Politics, World News

Lagos Police Embark On Show Of Force, Intimidation Ahead Of Planned Rally By Secessionist Groups.

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The police in Lagos on Friday embarked on a show of force across major areas of the state ahead of a planned Yoruba Nation rally scheduled to hold at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, on Saturday.
The rally had in the past taken place in Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Oyo states.

According to pictures released by the command, hundreds of heavily-armed police officers were seen in different locations within the state.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the Lagos police spokesperson in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters stated that the show of force was to send a warning signal to the “organizers of the said mega rally or any group of persons planning to stage any rally or procession in the state despite the warnings issued during the joint press breifing by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu and the Hon Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr Gbenga Omotoso.”

The police and the state government had earlier announced a ban on protests, saying the move was to forestall violence in the state.

“The Command and other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and Department of State Services have however put measures in place to prevent any act of lawlessness, oppression and intimidation, of any kind, in the state on the said date, 3rd July, 2021 and beyond as Lagos State cannot afford to record and experience the violence orchestrated by some individuals during the 2020 EndSARS protest that led to massive destruction of lives and properties in the state.

“The command still reiterated its stance that anyone caught participating or facilitating the so-called mega rally in Lagos State will be dealt with within the ambits of the law,” Adejobi said.

The move SaharaReporters learnt is an attempt to intimidate protesters with organisers saying the action of the police is a violation of citizens rights to violence-free protests.

World News

Kenyan-Ugandan journalist speaks on alleged involvement in Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest

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A Kenyan-Ugandan journalist, David Matsanga, has debunked claims that he aided the arrest and repatriation of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to Nigeria.

He stated this in a live video on his online Television, Africa World Media.

Kanu was reportedly arrested in Kenya and brought to Nigeria. He was taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja for a continuation of his trial on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and management of an unlawful society.

Matsanga, in the video, said there have been allegations he aided the Nigerian government in Kanu’s arrest, citing Kanu’s interview with the African World Media.

He debunked this claim stating he had no ties with the Nigerian government or any other country’s government.

He said; “This morning, my attention has been drawn on the propaganda that is circulating on social media originating from Nigeria and from cohorts of the government of Nigeria talking about abduction, interception, kidnap by Nigerian security agencies together with international agencies of Nnamdi Kanu who was interviewed by our television station almost two months ago on 21st of May, 2021.

And as a result of the propaganda churned by the (President Muhammadu) Buhari regime that Mr Nnamdi Kanu was abducted or taken from Kenya, I don’t speak for the government of the Republic of Kenya neither do I work for the government of Kenya. I run a media outlet online that works for Africa neither do I work for any government in Africa regarding activities that can …to be a conspiracy theory.

“We did not approach Mr Nnamdi Kanu for an interview, Nnamdi Kanu through his representatives in Australia approached me, telephoned my television station sometime in May, asking for Mr Nnamdi Kanu to be interviewed on our television station.

My television station has been voluntarily and I repeat, voluntarily defending the people of Biafra, the people of Ambazonia from the forces that have oppressed them in Africa. Our TV station does not harbour any conspiracy theory, especially from myself regarding the suffering of the people of Ambazonia and the people of Biafra.

“We took interest in the Biafran issue and the Southeastern Nigerian issue because of the millions of videos that were sent to us as an online broadcasting institution.

Nnamdi Kanu is able to say and I want to repeat, is able to say where who, how he was able to be arrested by Nigerian and other international Agents. If Nnamdi Kanu, who is still alive in a prison in Abuja, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will point a finger at our station or anybody working with my station or myself, I ask God to take me that day. When Mr Nnamdi Kanu says he ever talked to Dr Matsanga ever since 21st when we last had our interview.

“I want to make it categorically clear that abduction, seduction, kidnap of Kanu will not deter my television station from talking about the ill-treatment, human rights abuses, the poor treatment of the people of Biafra. I am not a Nigerian, I am not a Biafran, I am not paid by any Nigerian to speak my mind. I am a trained, highly trained journalist, investigative journalist worldwide.

I have worked with a reputable organisation like Sky news, therefore I don’t engage myself in activities of the Buhari type of regime. Thank you very much.”

World News

Uncertainty as UK Methodist Church votes to allow same-sex marriage

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Britain’s Methodist Church on Wednesday announced that it will now allow same-sex couples to get married on its premises.

