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President Tinubu drops 5 ministers, appoints new ones

By
Salma Bitrus
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President Bola Tinubu sacked five of his ministers on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in a move to add new ideas to his government and refocus properly on policy matters that will bring about democratic dividends.

In addition, the president selected seven new ministers to his cabinet and reassigned ten ministers to new ministerial responsibilities.

Among the ministers affected are Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development; Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education; Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo, Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development; Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; and Barr. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs.

Read more: Tinubu merges Culture and Tourism ministries, scapped two others

Shehu Dikko was appointed as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, according to the president’s statement.

The statement also said that Sunday Akin Dare, will serve from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, as the President’s Special Advisor on Public Communication and Orientation.

Tinubu merges Culture and Tourism ministries, scapped two others

By
Banke Olarenwaju
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President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has merged the Federal Ministry of Tourism with Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.

The decision to merge the two newly created ministries was taken at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2024.

The decision to merge the two newly created ministries was taken at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2024.

Two other ministries were scapped by FEC; they are the Federal Ministry of the Niger Delta and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development.

According to a press release by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, “there will now be a ministry of regional development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission, and North East Development Commission.”

The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy were new ministries created by the president when he unveiled his cabinet.

The new development has thrown the industry into a state of confusion as stakeholders in tourism and culture are surprised by the new merger.

According to the National Coordinator of Welcome2Nigeria Project, Isa Sago, he said that though the president’s wisdom in making the decision and the information at his disposal that informed his action cannot be questioned or faulted. And that, however, each ministry operating independently increases the chances of rapid growth, collective participation, and inclusiveness in deepening development and growth in both sectors. He said that the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John’s coming rekiddled assurances and guaranteed the rapid transormation of the sector. And that having understood the ministry and concluded on her strategic approach to take tourism to the next heights, she stands a good chance to deliver if given the opportunity.

He added that Hannatu Musawa’s brilliant ideas and enthusiasm are the reason the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. Additionally, depending on who is in charge, both ministries can operate as departments under a single roof and still achieve great things.  

Manaseh John Audu, the convener of CreativeArtWacth, said the merger could result in a setback for the creative sector considering the fact that should Hannatu Musawa not get reappointed as a senior or state ministerial level or not at all, the sector would experience a shock that could lead to a severe loss of hope and expectations from the private sector. He opined that Musawa brought fresh energy, new ideas, and a forward-looking approach to the art, culture, and creative sectors.

Abia workers to enjoy new minimum wage, Govt Otti approves ₦70,000

By
Banke Olarenwaju
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Alex Otti, the governor of Abia public, has approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for public employees.


The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, declared that the decision, which exceeds the national minimum wage requirement, will go into effect in October 2024.


While speaking at a news briefing following Monday’s State Executive Council meeting, which was presided over by the Governor Kanu emphasized the government’s dedication to improving the welfare of workers in the state.
“The state government is committed to the minimum wage, and within the next few days, payment of the new minimum wage will commence,” Kanu stated.

The administration’s commitment to enhancing working conditions was further articulated by Kanu, who said, “If the governor wants to deviate from the national standard and pay higher, so be it.”

Sunny Onwuma, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that workers receive their increased salary on schedule and confirmed the latest wage announcement.

The administration’s emphasis on labor welfare is demonstrated by Governor Otti’s action, which places Abia State among the few in the nation to pay more than the federal minimum wage.

The minimum wage controversy has been a reoccuring issue that has trailed the governmennt of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after he consecutively, within a year increased petroleum pump price four times. The increament resulted to sharp rise in the prices of goods and services in the market across Nigeria, drastically underminding the value of monthly wages for workers. Agravated by government’s action the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria and other labour union bodies called for nationalwide industrial action. After series of nagotiation with the federal government of Nigeria an amount was arrived at as minumum wage for workers in Nigeria.

Hon Farouk Lawan completes jail term, released from Kuje prison

By
Joy Eniyeh McPhillips
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Farouk Lawan, a former member of the House of Representatives, was released from jail after serving a five-year sentence at Kuje.


In 2021, Lawan, who had previously played a significant part in Nigerian politics, was found guilty of taking a $500,000 bribe from Femi Otedola, the chairman of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd.

On Tuesday, October 22, a video that captured Lawan’s release from Kuje jail went viral, reigniting debates about accountability and corruption in Nigerian politics.

The Supreme Court had sometime this year, upheld the Court of Appeal’s decision and affirmed Lawan’s sentence.

A five-member panel of justices unanimously decided that Lawan was guilty on count three of the three charges against him.

Lawan’s appeal was dismissed in the main judgment, written by Justice John Okoro and delivered by Justice Tijjani Abubakar.

