna in Niger State, The PUNCH reports. The father of the child, Chuks, announced the baby’s kidnap via his official Twitter handle, @talk2chuks01 on Monday. “My baby boy Chinedu Chukwueke of 6 months old was taken from my wife’s shop today Sunday at Kure market Minna. She came in the guise of wanting to learn work in my wife’s saloon and took the baby.” The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who commented on the matter, urged Chuks to report the matter at the nearest police station. “So sad. You can get to me and ur PPRO for private talks since many things are better handled privately, not on social media,” Adejobi had tweeted. However, while updating the public on Wednesday afternoon, C

SUSPENDED BENUE LG CHAIRMEN DEFEAT GOV. ALIA IN COURT 26th July, 2023 A Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi ,Wednesday dismissed the Motion on Notice, filed by the Governor of Benue state, Hyacinth Alia seeking the court to set aside the judgment obtained by the 23 local government chairmen at the National Industrial Court, Makurdi Division. The Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, dismissed the application for judicial review for lacking in merit. The Makurdi Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN, had in a judgment delivered by Justice I. A. Essien, restrained the Governor of Benue State, Benue State Government, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, and three others from dissolving or suspending the elected council Chairmen without due process before the expiration of their tenure in office on June 29, 2024, amongst other reliefs. In reaction to the judgment, the governor of Benue state, Benue State government, Speaker of the State

Senate confirms Gen Tarfa, Alkali, others as NEDC board members 26th Jul 2023  The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of General Paul Tarfa (Adamawa – North East) for reappointment as the chairman of the board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC). The nomination of Mr. Mohammad Goni Alkali (Borno State) for reappointment as Managing Director of the NEDC was also confirmed. The confirmation of Tarfa and Alkali for reappointment followed their screening by the Senate in a Committee of the Whole. Other nominees that were confirmed are Gambo Maikomo (member, Taraba State); Abdullahi Abbas, member of Kano State); Tsav Stephen Aondoana, member, North-Central, Benue); Mutiu Lawal-Areh, member, South-West, Lagos) and Samuel Ifeanyi Onuigbo, member (South-East, Abia). Also confirmed are Frank Owhor, member (South-South, Rivers); Musa Yashi, Executive Director of Humanitarian Affairs (North-East, Bauchi); Ahmed Abdulsalam Yahaya, Executive Director of Operations, (North-East

‘We have capacity to turn Rivers State upside down,’ Asari Dokubo brags again, warns Wike, Gov. Fubara  26, 2023 A former Niger Delta agitator, Asari Dokubo, who recently established a private army has warned that Boko Haram will be a child’s play in the event that political crisis breaks out in Rivers State . He criticized governor Sim Fubara for rejecting the help his group would have offered him, saying that his election was fraught with irregularities in the state. He also accused the immediate former governor of handpicking Fubara, who is from the riverine part of the state. Asari, in yet another trending video, where he spoke mostly in the pidgin English, boasted that his group has what it takes to turn Rivers State upside down, if his perceived enemies would not allow peace to reign. Asari Dokubo revealed that the Rivers State governor, had ordered the military to stop his new militia body, a private army he recently constituted. He called on the former governor of the state an

FG uncovers 1,617 civil servants with fake employment letters The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, Tuesday said that a total of 1,618 civil servants with fake employment letters were uncovered by the government. She also noted that the government was working towards an upward review of the Duty Tour Allowances of civil servants. Speaking with selected journalists in Abuja ahead of the 2023 Civil Servants Week, she noted that a committee was working towards salary harmonization in the civil service. “The Presidential Committee on Salary Harmonization is working to review salaries to reduce the disparity. Earlier, 40 per cent of Basic salary approved by FEC as Peculiar allowance with effect from January 2023. Also, we are working towards Upward Review of Staff Duty Tour Allowance. “On the issue of procurement of insurance cover for the federal government employees from 9th February 2023 to 8th February 2024; and payment of backlog of death benefits to over 15

Women World Cup: Tinubu Wishes Super Falcons Well As They Face Australia Thursday  President Bola Tinubu has extended best wishes to the Super Falcons of Nigeria as they prepare to face Australia in their second group match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023. The president, according to a release issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, like other football-loving Nigerians, takes immense pride in the Super Falcons’ impressive performance in the opening match against Canada, a formidable opponent and the reigning Olympic champion. He firmly believed that the upcoming match on Thursday will be a thrilling encounter that will culminate in victory for the Nigerian team. Acknowledging the Super Falcons’ remarkable achievements as a dominant force in women’s football in Africa, President Tinubu expressed confidence that the blending of new talents with seasoned veterans will propel Nigeria’s success in