The decision came after debates on the topic at the Methodist Conference on Wednesday, where the proposals to allow same-sex marriages were passed with 254 votes in favor and 46 against.

With the votes, the Church has become the largest religious denomination in Britain to permit gay marriages.

However, following the development, a former vice-president of the Methodist Conference, Carolyn Lawrence, warned that a significant minority of Methodists were planning on leaving or resigning their membership.

Lawrence said: “Today is a line in the sand for many people and seen as a significant departure from our doctrine.”

However, the freedom of conscience clauses entails that ministers will not be forced to conduct such weddings if they oppose the move.

For now, same-sex marriage is not allowed in the Church of England or the Roman Catholic Church, while the Scottish Episcopal Church, United Reformed Church, and Quakers in Britain have already embraced same-sex marriages.

With about 164,000 members and more than 4,000 churches, the Methodist Church is Britain’s fourth-largest Christian denomination and now expects the first same-sex weddings in its chapels to take place in the autumn.

Chair of the Dignity and Worth campaign group, Rev Sam McBratney, described the development as a momentous step on the road to justice after many years of painful conversations.

According to him, some have been praying for the day to come for decades, and can hardly believe that it is now here.

He said: “We are so grateful to our fellow Methodists for taking this courageous step to recognise and affirm the value and worth of LGBTQ+ relationships.

“We reassure those who do not support this move that we want to continue to work and worship with you in the Church we all love.”

Meanwhile, a couple, Ben Riley and Jason McMahon, who have been together for 12 years but have waited until they could have a church wedding, said the decision means so much, as they now hope to marry in their local Methodist church in Preston.

Also, Jason, who is training to be a Methodist minister, described it as a very emotional day.

Jason said: “To be told by the Church that you are worthy, that we accept you, and that you can be married in the eyes of God in the church you call home with friends and family – it means a great deal.

“It has helped me feel truly at home within a Church that can embrace anybody.”

Lifestyle, World News

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has said the institution will not deny, Chidinma Adaora Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the murder of Super TV boss, Usifo Ataga.

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The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has said the institution will not deny, Chidinma Adaora Ojukwu, the prime suspect in the murder of Super TV boss, Usifo Ataga.

According to Ogundipe, irrespective of the travails Chidinma is going through, there are records to show that she is a recognised student of the institution.

Ogundipe stated this while addressing the press on the activities lined up for 51st (2019) Convocation Ceremony of the institution on Wednesday.

“From our records which are available to us, Chidinma Adaora Ojukwu is a student of the University of Lagos who was born on December 12, 1999.

“From our records, she is from Abia State. From our records, her contact address is 57, Akinwumi Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos.

“From our records, her telephone number is 09024***827.

Politics, World News

Nigerians on social media have attacked Bashir El-Rufai, son of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his tweets wherein he mocked Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

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Nigerians on social media have attacked Bashir El-Rufai, son of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his tweets wherein he mocked Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Bashir had in a tweet on Tuesday suggested that Kanu be locked up in a cell with a cow after news of the IPOB leader’s arrest broke.

His tweet, in which he tagged Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, read, ”He should be locked in a cell with a cow, please @MBuhari.”

He should be locked in a cell with a cow, please @MBuhari.

— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) June 29, 2021
In another Tweet, Bashir described Kanu as a hooligan, noting that there are people who are displeased with the latest development but are scared to talk.

He said, “There are those that will be upset this hooligan was arrested, but will be too cowardly to express it. Victory for the country. May we all continue to progress in unison.”

There are those that will be upset this hooligan was arrested, but will be too cowardly to express it. Victory for the country. May we all continue to progress in unison.

— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) June 29, 2021
His comments, however, have continued to spark outrage, as many Nigerians tackled him for not being constructive in his criticisms.

Many opined that Bashir was well-educated enough to avoid being sentimental on such issues while some blasted him, describing him as a privileged one who has refused to make good use of his education.

Social media users highlighted the issues of insecurity in Kaduna State, the governance of which lies on Bashir’s father, stressing that insecurity should be tackled before discussions on Kanu’s arrest can be made.

