I will protect Igbo businesses – Tinubu vows

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has vowed to protect businesses of the Igbos if elected as president.

Tinubu made this promise on Thursday during the APC presidential campaign rally in Ebonyi. 

The former Lagos governor also said he would not tolerate any form of discrimination against the Igbo people.

“I believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo. I encouraged a lot of Igbo businesses and investments in Lagos and will even do more if I become president,” he said.

“If elected, there will be no discrimination. Igbo interests will be respected and protected. I will also encourage policies to aid commerce and support south-east states to reach their full potential.

“I will engage the leaders of the south-east in a heart-to-heart discussion on all issues agitating their minds. If elected, I will address all issues and policies that tend to hinder their commerce and enterprise.

“I will work with businessmen and women and encourage them to make the south-east the Taiwan of Africa.”

On his part, David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, said people of the state should follow Tinubu because he “knows the road”.

“He has shown that he loves and trusts Igbo and our people,” Umahi said.

“He has been here since yesterday. He slept here in Abakaliki and ate our food. Only a man who loves you eats your food.”

Respect sanctity of Nigeria’s institutions by obeying court orders – Ohanaeze to govt

The Zonal Coordinator, South-South Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mr Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, has advised government at all levels to respect the sanctity of Nigeria’s institutions such as the judiciary by obeying court orders rather than seeking to thwart them.

Arthur-Ugwa gave the advice in a release which he signed and made available to newsmen in Owerri on Thursday.

This, he said, would help restore the confidence of Nigerians in the country uphold the sanctity of the judiciary and give the country pride of place in the comity of nations.

” Nigerians are not fools. Flagrant disregard for the sanctity of the Nation’s judiciary through disobedience to court orders can heat up the polity.

The Ohanaeze youth leader who frowned at the use of social media to spread divisive content called on Nigerians, especially politicians and youth leaders to unite the country through their speech, rather than divide it.

He warned that any drift from issue-based campaigns in the buildup to the 2023 general elections could spell doom for the country.

He called on those in positions of authority to realize the power of their words and use their positions to unite rather than attack sections of the country.

” Nigeria’s unity remains more important than ethnic or religious leanings and our political leaders must come to terms with this.

” No reasonable person will encourage crisis in any form, either through the use of social media or through divisive, inciting words, as Nigeria’s unity is already fragile enough.

” As the elections approach, we must desist from all manner of inciting utterances. History will only be fair to us if we learn from it,” he said.

JTF arrests two suspected kidnappers in Ekiti, recovers ransom

A Joint Task Force, JTF, established to protect Kogi/Ekiti border area arrested two suspected kidnappers that held four victims hostage for days.

The JTF, made of combined forces of the military, police, Amotekun corps and local hunters, under operation Eradicate Bandit at the Borders of Rural Ajoni Communities (EBBORAC), also recovered part of the N3 million collected from the victims.

A school principal, two teachers and a nurse were last week abducted at Irele- Ekiti, in Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, and taken to an unknown destination by gun-wielding abductors.

Three of the abductees were later freed upon payment of N3 million ransom, while one of them reportedly escaped from the abductors.

The chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, told journalists, in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, that the suspects were nabbed during a joint operation inside the sprawling forest at the Irele-Kogi border area.

Ogungbemi said the operation became so intense that the kidnappers hurriedly freed three victims from captivity, which provided a lead for the JTF to proceed with the combing of all forests in the axis.

“When they knew that the operation was closing in on them, three victims in their possession were suddenly released this afternoon. This further provided a lead for the operation.

“Part of the ransom collected from the victims was recovered and the released victims are now in the hospital receiving medical treatments.

“The JTF also succeeded in apprehending two suspects, who are now undergoing interrogation and investigation by the police,” he said.

The Commandant, Amotekun Corps in Ekiti State, Brig Gen. Joe Komolafe, confirmed the arrest.

Akomolafe added that those arrested are now in police custody, while the freed victims have received adequate treatment in the hospital.

“I can confirm to you that two suspects arrested are being held by the police. Regarding the freed victims, they were initially taken to the hospital, but they have reunited with their respective families,” he stated.

I’ll iron out my differences with Obi soon - Soludo

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has said that reports of the alleged rift between him and his predecessor, Peter Obi, who is also the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), is mischievous.

Speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Awka, during the Thanksgiving mass for Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor in celebration of his 70th birthday on Thursday November 24, Soludo, who had in an article titled: ‘History beckons and I will not be silent,’ dismissed the chances of the Labour Party flag bearer in the 2023 presidential poll, said he would soon be meeting with Obi to iron out their rift which he said was essentially political.

He also debunked claims of being paid $28 million to run down the Labour Party presidential candidate. 

Soludo said; 

“Today is very special. When we came into the service, it was the first time, my brother, Peter Obi and I are meeting in a public event and in a Catholic Church which two of us belong to. I think it was divine.

