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 Press Release   FG Begins Phased Palliative Works on Abuja - Kaduna Dual Carriageway In order to bring succour to road users, the Federal Ministry of Works has commenced emergency repairs of failed portions of the Abuja - Kaduna Dual Carriageway. The contractor, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd mobilised to site on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024. The contract for the Section I of the Expressway starts at kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) and ends at kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border) with a two (2) weeks completion period. The scope of the contract consists of patching of existing potholes, as well as the reinstatement of critically failed sections of the said alignment. And the approved contract sum is N366 million (Three Hundred and Sixty-Six Million Naira).  Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, 5th October, 2024, the Directors, Highways, North Central Zone I, Engr. Mohammed Goni and Special Projects (North), Engr. Olufemi Adetunji urged...

 PRESS RELEASE  KENNEDY-OHANENYE URGES WOMEN TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST MALTREATMENT The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has called on women in the country to speak out against all forms of maltreatment against the feminine gender, children and the vulnerable in society  The Minister made the call weekend, when members of the National Forum of Special Advisers on Women  Affairs - Nigeria, led by its National Coordinator, Amb. Finney David, came to present her with a Certificate of Commendation in her office, in Abuja She opined that it is time to set the records straight in the nation, in order to ensure the realization of the Nigeria of our dreams where systems put in place are functional, with citizens being conscious of playing by the rules to avoid consequences that might follow their wrong actions Kennedy-Ohanenye, therefore, called on Nigerian women to join their voices against acts that are capable of hindering the growth a...

 Is this dressing appropriate to visit the palace of a king?” – Patrick Doyle queries Davido over his choice of outfit to meet the Olu of Warri Patrick Doyle, a media mogul and the ex-husband of Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle, has questioned music star Davido over his choice of outfit to see the Olu of Warri. We reported a day back that music star Davido, Phyno, Cubana Chief Priest, and others had visited the palace of the Olu of Warri. The artistes, alongside popular comedian AY Makun, and celebrity barman were in Warri for the highly anticipated “Warri AGAIN” event, organised by former Nigeria Football Federation’s President, Amaju Pinnick. Photos and videos showing their visit to the palace to pay respect to the Olu of Warri were shared on Instagram by Cubana Chief Priest on Saturday. Taking to his Facebook page, Patrick shared a photo of Davido, Amaju and the Olu of Warri as he questioned if his outfit was appropriate to visit the palace of a King like Olu of Warri. “Is this app...

 Slovakia's Robert Fico vowed he would not allow Ukraine to become a member of NATO as long as he was prime minister, in another blow to Kyiv's aspirations to join the alliance amid Russia's ongoing invasion. "I will direct the lawmakers under my control as chairman of the (ruling Smer) party never to agree to Ukraine joining NATO," he told broadcaster STVR in an interview on Sunday (6 October). "Ukraine's accession to NATO would be a good basis for a third world war," added Fico, who has been a vocal critic of the West's military and financial support to Ukraine since Russia launched its all-out invasion in early 2022. These remarks came ahead of Fico’s Monday meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, which is set to focus on cooperation in energy security and infrastructure.

  Zimbabwe Government Responds to Currency Crisis: Salaries and Bonuses for Civil Servants Now Paid in US Dollars In response to the recent devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar (ZiG), the Zimbabwean government has announced that salary increases and annual bonuses for civil servants will now be paid in US dollars. July Moyo, the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, stated that this decision aims to alleviate the financial burden on lower-income workers grappling with inflation and widespread poverty. The ZiG's exchange rate has been adjusted from 1:14 to 1:24 against the dollar, prompting the government to take immediate action to support its employees. Moyo confirmed to The Sunday Mail that the Treasury has allocated sufficient US dollars for government employees, including an increase in their salary's dollar component. “The government has allocated a substantial amount in US dollars to ensure that all civil servants benefit from these salary adjustments,” ...

