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The police command in Lagos state says it has detained a commercial sex worker, Joy Kelvin, for allegedly stabbing a client, simply identified as Okafor, 48, to death.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to journalists on Monday in Lagos.
He said that the incident happened on Monday at 5:32 a.m. at Jakande Housing Estate, in the Lekki area of the state.
Mr Hundeyin said that the murder case was reported at the Ilasan Division by a friend of the deceased.
“A complainant reported that he got a call from one of his friends that Okafor was stabbed in his house by one Joy Kelvin, a prostitute he brought to his house overnight.
“He stated further that the victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Marina where he was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty,” he said.
The image maker said that the police stormed the scene and arrested the suspect.
“On the receipt of the report, the scene was promptly visited by detectives of the division and the suspect was apprehended.
“The corpse has been evacuated and deposited at General Hospital Mortuary, Yaba for preservation and autopsy,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Hundeyin said that efforts were on to locate the family member of the deceased.
According to him, investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
(NAN)
The federal government has approved the construction of an airstrip in Canaanland, the headquarters of the Living Faith Church Worldwide popularly known as Winners Chapel, in Ota, Ogun state.
Naija News reports that the General Overseer of the church, David Oyedepo announced this to members of his congregation at his church’s Tehillah Night Special Edition in Canaanland, Otta, Ogun State.
Oyedepo explained that the airstrip is meant to improve transportation for worshippers and visitors, particularly during large events such as Shiloh as they can now move to anywhere from his church premises without having to get to the airport first.
The members would now be able to land and park their aircraft at Canaanland.
The founder of the church also revealed that the project will be privately funded by the church, highlighting its commitment to self-reliance and infrastructure development.
Although the exact timeline for construction has not been specified, the church leadership has assured that it will be carried out swiftly and in accordance with all necessary aviation standards.
Japa: ‘Ask God Before You Pack Your Bags’ – Oyedepo
Meanwhile, Oyedepo, has advised youths to follow God’s plans.
David Oyedepo urged youths not to make decisions without God. He said only God can lead anyone to stardom in one’s career and not otherwise.
“Don’t pack your bag and ask God if you should go. Don’t tempt God. Asked God for his plan because his plan is already blessed,” Oyedepo said.
He explained that knowing the plan of God requires one to “separate yourselves to a quiet place to hear God“
“You need an ornament of a quiet and meek spirit to hear God speak. One must be in the spirit to hear the voice of the spirit, and one must be spiritual to embrace the voice of the spirit,” he emphasized.
The Living Faith General Overseer said at the church’s Annual Youths Alive Convention, AYAC2024, on Saturday.
“Access to the voice of God is what takes you to stardom. We are where we are today as a church by following the voice of the spirit.
“Staying where God says you should stay and doing what God says you should do is what guarantees your stardom.
“The voice of the Lord is in the Bible, and following what God says makes you a frontline in your chosen career. But you need an open ear to hear what God is saying. The voice of God guarantees supernatural victory and supernatural favour.
“It allays all fears. If you hear from God, you become fearless and unstoppable. God’s voice instills supernatural confidence.
“The reason you shake is because you didn’t hear from God. You can’t hear from God and lack confidence,” Oyedepo told the church youths.
Fubara vs Wike: ‘You Will Be The Biggest Loser If Democracy Is Truncated’ – Bode George Tells Tinubu
AFOLABI
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has urged President Bola Tinubu to call the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to order over the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.
Recall that Wike, the immediate past governor of the oil-rich state, has been locked in a political battle with his successor, Sim Fubara, over control of the state.
Also, there has been tension in Rivers State after Saturday’s Local Government Areas election, where Action People’s Party (APP) swept the polls in 22 of the 23 local governments.
Naija News reports that Bode George, in a statement on Monday, raised concerns over recent political developments in Rivers State, warning that if not addressed, they could lead to a crisis with far-reaching security implications for Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa at large.
The PDP chieftain asked Tinubu to prevail on Wike to allow Governor Fubara to work and deliver dividends of democracy to the residents of the state.
Bode George added that President Tinubu would be the biggest loser if democracy in Rivers State gets truncated.
He said, “Now that people of Rivers State have boldly asserted their civic and constitutional rights by coming out to vote in the Local Government election on Saturday, this is the time for former governor of the state and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara work and deliver dividend of democracy to the people.