“When I came in, I quickly went to where he sat and hugged him, people watched with bewilderment as if we’re acting drama. Is it not the same people quarrelling?

“Let me tell you, we spoke two times, just last night. We’re brothers. You know I’m not one of those politicians that speak from two sides of the mouth. I can’t pretend. I’m a politician, but also wants to make heaven. I’ll keep saying the truth.

“There’s no rift between Obi and I at a personal level. Nobody snatched each other’s wife. What appears to be the rift between us is fundamental political differences. Nothing else.

“So for those forging blackmail and all that, including the one they said I collected bribe to say what I said, I asked them to bring it so I use it to construct roads. If Soludo is into bribery, I would have been multi trillonaire.

“On the fundamental differences we have, we are going to meet in the next few weeks. We’ve agreed to discuss and iron out our differences. Unfortunately, he’s left. We must get it done. Anambra is for all of us.”

Also appreciating God for sparing the celebrant’s life to attain 70, Soludo said Ezeokafor has been of great influence on him and his government, especially in the area of prudence and patronage of locally made products.

Soludo added; 

“You changed my thinking when you visited my village house in 2019 and rejected the foreign wine offered to you in the place of palm wine. Today in Governor’s lodge, the highest wine served there is palm wine.

“I was also humbled by the moderate type of car you drove to my house. You told me you chose not to go with a vehicle far above the average of those you’re pastoring. I think this is exemplary.

“When you see me drive Innoson cars, that’s part of the inspiration I got from you. If not for security, I would have been riding bicycles to work.

“We’re taking the prudence you taught us to the next level because when we came in, it cost us over N137m to clean offices. Now, it cost barely N11million. I can only promise to take the message to the world.” 

Attack on Obi is attack against Nigerians – Group reacts to man caught with dagger in LP Oyo rally

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, has condemned the action of a yet-to-be-identified man who stormed the Labour Party campaign rally with a dagger in Oyo.

It was reported that a video of a man caught with a dagger at the campaign ground in Ibadan the Oyo State capital has been making the rounds on social media.

A tweep, @BishopPOEvang who first posted the video, alleged that the suspect was standing where the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi was expected to pass.

He wrote, “How we unarmed a guy who was not a security personnel today. He was standing on the way @peterobi would pass. @BishopPOEvang noticed it and called in secretary operatives”

Reacting, COSEYL in a statement issued by its president general, Goodluck Ibem accused supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC of plotting to harm Obi.

The statement reads partly: “We warn those assassins who parade as politicians to bury such evil thought of planning any evil on Peter Obi because there will be dire consequences if any little scratch touches Peter Obi’s skin.

“Peter Obi is the face of the new Nigeria which Nigerians are waiting for to move them to the Promised land.

“We, therefore, demand an independent investigation of that young man who came with a dagger to assassinate Mr Peter Obi in Ibadan LP rally and was arrested by the security operatives.”

Efforts by DAILY POST to reach the Oyo Police Command for reactions proved abortive as the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso failed to pick up his calls. 

National Assembly passes students loan bill

The two chambers of the National Assembly, on Wednesday, passed the Students Loan Bill, which would enable students in higher institutions of learning to gain more access to financial assistance.

The bill, which was sponsored by the House of Representatives speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, was titled ‘A Bill for an Act to provide for easy access to higher education for Nigerians through an interest-free loan from the Nigerian Education Bank established in this Act with a view to providing education for Nigerians and for other purposes connected thereto.’

The bill seeks the establishment of the Nigerian Education Bank, which will have the powers to administer, coordinate, supervise and monitor the management of student loans in the country. It will also receive applications for student loans through higher institutions in Nigeria on behalf of the applicants and screen the applications to ensure that all requirements for the grant of such loans under the Act are satisfied.

Also, the bank shall have the powers to approve and disburse to qualified applicants and ensure compliance in respect of disbursement, and monitor academic records of grantees to obtain information on their year of graduation, national service, and employment to ensure that grantees of the loan commence repayment as at when due, among other functions.

According to the Act, all students seeking higher education in public institutions of higher learning in Nigeria shall have an equal right to access the loan without any discrimination arising from gender, religion, tribe, position or disability.

The House of Representatives had earlier this year passed the bill and forwarded it to the Senate for concurrence. With the Senate’s concurrence, a copy would be produced and transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent. Once it is signed into law, Nigerians will begin accessing the loans.

2023: We’ll win guber poll by hook or crook – Kano APC chair

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Abdullahi Abbas, has said that the party is poised to win next year’s gubernatorial election by hook or crook.

Speaking at the flag off of the party’s gubernatorial campaign held in Gaya, Abbas stated that the APC, being the party leading the state, cannot be defeated.

“People are saying that I should stop saying the APC would capture Kano by hook or crook. I want to tell this gathering that the APC would capture Kano by hook or crook. We have today demonstrated our resolve to win the election from top to bottom come the year 2023.

