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Court restrains PDP from holding congresses in Abia

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Court restrains PDP from holding congresses in Abia

An Abia High Court, Bende Judicial Division, presided by Justice C.U Okoroafor has restrained the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding party congress slated for 27 July, 2024, in the state.
The court also restrained the PDP from taking any decision or giving any directive to further extend the already expired tenure of the last state, local government and ward executive officers of the party in Abia State, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The restraining order followed a motion ex parte brought pursuant to Order 39 Rule (1) of the Abia State High Court(Practice and Procedure) Rules, 2021, affidavit in support of the motion and as well as written address of counsel to the applicants, O.O Amuzie.
While ruling on the ex parte motion, Justice Okoroafor ordered “that leave be and is hereby granted the claimants /applicants to serve the originating summons and other processes in the suit in the defendants in Abuja, outside Abia State”.
“That leave be and is hereby granted the claimants/applicants to serve the originating summons, orders and other court processes in the suit, by substituted means, by delivering the same to any adult inmates, or by posting same at the headquarters of Peoples Democratic Party, Wadata Plaza, FCT Abuja,” he added.
The applicants are Francis Etuzu, Chidindu Kalu Kalu and Enyinnaya Ogbu, while the PDP National Chairman, National Organising Secretary and National Legal Adviser are the defendants.
Justice Okoroafor adjourned the matter to 30 July, 2024, for report of service.

Court restrains PDP from holding congresses in Abia

Tinubu in meeting with traditional rulers at Aso Villa

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Tinubu in meeting with traditional rulers at Aso Villa

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting traditional rulers at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Leading the delegation of royal fathers are the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The meeting began at about 2:30 pm when the President arrived at the Council Chamber.

Although the agenda of Thursday’s meeting is unknown, it may be related to growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled for August 1 – 10, 2024.

The protests, organised under the hashtag
‘EndBadGovernance,’ have gained significant traction on social media, even though the organisers remain largely anonymous, with no group officially claiming responsibility.
Present are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Also present are Governors Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, and Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, also joined President Tinubu at the meeting.

Minutes earlier, Tinubu held talks with APC Governors at the Villa. The Governors did not brief the press after the meeting.

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Man City stars Ederson, Alvarez seeking exits — Report

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Man City stars Ederson, Alvarez seeking exits — Report

Manchester City could be facing a double blow as reports suggest goalkeeper Ederson and striker Julian Alvarez are looking to leave the club.

GiveMeSports reported in a post via its website on Thursday that the reasons behind their potential departures have now come to light.

According to The Athletic, Ederson, a mainstay in Pep Guardiola’s squad since 2017, is reportedly attracted by lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League clubs.

However, a recent incident in City’s match against Tottenham seems to have played a crucial role in his decision.

After suffering a concussion and being replaced by Stefan Ortega, who made a crucial save against Son Heung-min in the dying minutes of the game, there were suggestions that Ederson might not have made the stop. This appears to have unsettled the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Following the match, Ederson cryptically posted on social media, “No one understands but me. See you soon.” Despite City’s efforts to reassure him of his importance, Ederson is reportedly looking to move to a European club.

Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez, despite playing over 2,600 minutes last season, is seeking a club where he can be the regular starting striker.

“The other player facing an uncertain future at City is Alvarez, who is determined to find a club where he is the regular starting striker, despite having played over 2,600 minutes last season,” the post said.

The Athletic reports that Alvarez and his family have “grown tired of the weather in England and would welcome a move to a country with a warmer climate.”

Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in the World Cup winner. However, Manchester City has set a hefty price tag for Alvarez, demanding £60 million plus £17 million in performance-based add-ons.

These potential departures come as a surprise, especially in Ederson’s case, as he was reportedly ready to sign a new contract in March. City fans may have seen both players in their colours for the last time, with the transfer window approaching its close.

