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Revenue in mind – Tinubu resumes office, holds first meeting with FIRS boss

By
Joy Eniyeh McPhillips
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After a two-week holiday in Europe, President Bola Tinubu has formally returned to his duties at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.


As Bayo Onanuga, the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, announced the president’s return, Tinubu met with Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Zach Adedeji immediately after his return.

Onanuga verified the meeting with the revenue chief and posted a picture of the president back at his desk on X (previously Twitter).
“This morning, following his two-week vacation, President Bola Tinubu was at his desk,” he wrote. He met with FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji for the first time.

During his two-week vacation, the president visited France and the United Kingdom. When he arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 7:20 p.m. on Saturday, he was greeted warmly by high-ranking officials of his administration, marking his return to Nigeria.

Tinubu’s yearly break, which began on Wednesday, October 2, included the trip. In a prior statement, Onanuga confirmed the official break and clarified that it was meant to be a working vacation.
The president’s discussion with Adedeji, who is now back in office, indicates that he is once again focused on revenue services and tax changes, which are important components of his administration’s economic policy.

Discussions for strengthening Nigeria’s tax structure and increasing national revenue are anticipated to be sparked by the session.

Fayose ignors PDP, endorses Oyebanji

By
Admin
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Despite possible opposition from his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has publicly supported Biodun Oyebanji’s reelection.

Fayose made it apparent that he supports Oyebanji during a recent event to commission infrastructure projects in Ado-Ekiti, highlighting the fact that his allegiance to the governor cuts across party lines.
Fayose said, “I don’t care what people say about me,” in response to his party’s criticism. “Whoever is not pleased should take their party away.”

His remarks coincide with escalating hostilities inside the PDP, as some party members have vowed to expel Fayose for his behavior.

During the occasion, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the initiatives his administration has taken to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Ekiti.

He noted that under his direction, major infrastructure projects have connected more than 40 villages to the national electricity grid, thereby stimulating local economies.Governor Oyebanji’s performance was commended by Fayose, who attributed his support to the unity of Ekiti leaders and his developmental achievements.

Fayose stated, “All former governors of Ekiti are standing behind Oyebanji for a second term,” highlighting the widespread support Oyebanji has received as a result of his official accomplishments.

Oyebanji’s chances of winning a second term are said to have significantly improved with Fayose’s endorsement, which comes ahead of the 2026 governorship race.

Even though Fayose has close ties to the PDP, his backing of the current governor suggests that there may be a divide within the party as the state gets ready for the election.

Rumour of President Paul Biya’s death echos with his long absence

By
Banke Olarenwaju
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The failing health of Cameroonian President Paul Biya has raised questions about the nation’s political future.

Public anxiety is growing over his extended absence in the country.

Since participating in the China-Africa Summit in early September, the 91-year-old leader has not been spotted. Reports indicate that he may be recuperating in Switzerland or undergoing treatment in France.

There is worry about who will take over as president since the current president of Cameroon has been in power for more than 40 years and there haven’t been any official updates about his health. A lawyer named Christian Ntimbane wrote a letter to Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, who is in charge of the president’s office, asking for the government to be open about the president’s health.

“If he is on vacation, state that. If he is unwell, communicate that as well,” Ntimbane emphasized, highlighting the public’s right to a clear response.With increased media attention on Biya’s absence, there is growing concern among Cameroonians about potential instability should he pass away.

President Biya has been in power since 1982, making him the second-longest-serving leader in Africa and the world’s oldest head of state.The extended period of silence from him and the government’s refusal to clarify his status have heightened public uncertainty about Cameroon’s future, sparking discussions about a potential transfer of power.

FCTA 2024 supplementary budget: Senate approves ₦288bn for infrastructure

By
Admin
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0

On Thursday, the Senate approves the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of ₦288 billion, in a plenary session.

This followed the adoption of the harmonised report of the Joint Committees on the FCTA and FCT Area Councils. The report was presented by the Joint Committee Chairman, Sen. Mohammed Bomai (APC-Yobe).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT Supplementary Budget proposal, which was presented on Monday during plenary, had a total of ₦288 billion as revenue proposed and ₦288 billion as expenditure.

Bomai, while presenting the report of the committee said the committee critically examined the sources of the revenue of the proposed supplementary budget. According to him, the committee also critically examined the proposed expenditures, which include overhead and capital and agreed with the proposed amendment.

