Nwabali Faces Threats from South African Fans Following Heroic AFCON Performance
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, currently playing for Chippa United in South Africa, has allegedly received threats from disgruntled South African fans after his stellar performance against the nation in the AFCON tournament. Former Super Eagles international Idah Peterside disclosed the threats on Channels Television, revealing that some fans warned Nwabali against returning to Chippa United post-AFCON. The goalkeeper has reportedly been cautioned not to go back to South Africa, with displeasure stemming from his pivotal role in preventing the host country’s team from reaching the finals. Although there haven’t been reports of actual violence, Peterside highlighted the concerning messages, stating, “People have sent messages to the goalkeeper threatening him. I hear some people are telling him not to come back to South Africa since you didn’t want us to score. We have not heard of any violence, but just threats. They have been threatening him and threatening some people.” Nwabali exhibited his goalkeeping prowess during the semi-final clash against Bafana Bafana, making crucial saves in regulation time and stopping two penalties during the shootout.
NNPC Opens Up On Fuel Price Increase
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has stated that there is no immediate plan to raise the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol. The company made this known in a statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye on Thursday, February 8. The NNPC urged the public to dismiss unfounded speculations circulating about a possible upward review of PMS prices. The company reassured Nigerians that no such measures are in the pipeline. Motorists have been strongly advised against succumbing to panic buying, as NNPC affirms that there is an abundant supply of PMS across the nation. NNPC assured citizens of its commitment to maintaining stable fuel prices for the foreseeable future.
‘Your Accusation Is Baseless And Reckless’ – Tinubu Replies Atiku
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his accusation of fiddling amidst the security and economic challenges facing the nation. Atiku had, in a post via his official X handle on Tuesday, called on President Tinubu to step aside if he knows the responsibilities of being Nigeria’s President are bigger than his capacity. The former vice president, who faulted Tinubu for embarking on a private trip to France in the wake of the incessant kidnapping currently ravaging the nation, said that Nigeria does not need another tourist-in-chief. But in a statement on Tuesday night, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the accusation made by Atiku is baseless and reckless. Onanuga stated that the latest statement made by the former vice president fell short of what is expected from an elder statesman after should stop playing politics with the insecurity facing the nation. He said President Tinubu informed Nigerians of his private visit to France, and while in Europe, the President has been following developments at home, and he is on top of the situation in the country. Onanuga said the President is in constant touch with his officials and security chiefs and has directed them to stamp out every form of criminality in the country. The presidential aide asserted that Atiku is still suffering from his electoral defeat and latches on any issue to attack President Tinubu. The statement reads: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s statement accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of fiddling amidst some security and economic challenges is, to say the least, reckless. “Coming days after he made an equally reckless allegation against the President on the crude for a loan deal for NNPC Limited, his latest statement fell short of what is expected from an elder statesman. “We like to believe that Alhaji Atiku is still not nursing the hangover of his electoral defeat and now latches on any issue to attack President Tinubu. “President Tinubu did not travel without informing Nigerians of his whereabouts. He announced a private visit to France and announced a return date. “While in France, President Tinubu has been following developments at home, and he is on top of the situation in the country. Today’s inauguration of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage bore his imprimatur. “He is in constant touch with his officials and security chiefs and has directed them to stamp out every form of criminality in the country. “He has particularly ordered them to apprehend those criminals responsible for the murder of two monarchs in Ekiti State and the kidnapping of some pupils in the state. “We are already seeing results with the arrest of over 139 kidnappers around Abuja, Kaduna and Benue States in the last one week. The police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and DSS have also rescued 154 abducted persons in the last few days. “Just last week President Tinubu approved N50billion as Special Fund to address some of the lingering security challenges in North East where Alhaji Atiku hails from. To cope with the kidnapping challenges in the FCT, President Tinubu also approved funds for the acquisition of equipment to track criminals. “If Alhaji Atiku is really concerned about security issues and not playing cheap politics, he should have known that President Tinubu is on top of issues and working hard to restore peace to every part of our country. “Our security agencies are working very hard to bring the security situation under control. President Tinubu is giving them all the necessary support they need to win the battle against criminal elements and secure every inch of our country.”
