The Cross River government has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to enable voters in the state to participate fully in the council elections scheduled for Saturday, November 1.

The notice to this effect is in a statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Nsa Gill, on Wednesday.

Mr Gill said the decision was to allow ample time for those travelling outside Calabar to various parts of the state to exercise their civic duties.

He urged the residents, especially voters, to take advantage of the two-day holidays to engage in the electoral processes and make their voices heard.

Social critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has apologized to the Nigeria Police Force for wearing a police uniform in one of his recent videos.

The police had condemned his unauthorized use of the uniform and initiated an investigation.

In the controversial video, VeryDarkMan was seen wearing a police uniform and introduced himself as a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, of the Online Division.

Amid the backlash, the social media critic released a video on Thursday apologizing for using attire resembling the official police uniform.

He also advised Nigerians to seek proper authorization before wearing police attire to avoid misunderstandings or legal repercussions.

“Back from the police station where I was interrogated based on the post I made wearing a costume that the police claim is similar to theirs.

“I didn’t intend to impersonate the police in any way and I tender my unreserved apologies to the Nigeria police force and the office of the Inspector General of Police.

“Also I would like to use this medium to tell the general public to always seek permission from the police or other law enforcement agencies before using anything that might look like their uniform.

“You might want to use it for good but there are others that might want to use it for bad. So it’s good to get full approval before using anything that might seem impersonating,” he said.

Former Arsenal star, Emmanuel Petit has told Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo that he won’t reach 1000 career goals even if he plays in Saudi Arabia until 42 years old.

Ronaldo, 39, currently has 907 professional goals to his name.

The Portugal captain is in the twilight of his career.

Speaking to Jeffbet, Petit said (via GOAL):

“Cristiano Ronaldo won’t reach 1000 goals, even if he plays in Saudi Arabia until 42 years old.

“It will be extremely hard to average 30-40 goals a season at that age, and he will only decline with age.

”I don’t expect him to get near that figure in all honesty.”

The Abia federal lawmaker who assaulted an Abuja Bolt driver, Alex Ikwechegh, is scheduled to be arraigned before the Kuje Magistrate Court at 12 noon today, Wednesday.

The probe and prosecution of Ikwechegh are being handled by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Investigation Unit.

The lawmaker, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State, was captured in a viral video physically assaulting the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.

The incident occurred on October 27 when the driver was delivering a package to the lawmaker at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

Nigerians have continued to react and condemn the lawmaker’s actions.

Amid the outcry, the embattled lawmaker apologized and promised to cooperate with the police in their investigation. He also disclosed that he was seeking counseling over his actions.

In a statement, activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju said, “We are on our way to Kuje Magistrate Court for the arraignment of the honourable member who assaulted our client, Mr. Steven, a Bolt driver. The IGP’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) is in charge of the investigation and prosecution.

“The media is invited to cover the arraignment, which is scheduled for 12 pm today at Kuje Magistrate.”

The federal government on Tuesday donated N500 million to the Nigerian Legion for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced the donation at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund Launch at the State House, Abuja.

During the presentation, President Bola Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their unwavering efforts towards combatting the various security challenges bedevilling the country.

He said without the armed forces’ efforts to stabilise the country, the administration’s reform policies and economic theories would have little impact.

“No matter what economic theory we propagate or postulate, if there is no security, we cannot promote peace and development.

“I am grateful to all of you on behalf of the country. The challenges are severe, but you are this country’s first line of defence. Thank you for your patriotic commitment to Nigerian unity, stability and progress,” Mr Tinubu said.

He emphasised that the welfare of the security forces would remain the government’s top priority.

Mr Tinubu also extolled men and women who had paid the ultimate price to defend the country, assuring that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

“We came today to remember our fallen heroes, men and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country’s unity, stability and progress.

“We are committed to their values, principles, beliefs, and the unity and strength of this country as we pass on a banner without stain to the next generation.

“It is a great honour for me to launch the emblem once again. The welfare of our men and women in the Armed Forces will continue to be our top priority. I want to thank all of you,” he said.

Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Defence, thanked Mr Tinubu for his continued support of the welfare of the armed forces, serving, retired and fallen heroes, and their relations.

“Let us remember that unveiling this emblem serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our collective responsibility to uplift our Armed Forces and their families.