Nigerian Govt explains why it is yet to pay allocations directly to LGs

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Nigerian Govt explains why it is yet to pay allocations directly to LGs

The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, on Thursday disclosed that the Federal Government is yet to commence payment of monthly allocations to the local governments.
Edun explained that the development is due to some “practical impediments”.
He spoke during the quarterly media briefing on recent economic activities in the country.
This comes weeks after the Supreme Court ordered the Nigerian Government to directly pay allocations to local government accounts.
The Supreme Court said it was illegal for state governments to receive allocations on behalf of local governments.
The landmark judgement, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, emphasized that the practice contravenes the financial autonomy of local governments and has persisted for over two decades.
The apex court’s decision mandates that all allocations from the Federation Account should henceforth be paid directly to the 774 local government councils across the country, rather than being filtered through state governors.
However, the Coordinating Minister of Economy said the judgment was yet to be handed over to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for proper study and implementation.
Edun said a committee has been set up by the Federal Government to look at the practicability of the judgement.
“The actual proceeding has not been handed down to the AGF,” Edun said.
Nigerian Govt explains why it is yet to pay allocations directly to LGs

Over $1.5bn spent on protecting Nigeria’s oil Installations —SGF

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Over $1.5bn spent on protecting Nigeria’s oil Installations —SGF

The Federal Government has said it has spent over $1.5 billion from 2020 to date to protect the nation’s oil installations and curb crude oil theft.

The Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, made this known on Thursday at a public hearing of the House of Representatives on crude oil theft.

Akume was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Maurice Nandi.

“The Federal Government was concerned about the report from the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), which pointed to over $46 billion worth of stolen crude between 2009 and 2020.

“The House had set up a special committee, headed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Ado Doguwa, to investigate the losses in the oil and gas sector,” Akume said.

Additionally, Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, said $10 billion has been lost in seven months to crude oil theft, and no magic can remedy such a loss.

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Learn from #ENDSARS, Ezekwesili urges govt 

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Learn from #ENDSARS, Ezekwesili urges govt 

A former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has backed the upcoming nationwide protest planned for August 1-10, 2024 urging the federal and state governments to handle the situation with civility and empathy.

In a statement titled “My Position on the Nationwide Protest of our Young Citizens,” and posted on X on Thursday, Ezekwesili highlighted the distress being experienced by many Nigerians, particularly the youth, due to severe economic hardships.

“All reasonable people know that the majority of our citizens—especially the young ones—are distressed on many counts, from biting economic hardship that is prevalent in the country today. They blame it on bad governance and are therefore demanding an end to it,” she stated.

She criticised the reactions of politicians, public officials, and their allies, which she described as undemocratic and lacking empathy.

She pointed out that news of the planned protests has already caused agitation among government officials.

“I hope the Federal Government and its allies can quickly and wisely cease from threatening those among our citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional right of expression, association, and movement through a nationwide protest,” she urged.

The Bring Back Our Girls Convener called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and state governors to seize the opportunity presented by the protests to engage with the dissatisfied youths.

She emphasized the importance of protecting and supporting the protesters to ensure peaceful demonstrations.

“Ensure that the protesters are protected and supported by the police and related agencies like the Civil Defence Corps to protest peacefully and orderly in presenting their demands and agitations to the authorities.

“Be guided by the terrible lessons of the mishandling of the #EndSARS protests,” she advised.

Ezekwesili also recommended that the government respond to the protesters with a clear plan to achieve good governance on the issues being raised.

She stressed the need for politicians and public officials to listen and learn from their citizens.

“I hope that our politicians and public officials will heed counsel and allow themselves the humility of listening and learning from their citizens at a time like this,” she added.

FCT not available for protesters on August 1 – Wike

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FCT not available for protesters on August 1 – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike says the FCT is not available for protesters on August 1.
Wike gave the warning while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that August 1 had been set aside for the chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.
“That is the day FCT has set aside for the entire area councils to jubilate, to give out certificates of recognition for their traditional rulers.
“We will not allow that day that FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers; for their people to rejoice, and then somebody will come and disrupt that day. We will not allow it.
“We want people to come out and celebrate, as part of the achievement of the current administration.
“That day is not available for those who want to protest and FCT is not available for the protesters,” he said.
He said that the security council was aware of the threat of the protest and what some people may call “end bad governance”.
Noting the right of people to protest or demonstrate, the minister said that such rights must be done within the ambit of the law.
“This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country.
“This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country.
“I am aware that there are challenges, but President Bola Tinubu and his team are working right now to ensure that these challenges, these problems facing our country are addressed.
“We know that it is a very difficult period for citizens; Tinubu has come out clearly to say that there are challenges; there are problems, but these challenges and problems will be tackled,” Wike said.
The minister, who expressed confidence in Tinubu’s capacity to address the challenge, urged all Nigerians to have patience.
“For instance in FCT, we have seen the changes in FCT; we have seen that the government is working.
“Tinubu is giving FCT so much support that all of us can attest to the fact that there are a lot of changes going on in FCT.
“Therefore, we will not allow anybody to set us back. We are looking forward to making sure that we take FCT to where it is supposed to be as one of the major cities, not only in Africa but in the world.
“So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt peace and set us back. For those who want to protest on Aug 1, or thereabout, FCT is not available for such protest,” Wike emphasised. (NAN)
FCT not available for protesters on August 1 – Wike