 Sanusi Executed Varsities’ Projects With CBN Allocation, Emefiele, Cardoso Did Nothing – ASUU The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has claimed that despite allocations for intervention funds for tertiary institutions, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has stopped executing projects for public universities in Nigeria. The union said the apex bank stopped carrying out any project in public universities in 2014 after the tenure of the now-Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Sanusi was CBN governor between June 2009 and February 2014. ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, made this startling revelation on the Sunday. Osodeke said, “There are many companies today which they call cash cows; they have some reserve money for community development. CBN, NNPC and what have you. “For a very long time that we have been having CBN governors, we never knew there was fund there that could be used in the university until the Emir of Kano, Sanusi, came in and decided to use the money the wa...

 Dino Melaye Wins Six-Year Legal Tussle Against FG, IG Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court in Abuja on Monday, discharged and acquitted former senator who represented Kogi West district in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye, of the charges brought before him by the Federal Government. The legal battle began six years ago. In a post on X, Melaye said Justice Oriji cleared him of two charges of providing false information concerning an alleged assassination attempt on his life in 2017. The initial case regarding the alleged assassination attempt saw delays, including the unfortunate passing of Justice Aromeh Akogu, the judge overseeing the matter, during a cross-over service on December 31, 2017. The Attorney General’s Office formally charged Melaye on January 31, 2018, claiming his allegations were unfounded, stemming from an investigation into the supposed assassination attempt at his hometown in Ayetoro-Gbede, Kogi State. He pleaded not guilty on March 1, 2018. Again, in July...

 I’ve never asked for a Kobo to write pardon letter – Falana Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said that he has represented numerous clients in legal battles for decades and emphasised that his practice does not profit from the misfortunes of others. In an interview with Sahara TV posted via YouTube on Monday, he further provided a detailed account of his longstanding commitment to defending human rights without financial gain. “As a policy, we do not collect fees to write letters for pardon. It is not part of our system because we do not profit from the tragedy of people,” he stated. Falana cited multiple instances from his 42-year legal career where he intervened in cases of alleged injustice without charging a fee. Among these, he referenced his role in securing the release of six Nigerians who had been wrongfully detained in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. Despite being pardoned by the Thai government in 2017, the individuals remained incarcerat...

 Missing Indiana woman recovered from Wabash River after husband who reported her missing admits to taking her life. Kayla Flaherty was reported missing by her husband on October 4th. According to her husband Daniel, the 36-year-old Patoka, Indiana native was heading to Vincennes to see family when she went missing. However, when police began investigating, they noticed Kayla's cellphone tower data did not support Daniel's statement. After searching the route she had supposedly taken and finding no sign of Kayla or the SUV, Daniel was brought in for more questioning.  Investigators had received information indicating Kayla was filing for a divorce. When questioned, Daniel stated he hadn't been served with papers but he and Kayla had been discussing their divorce shortly before she had left for Vincennes, Indiana.  As the questioning intensified, Daniel was read his Miranda Rights and the true story began to emerge. Daniel eventually admitted to repeatedly striking Kayla w...

 Veteran Nigerian actor Hanks Anuku says he doesn't get his rightful credits for paving the way Veteran Nigerian actor Hanks Anuku recently opened up about his journey in Nollywood and the struggles he's faced along the way. Known for his bold on-screen presence and famous "hey what's up, man" persona, Hanks revealed that despite paving the way for many young actors, his contributions have often gone unnoticed. "I came into Nollywood with that American gangster style, and I got lead roles because of my unique accent," Hanks shared. "I was just being myself, you know?" However, his refusal to compromise on his values and take part in the industry's alleged dark practices has caused challenges for him.  Hanks Anuku: "People say I fell off because they think I do drugs, but they don't know me. I'm the realest, and I'd never use 'juju' or any other wrong way to succeed.  They stopped giving me roles, but I'm still h...

