President Bola Tinubu has submitted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar failed to justify their request for the presidential election tribunal to overturn the outcome of the 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu in a submission on Tuesday through his lawyer, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) said PDP and its presidential candidate, failed to address the court on their score and how Atiku can be returned as the winner of the presidential election.

Olanipekun urged the tribunal to consider the provisions of the constitution and the electoral act in taking a final decision.

He argued that the FCT is the 37 states for the purpose is the presidential election and the law does not mandate any candidate to win it in order to be declared the final winner of a presidential poll.

The lawyer also accused the PDP and its candidate of dumping documents before the court and expecting the court to investigate the documents.

Tinubu through his lawyer added that presidential elections are not set aside as a matter of cost and thereafter prayed the court to dismiss the petition for lack of merit as the petitioner have abandoned their petition.

Presidential Tribunal Adopts Atiku, PDP’s Final Addresses Against Tinubu

The Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) sitting in Abuja has adopted the final written addresses of all parties in the petition filed by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 election, Atiku Abubakar.

This followed the adoption of the final written addresses of all parties involved in the petition filed by Atiku and the PDP, seeking to nullify the electoral victory of President Bola Ahned Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.

Naija News reports that the PDP and Atiku are the petitioners while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are the respondents.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed that over N15 billion has been recovered and refunded to customers from Deposit Money Banks resulting from failed transactions, illegal deductions among other complaints.

The Director, Corporate Communications Department of CBN, Dr Isa Abdulmumin, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti capital on Tuesday during an event tagged, ‘ CBN Fair : Promoting Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion ‘ said the apex bank also recovered $22 million from 2012 till May 2023.

He noted that the funds were refunded from the 33, 437 complaints by people across the country, adding that the CBN was committed to the protection of rights of financial consumers.

At the event attended by stakeholders in agriculture, business, education and youth sectors in the state, papers on consumer protection, financial markets, currency operations, payment system management and the e-Naira platform were delivered.

He said that the monies were recovered from the banks in response to various complaints lodged by their customers ranging from excess charges being deducted from their bank accounts, failed transactions, fraudulent debits among other complaints.

The CBN spokesperson stated that the essence of the recovery initiative was to enhance consumer confidence in financial service and promote financial stability as well as growth.

Represented by an official of the bank, Esu Imo, the CBN Director explained that the event was conceptualized, ” to interact with members of the public on the policies and strategic interventions of Central Bank of Nigeria for a sustainable economic development of the country.”

According to him, the apex bank over the years has remained committed to the growth and development of the nation’s economy with constant support to small and medium enterprises and interventions in critical sectors of the economy.

He said that the public should take advantage of the different initiatives of the bank to advance the economy towards embracing modern payment infrastructures to ease business transactions.

Abdulmumin said, ; Let me assure you that the CBN will continue to ensure that it delivers on its core mandate of ensuring monetary and price stability. However, it is instructive to state that the Bank shall also continually roll out proactive and innovative policies which would ensure that all economic sub-sectors receive the desired support.

“The Bank, as a responsible and responsive corporate citizen, has continued to demonstrate its passionate commitment in supporting businesses and promoting diversification through arrays of interventions in agriculture, health, manufacturing and other key sectors of the economy.”

The UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, James Cleverly, has stated that the UK government does not support a military intervention to restore democracy in Niger Republic. He said this on Tuesday at a press briefing in Lagos.

Cleverly said, “The use of force to redraw borders or to take political control of countries is something we do not support. We believe in democracy. We value ECOWAS’s explicit commitment to democracy and we sincerely hope that democracy will be established in Niger without the need for military intervention.”

On Sunday in Abuja, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders in a statement demanded the immediate release and reinstatement of elected President Mohamed Bazoum within one week. It added that “In the event the authorities’ demands are not met within one week (ECOWAS will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force.”

Cleverly added that “When it comes to Niger, the UK is very pleased to see regional African leaders take fast decisive actions to communicate their intentions because the message that that sends about African leaders being engaged and taking responsibility for the actions in their region and continent is incredibly important.