Ganduje hasn’t contacted Abba Yusuf over request to join APC, says aide
Sunusi Bature Dawakin, director-general of media and publicity in the office of Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano state, says his principal has not been contacted by Abdullahi Ganduje, national chair of the All Progressives Congress (APC), over joining the APC. Dawakin said this in reaction to comments credited to Ganduje who said he had asked the Kano governor to abandon the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the APC. “We are appealing to those who want to join APC to come,” the APC national chair had said. “In particular, we are inviting the Governor of Kano and his NNPP to join APC.” Speaking on the BBC Hausa service on Friday, Dawakin said they only learnt of the invitation via social media. The director-general said as a former governor and former deputy governor, Ganduje knows the right channels to get to his principal. “We learned about the invitation on social media, but Dr Ganduje, as a former Governor and former deputy governor, knows more than any other person how to send a message to an incumbent governor, appropriately,” he said. Dawakin said Yusuf is yet to take any position on whether he would join the ruling party or not. President Bola Tinubu is reportedly working to reconcile Ganduje and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano. Kwankwaso and Yusuf defected to the NNPP before the 2023 polls where they both pursued presidential and governorship bids respectively. While the former governor was not successful with his presidential bid, Yusuf was declared winner of the gubernatorial election which has now been affirmed by the supreme court.
Police Declares Same-Sex Marriage Illegal, Vows To Arrest Perpetrators
The Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians to steer clear of same-sex marriage as it is illegal in the country, saying anyone caught in the act of same-sex marriage in the country would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who issued the warning on Thursday in a statement, said that in accordance with the Nigerian Criminal Code Act applicable in Southern states of Nigeria, unnatural offences are prohibited under Sections 214 to 217. According to Adejobi, the prohibition is re-echoed by Section 284 of the Nigerian Penal Code applicable in the Northern part of the country. He said that “Following recent trend on social media where some individuals who identify as queer were visibly encouraging and associating themselves with activities perceived to be unnatural in light of Nigerian Laws, the Nigeria Police Force hereby wishes to enlighten the public on the legal aspects concerning unnatural offences and same-sex marriage within the country. “In accordance with the Nigerian Criminal Code Act applicable in Southern States, unnatural offences are prohibited under Sections 214 to 217. “These sections specifically criminalize acts considered unnatural, such as having carnal knowledge of a person, or permitting a person to have carnal knowledge of one against the order of nature, or having carnal knowledge of an animal, and those found guilty may face legal consequences as outlined by the law. “This is re-echoed by Section 284 of the Nigerian Penal Code applicable in the Northern part of the country. “Similarly, it is imperative to note that same-sex marriage is strictly prohibited in Nigeria. The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 criminalizes the solemnization, operation, and public display of same-sex marriages. “We therefore emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to these laws as any violation will be met with due legal processes. “We remain dedicated to maintaining law and order and call on all citizens to report all suspicious activities related to unnatural offences or same-sex marriage, providing crucial information that will aid our efforts to enforce the law. “We need to collectively kick against such while we urge parents and guardians to take note and support the Police in the fight against such inhuman activities which are alien to our culture and also punishable under the law.”
