With hours to the November 11, 2023 governorship elections, the Department of State Services (DSS) has cautioned politicians against provocative comments.

In a statement, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, “observed rising trends and patterns of incendiary comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country”.

The secret police said “such statements run against public peace and harmony”.

“With the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that we should forge ahead in nation building without rancour or acrimony. This is against the backdrop that reckless rhetorics have the capacity to lead to social unrest and instability, which can put the country’s well-being and the general safety of citizens at risk.

“Similarly, the Service urges key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral law during the 11th November, 2023 gubernatorial elections in the areas. The aim is to avert situations likely to undermine the processes. So far, the Service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch free exercises in the affected States.”

The DSS implored all stakeholders, irrespective of their political affiliations or grievances, to engage in respectful and constructive conversations that promote collective understanding.

The Federal Government has countered a claim by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election Peter Obi that President Bola Tinubu is uncaring and insensitive to the suffering of Nigerians.

A day after Tinubu signed into law the N2.17trn supplementary budget, Obi had taken to his X handle claiming that the President failed to consider certain emergencies and pressing needs of the country.

The LP presidential candidate said that going by the manner the budgetary allocations were done, Tinubu was obviously unaware of the dire crisis in the country.

READ ALSO: Obi Faults Supplementary Budget, Says FG ‘Uncaring, Insensitive To Suffering Nigerians’

But in a swift response, the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the budget “is not insensitive, but rather a bold and pragmatic response to the pressing and economic challenges Nigeria currently faces”.

In a Thursday statement, the minister urged Obi to take the time and effort to acquaint himself with the details of the supplementary budget which includes allocations for essential sectors: security, agriculture and food security, works and housing, wage increase for workers, student loan scheme and social safety nets, among others, all aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundations and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

“The broad provision in the supplementary budget is a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government, address urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy,” the minister was quoted by his media aide Rabiu Ibrahim as saying.

Idris asked the opposition to be informed and balanced in the exercise of their right to differing opinions and refrain from misrepresentation of facts for political gains, explaining that the supplementary budget was derived from the active engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians.

He emphasized that, in line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinised to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, says the electoral umpire has no candidate in the November 11, 2023 governorship polls in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.

In a statement late Thursday, the electoral chief pledged to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates in the elections.

He also promised the readiness of the staff of the commission, saying, “we are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival”.

See full statement:

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE ON THE OFF-CYCLE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS

Saturday 11th November 2023

In less than 48 hours, 5,169,692 Nigerians who collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) are expected to vote in off-cycle Governorship elections. This is the first time in our history that these elections are held on the same day and across three geo-political zones of the country: North Central (Kogi), South East (Imo) and South South (Bayelsa).

As we approach the Election Day, I wish to call on our officials (both regular and ad-hoc) to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism. As I said repeatedly, not least during my recent readiness assessment visits to the three States, INEC is not a political party and we have no candidate in the election. Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. The choice of who becomes the Governor of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States is entirely in the hands of voters.

We have delivered all sensitive and non-sensitive materials for the elections.
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have been configured for deployment to Polling Units as the only means of voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication of voters. Polling Unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. All election duty officials have been trained. Arrangements have been made for land and maritime transportation to enable us commence voting on schedule. In spite of the extremely difficult terrain and physical infrastructure in some locations, we are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival.

For these off-cycle elections, the Commission is deploying two (2) National Commissioners, nine (9) Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Administrative Secretaries (ASs) as well as additional staff from different States to each of the three States to support the process. They will be deployed across the senatorial zones in the States.

Election is a multi-stakeholder responsibility. As with every election, lessons have been learnt from recent elections. We will continue to ensure free, fair and credible and inclusive elections but INEC cannot do it alone. We have received assurances from the security agencies that the environment will be secure for electoral activities and all participants: voters, electoral officials, accredited observers, the media and polling/collation agents. Political parties and candidates have signed the peace accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC). Let us maintain the peace and play our roles conscientiously. By doing so, we shall continue to consolidate our democracy.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu
Abuja
Thursday 10th November 2023

The Super Eagles will be without Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen and Leicester City midfield maestro for the team’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against the Harambe Stars of Zimbabwe and the Crocodiles of Lesotho.