“I will be meeting with President Tinubu tomorrow and we will discuss what the UK can do to support African initiatives and actions rather than the UK trying to push ourselves to the front of this.

“It is absolutely right that African leaders are taking the primary position in response to the situation in Niger.”

The UK Foreign Secretary, who is in Nigeria on an investment drive, also noted that “Prosperity and security go hand in hand. Security gives confidence for foreign investors to invest in a country, and this means the potential of Nigeria is optimised.”

He added that primary responsibility of governments is security for their own people

“We will always look for opportunities to help the Nigerian government enhance security for the people of Nigeria. We will continue to look for ways to enhance our mutual security.”

The acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered tight security across the country ahead of planned protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during the week.

Naija News reports that the IGP, in a statement by the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, expressed fear even though he acknowledged the right to peaceful protest by the unions.

The police boss, in the statement, however, noted that he had ordered the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests.

The statement said, “While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our constitution, the IG urges all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country.

“The IG, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues.”

The IG also appealed to the NLC, TUC, and other civil society groups, to embrace peaceful dialogue as “the most effective means of resolving grievances,” while warning against violence.

The NPF said the police are committed to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for open dialogue, constructive engagement, and mutual understanding to exercise civil rights seamlessly. Still, it will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of the country, adding that perpetrators will be dealt with.

The statement submitted that “A peaceful and coordinated approach is crucial to achieving meaningful solutions and preventing any form of violence or disruptions to public order, should the protests persist.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the period of the planned protests as all necessary measures to facilitate the peaceful conduct of these demonstrations have been replaced.

“However, it is hereby reaffirmed that any attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation for violent purposes viz-a-viz vandalism, gangsterism, and extortion will be met with the firm, professional, and commensurate lawful approach. The Police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country.

“In light of the potential challenges posed by the planned protests, the Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to deploy all available resources to maintain law and order and to protect the lives and property of our citizens. The IGP, therefore, calls on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.”

After beating China 6-1 in their last group stage game in the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup, the reigning European champions, England will now face the Super Falcons of Nigeria in the round of 16.

The Three Lionesses of England took their form from the European Championship to the 2023 Women’s World Cup and they have been beating every team they come across convincingly so far at the global event.

In their opening Group stage game, England beat Haiti 1-0 and followed that up with a 1-0 victory over Denmark. They crowned their World Cup group stage campaign with a stunning 6-1 victory over China to finish top of Group D with a perfect 9 points and eight goals.

Interestingly, out of their three group-stage games, they have conceded just a goal which means that they are as good in defense as in their attack.

At 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023, the Three Lionesses will face the Super Falcons in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The Nigerian team would have avoided England if they had finished top of Group B. Unfortunately for them, they drew with the Republic of Ireland in their last group game which forced them to finish second, a point behind first-placed Australia.

Hence, the Super Falcons who have never gone beyond the quarter-finals stage of the tournament will have to beat England to stand a chance of reaching the last eight and probably break the semi-final jinx.

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Abubakar Atiku filed a plea on February 25 asking for Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be declared the winner of the presidential election, and the Presidential Election plea Tribunal on Tuesday in Abuja reserved judgement.

Justice Simon Tsammani, the tribunal’s chair, said that while he reserved judgement, the parties to the case will be informed of the day it would be delivered.

Atiku, the primary petitioner, requested that the Tribunal provide his case substantive justice rather than a technical ruling that would taint the flow of justice.

He insisted that Tinubu be disqualified on the strength of the American Court judgment where he was made to forfeit $460,000 on narcotics and money laundering-related offences.

Atiku’s final address was adopted by his lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche SAN.

However, counsel to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, urged the Court to dismiss the arguments on the ground that the purported judgement was delivered over 30 years ago.

On his own part, President Tinubu, represented by legal luminary Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, canvassed that the petition be dismissed because the grievances of Atiku and PDP are targeted at the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.

Details later.

In a recent chat with popular media personality, Teju Babyface, veteran Nollywood actress Stella Damasus opened up about one of her marriages, which lasted only eight months.

