Home Blog Page 1002

Only permanent interests matter in politics – Doyin Okupe

0

The former Director-General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation in the 2023 presidential election, Doyin Okupe, has reacted to a barrage of criticism trailing his open support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Okupe had in an interview on Channels TV said he knew that Tinubu was the better candidate despite his association with the LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, before the election.
He said: “Let me tell you, of all the people who ran for president in 2023, by the benefit of hindsight, Bola Tinubu is the best.
“From benefit of hindsight, I’ve seen Peter Obi, I’ve worked with Atiku Abubakar. I knew Bola Tinubu long time ago.
“But in terms of capacity, capability, knowledge, and commitment, you know, people keep underestimating what he did in Lagos. He did a wonderful job.”
However, the turn around led to many Nigerians with many Nigerians labelling him a traitor.
But in a post on X on Monday morning, Okupe came out to clarify his stance, saying in a game of politics there are no permanent friends or enemies, but only permanent interest.
READ ALSO:‘Traitors like you should keep quiet,’ Nigerians roast Okupe over ‘Tinubu fall’ comment
The former aide to ex- President Goodluck Jonathan stressed that there is no room for “rabid passion, fanaticism, insults and abuses” in politics.
He pointed out that “repeated failures, jeopardy of interest, pain, shame and ignominy are the consequences of not adhering to the established tenets of politics.”
He wrote: ”
POLITICS 101
“In this game, there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.
POLITICS 102
If a friend was disagreeable yesterday but can still serve yr interest tomorrow, he remains a friend.
POLITICS 103
“In this game of politics, there is no room for rabid passion, fanaticm, insults and abuses. Caution, restraint, courtesy, diplomacy, temperance, and tolerance are always profitable to employ.
POLITICS 104
“Repeated failures, jeopardy of interest, pain, shame and ignominy are the consequences of not adhering to the above 3 established tenets of politics.
IF U KNOW U KNOW. IF U DONT, THEN PREPARE TO LEARN.”

POLITICS 101In this game, there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.
POLITICS 102If a friend was disagreeable yesterday but can still serve yr interest tomorrow, he remains a friend.
POLITICS 103In this game of politics, there is no… pic.twitter.com/MEO0pYdOrb
— Doyin (@doyinokupe) July 15, 2024

The post Only permanent interests matter in politics – Doyin Okupe appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Man charged with murder over bodies found in suitcases

0

A suspect, Yostin Mosquera, 34, has been charged with murder after the bodies of two men, one of whom was from France, were found dumped in suitcases on a well-known bridge in the United Kingdom, police said on Monday.

Police said the two victims had previously been in a relationship but still lived together in west London, adding that the suspect had been staying with them.

Evidence in the investigation so far had not pointed to a homophobic motive but it had been classified as a hate crime.

Police named the victims as Albert Alfonso, 62, a British citizen originally from France, and Paul Longworth, 71.

Officers launched a manhunt after the suitcases were discovered on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, southwest England last week.

More human remains were later found at a flat in London as Mosquera will appear before magistrates in the capital later on Monday.

“I know that this awful incident will cause concern not just among residents… but in the wider LGBTQ+ community across London,” said Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, adding that officers were not looking for anyone else over the killings.

“My thoughts are first and foremost with Albert and Paul’s loved ones who are coming to terms with this terrible news,” he said.

Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by the pioneering engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is one of the oldest surviving suspension bridges in the world.

Opened in 1864, the bridge over the Avon Gorge is one of Bristol’s top tourist attractions and a city symbol.

AFP

State creation misplaced priority – Olisa Agbakoba

0

Human rights activist, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has berated the agitation by some members of the House of Representatives for state creation in the South-East.
He made this statement in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
Agbakoba, who described the proposal as a misplaced priority, canvassed regionalism as a way out of the country’s myriad of problems.
According to the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), most of the present 36 states in Nigeria are unviable.
TVN recalls that the House of Representatives recently passed for second reading a bill seeking the creation of Etiti State out of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states from the South-East geopolitical zone.
The bill was sponsored by Reps Godwin Ogah, Miriam Onuoha, Kama Nkemkama, Princess Nnabuife and Anayo Onwuegbu.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Ogah (LP, Abia) said the establishment of Etiti State was not just a matter of administrative convenience but a step towards ensuring balanced regional development and effective governance.
Also, some lawmakers and stakeholders have called for the creation of Anioma State from states in the South-South and South-East regions.
One of those leading the call, Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta North), said the creation of Anioma State would correct what he described as the marginalization of the South-East geopolitical zone.
According to him, if Anioma State is created, it will increase the population of the South-East, the land mass, and the resource base of the region.
Reacting, Agbakoba said Nigeria currently has no need for more states.
He said lawmakers and other political stakeholders should, instead, be concerned about restructuring Nigeria into a regional government to reflect the real diversity of the country.
Agbakoba said he was not in support of additional states because most of the 36 were economically unviable, insolvent and not capable of bringing about infrastructural development or even paying the proposed minimum wage.
State creation misplaced priority – Olisa Agbakoba

