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All DStv customers will have free access to all DStv channels from Dec. 27 to 29, regardless of their current subscription package.
This is contained in a statement on Thursday by MultiChoice Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seasonal offer is open to all DStv subscribers.
The statement read in part: “No Subscription, No Problem! Switch on your DStv decoder for a gift like no other this festive season, 72 hours of all content, all channels, all on us!
“As we wind down the year and celebrate the holidays, DStv is happy to announce that we are making this December one to remember.
“From Friday, Dec. 27, to Sunday, Dec. 29, we’re giving all DStv customers, connected and disconnected, regardless of their current package, access to every channel and every show at no extra cost.
“Whatever package you’re on, connected or not, this is your chance to unlock the full power of DStv Premium and revel in a world of endless entertainment and authenticity.
“For 72 hours, the only thing standing between you and the best in sports, kids’ programming, movies, and local dramas is your decoder. No payments or calls required.”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, says he would pitch his tent with President Bola Tinubu again if the opportunity arises.
This is even as he said he had no regret for supporting Tinubu in the 2023 general elections.
Before his ministerial appointment, Wike was the governor of Rivers State for eight years under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Tinubu later appointed him into his cabinet to serve as FCT Minister in the All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government.
While many observers continue to cast doubts on his loyalty to the PDP and wonder why the party has not expelled him despite his egregious anti-party activities, Wike has insisted that he remains a staunch and loyal member of the PDP.
While speaking at a thanksgiving service in Ochigba organised by the PDP in Ahoada East and West Local Government Areas of the state, Wike thanked President Tinubu for believing in him.
Wike said that he was threatened before the presidential elections for supporting Tinubu, adding that he would do the same thing if another opportunity comes.
“I have no regrets, I have no apologies. If the opportunity comes I will do the same thing,” he said.
The Minister also denied allegations of land grabbing levelled against him by some residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, describing the allegations as laughable.
The Minister stated that those in possession of government land must do the right thing or risk having their plots of land revoked, adding that he was unmoved by the actions and remarks of his detractors.
“I am in charge of lands in Abuja, how will I go and grab what I am in charge of” he said
The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.
A statement by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Thursday said the claims exist solely in the realm of imagination.
He stressed that Nigeria had never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger, according to the Minister.
The statement adds, “Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.
“Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic.
“We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.”
Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil. This demonstrates the country’s commitment to national independence and regional leadership.
Mr. Idris described the accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture as both unfounded and counterproductive.
He said Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. “It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted,”
The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless, he added.
Note that Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.
Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.
The Nigerian government thus wonders how a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace can now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders.
The government insists these accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.
The statement further read: “The public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.
“In conclusion, President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.
“Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.”
[businessmetricsng]
Nigerien military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani has raised fresh allegations against the Federal Government of Nigeria.
But the Nigerian government has countered the claims, saying they were nothing but tissues of lies.
The recent development has further strained the delicate relationship between Nigeria and its closest neighbour, Niger, and by extension, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Tchiani, in an interview with Radio-Télévision du Niger, the country’s state media, on Wednesday night, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of conniving with France to destabilise Niger Republic.
But the Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as baseless.
Earlier last Friday, the Nigerien authorities had alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigeria’s, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024 in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had debunked the allegation and assured that Nigeria would continue to explore peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with Niger for the benefit of the people of both nations.
Nigeria and other members of the ECOWAS had imposed sanctions on Niger and mulled a military action to restore constitutional order in the country following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
New claims
Tchiani, in his fresh allegations, some of them so grievous to be mentioned, said France promised to give Tinubu a certain amount of money in exchange for him ceding an area in Borno State for French military deployment.
He said: “President Tinubu should come out and tell Nigerians how much he collected from France. If he refuses to do so, there will be a day of reckoning. Allah is watching.
“ECOWAS has been out of control. It has merely become a puppet of the French authorities. France dictates to it as it pleases. This is because the leaders of ECOWAS countries are power-hungry people.
“From the Nigerian president to those of Benin, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire — they all go to France whenever elections are around. They go and bow before Macron to ask for funds to contest again. Do you have the temerity to say no to the person who gave you money?”
Tchiani also alleged that French military personnel were present on an island known as Kurnawa, as well as in places like Tangarwa and Dogon Chuku.
“We repatriated two French officials who had relocated to Nigeria. They were warmly accepted by Nigeria. They provide training to terrorists,” he alleged in the widely circulated videos.
He also alleged that France designated an area as ‘Canada’, recruited many Nigerians and enlisted them with the tacit knowledge of Nigerian authorities.
