The Kogi State Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Senator Danjuma Laah, has indefinitely postponed the party’s state ward congress initially set for Saturday.
The suspension follows an incident in which hoodlums invaded the party’s state secretariat, stealing sensitive electoral materials.
The decision to halt the congress was made in collaboration with the congress committee chairman, Boyelayefa Debeleme, according to a statement by the committee’s Publicity Secretary, Dayo Akande.
The statement explained that the attackers arrived in an 18-seater bus and other unmarked vehicles.
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“All these happened in the presence of the INEC observer. These unauthorized persons went away with all sensitive materials meant for the congress across the 239 wards of the 21 LGA wards of the state,” Akande noted.
The committee strongly condemned the theft and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies to disregard any results that may come from the disrupted congress.
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Kogi PDP suspends ward congress indefinitely after thugs raid secretariat
Police behaving like APC wing in Edo, says PDP
The Edo State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday alleged that the state police command is acting like a wing of the All Progressives Congress as the September 21 governorship election draws near.
Chairman of the state PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, who stated this at a press conference in Benin, said the disposition might rob the election of the needed playing field for a free and fair election.
The chairman alleged that the PDP has witnessed instances where the police acted in manners that suggest that they were favourably disposed to the opposition party in the state
He said, “This is to express our concern over the police disposition to a level playing field for parties ahead of the September 21, governorship election in the state.
“The party has witnessed instances in which the police acted in manners that suggest that they are a wing of the All Progressives Congress.
“The operatives’ actions and inactions at the state and national level in the wake of developments
appeared to be that they are disposed only of petitions raised
by the APC.”
The PDP chair said disregarding complaints by other actors in the polity portends an ominous sign as the election in Edo State is barely two months away.
Aziegbemi said a few weeks ago, the Deputy Director of Media for the PDP Election Campaign Council, Rev. Olu Martins was invited and arrested by the police based on a petition against him.
He noted that Martins was subsequently arraigned in court and granted bail after meeting the necessary bail conditions set by the trial Judge.
He added, “However, I, the chairman of the PDP in Edo State wrote a petition over comments by the chairman of the State’s chapter of the APC where he threatened to mobilise and lead youths to stone Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
“A video evidence of this threat and an accompanying petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State.
“Surprisingly, no action has been taken on the matter since the petition was submitted, unlike the swift manner in which the Police responded to the petition against Martins.
“The police have also deployed a tactical team of policemen to arrest and harass at least 22
members and leaders of the PDP who are currently under heavy surveillance,” he added.
Reacting, the State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye said the cases have been transferred to Abuja, adding, “whatever observations or comments anybody has should be directed to Abuja.”
Insurgents planning to exploit protest in Yobe – Police
The Yobe State Police Command revealed that it has received intelligence indicating that insurgents are planning to exploit the planned protest to execute heinous acts in the state.
The command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, made the revelation in a statement issued on Sunday.
The command, in the statement, admitted that citizens have constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, but avowed that Yobe State is unprepared to face additional security challenges following the activities of insurgents in Gujba LGA, which led to an IED explosion recently.
“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the planned protests due to sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence,” the command said.
It also warned clandestine groups plotting to destabilise the state and hoodlums seeking to exploit the protests for criminal agendas to desist from carrying out any acts capable of breaching public peace.
The police command enjoined participants to provide protest routes, names and contact information of protest leaders and organisers to facilitate a successful and incident-free protest. The command also asked them to share the measures they put in place to prevent the hijacking of the protest by criminal elements.
“By providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity,” the command PRO stated.
Insurgents planning to exploit protest in Yobe – Police
Kenneth Okonkwo’s resignation not surprising — LP
A few hours after the former spokesman of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, announced his resignation, the leadership of the party has described him as one of the moles in their camp.
Okonkwo dumped LP on Sunday over the lingering internal strife and leadership crisis threatening to tear the party apart.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, said Okonkwo’s departure from the party did not come as a surprise to any of their followers who already knew that he was a mole within their rank.
Ifoh also stated that his attack on Obi, his one-time ally, was needless and rather unfortunate.
He said, “Kenneth Okonkwo’s resignation from the Labour Party didn’t come to us as a surprise. We also think that his attack on the party’s leader, Peter Obi is rather unfortunate, however, we will continue not to dignify him with any response as we understand that his attention-craving attitude knows no bounds.
“Recently a former DG of the party’s presidential campaign organisation (Doyin Okupe) resigned and rejoined the APC. Only last week, an ex-deputy Director General of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC. Today, it is the turn of Mr. Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us.”
He said the party is keeping to its decision to stand with Obi as its leader and presidential hopeful come the 2027 presidential election.
“Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in any way diminish the trust Nigerians, particularly, the Obidients and youths in Nigeria have in him.
“We know that with him, a new Nigeria will be possible. Nigerians spoke loudly in 2023 and they will speak even louder come 2027,” he added.
Inside the 2024 BBNaija house
Here is a sneak peek into the stunning mansion where this season contestants will live together for 71 days.
The highly anticipated BBNaija show premieres tonight, July 28, 2024.
