71-Year-Old Man Dies During Sex Romp With Prostitute In Ogun

Tragedy struck in Sagamu when a 71-year-old man, identified as Ajibola Olufemi Adeniyi, reportedly died during a sex romp with a commercial sex worker inside a hotel in Ogun State.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened on Monday at 50/50 hotel Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area of the State.
The deceased, a resident of 22, Akilo Street, Bariga, Lagos State, had visited the brothel to ‘relax’ with one of the prostitutes therein, who was simply identified as Joy.

A hotelier in the area who pleaded anonymity confirmed the incident, saying, “In the course of the sexual intercourse, the man slumped and died immediately.”
According to the source, the police from Ogijo Division had visited the scene to evacuate the lifeless body of Adeniyi, where they also recovered his ATM card and driver’s license.
“As police try to locate the family of the man, his body was deposited at the morgue of Sagamu General Hospital, Ogun State.
“The sexual worker has also been arrested by the police to unravel the cause of the man’s death,” our correspondent was told.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

BREAKING: Buhari Meets Tunde Bakare In Aso Villa

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has received the Serving Overseer of The Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina who shared photos from the meeting on social media.
“President Buhari receives Pastor Tunde Bakare in State House on 15th Oct 2021,” Adesina captioned the photos.
The presidential aide, however, failed to disclose details of the meeting.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that Bakare, a few days ago, called for a change of guard in the country, saying those around President Buhari look tired.
He said, “Change of guards simply means that we need fresh hands and insights into how to fix the problems of Nigeria.
“Everyone looks tired around the President and we need a change of guards to bring competent people to handle critical issues. I’m not advocating coup d’etat, God forbid; that will set us back by many years again. Military coup landed us in the trouble we are.”
The clergyman also called for a change to the 1999 Constitution, adding that it was erroneous to say the unity of the nation was not negotiable.
He said, “The 1999 Constitution was imposed upon the nation by the military and has completely removed the ancient landmark set by our founding fathers in the 1960 Independence Constitution and the subsequent 1963 Republican Constitution respectively.
“For every contractual agreement, the parties are required to sign a document validating the terms and conditions in the reckoning of the law. In the case of Nigeria, our founding fathers, in effect, signed a contract in 1960 detailing the terms and conditions of our union or unity following a series of negotiations.
“Truth be told, the majority of the champions, promoters and supporters of the “our unity is non-negotiable” slogan pay lip service to a version of unity that serves their selfish interests. What they are insisting on, in reality, is that “our disunity is non-negotiable,” and that we must be forced to live together irrespective of the inherent dysfunctionality of the terms and conditions.”
See photos from the meeting courtesy Femi Adesina

Punch

Inter Milan Join Race To Sign Nigerian Striker Paul Onuachu

Italian giants FC Internazionale Milano have joined the race to sign Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu in the coming transfer window.
Onuachu had signed a contract extension with his Belgian club, KRC Genk, but he has caught the attention of topflight clubs around Europe, including Spanish champions, Atletico Madrid.

Inter Milan have set their sights on the towering striker to bolster their attacking options after Romelu Lukaku’s departure to Chelsea, Football Italia reports.
During the summer transfer window, the 27-year-old was on the verge of joining Premier League side, West Ham, managed by former Manchester United coach David Moyes, but the deal fell through due to a difference in opinion over the player’s valuation.
Before joining Genk in 2019, Onuachu made 181 appearances for FC Midtjylland finding the back of the net 74 times in all competitions.

Punch

Bitcoin Hits $60,000, Nears Record High With Growing ETF Hopes

Bitcoin hit $60,000 for the first time in six months on Friday, nearing its record high, as traders grew confident that U.S. regulators would approve the launch of an exchange-traded fund based on its futures contracts.
Cryptocurrency investors have been waiting for approval of the first U.S. ETF for bitcoin, whose recent rally has been fuelled in part by anticipation of such a move, which is seen as speeding up the mainstream adoption of digital assets.

Bitcoin, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency, rose 4.5% to its highest level since Apr. 17 and was last at $59,030. It has risen by more than half in value since Sept. 20 and is now close to its all-time high of $64,895.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to allow the first U.S. bitcoin futures ETF to begin trading next week, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.
“It is widely expected that Q4 will see significant progress around a bitcoin ETF in the U.S.,” Ben Caselin, head of research and strategy at Asia-based cryptocurrency exchange AAX, said.
Friday’s moves were spurred, he said, by a tweet from the SEC’s investor education office that stated: “Before investing in a fund that holds Bitcoin futures contracts, make sure you carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits.”
Several fund managers, including the VanEck Bitcoin Trust, ProShares, Invesco, Valkyrie and Galaxy Digital Funds have applied to launch bitcoin ETFs in the United States. Crypto ETFs have been launched this year in Canada and Europe.
“We have seen more institutional build up, especially in the past few weeks, than we have at any time since the (bitcoin price) crash back in April,” said Noelle Acheson, head of market insights at Genesis Global Trading.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler has previously said the crypto market involves many tokens which may be unregistered securities and leaves prices open to manipulation and millions of investors vulnerable to risks.
The Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the matter, said that proposals by ProShares and Invesco are based on futures contracts and were filed under mutual fund rules that Gensler has said provide “significant investor protections”.
The SEC did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Bloomberg report.

Punch

Compulsory Vaccination Is Grom The Pit Of Hell – Paul Enenche

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has stated that compulsory vaccination is from the pit of hell.
Enenche made this statement on Friday while speaking to his congregation during a programme tagged ‘Early will I seek thee’, which was aired on the official YouTube channel of the church.
“In case you don’t know, compulsory vaccination is from the pit of hell. Nobody is ever permitted to be given an injection by force; for any reason. It’s from the pit of hell. That is what we’re praying about,” Enenche said.

He added, “Anybody who is sick has the right to be treated. And anybody – by choice – can receive medication anytime. Even God Almighty gave man a choice in the Garden of Eden. He gave man a choice. Only the devil leaves people with no choice.”
The cleric then led the congregation in prayer saying, “Father, we ask that you terminate the bondwoman agenda over our nation and the antichrist agenda over the globe. Show the world that the Most High rules over the affairs of men by collapsing the evil devices of the enemy around the world.”
This comes two days after the Federal Government mandated coronavirus vaccination for civil servants.
The Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, announced the new directive at a briefing on Wednesday.
He explained that civil servants would not be allowed to enter offices starting from December 1 without vaccination proof.
Mustapha said, “With effect from 1st December, 2021, Federal Government employees shall be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours, to gain access to their offices, in all locations within Nigeria and our Missions.”

Buhari More Popular Than Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kano -Adesina

Femi Adesina, the spokesperson to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has claimed that more Nigerians are attracted to his boss than former Nigerian leaders, Obafemi Awolowo, Aminu Kano, and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
This said this in an article published on his Facebook wall on Thursday, titled, ‘The essential Buhari: VP Osinbajo got it!’

The presidential aide argued that Buhari is credible, hailing Vice President Yemi Osibanjo for painting the Buhari well at an event in London.
He also quoted Osinbajo as saying that Buhari is “possibly Nigeria’s most popular politician that we have had in generations”.
Adesina said, “I am old enough to have seen our colorful and even swashbuckling politicians in action. I have seen the great Obafemi Awolowo. The charismatic Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik of Africa). Shehu Shagari. Amino Kano. M.K.O Abiola. Bashir Tofa, and many others in action. But I have not seen anyone with the kind of attraction, magnetic pull, that Muhammadu Buhari has. And that is round the country, north, and south. People swarm round him as bees do to honey.
“I have been round the country with the President. I have also been to several countries of the world with him. I have not seen any other Nigerian leader, past or present, with his kind of allure, pull, fascination, magnetism. And that is why VP Osinbajo is right to have described him as possibly “the most popular Nigerian politician that we ever had in this generation.”
Awolowo was a Nigerian nationalist, political leader, writer and a principal participant in the country’s struggle for independence. he is famed as the president who never ruled Nigeria.
Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, PC, usually referred to as “Zik”, was a Nigerian statesman and political leader who served as the first President of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966. Considered a driving force behind the nation’s independence, he came to be known as the “father of Nigerian Nationalism”.

Punch

Relationship Without Communication, Perpetual Suffering – Actor Kenneth Okonkwo

Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, has dished out relationship advice to his fans, stating that a relationship becomes perpetual suffering when there is a lack of communication.
The actor said this in a recent Facebook post, where he stated that lack of communication is one of the worst possible things that can happen in any relationship.

He advised that if one’s relationship gets to a point where there is a total loss of communication, such a union becomes a waste of time.
The actor said, “The worst possible thing that can happen to any relationship is for partners to second-guess each other due to a break-down in our lack of communication.
“It’s true that talking about issues could be exhausting, especially if your partner is someone who doesn’t listen or someone who doesn’t put in the efforts to change things.
“But I have to say this: If your relationship has gotten to that point where you no longer communicate your feelings to each other because you think that doing so is a waste of time. Please, quit it.
“It’s better to liberate yourself from the emotional, psychological, and mental torture than to remain stuck in it, because surely, what you have going is not a relationship. It’s perpetual suffering.”

Uzodinma Hints On Talks With Secessionists – Muideen Olaniyi

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma on Wednesday hinted that talks were ongoing with secessionist leaders to find solutions to the insecurity in his state.

He was addressing State House reporters after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

FG budgets 14.6bn for ‘suspended’ national carrier project in 3 years
Polytechnic graduates shouldn’t be in civil service, but industries to drive nation’s economy — Rector YabaTech
Responding to a question on whether there was any negotiation with the leadership of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, he said: “The management of crime can be likened to the relationship between husband and wife. It’s not everything they do to keep peace that is discussed at the sitting room.

“Discussion in the bedroom produces a better result than the one in the living room. Take it. I think I’ve spoken.”

Uzodimma, who said the sit-at-home order by IPOB had been politicised, said the opposition raised false alarm about people being killed just to cause confusion.

He said: “The sit-at-home order is also being politicised because those issuing the order are faceless. We’ve not seen either through newspapers or through broadcast order directing people to sit at home.