Tchiani accused France of arming Boko Haram fighters in the Lake Chad region with anti-aircraft weapons in order to combat Chadian forces.
He alleged that when France realised that Chadian forces were using airstrikes against Boko Haram, they armed the sect members with ground-to-air weapons so that they could bring down Chadian military aircrafts.
“The weapons were delivered on October 16. France has a base in Lake Chad. The reports we gathered from high-profile terrorists in our detention facilities revealed a sinister plan.
“And by the way, Nigerian authorities are not unaware of this underhanded move. It is near a forest close to Sokoto where they wanted to establish a terrorist stronghold known as Lakurawa. The French and ISWAP made this deal on March 4, 2024.
He also mentioned names of some high profile government officials, including those not government. Daily Trust could not reach out to them for their side of the story.
The Nigerien leader said: “We explained the French’s sinister tactics to him (a former official of Nigerian government). He promised to send a team of intelligence officers, who arrived in Niger, and we financed their entire operation. They had interactive sessions with various terrorists detained in our facilities. The terrorists revealed French motives against Nigeria. He, himself, was involved in financing terrorist training in different locations, including in the Central African Republic.”
Tchiani further alleged that another key figure in Nigerian government was also aware of the situation, but they remained silent and refused to act.
“We did all of this out of brotherhood with Nigeria. Alas, we didn’t realise that Nigeria’s decline came from the leadership, until later.”
He said Niger decided to take “decisive action against the French conspiracy, as well as deal with the Lakurawa group, which was reportedly positioned in neighbouring countries to launch attacks on Niger’s oil pipeline facilities.”
They’re tissues of lies – FG
Reacting yesterday, the Information Minister, Idris, said the allegations by Tchiani existed solely in the realm of imagination as Nigeria had never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France or any other country to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.
He said President Tinubu, as chairman of ECOWAS, had demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country.
Idris said Nigeria remained committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.
He said Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, were succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region.
According to the minister, it is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.
He also said neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials had ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.
He also emphasised that no part of Nigeria had been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic.
“We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.
“Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil. This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership,” Idris stated.
The minister said the accusation that Nigeria sought to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture was both unfounded and counterproductive.
“Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted,” he added.
He also said the claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, were baseless.
He noted that Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.
“Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out. How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges,” he said.
Urging the public to disregard these false allegations, Idris said those making such claims, particularly the military leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them.
The minister warned that any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.
He said Tchiani’s allegations were not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.
He said Nigeria remained committed to fostering regional stability and would continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.
The minister said Nigeria urged Niger Republic to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddle baseless accusations.
Foreign affairs ministry speaks
Similarly, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Head, Crisis Monitoring and Public Communication, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described Tchiani’s allegations as completely false.
“We share a lot of common history and Nigeria is committed to resolving the withdrawal from ECOWAS by Niger, Mali and Burkina-Faso. So, we don’t want any additional issues that will strain that process. Nigeria has never been known as a terrorist sponsor. We have been fighting Boko Haram for many years now and we have been committed to peacekeeping efforts in different parts of the world.
“There has been no instance whereby Nigeria has been linked to any terrorist group all over the world. We condemn the activities of terrorists within our boundaries and we can’t support the activities of terrorists outside the borders of Nigeria. So, the allegations by the Nigerien government are not true at all,” he said.
Northern group urges N/Assembly to probe Tchiani’s allegations
Earlier yesterday, the League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, urged the National Assembly to, as a matter of national concern, immediately constitute an investigative committee to probe the claims thoroughly.
The LND, in a statement by its spokesperson, Ladan Salihu, said notwithstanding the poor diplomatic relations between Niger on the one hand and France and Nigeria on the other, the allegations by Tchiani were too significant to be ignored as mere international politics.
It said a transparent investigation would address the concerns of Nigerians citizens and demonstrate the nation’s commitment to honest leadership, peace and the preservation of its security, sovereignty and integrity in the international arena.
“Considering the severe impact of Boko Haram’s insurgency on Northern Nigeria, these claims demand a transparent and immediate response from the Nigerian government to uphold national security and restore public trust.
“More so, with the current unusually close and intense personal and governmental relationship between President Tinubu and France, including signing of bilateral agreements, there are reasons to believe these accusations.
The league urged the government to provide the nation-especially the North that is bearing the brunt of the insurgency – with concrete, cogent and verifiable evidence refuting or clarifying these allegations.
“Their silence risks further eroding the confidence of the people, most especially northerners. The government must clearly articulate its position, ensuring that no Nigerian official is unfairly implicated in activities undermining our nation’s sovereignty and stability,” he said.