 "My son is not the mønster they painted him to be"- Diddy's mother Janice Combs 💔😢 Janice Combs has spoken up in defense of her son, Diddy, who is facing serious sexual assault and trafficking charges. In a recent message, she expressed her sadness over the situation and frustration with how people are quick to believe the accusations. "I'm deeply hurt by the way people are attacking my son without hearing his side," she wrote.  While she admitted that Diddy may not have been completely honest about past events, such as a physical altercation caught on hotel cameras with Cassie, she stated that "not being open about one issue doesn’t mean he's guilty of all the serious things he's accused of." She also asked the public to take a step back and remember that everyone, no matter their status, can make mistakes or act out of fear. "A lot of innocent people have been punished just because they didn’t fit society’s idea of a ‘good person....

 PRESS RELEASE  RIVERS LG ELECTIONS: NPF ACTED IN LINE WITH COURT ORDER, REAFFIRMS NEUTRALITY As IGP Orders Immediate Unsealing of all LG Secretariats in Rivers State In response to the misinformation circulating in the media space with regards to the actions of the Nigeria Police Force in the Rivers State political arena, particularly regarding the just concluded Rivers State Local Government elections, the Force wishes to debunk the prevailing falsehood of partisanship and reaffirms its neutrality and non-interference in political affairs within the State and the country in general, as the NPF only acted in line with an existing court judgment of the Federal High Court.  Firstly, the Nigeria Police Force was served with an order of injunction by the Federal High Court made on the 19th of July, 2024, barring the Police from participating in the LG election, deeming it unlawful.  Secondly, the Rivers State High Court issued a counter order on the 4th of September, 20...

  10-year-old boy drives stolen car across crowded playground, Minnesota police say A 10-year-old boy was arrested after police said he drove a stolen car through a crowded playground. On Sept. 20, the boy drove the vehicle across a crowded playground at Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary School in northern Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Police Department said in an Oct. 4 news release.  “Surveillance video shows school staff frantically trying to move children off the playground and out of harm’s way,” police said. “Fortunately, no children on the playground were struck by the driver.” Police said the boy has “at least 30 entries” since May 2023, and has been arrested at least twice in connection with crimes related to auto theft. He’s listed as a suspect in over 12 cases related to auto theft, robbery or assault with a dangerous weapon.  “It is unfathomable that a 10-year-old boy has been involved in this level of criminal activity without effective intervention,” Police Chi...

 Chinese hackers breached US court wiretap systems: Report Chinese hackers breached networks of U.S. broadband providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies. They accessed systems used for court-authorized wiretapping and other internet traffic. The group aimed to collect intelligence. The intrusion was recently discovered, and the U.S. government has confronted Beijing about these activities. Chinese hackers accessed the networks of U.S. broadband providers and obtained information from systems that the federal government uses for court-authorized wiretapping, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday. Verizon Communications, AT&T and Lumen Technologies are among the telecoms companies whose networks were breached by the recently discovered intrusion, the newspaper said, citing people familiar with the matter. The hackers might have held access for months to network infrastructure used by the companies to cooperate with court-authorized U.S. requests for co...

 Kaduna Government Denies Borrowing ₦36bn In Six Months The Kaduna State government has described as false and misleading a media report alleging that the state has borrowed the sum of ₦36 billion on the past six months. Instead, the government said it is paying nearly three times the size of loans taken by the past administration due to the massive devaluation of the Naira. In an official statement by the Commissioner of Planning and budget, Mukhtar Ahmed, the state government explained that the exchange rate fluctuations would affect the ongoing repayment of the inherited loan. The statement noted that the inherited debt burden from the previous administration consisted of long-term loans, including the World Bank programs such as AGILE, SURWASH and ACReSAL which were all agreed upon during the previous administration. While clarifying that the administration of Governor Uba Sani has not taken any loan since it came into office, the budget Commissioner explained that the surge in...