“This is also the time for President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, who is one of his ministers, to allow the governor to work.
“I say this with all sense of responsibility because if this democracy is truncated, God forbid, Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, will be the biggest loser.
“All lovers of democracy will agree with me that political happenings in this oil-bearing state in the last few months, if allowed to continue, can lead to a re-enactment of the crisis in the defunct Western Region between 1962 and 1966 which eventually led to the first military coup of January 15, 1966. Many of our national figures were killed and events of that day led to a second coup on July 29, 1966 when scores of military officers were killed.
“Since history is no longer taught in our schools, I want to remind the gladiators in this Rivers crisis that the January and July 1966 killings eventually led to the civil war between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970. Close to two million Nigerians died in the war.
“I am raising this alarm because what is happening in Rivers now is a cause for serious concern for everyone.
“My understanding of this man-made crisis is that there is a despotic, divisive, wicked and anti-people design to create a conflagration which may eventually consume our country.
“We all know the economic importance of Rivers to the survival of this nation. It is the gateway to the Niger Delta.
“Any threat to peace in this state will eventually lead to huge security implications, not only for Nigeria but West Africa and Africa. It is good to have political ambition, to be the alpha and omega in a partisan setting but this ambition must not be at variance with the expectations of the people.”
Despite $2bn Investment, Port Harcourt Refinery Yet to Function – APC Youths Slam Kyari-Led NNPCL
AFOLABI
Members of the All Progressives Congress under the aegis of APC Youth Solidarity Network have called for the sack of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL Boss, Mele Kyari.
The group lamented that despite the huge $2 billion invested in NNPCL, it has failed to deliver on the Port Harcourt Refinery project.
President of the group, Olayemi Isaac, who addressed journalists at a press conference on Monday alleged that the refusal to fix the refinery was a plot by some individuals to “sustain fuel subsidies, import blended fuel, and siphon taxpayers’ money”.
The party group also demanded an immediate investigation and probe into the activities of the NNPCL boss, Mele Kyari and other individuals involved in the Port Harcourt Refineries Project management.
The group called on the President Bola Tinubu-led government to restructure the NNPCL and make it more transparent and accountable to ensure consequences for corruption, and an end to fuel subsidies.
“We demand the immediate investigation and probe into the missing $2 billion that was purportedly spent on the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refineries, a project that has failed to come alive.
“Despite multiple attempts, multiple rounds of funding, and numerous promises from officials, the Port Harcourt Refineries remain non-operational. This is not only a failure in leadership, but a deliberate sabotage of the Nigerian economy and the welfare of its citizens.
“To date, Nigeria has four state-owned refineries located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri. However, these refineries have been non-functional for years, even though billions of naira have been spent on their maintenance.
“More troubling is the fact that every time we are told that the refineries will be repaired and functional, they fail to come to life.
“The Port Harcourt Refineries alone have been announced to undergo rehabilitation several times, but they remain in a state of dormancy”, Olayemi said.
Powerful criminal networks in Southeast Asia extensively use the messaging app Telegram which has enabled a fundamental change in the way organised crime can conduct large-scale illicit activity, the United Nations said in a report on Monday.
The report represents the latest allegations to be levied against the controversial encrypted app since France, using a tough new law with no international equivalent, charged its boss Pavel Durov for allowing criminal activity on the platform.
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Hacked data including credit card details, passwords and browser history are openly traded on a vast scale on the app which has sprawling channels with little moderation, the report by the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said.
Tools used for cybercrime, including so-called deepfake software designed for fraud, and data-stealing malware are also widely sold, while unlicensed cryptocurrency exchanges offer money laundering services, according to the report.
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"We move 3 million USDT stolen from overseas per day," the report quoted one ad as saying in Chinese.
There is "strong evidence of underground data markets moving to Telegram and vendors actively looking to target transnational organized crime groups based in Southeast Asia," the report said.
Southeast Asia has emerged as a major hub for a multibillion-dollar industry that targets victims across the world with fraudulent schemes. Many are Chinese syndicates that operate from fortified compounds staffed by trafficked workers. The industry generates between $27.4 billion to $36.5 billion annually, UNODC said.