Nigeria’s squad list for the November encounters was released late Thursday by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

A snapshot of the list shows Nigeria are heading into the games with 23 players as they begin their quest for a place in the global football fiesta billed for the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Osimhen will miss the games due to an injury he sustained in Nigeria’s friendly match against Saudi Arabia. Ndidi will also not feature in the matches owing to injury concerns.

AC Milan’s new boy Samuel Chukwueze is another notable absentee from the list while under–fire goalkeeper Francis Uzoho made the cut.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, will face the Crocodiles of Lesotho on November 16 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before locking horns with Zimbabwe on the 19th of the same month.

They are in Group C of the qualification series alongside South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

FULL LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales)

Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Luis Diaz started for Liverpool hours after his kidnapped father was released but lost 3-2 to Toulouse on Thursday as West Ham ensured they have European football in 2024 and Leverkusen progress.

The stunning upset in France came courtesy of goals from Aron Donnum, Thijs Dallinga and Frank Magri as Liverpool sank to their first defeat in the Europa League this campaign.

However, the game was not without controversy with VAR intervening to rule out an equaliser deep in injury-time from Jarell Quansah.

“It was well deserved to lose because they won pretty much all the decisive challenges, battles,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as his side missed a chance to book their place in the knock-out stages.

Toulouse now sit on seven points, two behind the Premier League club and three ahead of third-placed St Gilloise in Group E.

With 36 minutes gone, Donnum pounced on Kostas Tsimikas and robbed him of possession before slotting home via a deflection to give Toulouse the lead at the break.

The buoyant hosts got a second when Dallinga took a touch in the box and drilled past Caoimhin Kelleher on 58 minutes.

An own goal from Cristian Casseres on 73 minutes gave Liverpool a lifeline but the hosts, pushed on by a vibrant home crowd, punched back immediately.

Three minutes later, Kelleher could not hold a firmly hit cross and Magri was on hand to restore Toulouse’s two-goal buffer.

Diogo Jota, on for Diaz, struck a second for Liverpool in the 89th minute.

The hosts were able to see the game out to claim a precious three points, but not before an equaliser seven minutes into injury-time by Quansah was ruled out after video review for an adjudged handball much earlier in the build-up.

– West Ham’s journey continues –

Last year’s Europa Conference League winners West Ham ground down Olympiakos with a Lucas Paqueta goal on 73 minutes being the difference between the two sides.

The win moves them top of Group A and with nine points they are assured of either Europa League or Europa Conference League football in the new year.

Villarreal beat Maccabi Haifa 2-0 in Larnaca, Cyprus with the fixture moved due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Rennes ran out 3-1 winners against Greece’s Panathinaikos, while fellow French side Marseille went top of Group B with a 2-0 win at AEK Athens.

In Group B, Brighton took a big step towards booking their place in the knock-out stage with a comfortable 2-0 win away to Ajax.

Goals either side of the break from Ansu Fati and Simon Adingra gave the Seagulls a famous win on the home turf of European royalty.

The Premier League team now have seven points and sit three clear of AEK Athens in third place.

Rangers gained a crucial three points over Sparta Prague with a 2-1 home victory thanks to Danilo and Todd Cantwell.

Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen wrapped up qualification for the knock-out stages with a 1-0 win in Baku against Group H rivals Qarabag.

A Victor Boniface penalty in the fourth minute of second-half injury-time was enough to give Xabi Alonso’s side a fourth win in four.

With Liverpool and Roma losing, Leverkusen are the only side to have booked their place in the next stage of the competition.

– Slavia sack Rome –
The second biggest surprise of the night came in Prague when Slavia Prague downed Jose Mourinho’s Roma 2-0 to leapfrog the Italians into first place in Group G.

“I can’t explain this. I don’t know myself,” said Mourinho. “I’ll be honest — Slavia extremely deserved to win and Roma extremely deserved to lose.”

Strikes from Vaclav Jurecka in the 50th minute and Lukas Masopust 16 minutes from time inflicted Roma’s first defeat of the campaign and moved Slavia to top spot with nine points, level with the visitors.

