We saw it coming – Rivers state govt reacts to LG allocation freeze

The Rivers State government has reacted to the new Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which ordered the cessation of local government allocations, stating that the ruling was anticipated due to various developments during the court process.

Rivers state Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, on Wednesday , October 30 said;, “When the trial Judge refused to add the 23 Council Chairmen as parties, declined the State’s request to change its lawyer, and overruled our jurisdiction objection, it was evident, we saw it coming ” he stated.

Johnson revealed that the state government had appealed the decision, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the ruling.

Wednesday’s judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja, ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt all payments to the state local government councils.

This comes as the power play between former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike and his former protege and current Rivers governor, Siminialayi Fubara, continues to exacerbate.

Arsenal supporter k!lls Manchester United fan for celebrating Mohamed Salah’s late equaliser against his club

Police in Uganda are hunting for an Arsenal football fan after he allegedly assaulted a Manchester United fan, leading to his death.

The sad incident occurred on Sunday, October 27, at Kyobugombe  Trading Centre in Kaharo Sub County of Kabale district after Arsenal was held to 2 - 2 by Liverpool.

According to TV47.digital, when Liverpool's Mo Salah scored a late goal against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Manchester United supporter Benjamin Okello burst into celebration. He threw popcorn at the Arsenal as he celebrated.

This escalated into an argument, and after the match ended, the two got into a scuffle and the Arsenal fan hit  Benjamin Okello with a stick. leading to his death.

Confirming the incident, the Kaharo Sub County Chairperson narrated, “I received information. Yesterday morning (Monday), two men fought on Sunday night in Kyobugombe trading centre, and one of them was rushed to Bukinda Health Centre for treatment and was referred to Rugarama Regional Referral Hospital, where he died.”

“A scuffle started in a video hall at the Kyobugombe trading centre, where they were watching a football match between Arsenal and Liverpool. When Liverpool scored an equaliser in the 81st minute, the Manchester United fan, now deceased, started jubilating, and this angered the Arsenal fan. He (the Manchester United fan) threw popcorn at the Arsenal fan, sparking an argument between the two. After the game, the Arsenal fan picked a stick and hit the Manchester United fan, causing him to fall down,” he added.

The suspect, only identified as Onan, is said to be a notorious criminal who has been terrorizing the residents of Kaharo Sub County.

A manhunt has been launched by the police in Kabale District for the Arsenal fan who is on the run.

The district police commander (DPC), Mr. Joseph Bakaleke, said, “We got information indicating that the two boys who were supporters of two different teams had a scuffle, and in so doing, one assaulted the other. It is alleged that when the assaulted one was taken to the hospital later alone, he met his death.”

Court bars CBN from further release of financial allocation to Rivers state government

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from further releasing financial allocations to the Rivers State Government pending when a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly.

The judge  issued the order on Wednesday, October 30, in a  judgment on a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

Justice Abdulmalik held that the decision by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the Rivers State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, that was not properly constituted, should not be allowed to stand.

Rivers state has been enmeshed in political crisis between Gov Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Popular foreign contractor arrested for ‘vandalising’ streetlights in Abuja to enable him get contracts

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council says it has arrested a prominent expatriate contractor involved in vandalising streetlights  in the territory. 

The AMMC Coordinator, Mr. Felix Obuah, disclosed this  on Tuesday, October 29, after inspecting some ongoing streetlights repairs and maintenance. 

Obuah said the contractor engaged in vandalising the streetlights to enable him to  get the contract. 

Though he didn’t mention the name of the foreign national, Obuah said the company operated by the contractor was well known, adding that the suspect would face full wrath of the law. 

Obuah said, “The minister of FCT has given us matching orders to make sure that Abuja is lightened up, and as a matter of fact, I embark on the spot assesment with my team to make sure things work well. 

“Abuja is divided into 21 lots, today will inspected almost 18 lots. We have discovered that most of those areas have been vandalised, which some are undergoing intervention work by my team. 

“We are not impressed with the level of  vandalisation that had happened in some of those lots. But I am impressed with my team for living up to expectations especially with the ongoing maintenance work on Yar’adua way and Jabi areas, the light has been restored but some are yet to be restored. 

“We will make sure that within a short possible time,  the issues  is  restored. Most a times we thought is scavengers or miscreants that are involved in vandalising the streetlights, not until today that we are able to discover that high level contractors are involved in sabotaging the good efforts of the minister and AMMC. 

“We have arrested a very prominent contractor, an expatriate who is involved in vandalising these streetlights to enable them get this contract.One of the expatriates has been arrested and is in detention, there are full evidence to that effect. 

“Our report will be submitted to the minister. we must make sure that those vandals and the people buying the items would not go free. 