Below are reactions from Nigerians to Bashir’s posts:

When u drink too much cow milk, romance so many cows ass, u begin to c it as normal. U’re beginning to reason like ur tyrant father. Hope u remember Ghadaffi? https://t.co/f55voZk7jv

— Maazi Prince ⚓🛳 (@Princejadonn) June 30, 2021
What is wrong with this shameless youth

— Mr. D (@AjayiDayoMoses2) June 29, 2021
All these people who think they are better than others simply bcos daddy stole from the poor and denied them their rights will be saying rubbish like the cows they are

— Nnamdi Kanu (@Emjaykhan1) June 29, 2021
Self-determination can never be extinguished. Ask Kosovo, Croatia et al…

— AzuAneke (@yarambamba2010) June 29, 2021
It’s quite unfortunate that people like you would comment on issues of national importance. First, tell your father to dust his table very well before leaving office. Because after then, we will know who are the real hooligans.

— Patrick Daniels (@Patoh1986) June 30, 2021
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the detention of Kanu till July 26, 2021, for a continuation of his trial.

Kanu is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him at the court in response to years of the campaign for the independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.

He was granted bail in April 2017 for health reasons but skipped bail after flouting some of the conditions given to him by the court.

In a broadcast via Radio Biafra, Kanu boasted that the Nigerian court lacks the capacity to try him, describing the court as a Kangaroo court.

He said the judge who asked his sureties to produce him should have asked the army why they invaded his residence.

“Nigerian court is a Kangaroo court. I did not jump bail, I left because the court failed to protect me,” he said.

The Nigerian government on Tuesday announced his arrest and extradition to Nigeria to continue facing trial.

He was subsequently arraigned while being blindfolded before Binta Nyako, a Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Lifestyle, World News

The lead pastor and founder of Gracehill Christian Ministries, Warri, Delta State, Prophet Evidence Chikason has reportedly divorced his first wife.

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The lead pastor and founder of Gracehill Christian Ministries, Warri, Delta State, Prophet Evidence Chikason has reportedly divorced his first wife, who is a mother of three children, Praise Chikason.

It was gathered that the prophet, who recently got married to a former choir mistress in his church popularly called Helen, has ordained her as the resident pastor of the Ughelli branch of the church.

According to Warri Aproko Special, Chikason and Helen have had a secret love affair for long and the wife was said to have initially dismissed it when she heard about it probably because of the trust she had for her husband.

“They were so close and always travelled together, which made people not to suspect them earlier.

“They travelled together recently and were involved in a serious accident on their way back from the trip. The Toyota Prado SUV used was damaged beyond repairs. The suspicion of their secret affair grew after the accident.

“Problem started when the prophet’s first wife, Praise Chikason gave birth to their third daughter as he was expecting a male child. This led to trouble and frustrations in their home.

“The prophet then took a step further to pay the bride price of his suspected lover, who was the choir mistress. He also established a branch of the church in Ughelli and made the new wife a pastor of the branch,” a source said.

The source said Praise now prophesies,” “performs miracles and even sells anointing water in her own branch of the church.”

Entertainment, Lifestyle, World News

Our WCW for today is Jada Koren Pinketh Smith. @jadapinkettsmith .

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Jada Koren Pinkett Smith  was born September 18, 1971.
She is an American actress, screenwriter, producer, talk show host, businesswoman, and occasional singer-songwriter. She is best known for her roles in “A Different World”(1991–1993), “The Nutty Professor” (1996), “The Matrix Reloaded” (2003), “The Matrix Revolutions “(2003), “Gotham” (2014–2016) and “Girls Trip” (2017).
In 2018, Pinkett Smith began co-hosting the Facebook Watchtalk show Red Table Talk, for which she has received a Daytime Emmy Award from seven nominations.

Her other notable roles include a guest appearance on the short-lived sitcom True Colors (1990), Menace II Society (1993), Set It Off (1996), Scream 2 (1997), Ali (2001), Collateral (2004), the Madagascar films(2005–2012), Hawthorne (2009–2011), Magic Mike XXL (2015), Bad Moms (2016), and Angel Has Fallen(2019).

Pinkett Smith launched her music career in 2002, when she helped create the heavy metal band Wicked Wisdom, for which she was a singer and songwriter.
Along with her husband Will Smith, she has a production company, and has producing credits in films, documentaries, and television series. She also wrote a children’s book, Girls Hold Up This World, which was published in 2004.