“Therefore, you will agree that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is more than just a commemoration; it is a call to action.

“Hence, this Appeal Fund we are launching today to provide essential support to our veterans and their families becomes crucial.

“The funds raised will directly contribute to welfare programmes, offering vital services such as healthcare, education, and financial assistance,” he said.

Retired Maj.- Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril, the national chairman of the Nigeria Legion, praised the president for his continued support for them and their families, especially for the unprecedented donation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas were present at the event.

Also in attendance were members of the Federal Executive Council, service chiefs, heads of other security and paramilitary agencies, and representatives of the Nigerian Legion.

The management of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has announced the ban on post-examination celebrations in and around the university’s campuses, especially by the final-year students.

The ban is contained in a statement signed by the institution’s registrar, Jeremiah Nwamgbo, in Abakaliki.

The institution’s management said it was concerned about the “unwarranted” celebrations, which he said constitute security threats and “disrupt” academic activities.

“Consequently, the vice-chancellor has banned totally all forms of post-examination celebrations within and around the university premises.

“This ban takes immediate effect. Punishment for any breach of this ban shall, among other measures, include cancellation of all the examinations taken by the celebrating students and arrest of offenders to serve as a deterrent to others,” it said.

The school’s management called on heads of departments and deans to ensure students comply with the ban.

“In a similar vein, the Students Union Government (SUG) president should adequately sensitise the students on the need to comply with this ban to avoid blaming anyone when a sanction is applied,” it stated.

The management urged the chief security officers (CSOs) in the various annexes of the university—the College of Agricultural Sciences, Presco and Ishieke campuses—to take note of the ban for full enforcement.

The final-year students of EBSU allegedly embarked on wild merriment after their final papers, leading to the blocking of the Abakaliki-Enugu express road that resulted in a gridlock on the busy highway.

The number of people k!lled in extreme flash floods in Spain has now reached “at least” 51 in Valencia alone, regional government officials said.

The dramatic de@th toll from one of the country’s worst-ever natural disasters was expected to rise as the search continued for dozens of people still unaccounted for.

Multiple corpses were recovered overnight while a search is still ongoing for survivors.

One part of Valencia, Chiva, recorded a year’s worth of rain in just eight hours yesterday, with 491mm of rain according to the Spanish Weather Service.

President of the region Carlos Mazon said: “There are lifeless bodies in some of the areas that have begun to be accessed and bodies that continue to appear.”

Mud-coloured waters caused havoc, running from the provinces of Malaga in the south to Valencia in the east.

Footage shows the moment rows of cars were swept away as the water increased by several feet in just minutes, bursting into the lower level of homes.

Videos from Valencia airport overnight showed the tarmac and runways entirely submerged.

Pictures from inside showed hundreds of passengers waiting for updates, with many seen sleeping on the floor.

A high-speed train with nearly 300 people on board derailed near Malaga, but rail authorities confirmed that no one was hurt.

The high-speed train service between Valencia city and Madrid was interrupted as were several commuter lines.

A truck driver in L’Alcudia, Valencia, is among the missing. Six people are missing in neighbouring Castilla La Mancha.

These eastern provinces are among the regions hardest hit by the effects of this freak rain that’s followed a period of severe drought.

It led Spain’s weather office to issue a rare red alert for bad weather, its maximum warning level for extreme danger, today.

Amber warnings for rain and storms were also issued for the Valencia region. Storms are expected to continue until Thursday.

Video showed how hail stones the size of golf balls left dents in vehicle bodywork and smashed windows.

There have been hundreds of calls to emergency services, with the military called in to deal with the unfolding disruption.

In one such rescue, a family trapped in a car with three children on a dirt road had to be helped to safety.

El Ejido in Almeria was one one of the hardest hit areas, with many basements and garages flooded as well as the ground floor or people’s homes.

People were also being rescued by helicopter in the same town after getting trapped in their homes as the water levels kept rising.

The floods are expected to cause millions of euros of damage, with the Valencian Farmers Association telling Spanish newspaper El Mundo that “up to 100% of the harvest” could be lost as trees and soil were churned up and agricultural infrastructure damage.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, from further releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government.

The court held that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January this year by Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a constitutional somersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who issued the order on Wednesday, held that the presentation of the 2024 budget by Fubara before a 4-member Rivers House of Assembly was an affront to the Constitutional provision.