 Tinubu Charges Nigerians to Close Ranks, Raise Stronger Voices against Corruption   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians from all walks of life to come together and form formidable unifying forces against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.   He gave the charge in Abuja on Monday,  October 7,  2024 while declaring open the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC- National Judicial Institute, NJI’s Workshop for Justices and Judges. The President pointed out that corruption had become a cancer denying the nation the full benefits of its God-given resources and for its corrosive effects to be destroyed, Nigerians must rise up combatively against it. "No Nigerian is immune from corruption, a cancer which continues to deny the nation the full benefits of its God-given resources. Rather than look up only to the anti-corruption agencies for a solution to this malaise, I believe  it is in our enlightened collective...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU DECRIES VIOLENCE IN RIVERS, DIRECTS POLICE TO PROVIDE SECURITY TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES  President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.    In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.   He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.   President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.    While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.  President Tinubu said government facilities built wi...

 Rivers crisis worsens as ‘hoodlums’ set ablaze third LG secretariat in 24 hours Suspected hoodlums have set ablaze a section of Emohua local government secretariat in Rivers state. This is the third local government secretariat that was torched by hoodlums on Monday. Earlier, some irate youths set sections of Eleme and Ikwerre local government secretariats in the state on fire. TheCable understands that the mob invaded the Emohua LGA secretariat after David Omereji, the newly elected chair, his deputy and councillors were sworn in on Sunday. After the ceremony, hoodlums invaded many Rivers LGA secretariats to cause destruction and prevent newly elected officials from resuming their duties. Some of the newly elected chairpersons and councillors arrived at their new offices to the sight of thick black smoke. At Obio/Akpor LGA, hoodlums invaded the secretariat and started shooting sporadically to scare away workers. In a video seen by TheCable, the hoodlums were repelled by armed pol...

 Ethiopian parliament appoints FM as new president The two houses of the Ethiopian parliament on Monday appointed Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie as the country's new president. Selassie replaces Sahle-Work Zewde. This transition follows widespread speculation about President Sahle-Work’s potential resignation, fueled by a cryptic social media post she shared last week. On Saturday, Sahle-Work posted a tweet that many viewed as an indication of her possible resignation. Quoting Mahmoud Ahmed’s song “Silence is My Answer,” she tweeted: “When a person feels sad and broken, when he has got no place to go, hope is his only hope.” This emotionally charged statement, coupled with reports from The Habesha suggesting that she might resign as early as next week, has ignited public debate and rumors about her future. Sahle-Work’s tweet came during a period of increased public criticism, particularly concerning her perceived silence in addressing the ongoing conflicts in various parts of...

 Zambia mine collapse kills at least 10 people A collapse at a mine in southwest Zambia on Monday killed at least 10 people and injured five others, police said, AFP reported. The accident occurred in the Mumbwa district on Monday morning. "During the course of their mining activities, the earth collapsed on them" central police commissioner Charity Munganga Chanda said in a statement. Rescuers initially recovered six people from the rubble, but one miner later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, the police said. Police said that the investigation into the cause of the accident was still underway, and that they were working to confirm "the exact number of people who were in the mine at the time of the accident."

 I have lost count of age and I can only be amazed at what this early 20s girl has built and achieved” – Regina Daniels reflects ahead of her birthday Nollywood actress Regina Daniels is reflecting on her achievements as she is set to turn a year older in a few days. In a post on her Instagram page, the mother of two shared some family photos with her sons and husband as she revealed that she had lost count of age and is just taking life every day as it comes. She stated that looking back, she can only be amazed at what this early 20s girl has built and achieved. Giving glory to God, she declared that she was God’s favorite child. “In a few days, I will be turning a year older. Honestly, I have lost track of age and just take every day as it comes. Looking back, I can only be amazed at what this early 20s girl has built and achieved. And I give all glory to God. ! A lot of people don’t know this but I am God’s favorite child. @princemunirnwoko @princekhalifa.nwoko”.