Jada Koren Pinkett Smith

Jada has been married to Will Smith since 1997, with whom she has two children: son Jaden and daughter Willow. Through their marriage, she is also stepmother to Smith’s son from his first marriage, Trey Smith.

World News

Biden vows to block Iran’s access to nuclear weapons

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US President Joe Biden, has vowed that his country will block Iran’s access to acquiring nuclear weapons.

Biden made the promise while conveying his unwavering support for Israel’s security and also committed to deepening the cooperation between the two countries during a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Reuven Rivlin.

During their meeting at the White House on Monday, the two leaders discussed extensively on “the many challenges facing the region, including the threat posed by Iran,” according to an official release.

The statement added that Biden emphasized that under his administration, Iran will never get a nuclear weapon.

He also assured President Rivlin that the US remains determined to counter Iran’s malign activity and support for terrorist proxies, which have destabilizing consequences for the region,” the statement said.

The US President also assured Rivlin that opportunities to enhance peace and stability in the Middle East region would be pursued with great vigour, expressing his strong support for the normalization of relations between Israel and other countries in the Arab and Muslim world.

Other topics of discussion between Biden and Rivlin included the recent developments in Gaza and the West Bank; to support greater economic opportunities for the Palestinian people; the importance of enhancing efforts to strengthen moderate voices; and promoting the cause of coexistence while weakening extremists who advocate for hatred and violence.

Politics, World News

Benue Ready To Give Land To Fulani Herdsmen, They Are Our Friends —Ortom.

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The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has said that land will be given to Fulani herdsmen who want to engage in ranching in the state.

He said this in Abuja at the 72nd birthday of former Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Iyorwuese Hagher, Daily Trust reports.

Ortom who was represented at the event by the state Commissioner of Education, Dennis Ityavyar, used the opportunity to state that Benue people are not against the Fulani.

“The Tiv people are historically the friends of the Fulanis and I like to submit that friendship still exists,” he was quoted by the newspaper.

“And so, I warn those people, who are either using politics or those who are criminals and trying to sell what’s wrong to people.”

“His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom has explained again and again that we, the Benue people, are not against the Fulani. We are still friends.

“Those who have a lot of cattle are still using ranching, and any Fulani person who wants to establish ranching in Benue will have the land. Even if our ‘Chairman’ wants to start a ranch, he will get the land today.

”We will give you land and start the ranching today so that people will see it as a model and wherever we go, we want to correct the impression because if you read history, you will see that we have always been friends with Fulani.”

Entertainment, Lifestyle, World News

OUR MCM FOR TODAY IS SKEPTA.

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Skepta also known as Joseph Junior Adenuga was born to Nigerian parents on 19 September 1982 in Tottenham, North London He is the eldest of four children; fellow musician Jme, radio presenter Julie and graphic designer Jason.

Skepta was originally a DJ from Tottenham-based grime collective Meridian Crew. The Meridian Crew performed ‘sets’ or sessions on pirate radio (most notably Heat FM 96.6) where fellow crew members sometimes referred to him as “Scoopa Daniels”. Early in his career, Skepta released instrumentals including “DTI (Pirate Station Anthem)” and “Private Caller”.

Skepta began MCing shortly before Meridian Crew disbanded in 2005, after which Skepta, alongside his brother Jme, joined Roll Deep for a short period of time before becoming founding members of Boy Better Know in 2006. Skepta was convinced to begin MCing by Wiley after his records were taken away from him by the police. Following the formation of Boy Better Know, Skepta clashed with fellow MC Devilman for the DVD Lord of the Mics 2, in what is remembered as one of the biggest clashes in grime history. Shortly after the clash, Skepta released a mixtape entitled “Joseph Junior Adenuga”. Skepta publicly released his debut album Greatest Hits on 17 September 2007, on his label Boy Better Know.

