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 Doyin Okupe Reveals Why He Respects and Never Criticizes President Tinubu Despite Political Differences Doyin Okupe, a former presidential aide and ally of Peter Obi, has shared why he refrains from criticizing President Bola Tinubu.  Okupe explained that their shared commitment to democracy during the NADECO era forged a bond of mutual respect, even as they pursued different political paths. While Okupe defends Tinubu today, it’s worth noting that he previously criticized him in 2013 over policies related to the national conference and SURE-P, calling some remarks “ignorant.”  However, Okupe emphasized that his respect for Tinubu stems from their common fight against military oppression in Nigeria. He said, “We were in the trenches together during the military junta. He was abroad; we were here in Nigeria coordinating.  Running from place to place under severe pressure creates a bond that transcends political differences"  “Go and check all through my time in ...

 SKFEST: How Mother, Daughter Won First, Second Positions In Long-Distance Race An elderly woman and her 17-year-old daughter emerged victorious in the long-distance race held as part of this year’s Southern Kaduna Festival of Arts and Culture (SKFEST). Elizabeth Nuhu Bawa, the elderly woman, clinched first place, while her daughter, Grace, secured second place in the competition. The race, held at the Kafanchan sports ground, saw Elizabeth and her energetic daughter outpace many other participants. Seventeen-year-old Grace expressed her wish to have defeated her mother and claimed the top spot. However, she admitted that her mother displayed greater stamina during the event. Grace said she remains optimistic about surprising her mother in future competitions, aiming to claim first place next time.

 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Governor Francis Nwifuru has directed the chairmen of the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State to pay all outstanding salaries and pensions of workers before 2 pm on Monday, December 23, 2024. Nwifuru, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, and made available to newsmen, issued the directive on Sunday during the Elders and Widows’ Party, organised by the state government at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki. The governor expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in paying salaries and pensions to local government staff, describing the situation as worrisome. While emphasising his commitment to delivering good governance anchored on the Chartered Needs Agenda, the governor warned against any sabotage in executing the social contract with the people. “By 2 ...

  Governor Otti approves appointment of new Head of Civil Service Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has approved the appointment of Mr. Benson Ojeikere as the New Head of Service for Abia State Civil Service. A release endorsed by the Secretary to Abia State Government, Prof Kenneth Kalu says this appointment takes effect from December 31, 2024. The release explains the appointment of the Edo State born Civil servant, who was until his appointment, the Permanent Secretary, Government House followed the conclusion of a rigorous merit-based selection process. While congratulating Mr. Benson Ojeikere on his appointment, the release sends Governor Otti’s appreciation to the immense contributions of the outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Ngozi Queen Obioma who is proceeding on statutory retirement. The new Head of Service, Ojiekere is the first non–indigenous Head of Service of Abia.

 Tax reforms must go on — Edwin Clark Elder statesman Edwin Clark has criticized the pushback by the 19 northern governors against the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu. Clark made this statement on Sunday during Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television. “As far as I am concerned, that tax bill must go on,” he said. DAILY POST recalls that the new tax bills introduced by the Tinubu administration have been mired in controversy, sparking widespread criticism and opposition from various quarters, including the 36 state governors under the aegis of the National Economic Council, NEC. The 19 northern governors have unequivocally rejected sections of the bills, calling for their withdrawal from the National Assembly. Reacting to the development, Clark, leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, criticised the stance of the northern governors following NEC’s collective position. “I was so shocked when I learnt that th...

 Family of 10 die in Brazil plane crash Ten members of a family died early Sunday when their small plane slammed into a commercial district in the city of Gramado in southern Brazil, civil defense authorities said. Officials had earlier put the death toll at nine. The plane, a Piper Cheyenne 400 turboprop, was being flown by a businessman named Luiz Claudio Salgueiro Galeazzi, police confirmed to AFP, and the passengers were all family members of his. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the nearby city of Canela, striking the chimney of a building and then a house before falling onto a furniture store, the Rio Grande do Sul state security secretariat said in a statement. An inn was also damaged, it added. “There are no survivors of the plane,” Cleber dos Santos Lima of the state civil police told AFP. At least 17 people were injured on the ground, two of them seriously, while several others were treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of the accident is under investigat...

 Stampede: FG, Governors issue advisory, as PDP, CAN blame systemic policies …Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Alia condemn tragic incidents, commiserate with victims’ families …FG expresses deep sorrow over tragic loss of lives, pledges immediate govt assistance …105 lives lost due to poverty-induced neoliberal economic policies, criminal negligence — Falana …CAN condemns Abuja stampede, urges nationwide reflection The Federal Government and State Governors have issued a joint advisory on crowd management following a series of deadly stampedes at charitable events across the country. This move comes as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have pointed to systemic policy failures as the cause of the recurring tragedies, urging urgent reforms in crowd control and the management of public gatherings. The PDP condemned the recent food stampedes in various states, which have claimed approximately 60 lives, including children. In a statement issued in Ab...

 Bournemouth thrash Man Utd 3-0 as Chelsea miss chance to Premier League On Sunday, Manchester United suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, while Chelsea missed the chance to go top of the Premier League after a 0-0 draw at Everton. United boss Ruben Amorim, who once again left Marcus Rashford out of his squad, faces a miserable Christmas following the worst result of his brief tenure. Languishing in 13th place, United have endured four defeats in nine matches across all competitions since Amorim arrived from Sporting Lisbon in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag. United’s second successive loss, following their League Cup exit at Tottenham on Thursday, underscored Amorim’s admission that their road back to the top will be long and arduous. Having conceded first in their last six games, United were booed off at half-time, while the final whistle was greeted by more jeers from the few fans who stayed until the bitter end. While it is too early to pass judgem...

