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The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ₦300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to January 27 for hearing.
The adjournment followed a request by CSP Audu Garba, counsel for the IGP, seeking additional time to review a further affidavit served by Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, in court.
During Monday’s proceedings, Marshal informed the court that the session was set to hear the substantive application for the enforcement of his client’s fundamental rights. He noted that the police had filed their counter-affidavit on Friday, prompting the filing of a further affidavit in response.
Garba acknowledged the submission of the counter-affidavit but stated he had not yet received the further affidavit. When Justice Musa Liman inquired about the timing of the filing, Marshal confirmed, “It was filed this morning, my lord.” With the court’s permission, Marshal served Garba a copy of the document in court.
However, when Marshal attempted to proceed with the application, Garba objected, requesting additional time to review the new affidavit for any potential new legal or factual issues requiring a response. Justice Liman subsequently adjourned the matter to January 27 for the adoption of arguments.
Speed Darlington’s ₦300 million suit against the IGP challenges his alleged unlawful detention. The case originated from a December 23, 2024, court order directing the police to charge him or release him within 48 hours.
Previously, the Federal High Court instructed the Nigerian police to immediately release Darlington pending the hearing of the substantive matter. The court also directed that Abubakar Marshal, Esq., act as surety for Darlington, also known as Akpi.
Darlington, aged 39, was arrested in Lagos on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking related to his comments about Burna Boy. He was later granted bail on October 8, 2024.
At the resumed hearing, Marshal reiterated that the session was intended to address the motion to enforce Darlington’s rights. Although Garba initially claimed he had not been served the necessary documents, the court confirmed service.
Marshal also requested the court to direct the police to release his client on bail. However, Garba opposed this request, citing an ongoing criminal charge and alleging that Darlington had jumped bail. He further stated that the police’s compliance with the court’s previous order was affected by the timing during the Christmas holiday.
Darlington’s suit seeks damages for alleged unlawful detention and requests an order for his immediate release or presentation before the court. His legal team also claims he was subjected to torture and inhumane treatment during his detention.
A Magistrate Court in Wuse, Abuja, has ordered the remand of two siblings, Enenche Enenche and Alexander Enenche, along with Pastor Abraham Daniel, at the Keffi Prison in Nasarawa State.
Enenche Enenche and Alexander Enenche are brothers of Pastor Paul Enenche, the senior pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Church, while Pastor Abraham Daniel is a former pastor at the same church.
The three individuals were reportedly transferred to the Keffi Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on Monday evening following a remand order obtained by the Nigerian Police Force from the Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja.
SaharaReporters learned that the two brothers and Pastor Abraham Daniel were held in police custody after responding to a police invitation. They remained in custody until their transfer to Keffi Prison on Monday evening.
On January 8, the Intelligence Department of the Nigerian Police released the brothers on bail. The two were initially arrested on January 7, 2025, alongside Pastor Abraham Daniel, on allegations of cyberbullying and criminal defamation against Pastor Paul Enenche. They were released the next day following an agreement to settle the matter amicably.
As part of the agreement, Alex Enenche and Pastor Abraham Daniel were instructed to report to the Force Intelligence Department (FID) on Friday, January 10, and Monday, January 13, 2025.
On Tuesday, the FID detained both Alexander and Abraham Daniel after they reported to the department in response to a police invitation.
According to a source, the three individuals were held in custody until Monday evening, when the police secured a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja.
“Upon honouring the Police invitation, Mr. Enenche Enenche, Alexander Enenche, and Abraham Daniel were kept in police custody till this evening when they brought a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja,” the source said.
The source added, “The police claimed to have obtained an order from the Magistrate Court, Zone 6, Abuja, for their remand. The name of the Magistrate and the number of days are not yet known at the moment.”
Currently, the three individuals are being held at Keffi Prison on remand. Meanwhile, the source disclosed that a fundamental rights application would likely be filed on Tuesday.
“We will likely file fundamental rights on this,” the source added.
Mrs Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was on Monday unanimously elected as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following the impeachment of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa after the latter’s over nine years in the saddle of the leadership of the House.