Skepta self-released the first single “Rolex Sweep” in September 2008 and reached number 89 on the UK Singles Chart. Skepta then released the album Microphone Champion on 1 June 2009. He then also released single “Too Many Man” with Jme, Wiley, Frisco and Shorty, which went to chart at number 79. Skepta has released five singles off his third studio album Doin’ It Again (first with a major label), titled “Bad Boy”, “Rescue Me”, “Cross My Heart” featuring Preeya Kalidas, “So Alive” and “Amnesia”, as well as a video for the Hello Good Morning (Grime Remix). Three singles charted in the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart, with “Rescue Me” being the most successful at number 14. “Cross My Heart” came in at number 31 and dropped out of the Top 40 a week later. Doin’ It Again spent 3 weeks in the top 100 album charts and debuted and peaked at number 19 on its first week of release. In 2011, Skepta caused a controversy by releasing a hardcore music video of his single “All Over the House”.

Skepta

In 2012, Skepta released two singles from his fourth forthcoming album. Both “Hold On” and “Make Peace Not War” were Top 40 charting singles in the UK but were a departure from Skepta’s usual sound. Skepta’s second major label album was intended to be released in the fourth quarter of 2011, entitled The Honeymoon but was delayed till 2012. After a disappointing response from the first two singles Skepta decided to release a purchasable mixtape, titled Blacklisted. It was released on 2 December 2012 along with music videos to support the release prior to the release.

In March 2014, Skepta provided a verse for the remix of “German Whip” by Meridian Dan, and in the same month, he released his new single, “That’s Not Me”, featuring his brother Jme, peaking at number 21 on the UK charts. The single’s music video won the award for Best Video at the 2014 MOBO Awards. Upon receiving the award, Skepta stated that the video cost him £80. In late 2014, Skepta released another single titled “It Ain’t Safe” featuring ASAP Bari. This was followed in early 2015 with “Shutdown”, as well as features on “Red Eye to Paris” by Flatbush Zombies and the remix of “Ojuelegba” by Wizkid, also featuring Drake. Skepta and others joined Kanye West at a surprise show in London, performing numerous songs together during a shared set. He was also named one of GQ’s 50 best dressed British men in 2015.

In an interview it stated that Skepta’s making his acting debut in 2015 film Anti-Social, released initially in May.On 14 February 2016 Skepta released “Ladies Hit Squad” featuring grime artist D Double E and American rapper ASAP Nast, of the New York-based ASAP Mob. Through a post on Instagram, Skepta announced that his album, Konnichiwa was due to be released on 6 May 2016. Konnichiwa became Grime’s highest charting album, peaking at number 2 in the UK music charts. Konnichiwa features songs such as “That’s Not Me”, “Shutdown” and “Man”. The release of Konnichiwa was celebrated with a launch party on 5 May 2016 held in Tokyo and live streamed on Boiler Room, featuring a live performance of the entire album by Skepta and supporting performances from Japanese trap artists Kohh, Dutch Montana, Loota, and DJ Riki.

Skepta began his “Banned From America” two-part, 14-show tour on 16 April 2017 at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which covered cities throughout the United States and Europe. The tour was named as such in reference to Skepta’s forced cancellation of his 2016 “No Fear” American tour in support of Konnichiwa, when his application for a visa to enter the United States was denied.

Skepta released his Vicious EP on 31 October 2017, with songs featuring ASAP Rocky, Lil B, and Section Boyz. In the summer of 2017, rumours on the underground dance scene suggested an imminent collaboration between Skepta and drum’n’bass pioneer Goldie. This was confirmed in Goldie’s 2017 memoir All Things Remembered, which refers to him having done a track with Skepta. It has not yet been released.

Skepta featured on ASAP Rocky’s “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)”, which was released in May 2018. The single charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Also in May, Skepta released his single “Pure Water”, which peaked at number 78 in the UK.[31] He followed this in June with “Energy (Stay Far Away)” with Wizkid, which reached number 59. In December 2019 he appeared as himself in a Grand Theft Auto Online expansion as a radio host with Danny Brown. Brown also lent his voice to another fictional character in the game. He also collaborated with Gorillaz and Tony Allen on the song “How Far?” in May 2020.

On 4 April 2018, he was installed as a chief in his Nigerian hometown in Ogun State, receiving the chieftaincy title of the Amuludun of Odo-Aje.

In July 2018, Skepta revealed he was going to become a father via his Instagram account, and posted a picture of an ultrasound scan. In December he posted a photo of him bottle-feeding the infant, who was revealed to be called River. The next month, he posted a photo of his baby daughter.

Lifestyle, World News

“An anonymous person is sending me death threats for the past 2 months” – Eniola Badmus cries out.

