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  APC Must Become Born Again To End Electoral Malpractice, Says Dino Melaye Dino Melaye, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of electoral malpractice in the ongoing election in the state. Speaking with journalists at his residence on Saturday, Melaye alleged the ruling party of sharing money and gifts to voters. The PDP candidate noted that there were problems in Ogori Magongo LGA and five LGAs in Kogi central where INEC officials were seen carrying already “filled result sheets in their bags even before accreditation”. “That was a huge disappointment because I thought INEC would use this opportunity to redeem its image,” he said. "It’s a shame that we saw filled result sheets carried not by hoodlums or party agents, but INEC officials. “I called my agents and told them that anywhere they are not shown a blank sheet before accreditation, they should not participate in the election. And that is what t...

I’m Disappointed In Bayelsa People; They Came Out For Money – LP Gov Candidate  The Labour Party candidate in the governorship election in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, has lamented over what he described as massive vote-buying that took place at the polling units across the state. Udengs, who lost his polling unit at Agudama-Ekpetiama to Governor Duoye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed deep disappointment “not on the electoral process alone but on the people themselves because I thought that the people understand now.” He added that the problem was not only with the political actors and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but with the electorates who did not believe in getting things right but getting them immediately. Udengs alleged that the election was a matter of highest bidder as votes were sold and bought between N12,000 and N40,000. He added that he did not have the financial muscle to match the dominant parties in the game of vote buyi...

Ascribing ladies’ success to sugar daddies funny – Chantel Igwe An actress, Chantel Igwe, has said she laughs when people associate the success of hardworking ladies to sugar daddies (rich older men). In an interview with Sunday Scoop, the role interpreter said, “I laugh when people tag hardworking ladies to sugar daddies. If they think it is easy for these female celebrities, they should come and do the work. Any lady that works hard to reach any level should be given her flowers. It is not easy.” Igwe, who has a knack for posting white lion pictures on her Instagram page, spoke on how she feels about it. She said, “I like being different in a way. Some people love following the trend. I am not like that. I like to carve a niche for myself. I like to create something different from what everybody is doing. For the lion thing, the lion is the king of other animals. I might not look like it physically, but inside of me, I feel like I am a lion. “I don’t have to brag or do crazy things. ...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU TO NIGERIA-SAUDI INVESTMENT ROUNDTABLE: ALL BOTTLENECKS WILL BE CRUSHED AND YOUR FUNDS WILL COME IN AND GO OUT WITHOUT HINDRANCE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, began his deliberation with the Captains of Saudi Arabian Industry at the Nigeria-Saudi Investment Roundtable by making clear that with his team in place, every negative perception or notion about what Nigeria has represented in the past with respect to the ease of doing business, monetary policy, and trade cooperation is no longer applicable now and in the future of Africa's largest economy, which he firmly declared is "open for business." "I believe in this team that I have brought from Nigeria. When I took office, I declared the immediate commencement of bold and fundamental economic reforms. We have executed them, and we sustain the reform process. Today, I declare that red tape is gone! "I believe in the full application of...

#KogiDecides2023: Kogi LGA chairman allegedly arrested with ammunition, cash ...Council chairman of Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State, James Onoja in white Security operatives on Saturday allegedly arrested the council chairman of Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State, James Onoja, for possession of ammunition and lots of cash. The money and the ammunition it was gathered were packed in several ‘Ghana-must-go’ bags. The money and ammunition were allegedly meant for use during the election. A video shows the suspects sitting on the floor near an army checkpoint. In a viral video, both the council chairman and his gang were seen expressing regrets and pleading for forgiveness. The Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, William Ovye did not respond to inquiries at the time of filing this report. The elections so far have been marred with several allegations of vote-buying amidst low voter turnout. The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dino...

 Cheating in Examination Undermines the Integrity of Education – ICPC The Adamawa State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in collaboration with NYSC Anti-Corruption Community Development Service (CDS) recently sensitised students of Aliyu Mustapha College, Yola, on the dangers of examination malpractices. According to the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) Adamawa state, Barrister George Lawal “Cheating in examination undermines the integrity of the educational system and is capable of creating an unfair advantage to those who engage in it; and that is not limited to education, but also with far reaching consequences on society”. One more photo below. 

EFCC Arrests 14 Suspected Vote Buyers in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi States  …. Intercepts N11,040,000   Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 (Fourteen) suspected vote buyers in Otueke, Adawari playgrounds in Bayelsa State and at various polling units in Imo and Kogi States. They were arrested on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in  intelligence-driven operations  that commenced several days before the ongoing governorship elections in the three states. Also,  a total sum of N11,040, 000( Eleven Million, Forty Thousand Naira only) comprising N9,310,00( Nine Million, Three Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira) intercepted from suspected vote buyers and sellers in Bayelsa and N1,730, 000( One Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) intercepted from electoral fraud suspects across Imo State, were also recovered from them.    Also, two vehicles were  intercepted from the suspects.   They will be charged to cour...