[DailyTrust]
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed insisted on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu’s tax policies are anti-northern Nigeria and will not favour the region.
The governor made this known when he received the Christian community in Bauchi State, who visited him at the Government House.
Mohammed, who doubles as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum, said the tax reform bills that are currently before the National Assembly are skewed to favour only one section of the country.
According to him, the President should drop the tax reform bills.
He noted that the bills are not good for Northern Nigeria because they will not guarantee inflows to pay salaries and build roads.
“That is why the presidency must listen to the cries about tax reform.
“It is not a good policy for northern Nigeria because we are not going to get money to pay your salaries or to do roads.
“They must listen; otherwise, they are calling for anarchy. And that is not good.
“We voted for the presidency in this state and other states; they must listen to us. They must not come up with policies that favour only one section of the country or even one state in the country.
“It is not about religion; it is not about tribe; it is about national unity; it is about national hegemony, and this is what we are all about: good leadership,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that President Tinubu, during his first Presidential Media Chat, insisted that the tax reform bills have come to stay.
According to him, the tax reform bills are necessary to retool the country’s economy.
Recall that the tax reform bills were rejected by Northern governors and the National Economic Council.
Since its transmission to the National Assembly, the bills have continued to generate mixed reactions.
[DailyPost]
All DStv customers will have free access to all DStv channels from Dec. 27 to 29, regardless of their current subscription package.
This is contained in a statement on Thursday by MultiChoice Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seasonal offer is open to all DStv subscribers.
The statement read in part: “No Subscription, No Problem! Switch on your DStv decoder for a gift like no other this festive season, 72 hours of all content, all channels, all on us!
“As we wind down the year and celebrate the holidays, DStv is happy to announce that we are making this December one to remember.
“From Friday, Dec. 27, to Sunday, Dec. 29, we’re giving all DStv customers, connected and disconnected, regardless of their current package, access to every channel and every show at no extra cost.
“Whatever package you’re on, connected or not, this is your chance to unlock the full power of DStv Premium and revel in a world of endless entertainment and authenticity.
“For 72 hours, the only thing standing between you and the best in sports, kids’ programming, movies, and local dramas is your decoder. No payments or calls required.”
(NAN)
The Independent National Electoral Commission is contemplating a policy to withdraw and destroy Permanent Voter Cards that remain uncollected for a decade, The PUNCH has learnt.
This recommendation was among 208 proposals arising from the commission’s review of the 2023 general elections.
The move stemmed from the persistent issue of unclaimed PVCs, with over six million cards still uncollected as of the 2023 elections, including many issued as far back as 2015.
Stakeholders in the post-election review recommended that INEC address the backlog of uncollected PVCs by implementing a policy to withdraw PVCs that remain uncollected for extended periods, starting with cards issued in 2015.
The rationale is that these cards are unlikely to be claimed, and their retention clogs the voter management system.
“Following the publication of the Register of Voters, the commission made available the PVCs for collection by voters on December 12, 2022. The exercise was initially planned to end on the 22nd of January 2023. However, the fact that a huge number of registered voters had yet to collect their PVCs forced the commission to extend the deadline to the 5th of February 2023 after devolving the collection to the ward level between January 6-15, 2023 to ease the process.
“The low rate of PVC collection and other related challenges are illustrative of the problem of processing and managing voters in Nigeria. To increase the rate of collection of PVCs, the commission implemented a policy that made it possible for voters to locate their PVCs online and subsequently pick them up. Several CSOs supported the commission’s drive to increase PVC collection by working with INEC’s state/FCT Offices to record all uncollected PVCs and to inform their owners where and how to collect them.
“With support from the development partners, some of the CSOs also created information centres in selected states and the FCT to assist voters locate and collect their PVCs. Despite these efforts, over six million PVCs remained uncollected, many of them dating back to 2015.
Consequently, one recommendation from the review was that the commission should consider withdrawing PVCs issued in 2015 since it is not clear if the owners will ever collect them,” INEC said.
Also, the commission proposed plans to modernise Nigeria’s electoral process, including the gradual phase-out of PVCs and the introduction of diaspora voting.
It was explained that with the adoption of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, PVCs may no longer be necessary for voter accreditation. Instead, voters could use computer-generated slips or credentials downloaded from the commission’s website.
“Unlike the SCR, the voters’ register is now resident in the BVAS. The new device does not read and extract voters’ details from the PVC. Moreover, the Electoral Act 2022 has made biometric accreditation (fingerprint or facial) mandatory for voting.