“Rather, what we know that is happening is this paparazzi mentality of trying to put fear into our people and make innocent people vulnerable.

“As I speak to you, the sit-at-home order is not being obeyed in Imo state.”

“The security situation in Imo state is relatively ok and people are going about their businesses.

“The only regret is that we’ve invested a lot of money trying to manage insecurity which of course was not expected.”

Man Stabs Friend To Death After Catching Him Sleeping With His Wife In His Dream

A 45-year-old man identified as Kwadwo Adusei aka Desco has been arrested for reportedly killing his friend at Wawaase in Afigya Kwabre South of Ashanti Region of Ghana.

The suspect reportedly killed his friend after he dreamt that he was having sex with his wife.

He reportedly lured the deceased identified as 48-year-old Kwesi Banahene, to a bush where he stabbed him multiple times all over his body. The deceased’s body was found in the bush after a search team was deployed to look for him after he was reported missing for days.

The murderer, according to reports, then attempted to kill his own grandfather after taking the life of his friend. He reportedly accused his grandfather of taking his manhood and thereby rendering him impotent.

His grandfather survived the attack and is currently being treated at Ankaase Hospital. Desco told newsmen that his dreams always come to pass and he couldn’t wait for this one to manifest, which is why he moved in swiftly to avert it.

Guys, what do you think about this?

Copied

Man Jailed For Killing Wife With Cobra In India

An Indian man, who was convicted for killing his wife by making a cobra bite her, has been punished with a rare double life sentence.

Sooraj Kumar was arrested last year after his wife, Uthra, died from a snakebite.

Police began investigating after her family alleged murder, saying Sooraj had been harassing them for dowry.

On Monday, a court found him guilty of releasing a cobra onto the bed while Uthra slept.

The 25-year-old homemaker was found dead in her home in May last year.

Her family became suspicious because Uthra had been bitten by a Russell’s viper just weeks earlier. She was recovering from the first snakebite when she was attacked by the cobra.

Police said their investigation pointed to Sooraj being behind both attempts. They also arrested a man who had helped him procure the snakes – he later turned “approver” and helped police piece together the case.

According to LiveLaw, an Indian legal website, police charges ran into 1,000 pages and detailed the elaborate conspiracy planned and implemented by Sooraj.

The prosecution had argued that it was a “rarest of rare cases” and demanded the death penalty for the accused.

The judge agreed that it was a rare case and awarded a double life sentence to Sooraj and also ordered him to pay a fine of 500,000 rupees ($6,635; £4,869). (BBC)

Police Arrested Three While Trying to Sell 4-Year-Old Boy In Umuahia

A child trafficking syndicate have been nabbed in Abia state while trying to sell a 4-year-old boy.
Three of the suspects it was gathered tried to sell one Master Okechukwu Okoroafor, 4-year-old native of Ikwuakpu Ututu in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

ABN TV reports that the suspects Onyekachi Ugwunwoke, M 43YRS, Chinasa Onyekachukwu, F 40YRS and Chidinma Asomugha, F 48YRS were arrested while at the bargaining point on how to sell the 4-year-old child near Abia Line Transport park in Umuahia, the state capital.

The victim who was kidnapped on Monday 27 September, 2021 at about 1905hrs (7:05pm) lived with her grandmother, Mrs. Enyidiya Okoroafor while his parents lived in Abuja.

Briefing newsmen on Friday at the command’s headquarters in Umuahia, Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Janet Agbede said trouble started when the victim’s grandmother sent him to buy pepper from a shop about 200ft away from their residence on the said date.

While on that errand however, Onyekachi Ugwunwoke and Chinasa Onyekachukwu who are also neighbours to the family whisked little master Okechukwu Okoroafor away without the consent of his grandmother.
According to the police boss, Onyekachukwu Ugwunwoke and Chinasa Onyekachukwu moved the child from Arochukwu to Railway line near Tipper/Abia line Transport park Umuahia.

It was at this point they were nabbed while negotiating with Chidinma Asomugha to sell little Master Okechukwu Okoroafor for the sum of Five hundred thousand naira (N500,000).
CP Agbede said their arrest on 30 September, 2021 by the police Crack Squad at about 1130hrs, followed a credible information.

She therefore adviced parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards.

She also called on the general public to give information of suspicious movement of persons in their areas.

Kaduna: Gunmen Killedd A Baptist Pastor, Another On Monday

Gunmen have reportedly killed a Baptist pastor and one other on Monday evening in Lisuru Gida, Ikulu Chiefdom, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A resident who pleaded anonymity confirmed the incident to The PUNCH yesterday, saying the gunmen opened fire at the duo on their way home from their farms around 6pm.

The source described the suspects as Fulani herdsmen, adding that the community has been under threat.
“The Fulani have turned our farms into grazing fields and we have been living under security threats.
“Neighbouring communities have always always been suspicious of the local Fulani who we see as our neighbour,” the source said.
He said normalcy has returned to the community while calling on the government to redouble its effort in ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended.

Meanwhile, effort to get across to the state police spokesperson, Mohammed Jalige to comment on the incident prove abortive as of the time of filing this report.

Fayose Visits Tinubu, Says Health Issues Don’t Know Political Party

A former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, at his residence in Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Despite being in different political parties, as Fayose is a bigwig in the Peoples Democratic Party, the former governor noted that ‘politics should be about love for each other’.

Tinubu recently arrived from London where he went for physiotherapy. Taking to his verified Facebook page, Fayose noted that ‘health issues know no political party’.
He wrote, “Today, I was at Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos to wish Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu a quick recovery. Health issues know no political party and in this part of the world, we seldom celebrate people when they are alive. Rather, we like to sign condolence registers. To me, that is not the best way to live.
“Most importantly, politics should be about love for each other. Therefore, like other leaders in Nigeria, I wish Asiwaju sound and robust health. And to those negative political analysts, this visit notwithstanding, I remain an unrepentant PDP leader and key stakeholder.”

INEC Awaits Buhari’s Nod On E-transmission Of Results

• Existing law stipulates manual collation, amendments require Buhari’s assent – INEC
• Direct primaries will end godfatherism, says House of Representatives chairman
• APC-led N’Assembly has subjected wishes of Nigerians to moneybags, alleges PDP
The Senate bowed to pressure from the public on Tuesday when it passed a bill which gave the Independent National Electoral Commission the sole power to determine the procedure for the transmission of election results.