Hereunder are 10 key facts about Hon. Mojisola Meranda’s life, career, and political journey:
1. Born on August 16, 1980, Mojisola Meranda hails from the prominent Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru royal families in LagosStatw. Her late father, Chief T.A. Lawal Akapo, was a legislator who later became the Ojora of Lagos.
2. She earned a degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University in 2013 and a Master’s in Public and International Affairs (MPIA) from the University of Lagos in 2020. She is currently pursuing an MBA in Public Sector Management at the University of York, United Kingdom
3. Her political career started with the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), which transitioned into the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and later the All Progressives Congress (APC).
4. In 2003, at the age of 23, she began working as a personal assistant to Dr. Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, a senior special assistant on technology and special projects to then Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State.
5. She became a procurement manager at Cirrus Nigeria Limited. She also served as a senior special assistant and later a supervisory councillor for health at Apapa Local Government Area Council.
6. First elected in 2015 to represent Apapa Constituency 1, Meranda has been re-elected twice. She has consistently focused on amending outdated laws and implementing impactful constituency projects such as medical outreaches, educational initiatives, and water supply programs.
7. Meranda is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and greater representation in politics. She challenges stereotypes and emphasises that women are equally capable of holding leadership positions.
8. She was elected Chief Whip of the Ninth Lagos State House of Assembly
9. She was elected the Deputy Speaker of the House in 2023.
10. On Monday, January 13, 2025, she became the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has threatened to prosecute kingmakers in Oyo Kingdom (Oyomesi) and others, who collected bribe or gratification in the selection process of the new Alaafin of Oyo.
He said any chief or anyone found guilty of bribe-taking during the selection process would face prosecution.
It would be recalled that five kingmakers (Oyomesi) declared the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as 46th and new Alaafin of Oyo by the governor as null and void because they did not recommend such name to the state government for ratification.
They insisted that the only person they recommended as the next Alaafin was Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.
However, the governor, while presenting staff of office and certificate to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, at the Government House in Ibadan, on Monday, emphasised on transparency and accountability in the selection process of the new monarch.
The governor described Oba Owoade as a leader poised to upholding the cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom, noting that the Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler but a custodian of rich history and tradition.
“I believe that Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade will lead with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to the unity of the Oyo kingdom,” Makinde stated.
In his response, Oba Owoade expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo and promised to prioritise the development of the kingdom and the welfare of the residents.
Oba Owoade was accompanied by a delegation of his subjects from Oyo town, marking a significant moment in the state’s traditional leadership history.
He, however, pledged to usher in a new era of leadership, with a focus on cultural preservation, youth development, and economic growth in the Oyo Kingdom.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Bashorun of Oyo and head of Oyomesi, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, said their lawyer should be contacted for reaction, saying he has nothing to say for now since the case is currently in court.
“I don’t know anything about it, I am not around, whatever you want to know, you can contact our lawyer because the case is currently in court, so, I can’t say anything outside the court. I am the Bashorun, I am not aspiring to become the Alaafin,” the High Chief stated.
The Senate has expressed concern over the consistently low remittances of revenues generated in 2024 by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and some Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) to the Federation Account.
The chairman of the Joint Finance Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Sani Musa, made this statement yesterday in Abuja during an interactive session on the MDAs’ revenue projections 2025.
The session featured representatives from key agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC).
Senator Musa expressed deep concern over the disparity between the substantial revenue generated by these MDAs and their consistently low remittances to the Federation Account.
He highlighted that this trend undermines the government’s ability to fund critical infrastructure projects and provide essential social services.
“This trend calls into question inefficiency, mismanagement, and possible revenue leakages,” he said.
He emphasised that the committee’s primary mandate is to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in these agencies’ financial operations.
The committee has committed to scrutinising the MDAs’ revenue projections, financial performance, and compliance with statutory remittance obligations.
Senator Musa explained that this process aims to identify systemic challenges and recommend actionable solutions to address the troubling patterns.
He called on the agencies to present accurate data and comprehensive records during the session, emphasising the need for transparency to benefit Nigerians.
“Let us approach these tasks with a shared commitment to building a stronger, more accountable fiscal framework for Nigeria,” he said, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility.
The senator urged stakeholders to openly address all areas of concern, including those not formally presented during the session.