“The utility of the PVC is now limited to voter identification. It is therefore possible to identify voters using their registration slips which obviates the need for PVCs, the cost of producing them, the logistics for their distribution and the fact that voters without them are unable to vote, thus raising serious issues of disenfranchisement. With the BVAS, voters can be identified using their registration slips otherwise known as the Temporary Voter’s Card and accredited biometrically without the need for a plastic PVC.
“However, such a step requires the amendment of Section 47(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which makes the presentation of the card (PVC) to the PO at the PU mandatory before accreditation and voting,” the recommendation said.
Political parties divided
Political parties in the country hold differing opinions about INEC’s plan to destroy uncollected PVCs.
In an interview with The PUNCH, the National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, Kehinde Edun, believed that the initiative was in order, stressing that there was a need to declutter the voters register, especially if it is confirmed that many of those registered have died.
He said, “I am sure most of those uncollected PVCs must have been as a result of irregularities in the process of registration and all that. If truly people register to vote and register as eligible electorate, they must have collected over a long period, after being given enough time.
“But I believe no system is perfect. So I think destroying them may be in order. If people have not collected over a long period, there is a likelihood those lapses were the result of some irregularities in the process of registration.”
But the Peoples Democratic Party raised a concern that destroying uncollected PVCs could be another ploy by INEC to distract Nigerians.
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, who spoke to The PUNCH, said INEC had given Nigerians enough reasons to be suspicious.
He asserted that people refused to collect the PVCs because they had lost faith in INEC to make their votes count during elections.
Osadolor said, “How do you contemplate destroying cards produced with billions of taxpayers’ money because INEC has failed the credibility and integrity test that has made millions of Nigerians lose faith in the commission’s ability to organise free, fair and credible elections?
“I urge INEC to, as a matter of immediate action, begin an image laundering and rebranding campaign to convince Nigerians and stakeholders that the commission is ready to be truly independent in spelling, actions and character.”
Also, the New Nigeria People’s Party advised INEC to reconsider the plan to destroy PVCs.
The National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, said destroying over six million voter cards would amount to sheer waste of money.
He said, “If people register and haven’t come to collect over a long period of time unless they know those people have passed on, I think the cards should not be destroyed as long as they are in safekeeping.
“If you destroy about six million PVCs, and all of a sudden, some of the owners show up and want to vote, it will cost God-knows-how-much to register them again. It’s a waste of money.”
SANs back INEC
However, some Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who spoke to The PUNCH backed INEC to destroy the uncollected PVCs, asserting that there are no legal impediments.
A former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), said some of the uncollected PVCs were likely products of double registration.
“They (uncollected PVCs) are taking space. My suspicion is that the owners don’t exist. It is double fraudulent registration by a lot of people. Just as I am sure that we are not up to 200 million neither do I believe that we are up to 90 million registered voters when only 20 percent of that is always voting. There is a lot of fake information and fake facts in this country and I’m sure this is part of it. So, let them destroy the uncollected PVCs,” he said.
Sharing a similar view, another SAN, Sam Erugo, said, “The PVCs have been uncollected over time, so I don’t see anything wrong in them destroying them because not collecting them means something is definitely wrong with the owners. Either they are dead or they are duplication. Now, that brings the question whether eligible voters have voters card or that will will impede their right to vote or not. That is a different question altogether but if they have uncollected voter cards, of course, they have a right to destroy them because that will help stop people from using them to rig elections. Given that they are uncollected, they are useless already and money has been wasted already.”
But Paul Obi (SAN) differed, calling for greater awareness instea of rushing to destroy the PVCs.
“What is the basis for destroying six million voters cards?” he queries. “Even if they are uncollected, they belong to Nigerians who are also supposed to use them in the next election and they spent money in producing them.
[Punch]
From the second stint in the White House for Donald Trump to a turbo-charged football calendar, here are five things to watch in 2025:
– Trump 2.0 –
On January 20, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as 47th president of the United States, 11 weeks after his convincing win in the election against Democrat Kamala Harris.
The Republican’s swearing-in ceremony in front of the US Capitol in Washington comes four years after the attack on the seat of US democracy by Trump supporters, who did not accept he lost the 2020 election.
Trumps’ return, at the age of 78, comes despite four indictments and a criminal conviction and after a campaign that also included two failed assassination attempts on him.
With a list including vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary and Elon Musk co-heading a department of government efficiency, there is concern at what his second term could mean for the United States, and the world.
He has vowed to Make America Great Again, retreating from multilateralism in favour of power politics.
In late December the president-elect pledged to “stop the transgender lunacy” on day one of his presidency, and to immediately begin “the largest deportation operation in American history” of illegal migrants.
– Climate –
Could 2025 be the year when our greenhouse gas emissions stop their steady climb around the world?