I never imagined breathing air of freedom in one week – Abducted journalist Abdulgafar

0

Abdulgafar Alabelewe, the correspondent of The Nation Newspaper, Kaduna who was kidnapped and recently rescued by Nigerian security operatives, on Sunday said he never thought he would breathe the air of freedom within a week.
Alabelewe and Abdulraheem Aodu of the Blueprint Newspaper, alongside their family members, were abducted from their separate homes in Kaduna last week.
In a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alabelewe thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and his team for their swift intervention.
He stated that the rescue mission that brought them out of the bush on Saturday gave them hope in the country and confidence in the government’s seriousness about tackling the problem of kidnapping, stressing that he never thought they would be rescued within a week.
He said, “We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released.”
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had welcomed the release of the two Kaduna-based journalists, who were abducted from their homes on the outskirts of Kaduna over the weekend.
I never imagined breathing air of freedom in one week – Abducted journalist Abdulgafar

Trump’s shooter had bombs materials in his car, residence – US security

0

The gunman who attempted to assassinate former United States, US, President, Donald Trump, Thomas Mathew Crooks, had explosive materials in his car and residence.
US security sources who spoke with Fox News said Crooks car parked near the Pennsylvania rally had bomb making materials inside.
“There were explosives, including an IED, found inside a car driven by Thomas Matthew Crooks found parked near the scene of the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania,” sources confirmed to Fox News.
The sources could not say how many explosives or what kind, but emphasized that more than one was found.
In Crooks’ house, law enforcement also found bomb-making materials.
The 20-year-old had attempted to assassinate Trump during his campaign in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
Crooks fired several shots but only hit Trump by his ears. But the secret service responded immediately by killing him.
The 20-year-old was reported to have used an AR-style weapon.
Trump’s shooter had bombs materials in his car, residence – US security

APC chieftain hails Osoba at 85

0

A member of the National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has congratulated the former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, on his 85th birthday, saying his exemplary leadership has set a standard for governance.

His felicitation comes barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu described the celebrant as a notable Nigerian who is always concerned about the oneness of Nigeria and her development.

Tinubu stated this at the public launch of a book titled “My Life In the Public Eye” to mark Osoba’s 85th birthday held at the Eko Hotels and Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In a statement on Monday, Bankole believed the one-time Daily Times editor and former chairman of the governing board of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism meant more to the people he has impacted.

According to the APC national leader for Persons with Disability, Osoba has redefined governance in his state and remains a towering figure in Nigerian politics.

He said, “Aremo Olusegun Osoba’s life and career are a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service, democracy, and the development of our nation. As an accomplished journalist, he has made significant contributions to the media landscape, upholding the principles of truth, integrity, and freedom of the press.

“His exemplary leadership and dedication as a politician have set a high standard for governance, earning him the respect and admiration of Nigerians across all walks of life. Osoba’s legacy as a mentor to the next generation of leaders is commendable. His guidance, wisdom, and support have nurtured many young politicians and public servants, ensuring the continuity of good governance and democratic values in our country.

“As we celebrate his 85th birthday, I acknowledge his remarkable achievements and contributions to the progress of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. May his life continue to be a source of inspiration to all, and may he enjoy many more years of health, happiness and fulfilment.”

Osoba had an illustrious career as a journalist in the 1960s before veering into politics.

The elder statesman was elected as the governor of Ogun State first from 1992 to 1993 during the Third Republic on the Social Democratic Party.

He was later removed from office by the late General Sani Abacha’s administration on November 17, 1993 but was fortunate to be elected again as governor on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy from May 1999 to May 2003.

Nepal’s PM, Khadga Oli, sworn in for fourth time

0

Nepal’s Khadga Oli was sworn in as Prime Minister, on Monday, after his Communist Party forged a coalition government with the centre-left Nepali Congress, shifting power in the country’s often-volatile parliament.

Oli, 72, chief of the second-largest party in the parliament, the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), returns as prime minister for the fourth time.

In the Himalayan republic of about 30 million people, overshadowed by giant neighbours India and China, Oli previously trod a fine balance between the rivals, cordial to both but reaching out to Beijing to decrease Nepal’s dependency on New Delhi.

“I, KP Sharma Oli, in the name of the country and people, pledge that I will be loyal to the constitution… and fulfil my duty as the prime minister,” Oli said, as President Ram Poudel administered the oath of office.

First elected as prime minister in 2015, he was reelected in 2018 with a rare majority government and then reappointed briefly in 2021.