The red chamber also approved direct primaries as the method to be adopted by all political parties to elect candidates for all elective positions.
The amendments were made on Tuesday by the Senate to some clauses of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) bill 2021, passed on July 15, 2021.
In its reaction, INEC told The PUNCH that although it had the capacity to transmit elections results electronically, it said it could only adopt the method after the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had signed amendments to Electoral Act.
Also on Tuesday, the Peoples Democratic Party and civil rights groups faulted the approval of direct primaries by the Senate.
Justifying its U-turn on electronic transmission of results, the Senate explained that its decision to subject the amended clauses of the bill to re-committal was reached after a critical examination by the Senate Committee on INEC.
The chamber added that some fundamental issues which required fresh legislative actions were observed by the Senator Kabiru Gaya-led INEC Committee in the bill.
Accordingly, the chamber in a bill for re-committal, re-amended certain aspects of the bill contained in clauses 43, 52, 63 and 8.
The upper chamber in Clause 52 of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill passed almost three months ago, had approved that “the Commission (INEC) may consider the electronic transmission of results, provided the national coverage is adjudged to be adequate and secure by the National Communications Commission and approved by the National Assembly.”
The Senate’s position contradicted that of the House of Representatives, which gave INEC the go-ahead to adopt electronic transmission of results.
The upper chamber was heavily criticised by INEC and other stakeholders over its decision in July
However, the Senate, on Tuesday amended the clause when the bill was subjected to re-committal to provide that, “subject to section 63 of this bill, voting at an election and transmission of results under this bill shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the Commission (INEC).”
The Senate in approving direct primaries for political parties amended clause 87 which earlier allowed for either direct or indirect primaries.
Clause 87 has to do with nomination of candidates by parties.
It now reads, “Clause 87. (1) “A political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this bill shall hold direct primaries for aspirants to all elective positions, which shall be monitored by the commission.”
In indirect primaries, party members elect delegates who in turn elect the party’s candidates on their behalf.
But in direct primaries, registered members of the party vote for who they want to be their candidates. Delegates are not involved.
Members of the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021, are expected to meet with their counterparts in the House of Representatives to harmonise the two versions passed by both chambers
The Senate decisions on electronic transfer of results and direct primaries attracted different reactions on Tuesday.
While the lawmakers were commended over electronic transfer of results, they were criticised on the adoption of direct primaries.
A former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, commended the Senate for reversing itself on electronic transmission of results, saying it was a huge victory for the nation’s democracy.
Ekweremadu said the Senate’s action justified his assurances to Nigerians in July that all hope was not lost for electronic transmission of 2023 election results despite the initial setback.
The Enugu West Senatorial District Senator stated this in a statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu.
Wike hails N’Assembly for endorsing e-transmission of election results
Also, the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri commended the National Assembly on its decision to allow INEC determine the use of electronic transfer of results.
Wike stated ”Like I have always said, what is important now is what do people want. The moment you do what the people want, you’ll see happiness everywhere.”
Senate didn’t reverse itself – Spokesman
But the spokesperson for the Senate Senator Ajibola Basiru (APC) Osun State central, said that the red chamber did not reverse itself on the issue of electronic transmission of results.
Rather, Basiru told reporters after plenary that the Senate only deleted Clause 52 (3) to align with the provision on Clause 43 and 63.
Basiru said, “We revoked that section of our standing order to recommit section 43, 52, 63, and 87 of the passed Electoral Bill for re-committal subject to further amendments at the committee of the whole. The amendment was taken.
“The substance of the amendment are for section 43- seeking to introduce electronic voting machine as one of the materials that an agent of a party would be entitled to inspect and to also empower INEC provide where they have the competence to do so- Electronic Voting Machine for the election.
“So, the amendment for section 43(2) relate to two sub-sections.
“One; Section 43(1) which now reads, the commission shall provide suitable boxes, electronic voting machine or any other voting device for the conduct of elections.
“So that this would allow INEC where they have the necessary wherewithal and competence, they don’t need to come back for us to introduce electronic voting machine as part of the materials they will use for election.”
Existing law stipulates manual collation, amendments require Buhari’s assent – INEC
Commenting on the U-turn made the Senate, INEC insisted that it had “adequate structures and processes” to transmit results of elections in the country electronically.
It also said while it had the capacity to transmit the result of the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 6 electronically, the nation’s existing laws only allowed manual collation.
The Chief Press Secretary to the commission’s chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi who said this in an interview with The PUNCH, stated that the commission would wait till after the President had assented the amendments by the National Assembly, including electronic transmission of election results.
One of our correspondents had asked Oyekanmi if the commission already had any arrangement in place to transmit results electronically in view of the decision of the Senate to a bill which gave INEC sole power to determine the procedure for the transmission of election results.
He was also asked if it was possible for the process to transmit results electronically starting from the Anambra election.
But Oyekanmi said the amendments being carried out would take time since it would still be transmitted to the President for assent.
He said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission has developed adequate structures and processes to successfully undertake electronic transmission of result.
“We believe that the technology and national infrastructure in the country at the moment are adequate to support it.
“The commission has the capacity to transmit the Anambra governorship election results electronically, given the opportunity.
“However, let us not forget that the subsisting law stipulating manual collation of results has neither been repealed nor changed at this point.
“The amendments being undertaken at the moment would still have to be transmitted to Mr. President for his assent.”
Meanwhile, the PDP on Tuesday evening accused the All Progressives Congress-led National Assembly of dealing a huge blow to Nigeria’s democratic gains with its imposition of the direct primaries for the nomination of party candidates.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan said this in a statement titled, “Direct Primary: APC Is Rolling Back Our Democracy- PDP,” which he signed in Abuja, on Tuesday.
He said, “The PDP describes the passage by the APC-led Senate of direct primary for the nomination of candidates for election, in all political parties, as a retrogressive provision that seeks to wipe off all the gains achieved in our electoral practice since 1999.
“The party says the decision by the APC-controlled Senate is a humongous blow to the development of democratic norms and a plot to introduce anarchy during internal party elections as currently obtainable in the APC.
“The PDP holds that the provision is aimed at increasing the costs of nomination procedures thereby surrendering the processes to money bags against the wishes and aspiration of Nigerians.
“Our party makes bold to state that with the exception of the APC, which intends to deploy looted funds in future elections, hardly will there be any political party that will be able to raise the cost of conducting internal elections under a direct primary process.
“This is why the decision of the Senate has elicited widespread rejection from Nigerians across board.
“The PDP therefore urges the Senate to immediately deploy its appropriate legislative instruments to reverse itself on the direct primaries as it is not operable and does not reflect the wishes and aspiration of the majority of Nigerians.”
Attempts to get a response from the APC were futile. Calls to the mobile telephone number of the party’s National Secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe were neither picked nor returned.
A response to a message sent to him on the subject was still being awaited as of the time of sending this report.
Senate imposition of direct primaries on parties absurd, uncalled for – Former IPAC chair
Also, a former Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council and National Secretary of Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ameh, condemned the Senate
Ameh, in an interview with The PUNCH, said the issue should be left for parties to decide.
He asked, “Why should the method of selecting or electing political party representatives be forced down their throat? It totally absurd and uncalled for.”
Nigeria lacks political infrastructure to be able to practise direct primaries – CSO
On his part, the co-convener, Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Expansion of Electoral and Democratic Space, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, said the nation lacked political infrastructure to be able to practise direct primaries.
He said, “We don’t yet have the political infrastructure to be able to practise direct primaries, in terms of rules that should guide this. The direct primaries we have seen in the country are at best a charade .”
The Convener, Ready To Lead Africa, Godbless Otubure, on his part said, “My view is that it is very democratic but if you ask a party person, they will tell you that direct primaries now make the process a bit more expensive. But that can also be a lie because at the end of the day, it can make the process as expensive as the delegate system.”
Direct primaries will end godfatherism – House committee chair
Meanwhile, Gaya; and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, on Tuesday evening explained the reason behind the U-turn made by the Senate on electronic transmission of election results.
They said this on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television monitored by one of our correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday.
Gaya said the National Assembly, whether the Senate or the House, listened to the wishes of the people.
Speaking on direct primaries, Benson said the restriction was based on democracy and freedom to participate.
He said, “The Speaker (the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila), in his wisdom, during the consideration of the report, brought the motion seeking to ensure that all parties use a direct mode of primary to elect candidates for the various political positions. He is trying to bring back inclusiveness, so that godfatherism, favouritism and unpopular candidates can step out.”
Copyright PUNCH

A Teenage Girl Cut In A Video Practicing Lesbianism Was Beaten By Family Members

Video captures moment a Nigerian teenage lesbian was beaten mercilessly by her dad and family members for ‘practicing lesbianism’ in Onitsha

A video that’s gone viral on the internet shows the moment an alleged Nigerian teenage lesbian was being brutalized by her dad and other family members for ‘practicing lesbianism’.

The beginning of the video shows loved-up moments of the lady and her lesbian partner where she’s seen kissing her partner and lying in bed with her as well.

However, the video later transitions to scenes of the lady being battered by her family members who were reportedly informed of her sexuality. Her father who spoke in Igbo can be seen strangling her and asking why she is “practicing lesbianism”.

Other family members are also seen beating her with a whip.

The video has of course stirred many reactions on social media with a number of people saying disciplining her in such manner will not take away her sexuality but will only make her heart hardened and she might even indulge in worse than what they initially heard later on.

(What’s your day on this last paragraph?)

I Infected My Wife With HIV After Sleeping With Over 80 Women’ – Nollywood Actor, Hanks Anuku.

He told Ghana’s City FM Radio:

‘I had different activities and slept with a variety of ladies throughout that time. I never cared after my family after I went home.

‘I started drinking and became an irresponsible spouse, enabling my wife to carry the full burden.

‘While I was in Zambia, one of my girlfriends told me she was pregnant, so I got tested.

‘During that time, she had gone for pregnancy tests and had been tested for HIV, and the results were shocking: she was HIV positive. She forced me to take the test, but the findings were unacceptable to me.

‘After getting tested, I returned to Zimbabwe and kept quiet about the issue. I never told my wife about the problem. I apologize for infecting her.

‘I later went through some counseling, which went well.’

Senate To Buhari: Declare Emergency On Federal Roads

The Senate, on Tuesday, called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on federal roads and improve its funding.
The red chamber also urged the Federal Ministry of Finance to, as a matter of urgency, release adequate funds to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency for the purpose of carrying out emergency repairs on all federal roads in the country.
The resolutions were reached by the chamber following a motion sponsored by Senator Gershom Bassey, titled ‘Motion on Nigeria’s bad roads And NUPENG’s impending nationwide strike’.

Coming under Order 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Orders, Bassey described the 36,000-kilometres federal road network as the largest and most valuable single public infrastructure asset owned by the Nigerian government.
“The deplorable state of the federal roads in Nigeria have become a national shame and an unnecessary embarrassment as scores of innocent people are kidnapped by bandits, robbed, mutilated and killed daily in avoidable accidents on account of bad federal roads,” the lawmaker said.

He lamented that the Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers had threatened to cripple the Nigerian economy by a nationwide strike if the bad and shameful roads are not rehabilitated.

The lawmaker recalled that in 2019, he made a similar call through a motion for increased funding for maintenance and rehabilitation of the country’s federal highways.
He expressed worry that despite several calls, there had not been improved funding for maintenance and rehabilitation of highways.
According to Bassey, the federal highways in Nigeria requires the sum of about N215bn per annum to revamp 3,500km of federal roads for eight to 10 years for total rehabilitation to be achieved.

He said from 2016-2020, the actual funds released to FERMA by the Federal Government for road rehabilitation and maintenance was just about 17 per cent of the required sum.
He added that poor funding and neglect of Nigerian roads had led to the abysmal state of federal roads in the country.
The Senate, in its resolutions, urged the Federal Ministry of Finance to immediately as a matter of urgent national importance release adequate funding to the FERMA to urgently carry out emergency repairs on all federal roads across the country.
The chamber also urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to immediately introduce weight bridges on relevant portions of all federal highways to check overloading of trucks and tankers.

Copyright PUNCH

IPOB: DSS Released Chiwetalu After Nothing Incriminating Was Found On His Phones —Ozekhome

Human rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has said that the Department of State Services released veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, after a rigorous search of his phones.
According to the lawyer, the secret police didn’t find anything incriminating on the actor’s phones.
Ozekhome made this revelation in a statement on Tuesday shortly after the secret police released the actor from its headquarters in Abuja.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that Agu was arrested last Thursday by the Nigerian Army in Anambra State for allegedly wearing Biafran colours, associating with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, and for inciting members of the public.

The Army later transferred the actor to the DSS on Friday and he was flown to the headquarters of the secret police in Abuja where he was detained and interrogated till Tuesday.
In his statement titled, ‘Chiwetalu Agu Released By DSS’, Ozekhome said his client argued that he had committed no known offence, as he was merely wearing an attire with the rising sun and distributing ten thousand naira worth of bread he had bought, to the poor and less-privileged.
The lawyer said his chambers took up the case after being briefed by the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
“Several interactions were held by the chambers with the DSS operatives, who were, however, very civil and very cooperative.
“Agu was released this (Tuesday) evening to Steve Eboh and Monolisa Chinda (Director of Media, Actors Guild of Nigeria), by the DSS at their headquarters in Abuja, after a careful search on his phones showed nothing incriminating.”
While he was in DSS custody, many Nigerians had condemned Agu’s arrest and accused the DSS of ethnic profiling for going after the actor who allegedly wore Biafran colours while controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, continues to mingle with bloodsucking bandits.

Punch

Mbaka To Buhari: Fighter Jets You Are Buying Will Destroy Nigeria.

Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has warned President Muhammadu Buhari that the fighter jets he is acquiring will be used to destroy the country.