Road transporters said, Nigerians should not expect transport fare drop anytime soon, despite the recent slash infuel pump price to between N925 and N985 per litre, across major fuel filling stations nationwide.
The transporters who spoke with LEADERSHIP noted that the fuel price drop is insignificant and that not all filling stations have so far slash their fuel pump price. Lamenting hike in cost of maintaining their vehicles as spare part prices have risen by over a 100 per cent in the last one year, they said, the fuel price may still rise in near future, hence, the need for them to observe price movement and know whether the environment is ripe for them to adjust fare downward.
LEADERSHIP had earlier reported in December 2024 that Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced a reduction in the price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) product, also known as fuel, to N899.50 per litre. The firm had previously lowered the price to N970 per litre on 24 November and has now set a new price of N899.50 per litre. This reduction is designed to ease transport costs during the festive period.
Following this announcement, the president of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, stated that ,the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had partnered MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre. From then till now, some other major marketers have signed similar deals with Dangote Refinery. Similarly, this development forced NNPC Limited to equally drop its fuel litre price to N925.
While many passengers expected this reduction to be reflected in the fares they pay for transportation, this was not to be as instead, there were fare increases on some routes across Lagos and Ogun States axis.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, a commuter in Lagos, Abass Tajudeen said: “By now, I expected a reduction in the price of transport, but it is instead increasing. From Oshodi to Sango-Ota, it’s now N1,000. The issue is that we have no option but to board the buses since we can’t trek that long distance.”
Another commuter, Dele Adeleye, stated that transporters are in the habit of inflicting pain on commuters, exploiting every situation to charge more.
Narrating his ordeal, Adeleye mentioned that a trip from Oshodi to Gbagada General Hospital, usually N200, is now N300. However, when there is a church activity around Gbagada on Sundays, drivers take advantage and charge N400, which, he said, was not right.
Speaking on behalf of App-Based Transporters, a business partnerships and proposals manager at the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Comr. Jolaiya Seun Moses responded to why there is no noticeable reduction in transport costs.
He explained that, “we have experienced several fuel price hikes, yet we have never demanded an increase in transportation fares. The era of raising transport costs with every slight fuel price increase has changed. We are now in a system where we endure one another. What we’re observing in fuel prices are minor fluctuations. Even when there’s a N50 increase, we transporters don’t demand higher fares. So, when there’s a small reduction of N30 or so, we don’t see it as a decrease but rather as a fluctuation in price.”
Moses, who is also the association’s national treasurer, stated that, “If there is a significant reduction in fuel prices, you will see a decrease in transportation costs without transporters needing to be informed. Passengers themselves will start asking for it. The current reduction in fuel prices is not significant enough to affect what we charge. A decrease of N20 or N30 is not sufficient to cause a reduction in transportation fares. Even now, no driver will tell you they are taking home good money. You would need to see fuel prices drop below N800 per litre before you start seeing any noticeable changes.”
Another driver, Akinloye James, who plies the Oshodi to Gbagada General Hospital route, said the price of transportation cannot come down mainly because not all filling stations are selling at the reduced price. “For instance, at the Total station, if you are going from Oshodi to Gbagada, their price is still above N1,000. Only a few are selling below N1,000. So, the fact remains that more stations are selling above N1,000, which is why people have not witnessed a reduction in the price of transportation,” he said.
Corroborating what James said, another bus driver who shuttles between Oshodi and Mafoluku, Lagos, Joshua Mafolasere, expressed, “People are saying there is a drop in the amount at which fuel is sold, but not all filling stations are selling at a reduced price. And because not all filling stations have reduced pump prices, it has not been reflected in transport costs.”
Mafolasere also said: “The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), known as the union, collects their money regardless of the economic situation. They don’t pity the drivers; they don’t reduce the money charged for booking daily, and this is aside from the little money you pay to different agbero.
“At Oshodi here, we pay N1,200 for a ticket every day we want to work. And for every trip you make, you also pay money, excluding payments of different levies such as boys’ money, environmental money, and other expenses. So tell me, how do we reduce transport costs with all these levies? Mafoluku to Oshodi is at N200, and before the subsidy removal, it was N100, then moved to N150, and now it is N200.”