“We can’t be buying and installing while miscreants and expatriates are vandalising it, sabotaging the good efforts of government is wrong.”

Northern Governors oppose new tax amendment bill

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), representing Nigeria’s 19 northern states, has collectively opposed the proposed tax amendment bill currently before the national assembly.

The decision was announced on Monday following a joint meeting with the Northern Traditional Rulers Council at Kaduna’s Government House.

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State read the communiqué, expressing concerns about President Bola Tinubu's proposed tax reform bills. These bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, Tax Administration Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, alongside a proposed replacement of the Federal Inland Revenue Service with a new Nigeria Revenue Service.

The governors voiced strong objections, specifically against the proposed shift of Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution to a derivation-based model, arguing that it could disadvantage northern states.

“Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent tax reform bill that was forwarded to the national assembly,” the communiqué stated. “The contents are against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to a Derivation-based Model. This is because companies remit VAT using the location of their headquarters and tax office, not where the services and goods are consumed.”

The NSGF called on the national assembly to reject any legislation that might harm the region's interests, emphasizing the need for fair and equitable implementation of national policies.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governors’ Forum is not averse to any policies or programs that will ensure the growth and development of the country. However, the forum calls for equity and fairness in the implementation of all national policies and programs so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalized.”

Addressing Economic Hardship and Infrastructure Needs The forum also addressed the current economic hardship facing the nation and assured citizens that both state and federal governments are working to alleviate the impact. They urged citizens to remain calm, noting that efforts are underway to provide relief.

In their communiqué, the governors underscored the importance of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and security, calling for continued cooperation with security agencies to address issues such as banditry, cattle rustling, communal clashes, and farmer-herder conflicts.

Power and Agricultural Development Initiatives Highlighting the persistent power shortages in northern states, the governors called for urgent federal action to tackle the frequent vandalism of electricity infrastructure. “This matter not only underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure but also the need to build additional transmission lines and diversify our energy supply to better connect our region and improve our energy resilience,” they stated.

The NSGF further emphasized the agricultural potential of the north, which they believe could significantly contribute to food security and economic growth if properly developed. “To achieve this, we resolved to provide adequate support to our farmers, including access to financing, modern farming techniques, and infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems,” the communiqué added.

“Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed our people but also as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation across the region,” the forum stated, advocating for the re-industrialization of the North, particularly through revitalizing the textile industry and other agro-allied sectors.

Livestock and Climate Resilience Initiatives The NSGF also praised President Tinubu’s livestock reform initiatives, committing to support these measures to ensure their success. The forum acknowledged the impact of climate change on the region and pledged to work with the federal government to build essential irrigation infrastructure to prevent flooding and support agricultural activities.

The meeting was attended by governors from Zamfara, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kogi, Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kwara, with Kebbi, Taraba, and Niger represented by their deputies and secretaries to their state governments.

South Africa’s Pick n Pay exits Nigeria after four years

South African grocery giant Pick n Pay (PIKJ.J) has announced plans to exit Nigeria by selling its 51% stake in a joint venture, marking a strategic retreat from the Nigerian market as part of broader restructuring efforts outside its home market.

CEO Sean Summers disclosed on Monday, October 28, that the exit aligns with the company’s recent efforts to streamline its international operations. The decision comes as Pick n Pay faces mounting financial pressures, reporting a substantial half-year loss due to operational and borrowing costs.

Entering Nigeria less than five years ago through a partnership with A.G. Leventis, Pick n Pay currently runs two stores, including one in the prominent Lagos district of Victoria Island. The withdrawal contributes to a growing trend of multinational exits from Nigeria, where profitability remains challenging for many foreign enterprises.

Pick n Pay’s financial report on Monday, October 28, showed a loss before tax and capital items of 1.1 billion rand ($62 million) for the 26-week period ending August 25, a rise from 837.2 million rand in losses from the same period last year. The company attributed a 9.1% increase in trading losses to shrinking profit margins within its core supermarket operations.

Despite the setbacks, Pick n Pay reported "solid momentum" in its online and clothing sectors, as well as improved performance in its company-owned supermarkets. CEO Summers, who is spearheading the turnaround efforts, expressed "quiet confidence" in achieving a 50% reduction in trading losses for the Pick n Pay business by year-end.

President Tinubu is doing a good job - Ganduje

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje, says President Tinubu is doing a great job and working to make sure the current economic hardship facing the people comes to an end.

He said this when he spoke in Akure at the inauguration of the 305-member National Campaign Council for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo state.  According to him, President Tinubu has introduced life-changing reforms that make the nation’s economy stronger.

“President Bola Tinubu is doing a good job for this country. He has introduced reforms in order to make our institution strong for the social and economic development of this country. We respect and honour him,” the APC national chairman said.