Bomai said the capital component of the proposed supplementary revenue amounts to 89.21%, while that of the overhead was only 10%. He urged the Senate to consider and pass the recommendations of the committee on the 2024 FCT supplementary appropriation bill.

Senate referred it to the committee of supply to do clause-by-clause consideration of the FCT supplementary appropriation bill and thereafter approved the supplementary budget.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), who presided over Thursday’s plenary after the approval, commended the joint committee for expeditious processing of the bill.

He also commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for his frantic efforts at internal revenue generation and infrastructure development in the FCT. He urged other appointees of government to emulate the efforts of the FCT minister on revenue generation for the development of the FCT and the nation in general.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

N15m bribery alegations: Bobrisky considers killing himself

By
Banke Olarenwaju
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0

Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, has said he is considering killing himself over the allegations of N15 million bribery levelled against him.

The development is coming after Nigeira popular activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse aka VeryDarkMan, published an audio of Bobrisky offering N15 million to the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The money was meant for the anti-graft agency to drop money laundering charges against him, and also to avoid his jail term at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State.

Read more: Bobrisky’s allegations: Minister orders probe into alleged bribery in Correctional Service

The crossdresser, however, denied the content of the audio, describing it as fake.

However, in a Facebook post, Bobrisky said he is considering suicide due to attempts to belittle him.

He wrote: “I have never in my life thought about suicide in my life but now is coming to my head seeing what human being are doing to their fellow human just in the name you want to bring them down by force or because you don’t like them.

“I don’t need no sympathy from anyone. People I might have need sympathy from are my late parent. But who will fight for you? Friends? Haters you won.”

Bobrisky’s allegations: Minister orders probe into alleged bribery in Correctional Service

By
Agency Report
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Following the allegations of Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, against Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption in the Service.

In a viral publication and audio recording, the crossed dresser had alleged that though he was sentenced to serve in prison but the management of the Service moved him into a well furnished flat outside the correctional centre where he served his term.

This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the minister, Babatunde Alao, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Alao stated that Tunji-Ojo unequivocally condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour, emphasising that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, and corruption would be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the ministry’s purview.

“The ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

“We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law,” Tunji-Ojo said.

Meanwhile, the minister has constituted a special investigative team headed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, to probe the allegations and submit a comprehensive report.

Tunji-Ojo reassured the Nigerians that the investigation would be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and that appropriate disciplinary actions would be taken against any personnel found guilty

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Russia backs Africa’s bid for UN Security Council seat

By
tvafrinet
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0

Russia has expressed its backing for Africa’s bid for a United Nations Security Council seat.

Speaking to Russian media on the eve of the UN General Assembly, Moscow’s foreign affairs minister Sergei Lavrov called Africa’s desire for a permanent seat on the UN’s top organ ‘legitimate’.

He said Russia also supports the aspirations of India and Brazil.

Lavrov said that the admission of Africa to the Security Council would help elevate the voices of developing countries, an argument long made by African nations.

Last week, the United States said it supported Africa’s bid to join the Security Council but without veto power, drawing condemnation.

In 2005, African leaders adopted a consensus expressing Africa’s desire to be fully represented in all decision-making organs of the UN, particularly in the Security Council.

But the campaign has stalled in part due to opposition from the current permanent members of the Security Council.

Tuberculosis accounts for 125, 000 deaths annually says Remi Tinubu

By
Agency Report
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The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has said that Tuberculosis (TB) accounts for over 125,000 deaths annually and calls for action.

According to a statement by her Media Aide, Busola Kukoyi, on Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu said this during a side event of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) organised by the Stop TB Partnership.

The event was themed “Breaking the Resistance: Fighting AMR and TB Together for a Healthy Future”. It underscored the need for joint efforts to combat the dual threats of TB and AMR on national and global scales.

Tinubu reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating TB in Nigeria, highlighting the devastating toll the disease continues to take on the nation.

“Nigeria bears one of the highest TB burdens globally, and the loss of 125,000 lives each year is a tragedy we can no longer ignore,” she said.

She called for increased investment in research to develop new tools, treatments, and vaccines to tackle the evolving threat posed by TB and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“We must prioritise research that can outpace the growing threat of drug resistance,” she added.

The First Lady expressed confidence in the ability of the authorities to end the scourge of TB and AMR by 2030, adding that the fight against both diseases must be tackled together. She called on governments, international organisations, and the private sector to collaborate on innovative approaches to fighting TB and AMR.

“Addressing TB and AMR together is not just the smart way; it is the best and only way.