Mafolasere implored the government to provide a soft landing because when the price of essential commodities like fuel comes down, then automatically, ‘we too will reduce the price at which we carry passengers. But marginal reductions such as N30 or N50 do not solve or provide solutions to the issues before us.’
LEADERSHIP visited up to three different NURTW offices at Oshodi on two separate days to find out why people have not been seeing a reduction in transport fares and what the unions are doing to reduce the burden. One member of the union at Branch E, located at A7, Seinde Calisto Crescent, Oshodi, said, “We cannot attend to you without you first going through Branch A. Any information you want, you get at the branch or they permit us to give you; otherwise, there’s nothing we can do.”
The following day, a visit to Branch A, where some members were available, unlike the previous day when none was available to speak, also directed our correspondents to the Lagos State Council at Agege, saying Branch A cannot speak without going to the state council. However, efforts to speak to the State council failed as well as nobody was ready to respond to our enquiries.
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sacked the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron.
The Court, presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, also nullified the ward, local government and state congresses of the PDP held in the State in July 2024.
The development is coming less than one month after another High Court nullified the ward, local government and state congresses of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, which produced Chief Tony Okocha as State Chairman.
The court’s decision followed a dispute over the legitimacy of the PDP congresses, which were conducted by a faction of the party loyal to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.
LEADERSHIP recalls that a State High Court presided over by Justice Charles Wali had on July 20, 2024, stopped the PDP from going ahead with the ward, local government and State congresses.
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly unanimously impeached Hon Obasa on Monday, ending his nine-year headship of the Lagos State legislature.
Obasa, who was away in the United States (USA), was accused of several infractions and replaced by his deputy, Hon Mojisola Meranda.
Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1 and was also the House’s former chief whip, makes history as the first female speaker in Lagos.
Hon. Mojeed Fatai was elected the House’s Deputy Speaker.
Hon. Obafemi Saheed, Kosofe Constituency 2, moved the motion for his removal under urgent public importance, citing relevant sections of the constitution that abhor infractions and back the speaker’s impeachment.
Some allegations levelled against the impeached speaker were highhandedness, gross misconduct, poor leadership, lack of commitment to legislative business, lack of regard for fellow lawmakers, and intimidation and suppression of legislative staff.
Other allegations levelled against him are financial impropriety, misappropriation of funds, lack of transparency, gross abuse of office and privileges, and authoritarianism, among others.
He was alleged to always be at loggerheads with the executive arm, running a parallel government with state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and absenting himself from most state functions.
However, beyond all the above accusations, political watchers say political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general election, in which Obasa was said to have an ambition to run as governor, was the real push behind his removal as head of the state’s legislature, a post he had held for almost a decade.
Analysts said interest in the 2027 governorship election is behind the removal of Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
It was gathered that Obasa’s ambition put him against some of those eyeing that seat.
In what observers considered moves to ridicule the state deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who is also eyeing the governorship seat, Obasa summoned the deputy governor to report at his seat during the governor’s budget presentation in November without showing respect for his office.
A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has described the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as a self-inflicted own goal.
Ojo who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, said derogatory remarks on Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu might have been one of Obasa’s offences that earned him the impeachment.
“On the social media, most allusions were that he (Obasa) was disrespectful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the way he carried out during the budget presentation exercise, particularly when he made that snide remark that I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.
“So, it’s presumed to be a snide remark at a sitting governor. Incidentally, as a speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Assembly you do not have immunity, you are just there at the grace of your members.
“I don’t know what might have prompted Obasa to behave the way he did because if what he is alleged to have done has been revealed which is politics behind the scene of keeping the governor waiting for several hours, keeping the party elders waiting and no apologies and then the President weighing in and you are showing some stubbornness and recalcitrant, well those the gods want to destroy they first make whatever.
“So, I believe this may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it own goal,” he said.
A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has described the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as a self-inflicted own goal.
Ojo who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, said derogatory remarks on Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu might have been one of Obasa’s offences that earned him the impeachment.
“On the social media, most allusions were that he (Obasa) was disrespectful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the way he carried out during the budget presentation exercise, particularly when he made that snide remark that I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.