Researchers are pointing to signs from the world’s biggest polluter China, responsible for 30 percent of global emissions, where fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions are projected to tick up only marginally this year.
Glen Peters, of the Global Carbon Project, says overall CO2 emitted by burning coal, oil and gas across the world could peak in the next few years.
This carbon pollution is the main driver of increasingly dangerous climate change.
But even if there is a peak, Ignacio Arroniz Velasco, of the E3G think tank, said countries cannot afford to “relax”, and should then quickly decrease their emissions to aim for carbon neutrality.
– Football frenzy –
In 2025 the question of football overkill and player burnout will likely dominate amid a supercharged calendar.
There is the expanded 32-club Club World Cup awaiting players in the summer, when usually they would have had time to recover from national leagues.
And this coming after a particularly busy season that sees a much-anticipated extended Champions League — the leading European club competition — in a new format.
All this is part of a trend in football to ramp up the number of high-profile matches — the next World Cup in 2026 will welcome a whopping 16 more countries, resulting in 104 games rather than 64.
The spectre of Saudi Arabia will also loom large as the host of the 2034 World Cup pumps more money into the game, with potentially transformative consequences.
Other controversies likely to cause sparks include the continued use of VAR technology, currently locked in a love-hate relationship with players, fans and pundits.
– Kumbh Mela –
The largest gathering of humanity on the planet will take place from January 13 to late February when 400 million are expected to attend a spectacular Hindu festival on India’s sacred riverbanks.
Held every three years, rotating between four different holy places, the Kumbh Mela takes place at the site where the holy Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet.
Classified by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, the mega-festival will involve a makeshift city in the northern city of Prayagraj. The last time the festival took place there, in 2013, it drew 120 million people. 36 people died in a stampede.
Hindus believe that taking a dip in Sangam, the confluence of the rivers, will cleanse them of their sins and help them attain “moksha”, setting them free from the cycle of birth and death.
– Oasis and BTS comebacks –
On the one side, the grisly bad boys of Britpop, on the other the fresh-faced darlings of K-Pop.
Both Oasis and BTS are set to return in 2025, much to the delight of their fans, after stints off the stage for very different reasons.
Led by the Gallagher brothers Liam and Noel, Oasis will return after a high-profile bust-up in 2009 — one of many — led to a 15-year split.
The band behind “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova”, songs that achieved anthem-like status in the 1990s, go on a world tour kicking off in Britain and Ireland then heading to North and South America.
In the initial scramble to buy tickets from official sites, many fans who missed out sought alternative sources — leading to a landslide of ticket scams.
It will be a very different vibe in South Korea, where wildly popular K-Pop boy band BTS promises to reunite in June after its seven members finish their mandatory military service.
It is the comeback millions of fans and an entire multibillion dollar industry has been waiting for.
Experts say the megastars’ return to performance and public life could lift South Korea’s cultural exports juggernaut even higher.
eab-rap-ico-ot/jmy/giv
© Agence France-Presse
South Korea’s parliament has voted to impeach Han Duck-soo, its acting president — two weeks after it voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Han, who was prime minister, took over as acting president after Yeol was impeached by parliament following an attempt to impose martial law in the country.
Opposition lawmakers first filed an impeachment motion against Han on Thursday after he blocked the appointment of three judges chosen by parliament to oversee Yeol’s case.
They argued that he was stalling Yeol’s impeachment process.
There was chaos in parliament as the vote held on Friday.
Woo Won-Shik, speaker of the assembly, announced that only 151 votes would be needed to pass the impeachment bill. This meant that votes from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) were inconsequential.
The announcement elicited a protest, with the PPP lawmakers who gathered in the middle of the chamber chanting “invalid!” and “abuse of power!”
They asked the speaker to step down, with most of them boycotting the vote.
A total of 192 lawmakers voted for Han’s impeachment. The acting president will be suspended from his duties as soon as he is officially notified by parliament.
Like Yeol, his impeachment would have to be confirmed by the constitutional court, which has 180 days to rule on whether the vote should be upheld.
Reacting to the impeachment, Han said “I respect the decision of the national assembly,” adding that he “will wait for the constitutional court’s decision”.
[TheCable]
Abimbola Fashola, wife of Babatunde Fashola, the former governor of Lagos, says her husband does not discuss political matters with her.
In an interview aired on News Central television on Thursday, the former first lady of Lagos said there is a source through which she gets political updates about her husband.
Abimbola did not provide any information when asked about her husband’s “strained” relationship with his predecessor, Bola Tinubu, during Fashola’s second term as governor of Lagos.