The cleric who spoke on Sunday during a sermon at Adoration ground in Emene advised the president to rather focus on building more industries to absorb unemployed youths.

Recall that President Buhari, last week, confirmed receipt of new fighter jets which he said will be deployed against any form of insecurity in all parts of the country.

Mbaka however warned that: “The jets you are buying are going to be used to collapse Nigeria. Please, the first person to meet President Buhari after this message, should tell him that all these jets he is buying will be used to destroy Nigeria. God told me to tell him that all these jets are going to be used to restroy Nigeria. Let him stop buying more jets and begin to build more industries.”

“We don’t want to hear that our children are being killed. Those that are being bombed are Nigerians. Nobody is going to give award to a mother or a farther for killing his or her children. The solution is simple. Put the round peg in the round hole and banditary will die.

“People are not agitation for nothing. Listen to the reason for their agitation. Because even in the military their is agitation. In the police, their is agitation. In the church their is agitation. In the families people are agitating. Drivers are agitating, businessmen are agitating.

“Use the money and solve the problem otherwise, you are buying jets that aggrieved people will take up and scatter you people. If it doesn’t happen soon, it will happen later. Do you know how many billions are used to buy these jets? If they put some of these billions into job creation, the youths will be busy, parents will be happy that their children are going to work and coming back.

“The spirit of God is not happy with our leaders no matter how they will want to paint it. If all the men of God will be silent, the spirit of God will not be silent. When the poor masses are crying, we the men of God should be crying with them because they are our children.”

Sunnewsonline

We’re working on Kanu’s release -Ekweremadu

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has called on Igbo in the diaspora to offer their strong voice against violent agitations. He also urged them to bring their influences to bear in the search for security and stability in Igbo land.

Ekweremadu’s admonition is coming, almost two months after the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested in Kenya and clandestinely brought to Nigeria.
Ekweremadu, in a statement signed by his media adviser, Uche Anichukwu, gave assurances that the South East Caucus of the National Assembly, where he serves as the leader, was also working towards defusing tension in the region, as well as finding a political solution that would result in the release of Kanu.

Ekweremadu blamed the agitations by various parts of the country on a flawed federal system, injustice, poor management of the nation’s diversity, failure of the federal government to secure lives and property, and needless clampdown on self-determination agitators when dialogue and giving every part of the country a sense of belonging could have sufficed.
He, however, insisted that violent agitation was not the answer.
The lawmaker bared his mind in a lecture entitled: “The Igbo in Diaspora: A Perspective” that he delivered virtually at the Igbo Heritage Lectures and Ugwumba Excellence Award event, which held in Pretoria, South Africa, Sunday evening.
He observed that one of the worst things that could happen to Ndigbo at this time was to allow their homeland to be turned into a theatre of war.

“The injustices and marginalisations are palpable and must be addressed. But by all means, we must ensure the stability of Igbo land because only by so doing can Alaigbo (Igbo land) prosper economically and also elicit local and international support and sympathy over their plights.
“What has happened in Alaigbo in the past few months is odd, ‘un-Igbo’, and sacrilegious. Destruction, waste of human lives, and economic losses have been the lot of our region. In particular, the sit-at-home has hemorrhaged Igbo lives and economy and it is good the IPOB has said they are no longer interested in the sit-at-home. No wise man brings war into his home. Our people prosper on industry, commerce, and the informal sector. Most of them survive on daily income.
“Therefore, while we are at liberty to employ every legitimate and democratic means to press for justice and equity, we must all work together to condemn and end the violence, irrespective of whatever quarters it is coming from.
“This is a special appeal to Ndigbo in South Africa, in particular, to wade into the orgy of violence in Igboland and help to restore normalcy. Ndigbo at home expect the Igbo in diaspora to lead the campaign against violent agitations and insecurity in our region because threats to Igbo businesses, the peace, security, and stability of the South-East are threats to our very existence as Ndigbo,” he stated.
He said: “As the intellectual bank of Ndigbo with extensive exposure to liberal and progressive democratic ideals, and access to international resources, the Igbo in diaspora are well positioned to elevate the intellectual content of the Igbo struggle for justice and equity.
“How best can we address the issues of exclusion, imbalances, detention of many Igbo sons and daughters in various correctional centres across the country, the issues of clampdown on unarmed protesters, and the challenge of extra-judicial killings in Igbo land without recourse to violent agitations?”
On Kanu, Ekweremadu said: “Let me also assure you that the South East Caucus of the National Assembly is not resting on its oars. We are working quietly and surely to address these issues, including finding a political solution to the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu matter.
“We did it before in the case of Chief Raph Uwazuruike in 2007. We also did it in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in 2017. And God willing, and with your support and prayers, we will succeed again in the matter of Nnamdi kanu to promote peace and stability in our region.”

Ekweremadu, however, enjoined the Igbo in diaspora to show interest in leadership recruitment in Igbo land.
“The Igbo diaspora must show more than a passing interest in leadership recruitment at all levels in Alaigbo. If possible, please, come home and run for elective offices. Those who cannot come home should prompt and support other candidates of their choice. The bottom line is to ensure that our local, state, and federal political offices are occupied by our best and those who have Igbo at heart. That to me, is the beginning of the real emancipation struggle for Ndigbo because charity begins at home,” he concluded.

©Sunnewsonline

Anambra International Airport Set To Commence Flight Operations (Photos)

Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport will commence flight operations on the twenty-first of this month.

Governor Willie Obiano disclosed this when he joined the Anglican Bishop of Afikpo Diocese, Right Reverend Paul Udogu to celebrate his fifty years birthday.

The service was officiated by the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Igboezunu Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area.

Governor Obiano reassured that his administration will finish on a very strong note, saying that they have written to Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority concerning the commencement of flight operations at the airport, assuring that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority will soon come for another inspection.

While expressing satisfaction with the components of the airport, the Governor reminded Ndi Anambra of the need to vote for APGA in November sixth governorship election for enhanced development of the State.

The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba thanked Governor Obiano who he maintained performed creditably, praying that God’s will shall prevail in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.

He called on eligible voters to participate actively in the election and assured of sustaining prayer for both the State and nation.

Earlier in a sermon, the Archbishop of Bendel Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Ugheli, Diocese, Most Reverend Cyril Odutemu said that Anambra State is moving geometrically in development, prayed for continuity, saying that the State always stand out in all ramifications which he explained is the reason God had always chosen Ndi Anambra in strategic positions, calling on the celebrant not to forget his community Aguleri.

The service was jointly facilitated by Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexender Ibezim, Bishop of Niger West, Right Reverend Johnson Ekwe and Litany of clergy.

The APGA Flag bearer for the next month’s governorship election Professor Chukwuma Soludo and wife Nonye, his running mate, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, among others attended the service.

How Smugglers Now Supply Fuel To Bandits In Katsina -Customs

The Acting Area Controller, Katsina Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Dalhatu Wada, on Monday disclosed that smugglers have devised new methods of smuggling petrol for bandits in Katsina State.
According to him, smugglers now fabricate bigger tanks for motorcycles and vehicles which they use in buying fuel which they will thereafter sell to bandits.
Wada made the disclosure in Katsina while briefing the press on the activities of his Command from September 5 to October 8, 2021.

The NCS Acting Controller said his Command recently seized two old Peugeot 504 cars and no fewer than fourteen motorcycles being used by smugglers for that purpose.
Wada said, ”Recently, we intercepted and seized two Peugeot 504 vehicles which the smugglers have fabricated their tanks to carry a larger quantity of fuel. The smugglers would go to the fuel stations with these vehicles and motorcycles and buy fuel which they will resell to bandits. We were able to get information on their activities through intelligence. We monitored them up to the point where they had bought the fuel and taking them to the bandits but as soon as they sensed our presence because they are very sensitive, they abandoned the vehicles and the motorcycles which we immediately seized.”
The Customs boss also said investigation was still in progress concerning last Friday’s shooting in Mani Local Government Area of the state where a 35-year-old man, Auwal Sani was hit on the leg.
Wada insisted that the outcome of the investigation would reveal the real person who fired the trigger.
He declared, “Let me make it clear, some people in the area were throwing stones at the Customs personnel inside the patrol vehicle and nobody could categorically say that this is the person that fired the shot. It was a case of being hit by a stray bullet and I have volunteered to go to the scene of the incident along with the district head of the area and other security personnel to unravel the truth.”
The NCS Acting Controller also commented on the recent Jibiya Road accident involving the Customs patrol vehicle which claimed some lives.
He said the NCS had not abandoned the victims and their families.
According to him, “we have not abandoned the victims and their families. Indeed, all those injured have been discharged from the hospital and we are always with them in prayers.”
Wada said the Monday consultative meeting he held with representatives of residents of border communities in the state and other stakeholders was part of efforts to further enlighten residents of the communities on the need to work in synergy with the NCS to jointly tackle smuggling.

©Punch

Anambra Polls: APGA BoT Member Joins APC

A member of the Board of Trustee of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Sunday Umeoduagu, has declared support for the All Progressives Congress.
He made his decision public, in Lagos, on Sunday. He was received by the Anambra State APC governorship candidate, Senator Andy Uba, at the former’s residence at Pinnock Beach Estate.

The erstwhile APGA chieftain, who is brother to member representing Aguata 1 constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Cater Umeoduagu, said he joined APC to swell the electoral fortunes of its governorship candidate, Uba.
He expressed gratitude to the APC candidate and members of his entourage for travelling to Lagos to receive him.
Umeoduagu said, “Senator Andy Uba’s humility and peaceful disposition is what we need in Anambra at this time to restore peace to the state. We have lost so many lives and property to insecurity. Andy is the man with the key to solving this problem and that’s the reason I support him.”
In response, Uba said the APC was glad to receive him into its fold noting that the task of rebuilding Anambra State will require the support of all progressive minded people like Umeoduagu.

Punch

Benzema, Mbappe Score As France Beat Spain To Win Nations League

France won the Nations League on Sunday after coming from a goal down to beat Spain 2-1 in Milan.
Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe struck to claim the title for world champions France after Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead midway through the second half.
The win will ease some of the pain created by an early exit from Euro 2020 at the hands of Switzerland and highlighted just how powerful France are going forward.

