Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a caution regarding any efforts to manipulate the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Naija News reports that next Saturday, September 21, Edo State residents are expected to troop out en mass to vote for their next governor.
Atiku, who was in the state today alongside other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains to support the party’s candidate, emphasized that Edo is not like Lagos, where, as he claims, the All Progressives Congress (APC) can orchestrate electoral fraud.
The 2023 presidential candidate for the PDP made these remarks in the Ekenwan area of Edo State during the concluding event of the party’s campaign rally for the governorship election.
Atiku also encouraged the citizens of Edo to safeguard their votes to prevent any potential rigging.
He said: “If you remember, four years ago, they threatened us, didn’t they do that? They said they won’t allow us to win in Edo State.
“But what did we show them, ‘we showed them that Edo State no be Lagos,’ didn’t we do it?
“So this time again, we are going to show them that ‘Edo no be Lagos.’ They can’t steal votes here, therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes.
“Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced, of you do that no Jupiter will come and change your votes.
“You are winning next week, do you agree? ‘Edo no be Lagos.”
Next Saturday, residents of Edo State will head to the polls to elect their next governor.
The major candidates in the gubernatorial election include Asue Ighodalo from the PDP, Monday Okpebholo representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).
Popular Afrobeats superstar, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, has urged Nigerian leaders to implement effective measures to address the hardship in the country.
He asserted that temporary relief would not assuage the suffering of the people.
The singer encouraged Nigerian leaders to establish sustainable platforms to consistently provide for the masses.
He shared his thoughts during an appearance on The Breakfast Club.
Rema also stated that he has been advising Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on some of his policies whenever they meet.
He said, “It’s not about giving rice. Do you know if some kids have an allergy to rice? What about tomorrow? What are they going to eat tomorrow?
“It’s better to create a platform that would consistently provide. Create a platform that would consistently educate. Create a platform that would consistently clothe. Create a platform that would consistently shelter the hungry people.”
Mother Of Three Reveals How Breastfeeding Her Husband Made Him Healthy And Brought Them Closer
AFOLABI
A woman from the United States, Rachel Bailey, 30, has revealed that she breastfeeds her husband.
According to Bailey, the practice has made them closer and also improved her husband, Alexander, health.
The couple started the act in 2017 and have not look back since then.
According to Daily Mail, Bailey’s husband initially began drinking Rachel’s breastmilk to help her when she was over-lactating while nursing their children.
The couple insist that it’s ‘not a kink for them’ and that they aren’t embarrassed by it because ‘nothing bad has come from it all’.
Bailey said, “It’s a bit of a taboo subject, but we wanted to share it because we don’t think it’s bad and we aren’t ashamed.
“When my middle child, Aria, now six, was breastfeeding, I went away on a cruise with Alexander.
“However, I forgot my breast pump and was badly engorged for two days.
“I was in so much pain and I was scared about getting an infection, so we decided that my husband was going to try drinking the milk to relieve me.
“We were nervous about the idea of him breastfeeding from me but as soon as we did it, we realized it was perfectly fine.”
Rachel said it was ‘an instant relief when Alexander latched on’.
“On top of that, it has also created a more special bond between us which we never would have had if we didn’t start this,” she added.
When she was producing the most milk shortly after giving birth, he was drinking her milk ‘three to four times a day’.
The Kano State High Court, under the leadership of Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, has issued an order restraining the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with renovations at the Nassarawa mini palace.
The court granted the injunction following a motion exparte filed by the plaintiffs/applicants, which include the Kano State government, the Attorney General of Kano State, and the Kano State Emirate Council.
The plaintiffs were represented by Rilwanu Umar Esq. and three other legal counsels.
In the court order, Justice Aboki directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo regarding the structural and architectural design of the palace until the motion on notice is heard and determined.
Reports had previously indicated that Emir Bayero began a facelift of the mini palace, showcasing a prototype of the planned renovations.
This development follows Bayero’s dethronement by Governor Abba Yusuf while he was away from the state, which led to the reinstatement of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who subsequently moved into the Kofar-Kudu palace.
Upon his return, Bayero was relocated to the Nassarawa mini palace, where he has continued to conduct court activities despite the ongoing legal battle over the palace renovations.