The actress, who was a choir member at the time, said that she and her friend were not meant to be married. She described them as “fantastic friends” but said that they “didn’t work” as a couple.

Damasus said that she and her best friend were pressured into getting married by their church, even though they were not meant to be together. She described the marriage as a “mistake” and said that they “m*ssed it up.”

“It lasted eight months. Biggest mistake of my life because the guy was an amazing guy. But he was my friend, my best friend. And religion is what caused that problem that made us marry when we were not supposed to be married. We were supposed to be very good friends because as my friend, he was awesome. But as a married couple, we didn’t work. We just m*ssed it up. And we knew it.

Damasus said that she was pressured into the marriage by her church, which told her that it was “God’s will” for them to be together. She said that she now believes that she was “wrong” to give in to the pressure.

However, Damasus said that she and her ex-husband parted ways amicably and still have a good relationship. She said “So when we went our separate ways, we were like out of love and respect for each other, let’s just leave it. We don’t talk about it, we just leave it so that at least we can still say, hello, are you okay? How are you?”

[Guardian]

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 0-0 draw against Ireland yesterday.

The feat means Nigeria is the first African country to have reached the World Cup knockout rounds in two successive finals as well as becoming the first African team to keep two clean sheets in the tournament.

Following their qualification, the Super Falcons are guaranteed at least $1, 380,000 (N1.1bn) in prize money to be shared amongst the players, a figure that could rise depending on their progress in the competition.

The money promised to teams that reach the round of 16 by FIFA will amount to $60,000 (N46m) per player when divided amongst the 23 Super Falcons squad members.

The nine-time African champions dominated the game from the blast of the whistle but were a bit wasteful and unlucky in getting the goal as the first half ended 0-0.

During the second half, Coach Randy Waldrum made the changes, introducing Monday Gift and Ifeoma Onumonu as he sought to get a goal, which failed to come as the game became stagnant for a while with both teams creating little in the closing stages.

In the end, the Super Falcons were able to hold off Ireland late in the game, settling for a draw.

Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of world football-governing body, FIFA, Ms Fatma Samoura commended the Super Falcons for reaching the Round of 16 saying their feat has brought joy to women’s football as a whole with their elegance and self-assuredness on the pitch, as well as African women football and the African girl-child.

“I must say that personally, I am proud of you. As you know, I am the first woman to be Secretary General of FIFA since the organisation was founded in 1904, and I am also an African. So, I am easily excited by any accomplishment that glorifies women’s football and African football.

“You have won one match here, as Morocco and Zambia, but you are the only team that has made it to the knock-out stage yet. I am also excited because when FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced my name as the new FIFA Secretary-General, I was in Nigeria working for the United Nations. So, Nigeria is a second home for me.”

[DailyTrust]

Paris Saint-Germain are planning to report Real Madrid to FIFA over what they deem a potential illegal tapping up of Kylian Mbappe, the UK Telegraph reports.

Mbappe is unwilling to extend his contract with the Ligue 1 champions beyond June 2024.

The extension clause that exists in the 24-year-old’s current contract expired on July 31.

As things stand, Mbappe will become a free agent in the summer of 2024.

There have been suggestions that Madrid already have an agreement in place with Mbappe, which will see the player pocket a €160million signing on fee if he joins the LaLiga giants.

Such agreements are banned by FIFA as they require a player to have been approached without the blessing of his current employers being sought first.

[NewsDirect]

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has claimed Manchester City is the only team that can realistically aim to win the Premier League title next season.

The Reds endured a poor 2022/2023 campaign, finishing fifth in the league and failing to win any silverware.

Ahead of the new season, Klopp has admitted that his team can only challenge City, who he rates at the favourites to retain their crown.

“Nobody besides maybe City can have the real target to become champions again this year.

“All the other teams fight for the Champions League and that’s what we do as well. The earlier you qualify for the Champions League, the higher you are in the table.

“If you are second and in striking distance to first then you might have a chance. I don’t know who will be there,” Klopp said ahead of Liverpool’s friendly against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

[DailyPost]