Specifically, the Judge said that Fubara action in implementing unlawful budget smacked gross violations of the 1999 Constitution he swore to protect.

The judge therefore restrained the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank and Access Bank from further allowing Fubara to access money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

At least nine people were injured in the Ukrainian capital Kiev during overnight Russian drone attacks.

Military officials reported on Wednesday that in a western district of Kiev, drone debris fell into a multi-storey residential building, igniting fires in several flats.

Damage was also reported to a kindergarten building. This marked the 19th drone attack on the city of three million people in October alone.

The Ukrainian Air Force stated that the Russian military deployed 62 unmanned aerial vehicles against targets in Ukraine.

Out of these, 33 were reportedly shot down over 10 regions in Ukraine while contact was lost with 25 others.

The Ukrainian military also utilised electronic means to disrupt the electronics of Russian drones.

Russia also reported Ukrainian drone attacks.

According to the Ministry of Defence, 23 Ukrainian combat drones were shot down over six Russian regions.

Ukraine has been fending off a Russian invasion for more than two and a half years with support from Western nations.

Both countries frequently conduct drone strikes on each other’s territory, targeting infrastructure and strategic locations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says its operatives have arrested about four suspected bank hackers in Abuja.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the anti-graft agency, Dele Oyewale said they were nabbed for alleged conspiracy, unauthorised access to banks’ computer systems and fraudulent withdrawal of depositors’ funds.

He identified the suspects as Chima Anthony Nwigwe, alleged leader of banks’ hacking syndicate; Mohammed Bello Mahmud; Effiong Victor Emmanuel; The managing director, Downstone Ultimate Limited, Daminan Ali.

The EFCC spokesperson said that the suspects were arrested in a sting operation in Abuja following actionable intelligence.

He said the suspects have been allegedly involved in hacking and compromising databases of commercial banks, causing fraudulent transfers and withdrawals via different digital platforms.

Dele also noted that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

On Tuesday, Hezbollah announced the appointment of Naim Qassem as its new head, replacing its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated a few months ago.

In a statement, Hezbollah announced Mr Qassem, 71, former deputy leader of the group, was promoted to take over Mr Nasrallah’s office as secretary-general of the Lebanon-based armed group.

Hezbollah said Mr Qassem was elected to replace Mr Nasrallah due to his “adherence to the principles and goals of Hezbollah.”

The group “prays to God Almighty to guide him in this noble mission in leading Hezbollah and its Islamic resistance.”

Mr Qassem took over Hezbollah’s leadership barely a month after Israeli forces assassinated Mr Nasrallah in Beirut in late September.

Hashem Safieddine, Mr Nasrallah’s cousin and potential successor, was also assassinated as Israeli forces go after the group’s top members.

Mr Qassem, an Islamic scholar and Shia activist, was a founding member of the Hezbollah in the 80s.

United States President Joe Biden has appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the collaboration between the two countries with regard to law enforcement and the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, detained for money laundering charges in Nigeria.

Mr Biden also pledged to reinforce strategic partnerships with Nigeria, according to Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

While briefing State House correspondents, Mr Tuggar said Mr Biden made the pledge in a phone call to Mr Tinubu at about 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Mr Tuggar said Mr Tinubu, in turn, thanked the U.S. for the partnership and collaboration in numerous areas and also discussed the issue of cooperation regarding security in Africa, particularly in West Africa.

He said the partnership was in sharing of intelligence, application of technology, kinetic and non-kinetic, and training.

“He equally assured President Biden that the partnership will continue, and he stated that the future of the world relied on Africa, which was why it was important for this partnership to continue.

“The two leaders also discussed the issue of permanent seats and the United Nations Security Council, and President Biden once again assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa have two permanent seats.

“He also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and its importance,” said Mr Tuggar.

French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled plans for a triangular partnership between France, Morocco and Africa to foster cooperation in key sectors for growth, stability and development.

Mr Macron announced this on Tuesday in Rabat while addressing a joint session of the two Houses of the Moroccan parliament.

The address formed part of the activities of the French president’s three-day visit to the Northern African country.

He said the partnership between France, Morocco, and Africa would be premised on education, agriculture, ecological projects, digital technology, and energy.

Mr Macron stressed the importance of the Moroccan-French partnership in Africa, underlining the vision of the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, for the continent.