“My husband doesn’t discuss political things with me. I don’t get to hear from my husband. I get to hear from a source. I have a source,” she said.
“It is like a spiritual guide for you to know what you are praying about. That is the way I see it. I don’t have two prayers.”
On accusations that the former Lagos governor had children outside of wedlock, Abimbola said it was a defamation of character and a plot to separate her from her husband.
“Some of my elderly women that I know told me not to worry about everything that was being said,” she said.
“They said that they had defended me, and I should accept the children. They said they know me very well and that I would ask anyone who has a child for my husband to bring them in.
“It was defamation of character. I did not talk about it at all with him. My father had several wives; I have younger ones.
“They thought I was going to leave my husband. And I know he did not do it. Most people would think we don’t talk. I’m not saying he is a perfect man, but he carries me along.”
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Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, has expressed sorrow over the death of over 65 Nigerians rushing for donated free foodstuffs, just as it urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on food nationwide.
The OPC in a statement by its General Secretary, Bunmi Fasehun, lamented the reported deaths last week of 35 people in Ibadan capital of Oyo State, 20 in Okija area of Anambra State, and 10 in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory.
Fasehun said: “As a matter of national emergency, Tinubu must intervene to bring down food prices to reduce hunger in Nigeria and ameliorate the sufferings of the citizens.
“The government must declare a state of emergency on food immediately.
“OPC urges the government to open the borders and ports for food to enter Nigeria quickly. Tinubu must allow for free movement of local and imported rice and other food items through the Nigerian highways. This government must mandate Customs and other agencies to stop seizing food and to stop hindering the transportation of edibles and consumables.”
Expressing the sympathy of OPC on the tragic incident, Fasehun said the deaths reflected the hopelessness and frustration experienced by a vast majority of Nigerians.
Fasehun said: “These avoidable deaths sound a loud and tragic message about the millions of Nigerians who are constantly confronted by crippling starvation and deep poverty. Yet governments at all levels show no concern.
“Why should Nigeria, with its reputation as the giant of Africa, record such tragic mishaps? Those deaths are a disgrace to our status as a nation blessed with natural resources, abundant human capacity and millions of hectares of arable land mass.
“Truth be told, the palliatives the government feels it has provided are not working because they never reach the intended targets. Such provisions, no matter how well-intended, are grossly inadequate. Even worse, the distribution channels are too few and too selective to get the items to the really needy among Nigeria’s 240 million citizens.
“Today, a bag of rice has risen to more than N100,000, three times its price under Muhammadu Buhari, and about 15 times its value under Goodluck Jonathan.
“Cooking gas has risen to over N18,000 today, from less than N10,000 under Buhari, and N2,000 under Jonathan. The cost of transportation is higher than it has ever been.
“There is scarcity of Naira notes. Banks are rationing notes and customers are not able to collect more than N5,000 to N20,000 cash per day. This is unacceptable.
“The government must scrap all policies that have impoverished Nigerians and brought unprecedented economic hardship on poor citizens. Policies that must go include: Zero-fuel subsidy, increased tariff on electricity, and high fees in government-owned educational institutions.
“Every policy must have a human face. What is the use of government recording increases in revenue allocation when inflation eats up all the gains and Nigerians are being killed by hunger, frustration and desperation?
“President Tinubu’s government must dedicate itself to guaranteeing food security. Every effort must be aimed towards restoring to Nigerians the conducive atmosphere and secure space to help farmers return to their farms.”
Former spokesperson and Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has stated that the South, not the North, should produce Nigeria’s president in 2027.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos, Okupe argued that geopolitical considerations make it unfair for the North to reclaim the presidency after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
Okupe acknowledged that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is eminently qualified to run in 2027.
However, he contended that Atiku’s candidacy would face the same challenges as in 2023 when his bid was perceived as disrupting the North-South power rotation.
The ex-presidential spokesman said the problem with the idea of Atiku’s presidency in 2027 is geopolitics, not age, adding that the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year term, just as the North did before Tinubu’s coming.
Okupe said, “Atiku failed in 2023, not because he was not a good person, but because people felt that a northern Muslim cannot succeed another northern Muslim after eight years.
“If Atiku still contests in 2027, he has a right. He is eminently qualified and one of the best we have, but geopolitics is an issue.
“The conditionality still persists, a Southerner would have just completed four years and needs another four-year term.
“It’s not in the constitution, but we agree that when a Northerner does his eight years, a Southerner will do.
“So, the North cannot now terminate the tenure of the South in 2027. It is not going to work.”
The ex-LP chieftain said Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party could also vie for the highest office in the country in 2027 as a southerner.