 FG set to arraign five terrorism suspects linked to Bello Turji today …As suspects face 11-count charge over terrorism-related activities The Federal Government is set to arraign five suspected terrorists with alleged links to notorious kingpin Bello Turji before the Federal High Court in Abuja today (Monday). The suspects, including Musa Kamarawa, Abubakar Hashimu, Bashir Abdullahi, Samuel Chinedu, and Lucky Chukwuma, are accused of aiding terrorist activities through the provision of material support, such as weapons, uniforms, food, and illicit drugs, to various terrorist groups operating in the Northwest. The suspects were initially scheduled for arraignment on Friday, December 21, but the process was delayed as no legal counsel appeared on their behalf. The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) through its counsel, David Kaswe, requested a brief adjournment, which was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite, setting Monday for their court appearance. In the 11-count charge filed on...

 Suspected ritualist arrested with human head, body parts in Ogun Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested Taiwo Yemitan, a 45-year-old man, for unlawful possession of a human head and dismembered body parts of a woman named Darasimi. The suspect was apprehended at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, December 22, following a tip-off from local security groups, including Agbekoya and Vigilante operatives. According to police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, Yemitan lured Darasimi to his residence in the Lafenwa area of Abeokuta, where he killed her. During questioning, the suspect admitted to the crime and identified two accomplices, Kehinde Yemitan and one Kazeem, who remain at large. Yemitan further revealed that their intention was to sell the victim’s body parts for ritual purposes. “The suspect admitted to knowing Darasimi and confessed that he killed her with the help of his accomplices, Kehinde Yemitan and Kazeem, with plans to sell her body parts,” said Odutola...

 Hunger has turned Nigeria to Somalia – Akeredolu’s widow Former First Lady of Ondo State, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has decried acute hunger in Nigeria. She said the country has become like war-torn Somalia due to widespread hunger. Anyanwu-Akeredolu stated this in an X post on Sunday after a stampede at palliatives sharing events in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory claimed dozens of lives. No fewer than 10 persons including children lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja on Saturday. Also on Saturday, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that 22 people died in a stampede in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state during the Obijackson Foundation’s Christmas rice distribution. Sharing news reports about the incidents, the ex-Ondo first lady said, “Hunger has turned Nigeria to Somalia. This is Ikegwuru (tiring) Situation!”

 A man has been arrested in California after beheading his 1-year-old son during a domestic dispute. Sacramento County Sheriff's office responded to a domestic disturbance call on Friday, December 20th. The deputies had no idea of the nightmare they were about to walk into. As deputies arrived on the scene they made contact with a distraught woman. She informed deputies that her husband, 28-year-old Andrey Demskiy, had assaulted her and her mother inside of the home. She and her mother had fled the home and called 911, however her 1-year-old son was still in the home with Demskiy. Upon hearing this information, deputies forced their way inside of the home. As they were in the process of detaining Demskiy, a deputy noticed the severed head of a child in the room.  Deputies stated sometime after the wife and mother fled the home, Andrey Demskiy had beheaded his son with a knife. Andrey Demskiy is being held without a bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday (Christma...

 Cuba hit by magnitude 5.9 earthquake An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck Cuba on Monday, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC). earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba's Santiago de Cuba Province, at around 01:00 Dec. 23. The epicenter was about 37 km (23 miles) south of Guisa, Cuba.  The tremor occurred at a depth of around 22 km (14 miles), and moderate-to-strong shaking was probably felt in parts of Santiago de Cuba and Granma provinces in eastern Cuba near the epicenter, with light-to-moderate shaking felt elsewhere in eastern Cuba; light shaking may have also been felt in parts of Jamaica.

PRESS STATEMENT FG DECLARES PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS The Federal Government  has declared Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th December 2024, and Wednesday 1st January, 2025 as Public Holidays  to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.  Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to  foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities. The Minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development. “The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate...

Nigeria’s economy grew in Q3 2024, says CBN The economy grew by 3.46 per cent in Q3 2024, with output reaching ₦20.115 trillion, up from 3.19 per cent (₦18.285 trillion) in Q2 2024, driven mainly by the non-oil sector. This was revealed in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s newly released Economic Report for the third quarter of 2024. The report said inflation moderated during the quarter, reflecting the fall in the food component of the Consumer Price Index basket, and driven by the restrictive monetary policy stance. Domestic crude oil production increased, following enhanced security measures around oil pipeline infrastructure in the Niger Delta region. Despite persisting headwinds, CBN said the economy continued to expand in the third quarter of 2024. The growth of 3.46 per cent recorded in Q32024, represented the third consecutive expansion year-to-date surpassing the 3.19 per cent and 2.54 per cent recorded in Q22024 and corresponding quarter of 2023, respectively. Growth was on accou...

 Ebonyi man allegedly kills wife over yam A 40-year-old Ebonyi man, identified as Joshua Nwafor, has allegedly killed his wife, Charity, over a tuber of yam in Nsokkara, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that the incident occurred in the couple’s home, where they had lived peacefully for 17 years. An eyewitness told newsmen that trouble started when Joshua brought out yam to cook for the family, but the wife insisted on having roasted yam instead and went ahead to roast it. This disagreement escalated when Joshua became angry, dragged his wife into the room, locked the door, and beat her until she died.