Les Bleus came out on top of a match at the San Siro which came to life after Oyarzabal slid home the opener in the 64th minute.
As well as the two goals from their superstar attackers, France had other opportunities to score through Mbappe before a frantic finish in which Spain launched an assault on the French goal.
Didier Deschamps can thank Hugo Lloris the match didn’t go into extra-time after the France captain pulled off a fine stoppage time save to deny Yeremi Pino a late leveller.
Earlier Italy took third place after beating Belgium 2-1 in Turin through goals form Nicolo Barella and Domenico Berardi.
AFP

FRSC Alerts Travellers On Kabba-Omuo Ekiti Federal Highway

The Federal Road Safety Corps has alerted motorists travelling to and from the South-West through Kabba-Omuo Ekiti Federal highway of a failed section of the road at Iyamoye, Kogi State.
The Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Kazeem said that the development had inhibited free flow of traffic at the affected portion of the road.
“In view of the foregoing, motorists, travellers, and the general public are hereby advised to use alternative route from Ekiti which is Ikare/Ayerel/Kabba/Lokoja.

“And another alternative route from Lokoja is Kabba/Aiyere/Ikare/Akoko, Lokoja/Kabba/Egbe/Omuaran/Ogidi/Ikare alternative route to or from South West.
“The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is already activating appropriate action to ameliorate the situation.
“FRSC solicits maximum cooperation of the motoring public on this development. The Corps will also continue to update the public periodically on further developments,” he said.
(NAN)

Uzodinma: The Blood, The Fire, The Tears In Izombe

By Collins Opurozor

Last Thursday had Chief Hope Uzodinma at Orlu where he flagged off a military campaign, something exactly like the infamous”Operation Python Dance”. His charge to the military was clear and unambiguous. Ending his speech, Uzodinma openly promised to personally reward the officers and men if they succeeded at the tasks for which they were called upon.

Barely twenty-four hours later, the tasks began. The military invaded Izombe in Oguta LGA of Imo state and burnt down over seventy residential buildings, including the palace of a revered monarch, and brutally murdered tens of unarmed young persons. These were done in flagrant violation of all rules of engagement.

It was reported that the military personnel were on an illegal duty, taking sides in a dispute between oil thieves and cultists when one or two of the personnel got killed. In keeping with Uzodinma’s charge to them to crush, to destroy and to annihilate, the full might of the military was let loose on the entire community. Izombe was up in flames!

Till the late hours of Friday, gory images of slain young men kept pouring out from the area. Burnt buildings, weeping mothers, despairing kids, and a crowd of people racing along and fleeing the community were some of the outrageous and mindboglling scenes that emerged from Oguta on that day.

The morning of Saturday saw Izombe an empty, deserted town. It had been overrun, sacked and destroyed. It had become a ghost town. On the soil of Imo state today, Izombe people have become internally displaced persons in a heartbreaking manner. When theirs is added to the other areas which had earlier been torched, destroyed and deserted, like Orlu, Orsu and Oru East, it means that under the watch of Chief Uzodinma a territory in Imo almost the size of Malta has been destroyed and deserted within six months.

What troubles everyone is the reason Uzodinma is always fast to call the military on his people. It also baffles the world that no degree of onslaught against his ostensible citizens can get him to speak or act. If he chooses to speak, it is always to justify whatever misery that his militarization has brought on the people and to threaten to do more. “It was on my invitation that the military came” and “I have identified three locations in Njaba that I will bomb” are statements by Uzodinma which everyone must never forget.

Three days since the flow of blood and rage of fire began in Izombe, nothing has been said by Uzodinma. He has, worse still, left the state in pursuit of mundane pleasures in Abuja, while literally handing over the hapless citizens to a military whose profile in human rights violations is legendary. Resolution of dispute between criminal gangs is completely far from the mandate of any army in the world. Yet, this is the anomie which Uzodinma has brought to Imo state. And the people are paying with their lives!

The Izombe carnage should once again remind Imo people that they are living at the mercy of God alone. Those who swore to an oath to protect lives are now culpable in a festival of blood! Everyone is a casualty in the face of the ongoing battle which Uzodinma fights against his own people. All mortuaries in the state have been filled up with corpses to the extent that none accepts fresh ones.

The killings in Izombe will only make matters worse. Imo is finished! The FMC in Owerri recently announced plans to conduct mass burial for the countless unidentified corpses dumped in their morgue. Who killed them and dumped them there? Why would a so-called governor watch his citizens gruesomely murdered? Why does Uzodinma want Izombe wiped out? What has befallen Imo state? God please save Imo people!

We’ve Been Patient Enough, Hold Govt Responsible For Any Strike – ASUP

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has called on the general public to hold the federal government and its agencies responsible for any strike it embarks upon over the unsatisfactory status of the implementation of the Union’s Memorandum of Action signed with the government in April 2021.
This was contained in a statement signed and made available to The PUNCH by ASUP’s Publicity Secretary, Abdullahi Yalwa, on Sunday.
He said that during the 101st Regular meeting of the National Executive Council of the Union held at the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade,

Ogun State, the report of the implementation of the Union’s MoA with the federal government was received and discussed.
Yalwa said that the Union’s NEC frowned at the government’s “lethargic approach” towards the implementation of some items in the signed MoA despite the 3-month suspension corridor granted by the Union.
According to him, of particular interest in the items include the non-release of minimum wage arrears to staff of Federal Polytechnics and several State-owned Polytechnics, non-release of the approved N15 billion Revitalization Fund for the sector more than 3 months after the approval, non-commencement of the renegotiation of the Union’s 2010 agreement despite the reconstitution of Governing Councils, as well as the continued non-payment of salaries in several state-owned institutions.
He said, “The Union equally expressed its dismay at recent reports of infractions in the process of appointment of Principal Officers in Federal Polytechnics and some State-owned Polytechnics in disregard of extant provisions in establishment laws.
“The Union particularly noted the events at Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe where the process of appointment of Rector was flawed from inception leading to the shortlisting of unqualified persons; Federal Polytechnics, Offa and Mubi where the process has been tainted by the deliberate exclusion of qualified persons; as well as Federal Polytechnics Oko, Offa, Auchi, and Kaura Namoda where Council affairs are being relocated to the FCT without due consideration to the cost implication on the institutions, safety of staff and sensitive documents as well as general administration of the affected institutions.
“In view of the unsatisfactory status of the implementation of the Union’s MoA signed with the government in April 2021, the Nigerian public should hold the government and its agencies responsible for any other breakdown of industrial harmony in the sector as our Union and her members have shown considerable patience and restraint.
“The Union once again demands that the government should without further delay ensure the release of the arrears of the Minimum Wage to staff, release the approved Revitalization Fund for the sector and set up the implementation Committee to administer the funds, recommence the Renegotiation of the Union’s 2010 agreement and withdraw institutional accreditation to State-owned institutions where salaries are owed to staff.”
Yalwa said that the Union equally urged the government to revisit the appointment processes for Principal Officers in Federal Polytechnics Ekowe, Offa, and Mubi to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Federal Polytechnics’ Act.
According to him, the Union also urged the government to “stop the emerging trend of exporting Governing Council meetings and activities to the FCT by some Governing Councils in the sector.”
He warned that the Union will not give any warning again to the government if it fails to urgently do the needful.
“The Union resolved to deepen its consultation on the next steps as there will be no further warnings if the government fails to do the needful in the immediate,” he said.

Tears Of Pains As Father, Son, Daughter Sets For Burial In Abia State

TEARS! 😭😭😭

Father, Son, Daughter Who Died After Eating Suya In Abia, Set For Burial Same Day

All is now set for the burial of Mr. Sunday Okechukwu Ogba, a native of Amadike

Akanu Item in Bende local government area of Abia State who died at the age of 52 along with his two children

They will be laid to rest on Friday, October 29, 2021 at their country home in Bende local government area.

R I P

Bomb: To Know The Buhari Effect, Nigerians Must Understand His Education –Fashola

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said that Nigerians must under the education and training of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to understand his effect on governance.
The minister stated this in a documentary titled, ‘The Buhari Effect: Undeniable Achievements’, which was aired on Channels Television on Saturday evening.
The one-hour documentary chronicled some of the “achievements” of the Buhari regime across sectors of governance including infrastructure development, housing, agriculture, transportation, health, amongst others.