He, however, said it would be difficult for Obi to dislodge Tinubu as the President.
“Obi can contest. Obi is a young man, very dynamic and very ambitious; but geopolitics is important in a country that has not achieved horizontal and vertical unity.
“The person who is occupying the place right now, Tinubu, is also a Southerner, who is doing well.
“We can see what this gentleman (Tinubu) is doing. I wish Obi luck, but it is going to be an uphill task,” he said.
On whether alliances of politicians and parties could unseat Tinubu in 2027, Okupe said he did not see any political gang-up working against the president.
According to him, alliances against Tinubu will fail because the participants will not be willing to give concessions.
Okupe stated, “I have been in this game for 40 years and above. I came into politics in 1978. I have been in several talks, and discussions and I have represented my party, and my movement in several alliances.
“We have not attained that maturity to get to the level of being rational and reasonable and ready to give the necessary concession for a group interest. We are not there yet.
“Even if you look at our private businesses, go and check, 90 per cent of business partnerships will crumble within the first three years.
“I wish those who are trying alliance, I wish them luck but it is going to end up the same way it has always ended up. All the alliances will end up in futility.”
On the alliance that brought ex-President Buhari in 2015, Okupe said that though he criticised the alliance, the leader of the alliance, Tinubu, conceded everything to make it work.
“The man who spearheaded that alliance has grown beyond this constitution of naivety and selfishness.
“You put up an alliance, you set up a dining table, you cook food, and say other people should go and eat it. It is not done anywhere.
“Everything, he conceded, so that the thing could work,” he said.
He expressed doubt in the readiness and willingness of opposition leaders such as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), and Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, mulling an alliance against Tinubu in 2027, to concede for one another.
“If you look at it very well, that kind of maturity does not exist,” Okupe added.
NAN
The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a man, Abdulmuqeet Musari, for allegedly luring his 19-year-old friend, Usman Tijani, to a burial ground, robbing him of N200,000, and slitting his throat in the Adavi Local Government Area of the state.
Tijani, a Point-of-Sale operator and a 200-Level Cybersecurity student at Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, was attacked on December 24, 2024.
He was later found critically injured and is currently undergoing surgery at a Lokoja hospital.
A family member of the victim, Zainab Avosuahu, who narrated the incident, disclosed that the suspect on Tuesday allegedly lured her nephew into the bush, collected N200,000 from him, and slit his throat.
“We received a shocking call from my sister on Tuesday that left us devastated. Please, this is a call for justice for my nephew, whom his friend dragged to the bush, collected 200k from, and still had his throat butchered.
“He is currently undergoing surgery in Lokoja while the ‘devil in disguise’ of a friend is on the run. Please, we are on the lookout for him. This is all the information we can get now, as the victim can’t say much,” she stated.
However, the suspect was later apprehended by the vigilante and security architecture of the local government, who followed him to a neighbouring community in Ekiti.
According to Suleiman Acheneje, the Senior Special Assistant to the LG chairman, Bashiru Okatenwu, the security personnel of the LG swung into action when they heard about the situation.
He stated, “In the late hours of December 24, 2024, 7 pm to 8 pm precisely, unforeseen circumstances happened around Adavi burial ground, where a young boy named Usman Tijani got attacked by one of the bad eggs we still have in our society.
“Usman who happens to be a 200-level student of Cyber Security in Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara was brutally injured by Abdulmuqeet Musari, whose intent was no doubt to kill him.
“The victim was found nearly dead and rescued around 2am (on Christmas day) in New Zango, Adavi LGA, where he was immediately rushed to Lokoja and has since been receiving treatment in a very sound hospital there.
“The culprit was already on the run but kudos to the Executive Chairman Of Adavi, and their security intel, as they were able to apprehend the culprit in Ekiti state.”
It was gathered that the suspect had been handed over to the police.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Williams Aya, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect.
Aya said, “The suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing. He will be arraigned in court on completion of the investigation,”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, knocked a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, for describing him (Wike) as an enemy of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Wike, who spoke at the Ahoada East and Ahoada West PDP End of Year Thanksgiving in Rivers State, said Secondus was Fubara’s real enemy.
According to him, as PDP Chairman, Secondus opposed the choice of Fubara as Rivers governor in 2023.
Wike said Secondus rather wanted his cousin, Tele Ikuru, to become Rivers Governor.
Wike, who backed Fubara to become governor, said it was this reason he plotted the removal of Secondus as the PDP National Chairman.
Who, who has now fallen apart with Fubara, berated Secondus and a former Rivers State governor, Celestine Omehia, for backing Fubara in the ongoing political war.