In the group’s other game, Swiss side Servette beat Sheriff Tiraspol 2-1 thanks to a 92nd minute penalty by Chris Bedia.

[OpinionNigeria]

The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj.-Gen. John-Ochefu Ochai, on Wednesday, visited Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria to commend Prof. Umar Ka’oje for voluntarily returning N1,153,953.36 wrongly paid to him.

The money was paid to the don after the expiration of his teaching contract with the nation’s apex military academy.

The visit by the commandant to the university was in addition to a letter of commendation to the don by the NDA dated Sept. 11.

The commandant was received by Dr Rahanatu Lawal Head, Department of Political Science and International Studies.

Lawal said,” Only a few people today could exhibit Prof. Ka’oje’s uncommon moral courage stressing that such exemplary character should be emulated.”

In his remarks, the commandant said that he had to follow up the letter of commendation earlier written to the professor with the physical visit to show appreciation for such an act further.

According to him, the act exhibited by Ka’oje was infrequent in Africa’s climate.

He, therefore, pledged the NDA’s readiness to further honour the professor at an appropriate time.

The commandant also thanked the department for its well-established culture of training leaders to be honest and accountable.

In his response, Ka’oje commended the academy, saying,” the Commandant equally deserved commendation for recognising and rewarding honesty.”

[nigerianeye]

Israel has reportedly agreed to a daily four-hour pauses in the northern Gaza Strip to enable civilians to flee the ongoing hostilities.

John Kirby, White House spokesperson, announced the ceasefire on Thursday in a press briefing.

Kirby also said two humanitarian corridors in northern Gaza would be opened to allow Palestinians to seek safety from Israel’s military operations.

According to the White House spokesperson, the pauses emerged from discussions between US and Israeli officials in recent days, including talks President Joe Biden had with Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister.

“We understand that Israel will begin to implement four-hour pauses in areas of northern Gaza each day, with an announcement to be made three hours beforehand,” Kirby said.

The US government official clarified that Israel had not agreed to a ceasefire, saying the pauses were only to aid humanitarian interventions.

Although Israel is yet to make an official confirmation of the pauses, the move comes amid calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza where thousands of civilians, including children, have died.

Last weekend, Netanyahu reiterated that operations had been intensified against Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, with no time frame set for their activities.

Netanyahu said the only condition for a cessation of hostilities would be the return of all hostages captured by the militant group during its October 7 attack.

However, concerned foreign nations and bodies have frowned at the prime minister’s stance.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Bayelsa State has banned orderlies and guards from escorting their employers to their polling unit.

The DIG in charge of election in the State, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, gave the warning on Thursday in Yenagoa.

He said those who refuse to obey the directive would be arrested and tried in the orderly room.

Speaking to stakeholders and senior police officers deployed for the governorship election, Sokari-Pedro said that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed police personnel to be committed to a free, fair, safe and unhindered democratic process during the off-cycle election.

According to him, the police consider all three senatorial zones in the state as volatile and have identified some local government areas considered flashpoints.

He said, “Any orderly or guard that escorts his principal to the polling centre shall be arrested and thereafter tried in the orderly room, in this case, if care is not taken, may lead to his dismissal.

“I want to assure you that at every point from voting, counting and collation, police shall provide protection for voters, INEC officials, property and materials. Sanctions shall be meted to officers for any breach.

“The three Senatorial zones that make up the state are politically volatile, and some local governments are flashpoints, they include Sagbama, Nembe, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw and Brass.

“These are just some of the local governments that are most volatile.

“Unfortunately, the youths have been identified as the vanguard of election violence, and the so-called godfathers and principals are the purveyors and patrons of this.”

[NaijaNews]

Governor Hope Uzodimma says the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, is pursuing the agenda of the Labour Party in Imo State.

“Joe Ajaero is pursuing his personal interest,” the governor said on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday.

“He (Ajaero) has said times with number that he is a member of Labour Party (LP). He has a candidate in the election of Imo State. So, he is driving whatever programme that will give advantage to Labour Party in Imo State.”

Ajaero was attacked in Owerri last Wednesday just before a planned protest in the state to press the state government to heed the demands of the workers in the state. the NLC accused the Uzodimma government of supervising the assault on Ajaero but the government has denied the allegations.