Otti, Retired Judges Agree On Payment Of 16 Years’ Outstanding Pensions, Gratuities The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and a group of retired judges in the state have agreed to set up a joint committee to resolve the issue of outstanding benefits and pensions due the retirees for the past 16 years. The state government had since 2007 failed to pay the retirement benefits of the former judges, which include gratuities, consolidated allowances, severance packages, pensions, and miscellaneous entitlements. Subsequent administrations had made several commitments either by way of making authorisation for payment or giving approvals to make payment by instalments but none of the commitments was made good. This led to the judges filing an action at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in 2020 to recover their entitlements. Sadly, as the legal battles rage, some of the judges are said to have died without receiving their benefits, while many have become sick and unable to afford proper me

Why you should flee Nigeria” Kemi Olunloyo alerts Davido of an incoming danger In the wake of the heavy backlash he has been receiving from the Muslim community, Investigative journalist, Kemi Olunloyo has advised singer, Davido to flee the country. In a post on her Instagram page, the journalist stated that the singer is in a danger zone as she alleged that she got credible information that the threats against the singer are real. Issuing him a stern warning, Kemi told him to ignore his dãft fans and flee the country with his artist, while noting that should he get harmed, his fans who mourn him.  

The Eko Hotel staff who got $10k from Davido visited the bank to open a Dollar account and they pampered her like a queen. In fact, the bank recorded a video of the moment and posted it online. @Slatt reacted to the video: "This life just have money. If she come as normal customer who go send am?"  

Nigeria moves to re-open borders with Benin Republic, signs 12-point communique In line with the Federal Government’s drive to facilitate trade and improve Nigeria’s economy to become globally competitive, a delegation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has paid a working visit to the Republic of Benin and signed a 12-point communique which aims to fully re-open the border between both countries, a statement signed on Tuesday by National Spokesman of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada revealed. According to the Customs statement, “The Ag. CGC and his delegation visited the Nigerian Embassy on Monday, 24th of July and met with Ambassador Kayode Aluko, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin. “Thereafter, they were received by the Director General of the Customs Administration in Benin, Mr. Alain Hinkati, Customs partners Webb Fontaine and Benin Control.  “They also visited Customs facilities at the port of Cotonou

Atiku Insists That The Declaration Of Tinubu As President Illegal The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, in the February 25 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has insisted that the declaration of Bola Tinubu as Nigeria’s president is unlawful and unconstitutional. He stressed that Tinubu must be removed from office to sanitise the country’s polity. Atiku stated this in his final address to support his petition seeking nullification of Tinubu’s victory. He maintained that Tinubu having personally admitted and as also confirmed by his witness that he forfeited $460,000 to the American government over the offence of narcotics trafficking and money laundering has no basis to contest for Nigeria’s Presidency. Atiku dismissed the claim of Tinubu and his witness that he forfeited the $460,000 money in a civil court action. The former Vice President argued that the definition and colour of “civil action” being given to the criminal forfeiture by Tinubu were of no momen

 Google Approves Naira Payment On Play Store Google has partnered with Verve to make digital transactions on Google Play Store easier for Nigerians. The firm noted that as from Wednesday (today), Nigerians can now use their Verve cards to make purchases on the Google Play Store.  

Tinubu's Minister: APC Chieftain Exposes Three Prominent Names that Were Removed From The List The uncertainty surrounding the release of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministerial list still rages on as it continues to take a new twist as the days go by. The presentation of the newly appointed ministers which was initially scheduled to happen on Wednesday, July 25 was postponed by the Senate led by President Godswill Akpabio. No explanation was given for the change of date. In the latest development as far as the announcement of the ministers are concerned, three big names have reportedly been deleted from the list Sa’adah Maccido, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a tweet confirmed that former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje and former governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu have had their names omitted from the list. “Bagudu, Wike, Ganduje are all out of Ministerial list,” he tweeted on Tuesday

Arrest Asari Dokubo now for threatening Rivers state governor - Deji Adeyanju tells NSA Activist, Deji Adeyanju, has called on the National Security Adviser NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, to as a matter of urgency effect the arrest of former militant leader, Asari Dokubo, over his recent threat to the Rivers state governor, Sim Fubara. On Tuesday, July 25, LIB shared a video in which Dokubo slammed Governor Fubara for ordering military men to dismantle a militia group that he recently formed. Asari felt slighted by the order of the governor and did not hide his displeasure. While speaking to his supporters, Asari said if the governor ‘’does anyhow, he will see anyhow''. In his words ‘’Boko Haram will be child's play''.   He added that the governor has no authority and that he is just an ordinary man like himself Asari. Watch the video here. In a petition addressed to the Ribadu, Adeyanju said Asari's comments should not be allowed to fly without proper prosecution. He calle

Senate Rejects Motion to Release Nnamdi Kanu Amidst Sit-At-Home Protests The Senate has turned down a motion seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) moved the motion in an attempt to address the ongoing sit-at-home orders enforced by unknown gunmen in the South-East region. In his motion, Senator Izunaso, along with other lawmakers from the South-East, expressed concern over the continuous loss of innocent lives and the destruction of properties worth over a trillion naira due to the sit-at-home actions. The economic activities in the region have been severely disrupted, leading to financial losses for businesses, workers, and the local economy. Investors have been leaving the area due to the instability caused by these actions. The sit-at-home protests have not only affected economic activities but have also disrupted education, leading to missed classes and delays in academic progress for st