“So, it’s presumed to be a snide remark at a sitting governor. Incidentally, as a speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Assembly you do not have immunity, you are just there at the grace of your members.
“I don’t know what might have prompted Obasa to behave the way he did because if what he is alleged to have done has been revealed which is politics behind the scene of keeping the governor waiting for several hours, keeping the party elders waiting and no apologies and then the President weighing in and you are showing some stubbornness and recalcitrant, well those the gods want to destroy they first make whatever.
“So, I believe this may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it own goal,” he said.
At the 2025 budget presentation, the former speaker disrespectfully said those who have ruled Lagos State in the past were not better than him, a statement many considered an insult to past leaders and an overbearing attitude toward the state’s powers that be.
To nail the former speaker’s coffin, the motion for his impeachment was seconded by Hon Aro Moshood Abiodun, Ikorodu 2. It was immediately subjected to a voice vote three times by Hon. Meranda, who presided over the proceedings.
All the lawmakers shouted “yes” to support the impeachment, while none said “nay” to counter the motion.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, disclosed that the impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.
Tobun emphasised that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the legislature and the state.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction,” Tobun said.
He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members agreed to end Obasa’s tenure.
Following the impeachment, Hon. Mojisola Meranda was sworn in as the new speaker, with Hon. Fatai Ajibola assuming the role of deputy speaker.
“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians,” Tobun added.
The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
As a mark of acceptance, the Conference 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen in Lagos State have congratulated Rt. Hon Mojisola Meranda on her election as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In a statement, the body praised Meranda’s dedication, competence, and commitment to service, saying her emergence reflects the state’s progressive ideals and inclusive governance ethos.
The forum said they trusted Meranda’s ability to deliver robust legislative leadership, foster development, and uphold democratic principles.
They assured her of their support and collaboration and wished her a successful tenure marked by groundbreaking achievements.
Signed on behalf of Conference 57 by its chairman, Alabi Kolade David, and public relations officer, Olusesan Daini, the statement concluded with a congratulatory message to the Speaker.
As of the time this report was filed, some state Assembly staff members were seen jubilating over Obasa’s impeachment, saying he did not care about the welfare of the state’s Legislative Assembly staff.
Rhodes-Vivior stated this on Monday while reacting to the impeachment of the state’s House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
Naija News reported that Obasa was accused of financial misappropriation by the House. However, the Lagos political structure was in heat over the reported governorship ambition of Obasa clashing with that of the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Mojisola Lasbat Miranda, who represents Apapa State Constituency 1 of the Lagos State was sworn in as Speaker.
In his reaction on his X handle, the former Labour Party governorship candidate wondered why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was not interested in financial misappropriation before the governorship ambition saga erupted in the state.
“It’s interesting that the EFCC just realized the corruption of APC Lagos politicians. It is not a coincidence that they all have ambition to become the next governor.
“Your principal has just indirectly communicated that Lagos is his birthright and that of his descendants, and every aspiring APC politician exists solely to further his interest and that of his family.
“I have said this before and will say it again. Lagos is bigger than him and we must remind him that Lagos is not his to bequeath,” he wrote.
[NaijaNews]
Lagos State House of Assembly has sworn in its first female Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Meranda took her oath of office after the impeachment of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday during a plenary session.
She represents the Apapa 1 state constituency in the assembly.
She was first elected as a member of the House in 2015, representing Apapa constituency 1. She was re-elected in 2019 and 2023.
Before her time in the House, Mrs Meranda served the Apapa local government in different capacities. She also worked in the private sector.
Meranda was born on 16 August 1980, to the family of the late Chief T. A. Lawal Akapo (Ojora of Lagos) and Princess M. A. Lawal-Akapo of the royal families of Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru.
Her late father was a legislator at the local level before he became the Ojora of Lagos. Her mother is from the prominent Oniru family in Lagos. Her brother is the Oniru of Iru land, Oba AbdulWasiu Omogbolahan Lawal.
Mrs Meranda began her primary education at St. Charles Nursery and Primary School before moving to Randle Primary School at Randle Avenue in Surulere from 1986 to 1992.