However, the court order reads, “That an order of Interim injunction is hereby made restraining the Defendant, his agents, privies, or anyone acting under the instruction and command of the Defendant in whatever manner from further demolishing, renovating, repairing, reconstructing and refurbishing the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situated along State Road, Kano pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice before this court.
“That an order is made directing parties to this suit to maintain status quo in respect of the structural and architectural design of the Res pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed before this Honourable Court.
“Plaintiffs/Applicants to serve the Originating Process, Motion on Notice and other subsequent processes in this suit on the Defendant via substituted means to wit, by Pasting and or leaving same at the frontage of the Property Gidan Sarki Nassarawa or give the said Originating Process and other subsequent processes to any Adult aide of the Defendant in the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situate along State Road, Kano.
“That the case is adjourned to 2/10/2024 for hearing of the motion on notice@
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress led by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Imo Governor Hope Uzodima; Cross River Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Ondo Governor Lucky Oyedatiwa and Nassarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule were in Benin City yesterday, vowing to take over power from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Addressing supporters at the University of Benin Indoors Sports Complex, Ugbowo Campus, Shettima said Edo State needs a strategic thinker, builder and a man with a compassionate heart that can lead his people aright.
He said intelligence is not determined by the size of the head but one’s ability to solve problems that affect the people.
He added he had absolute confidence in Senator Monday Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, to deliver the dividends of democracy to people of the state.
Shettima urged the people to come out and vote for the candidates of the APC on September 21.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, also said he believes in Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, to deliver on their electoral mandate.
He said he doesn’t need somebody who can speak “grammar” but one who can perform.
Akpabio said Okpebholo as a senator had been living up to his billings in the Senate, stressing that there is no doubt about his ability to deliver the dividends of democracy at all.
The senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, said Governor Godwin Obaseki had been insensitive to the plight of people of the state and there is nothing to write home about on his eight years in office as the governor of the state.
The party’s national chairman, Umar Ganduje, said the state had been mismanaged for the past eight years, marred by insecurity and unemployment, and it was time for them to take it back by voting for the APC.
Okpebholo said he would employ 5000 teachers within his 100 days in office as governor of the state.
He assured market women of soft loans to boost their businesses and promised to build primary healthcare centers in the state’s 192 wards.
[Leadership]
Erling Haaland’s double sent Manchester City three points clear at the top of the Premier League in a 2-1 win over Brentford.
City took full advantage of Liverpool’s defeat to move clear at the top by stretching their 100 per cent record to four games despite a disastrous start.
However, Haaland’s form at the start of the season remains unstoppable, even if the Norwegian just missed out on a record third consecutive hat-trick in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old’s powerful deflected effort brought City level before he showed a combination of strength and skill to shrug off Ethan Pinnock and dink the ball over the onrushing Mark Flekken.
Only the post denied Haaland another hat-trick after half-time but he now has a Premier League record nine goals in the first four games of the season.
“He’s just an absolute machine in front of goal and I can’t speak highly enough of him,” said City’s Jack Grealish of Haaland, who had been doubtful due to the death this week of a close family friend.
“It does speak volumes about him as a person and his mental strength.”
[DailyTrust]
Senator representing Edo North senatorial district and former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has publicly asked for forgiveness from Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, for any past wrongs during his tenure as governor.
The lawmaker spoke during a goodwill message during Igbinedion’s 90th birthday celebration on Saturday in Benin, the Edo State capital.
Oshiomhole acknowledged Igbinedion’s support when he was elected as governor of the state, stating that he wouldn’t have emerged as the winner of the election without the support.
He continued, “I have always looked for one opportunity to say to the Esama of the universe that I am sorry for any of the things that I said knowingly or unknowingly or any of the things that I did that a son should never have done to a father.
“On your 90th birthday, I ask for your forgiveness, and I pray that you grant it.
“I want to publicly acknowledge your support for me in 2007 and 2008, without which I might never have become the governor of Edo State.”
DAILY POST reports that the lawmaker is apparently seeking support for the All Progressives Congress ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Oshiomhole has been building bridges to ensure that the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo is elected next governor of the state.