“Our methods must include preventing new infections, raising awareness, and educating the public on the dangers of drug-resistant TB.

“It is not just a public health concern; it is a threat to global health security,” she stated.

Tinubu said that drug-resistant TB had plagued communities for decades and continued to be a major health challenge due to its airborne nature and resistance to conventional treatments. She said that an integrated and strategic response to TB and AMR was critical in preventing the menace.

Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Director of Stop TB Partnership, Dr Lucica Ditiu, urged stakeholders to build on each other’s strengths as individual countries to fight TB.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance wives of the governors of Kwara state and Imo state, Dr Olufolake Abdulrazaq and Chioma Uzodimma. Also present were the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and health ministers from other countries.

Thalia Graves alleges ‘Diddy’ Combs raped her at 25 , files a lawsuit

By
tvafrinet
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0

Thalia Graves has sued Sean “Diddy” Combs on Tuesday, alleging that the music mogul and his head of security raped her when she was 25 years of age and recorded the incident.

She said the duo recorded the rap on video at his New York recording studio in 2001.

The lawsuit filed in federal court in New York, the latest of several similar suits against Combs, comes a week after he was was arrested and a federal sex trafficking indictment against him was unsealed.

Thalia Graves alleges that when she was 25 and dating an executive who worked for Combs in the summer of 2001, Combs and Joseph Sherman lured her to a meeting at Bad Boy Recording Studios. She said they picked her up in an SUV and during the ride gave her a drink “likely laced with a drug.”

According to the lawsuit, Graves lost consciousness and awoke to find herself bound inside Combs’ office and lounge at the studio. The two men raped her, slapped her, slammed her head against a pool table and ignored her screams and cries for help, the lawsuit alleges.

At a news conference in Los Angeles with one of her attorneys, Gloria Allred, Graves said she has suffered from “flashbacks, nightmares and intrusive thoughts” in the years since.

“It has been hard for me to trust others to form healthy relationships or even feel safe in my own skin,” Graves said, crying as she read from a statement.

She said it is “a pain that reaches into your very core of who you are and leaves emotional scars that may never fully heal.”

Combs remains jailed without bail in New York on federal charges alleging that he ran a vast network that facilitated sexual crimes and committed shocking acts of violence, using blackmail and other tactics to protect Combs and those close to him.

He pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His attorney said he is innocent and will fight to clear his name. His representatives did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the latest lawsuit. There was no immediate indication from the lawsuit or from Combs’ representatives whether Sherman had a separate attorney who could comment on the allegations.

Graves’ lawsuit also alleges that late last year, after Combs’ former singing protege and girlfriend Cassie filed a lawsuit that began the surge of allegations against him, Graves learned through her former boyfriend that Combs had recorded her rape, shown it to others and sold it as pornography.

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused, unless they come forward publicly as Graves and Cassie, whose legal name is Casandra Ventura, have done.

Graves’ lawsuit says both Combs and Sherman contacted her multiple times in the years after the assault, threatening repercussions if she told anyone what had happened to her. She was in a divorce and custody fight at the time and feared losing her young son if she revealed anything, the suit says.

Graves said at the news conference that the guilt and shame attached “often made me feel worthless, isolated and sometimes responsible for what happened to me.”

The lawsuit seeks damages to be determined at trial and for all copies of the video to be accounted for and destroyed.

It also names as defendants several companies owned by Combs, the three-time Grammy winner and founder of Bad Boy Records who was among the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past three decades.

Edo guber poll: Movement restriction enforced by IGP

By
Banke Olarenwaju
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0

Restriction of movement by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) , Olukayode Egbetokun, is already being enforced across the entire Edo State as the governorship election kicks off on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, September 20, 2024 released a statement to that effect, saying that the IGP has directed that all vehicular movements on roads and waterways, as well as other forms of transportation, be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the election day.

Essential services such as accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders are not affected by the restriction.

Egbetokun also announced strict security measures, including a ban on security aides accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres, as he assures the people of Edo State the the police “will uphold a fair and peaceful election,”

He emphasised that unauthorised security personnel and the use of sirens by unapproved vehicles would not be tolerated.

“The Inspector-General has put in place comprehensive security measures to ensure a calm and secure environment for voters,” Adejobi stated.

“All political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to adhere to the law to avoid sanctions.”

Additionally, special provisions will be made for People with Disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly.

The police urged residents to report any suspicious activities via designated control room numbers and warned against prank calls.

Egbetokun reassured the public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

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