The winner of the competition, which concludes on October 6, 2024, will take home an incredible grand prize of N65 million in cash and a brand-new car.
This season’s theme, “Dynamic Duos,” promises to bring exciting dualities of partners, characters, and big personalities to the Biggieverse, all competing for the massive grand prize worth 100 million naira – comprising N65 million in cash and other exciting prizes.
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Australia beat Zambia in 11-goal thriller
Australia produced an incredible comeback to overturn a three-goal deficit and beat Zambia 6-5 in the Olympic women’s football on Sunday, as World Cup holders Spain secured a quarter-final berth and Japan stunned Brazil.
The Australians got off to a terrible start in Group B with a 3-0 defeat by Germany in their opening game and appeared to be heading for a second straight loss when they trailed Zambia 5-2 early in the second half in Nice.
But the Matildas came roaring back and won an 11-goal thriller thanks to Michelle Heyman’s 90th-minute strike in an unforgettable match.
It was a shocking collapse by Zambia, for whom Barbra Banda opened the scoring in the first minute and went on to net a hat-trick, with Racheal Kundananji scoring twice.
Alanna Kennedy quickly cancelled out Banda’s opener, only for Kundananji to restore Zambia’s lead before Banda made it 3-1.
Hayley Raso pulled one back but Banda scrambled in to complete her hat-trick just before the break and make it 4-2.
Kundananji then headed in for 5-2 on 56 minutes, but defensive gifts by Zambia handed last year’s World Cup semi-finalists a way back into the contest.
Lushomo Mweemba played a clearance from her own line off goalkeeper Ngambo Musole and into the net for an own goal, and the ‘keeper then fumbled in a Steph Catley free-kick for 5-4.
Catley converted a penalty for 5-5 and Heyman ran through for the winner.
Record four-time gold medallists the United States take on Germany in Marseille later in the same group.
• Japan late show –
Spain’s all-star side beat Nigeria 1-0 for their second straight victory in Group C, with former Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas scoring a late free-kick to decide the game in Nantes.
The world champions are now certain to at the very least be one of the best third-placed sides and will be in the quarter-finals.
Earlier in the same group, Momoko Tanikawa scored a stunning 96th-minute winner as Japan netted twice in injury time to come from behind and beat Brazil 2-1 in Paris.
Japan, the 2012 silver medallists, were staring at a second straight defeat in Group C that would have left them in serious danger of a first-round exit after Jhennifer put Brazil ahead early in the second half.
But captain Saki Kumagai rolled in a 92nd-minute penalty to equalise at the Parc des Princes before 19-year-old substitute Tanikawa’s incredible first-time shot from 30 metres sailed over the goalkeeper and in for the winner.
It was a remarkable comeback by Japan, for whom Mina Tanaka had a penalty saved in the first half with the game goalless.
The result means Japan and Brazil — silver medallists in 2004 and 2008 — are now level on three points after two matches.
Colombia beat New Zealand 2-0 in Lyon in Group A, in which hosts France play reigning Olympic champions Canada later.
The Canadians are in turmoil after being deducted six points on Saturday for the spying scandal which led to coach Bev Priestman being suspended for a year by FIFA.
AFP.
UK’s LH Telecommunication acquires 95% stake in 9mobile
A UK-based company, LH Telecommunication Limited, has acquired a majority stake in Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited, the parent company of 9mobile.
According to a statement on Sunday by the company, the acquisition, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, allows a new board to take over the struggling telecom operator.
Although the deal’s financial terms were not disclosed, the company indicated that the takeover is subject to regulatory approvals.
“The investment, approved by the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), the senior lender to 9mobile in May 2023, has resulted in a change in control of 9mobile in favour of the new investor by the issuance of new shares amounting to 95.5 per cent of 9mobile to the new investor in consideration for the injection of fresh capital into the company,” the board said.
The new ownership structure is expected to bring stability and fresh investment to the company, enabling it to compete more effectively in Nigeria’s highly competitive telecom market.
The new board will be chaired by Thomas Etuh, with Nahim Ibraheem and Femi Edun joining as new members.
Additionally, the UK firm has nominated diverse individuals to the board, including a former senator, Daisy Danjuma, Michael Ikpoki, Ibrahim Puri, Gloria Danjuma, and Emmanuel Etuh.
Obafemi Banigbe was appointed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer to lead the company through its transition phase and drive its recovery.
The new CEO, Banigbe, whose appointment was previously announced a few weeks ago, is expected to bring his extensive experience at the C-suite level and a profound understanding of the African business landscape.
9mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, was acquired by Teleology Holdings with high hopes of turning it around but has continued to struggle in the Nigerian market.
The operator has faced customer attrition, losing subscribers from its peak of 22 million in October 2016 to just over 15 million in November 2018.
Six years later, the operator trails behind with 11.7 million voice subscribers and 3.3 million internet users, according to the National Bureau of Statistics Telecoms Data released early this month.
Kogi PDP suspends ward congress indefinitely as thugs invade secretariat
The Senator Danjuma Laah-led Kogi State Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has suspended the state ward congress of the party earlier scheduled for Saturday.