“Morocco, by virtue of its geography, its history, its culture and the vision of its sovereigns, has long affirmed its vocation as a platform, a channel, a singular path,” Mr Macron said.

He said this underlined that the Kingdom’s stability, openness and development “are unrivalled assets which we recognise at their true value and which can inspire many joint initiatives.”

Speaking on the Moroccan-Western Sahara issue, Mr Macron reiterated the support of Paris for Morocco’s sovereignty over the contentious region.

“For France, the present and future of this territory lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved.

“The 2007 autonomy plan constitutes the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in line with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.

He said Paris’ position was rooted in history, respectful of realities, and promising for the future, and it was the one that France would implement to support Morocco at international forums.

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, Mr Macron paid tribute to King Mohammed VI’s action of providing urgent humanitarian aid to the Palestinian and Lebanese populations.

“I salute his mobilisation and that of all Morocco in favour of de-escalation, resumption of dialogue and the relaunch of a credible political process.

“In the current cacophony, in which extremes on all sides are indulging, Morocco has a strong and singular voice,” he said

Mr Macron said Morocco and France were destined to lay the foundations for a reinforced exceptional partnership and offer the generations of the next 25 years a new vision.

He lauded the values of diversity, dialogue, and tolerance, adding that they remain at the heart of Morocco’s people, institutions, and constitution.

“The tolerant Islam promoted by His Majesty the King, commander of the faithful, challenges all forms of extremism,” he said.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it is intensifying efforts to restore power to the northern parts of the country.

Sule Abdulaziz, the TCN’s managing director, said in Abuja on Tuesday at a media briefing that the ongoing repairs of the damaged transmission line that led to the blackout in the northern region would be completed by November 3.

On October 22, TCN reported a power outage in the North-East, North-West, and parts of North-Central after the 330-kilovolt Ugwuaji–Apir double circuit transmission lines 1 and 2 tripped off.

The company also reported that the Shiroro-Kaduna line was vandalised, reducing bulk electricity supply to Kaduna, Kano, and other major cities in the north.

Mr Abdulaziz said the area affected by the trip-off had been secured with the help of the Nigerian Army, and a concerted effort was ongoing in one of the lines for restoration.

”Restoration of one of these lines will allow TCN to wheel about 400 Megawatts (MW) of power in that corridor.

”Also, TCN is intensifying efforts to repair and restore the second line on Ugwuaji–Apir on or by November 3. This will avail TCN to wheel substantial quantum of power through Apir to Jos to Kaduna to Kano,‘’ he said.

According to him, TCN is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the security of personnel on the Shiroro–Mando 330 Kilo volt SC lines site for the commencement of rehabilitation of impacted towers in the axis.

Mr Abdulaziz attributed the blackout in the northern region to vandalism of Ugwuaji–Apir 330kV lines, which was reported on October 21, causing tripping of the lines.

He said trial reclosure failed, and patrol revealed damaged conductors due to vandalism.

“This compounded the transmission of bulk power to the northern corridor as these lines serve as a link between the northern and southern areas. This outage severely affected the wheeling capacity of TCN,‘’ he said

Mr Abdulaziz also said the Shiroro–Mando 330kv line 1 tripped off on September 9; patrol of safe area was done, but a faulty section could not be reached due to insecurity.

He said that efforts were made by local vigilantes who confirmed snap conductors on a tower, but they could not identify the tower number.

“Arrangements were made to use the local group to escort TCN’s engineers in the night to effect repairs in order to evade the bandits in the location.

“Unfortunately, we did not succeed because the bandits got wind of our intentions and laid siege in the area.

“Minimum supply was maintained to the North-West corridor through the second circuit until October 13, when the second line tripped off and failed to stay on trial reclosure,‘’ he said.

He said local vigilantes were again engaged to comb the area but could only access part of the safe area.

He said that due to TCN’s inability to access the area, it solicited the support of the Nigeria Air Force for unmanned aerial surveillance on October 17 and the impacted towers were identified.

Abdullahi Yakasai, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement in the North-West, said the federal government was working hard to restore power to the region.

Mr Yakasai appealed to Nigerians to be patient with TCN, adding that the blackout in the northern region was not a deliberate effort aimed at hurting the people.