Alleged N2.2bn Oil Subsidy Fraud:  Court Admits More Evidence Against Mamman Ali, One Other In Lagos   Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, November 9, 2023, admitted, in evidence, more documents tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against Mamman Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor, who are being prosecuted for an alleged N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud.   They were arraigned alongside Nasaman Oil Services Limited on amended 49-count charges  bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence ,contrary to Section 8 and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006; obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006; forgery, contrary to Section 363 (3)(j) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011; and use of false documents contrary to Section 364 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. ...

Imo Decides 2023: I’ll win because I’ve never lost election – PDP candidate, Anyanwu The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Imo State, Samuel Anyanwu, has expressed confidence in winning the poll. Anyanwu spoke after casting his vote at his polling unit in Central Amaimo school, Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state, on Saturday. The governorship candidate said he would win because the people of Imo State are tired of the bad governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and are desirous of a change. According to Anyanwu: “I am confident of victory because the people of Imo State are tired of the bad governance of the APC. “They are tired of the insecurity, the poverty, and the unemployment. They are tired of the APC’s lies and propaganda.” Anyanwu said he got credible reports of ballot snatching and stuffing in some places but insists that no matter what the government does he would emerge victorious. “I have never lost an election, at least I have conte...

No debt cancellation for subscribers, says MTN  The mobile telecommunication corporation, MTN, has alluded to the recent debt cancellation status on its subscribers’ network as a system error. The network provider made this known in a tweet on its official handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. The firm explained that an unexpected glitch in its system caused the cancellation of debt owed by its network subscribers, stressing that the debt status remained unchanged. Recall that Netizens have expressed their satisfaction with the debt cancellation, with many believing that MTN deliberately erased their debts. One user, Fatai said, “Debt has been paid. MTN debtors, check your account, MTN don clear una gbese.” However, one Bukola declared that MTN could never give anything free without them benefitting in the end, adding, “Una dey trust company for this country. How will MTN which is facing this economic downturn, dash Nigerians such huge money? How will they make it up? This on...

Ghanaian Footballer Dies After Collapsing During Match Ghanaian footballer, Raphael Dwamena, has tragically passed away after collapsing during an Albanian Superliga game between FK Egnatia and KF Partizani. According to NewsGhnan on Saturday, the 28-year-old collapsed in the 23rd minute of the game and was transported to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Dwamena had been playing with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator due to a pre-existing heart problem.  The Ghanaian striker's health challenges came to light during a failed medical examination when he was set to join Brighton. Albania Footy shared the news on Twitter, saying, "Rest in Peace to KF Egnatia’s Raphael Dwamena. The Ghanaian collapsed on the pitch during the Superliga match between Egnatia and Partizani. He later passed away in the hospital at the age of 28." Known for his time with the Swiss side FC Zurich, Dwamena's untimely passing has left a sombre void in the football community.  

 Mr Macaroni Bags Honourary Degree From Oyo Varsity Nigerian comedian and actor, Adebowale Adedayo, aka Mr. Macaroni, was awarded a degree of Doctor of Creative Writing at the Precious Cornerstone University in Ibadan, Oyo State. This was done at the institution's 2nd Convocation Ceremony for Awards of Degrees and Prizes on Saturday, November 11. The skit-maker revealed this in photos shared on his X handle on Saturday. His caption read, "I am deeply honored to be considered worthy at the discretion of the Senate and Council of The Precious Corner Stone University Ibadan to be deemed deserving of public recognition and award of the prestigious degree of DOCTOR OF CREATIVE WRITING (HONORIS CAUSA). "I am grateful to God Almighty for his blessings and favor, the Council, staff and students of Precious Corner Stone University Ibadan, my family, friends and all supporters of Mr. Macaroni.  "To the millions of people out there pursuing their dreams and working hard daily t...

Ex-Eagles Goalkeeper, Enyeama, Bags Honorary Doctorate Degree From UNIUYO Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama received an honorary doctorate award from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday, November 11. Enyeama revealed this in photos shared on his Instagram page on Saturday. His caption read, "God has been my strength. He has been in the details. I can’t thank Him enough.  "I want to thank the University of Uyo's Vice Chancellor and his team for conferring me with this great honorable award. God bless you, sir. "I want to thank my wife #promisevincent, she has really been the bone from my ribs. God bless you and your family. "I want to thank my family for always standing by me no matter the circumstances. To my fans and supporters, I love you guys. Thank you. A new title has been added to me. This is the Lord’s doing."  