His predecessor and former coalition government ally, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, lost a vote of confidence on Friday, barely 18 months after taking office.

Dahal, a former Maoist guerrilla commander better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda (“The Fierce One”), was forced to step down after Oli’s party withdrew its support.

Oli instead forged a deal with Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress.

He has promised to yield the post to the former five-time prime minister Deuba, 78, later in the parliamentary term.

Nepal’s next general elections are due in 2027.

AFP

Nigeria media watchdog probes report on Samoa Agreement

0

Nigeria’s media watchdog, the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCN), has received a formal complaint from the Federal Government on a report published by Daily Trust on July 4.
The newspaper had in the report
titled: “LGBT: Nigeria Signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal,” claimed the agreement included clauses promoting LGBTQ+ rights as a condition for a purported $150 billion loan.
The federal government, however, denied the claim as “false and misleading information that severely threatens national security.
This development comes amidst controversy surrounding the Samoa Agreement itself.
The agreement, a framework for the European Union’s relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations, has been met with public scrutiny in Nigeria.
The federal government also maintained it does not infringe on national sovereignty or social values.
READ ALSO:Reps urge Nigerian govt to suspend Samoa Agreement implementation
Daily Trust, a prominent Nigerian newspaper, has acknowledged “some lapses” in their reporting and promised to take corrective measures. However, the extent of these corrections and the paper’s response to the FG’s complaint remain to be seen.
The NMCC, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Interim Secretary, Eluem Izeze and Feyi Smith, respectively, said it had acknowledged the federal government’s complaint and promised to give it the necessary attention.
The statement read: “The management of Daily Trust will be contacted shortly for its response.
“In accordance with this mandate and our established procedures, we have commenced an investigation into the government’s allegations. We assure the public that our inquiry will be thorough and impartial.
“We look forward to receiving the full cooperation of all parties involved and pledge to continue to ensure transparency throughout this process.”
The NMCN’s investigation will unravel the accuracy of Daily Trust’s reporting and determine if journalistic ethics were breached.
This case has significant implications for Nigerian media, raising questions about fact-checking, responsible reporting, and the potential impact of inaccurate information on national security.
The post Nigeria media watchdog probes report on Samoa Agreement appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

IGP suspends controversial e-CMR enforcement scheduled for July 29

0

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an immediate suspension of the July 29 plan to commence the enforcement of the e-Central Motor Registry (e-CMR).
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Adejobi said the suspension was to give ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of the public on the process, benefits and effectiveness of e-CMR.
The police spokesman said the I-G had urged police officers to desist from requesting for e-CMR certificates.
According to him, officers found extorting or exploiting the public on the guise of not having e-CMR certificates would be sanctioned.
Adejobi said the enforcement would be done by only dedicated officers from a date to be announced later.
He said the e-CMR was designed to address the challenges of vehicle related crimes and protection of individual and corporate vehicle ownership.
Adejobi said the registration would help to collate the data imputed into the system by vehicle owners and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen.
“The e-CMR will provide a firsthand database to the Force for curbing vehicular crimes as dedicated officers can access real-time comprehensive data of every vehicle on their tablets.
“The e-CMR will prevent multiple registration of vehicles and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners and individuals.
“It will also, add value to the national database and incident report portal generated from other Ministries, Departments and Agencies towards general security,” he said.
According to him, contrary to news making the round and insinuations about the e-CMR, the Nigeria Police wishes to state categorically that the e-CMR is not a revenue generating platform.
He said the platform was an initiative to digitalise policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigeria residents.
The police spokesman called for the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents to key into the e-CMR system.
TVN reports that the IG had ordered the enforcement of the digitalised e-CMR
from July 29.
IGP suspends controversial e-CMR enforcement scheduled for July 29

Burberry sacks leadership to revive sales

0

British fashion label, Burberry, on Monday announced the immediate departure of chief executive Jonathan Akeroyd, as it posted what it described as “disappointing” results.

He is being replaced by Joshua Schulman, who has headed American fashion brands, Michael Kors and Coach, Burberry said in a statement.

Burberry chair, Gerry Murphy described Schulman as “a proven leader with an outstanding record of building global luxury brands and driving profitable growth.”

In a separate statement, Murphy said Burberry’s recent “performance is disappointing.”

Revenue slid 22 per cent to £458 million ($594 million) in the group’s first quarter, or three months to the end of June.

He said Burberry would cut costs going forward, while the group risked an operating loss in its first half.

It comes as the wider luxury fashion sector navigates weak demand, particularly in China, with Gucci owner Kering in April issuing a profit warning.

Burberry is a British luxury fashion house established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry.

The brand known for its iconic trench coats, is also recognised for its signature tartan pattern, which has become a symbol of British fashion, According Online reports.

AFP

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]