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Plus-sized Nollywood actress, Eniola Badmus has not relent as she continues to cry out on the several death threats received in her dm via Instagram.

Badmus who has been complaining to her followers for the past two months has disclosed that whoever is behind this vile act would be dealt with by the full weight of the law.
In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Badmus said, “The person (sending the death threats) is anonymous and I have been getting his messages for two months. The person has never made any demand of me. The messages say that they would kill me whenever they see me and that anytime I come to Amen Estate (Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos), they would kill me there. However, the Instagram page of this unknown person has been reported and pulled down. I am not really scared because God has not given me the spirit of fear. It is just one of those things that happen. I hope that God exposes whoever is behind this.
“I kept quiet initially because I did not take him seriously. I assumed that he was not okay mentally. I am not owing anyone, so I don’t know where the threat is coming from. This is about the first time that I would be getting a death threat. I have made an official report to the police and they are working on it already. I don’t want to divulge too much information about their plans. I believe that whoever is behind the threat would be brought to book someday.”

Badmus also stated that she regarded the threat as one of the prices she had to pay for being in the limelight.
She added, “My sister has been very worried about the threat. When it comes to anything that has to do with me, my family members are always concerned. They were scared and they made sure that we got a lawyer and the police involved. Perhaps, those are some of the prices that one pays for being in the limelight.  If I was not in the public glare or in the entertainment industry, I don’t think anybody would threaten me this way.”

Politics, World News

Delta State House of Assembly has lost one of its members, Kenneth Odafe Ogba to the cold hands of death.

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Ogba’s death comes barely six months after the death of the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly and member representing Isoko North constituency, Tim Oghenekome Owhefere.

It was reliably gathered that Ogba, first term member representing Isoko South constituency 1 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died on Sunday evening around 8:00pm at a hospital where he was rushed to for a yet-to-be ascertained health challenge.

As at the time of filing in this report, Ogba’s family compound in Oleh is said to have been besieged by constituents while the entire constituency 1, especially his hometown, Oleh, has been thrown into mourning.

World News

The government will utilise its legal provisions to collect taxes on profits made in the country by global technology and digital firms not based in the country, but with significant economic presence.- Osinbajo

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, (SAN) made this known on Friday, while interacting with a delegation of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), led by its President, Mr Adesina Adedayo who visited him at the Presidential Villa.
Friday, while interacting with a delegation of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), led by its President, Mr Adesina Adedayo who visited him at the Presidential Villa.

Osinbajo said the government will utilise its legal provisions to collect taxes on profits made in the country by global technology and digital firms not based in the country, but with significant economic presence.

While noting that the Federal Government will not be raising tax rates at this time, based on the Finance Act 2019, the Vice President said it is already empowered to widen the tax net, including through the collection of taxes on the Nigerian income of global tech giants with significant economic presence here, even if they have not established an office or permanent establishment and are currently not paying taxes in Nigeria.

A statement from the Vice President’s office read, “While the Federal Government will not be raising tax rates at this time, based on the Finance Act 2019, it is already empowered to widen the tax net, including by collecting taxes on the Nigerian income of global tech giants with significant economic presence here, even if they have not established an office or permanent establishment and are currently not paying taxes in Nigeria.

“In this regard, Section 4 of the Finance Act 2019, provides that ‘the Minister (Finance) may by order (of the President) determine what constitutes the significant economic presence of a company other than a Nigerian company.

“We have had severe economic downturns which of course implies that we may not be able to collect taxes with the aggressiveness that would ordinarily be expected.

“I think the most important thing is that we must widen our tax net so that more people who are eligible to pay tax are paying. Several efforts have been made, and I am sure you are aware of the initiatives including the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) which was also an attempt to bring more people into the tax net, including those who have foreign assets.”

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok will be mostly affected by the new tax imposition when implemented.

These platforms are part of technological companies operating in Nigeria but are located abroad.

World News

Gov Matawalle to join APC Tuesday – Aide

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The Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, will complete his switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, his aide said.

The governor’s Director-General, Media, Yusuf Idris, disclosed this to journalists in Gusau on Sunday.

He said: “All is now set for our governor to move from the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) to the APC.

“All the committees that are charged with responsibility for a smooth transition of the governor have reported from their various committees that things have taken shape for the event which is scheduled to hold at a grand reception in Gusau on Tuesday, June 29.”