 US Court orders Mayweather to pay $2.4m to Nigerian firm for contract breach A U.S. court has ruled that Floyd Mayweather Jr. must pay $2.4 million to Zinni Media Concept Limited, a Nigerian company, for breaching a 2017 contract. The agreement involved Mayweather making appearances in Africa, including Nigeria, but he canceled and refused to return the advance payment. After a lawsuit, a California court ordered Mayweather to pay damages, which he appealed, but the ruling was upheld. Mayweather has yet to pay, and U.S. attorneys may target his luxury cars to enforce the judgment.

 Lobi Stars Fires Coach, Hires Amokachi as Technical Adviser Lobi Stars FC has sacked Coach Eugene Agagbe following a poor start to the 2024-2025 NPFL season, with only one win in five matches. In his place, former Super Eagles assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi, has been appointed as the club’s new Technical Adviser. The club also dismissed its entire backroom staff, instructing them to reapply if they wish to continue.

 Kukah Urges Nigerians to Hold Politicians Accountable The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, called on Nigerians to demand that political leaders fulfill their campaign promises. Speaking at the centenary lecture of the Catholic Herald, Nigeria’s oldest Catholic newspaper, he emphasized the importance of citizens’ involvement in nation-building and holding leaders accountable.  Kukah stressed that effective governance requires policies that address the needs of the people, urging Nigerians to stay committed to building the nation. He also highlighted the role of the Catholic Herald in advancing societal change and enlightenment.

 Stakeholders call for N100m turnover threshold for small business tax exemption Stakeholders have urged the federal government to increase the turnover threshold for small businesses to be exempt from the new Withholding Tax (WHT) regulation from N25 million to N100 million. While they welcomed the government’s efforts to ease the tax burden on businesses, they argued that N25 million is too low given current economic realities. They praised the policy for supporting small businesses but emphasized the need for a higher threshold to better reflect inflation and the devaluation of the naira.

  Lea Pericoli, Italian Tennis Icon, Dies at 89 Lea Pericoli, the celebrated Italian tennis star, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for her remarkable achievements in the 1950s and 60s, Pericoli reached the last 16 of the French Open twice and made it to the Wimbledon championships three times. Beyond her athletic prowess, she was a fashion icon, famous for her extravagant outfits adorned with feathers and fur. Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, expressed his sorrow, stating, “She was a bit like the mother to all of us.” Pericoli held the title of Italy's number one player for an impressive 14 years  from 1959 to 1976 and was a 27-time national champion. Current world number one Jannik Sinner paid tribute on Instagram, calling her “a great lady and legend of Italian tennis.” In addition to her tennis career, Pericoli became a popular television presenter and journalist. She bravely battled cancer twice, overcoming uterine cancer in 1973...

 Shooting in Beersheba Leaves One Dead and Ten Injured A 25-year-old woman has died and ten others were injured in a shooting incident at the central bus station in Beersheba, Israel, which police are treating as a "suspected terror attack." The gunman was shot dead at the scene following the attack, which has heightened tensions across the country. Eyewitness footage reportedly shows injured individuals inside a nearby McDonald’s, while Israel's ambulance service confirmed that medics treated ten victims, with one woman in serious condition. The attack comes as Israel remains on high alert ahead of the anniversary of Hamas's October 7 assault last year, which triggered ongoing conflict in Gaza. In response to the shooting, Israel’s transport minister Miri Regev called for the deportation of families of "terrorists" to deter future attacks. This incident follows a recent spate of violence, including a shooting and knife attack in Tel Aviv that resulted in se...