My hero is gone, Emeka Ike mourns mum Nollywood actor Emeka Ike, who’s known for his ‘Playboy’ or ‘Casanova’ role in the movies is currently bereaved. The actor just announced the passing away of his mother, Mrs Comfort Ike on his Instagram page. Making the sad announcement, Emeka Ike wrote, “ My hero is gone. RIP ..world , mother.” Also, some of the captions of a pictorial tribute posted on Instagram read thus, “We will hold onto the love you showed humanity. “With tears drop, your children bid you farewell “You have touched lives and accomplished a lot as a Christian mother.” Meanwhile, some of the actor’s colleagues and fans have been sending their condolence messages to him. They include actress Toyin Abraham, Ifey Eze, Danielle Okeke, Kome Pretty among others.  

NIGER GOVT GIVES REASONS FOR THE SUSPENSION OF MINING ACTIVITIES.  Niger state government has given reasons for the suspension of mining activities in the state. It is to ensure the safety of lives and properties of Nigerlites and miners in addition to promote and enhance the value of the business for economic prosperity of Niger state. Commissioner of Mineral Resources Alh Garba Sabo Yahaya stated this at the third Nigerian Union of Mine Workers Niger state Council delegate conference held in Minna the state capital. Alh Garba Sabo explained that it also served as  a proactive step to counter any negative consequences that may arise as well as to profile the actual number of miners operating in Niger state for planning expansion and execution of people friendly policies for the good of all. According to him Niger state government is planning to establish buying centre in addition to doing it's best to see how the Solid Mineral Development Fund of Federal Government will rende...

OGUN READS RIOT ACT TO QUACKS, SHUTS DOWN 10 MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR INFRACTIONS Ogun State Government has again read a riot act against quackery in the health sector, sealing 10 unapproved medical facilities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, who led a team of medical personnel from the Hospital Services Department of the Ministry, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of General Private Nursing Practitioners (AGPNP), and Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), to inspect private hospitals and other medical facilities in the Local Government Area, said six individuals had been apprehended for quackery and handed over to the police. Dr. Coker, disclosed that the inspection was a consequence of the influx of quacks in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA from Lagos State, saying the goal of the present administration was to safeguard the lives of innocent residents who could become victims in the hands of untrained practitioners. Sh...

  Suspected gunmen invaded polling units at All Saints Anglican Cathedral and attacked vote buyers, carting away over N1.5 million found on them.    The gunmen, numbering over 10, snatched the money that was being shared to voters at the four polling units within the cathedral premises.     According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen stormed the area and started shooting sporadically before robbing the three men sharing the money.     As the shooting continued, some policemen attached to the place took to their heels, while INEC officials at the scene, lay down as the gunmen carried out their attack.

Allegations of Election Manipulation Surface as SDP Candidate Asserts Majority Votes in Kogi In a post-voting interview, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, the SDP governorship candidate in Kogi, expressed confidence in securing victory, asserting, "It is clear that I have the majority." However, he raised concerns about alleged irregularities in Kogi central, specifically in Okene, Okehi, and Adavi. Ajaka claimed that the original result sheet was missing in these areas, and he accused election officers of compiling results before the actual voting had commenced. "All the election officers in Adavi, Okene, and Okehi have compromised," he stated, urging the INEC chairman to intervene promptly to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.  Evidence of these allegations has been forwarded to the headquarters for investigation. The SDP candidate emphasized the need for swift action to prevent any tarnishing of INEC's reputation.  

Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Denies Election Violence, Calls It a Media Creation Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has dismissed reports of election violence in the state, labeling it as a product of media exaggeration. Bello asserted that such claims are "a figment of imagination by those who are not on the ground." Encouraging a historical perspective, he urged scrutiny of records, emphasizing that under his leadership, elections have been the "most free, fair, and credible" with minimal instances of violence compared to previous administrations.  Bello defended the conduct of elections during his tenure, portraying them as transparent and devoid of the violence that has allegedly been portrayed in the media.  

INEC Investigates Alleged Discovery of Filled Result Sheets in Kogi State A recent report has brought to light the discovery of filled result sheets in certain polling units within Kogi State. The Election Commission INEC Nigeria acknowledges the gravity of this situation. At present, our senior officials, strategically deployed to the state, are actively investigating the reported incident(s).  The Commission is committed to a thorough examination of the matter and will promptly communicate its decision as developments unfold.  Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding situation.  

