As the Senate prepares to commence the screening of President Bola Tinubu‘s 28 ministerial nominees tomorrow, a distinct divide has emerged regarding the proposed process.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader, and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, insist the screening will be thorough and that nominees will not be allowed to merely “take a bow and go” without facing questions.

However, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the former Senate Minority Leader, strongly disagrees, predicting no significant changes in the procedure.

An anonymous senator who spoke with Vanguard concurs with Abaribe, noting the list’s heavy composition of former governors, senators, and House of Representatives members could lead to a lax screening process.

Adaramodu declared, “This time, the screening will be very thorough,” detailing that they’ll evaluate nominees’ experience, character, personality, and background, but made clear there would still be instances of the “take-a-bow-and-go” protocol.

On the other hand, Abaribe argued that the screening won’t be different, stating, “Nothing has changed to give any signal of a change in methodology.”

Despite differences of opinion, Senators Bamidele and Adaramodu promise a detailed review of the ministerial nominees, ensuring their capabilities to fulfil the roles adequately.

The ministerial nominees include noteworthy figures such as former Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Nyesom Wike, Abubakar Badaru, and Dave Umahi, along with other prominent politicians.

The screening will begin on Monday, July 31, and expectations run high among the Senators and the public alike.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has continued to witness momentous moments that will be etched in history.

One such moment is the Super Falcons 3-2 win against co-hosts Australia on Thursday at the Brisbane Stadium.

The prowess of Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale (Player of the Match), Rasheedat Ajibade, and Toni Payne birthed the now notable moment of Oshoala taking off her jersey to celebrate netting the third goal that brought Nigeria victory in the match.

But Oshoala is not the first female footballer in world football to take off her jersey to celebrate a goal. Here are Five Female Footballers Who Removed Their Jerseys To Celebrate A Goal.

Brandi Chastain

Now retired American football player and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, Chastain became a hot topic in 1999 following how she chose to celebrate netting the winning penalty in the final of the Women’s World Cup.

Chastain, who had months before missed a penalty kick in a game against China, clinched the World Cup title for the US in a penalty shootout against China, in the finals.
The game which took place at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, saw Chastain remove her shirt to celebrate the win, a move that earned her praises and criticisms alike and is today considered worldwide a vital symbol of women’s athletics.

Valentina Giacinti

Giacinti, in a game against Inter Millan in 2021, netted four goals and celebrated by removing her shirt which took many aback. She however later addressed her fans stating that her reaction to the win was not planned.

Sam Kerr

Reminiscent of Brandi Chastain’s iconic goal celebration at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, Chelsea star Kerr, ripped off her jersey to celebrate netting an injury-time goal against Aston Villa in the 2022 Women’s Super League.

Chloe Kelly

Although met with a yellow card for removing her shirt to celebrate a winning goal at the 2022 Euro Championship Finals against Germany, Kelly made it to the list of women who have celebrated wins in this iconic way.

Asisat Oshoala

Sparking a massive social media conversation, Oshoala had many talking when she removed her shirt to celebrate the winning goal against Australia at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup Competition.

Oshoala, a Muslim, who came in as a substitute in the 63rd minute of the game, netted the team’s third goal in the 72nd minute of the game played at the Brisbane Stadium. She celebrated by ripping off her jersey, also showing her sports bra in the process, a move that has since been etched in the hearts of many.

Nollywood actor cum Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has alleged that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is responsible for the propaganda about a retired colonel, Chinyere Obi, shot by thugs during the 2023 election.

Naija News earlier reported that Chinyere, in an interview with PUNCH, narrated how suspected political thugs shot her during the election.

According to her, the incident was reported to the Imo state criminal investigation department (CID) and the suspect was arrested but later released. Hence, she petitioned the AIG at Umuahia Police Headquarters, Zone 9.

Speaking about the sacrifices she made for the party during the campaign, the retired colonel said she sold all her properties, bought food items, bags and made customised shirts which were distributed.

Chinyere claimed that neither Peter Obi nor the LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, showed concern for her ordeal as they allegedly abandoned her.

In a statement via Twitter on Saturday, Kenneth Okonkwo said Chinyere was with LP supporters in Abuja earlier this month (July) during an event organised to mark the birthday of LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The thespian said the retired colonel also reinstated her love for the quest for a new Nigeria.

He added that attempts by the APC to dissuade Chinyere from her principled stand for Peter Obi had failed, hence the reason for the blackmail and propaganda.

He wrote: “I was with my sister and our Veteran Distinguished Military Officer, Col Chinyere Obi (Retd) at the Merit House, Abuja, on the 19th of July, 2023 at an Obedient movement organised event to mark the birthday party of @PeterObi where we talked over some communication mix up when some hired hoodlums shot her for defending the votes for a new Nigeria and she reinstated her love for the quest for a new Nigeria championed by @PeterObi.