TEI Gears Up for February Bye-Elections with Intensive Training Workshop
In preparation for the upcoming Bye Elections and Court-Ordered Fresh/Re-run Elections scheduled for February 3rd, 2024, The Electoral Institute (TEI) orchestrated a one-day Training-of-Trainers Workshop. Attended by TEI Trainers, collaborating department staff, and State Training Officers (STOs) participating remotely through ZOOM, the workshop aimed at arming participants with the latest insights into electoral process advancements. The primary focus of the workshop was to empower Coordinating Trainers with the skills necessary to conduct detailed and effective training sessions across all states affected by the impending elections. Special emphasis was placed on training Supervisory Presiding Officers, Presiding Officers, and Assistant Presiding Officers in billing and counting procedures. Participants were also familiarized with the operation of the Biometric Voter Authentication System (BVAS) and guided through the process of uploading election results onto the INEC Result portal using the INEC Results Viewing Device (IREV). Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, Director-General of TEI, stressed the importance of embracing innovations and new initiatives, underlining the crucial role of participants in passing on this knowledge to election personnel. He highlighted TEI’s significant contributions to the electoral process, including the use of E-learning platforms and the INEC Training bot during the 2023 General Elections. Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, National Commissioner, and Chair of the Board of Electoral Institute (BEI), officially inaugurated the training on behalf of the DG Electoral Institute. Prof. Zuru urged participants to serve as exemplary ambassadors of the Commission, emphasizing their critical roles as Trainers, Coordinators, and Monitors throughout the entire electoral process across the Federation.
Lagos Guber: Gov Sanwo-Olu wins at the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Nigeria, Friday, affirmed the election of Sanwo-Olu as the authentic governor of Lagos in the March 18 general electron. The five-man panel of the Apex Court thereby rubbished the appeal brought before it by the Labour Party(LP) and its governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. The court held that the petition seeking the disqualification of Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy Obafemi Hamza from the poll totally lacked merit. In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Garba Lawal, the court held that the allegations of renouncing Nigerian citizenship by the Lagos State Deputy Governor for the United States of America cannot be used to disqualify the respondents. The Apex Court said that since Obafemi Hamza is a Nigerian by birth, his acquisition of American citizen has not taken his right as a Nigerian from him. It also maintained that the Petitioners failed prove with credible evidence that the Deputy Governor indeed renounced his Nigerian citizenship. Consequence to the above, the court upheld that the decision of the Court of Appeal which had on November 15 dismissed the earlier appeal filed by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Labour Party against the election of Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Recall that the Court of Appeal three-member panel led by Yargata Nimpar, had in a unanimous decision affirmed the judgement of the Lagos State Election Petitions Tribunal that upheld the victory of Sanwo-Olu as the elected governor of Lagos in the March 18 election.
Supreme Court Affirms Old, New Naira Notes As Legal Tender
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, ordered that the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes should continue to co-exist with the new notes as they continue to remain legal tender. The Apex court held that the order insists until the Federal Government put a process in place for its replacement or redesign after due consultation with relevant stake holders. The seven-man panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro, gave the ruling following an application by the FG, seeking for the court to grant an extension of time for old naira notes to retain in circulation as a legal tender. The FG also prayed the court to lift its March 3, order noting that the extension of time is necessary as it has not been able to print the volume of new notes that would enable a phase out of old currency before the December 31 order In the fresh application by the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, the FG further explained that, should the Supreme court decline it’s request to extend the period of circulation of old notes, the country stands the risk of descending into another national, economic and financial crises as witnessed in the first quarter of the year when the naira redesign policy was being implemented under the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele. The Apex court, in a unanimous decision, allowed Fagbemi application in line with the March 3, ruling of the apex court which allowed the old notes continue to be legal tender till December 32, 2023. Recall that three states, Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara were the first set of states that headed to the Supreme court, to challenge the naira swap policy announced by the CBN on October 26, 2022. However, after the Supreme court made its first restraining order in February 8, 2022, thirteen other states joined in the prayer as plaintiffs. Meanwhile, Edo, and Bayelsa states opted to join the FG as defendants. At the instance of the court, all the suits were consolidated into one for ease of hearing and determination. Specifically, the states were not pleased by the way and manner the naira swap policy was announced and implemented.