Russian-born Durov was arrested in Paris in August and charged with allowing criminal activity on the platform including the spread of sexual images of children. The move has put the spotlight on the criminal liability of app providers and also triggered debate on where freedom of speech ends and enforcement of the law begins.
Telegram, which has close to 1 billion users, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Following his arrest, Durov, who is currently out on bail, said the app would hand over users' IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities making legal requests. He also said the app would remove some features that have been abused for illegal activity.
Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC's deputy representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said the app was an easily navigable environment for criminals.
"For consumers, this means their data is at a higher risk of being fed into scams or other criminal activity than ever before," he told Reuters.
The report said the sheer scale of the profits earned by criminal groups in the region had required them to innovate, adding they had integrated new business models and technologies including malware, generative artificial intelligence and deepfakes into their operations.
UNODC said it had identified more than 10 deepfake software service providers "specifically targeting criminal groups involved in cyberenabled fraud in Southeast Asia".
Elsewhere in Asia, police in South Korea - estimated to be the country most targeted by deepfake pornography - have reportedly launched an investigation into Telegram that will look at whether it abets online sex crimes.
Reuters also reported last month that a hacker had used chatbots on Telegram to leak the data of top Indian insurer Star Health, prompting the insurer to sue the platform.
Using the chatbots, Reuters was able to download policy and claims documents featuring names, phone numbers, addresses, tax details, copies of ID cards, test results and medical diagnoses.
[Reuters]
Oil prices continued to rise on Monday, with Brent approaching the $80 mark, building on last week’s sharpest increase since early 2023.
The gains were fueled by concerns over a potential escalation in Middle East tensions and possible disruptions to exports from this key oil-producing region.
Brent crude futures increased by $1.09, or 1.4%, reaching $79.14 per barrel as of 1316 GMT.
Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed $1.15, or 1.55%, to $75.53 per barrel, after earlier rising by more than $2.
Brent crude surged over 8% last week, while WTI jumped 9.1% amid concerns that Israel might target Iranian oil facilities following Iran’s October 1 missile attack. Tensions escalated on Monday as rockets from Iran-backed Hezbollah struck Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city.
Meanwhile, Israel appeared ready to intensify ground operations in southern Lebanon, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Gaza war, which has further fueled conflict across the Middle East. This situation has heightened fears of a broader war potentially involving the United States and Iran, Israel’s ally and adversary, respectively.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, including Russia, known as OPEC+, plan to increase production starting in December, following recent cuts aimed at supporting prices amid weak global demand.
While OPEC+ holds sufficient spare capacity to counterbalance any disruptions to Iranian supply, analysts warn that it could face challenges if Iran retaliates by targeting oil infrastructure in neighboring Gulf nations. At the onset of the Middle East conflict a year ago, Brent crude was trading at $88.15 per barrel.
Impact on the Naira
The rise in oil prices to almost $80 could further strengthen the fiscal position since it is above the budget benchmark oil price in the 2024 budget. It could also strengthen the Naira after recent depreciations in the past few months. The naira has hovered around N1540/$ on the official market and weaker on the parallel market.
Last month, Brent crude oil futures dipped below $70 per barrel for the first time since December 2021, signaling a new decline driven by robust supply, demand concerns, and extensive speculative selling.
The global benchmark slid by 2.8%. However, disruptions in U.S. supply caused by Tropical Storm Francine offered some support to prices. Brent futures declined by 48 cents, or 0.67%, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 42 cents, or 0.6%, to $68.29 per barrel. Both benchmarks saw gains of about 1% on Monday.
[Nairametrics]
ASUU highlighted a significant change since the tenure of former CBN Governor and current Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
The union claimed that despite available funds earmarked for community development, the CBN has not undertaken any projects in tertiary institutions since 2014, when Sanusi’s term ended.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, shared these concerns on Inside Sources, a socio-political program on Channels Television.
Osodeke pointed out that during his time as CBN governor (2009-2014), Sanusi actively utilized the bank’s resources to fund essential university projects across Nigeria.
He said, “There are many companies today which they call cash cows; they have some reserve money for community development. CBN, NNPC and what have you.
“For a very long time that we have been having CBN governors, we never knew there was fund there that could be used in the university until the Emir of Kano, Sanusi, came in and decided to use the money the way it should be used.