Speaking during the documentary, Fashola, a former two-term Lagos governor, said, “The best way to under the Buhari effect is to understand the man himself and appreciate his connection in a simple way to the most vulnerable members of our society.
“It is also to understand his education and his training.
“When you go back to his previous enterprise in government, whether as a much young officer, as GOC (General Officer Commanding) or as military governor or as Minister for Petroleum or as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, you will understand what the man is all about,” he said.
Controversies had surrounded Buhari’s academic credentials as opposition Peoples Democratic Party had, on October 26, challenged Buhari to show proof of his integrity by presenting his academic credentials “if he has any,” to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The President was reported to have informed INEC that his credentials were in possession of the military board.
Buhari’s position had, however, continued to trigger some comments from political observers.
To salvage the situation, the West African Examination Council, in November 2018, had presented an attestation certificate and confirmation of school certificate result to Buhari in a much-publicized photo session.
Buhari, 78, a former military Head of State between 1983 and 1985, has been Nigeria’s democratically elected President since May 2015, but many Nigerians continue to lament the worsening security situation, inflation-riddled economy, and soaring unemployment rates during his government.
Travellers no longer sleep on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway —Minister
Speaking further during the documentary, Fashola later delved into the various road projects undertaken by the Buhari regime in the last six, many of which were funded by local and external loans.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria boasted that travellers no longer have a hectic time on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway because of the “Buhari effect”.
“If you look at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, people use to sleep on that road, people use to sleep on the Benin-Ore-Sagamu Road, all that are now in the past except when you have non-compliant behaviour,” he said, adding that the Apapa-Oworonshoki Road, as well as a number of road projects across the country won’t have been embarked upon but for the “Buhari effect”.
Contrary to the minister’s claim, considerable portions of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remain travellers’ nightmare. Kidnappers and hoodlums have been reported to take advantage of the dilapidated portions of the road to attack road travellers.
Nigeria’s intervention outperformed those of advanced countries —Mamora
The well-edited documentary was a compendium of sorts of the records of the “Buhari effect”.
After Fashola, it was the turn of the Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, who majored on the “Buhari effect” in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic since the index case of the lethal virus was recorded in in the first quarter of 2020.
Mamora claimed the Buhari government did something that some advanced countries didn’t do and that was responsible for the “effective management” of the infection in the country.
The health minister, however, failed to mentioned the “Buhari effect” on the management of health workers as perpetual industrial actions by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, the Nigerian Medical Association, the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations ground medical services at successive intervals.
The PUNCH findings show that dissatisfied doctors and protesting lecturers have spent more than 552 strike days under Buhari in the last six years, that is about two years.
As a result of the “Buhari effect”, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, is known for being in marathon closed-door sessions with the striking doctors who protest lack of modern equipment, failure of government to pay their salaries, amongst others.
Ngige has always been seen having a tough time with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities as they demand certain entitlements from the government. In 2020, due to the “Buhari effect” ASUU embarked on a nine-month long strike, the longest in the history of the association.
While all the industrial actions were in full force, members of the elite class including Buhari frequented the United Kingdom for medical attention. The President’s children as well as those of other top-ranking government officials also graduate from world-class tertiary institutions abroad while ordinary Nigerian students grapple with incessant strikes which elongate their stay on campuses all over the country.
After Mamora, the Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, also spoke about the “Buhari effect” and “Railway Transformation” in the country.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in an interview in June 2021, had said the Federal Government borrowed $2bn Chinese loan for the construction of the Kaduna-Abuja and the Lagos-Ibadan railways, amongst others. The debt profile of the Buhari regime which had risen by N20.8tn has been a source of concern to many Nigerians.
The documentary on the “Buhari effect” also featured the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Buba Marwa; and the Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lanre Gbajabiamila.
The documentary, however, failed to chronicle the “Buhari effect” on education; commerce; manufacturing, security; youth empowerment, falling naira; information, communication technology; amongst many other critical but wobbling sectors in Nigeria.

Punch

I Killed Uncle Dan Because He Destroyed Me Emotionally -Fiction

In 2017 after my junior waec I went to stay with my aunt and her family in Enugu, independent layout precisely, and that was my first time of coming down to the East.

All my life I’ve been with my mother at Ibadan, well I’ve no shame to admit I was raised by a single mother.

According to her, eloping with Mustafa to the west was the worst mistake of her life, but that’s a story for another day.

Being a young naïve girl who had just rounded up her entrance examinations, my mom had opted I go for holidays at her elder sister’s house in Enugu and equally learn her trade, Aunty uju was a renowned household name in making female clothes, she was a reputable fashion designer who had ten industrial sewing machine in her shop, five Manual sewing machine, an industrial weaving machine and a standby generator which supplied power to her shop even though Enugu never lack power supply and twenty apprentice working under her.

When I got to her house, it was easy to adapt as I was welcomed heart fully into the family, her two kids had loved and respected me.

At first Aunty uju was kind towards me, took me in as one of her child and was ever ready to support me while I learn tailoring, I’d follow her to shop every morning and come back in the evening, all famished and practically exhausted from the day’s work.

I didn’t take long before mastering the act of using the sewing machine, within a month I could make a baby’s wear.
.
.
My ordeals in Aunty uju’s house had began few weeks after her husband returned from his official duty in Rivers State. He was a police officer and was on an electoral duty in the state for months before my arrival to the house.

Uncle Dan, as he was fondly called was more friendlier to me than my Aunt, at first I suspected nothing but with time he started getting closer to me than usual.

He’d leave his station, as of then he was an assistant superintendent of police in one of the police division in Enugu, he’d come back home, call his wife, Aunty uju to send me back home to prepare food for him and my aunt would oblige, Ofcause she suspected nothing.

As time goes on, Aunty uju made me start leaving the shop at 1:00pmdaily to go home and prepare dinner.
.
“Onyinyechi do you know you’re a very beautiful girl and you’re indeed growing into a more beautiful lady?” Uncle Dan had started that afternoon, he was still in his police regalia.

He was running his hand on my head, gently massaging it. I was scared and confused because I had literally no knowledge of what he was up to.

“Uncle please Aunty asked me to prepare food before the kids comes back from school..” I had responded in the most respectful way I could, feigning ignorance and trying to loose myself from his gentle grip.

But he came more closer, I felt a bulge in his trouser when he came closer, he then bent my neck and planted a deep kiss on my lips, I tried to push him away but uncle Dan was one of the hugely built man I’ve ever seen, his masculinity overshadowed my small physique.

I started crying, begging he should let me go but his mind was already made up on doing whatever he had in mind to do to me.

He lifted me and placed me on the floor, I struggled to let loose but a slap from him ceased all the shouts and wailing I intended to do, I watched him loosen his belt, bringing out his fully erected manh0d, raised my gown, pulled down my panties (He bought the panties himself for me, and had sternly warned me not to allow my Aunt know) then fiercely he had his way into me.

At first, I felt like a sword was tearing down a part of my inner self, the pain I felt that day pierced through my legs to my brains, I struggled with all my might to let go of him but I was no match for his strength as he pinned me heavily to the kitchen floor and thrusted into me so roughly and ceaselessly.

Minutes later he collapsed on top of me, inhaling and exhaling deeply into my hearing, then he stood up, adjusted his trouser and went back to his office.

For some minutes I laid helplessly on the floor, still grasping for breath, I tried to cry but it seemed like my tear gland have exhausted of it’s liquid, I tried to scream but I lost my voice, I opened my mouth but no word was forth coming.

I laid down weak and unable to move my legs, I touched my thigh, I noticed some lump of thickness, it was my blood.

Uncle Dan had initiated me to womanhood two days to my tenth birthday.

The next day, I experienced my first ever monthly flow.
.
.
The escapade with Uncle Dan Continued under his roof without the knowledge of my Aunty, he would always threaten to do away with me if I try letting another ear hear of this and he’d withdraw his financial support from my mother in Ibadan, not forgetting to taut me of being a child gotten outside wedlock and how I might end up being a single mother too.

With time I got used to his penetration, I no longer cried after each act, I no longer limp while walking and I no longer felt pain under my thigh, my body later got used to his thrust.

At every slight Opportunity he’d want to get me laid as long as my aunty wasn’t watching, even while I was sick and left at home, he’d come back from office during the mid day, have his way with me and go back, I was no longer complaining nor resisting him, he’d get me new clothes and gifts afterwards.
.
.
“Onyinyechi Ara gi na ebu si kwa ibu nne, ogini kpatara ya? Onyinyechi your breasts are getting bigger than your age what’s wrong?

How could I tell Aunty uju that it was her husband’s hand that were giving me a rapid growth in my body?

How could I tell her that his mouth was what forced out the breasts too?
.
.
“Onyinyechi nwa a I’bu a wit.c.h!! You’re a wi.tch” she didn’t let me explain myself before she turned out the whole hot pot of stew on me.

Aunty uju started noticing suspicious activity in her house after some time and she started accusing me of being a witch trying to destroy her marriage.

The first day she saw an abortion pill in my Bible she had dea.lt heavily with me, she could have ki.ll.ed me if not for the solid intervention of her husband.

“So nwa a you’ve grown wings to start using abortive pills in my house?” her husband had slapped me, tears dropped down from my eyes as I held my cheek massaging the pain I received from the man that had given me that pill after I told him my period delayed coming out, but had not to retaliate to save his marriage hence played to his script.

I was already 15 and have been enrolled in a secondary School as an Ss1 student, they were sponsoring my education.

That same night, he Tiptoed to my room upstairs, and was pleaded with me to forgive him, “I’ma na achorom ka nwunye m choputa Ife anyi na eme, You know I don’t want my wife to notice what we doing?” he was remorseful and I went ahead to open my legs for him.
Honestly I felt I could just end my life because I was already tired of it, uncle Dan has damaged me emotionally, psychologically, mentally and sexually and the only crime I committed was staying under his roof since him and his family catered for me and my poor mother and he took responsibility of my education too.
.
.
Five years later, I am writing you this story after attending the funeral of uncle Dan in his hometown Abakpa on Friday last week, looking at him as he laid in the casket, reminiscing how he ruined my life hence I had to poison his drink after I gained admission into UNN as a revenge for taking advantage of my tender self years ago.

Well, I wish I could console his mourning wife, my aged mother her sister could have done that but well..

Nice story from
#Okere_Chukwuma_Christian

My Marriage…With Real-WarriPikin

What was the first statement your husband made to you?
He said, “Were you in the church today”? Did you attend Living Faith Church Life Camp and I responded “Yes.” That was the first statement he uttered to me.
How did you meet him?
I met my husband in a home fellowship. After church that day, I went for a home fellowship and it was my first time attending church and home fellowship. He had seen me in church that day and was shocked to see me in the home fellowship where he was the leader and he said hi.

Normally, as a first-timer, one would fill a form requesting details of one’s phone and home address. He got my phone number and we got talking. He would call to ask how work was and if I had eaten of which I told him I was a member of the National Youth Service Corps.
We would later see each other at church during weekly services and on Sundays.
When did you know that you would end up getting married?
I knew I was going to marry him the first day I met him because I had a covenant with God when I graduated from the school that I wanted to marry nine months after school. I wrote down the day I intended to meet my husband. The day I wrote down was July 1. I didn’t know that July 1, 2012 was a Sunday until we met. A couple of weeks after I had met him, I checked the book where I initially wrote down the date and I gasped when I realised the date I met the man who was to be my husband.

Apart from the date, other qualities and events I wrote down were seen in my husband and everything fell in place. Immediately we met, we started talking about marriage, so I knew he was my husband.
What event made your wedding day memorable?
The vows we exchanged.
How has the marital journey been?
It has been amazing. Being married to Ikechukwu is the best thing that has happened to me since I said yes. He sees marriage as a partnership. He loves me and he makes submission easy for me. He is not the regular African husband.
How have you been able to balance your career and home?
I have a support system in my husband, team, fans and most of all God, that have made me able to manage the home front and entertainment. God has been the pilot of my life. It has been tough and sometimes I want to cry or break down because it is a lot but the support system has been helpful. I am not easily distracted and I focus on what is most important and that has helped.
How do you handle attention from male fans?
Fortunately for me, I am not in that space where I get harassed or asked out by male colleagues or fans.