The caretaker committee explained that the decision to suspend the ward congress became necessary when hoodlums invaded the state secretariat and made away with sensitive electoral materials.
According to a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the committee, Dayo Akande, on Sunday, the decision was taken in collaboration with the congress committee chairman, Boyelayefa Debeleme.
According to the statement, the impersonators came with an 18-seater bus and other vehicles without any means of identification.
“All these happened in the presence of the INEC observer. These unauthorised persons went away with all sensitive materials meant for the congress across the 239 wards of the 21 LGA wards of the state,” the statement read.
The committee condemned the act and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission as well as other institutions to disregard any purported result that might emanate from the illegal exercise.
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Minister warns against hunger protest, says promoters faceless
The Minister of the Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has called on youths in the Niger Delta Development area to shun the planned nationwide protest on August 1.
Momoh said most of the promoters of the protest are faceless individuals who reside outside the country, pointing out that they aim to destroy Nigeria.
Momoh made the call while speaking to newsmen in Bera Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State when he accompanied his counterpart in the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal to the area to commission water projects.
Momoh stated, “Wherever I find myself, I have always sent that message. And yesterday, even in the traditional rulers’ house and in the public field, I made it clear that August 1st is suspected to be a date when faceless individuals want to protest. I don’t think of anybody who is from this area, Ogoni would participate.
“And the entire Niger Delta should not have anything to do with it (protest) because the people who are planning it, they are faceless. They are not residents of Nigeria. Most of them are outside the country.
“They want to destroy your country while they are there living in comfort zones. So we should not allow the youth of our area to have anything to do with the protests. Because of the protests, you know how it starts, but you don’t know how it ends.
“You saw the EndSARs in Lagos. You can see the massive destruction that was done to Lagos. If the economy of Lagos is not a very strong one, in fact, it will be very difficult for them to recover.
“And imagine, allowing such a protest to happen in places like this, and even in Port Harcourt and the Niger Delta region, who is going to lose? We are the ones who are going to lose. We are not as strong as Lagos.”
While noting that it goes beyond President Tinubu, the Minister added, “What is being planned now is how to disrupt Nigeria, and to let you know that there is no country today, an adverse nation, that would want Nigeria to make progress.
“So I think, let me use this opportunity to appeal to the entire masses, particularly the traditional rulers, the youth, and the women, not to allow themselves to be deceived by anybody,” Momoh said.
Momoh recalled that sometime in 2011, some people had said that by 2015 the country was going to collapse, saying the purveyors did every manipulation to see that Nigeria did not survive but failed.
He said, “Has Nigeria not survived? So they are surprised that a lot of progress has been made in this country. And we should not give them an opportunity.
“And as the fourth estate of the realm, it is your duty and your responsibility, in your analysis, to continue to tell the whole world that this type of protest is not necessary, it’s irrelevant, and it will not do anybody any good. Therefore, since I’m in Ogoni land, I want to appeal to the youth of Ogoni.
“They should take time to see what is being done in their respective domains. And let some of them, at least those contractors, and the chairman of the Board of Trustees, I’m sure, from time to time, organize some of the youth groups, take some of them, let them go around and see what is happening. At that time, they will be convinced that the HIPREP (the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project) is working.
“As far as I’m concerned, now that I’m here, I can make bold to say that HIPREP is working, and they are doing what they are supposed to do.”
Man stabs wife to death over infidelity in Ekiti
Tragedy struck in Ado-Ekiti as Onipede Dare reportedly stabbed his wife, Kumapayi Arinola, to death over alleged infidelity.
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 27, at Christ Avenue, in the Adebayo area of Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.
A resident, preferring anonymity, disclosed to newsmen that the tragic event unfolded on Saturday morning.
Another source revealed that before the altercation, the couple had sent their older child on an errand and locked their apartment door, leaving their younger child, about five years old, inside.
Onipede, a law enforcement agent, and his wife, who worked in a chemist shop, reportedly attacked each other with sharp objects, though it is unclear whether knives or bottles were used.
A source recounted, “They locked themselves up inside their apartment with their younger child. The man confronted the deceased over allegations of cheating, leading to a fight and ultimately, her being fatally stabbed.
“When neighbours couldn’t break down the door, some removed part of the building’s ceiling to gain entry. They found the couple with injuries all over their bodies. The woman was unconscious and was rushed to the hospital but died before arrival.”
The matter was reported to the police, and Onipede was taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment under police supervision.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Sunday Abutu, stated, “We received the information from their children. The incident happened on Saturday, 27/4/24. The police have launched an investigation into the matter.”
Video footage posted on Instagram by Celebrity Gist Blog (celebritygist_1) sighted by According Online on Sunday, showed policemen from Igede Divisional Headquarters at the scene.
The blog post read, “A gruesome incident has shaken the community of Igede-Ekiti, leaving residents in shock and disbelief. A man, who had been separated from his ex-wife, stabbed her to death before taking his own life in a tragic turn of events.”
The community remains in shock as investigations continue.