“There’s no federal university today that you don’t have a project done by Sanusi regime when he was CBN governor because the fund was there. The biggest building in my university is CBN, go to the University of Abuja, CBN; go to Jos, everywhere, for the four years he was there before he was sacked but since another one came in, have you seen anything done in the university by CBN? Zero.”
Osodeke contrasted Sanusi’s contributions with those of his successors, Godwin Emefiele and the current CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, asserting that neither has continued this legacy.
According to Osodeke, if Sanusi’s approach had been maintained, infrastructure challenges in public universities could have been significantly reduced.
Highlighting what he described as “community social responsibility funds” within the CBN, Osodeke urged the current leadership to follow Sanusi’s example.
Osodeke said, “If what Sanusi did when he was CBN governor was followed by other CBN governors, we would not be talking about projects in universities but the next one came and that is the end.
“There’s a new person there now and nobody is talking about that fund again; they call it (the fund) Community Social Responsibility, it’s there.”
“So, we should ask you if the CBN governor is watching me: how did Emir Sanusi generate that money to put projects in all the federal and many state universities in this country within four years? How come Emefiele couldn’t put one anywhere? How come the present one has not even thought about that? How come all those who were there have not to do anything?
“He (Cardoso) is a year in office, has he done anything? Have you seen any project in any university?” he queried.
[NaijaNews]
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted the reduction of bail conditions for five #EndBadGovernance protesters to N5 million each.
Justice Emeka Nwite had on September 11 granted bail to all ten protesters to the tune of N100 million.
The ten defendants – Michael Adaramoye, also known as Lenin, Adeyemi Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Simon, Angel Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis, and Abduldalam Zubair are facing six counts charges including treason, conspiracy to commit a felony, inciting mutiny, and attempting to destabilise Nigeria.
The offenses are said to be punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
The defendants are accused of attempting to force their way into the seat of power, burning down a police station, and injuring officers.
The Federal Government also claimed that the protesters incited the public against the government and destroyed public properties, including a police station, the High Court complex, and facilities belonging to the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
LEADERSHIP recalls that five of the 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters, who were previously remanded in prison by the Federal Government, have struggled to meet the original bail conditions.
This was revealed by the counsel for the 1st, 2nd, and 4th defendants, Marshall Abubakar, who stated that some of the protesters were unable to secure a surety with landed property in Abuja, one of the bail requirements.
The Court required that the sureties must be residents of Abuja, own property in the city, and deposit their property documents with the court registrar.
Additionally, the sureties were required to swear to an affidavit of means, and both the defendants and sureties were to submit their international passports and recent passport photographs to the registrar.
Justice Nwite ruled that the protesters be held in custody until the were able to meet the bail conditions.
The defense lawyers later appealed the stringent bail terms, particularly arguing that the five defendants were unable to meet the requirements.
Following their application, Justice Nwite reduced the bail sum to N25 million in total for the five protesters requesting the variation.
Each individual were required to post bail of N5 million with one surety in the same amount, who must be a close relative such as a father, mother, or another blood relative residing within the jurisdiction, if neither parent is available.
[Leadership]
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has asked Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Simi Fubara of River State to work.
Wike, the immediate past governor of the oil rich River state, has been locked in a battle with his successor over control of the state.
Governor Fubara’s administration had conducted local government election on Saturday under the Action People’s Party (APP) following the handover of the PDP structure to Wike who is also reportedly controlling the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in the state.
The tension in Rivers increased after the Saturday’s LG election where APP swept the polls in the 22 of the 23 local governments.
Adding his voice to the issue on Monday, Chief Bode George asked President Tinubu to call his Minister to order and prevail on him to allow Governor Fubara to work.
In a statement, he said, “Now that people of Rivers State have boldly asserted their civic and constitutional rights by coming out to vote in the Local Government election on Saturday, this is the time for former governor of the state and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to allow Governor Siminalayi Fubara work and deliver dividend of democracy to the people.
“This is also the time for President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, who is one of his ministers, to allow the governor to work.
“I say this with all sense of responsibility because if this democracy is truncated, God forbid, Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, will be the biggest loser.