When they see me, they ask about my husband so I do not get harassed or get attention from them. I made it so intentionally and that is how I want it.
What’s your advice to young people planning to marry?
They need to understand that marriage is of God and that only God calls the shots and has the manual.

The key to a successful marriage is with God since He instituted marriage and he says that women should submit to their husbands and men should love their wives. You need to understand that a woman needs love to submit and a man needs respect to love. You should see yourselves as humans and not perfect. Also, give space for adjustment and be flexible. Most of all, the men should make submission easy for women. That way it will be easy for a woman to love and respect her husband.

Copyright PUNCH

Technology: HP Launches Windows 11

HP Inc. on Friday announced the launch of Windows 11 with newest technologies to provide consumer satisfaction and keep up with their lifestyle.
Ms. Josephine Tan, Global Head and General Manager, Consumer PC, HP Inc., said in a statement that the technologies would further change how people worked, learned and played.

Tan said that the newest devices, displays and accessories were designed for people desiring technologies that would enable them to seamlessly switch between productivity, creativity, entertainment and collaboration regardless of location.

She said that personal computers (PCs) had become more important as people settled into a new way of life.
According to her, a recent HP study shows that 36 per cent of respondents say they will continue to use their PCs to watch television, movies, and videos as much as they did in 2020.
‘’One-third of users say they expect to continue using their PCs for video calls to connect with others to take meetings, network or have happy hours with friends while 73 per cent of respondents want a device that offers enough power and professional features to express themselves creatively,’’ she said
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly-introduced HP products include HP Spectre x360 16 inch 2-in 1 Laptop PC, HP ENVY 34-inch All-in-One Desktop PC, HP 11-inch Tablet PC.
(NAN)

World Cup Qualifiers: Andorra Stadium In Flames Ahead Of England Clash

A serious fire broke out at Andorra’s Estadio Nacional stadium just a day before their World Cup qualifier England.
The fire started from the broadcast gantry on the other side of the facility which was quickly engulfed.
The stadium’s sprinklers were initially used to try and control the fire as thick black smoke rose into the air and towards the apartments situated closely behind the small stadium, Sky Sports reports.

Fortunately, firefighters were quick to the scene and reportedly have the fire under control.
The 3,300 seater stadium is fitted with artificial turf, and reports indicate that there was evident damage to the surface around the touchline and technical areas, straying around a foot onto the pitch, while one of the dugouts has also been partially melted.
Despite the damage, the Andorran FA have confirmed to journalists that the fixture against England will go ahead as scheduled as work continues to get the stadium back into a fit state.

Policeman Injured During Attack On Enugu Div Head Quaters

Police operatives, on Friday, repelled an attack by gunmen on Ezeagu Police Divisional Headquarters, located in Aguobu-Owa community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that during the fierce gun duel between the police operatives and the hoodlums, a police officer sustained a bullet wound and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the incident to NAN in Enugu, said that the incident took place in the morning hours of October 8.
“Full scale investigation has commenced to fish out the yet-to-be identified hoodlums, who operating in a black-coloured Corolla car, attacked Ezeagu Police Divisional Headquarters.
”The hoodlums were gallantly resisted by police operatives on duty.
“However, a policeman, who sustained gunshot injury, was rushed to the hospital and he is responding to treatment,” he said.
There are feelers that the hoodlums, who are currently being trailed by the police, must had escaped with serious gunshot wounds.
(NAN)

Germany vs Romania: Mueller Grabs Late Winner In Neuer’s Absence

Thomas Mueller rescued Germany with a late winner as the hosts came from behind to earn a nervous 2-1 win over Romania in Friday’s World Cup qualifier to open a six point lead at the top of their group.
Romania took a shock ninth-minute lead in Hamburg when Rangers winger Ianis Hagi ghosted through the defence and fired past Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, a late replacement for injured Manuel Neuer.
The Romanians led 1-0 at the break, however Serge Gnabry equalised with his 20th goal in 30 internationals after 52 minutes.
Mueller then came off the bench for his 107th Germany appearance to claim his 40th international goal nine minutes from time.

“It was annoying to concede the early goal, but the team fought, never gave up and played with confidence,” said Germany head coach Hansi Flick.
“In the end, the win is more than deserved as we dominated for long stretches.”
The result extends Germany’s lead at the top of Group J ahead of Monday’s next qualifier away to North Macedonia. A win in Skopje would put the Germans on the brink of punching their World Cup ticket.
“The earlier we qualify, the better. Today was a big step. Now we want to make it clear on Monday,” said goal-scorer Gnabry.
After a shock defeat to North Macedonia in March, Germany got their World Cup qualifier campaign back on track with wins over Liechtenstein, Armenia and Iceland in September under Flick.
This was a far less confident performance from the Germans who were rattled by falling behind early on, yet Flick enjoyed his fourth straight win.

The Germans were denied a penalty by the VAR after slight contact on Timo Werner, just before Hagi stunned the hosts.
The Rangers forward got the better of Chelsea defender Antonio Ruediger and swept the ball past the diving Ter Stegen.
There were nervous glances in the German ranks, similar to those in March when North Macedonia earned a shock 2-1 win in Duisburg – the first time Germany had lost a World Cup qualifier for 20 years.

Gnabry, Marco Reus and Werner all had chances for Germany, but the hosts took a long time to recover from falling behind.
The hosts pulled level when Gnabry drilled in his shot seven minutes after the break.
Werner and Reus made way for Mueller and Kai Havertz with 20 minutes to go. That turned the game.

Havertz squandered a golden chance when he got in behind the defence with the ball at his feet, before Mueller fired the winner into the roof of the net after Leon Goretzka’s header.
Romania could have grabbed a late equaliser when their captain Vlad Chiriches fired just wide of the German goal.
AFP

Czech Republic vs Wales: Ramsey, James Inspire 2-2 Draw Despite Own-Goal Farce

Aaron Ramsey and Daniel James inspired Wales to a 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic in Prague on Friday that kept them in sight of the World Cup play-offs.
Both teams have eight points in the fight for the second spot in Group E, trailing leaders Belgium with 16, but Wales have one more game in hand.
Ramsey, who took over the captain’s armband from the injured Gareth Bale, opened the scoring on 36 minutes following a Neco Williams cross as the Czechs were slow to return after a corner.

James narrowly missed the cross in front of the goal, but Ramsey picked up the ball, fooled Czech goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik and found the empty net.
The Czechs were level a minute later when goalkeeper Danny Ward cleared a half-shot, half-pass from Filip Novak and Jakub Pesek was ready with a rebound.
The hosts went ahead owing to a farcical own goal on 49 minutes as Ramsey back-passed, but Ward was not ready and the ball rolled over his foot and slid in at the lefthand post.
James equalised for Wales on 69 minutes as he blasted the ball past Vaclik following a superb pass into his run from second-half substitute Harry Wilson.
A minute later, Vaclik denied Ramsey with a good save following another Wilson pass.
“We’re disappointed that we didn’t get the win, we thoroughly controlled the game and created some great chances,” said Wales manager Rob Page.
“From that point of view we’re disappointed that we haven’t got three points but we’re really pleased with the performance, we couldn’t have thrown anything more at it.”
“It shows how far we’ve come, we’ve dominated the game, we’ve created enough chances to score three or four goals and we’re disappointed that we come away with a draw,” said Page.
He had only words of praise for Ramsey and the unfortunate Ward.
“I thought (Ramsey) was outstanding, he’s just an absolute pleasure to watch when he’s in that form.”
“Danny’s been absolutely excellent since he’s been in goal and that happens unfortunately, we know as a person he’s strong minded so he’ll come back from that, no problem.”
The Czechs had the first clear-cut chance of the game on eight minutes, but Ward pulled a superb save to deny Adam Hlozek on the ground.
Ten minutes later, Wales almost went ahead but Vaclik denied Kieffer Moore in a one-on-one.
Moore threatened with two headers in the second half, but Vaclik stopped the first one on the line and the second one went wide.
Wales travel to Estonia next while the Czechs face Belarus on a neutral ground in Russia with both games scheduled for October 11.
AFP

IPOB: Army Handed Over Chiwetalu Agu To Us —DSS

The Department of State Services says veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu, was brought to its custody by the Nigerian Army.
It added that justice would be served.
DSS Spokesman, Dr Peter Afunaya, said this during a brief chat with our correspondent on Friday.
Afunaya said, “Army brought him to us. Justice will take its course.”

He, however, refused to answer further questions.
Agu was arrested around Upper Iweke in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Thursday for wearing a Biafra outfit
The state has witnessed several incidents of violence in the last couple of weeks ahead of the governorship election next month.
Authorities believe separatist groups, notably the Indigenous People of Biafra, are behind the attacks but IPOB denies this.
Agu has been an ardent supporter of the Biafran struggle and had accused the Nigerian government of marginalising Igbos.

©Punch

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta Named Premier Leagueanager Of The Month

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been named the Premier League manager of the month for September.
The Gunners suffered a defeat on the opening day of the season at Brentford, followed by a loss to Chelsea at home and a 5-0 thrashing at Manchester City.
However, Arteta’s men turned around their fortunes with a win at Norwich with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finding the back of the net to give the home side a 1-0 win.

Against Burnley, Arteta’s signing from Real Madrid Martin Odegaard got on the score sheet from a neatly taken free-kick to give The Gunners another 1-0 win.
The Spaniard’s surprise win came in the north London derby against Tottenham, which Arsenal won by three goals to one.
Commenting on the award, Arteta told Arsenal Media that it is a representation of the team’s unity despite challenges.
He said, “This award represents the way everyone has been together, has been working and has been positive in difficult moments.”
Despite starting the season at the bottom of the table, Arsenal are now on a steady climb on the Premier League log.