Idris said the governor’s defection to APC would further strengthen the party in the state.

The aide added: “Let me emphasise to you that Zamfara politicians have always been a single family and even as a PDP governor, my principal, Governor Bello Matawalle has always related very well with those in the opposition parties.

Many people from high and low have followed the governor into the PDP in order to offer their positive advice for the growth and development of the state. Some of such persons were given top government positions and responsibilities which they held very well too.

“Under this new development which will be witnessed by 18 APC governors, the governor will come along with all the National and State Assembly members as well as the PDP executives from all levels of the state.”

According to him, Governor Matawalle will be received by the Chairman of the APC National Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni.

Lifestyle, World News

Family Of Murdered Super TV CEO To Nigerians: Don’t Worsen Our Plight, Let Police Do Their Work.

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The family of Usifo Ataga, Super TV CEO, who was allegedly killed by a 300-level student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Chidinma Ojukwu, has demanded privacy, asking those who have useful information to reach the police.

Chidinma and Ataga had reportedly lodged in a service apartment in the Lekki area of Lagos State and the corpse of the latter was discovered the next day in the room and the former fled, thus raising suspicion of her complicity in his death.

The police said they went after her and tracked her down at her father’s Alagomeji, Yaba residence.

Upon her arrest, Chidinma attributed her action to the influence of hard drugs and alcohol.

After the interview she granted on Friday, different posts and stories started circulating on social media.

The majority of those who commented mocked the Ataga family, especially his wife.

In a statement signed by one Dr Isi Ataga, the family demanded privacy, asking those who have useful information to reach the police.

They thanked the police for arresting the suspect but said there were many unanswered questions.

The statement read, “Here are the facts. A little over a week ago, unknown persons savagely killed our beloved son, Usifo Ataga. With no regard for him, or his family, who love him, they viciously ended his life.

“His children will grow up to read unkind, thoughtless words from thousands of people who have joined the lynching party in the press and the blogosphere. Our aging parents must now struggle to pick up the pieces amid a cacophony of misinformation propagated by strangers.

“A suspect has been arrested and paraded before the press. We, the Ataga Family, are grateful to the Nigeria Police for pursuing this investigation. However, like you, we have many unanswered questions. Some things don’t add up.

“If you have any information, don’t hide behind online posts. Instead, come forward and share it with the Police.

“Here’s what we do know. The more you add to the false information in the press and on social media, the harder it is for the Nigeria Police to do their work and fully solve this case. The harder it is for a grieving family to recover from the loss of their beloved son.

“We ask, sincerely, that you let us grieve this terrible loss with some privacy. This past week and a half has been the worst period of our lives.”

World News

US court sentences ex-policeman to 22 years in jail for George Floyd’s murder

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A court in Minneapolis, United States, on Friday sentenced a former policeman, Derek Chauvin, to 22 years and six months in prison for the murder of an African- American, George Floyd.

The murder of Floyd, 48, on May 20 last year caused one of the biggest demonstrations against racism and police brutality in the US in decades.

The American hip-hop artiste died after Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes.

The ex-police officer was convicted of second-degree murder and other charges last month.

Chauvin, 45, was also told to register as a predatory offender and barred from owning firearms for life.

Prosecutors had demanded a 30-year sentence for the convict.

The judge, Peter Cahill, who handed down the term, said Chauvin’s sentence was based on his “abuse of a position of trust and authority as well as the cruelty shown to the deceased.”

He said: “What the sentence is not based on is emotion, or sympathy. But at the same time, I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all the families are feeling, especially the Floyd family.”

World News

Even blood fight” – Lucy finally apologizes and reconciles with her bestie, Ka3na

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Following the dramatic turn of events Big Brother Naija ”Lockdown” reunion, Lucy has tendered an apology to her bestie, Ka3na and acknowledged her wrongdoing.

Recall that the duo were very close friends during and after the reality TV show but they later fell out and Ka3na claimed she cut Lucy off because she felt she was disloyal.

It got intense during a reunion episode that at a point, Ka3na walked out as she could not contain her emotions while speaking on how she fell out with Lucy.

Well, Lucy has now appreciated Ka3na for always having her back, being a good friend, adding that even blood relatives fight.