“President Bola Tinubu is so concerned about the blackout, and he has been on top of the situation with the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu and the managing director of TCN,” said Mr Yakasai.

The Abia State Harmonized Task Force (ASHTF) has expressed worry on the recent assault on its members and the destruction of its vehicles by touts and other accosted law offenders in the State.

The Chairman of the Harmonized Task Force and Commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu raised the alarm in a press release made available to journalists.

He added that personnel of the Harmonized Task Force have been facing unjustified threat from touts and other accosted law offenders.

Nwachukwu vowed that dire consequences await anyone caught assaulting the Harmonized Task Force members or destroying their properties, noting that such offenders will be prosecuted before the law, without any option of fine.

“In view of recent experiences of unjustified threats and assaults to our personnel in the course of duty and destruction of taskforce properties and vehicles, by accosted law offenders and touts, the Abia state Harmonized taskforce hereby declares that the full weight of the law shall henceforth be brought to bear upon such mindless perpetrators and law breakers without compromise.

“Perpetrators of assaults on our personnel and those who damage our properties or vehicles shall face dire consequences that serve as enduring deterrence, including full legal prosecution without the option of fine”, the press release said.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received a telephone call from his United States counterpart, Joe Biden over some issues including the recent release of the Head of Finance Crime compliance at Binance, Tigran Gambaryan.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar disclosed this while briefing state House Correspondents in Abuja.

The call, according to him, took place at about 4pm, Nigerian time and lasted for about 30 minutes.

The Minister disclosed that the two leaders also discussed the issue of permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.

He revealed that Biden assured Tinubu that the United States “is committed to seeing Africa having a permanent seat”

Tuggar said, “The call was about the collaboration between the two countries with regards to law enforcement and law enforcement agencies as well as the release of one of the suspects of the cryptocurrency exchange company that you are all aware of.

“Mr President also thanked the US for the partnership and collaboration in numerous areas with regard to security in Africa and West Africa as a whole.

“President Biden assured President Tinubu that this is a partnership because the future of the world resides in Africa and as such, the partnership is important”.

The Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun in Ondo State has arrested 27 suspects for various offences within two weeks across the 18 Local Government Area of the state.

The State Commander of the Amotekun corps, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen on Tuesday in Akure.

Adeleye said the arrested suspects committed offences ranging from cultism, housebreaking, and motorcycle theft among others, while the command equally resolved five anti-grazing/farmers’ clashes

Adeleye, who attributed the corps’ success to the unrelenting efforts of its personnel, said he would continue to engage criminals, both within the town and in the forest.

According to him, Amotekun rangers were already on farms across the state, and encouraged the farmers of security on their farms, especially in the government forest reserves.

“What I mean by resolved farmers and headers clashes is that the headers volunteered to pay for the cost of what they destroyed and equally paid the fine of the government for the infringement.

“The uniqueness of today’s parade is that apart from very few cases, about two or three kidnapping cases were recorded at the borders.

“That is the Akunu-Kogi-Ondo border, where we had two cases of kidnapping, and the Ose border-Edo-Ondo border, where we had one case in the last two weeks,” he said.

The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe has appointed Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.

Odoh, a Professor of Geophysics, is of the Department of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences of the University.

Announcing the appointment on Tuesday after a selection process and interview of the 18 applicants for the position, Mbadiwe disclosed that Odoh clinched the 1st position from the pool of the applicants for the job based on his evidence-based significant experience in University Teaching, Research and Administration.

Mbadiwe while handing over the appointment letter to Odoh said: “This appointment is in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe Act CAP 139,LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous) (Provisions) (Amended ) Act 2007.

“Your Appointment is for a period of five years, effective Tuesday, 29th October 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities.”

In a brief acceptance speech, Prof Odoh thanked members of the Governing Council and the Vice Chancellor’s Selection Team for finding him worthy for the important assignment.

He promised not to let them down and to also work day and night to improve the university in all facets.

“I’m the first alumni of this university to be appointed to this position. I have my first, second and third degrees here so I understand our challenges.

“Let me assure every one of us, I know there are prejudices and concerns but you are going to judge me by performances not on hearsay. I will serve you well and our university will make progress,” he said.

Odoh, 49 years old, hails from Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State, and was Secretary to Ebonyi State Government during the administration of Engr. David Umahi.