She attended Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School (1992-1996) and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School (1996-1998), both in Surulere, where she was a library prefect and secretary of the press club.
She obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1998, according to her official House profile.
After her secondary education, Mrs Meranda obtained an advanced certificate in software development in 2005. She is also recorded as having attended Lagos State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration in 2013.
In 2018, she returned to school, enrolling at the University of Lagos.
In 2003, at the age of 23, she began working as a personal assistant to Dr. Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, a senior special assistant on technology and special projects to Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Between 2007 and 2008, Mrs Meranda worked in the oil and gas industry with Cirrus Nigeria Limited as a procurement manager.
She returned to politics in 2008, taking active roles in the Apapa local government, first as a senior special assistant on intervention and intergovernmental affairs to the then Chairman, Ayodeji Joseph, and later as a supervisory councilor for health.
In 2014, she joined Worthline International Services Limited as head of operations. Worthline was originally registered in 2012, with Mrs Meranda as a director.
And then in 2015, she was elected as a member of the House.
[YTheNation]
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The United States unveiled new export rules Monday on chips used for artificial intelligence, furthering efforts to make it tough for China and other rivals to access advanced technology in Joe Biden’s final days as president.
The restrictions build on curbs announced in 2023 on exporting certain AI chips to China, which the United States sees as a strategic competitor.
In recent years, Washington has expanded its efforts to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, which can be used in AI and weapons systems, as Beijing’s tech advancements spark concern among policymakers.
“The US leads the world in AI now — both AI development and AI chip design — and it’s critical that we keep it that way,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters.
The new rules update controls on chips, requiring authorizations for exports, re-exports and in-country transfers — while also including a series of exceptions for countries considered friendly to the United States.
AI data centers meanwhile will need to comply with enhanced security parameters to be able to import chips.
But the latest move drew industry criticism and warnings that it would hurt US competitiveness.
Semiconductor Industry Association chief executive John Neuffer said: “We’re deeply disappointed that a policy shift of this magnitude and impact is being rushed out the door days before a presidential transition and without any meaningful input from industry.”
He added in a statement that the rule could cause “lasting damage to America’s economy and global competitiveness” by ceding key markets to rivals.
Chip titan Nvidia said in a blog post that “while cloaked in the guise of an ‘anti-China’ measure, these rules would do nothing to enhance US security.”
– Trump decision? –
The rules make it “hard for our strategic competitors to use smuggling and remote access to evade our export control,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.
They also create “incentives for our friends and partners around the world to use trusted vendors for advanced AI,” he added.
The new rules will take effect in 120 days, Raimondo said, giving the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump time to potentially make changes.
In its blog post, Nvidia stressed that the first Trump administration showed how the United States “wins through innovation, competition and by sharing our technologies with the world — not by retreating behind a wall of government overreach.”
Trump put heavy tariffs on China during his first presidential term.
However, his backers in Silicon Valley could also see the rules as an undue burden on their ability to export products.
On Monday, Nvidia shares slid around three percent in early trading while Intel lost 1.6 percent and Advanced Micro Devices fell by about 0.8 percent.
For now, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) said that pressuring countries to choose between Washington and Beijing could alienate partners and boost China’s position in the global AI ecosystem.
“Many countries may opt for the side offering them uninterrupted access to the AI technologies vital for their economic growth and digital futures,” said ITIF vice president Daniel Castro.
AFP
Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson has shared the emotional journey of waiting a decade to welcome his first children, a set of twins, with his wife, Oluwaseyi Edun.
In a recent interview with fellow actor Kunle Afod, the 46-year-old revealed that his journey to fatherhood spanned two marriages. He explained that he waited three years for a child during his previous marriage before the relationship ended.
Adeniyi began dating Oluwaseyi in 2016 and the couple tied the knot in 2018. Together, they spent seven years praying and engaging in religious activities while holding onto hope for a child.
Their perseverance was rewarded in February 2023 when they welcomed their twins.
Reflecting on the experience, Adeniyi credited his faith and patience for helping him through the challenging period, adding that the long wait made the eventual blessing even more meaningful.