Last week, Secondus, who was in Rivers State as Fubara’s guest during the inauguration of a road project, told the governor he would overcome his political enemies.
“Be strong and be courageous, because you will overcome your enemies. Those who are shouting in Abuja, how were they made? It is God and some of us and the leaders seated here today that made it possible.
“Your Excellency, don’t worry, power comes from God. The same way God gave it to them through us, God has given it to you. From what we have seen, you will excel because you love and respect the people, leaders, and elders of the State,” Secondus told Fubara.
But speaking on Thursday Wike lampooned Secondus, describing him as Fubara’s real enemy.
Wike also refuted claims that he left unfinished projects for Fubara to complete, challenging the governor to name any such uncompleted projects.
He said, “I heard Secondus say the other day in Bori that I awarded the Bori Internal Road as governor.
“I paid 50 per cent and thinking that we have a governor that we all agreed to continue. Secondus was saying that his enemies; who are the enemies of the governor? Secondus that refused him to be governor!
“I kicked out Secondus as PDP National Chairman when he wanted to make his cousin, Tele Ikuru, to be governor. Today, he is saying now that we are enemies.
“He (Seconds) was the one who refused the man (Fubara) to be governor; he wanted his cousin to be governor. He has now become the governor’s friend and we have now become the enemies. To God be the glory,” Wike said.
Wike also tackled Omehia for describing him as an underperformer.
He claimed that Omehia’s grouse with him stemmed from his being booted out of the government house.
“I overheard one imbecile, and let him challenge me, an imbecile Celestine Omehia. I say so and that is why when he wanted to occupy the Government House, I kicked him out. We could not have an imbecile as governor.
“He said they should ask me what I have done for Rivers State. That is why I say he is an imbecile. If he understands that, I am not a minister of a ministry!
“I am the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. When I was Minister of Education, he would have challenged me and asked ‘What did you bring to Rivers State?’ I was Minister of Education, I brought the Faculty of Law to the University of Port Harcourt. I gave grants to Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic; I gave grants to Ignatius Ajuru University. I made sure to renovate the Federal Government Collage Port Harcourt and the Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma. That was what I thought,” Wike stated.
He said though as the FCT Minister now, he cannot bring road projects or FCT money to Rivers State, “I can help Rivers people. And I have been helping Rivers people.”
He also boasted that “by the instrumentality of Mr President, there is no governor in this state that has attracted political appointments to this state than myself. Go and count it.”
“By the instrumentality of Mr President; by his grace, by his love for us, he said, ‘Go and give me these names for political appointments’. So, Mr Omehia, are you not aware that Rivers people have more political appointments than even when you are serving somebody? Are you not aware?”
Wike described the chief host of the thanksgiving, Chibudum Nwuche, as a worthy and steadfast politician loved by his people.
“What you (Nwuche) have shown today is what is called steadfastness. It is very difficult for you to see people who are steadfast. It is very difficult,” he said.
He also thanked the Chairman of the Rivers State All Progressives Congrats and his team for coming to rejoice with Nwuche, who is former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Wike commended the Rivers APC Chairman for resolving not to play politics of bitterness but rather embracing inclusivity.
The minister said he was proud that his wife hailed from the Ekpeye kingdom.
“Today your daughter is a Justice of the Court of Appeal,” he remarked.
Earlier in his welcome address, the chief host, Nwuche, thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing Wike as the FCT Minister.
Nwuche stated, “Today is thanksgiving for the PDP in Ahoada East and Ahoada West, products of the tribes of Ekpeye and Engine. We chose today to give gratitude to God. Like the preacher said, as it is in the Bible, those who give gratitude can ask for more from God. Those that don’t, will have their journeys cut short.”
He said though the PDP loyalists toiled to be in government, they had been pushed aside.
He urged them not to despair, saying “Time is ticking and very soon we shall reclaim our state.”
Addressing Wike, he said, “Your Excellency I want to commend the President for appointing somebody of your capacity as the Minister of the FCT.”
According to Nwuche, Wike has shown Nigerians that what he did in Rivers State was not a fluke.
“It’s your nature to transform states and cities. Wike is working. Abuja is being transformed. Projects awarded 20 years ago are now being completed. Abuja is truly a modern city compared to any other in the world.
“Ekpeye has seen over four governors, from Ada George to Dr Peter Odili to Rotimi Amaechi. You are the only governor who has given Ekpeye and Enhene a pride of place.”
Present at the event were former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, members of the House of Representatives, including Alwell Nyosu, Solomon Bob, Victor Obizor, Dummamene Dekor, and the member representing Rivers State on the board of the NDDC, Chief Tony Okocha, among others.