The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had since ordered shutdown of essential services in Imo as protest for the attack on Ajaero and declared a nationwide strike effective November 14, 2023.

On Wednesday, aviation unions in Nigeria directed their workers to withdraw services to all public and private Owerri flights (both inwards and outwards) with effect from midnight. The unions said the strike is indefinite until otherwise directed by the NLC and the TUC.

On Thursday, Labour picketed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and grounded air travel activities at the airport.

Speaking on Channels Television’s programme on Thursday, Uzodimma said he does not know why the NLC leader has been hostile to his government but he looks forward to the day he will engage Labour.

“It’s surprising that an NLC president from Imo State will be hostile to my government,” he said.

The governor further said contrary to claims by the NLC, there were backlogs of salaries that were not paid before he came that his administration has cleared.

Uzodimma said some workers were ghost workers while some received double salaries before they were discovered and stopped.

Governorship elections will hold on November 11, 2023 in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states.

In Imo, Uzodimma is seeking re-election and is being challenged by 17 other candidates including Samuel Anyanwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP)’s Achonu Nneji as well as Jack Ogunewe of the Action Alliance (AA).

VAR was supposed to help cut out egregious and costly refereeing mistakes but the technology has come under heavy fire from Premier League managers who have lost faith in the system.

The video assistant referee was introduced in the 2019/20 season for “clear and obvious errors” or “serious missed incidents” in specific situations.

The promise was that it would lead to “more correct and fairer judgements”, even though the Premier League conceded that 100 percent accuracy was impossible.

But feelings are running high after high-profile incidents that have overshadowed the action on the pitch.

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta launched a blistering attack on the decision to let Newcastle’s goal stand after his team’s 1-0 defeat last weekend, labelling it a “disgrace”.

Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal was checked for three separate VAR offences but survived them all to earn Newcastle the three points.

“We didn’t deserve to lose the match,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. A disgrace.”

The Spaniard’s comments were made in the heat of the moment but the club came out strongly in support of their manager in a statement the following day.

“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” Arsenal said.

– ‘Sporting integrity’ –

The angry fallout after the game at St James’ Park echoed another VAR controversy in the high-stakes fixture between Tottenham and Liverpool in late September.

Officials wrongly disallowed a goal from Luis Diaz after a misunderstanding over the on-field decision and Spurs went on to win 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Referees body Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) released the audio of the decision that led to the disallowed Diaz goal.

In the recording, video assistant referee Darren England says the check is “perfect” before swearing when he realises a mistake has been made. “They’ve restarted the game. Can’t do anything, can’t do anything,” he adds in exasperation.

PGMOL admitted a “significant human error” and Liverpool issued a statement in which they said “sporting integrity” had been undermined.

“We fully accept the pressures that match officials work under but these pressures are supposed to be alleviated, not exacerbated, by the existence and implementation of VAR,” the club said.

Manager Jurgen Klopp even called for the game to be replayed.

Wolves have far more cause for complaint, with four high-profile penalty decisions going against them, potentially with far-reaching consequences.

Arteta stuck to his guns before Arsenal’s Champions League match against Sevilla this week, suggesting it was the duty of managers to discuss the issues around the use of VAR.

“Errors are part of evolution,” he said. “The trajectory is never going to be (always upwards), there are always going to be bumps in the road and these things are necessary to improve the game in the right way.

“But we have to talk loudly. If you have a problem and you put it in your drawer, the problem is in the drawer and it’s going to stink at some point.”

League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan says coaches want to see changes — including the video assistant referee working with the same referee each week.

“PGMOL have confirmed to us that they are actively looking at how best to incorporate VARs into match-day refereeing teams, to ensure the dynamic between on-field referee and VAR is conducive to producing positive outcomes,” Bevan told the Daily Mail.

“The managers are also calling for a review (and simplification) of the interpretation of the term ‘clear and obvious’ in VAR decision-making, as this is a cause of much confusion at present.”

Henry Winter, chief football writer for The Times, urged the Premier League to listen to the managers of its clubs.

“Anyone who attends a game or watches on television knows that VAR has never been more contentious,” he said.

“Some grown-up debate is required. The starting point is that, love it or loathe it, VAR is here to stay.