Morocco forward En-Nesyri joins Mourinho’s Fenerbahce

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Morocco forward En-Nesyri joins Mourinho’s Fenerbahce

Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri has signed a five-year contract with Fenerbahce after four years with Sevilla, the Turkish club coached by Jose Mourinho announced on Thursday.

Fenerbahce will pay 19.5 million euros ($21.2 million) over four years for the 27-year-old Moroccan, who becomes the biggest transfer in the history of the Turkish Super Lig.

“Welcome to Fenerbahce Youssef En-Nesyri,” wrote the Istanbul club on X, marking their first big signing since the arrival of their star Portuguese coach in early June.

En-Nesyri, who has scored 20 goals in his 73 internationals for Morocco, netted 73 goals in 196 appearances for Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League in 2020 and 2023.

It was his header against Portugal that sent the Atlas Lions through to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup where they lost to France.

He will play up front in Istanbul alongside the veteran and prolific Bosnian Edin Dzeko.

Fenerbahce, who have not won the title since 2014, are aiming to end the longest title drought in their history next season.

Last term, they finished second in the Super Lig behind arch-rivals Galatasaray.

AFP

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Shun protest, it’s harmful to economy – Orji Kalu tells youths

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Shun protest, it’s harmful to economy – Orji Kalu tells youths

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Orji Uzor Kalu, has appealed to Nigerian youths to shelve plans to hold a nationwide protest.
Kalu said such action will have immense negative effect on the nation’s economy.
According to him, although every Nigerian has the right to protest, embarking on such exercise now will have huge effects on the country.
Kalu, who was governor of Abia State and immediate past Chief Whip of the Senate, said, “While embarking on national protest may be beneficial to our democracy, it is not expedient to our economy.
“I am appealing to our youths to consider suspending the planned August protest to save possible damages and liabilities on the country’s infrastructure and private businesses.”
Shun protest, it’s harmful to economy – Orji Kalu tells youths

Be humble in Madrid, former Liverpool striker tells Mbappe

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Be humble in Madrid, former Liverpool striker tells Mbappe

A former Liverpool striker, Stan Collymore, has issued a warning to Kylian Mbappe as the French star joins Real Madrid.

Drawing from his own experience as a high-profile signing at Liverpool, Collymore advised Mbappe to approach his new role with humility.

Collymore, who was once a British record transfer to Liverpool, shared his insights with CaughtOffside on Thursday.

He stressed the importance of Mbappe navigating the dressing room dynamics carefully, stating, “They (Real Madrid players) won’t really care that he (Mbappe) was a Real Madrid fan as a kid or that he had Cristiano Ronaldo posters on his wall.”

The former striker recalled his experiences at Liverpool, where he faced challenges integrating with the team.

“When I went to Liverpool, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind whatsoever that within two or three weeks of signing and after all the happy, clapping, ‘hey, how you doing, do you want to come out with us for a beer and be our friend?’ kind of thing, that my team-mates thought I was some big-time Charlie,” Collymore revealed.

He warned Mbappe about the potential pitfalls of being perceived as arrogant or entitled.

“Kylian Mbappe, who has been top dog and massively overindulged for so long, will have to fall in line fairly quickly, be humble and say the right things. If he doesn’t, there’ll only be problems down the road,” Collymore said.

Collymore highlighted the challenges faced by high-profile signings in adapting to new team environments. He suggested that despite Mbappe’s status as a World Cup winner and global superstar, he need to earn respect within the Real Madrid squad.

“Players like Dani Carvajal have been there, seen it, got the t-shirt, and so there’ll be two or three that will be looking at him and seeing how he is in the dressing room,” Collymore said.

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