She said; ”@official_ka3na I want to say thanks for being my friend, having my back, coming through for me every moment you did! Without making a show of it, friends fight, even blood fight. Getting past it and staying friends is key! Love you girl!”

Lifestyle, World News

Frenchwoman who killed abusive husband reportedly faints in disbelief during court after hearing she could walk free.

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A Frenchwoman who admitted to killing her abusive husband, fainted with apparent shock in court on Friday, June 25, after hearing that she could walk free.

According to a lawyer for the accused, the prosecution has asked for a sentence of five years in prison for Valerie Bacot, with four years of the term suspended.
If confirmed, Bacot would walk free, as she has already spent a year in detention, her lawyer, Nathalie Tomasini, told French press.

Bacot admitted to shooting Daniel Polette in 2016. She previously referred to him as her stepfather before they married.
According to court documents, Polette had started raping her when she was only 12 or 13.

At that time he was her mother’s boyfriend, he later became Bacot’s husband and father of their four children.

Tomasini told French media, BFM on Friday that she was “about to plead leniency” and was not expecting this “at all.”

“Because she was in detention for a year, she would not be going back if the jury and the court follow the opinion of the prosecution,” the lawyer added.

After she heard the news, Bacot fainted and emergency services had to come into the courtroom.

Before today’s unexpected news, she was potentially facing a life sentence for shooting Polette dead.

In her bestselling book “Tout Le Monde Savait” (“Everyone Knew”), published in May, Bacot, 40, said Polette, 65, first raped her when she was 12 years old, impregnated her at 17 and went on to abuse her over the course of 18 years.

“I simply wanted to protect myself. Protect my life, the life of my children. In my eyes, nothing else ever mattered,” she wrote in her autobiography.

In her book, Bacot ?said she should be punished. But she argued that killing Polette was the only way to protect herself and her children from a man who had made her life “hell” from the time he first raped her until she shot him dead in 2016.

“I am not only a victim. I killed him; it is only normal that I should be punished. But if my sentence is heavy, that will mean to me that he had the right to behave the way he behaved with me,” Bacot wrote. ?

Before today’s news, a petition seeking Bacot’s freedom, launched by a support group in January, had gathered more than 705,000 signatures.

Politics, World News

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of a Chairman, and an Executive Secretary for the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of a Chairman, and an Executive Secretary for the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

The Chairman is Mr Atuonwo Obinna, while the Executive Secretary is Mr Abdulkadir Saidu, reappointed for another four years.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday

According to the statement, the appointment of Mr Atuonwo Obinna as Chairman Governing Board for a four-year term is in accordance with Section 2 (1-3) and 3 (a) of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (Establishment, ETC) Act 2003.

Politics, World News

Voters Card: INEC Deploys 5,346 Staff, Launches Online Portal For Registration

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Ahead of the June 28, 2021, flag-off of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registra­tion (CVR) exercise, the Inde­pendent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is deploying a total 5,346 staff to the 2,673 registration centres to enhance the process.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this Thursday at a press conference he addressed in Abuja.

The Commission, he said, is also deploying the novel INEC Voter Enrollment De­vice (IVED), a new registra­tion equipment designed by the Commission’s engineers as a replacement for the old Direct Data Capture Ma­chine, which he hailed for its efficiency, Aside from the 2,346 centres where citizens are to register physically, Prof. Yakubu also launched the online registration por­tal designed to assist citizens pre-register before proceed­ing to registration centres, INEC local government ar­eas and state offices for data capture.
The Commission had recently disclosed that it is targeting the enrollment of about 20 million Nigerians during the current CVR ex­ercise to bring the number of registered voters in the country to 100 million.
Further highlighting the importance of the portal, the INEC chairman said citizens who are seeking transfer of the cards, confirm status of their cards and other services that hitherto bring people to INEC offices can verify such matters via the portal, which he said, is free.
“The idea is for intending registrants to commence the process online by filling the forms and uploading their pictures and required docu­ments, and then make an ap­pointment on the web portal for a date and time to visit an INEC State or Local Govern­ment Area (LGA) office to give their fingerprints and complete the registration.
“In addition, those who are already registered as voters can carry out all the other activities such as transfers, correction of personal details and replacement of damaged or defaced Permanent Vot­ers’ Cards (PVCs) online.

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