 Murtala Ajaka and Usman Ododo Emerge as Key Contenders in Kogi's Gubernatorial Two-Horse Race— Tom Ohikere  As the clock ticks down to the highly anticipated governorship election in Kogi state, political enthusiasts are bracing for a riveting two-horse race. Scheduled alongside elections in Bayelsa and Imo states, the Kogi poll stands out, devoid of an incumbent seeking reelection after the completion of Governor Yahaya Bello's constitutionally mandated two terms. With around twelve candidates vying for the coveted position, the focus narrows down to four prominent contenders: Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo (APC), Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka (SDP), Senator Dino Melaye (PDP), and Honourable Elder Leke Abejide (ADC). Each brings a unique background to the race, with Ododo, a former auditor general of local government, enjoying the backing of the ruling APC. Ajaka, a former deputy national publicity secretary of the APC, is the SDP flagbearer, while Melaye, a former senator and spoke...

INEC Faces Challenges Ahead of Bayelsa State Elections • Boat with 12 Election Personnel Capsizes in Southern Ijaw, SPO Abducted in Sagbama In a recent press statement released today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bayelsa State Office, disclosed challenges faced during the transportation of personnel and electoral materials to Registration Area Centers (RACs) ahead of the upcoming elections. On Friday, 10th November 2023, a boat en route to Registration Area-17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw LGA capsized. Fortunately, all 12 election personnel and the boat operator were rescued, and no lives were lost. However, the incident resulted in the loss of crucial election materials, including result sheets, power banks, and personal belongings of the staff. The affected Registration Area-17 has 5,368 registered voters, with 5,311 PVCs collected. Despite the setback, INEC is actively working to ensure the smooth conduct of elections in the impacted area. In another unfortuna...

Woman arrested for abducting 3-year-old girl in Minna, claims she got contract of N530,000 to procure a female child. Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have arrested a woman, Mrs. Blessing Jeremiah, for abducting a 3-year-old girl in Minna. Spokesperson of the command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, November 10, 2023, said the 51-year-old woman stole the child identified as Rahanat Abubakar, from a compound in Tudun-Natsira area of Minna.  According to the PPRO, the woman was apprehended at a luxurious bus park while attempting to board a vehicle with the child.  During interrogation, she claimed that one Mama Ejima contracted her to get a female child at the rate of N530,000.  “On 25/10/2023 at about 1930hrs, one Mrs. Blessing Jeremiah 51yrs of Keteren-Gwari, Minna was seen at luxurious bus park around Maitumbi bye-pass Minna, in an attempt to board a bus to travel with a 3yr old girl suspected to have been abducted,” the state...

BORROWING TREND ‘cannot continue unchecked’- AKPABIO   President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio says the country’s current trends of borrowing cannot be allowed to continue uncontrolled. Senator Akpabio made the remark at the opening of a five-day interactive session on the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), with all Generating Revenue Agencies of Government. According to the Senate President, conscious efforts must be made to reduce budget deficits, which can be achieved by increasing revenue generation. He, consequently, urged the Stakeholders to think of Short-term measures to reduce the impact of Petroleum Subsidy removal on Nigerians. Senator Sani Musa, the Chairman of the joint committee, said the meeting would give the lawmakers the opportunity to scrutinise the document to ensure that all sources of revenue are increased. According to Senator Musa, MTEF and Strategy paper for 2024-2026 must be scrutinised to ensure that...

 Courts restrains organised labour from Nov 14 strike National Industrial Court of Nigeria has issued an order of interim injunction restraining members of organised labour, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliates from proceeding with the planned strike scheduled to commence on November 14. President of the court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, granted the order on Friday while ruling on an ex-parte application brought by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on behalf of the Federal Government. Justice Kanyip said the order shall subsist pending the determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunctions filed by the Attorney General of the Federation. Justice Kanyip said the court is empowered under sections Section 7(1) and 19(a) of the NICN Establishment Act, to hear such an ex-parte application and grant such an ex-parte order where a strike is threatened but yet to be commenced, as in this case.

FUT MINNA GETS NEW DVC AND PROMOTES 14 PROFESSORS. Appointments and Promotions Committee of the Federal University of Technology FUT Minna Niger state has confirmed the appointment of Prof Abdullahi Mohammed as new Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics. The appointment of Prof Abdullahi Mohammed is contained in a statement issued to Newsmen in Minna by the university‘s spokeswoman, Lydia Legbo, after the confirmation from the committee. According to her the confirmation was made at the committee‘s eighty seventh meeting held at the Senate Chamber, Main Campus of the university at Gidan Kwano, Minna. She however explained that the appointment was sequel to the selection process of the University Senate that was selected during its four hundred and eightieth regular meeting of the University. The statement further said that the new Deputy Vice Chancellor started at the University as Assistant lecturer and Rose to the rank of a professor of Civil Engineering. Until his new appointment he was...