Enugu State Government Seals 106 Shops and 2 Banks for Allegedly Observing Sit-At-Home Order The Enugu State government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, has taken action against businesses that allegedly adhered to the sit-at-home order imposed by a factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa. As a result, a total of 106 shops and two banks were sealed by officials of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority. According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the sealed businesses will remain closed for one week. After this period, the government will consider either reopening them under certain conditions or selling them off. Onyia clarified that the governor's intention is not to punish businesses but to promote a spirit of 'no sit-at-home' among traders. In previous announcements, the government had directed business owners to operate on Mondays and all workdays, or risk havin

Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere Recovers, Announce Overseas Empowerment Program, Vows to Do More He wrote: I am Apostle chibuzor gift chinyere the general overseer of omega power ministry ( OPM ). Today Wednesday 26 July 2023. First I thank everyone that has been praying for me for quick recovery, GOD has taken control of my health and the devil has been put to shame. Last year July 2022, I collapsed at OPM free hospital and was rushed Dubai for treatment because of stress.  Again this year July 2023, I collapse at Lagos airport while trying to visit my doctor after I noticed changes in body because so many stress. By the grace of GOD I will no longer over stress myself again,because I have many more destinies GOD will use me to save. Number 2, As soon as I come back to Nigeria. I shall commence OPM overseas empowerment program on some conditions attached to avoid stress and negative past experiences. Once OPM send you overseas, only one month accommodation will be paid by OPM for you.

𝐒𝐢𝐧é𝐚𝐝 𝐎'𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐟 ‘𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝟐 𝐔,’ 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝟓𝟔 Sinéad O’Connor, the Irish singer of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” has died, The Irish Times reports. She was 56. Her cause of death has yet to be revealed. Her family said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.” O’Connor, who was outspoken about her decades-long struggle with mental illness, wrote on her Facebook page earlier this month that she had moved back to London after 23 years and was finishing an album to be released next year. She also shared plans to tour in Australia and New Zealand in 2024, and in Europe, the United States and other territories in 2025. O’Connor had a difficult childhood after the separation of her parents when she was eight. The singer claimed from an early age that her mother, who she lived with after the separation,

LAGOS TARGETS NEW WEALTH FROM CIRCULAR ECONOMY •‘Idea aimed at minimising waste, creating sustainable production patterns’ — Sanwo-Olu Lagos State is shifting to an innovative and sustainable consumption model aimed at saving the future generations of resource scarcity. The launch of Circular Economy Hotspot in Lagos on Wednesday pioneered the transformation of the current production order towards regeneration and sustainability. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formally unveiled the initiative at a conference organised by the State Government in collaboration with Circular Economy Innovation Partnership (CEIP) and African Circular Economy Network. The two-day event with the theme: “Towards a Circular and Resourceful Economy: The Future Lagos”, is taking place at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island. The initiative is aimed at engendering a new pattern of production and consumption involving producing, repairing and recycling of used materials. Circular economy is based on regeneration

One shot dead in Anambra market cult clash One person, identified as Igwe Omeli, was shot dead during a clash between rival cult groups at the popular Eke Awka market in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. It was gathered that the incident happened on Wednesday morning as the rival cult groups engaged themselves in a supremacy battle of who controls the popular market. The deceased was suspected to be one of the leaders of the Aye cult group in the market, who was used to force traders to comply with certain rules and regulations including levies in the market. The incident created panic in the market as traders who were coming to their various shops scampered to safety. A source in the market who craved anonymity for security reasons confirmed to our correspondent that it was a clash between the Baga and Aye cult groups in the market. The eyewitness said after killing the deceased, they beheaded him and also cut off his manhood. He said, “The clash is related to market

NIGERIAN ARMY EXTOLS NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE INNOVATION FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Nigerian Army (NA) has commended the innovation and reform strides of the National Defence College (NDC) in terms of course packages and exercises, which over the years have produced well-trained strategic leadership for the Armed Forces, Ministries, Departments, and allied nations across the world. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja made the commendation when he received the audience of the Commandant NDC, Rear Admiral Olumiyiwa Morakinyo Olotu, and members of his entourage at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. He described NDC as a reliable citadel of learning and through their research efforts, NA was able to carry out reforms, and interventions across the country and improved operational efficiency and administrative tasks. The COAS noted that through the efforts of the college, the NA was able to have well-trained senior officers manning strategic positions across NA formati

ECOWAS leadership has warned that it will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa. Reacting to reports of a coup dètat in Niger Republic, the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu, says they are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger, warning that they will do everything within their powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in the West Africa sub-region. He further warns the plotters in Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country. The ECOWAS Chairman says he is in close consultation with other leaders in the region, stressing that they shall protect their hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism. President Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria stood firm