Punch

BREAKING: Obiano Meets Buhari, Says President Not In Support Of State Of Emergency

October 7, 2021 by Kayode Oyero
Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, met with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The governor said he reported the Attorney-General of the Federation and

Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the President over his pronouncement that the Federal Government might declare a State of Emergency in Anambra to ensure that the November 6 governorship election in the state takes place punch reported.

After the meeting with Buhari, Obiano said the President does not want any kind of intimidation ahead of the poll.
He stated that Buhari opposed the idea of emergency rule.
Details later…

W’Cup Qualifiers: Late Son Goal Gives South Korea Win Over Syria

Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min scored an 89th-minute winner to give South Korea a nervy 2-1 home win over Syria in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.
The talisman forward saved the Koreans from what would have been a deeply disappointing draw and means they top Asian qualifying Group A after two wins and a draw in three matches.

The match in Ansan, south of Seoul, was held without spectators because of coronavirus restrictions.
The home team dominated the first half but the two sides went to the break goalless after Syria goalkeeper Ibrahim Alma made several smart stops.
The tide shifted in favour of the home team in the 48th minute when Hwang In-beom shot with his left foot from outside the box, sending the ball into the opposite corner to open the scoring.

It looked as though the match would end in a 1-0 win for Son and his side, but then Syria’s Omar Khrbin scored an equaliser in the 84th minute to stun South Korea.
Premier League star Son stepped forward when his side needed him most, striking the winner from close range.
“I knew it was the last chance,” Son, 29, said after the game.
Also in Group A later Thursday, Iran will be looking to leap-frog South Korea back to the top when they face the United Arab Emirates.
Lebanon play Iraq in the other group match, while the six teams in Asian qualifying Group B are also in action.
The top two teams from each group are guaranteed a spot at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
South Korea play Iran on Tuesday in what is shaping up to be a blockbuster.
(AFP)

Cooking gas explosion kills UNIZIK undergraduate

A female student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, identified simply as Precious was on Thursday reportedly killed by a gas explosion.
The incident according PUNCH gathered happened in one of the off-campus lodges of the university at Ifite, Awka.
Some other occupants of the lodge reportedly sustained various injuries from the inferno.

A source said, “The young lady was trapped by a collapsed wall of the building resulting from the explosion and was burnt beyond recognition. The lodge is predominantly occupied by UNIZIK students living off-campus.”
Another source, Obinna Anyanwu, said the explosion was caused by one of the occupants of the building who was frying with her gas cooker inside her room.
He said, “One of the occupants was frying popcorn in the room when the incident occurred. Most rooms in the lodge were affected and many properties were destroyed.
“We actually tried putting out the fire but we couldn’t until the men of fire service arrived. We also tried to rescue the girl who was trapped by the collapsed wall but we couldn’t until she eventually died.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident, stating that investigation has commenced on the matter.

©Punch

Ekiti Man Robs Varsity Students Of Phones, Laptops With Screwdriver

An Ekiti State Magistrate Court, Ado Ekiti District, has ordered the remand of a 28-year-old man, Aderin Adedeji, at the custodial centre for allegedly robbing university students of valuables including phones and laptops in their hostels.

The defendant was accused of robbing Ayomide Ogundipe and Adewuni Manam separately at Osekita Hostel in the neighbourhood of Ekiti State University.
The prosecutor, Inspector Olumide Bamigbade, who brought two ex-parte motions to the court, prayed for the remand of the defendant in custody pending when he (prosecutor) would obtain legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

According to the charge, “The defendant was reasonably suspected to have committed the offence of armed robbery separately on Ayomide Ogundipe and Adewumi Manam respectively at Osekita Hostel on 29th September 2021.
“At the time of the robbery, the defendant, who was said to be armed with offensive weapons such as broken bottle, iron chisel and screwdriver, robbed them (victims) of their phones and laptop.
“The offence runs contrary to Section 1(2) and (a) (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap 398 Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 1990.”

The victims in their statement to the police stated that the defendant broke into their hostel at Osekita, in Iworoko Ekiti with offensive weapons and carted away their belongings.
According to them, it was their shout for help that attracted other students who gave the defendant a hot chase which culminated in his arrest.

The Magistrate, Olu Bamidele, who granted the request of the prosecutor, ordered the defendant remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Ado Ekiti pending legal advice.
The magistrate adjourned the matter till November 10.

©Punch

Nations League: Benzema Inspires Comeback As France Defeat Belgium For Final Spot

Karim Benzema’s goal inspired France’s comeback against Belgium in the second semifinal of the UEFA Nations League on Thursday at the Juventus Stadium after trailing by two goals in the first half.
Yannick Carrasco broke the deadlock to put the Belgians ahead in the 37th minute, followed by a Romelu Lukaku’s goal in the 41st minute, leaving Les Bleus trailing as the halftime whistle went.
Didier Deschamps men returned for the second half with the hope of turning their fortune around. Benzema’s goal in the 62nd minute reignited the French side to fight for a comeback.
A VAR decision against Belgium gave Kylian Mbappé the chance to level the scores from the spot. The 22-year-old who missed France’s penalty at the 2020 Euros beat Thibaut Courtois to equal the scores at 2-2.

The Red Devils came close to going ahead through a volley from Kevin DeBryne but were stopped by the sharp reflexes of Hugo Lloris.
When it looked like the match would be decided by penalties, Theo Hernández 90th minute strike gave the 2018 FIFA World Cup champions the winning goal.
France will face Spain, who defeated Italy on Wednesday, for a chance to lift their first UEFA Nations League trophy in the final on Sunday at the Juventus Stadium.

Punch

Anambra Election: INEC Releases Final List Of Candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday released the final list of candidates for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State with an assurance that it would secure the preparation and processes for the exercise and ensure the protection of their right to vote in a safe and secure environment.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information

and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, gave the list in a statement issued after its meeting titled, ‘Update on preparations for the Anambra governorship election.’

He said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission met on October 7;2021 and deliberated on a wide range of issues including preparations for the conduct of Anambra State governorship election slated for November 6 2021.
“In line with the timetable and schedule of activities for the election released on January 19 2021, the commission, has today, October 7 2021 implemented two additional activities.
“The final register of voters for the Anambra governorship election was presented to the 18 registered political parties participating in the election at the Headquarters of the commission in Awka, Anambra State.
“Furthermore, the commission released the final list of candidates for the election and has pasted same in the State office of the commission in Awka, Anambra State.

The list has also been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms.
“In its unwavering determination to conduct a credible election, the commission will tomorrow, (today, October 8 2021) hold an emergency consultative meeting with the leadership of all the registered political parties in Nigeria at the commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
“The commission further assures the people of Anambra State of its resolve to secure the preparation processes for the conduct of the governorship election and ensure that their right to vote in a safe and secure environment is guaranteed.”

©Punch

Chiwetalu Agu Was Arrested For Supporting IPOB- Army

The Nigerian Army says Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu, was arrested for soliciting support for the Indegenous People of Biafra.
Army Spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Thursday titled, ‘Troops Arrest Chiwetalu Agu While Soiciting Support for Proscribed IPOB’.
The army claimed that contrary to reports, the actor was not brutalised but only detained.
The statement read in part, “Troops of Nigerian Army have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed IPOB.

“Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted puting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.”

The army said while it recognises the inalienable rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the constitution, it is a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order.
“It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security,” it said.
The army stated that
IPOB remains proscribed any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group.

It said Agu had clearly demonstrated uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into custody for preliminary investigation.
The army added, “It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalised is false and should be disregarded accordingly.

©Punch

I Was Not Arrested And Have Not Been Arrested Before By EFCC – Ike Ekweremadu

For Senate President and Enugu born politician Senator Ike Ekweremadu has debunked news making rounds on social media that he was arrested by EFCC, from his verified facebook account “Ike Ekweremadu” he stated that he would have kept mute but for public concerns especially friends who were worried through their sms, and calls. He therefore encouraged his lovers and fans not to panic that he is safe and sound.

Below is the official statement from his Facebook.

My attention has been called to a fake story making the round purporting that I was arrested by the EFCC. I could not have bothered about such spurious tales, but for the concerns shown by my friends and supporters through calls and messages.

There was no such arrest and I have never been arrested by the EFCC.

The public should, therefore, ignore this and other such hatchet reports and smear campaigns as they only represent the unholy imaginations of the authors and their sponsors.

Nigeria Soldiers Assaulted Nigerian Actor Chiwetalu Agu Over Biafra Attire

Soldiers in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Wednesday manhandled Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, for wearing an outfit with Biafra inscriptions. The incident happened in ever busy upper Iweka road in Onitsha Anambara State.Details loading…

Punch

W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles fans call for Rohr’s sack after loss to CAR

Nigerian football fans have called on the Nigeria Football Federation to sack the Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr after Nigeria’s home loss to the Central African Republic on Thursday in Lagos.
Although the Super Eagles top Group C in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers, the loss was unexpected of a team that features stars from Europe’s top-flight leagues.
Missing two of his key starters, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and midfielder Alex Iwobi, Rohr’s charges conceded a goal from Karl Namngandaa in the last minute of play after an abysmal display from the home side.

A Facebook user with the name Ekpenyong Emmanuel said, “It is high time NFF sack Rohr. After five years of being in charge of a team, Rohr can’t build a team with a play pattern. #Sack Rohr Now! (sic)”
A Twitter fan with the handle @chaichowski also said, “Rohr shouldn’t be the coach managing the Super Eagles in 2021, he does not have any persona to match this squad, pay him and sack him, get a young vibrant coach, please (sic).”
While many are calling for the Franco-German’s sack, some fans also recalled that the coach had not been paid for a long period.
A Facebook user named Mmenyeneabasi Akpan said, “A loss at home to the Central African Republic is the height of abysmal performance from the Super Eagles. It’s one that should earn coach Gernot Rohr a sack Letter. I just remembered NFF is owning Coach Rohr 8 months of salary.”
Nigeria will face the Central African Republic on Sunday, October 10 in the second leg of the qualifiers in Cameroon, hoping to put the loss behind them.
Punch

Gisthub24

News, Entertainment, Sports,

Skip to content ↓