“All lovers of democracy will agree with me that political happenings in this oil-bearing state in the last few months, if allowed to continue, can lead to a re-enactment of the crisis in the defunct Western Region between 1962 and 1966 which eventually led to the first military coup of January 15, 1966. Many of our national figures were killed and events of that day led to a second coup on July 29, 1966 when scores of military officers were killed.
“Since history is no longer taught in our schools, I want to remind the gladiators in this Rivers crisis that the January and July 1966 killings eventually led to the civil war between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970. Close to two million Nigerians died in the war.”
George stated that happenings in River State call for concern.
“I am raising this alarm because what is happening in Rivers now is a cause for serious concern for everyone.
“My understanding of this man-made crisis is that there is a despotic, divisive, wicked and anti-people design to create a conflagration which may eventually consume our country.
“We all know the economic importance of Rivers to the survival of this nation. It is the gateway to the Niger Delta.
“Any threat to peace in this state will eventually lead to huge security implications, not only for Nigeria but West Africa and Africa. It is good to have political ambition, to be the alpha and omega in a partisan setting but this ambition must not be at variance with the expectations of the people.
“Some have said what is happening can be traced to 2027 elections’ calculations. I believe it is too early to start strategising for a partisan event which is still close to 28 months away.
“One thing is clear: Nyesom Wike was governor of the state for eight years. He left the Government House in May last year and today, he is the FCT Minister. Sir Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi were governors before him. Now that Governor Fubara is the Chief Executive of the state, he should be allowed to work. Nobody stays in office forever.
“By 2027, people of Rivers State will decide, through their votes, if they want him to return to office or not. This is how political issues and ambitions are handled in civilised climes. The way this partisan crisis is going, if not checked, may collapse our democracy. Now that council chairmen and councillors have been elected, I appeal to Nyesom Wike to please give peace a chance. Tinubu must also call Wike and tell him to allow the governor to work.
“We know Wike sponsored and supported Fubara to become governor but somebody also supported Wike to be governor from 2015 to 2023. Somebody also nominated him to serve as minister. God will always use somebody to help anybody but nobody is God.”
[DailyTrust]
Rapper Reminisce has shared insights on maintaining healthy relationships in the entertainment industry.
In a recent interview with Naija FM, he emphasised the importance of setting boundaries and recognising that not everyone is a genuine friend.
Reminisce attributed his cautious approach to his early experiences with fame.
According to him, he learned the hard way that “nobody is my friend” in the industry, and this realisation helped him navigate complex relationships.
He explained that when it comes to humans, they can quickly turn against you if they’re not favoured, especially monetarily.
Reminisce advised aspiring artists to be aware of their surroundings by knowing who fits in their circle.
He stressed that not everyone around you wants you to succeed, and it’s essential to set clear boundaries to protect yourself and your interests.
Additionally, he cautioned against confusing these gestures, emphasizing that being kind and helpful doesn’t necessarily mean someone is a true friend.
He said: “Fame is a drug that gets one high and clouds judgment. One of the things I did in life earlier on was to realise that nobody is my friend.
“That’s probably why many people don’t like me, if someone has worked with me and you find out that we had issues, if you find out what happened, it would probably have been because I made my decision and stood by it. I have learned that at the end of the day, na me go suffer the consequences.
“You know that when it comes to humans, they turn you into an enemy if they aren’t favoured, especially monetarily. It took a while before I became famous and I even had a child beforehand, so the first thing I got to understand is that nobody is your friend, you can be kind and you can assist but the first mistake you can make in this music industry is thinking everyone is your friend. Nobody is your friend.
“We all want the same thing so there is no way you’d think everyone is your friend. It is very normal to have people around you when you’re hot and popping and it is your responsibility as a famous person to determine what you want. Not everyone around you wants you to succeed.”
[TheNation]
More...
The National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has officially released the timetable for its zonal congresses set for 2025.
The congresses will facilitate the election of new Zonal Working Committees and National Ex-Officio members.
In a statement from Abuja on Monday, PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba announced that the party’s National Executive Committee has greenlit the congresses. He noted that the NWC finalized the timetable during its 592nd meeting, coinciding with the end of the current tenures for Zonal Executives in the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East zones.