Diddy accused of s3xually ass@ulting 10-year-old aspiring rapper in 2005

Music mogul, Diddy has been hit with another lawsuit while in federal jail in Brooklyn awaiting trial on racketeering and sex trafficking charges.

 

The new plaintiff says he was a 10-year-old aspiring rapper when Combs allegedly drugged and r@ped him in a New York City hotel in 2005 during a purported audition.

The new complaint was filed by prominent Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee and his California counterpart, Andrew Van Arsdale, as the latest in a barrage of lawsuits from anonymous plaintiffs claiming they were sexually assaulted by Combs. Many of the plaintiffs have alleged they were drugged, forced into s3x acts without consent, and threatened into silence.

In the new lawsuit filed in New York state court in Manhattan, the John Doe says his parents accompanied him to Manhattan to meet with music industry executives, including Combs, to advance his career. He says a consultant hired by his parents delivered him to a hotel room and then left him with Combs. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff was given a soda that he believes was laced with drugs.

 

“After the plaintiff consumed his soda and began feeling its effects, Combs told plaintiff to move closer to him, which plaintiff did. Combs then abruptly pushed plaintiff down and said words to the effect of, ‘You have to do some stuff you don’t want to do sometimes,’” the lawsuit reads.

“Once plaintiff had pushed plaintiff down, Combs pulled his penis out of his pants and told the ten-year-old plaintiff to ‘kiss it.’ When plaintiff resisted, Combs nevertheless forced his penis into plaintiff’s mouth and proceeded to repeatedly push it in and out.”

 

The plaintiff alleges he “froze in terror,” lost consciousness and later woke up with his pants undone and pain in his anus and buttocks.

 

The new plaintiff alleges that his parents later noticed something was wrong. He says he told them what allegedly happened and that they “were terrified of the potential consequences of reporting the abuse.”

He alleged he suffers from severe depression and anxiety and had to be homeschooled after the alleged incident.

 

“The lawyer behind this lawsuit is interested in media attention rather than the truth, as is obvious from his constant press appearances and 1-800 number,” Combs’ media team wrote in an email to Rolling Stone on Monday.

 

“As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every new publicity stunt, even in response to claims that are facially ridiculous or demonstrably false. Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail:  that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor.”

 

Buzbee previously filed 13 lawsuits against Combs in two waves on Oct. 14 and Oct. 20, but Combs’ current legal woes date back to last November, when his ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed her bombshell rape and sex-trafficking lawsuit against him. Combs settled with Ventura within 24 hours.

 

In her disturbing complaint, Ventura accused Combs of repeated physical violence and forcing her to participate in highly choreographed, drug-fueled sexual encounters called “freak offs.”

Police officer who k!lled Enugu musician dismissed, arraigned and remanded in prison

The Enugu State Police Command says the orderly room trial of Police Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, implicated in the m¥rder of Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, has been concluded.

A statement released by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, says the Inspector was found culpable and received the maximum penalty of dismissal, followed by court prosecution in line with the Police Act and Regulations 2020.

“Accordingly, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 (covering Anambra and Enugu States’ Commands), approved the orderly trial recommendations to dismiss and prosecute the Inspector in court. Hence, he has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and was today, October 28, 2024, arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court for the offense of murder.

The Chief Magistrate ordered the remand of the former officer in the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and the transmission of the case file to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further judicial action. The trial was adjourned to November 12, 2024.” the statement read.

Ndukwe said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, extends his condolences to the deceased's family, friends, and associates and expresses gratitude to the government, people of Enugu State, and the public for their support throughout the case.

CP Kanayo reemphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined government agency, assuring that under his leadership, the Command will continue to hold all erring officers accountable for their actions.

Gunmen attack Catholic seminary in Edo, kidnap priest

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked a Catholic seminary in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State and abducted a priest, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode. 

The gunmen invaded the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, during prayers on Sunday evening, October 27, 2024 and abducted Oyode, who is the rector. 

The Catholic diocese of Auchi confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, saying it has lodged an official report, seeking the assistance of law enforcement agencies in securing the release of the priest.

The statement issued by the Director of Communications of the diocese, Reverend Father Peter Egielewa disclosed that priests and seminarians of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, were observing their evening prayers and benediction on Sunday evening when they were attacked by gunmen around 7 PM. 

The attackers reportedly abducted Oyode and led him into the bush.

According to the diocese, the vice-rector and all the seminarians have been accounted for and have been relocated for safety purposes.

The diocese said it has, however, not had any communication with the abductors of Father Oyode.

The diocese also disclosed that the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary established by the catholic bishop of Auchi, most reverend Gabriel Dunia in 2006 for the training of future priests, has turned out more than 500 graduates over the years.