[DailyPost]
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday called Saturday’s governorship poll to elect his successor as a do or die affair for his party, the PDP.
Speaking at the party’s rally held at Garrick Playground, opposite Ekenwan Campus of the University of Benin, Governor Obaseki said: “This election is do or die. If they do, we will die.
“Next week Saturday by this time, vote for the PDP to become the next governor.”
He said his immediate predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, performed poorly.
His words: “When I took over office, our pensioners wore black on Labour Day. But today, they wear white.
“When I took office, our youths had no jobs, but today don’t they have jobs? After eight years, is Edo not one of the safest in Nigeria?”
We’II protect votes with our blood – PDP Chairman
Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Illiya Damagum, vowed that members of the party were prepared to defend PDP’s votes in the election with their blood.
He said the election would be a test for democracy.
“To INEC, I say we don’t want that midnight results announcement. We will be vigilant and make sure that it doesn’t happen,” he said
“And, we know they will rig the election. This is not a threat, but we are very serious and we will defend our votes with our blood and everything.
“To the citizens of this country, please watch the election of Edo, it will be a test for our democracy. If they miss it here, it means they are looking for anarchy. We know they will attempt to do so, but we will resist them.”
We won’t allow rigging, Atiku warns
Atiku warned that rigging would not be allowed in the election.
“If you remember four years ago they threatened us, didn’t they do that? They said they won’t allow us to win in Edo State,” he said.
“But what did we show them, we showed them that Edo State no be Lagos,’ didn’t we do it?
“So this time again, we are going to show them that ‘Edo no be Lagos.’ They can’t steal votes here, therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes.
“Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced, of you do that no Jupiter will come and change your votes.”
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi, Alhaji Bala Muhammed, said that contrary to speculations of division among PDP governors, they remained united.
The party’s candidate Asue Ighodalo said Obaseki has laid the foundation for the development of the state and he would continue from where he stopped.
PDP stalwarts at the rally included Governors Mohammed of Bauchi State,Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State,Senator Aba Moro, Chief Tom Ikimi, members of BOT, members of the State House of Assembly, House Representatives, among others.
[TheNation]
Many filling stations in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, have shut down due to high cost of sourcing petroleum products from third party marketers other than the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Investigation reveals that some filling stations in the city that sell petrol to the people at prices between N1300 and N1350 were the ones that lifted the products at costs more than NNPC control prices.
In an interview, the Executive Chairman, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Aba branch, Mazi Oliver Okolo, said that the NNPC had not supplied petroleum products to their members in the past three months.
He said the NNPC had been selling the products to some suppliers, who indirectly sell the product to the IPMAN members at exorbitant prices.
Mazi Okolo said, “Our members now lift petrol at high costs and sell to motorists and other users at high cost,” adding that if the refineries were working, people would buy petrol at an affordable prices.
He therefore called on the federal government to make the 21 NNPC refineries in the country functional to reduce the sufferings of the people.
In his reactions, a member of the National Executive, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Godfrey Chukwunyere, said NNPC sell petrol to mega stations, major marketers and the independent petroleum marketers at different high rates in addition to the inexperienced personnel handling the affairs of the corporation
Chief Chukwunyere who called for the total over haul of the petroleum sector, appealed to the federal government to prevail on the NNPC to sell the petroleum products at uniform prices to make things easier for the people.
[Punch]
…as NNPCL projected to lift product at N960/980, sell to marketers at N840/N850
*N130 under-recovery in new arrangement
*Plan will reduce pressure on Naira – Edun
*Oil Corporation deploys 300 trucks, vessels to refinery
*We await clarity on pricing mode – Depots’ owners
Hopes for cheaper Premium Motor Spirit (PM), otherwise known as petrol, rose, last night, as indications emerged that the product may sell for between N857 and N865 per litre after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) starts lifting the product from Dangote Refinery today.
It was learnt that the NNPCL, as the sole off-taker of petrol from the refinery, is projected to lift the product at N960/N980 per litre and sell to marketers at N840/N850 to enable Nigerians to get it at between N857 and N865 at the pump at filling stations.
However, whether uniform product prices would apply at filling stations nationwide was unclear.