The timetable details various key activities: “Sale of forms for all ZWC positions and National Ex-Officio roles in the South-South, South-East, South-West, North-Central, and North-East: Monday, November 18, 2024 – Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
“Deadline for submission of completed Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the Directorate of Organization and Mobilization: Friday, January 17, 2025.
“Screening of aspirants at the Zonal Headquarters: Saturday, January 25, 2025.
“Screening appeal at the Zonal Headquarters: Saturday, February 1, 2025.
“Publication of cleared aspirants: Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Publication of delegate lists: Thursday, February 13, 2025.
“The congress dates are Zonal Congresses for the North-East, South-East, and South-South: Saturday, February 22, 2025.
“Appeal on Zonal Congresses: Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
“Zonal Congresses for North-Central and South-West: Saturday, March 22, 2025. Appeal on Zonal Congresses: Wednesday, March 26, 2025.”
The PDP has invited all prospective aspirants to reach out to the Directorate of Organization and Mobilization or the Directorate of Finance at the National Secretariat for details regarding fees and other queries.
Ologunagba also called on all PDP leaders, stakeholders, and members to foster unity and work towards the party’s advancement.
[FRipplesNigeria]
Billionaire CEO Elon Musk has unveiled a new initiative that offers $47 to registered U.S. voters who refer others to sign a petition promoting free speech and the right to bear arms.
The programme specifically targets voters in key swing states, aiming to maximise political influence in the upcoming elections.
“For every person you refer who is a swing state voter, you get $47! Easy money,” Musk announced via X on Sunday.
The petition is hosted on the website of Musk’s America PAC, a political action committee that aims to gather 1 million signatures from voters in battleground states.
The PAC, backed by several tech entrepreneurs, was established to support former President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.
The petition emphasises the importance of protecting the First and Second Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment ensures freedoms of speech, religion, the press, and assembly, while the Second Amendment protects citizens’ right to bear arms.
Musk recently took to the stage at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he voiced his support for Trump’s campaign.
During his speech, Musk issued a stark warning, saying this could be “the last election” if Trump fails to secure victory. He also addressed claims that Democrats are allegedly planning to curtail Americans’ rights, including free speech and gun ownership.
Musk in another post added, “Sign our petition to support the Constitution! Also earn $47 for every person you refer to sign the petition if they’re in a swing state. Goal is to get 1M voters in swing states to show support for free speech & right to bear arms.”
[Punch]
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed the police to provide security to Rivers State Local Government Officials and to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.
While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, President Tinubu emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.
The President in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.
He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.
According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.
The statement further stated that the “President called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
“In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.
“He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council in Edo says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to allow it from inspecting election materials used in the state governorship election.
The election was held on September 21.
Asue Ighodalo, governorship candidate of the PDP, is challenging the victory of Monday Okpebholo, Edo governor-elect.
Okpebholo, a serving senator, won the election with 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo who polled 247,274 votes.
In a post on X on Monday, Oseh Anenih, the campaign’s director of strategy, said his party was prevented from inspecting the materials when it visited INEC’s office.
“This morning they refused to comply with a court order mandating them to allow the PDP inspect BVAS machines used to steal the Election,” he posted.
“The Nigerian Police prevented the PDP legal team from accessing the Commission; then thugs magically appeared.”
INEC is colluding with the APC.
This morning they refused to comply with a court order mandating them to allow the PDP inspect BVAS machines used to steal the Election
The Nigerian Police prevented the PDP legal team from accessing the Commission; then thugs magically appeared. pic.twitter.com/OC8Kr15cPn
— Ose Anenih (@ose_anenih) October 7, 2024
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TRIBUNAL ORDER
In an order dated September 29 and seen by TheCable, the Edo governorship election tribunal, said the PDP should have “unfettered access” to all electoral materials in its custody.
“That the 1st Respondent (INEC) is directed to grant the Applicants or their Solicitors and Forensic documents Examiners unfettered access to and open up for inspection all electoral documents or any document in the custody of the National Chief Elcctoral Commissioner or any officer of the Commission/ 1st Respondent particularly the Voter Registers, the ballot papers, the BVAS machines, Forms EC25B, EC 25B(i), Forms EC40A and Forms EC40C which were utilised for the conduct of the Edo state governorship election held on the 21st September, 2024,” W.I. Kpochi, the tribunal judge, held.
[TheCable]