“The vigil was much. But we thank God that what one has been crying over God turned it into joy. It is a cry of 10 years. I waited for 10 years. Myself and the mother of the twins have been seeking God’s face for a child for seven years. And when it came, God said he wanted to gift me with twins. What do I do?” he said.
“Whenever I am at home, and I see them climbing on top of me, I am always very happy. I would say thank you, God. Other people buy diapers for one child for us we buy two. We bless God for provision. They also eat well.
“We did not allow age to tell on us. And we thank God we do not look like what we have passed through.”
[Vanguard]
A gospel singer identified as Timileyin Ajayi has been arrested after he was allegedly caught with the severed head of his girlfriend in Nasarawa.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Agwan Sarki, Orozo, near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The suspect’s arrest was facilitated by an intelligence tip-off, leading security agents to an uncompleted building in the area. The severed head was found in a polythene bag.
During interrogation, Ajayi, who also poses as a motivational speaker on TikTok, confessed to the crime.
In a now-viral video, he revealed that he had dated Salome Adaidu for one year before her death. In his defense, he claimed they engaged in a heated fight, and she tried to stab him with a knife.
Ajayi, who released his album ‘God of the Earth’ in 2020, also revealed that the rest of the victim’s body was at his residence.
A man who identifies himself as Caleb Umaru, a member of the Nasarawa community, also spoke about the incident via a Facebook post.
“I got the shock of my life as we apprehend a Yahoo ritual with a human head (his girlfriend) inside a nylon close to our church as we were holding service,” he wrote.
“I thought I just used to watch things like this until I experienced one “Live” today.
“And this guy said the remaining body of the girl is still in his house. God have mercy on this generation.”
Efforts by TheCable Lifestyle to reach Nansel Ramhan, the Nasarawa police command spokesperson, for details have proved abortive.
[TheCable]
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Alhaji Shehu Gabam, has dismissed speculations of a political alliance with the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gabam stated that the SDP’s priority is strengthening its structures and offering Nigerians credible alternatives.
He made this known during an appearance on Television Continental’s Politics Tonight on Sunday.
He said, “There’s no alliance with anyone. As the chairman of the party, I have not engaged in any discussions about alliances. Our focus is on reviewing our strategies from 2024 and building a dynamic, inclusive platform.”
Addressing his meetings with El-Rufai, Gabam described him as a significant figure whose influence has caused anxiety among some political actors.
He, however, distanced the SDP from any political alignment with the former Kaduna governor.
“El-Rufai is a major force, but my relationship with him is personal, not political. Some people magnify his presence to create unnecessary controversy,” he explained.
Gabam also highlighted the failures of both the All Progressives Congress and the PDP, urging Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability from the Bola Tinubu government.
“The weaknesses of the PDP and APC are evident. Our responsibility in the SDP is to create a competitive and transparent platform where Nigerians feel empowered to aspire and thrive,” he stated.
Gabam expressed concerns about the state of governance under President Bola Tinubu, describing the administration as disconnected from the realities facing Nigerians.
He pointed to skyrocketing living costs, food insecurity, and transportation challenges as key issues affecting citizens.
“The cost of living is unbearable for many, and some policies have exacerbated the struggles of ordinary citizens. Nigerians are paying more for electricity, food, and transportation, yet they are told the economy is improving. These contradictions are deeply concerning,” Gabam said.
He also condemned the President’s reliance on advisers who, he claimed, fail to provide an accurate picture of the nation’s struggles.
“Leaders must have their ears to the ground. Waiting for filtered reports from officials risks ignoring the real issues on the streets,” Gabam added.
Gabam raised allegations of political intimidation and misuse of state institutions, citing his own experience of having his security details withdrawn without explanation.
He said, “My security was withdrawn a month ago without any formal notice. It’s alarming that state instruments are used to intimidate those who offer constructive criticism,” he said.
The SDP chairman urged the federal government to reevaluate its policies, particularly those affecting the welfare of citizens. “Subsidy removal and other reforms have left Nigerians struggling. The government needs to prioritise policies that directly improve the lives of the people,” he said.
He, however, reaffirmed the SDP’s commitment to presenting viable alternatives, saying, “Our competition is legitimate and within the law. We are focused on winning by addressing the issues that matter most to Nigerians.”