Uba Sani Unity Cup: Nigeria U-15 Coach, Bassey Talents’ Quality High
Coach Bassey Patrick of the national U-15 team has expressed delight with the quality of talents that have so far been discovered at the ongoing Governor Uba Sani football tournament in Kaduna state. Speaking with our correspondent in one of the match venues on Sunday, coach Bassey who is one of the technical committee member, put together by Tijani Babangida to select talent form the football tournament maintained that this is the best way to go in discovering talents for Nigeria football development. “I am very very satisfied because I think that is the only way to go for the improvement of football in this country. Go to the grassroots, go to the local government you will see raw talents that need to be harnessed by coaches for greater height, and we have seen talents in all the matches that have been played in this zone “I mean we have seen talents here and with proper coaching and coordination they would do better and they will represent the state well. “And we believe other members of the technical crew have seen talents in their various zones, and all I can say is that it is really great for the people of Kaduna state. While hinting on the quality they are looking for in the process of selecting the players, Coach Bassey said. “Age is part of it because you cannot go and pick players that have only few years to offer no matter how good he is. We are looking at players that would be relevant for the state and for the Nation in the next ten to fifteen years. Meanwhile, results from some of the matches played on Sunday saw Chikum local government defeating Birni Gwari by two unreplied goals, while Kaduna South and Giwa local government played out a goaless draw. Lere defeated Sabon Gari by two unreplied goals, Kachia and Jaba played out a goaless draw. In the other results, Zaria lost zero one to Kudan, Ikara also lost by the same goal margin to Soba local government, while Kubau was thrashed three by goals to one by Makarfi. Hostilities continue today in all the center in the last day of the group matches as the teams seek qualifications to the next round.
NALDA To Crash Maize, Rice Prices Across Nigeria
*Commences Harvest From Farm Estates The National Land Development Agency (NALDA) is set to crash the price of maize and rice as it commences crop harvest from its farm estates across Nigeria. The Agency has farm estates across Nigeria has achieved tremendous success in both farms built and run solely by the agency and in collaboration with private and public institutions across the six geopolitical zones. Harvesting, bagging and storing of rice and maize are currently ongoing in Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, and Oyo states. The agency targets 150 metric tons of maize while the faro 44 and 59 rice cultivated at Nasarawa state is expected to yield over 300 metric tons of paddies. Harvesting and bagging have also ongoing in the NALDA-cultivated 150-hectare rice farm in Gboko, Benue State. According to the agency, it is anticipated that the harvests will boost Nigeria’s grain supply (rice and maize), which will have a big effect on the value chains. Evidence from states during the media tour of harvest activities at farm sites showed that the harvests will help to reduce the gap in domestic production and supply of rice and maize. Speaking with journalists, NALDA Executive Secretary, Prince Paul Ikonne, said the harvest will be released into the markets immediately as it would greatly assist in cushioning the effects of high food prices. In Bauchi State, maize harvest is ongoing at the well-equipped NALDA farm estate located at Galambi. Although the overall land area is 500 hectares, 50 hectares were cultivated due to a 15-day rain delay and a late start to activities. The farm is equipped with four tractors, two maize threshers, planters, boom sprayers, maize harvesters, and a finished grain warehouse. The Bauchi State Coordinator for NALDA is Jalaludeen Muhammad Mu’Azu. said that the NALDA farm will boost significant production in the area because no farms in the state possessed such machinery. Head, Department of Engineering, at NALDA, Engineer Owolabi Matthew Olusegun, speaking with journalists about the level of mechanisation on the farm expresses joy at the level of impact the harvest will have on the Nigeria economy. “This is what we have been preaching, and it is proof that Nigeria is capable of doing so, as you have witnessed firsthand at NALDA Farm. With this, you can see how much labour we have removed, how much drudgery has been eliminated, and how the entire process has been streamlined. “We are therefore appealing to the federal government to invest more in NALDA. We are ready to replicate this farm all over the country. With this we can increase the acreage to ensure that we get food self-sufficiency. We can do it and we are doing it,” he said. According to Mu’Azu, the crop’s success has already piqued the interest of farmers in the surrounding farming communities. He explained that the entire farm operation was entirely mechanized, from harrowing to planting to spraying fertilizer with a 400-litre capacity boom sprayer and machinery for weeding and harvesting. According to him, “we have just started our harvest and you know this is the first time we are farming here. From the stories that we heard from people, there is a particular place they showed us that since they came here 40 years ago, they have never seen maize production that can be compared to our own.”