 GOV. ALIA CHARGES NEW COUNCIL CHAIRMEN ON ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY AND FAIRNESS Monday, October 7th, 2024 Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has charged the newly elected Local Government Chairmen in the  state, to always demonstrate accountability,  transparency and fairness in all their dealings in office. Governor Alia gave the charge during the inauguration ceremony for the new Chairmen at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, on Monday, October 7th, 2024. The Governor who described the event as a significant moment in the future of the local government administration in the state, urged the chairmen to immediately get to work; working diligently to provide strategic leadership, charging them to uphold the highest standards of governance without fear or favour. He tasked them to ensure they listen and address the needs of the people at the grassroots, collaborating with all relevant stakeholders at the local level with the aim of ...

 Nigerian Police Arrest Officer Who Allegedly Stabbed Kaduna Resident, Kunze, Stopping Him From Assaulting Girlfriend To Death Photos of police officer Charniel Amanzie Moses, accused of fatally stabbing a resident of Kaduna, Adekunle Oduwole, have surfaced. On Facebook, Moses describes himself as a singer, poet/song writer, importation coach and procurement agent. SaharaReporters had earlier reported how Inspector Moses allegedly killed Oduwole. A family source who spoke with SaharaReporters had accused the police officer of stabbing Oduwole to death on September 22, 2024 between 10:50 pm and 11:00 pm at J11 Lounge, Kaduna. According to the family source, on the said date, Inspector Moses entered J11 Lounge, Kaduna, to search for a woman he claimed to be his girlfriend, whom he later found and assaulted. It was learnt that in a desperate bid for safety, Inspector Moses's alleged girlfriend sought refuge with Oduwole, who was nearby in the lounge, and begged for assistance. As Oduw...

 British PM Starmer's chief of staff resigns over reports about salary Sue Gray, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, has resigned. According to a statement from Downing Street on Sunday, Ms Gray is expected to take on a new role as the Prime Minister’s envoy for nations and regions. The BBC reports that Gray had been embroiled in disputes over her salary, following revelations by the BBC’s political editor that she earned more than Sir Keir.  The BBC has reported that Gray's annual salary was 170,000 pounds ($223,000), about 3,000 pounds more than Starmer is paid. Labour has confirmed that Ms Gray will be replaced by Morgan McSweeney, who is Starmer’s Chief Adviser. Gray said she accepted a new role as Starmer's envoy for the regions and nations. Throughout my career, my first interest has always been public service, Gray said in a statement. However, in recent weeks it has become clear to me that intense commentary around my position r...

 Hero police officer Thulani Siphiwe Hlatshwayo arrested on serious charges  Constable Thulani Siphiwe Hlatshwayo, previously celebrated for his outstanding actions, alongside Constable Xolani Majuda Xaba, who placed themselves on duty while off-duty to respond to a kidnapping at Jabulani Mall about a month ago, was one of the seven police officers arrested by IPID on October 1st.  Hlatshwayo has now been charged with murder, torture, assault, housebreaking, and theft.

KZN police officer allegedly kills girlfriend and injured the man he found her with. Reports suggest that Constable SW Xolo, who is stationed at POP Port Shepstone, visited his girlfriend unannounced in Margate while off duty.  Upon arrival at her home, he found her with another man.  It is alleged that he shot and killed his girlfriend and injured the man she was with, who survived and was hospitalized.  Constable Xolo later drove back to Port Shepstone where his vehicle collided with a truck, resulting in minor injuries to the truck driver and a pedestrian fatality, while Constable Xolo was critically injured.

 Musawa: Nothing wrong being NYSC member while serving as minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of art, culture and creative economy, says she did nothing wrong accepting a ministerial position in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet while undergoing the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. Musawa spoke on ‘Sunday Politics’, a Channels Television programme. During the chat, Musawa was asked how she became a minister without an NYSC certificate. An NYSC certificate or exemption letter is a mandatory requirement for persons seeking public offices. The minister said the matter has been “adjudicated” and that one day she will give a “proper account” of what transpired. She said she did not break the law, adding that she had undergone two years of national youth service in her lifetime. “There have been so many different accounts of that particular situation. The fact that I’m sat here should tell you that I did not do anything wrong,” she said. “I have not come o...