The Supreme Court ruled that the appeal lacked merit. The court came to the conclusion that “the evidence was overwhelming, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal stands.”

In a high-profile case that rocked Nigeria’s political scene, Lawan’s legal battle came to an end when his five-year sentence for corruption was confirmed.
Prior to his conviction, which signaled a dramatic decline in his popularity, Lawan was a well-known personality and the former chair of the House Committee on Fuel Subsidy.

Russia hosts BRICS Summit, battles western economic hegemony

By
Admin
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On Tuesday, the leaders of China, India, and South Africa arrived for the BRICS summit, a gathering of the world’s biggest economy, with the agenda of redefining the global economy.

Key global leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Narendra Modi, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, are already in the Russian city of Kazan for the BRICS summit as President Vladimir Putin play host to over 20 heads of states from around the world.

This action defies predictions that Russia would become isolated on the international scene as a result of its war in Ukraine, western sanctions, and an international arrest warrant.

According to the Kremlin, the gathering is among the “largest-scale foreign policy events ever” to take place in Russia.

The BRICS alliance, which at first consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is frequently described as a counterbalance to the Western economic hegemony.

Since then, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have joined; according to Russian authorities, another 30 countries wish to join or seek closer ties with the club. A few of these nations will attend the summit.

The BRICS nations collectively make up about 28% of the world GDP.

Okuneye Idris alias Bobrisky detained in Alagbon

By
Joy Eniyeh McPhillips
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Nigeria crossdresser Okuneye Idris, also known as Bobrisky, is being held at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State.

Bobrisky attempted to leave the country through the Seme border and was caught and detained by Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officers and was reported to have spent the night in a cell.

After his detention, Bobrisky was sent to the FCID for safekeeping, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

“On Monday night, at around ten o’clock, he was taken to the FCID, Alagbon. At the Seme Border, immigration detained him and took him into custody, the source said Punch.

According to FCID spokesperson Mayegun Aminat, who confirmed the detention said he is being held at FCID Alagbon. “We are to obtain a remand to hold him in jail today, and he is with us.”

This attests to the fact that Bobrisky is presently being investigated as authorities await additional instructions concerning his case.

In a statement released Monday night, NIS spokesperson Kenneth Udo classified Bobrisky as a person of interest in the face of mounting public alarm. “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju at the Seme Border over an attempt to escape from the country.

“Bobrisky is being questioned and will be turned over to the proper authorities for additional action,” Udo stated.

Given Bobrisky’s prominent position and the scandals that have surrounded him in recent years, many people are keeping a close eye on the investigation as it progresses.

Bauchi governor results to legal action to convey PDP NEC meeting

By
Banke Olarenwaju
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Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, has sapproached the Zamfara High Court, requesting an ex parte order to call a meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC).


This is happening in spite of an existing order from the Federal High Court in Abuja that forbids Umar Damagum, the party’s acting national chairman, from being removed.


Highlighting the party’s widening internal divides, Governor Mohammed, who also serves as the chair of the PDP Governors Forum, seeks to get around the federal court’s order.

At a time when the PDP is facing serious obstacles, the governor’s legal maneuver indicates a calculated attempt to exert control over the party’s leadership.

Factionalism inside the party is growing as members express dissatisfaction with the current leadership structure, highlighting the persistent division within the party.

According to political commentators, this action can deepen the divisions already present inside the PDP, making its internal politics even more complex.

The outcome of this legal dispute could have a significant impact on the party’s unity and electoral chances as it struggles with its direction.

The PDP, which is looking to strengthen its leadership in anticipation of next elections, is at a turning point with Governor Mohammed’s activities.

All eyes will be on the court’s ruling as the case progresses, which could either strengthen the divisions already present within the PDP or open the door for an important NEC meeting.

FG panel says Bobrisky served jail terms

By
Banke Olarenwaju
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0

Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, is a well-known crossdresser who has served out his jail sentence, according to an investigation panel established by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Bobriksy was found guilty of naira abuse on April 12 and given a six-month prison sentence. He was freed from prison in August.

A voice note purportedly belonging to Bobrisky was leaked by controversial social critic Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, who claimed that she paid N15 million to some officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in order to have the money laundering accusation against him dropped.

Bobrisky further stated in the recording that a “godfather” and Nigerian Correctional Service employees made sure he was housed in a private apartment rather than a prison cell for the duration of his six-month term.

The Minister authorized an investigation into the suspected corruption and other infractions against the Nigerian Correctional Service on September 30. The panel was chaired by Magdalena Ajani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.