As of yesterday, petrol sold at N855 per litre at NNPCL retail stations in Lagos and it was the cheapest anyone could buy the product while major marketers sold around N920.
At independent marketers’ outlets, the price was over N1,000.
Elsewhere across the country, PMS sold for more than N1,200 per litre.
Negotiations
Sources said the new arrangement from the NNPCL and Dangote Refinery negotiations, spanning more than one week, would allow Nigerians to get petrol at between N857 and N865 per litre and represents an average under-recovery of about N130 to NNPCL.
President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Vanguard was made to understand by a Presidency source, made it clear to the negotiating parties that “the price at which petrol would be sold to Nigerians should not be such that would place heavy financial burden on them while dealing with the new reality of the prevailing price”.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the deal would reduce the pressure on foreign exchange (FX) demands and shore up the value of the Naira – presently, between 30% and 40% of FX demands go into the importation of PMS.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, who confirmed the readiness of the company to start lifting petrol today, told Sunday Vanguard, yesterday: “NNPC Ltd has started deploying our trucks and vessels to the Dangote Refinery to lift PMS in preparation for the scheduled lifting date of September 15th, as set by the refinery.
“Our trucks and personnel are already on-site, ready to begin lifting. We expect more trucks, and the deployment will continue throughout the weekend so we can start loading as soon as the refinery begins operations on September 15, 2024.”
300 trucks
Soneye hinted that at least 100 trucks had already arrived at the refinery for the petrol lifting, adding that the number of trucks could increase to 300 by Saturday evening.
On his part, Executive Secretary, of Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Olufemi Adewole, said: “We have been lifting diesel (AGO) and aviation fuel (jet fuel) and we look forward to lifting petrol (PMS).”
On pricing, he said: “We await clarity in respect of the pricing mode, and once that is clarified, we’ll do the needful towards meeting the energy needs of Nigerians.”
Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, yesterday, said the structuring of the NNPCL, Dangote Refinery deal in Naira would assist in reducing pressure on the local currency.
A statement by the Director of information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Manga, stated: “In a landmark move towards reducing pressure on the Naira, eliminating unnecessary transaction costs, and improving availability of petroleum products, the Federal Government has successfully initiated the sale of crude to local refineries as well as corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira.
“The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, disclosed this today in his office in Abuja shortly after the Technical Sub-Committee meeting on the sale of crude oil to local refineries in Naira.
“Represented by the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, the Minister announced the completion of all agreements and modalities for the implementation of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval on the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira.
“Recall that the FEC under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira.
Pressure on Naira
“This initiative will help reduce pressure on the Naira, eliminate unnecessary transaction costs, and improve the availability of petroleum products in the country.
“Since then, the implementation committee chaired by the Hon. Minister of Finance and the technical committee have worked intensely with NNPCL and Dangote Refinery to fashion out the details of the modalities for the implementation of the FEC approval.
“I am glad to announce that all agreements have been completed and loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday 15th September. From 1st October, NNPC will commence the supply of about 385kbpd of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery to be paid for in Naira.
“In return, the Dangote Refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market to be paid for in Naira. Diesel will be sold in Naira by the Dangote Refinery to any interested off-taker. PMS will only be sold to NNPC; NNPC will then sell to various marketers for now.”
The agreement, according to analysts, was expected to ease the severe shortage of petrol across the country and probably bring the price which has skyrocketed recently down.
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Christopher Nkunku was the matchwinner for Chelsea in their 1-0 victory against Bournemouth in the English Premier League (EPL).
A few minutes after coming on as a substitute, Nkunku ensured Chelsea left Bournemouth with all points in consecutive matches at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The last match of the day was an entertaining encounter bereft of goals until Nkunku’s strike four minutes to the end of the pulsating game.
Bournemouth dominated early on but failed to take their chances. Marcus Tavernier hit the woodwork 22 yards out, Evanilson went close from a header, and Chelsea goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez denied Justin Kluivert.
The goalkeeper would switch between hero and villain in minutes, first conceding a penalty when he brought down Evanilson before brilliantly saving the attacker’s spot-kick to keep the scores level at the break.