“Gaya, as you know, is the home of APC; no political party can match our strength and our crowd. We are determined to take the bull by the horn in maintaining our dominance. Gawuna is our candidate and is going to be the next Governor of Kano State.

“We have made all the necessary preparations, the colourful event where our gubernatorial candidate would receive his flag from the President who would be here in Kano for the purpose of giving him the flag,” he said.

He added that APC’s acceptability and reverence in Kano State are never doubtful, and the party is surrounded by men and women of great wisdom who can pull a surprise when it comes to winning elections, stressing that it had fulfilled its mandate in the last eight years.

Speaking in the same vain, the gubernatorial candidate, who is also the Deputy Governor, Dr Nasiru Yusif Gawuna, said he is fully prepared for the battle ahead, knowing that he has the firm support of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and all those calling the shots in the party.

“I want to believe that my destiny is in the hands of God and that I have no iota of doubt with God’s will nothing would stop me from winning the race. Our party still remains formidable and vibrant and we are also willing to remain steadfast in the face of all odds,” he concluded.

He commended party supporters who attended the flag-off ceremony for amply demonstrating their goodwill and courage in proving to everyone that they were ready for the challenges ahead.

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Kanye West asks Donald Trump to be his running mate in 2024 Election

Kanye West wants to run for U.S. president with former president Donald Trump as his running mate. 

The rapper turned fashion designer recently declared his intention to run for president in 2024. Ye also revealed controversial alt-right commentator, Milo Yiannopoulo, is set to work on his campaign. 

Despite the backlash over his many recent antisemitic and anti-Black statements, Kanye West is forging ahead, and has now decided upon a running mate. 

The G.O.O.D. Music and Yeezy founder took to Twitter on Wednesday morning, November 23 announcing he had met with Trump, who was Ye's opponent during his failed 2020 presidential campaign. 

“First time at Mar-a-Lago,” Kanye West wrote, claiming he met Donald Trump at his Miami estate. He continued noting there was “Rain and traffic,” before admitting, “Can’t believe I kept President Trump waiting.”  

After confessing he turned up to their meeting wearing jeans, “yikes,” Kanye made an interesting revelation. 

“What you guys think his response was when I asked him to be my running mate in 2024?” he asked, posting a poll. The options were “That’s very Ye,” and “That’s very Nay.” 

Sophia Momodu apologises after posting photo of Davido and three of his kids to celebrate him on 30th birthday

Sophia Momodu has apologised for a post shared via her daughter, Imade Adeleke's Instagram account to wish Davido a happy birthday.

The post shared via Imade's account was a photo of Davido and three of his kids — Imade, Hailey, and Ifeanyi, who, sadly, drowned less than a month ago.

 

 

Sophia has now released a post a day later, apologizing.

She said that she understands some might consider the post insensitive but insists that was not her intention.

 

Court orders INEC to resume voters registration

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resume the continuous voters registration (CVR), until there are 90 days left before the 2023 general elections.

In a judgement on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo also directed the INEC to ensure that eligible Nigerians are not deprived the opportunity to have the voter’s card for the forthcoming poll.

Justice Ekwo held that it was the constitutional responsibility of the electoral umpire to make adequate provision for the exercise in accordance with the Nigerian laws.

“The case of the plaintiffs succeeds on merit,” the judge declared.

NAN reports that Anajat Salmat and three others had sued INEC as sole defendant in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1343/2022.

In the originating summons filed before the court, the plaintiffs argued that INEC cannot stop the CVR contrary to the stipulated provisions of the constitution. They urged the court to order the electoral umpire to resume the exercise in accordance with the law of the country.

95m voters to decide Nigeria’s president in 2023 – INEC

INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said 95 million eligible voters would determine Nigeria’s president in the 2023 general elections.

Yakubu said Nigeria has more eligible voters than the total number of registered voters in 14 West African countries, which is 73million.

He stated these on Wednesday at an event organized by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and Yiaga Africa at the NED Headquarters, Washington DC, United States.

“It is exactly 136 days to the 2023 general election. It is the seventh successive general election since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria 23 years ago in 1999. This is the longest unbroken period of democracy and democratic elections since independence from British colonial rule 62 years ago in 1960.”

“We have never had this long spell of unbroken period of democracy, democratic governance and elections. The election is significant because the incumbent President is not eligible to run, this being his second and final term.

“There are 18 political parties in the race to produce the next President to be elected by 95m voters. We had over 84m registered voters in 2019. But with last Continuous Registration of Voters (CVR), we are going to add at least 10m Nigerians and that will take the Register of Voters to 95m,” Yakubu said.

According to him, there will be 22m more voters in Nigeria than the whole of West Africa put together.

“Each time Nigerian goes to the polls, it’s like the whole of West Africa voting. And these 95m citizens will vote in 176,846 polling units (PUs),” he said.