The panel’s Executive Director and creator of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, Uju Agomoh, read the panel’s phase one findings on Monday and stated that there was no proof that Bobrisky slept outside the prison walls following her sentencing.

He stated, “The panel has not yet discovered any evidence that Mr. Okuneye slept outside the custodial center during his six-month correctional stay, which ran from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024.”

He stated, “The panel has not yet discovered any evidence that Mr. Okuneye slept outside the custodial center during his six-month correctional sentence with the usual remission applicable, which took place from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024.”

Bobrisky was moved from the Kuje Custodial Center to the Medium Security Custodial Center in Kirikiri-Apapa, Lagos, during this time, according to Agomoh. She was then taken to the Maximum Security Custodial Center, where she was released once her term was served.

According to him, Bobriksy had a number of benefits while incarcerated in both Custodial Centers, including furnished single cells, a humidifier, and frequent visits from friends and relatives.

However, the panel found that sections 164A and 164B of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 were broken by the crossdresser’s transfer to a maximum security institution as a first offender.

“The panel also found that Mr. Okuneye Idris enjoyed a number of privileges while in custody, both at the Medium Security and the Maximum Security Custodial Centers,” he continued. “These privileges include, in particular, furnished single cells, a humidifier, self-feeding, a designated inmate to run errands for him, access to a refrigerator and television, and possibly access to his phone.”

“More research is required to determine whether the aforementioned privileges granted to Okuneye Idris were driven by financial gain and stemmed from dishonest correctional officer behavior.”

The panel feels that the convicts’ unusual situation, as well as their physical characteristics and behavior, present a threat, and that the absence of established guidelines for handling such a case may have made it necessary to grant Okunenye Idris these privileges.

The panel suggests that precise rules be established to direct operations in the event of similar occurrences in the future. It is important to take precautions against overt discriminatory practices based on the socioeconomic position and other characteristics of prisoners.

IPOB to Southeast: “ignore sit-at-home order” from fake Finland infiltrators

By
Sunshine Oluwafemi
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Residents in the Southeast part of Nigeria have been advised by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to disregard any sit-at-home orders set for Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, and to continue with their daily activities.


This comes after an audio message went viral warning people in the Southeast to stay inside on October 21 and 22.


The voice message warned that anyone who disobeyed the instruction will face consequences.
As a result, formal events at courts, schools, and companies have been postponed or cancelled, causing panic throughout the area.


In response to the event, IPOB ruled that the sit-at-home directive was unlawful and clarified that it was not issued by the organization.

Emma Powerful, a representative for IPOB, told press that infiltrators and criminal elements issued the order.

“On October 21 and 22, the IIPOB did not issue any sit-at-home orders. Criminal elements and non-member infiltrators based in Finland are responsible for the unlawful order.


On those days, we asked our personnel to disregard the directive and carry on with their regular activities. We don’t want to spread panic about it, thus IPOB doesn’t want to discuss it,” he stated.
He said that anyone who gives such instructions is a criminal and advised the Southeasterners to ignore the command.

“Biafrans must realize that IPOB does not declare needless sit-at-homes,” Emma stated. For some time, we have suspended it, and anyone who gives such order is a criminal element that ought to be disregarded.

“In order to stop according giving meaning to the insignificant order from Finland-based infiltrators, we didn’t want to discuss or issue such again.”

Ooni of Ife bemoans the way Oluwo treated him like a child

By
Banke Olarenwaju
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0

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has made a startling admission about how he was allegedly driven from the palace of Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, the Ooni, one of Nigeria’s most revered monarchs, revealed this, igniting debates on the relationship between the two well-known rulers of Osun State.
The episode was recounted by Ooni Ogunwusi, who explained that an unexpected encounter occurred during his visit to the Oluwo’s palace.

“Oluwo chased me away like a kid when I went to see him. In order to explain why he had limited his interactions with Oluwo, the Ooni said in the clip, ” I have always maintained my distance from him since that incident.”
The king also responded to pleas for reconciliation, saying that although some may want him to get back in touch with the Oluwo, he is still wary.

The Ooni, unwilling to take the chance of a recurrence of the past, questioned, “Now that you people are pleading that I visit him again, what if he does the same?”

The Ooni emphasized his dedication to his royal duties in spite of the personal grievance.

“As an elder, even though I’m young, I have to rein in his excesses because I sit on the elders’ throne. “I greet you, Oluwo,” he said in closing.

The disclosure has sparked interest in the nature of the two monarchs’ relationship, even though the Ooni did not discuss any particular schism between them.

Osun State has been greatly impacted by both traditional rulers, which makes this public revelation all the more fascinating.

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