The Cherries continued to dominate the chances in the second period, and Sanchez had to tip Ryan Christie’s effort onto the bar before Nkunku won it for Enzo Maresca’s side late in the encounter.
The injury-ravaged French forward created space after collecting Jadon Sancho’s pass and prodded home a neat finish to snatch all three points for the Blues.
With seven points after four matches, Chelsea are in seventh place, while Bournemouth stay 11th with five points.
In earlier matches, Manchester United won 3-0 at Southampton, with Andre Onana saving a penalty kick before goals by Matias de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho won the Red Devils their second game of the season.
Manchester City maintained their 100% record thanks to Erling Haaland’s brace in a 2-1 win over Brentford. Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the season with a 1-0 loss at Anfield to Nottingham Forest.
Everton surrendered a two-goal lead for the second successive match, losing 3-2 at Aston Villa.
RESULTS
Southampton 0-3 Manchester United
Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest
Crystal Palace 2-2 Leicester City
Fulham 1-1 West Ham United
Brighton 0-0 Ipswich Town
Aston Villa 3-2 Everton
Manchester City 2-1 Brentford
Bournemouth 0-1 Chelsea
[TheCable]
Media
The UK government has announced a significant increase in the financial requirements for international students, effective from January 2nd, 2025. This marks the first adjustment to the financial thresholds since 2020, reflecting rising cost-of-living expenses across the UK.
Under the new rules, international students will need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses for up to nine months. The financial requirements vary depending on whether students plan to study in London or outside of the capital:
- Studying in London: Students will now need to show evidence of having £1,483 per month, up from the previous £1,334, representing an 11.2% increase.
- Studying Outside London: Students must prove they have £1,136 per month, up from £1,023, reflecting an 11.1% increase.
These adjustments aim to align the financial requirements for international students with the maintenance loans available to domestic students, with the last financial review taking place in 2020.
To meet the new financial threshold, students intending to study in London for nine months or more will need to show a total of £13,348 in savings, based on the new monthly requirement of £1,483.
Reports confirm that the UK government made these changes to keep pace with inflation and rising living costs. The increased financial requirements are intended to reflect the growing cost of living in the UK, ensuring that international students can support themselves during their studies.
Controversial artist, Portable has announced the birth of his daughter with his fourth baby mama, Ashabi Simple.
The singer took to his Instagram page to share the good news with his followers.
He expressed his gratitude to God for the successful birth of the newborn.
According to Portable, he is welcoming his third female child.
Portable wrote, “ZAzuu With hearts full of joy, we welcome our third princess to d world, thank you GOD for not shaming us, eyitayo Alhamdulilahi. God bless you my woman I fly with you forever @ashabi.mohsimple_ Mummy @fitilamihan_atandaogo iya new born baby Akoi Blessings my beautiful princes welcome to the world Ọmọ OGO OGO Ni God bless BADMUS family”.
Nigeria will soon introduce a Digital Travel Certificate (DTC) to enhance border security and improve the travel experience in line with global best practices, announced Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Minister of Interior.
Tunji Ojo made this announcement during the closing ceremony of a two-day capacity-building workshop on advanced passenger information/passenger name record (API/PNR) solutions for Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel. The workshop was organized by Newworks and led by specialists from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The Digital Travel Certificate (DTC) will be a digital version of a traveller’s identity, potentially replacing traditional passports. It will include the traveller’s facial image, biographical data, and security features validated through the issuing authority’s public key infrastructure. This initiative aims to streamline and secure international travel by facilitating easier verification of travellers’ identities and vaccination statuses.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that introducing the DTC is part of a broader strategy to modernize border control and enhance security. “We are not stopping here. Once we deploy the API and PNR, we will move on to implementing the Digital Travel Certificate,” he said. He also expressed readiness to collaborate with IATA and other global partners on additional border control solutions.
The Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nana Nandap, highlighted the significance of the training, noting that it was the first of its kind. “This specialized training for API and PNR will make our borders more secure, enable target-based clearance at airports, and enhance our ability to monitor cross-border crimes,” she said.
Nandap commended the minister for his leadership in advancing these technologies, which had been in planning for nearly 14 years without success. The new systems will allow faster and more seamless passenger clearance and provide better foresight regarding who enters the country.