“All attempts by the agents of the failed ruling party to dissuade her from her principled stand for a new Nigeria failed, hence their resort to unending blackmail using her image for their unfounded propaganda. We love you, Col Obi, till tomorrow”

Concerned over the state of affairs within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its presidential candidate in the last election, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, met with other bigwigs yesterday in Abuja to strategise on how to stop the party from being cornered by the G-5 governors.

Besides Atiku, other party leaders at the meeting which was held at the residence of former external affairs minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, are Atiku’s running mate and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former PDP national chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

Also present at the closed door meeting were some PDP governors; Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa); Bala Mohammed (Bauchi); Sheriff (Delta);

Godwin Obaseki (Edo); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Mutfwang- (Plateau); Dauda- (Zamfara).

Other party leaders at the meeting are former governor of Sokoto State, Sen Aminu Tambuwal; former governor of Niger, Babangida Aliyu; and former governor of Kano, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau.

No member of the National Working Committee (NWC) was present.

Atiku in his twitter handle said; “Earlier today, I joined other leaders and stakeholders of our great party, the @OfficialPDPNig, at a meeting in Abuja. The meeting was ripe with productive discourse and collaborative energy.”

LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the meeting was called to reflect on the unfolding events in the party.

Former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, was recently nominated for a ministerial position in the Tinubu administration. Before then, members of the G-5 governors and other party leaders had been hobnobbing with Tinubu.

A source conversant with the

meeting told our correspondent that the leaders deliberated on the unfolding presidential tribunal, the romance between the G-5 governors and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration.

It was learnt that the party leaders were displeased with the seeming inertia by the leadership over the recent appointment of Wike as a ministerial nominee.

Some of the leaders were worried that the appointment could be passed off as an attempt to portray the PDP as endorsing a government of national unity while still seeking to retrieve its mandate in court.

“We expect that the party leaders will engage the national leadership in the coming days over the unfolding events in the party. But we do agree that the quality of leadership has to improve,” a source said.

Attempts to ascertain why the NWC members were not present were abortive as calls placed to the national publicity secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba, were not responded to.

Calls to Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, on the outcome of the meeting equally yielded no results.

ith a few hours left for documentation ahead of their screening scheduled to commence tomorrow, the 28 ministerial nominees have been trickling into the National Assembly Complex, Abuja to submit the necessary personal information that may be required of them by the Senate.

The exercise, which began on Friday, is due to close today.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned yesterday that the screening would not be a ’take a bow and go show’.

Bamidele was referring to the honour reserved for former federal legislators and other respected Nigerians nominated for appointments requiring confirmation by the Red Chamber.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abdullahi Gumel, had on Friday invited the nominees to appear for documentation not later than today for the purpose of filling some forms that will aid the Senators to assess their suitability for appointment as ministers.

Investigation by The Nation yesterday showed that some of the nominees had visited Gumel’s office as advised for documentation.

It was gathered that some others who were outside of Abuja at the time of the SSA’s announcement on Friday were making arrangement to be in the city today to do the needful.

But the number of those who have done their documentation was unavailable at press time.

Gumel did not respond to our reporter’s telephone calls or text message.

However, a source said: “Some of the nominees had left Abuja when the announcement was made on Friday.

“Some however returned to Abuja hurriedly today (Saturday) and have completed the exercise. We are expecting others who have promised to return and carry out the exercise on Sunday.

“We hope they will honour their words in order for the screening to have a seamless beginning on Monday.

“We are hopeful that all the nominees would have completed their documentation by Sunday which is the deadline.”

Bamidele: Screening won’t be bow and go show

Bamidele, who will play a key role in the screening on the strength of his position as Senate Leader, said yesterday that the exercise would not be business as usual.

The Senate, according to him, will be thorough this time in screening the nominees to ascertain their competence and capability to serve Nigeria.

He spoke during a communion service organised to mark his 60th birthday at the Church of Nigeria, Bababomi, Iyin-Ekiti in Irelodun/Ifelodun Council Area of Ekiti State.

He said the nominees would be grilled on their educational background and experience in the public or private sector.

The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District said the 10th Senate was desirous of ensuring that those holding positions under the President Tinubu-led Federal Government are those capable of adding value to governance.

His words: “Let me assure Nigerians that the screening won’t be only bow and go, except for those who had been members of the National Assembly before and who we knew and appreciated that they have the wherewithal to give Nigerians qualitative leadership.

“Nigerians expect us to be thorough. They are expecting us to do a thorough screening.

“But take a bow and go is not an unparliamentary convention; it has become a practice all over the world, and that person must be a former member of the parliament who is well known to us. Somebody we have confidence in his ability.

“We are going to follow the constitution to ensure that we deliver on our mandate to make those who voted for us happy. This will occur at the level of parliament, oversight functions and at the committee level.

“We will partner Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on his promises to Nigerians. We are determined to ensure that all the three arms of government, particularly the judiciary, are put on good footing to be able to deliver justice without fear or favour.

“We are determined to ensure that the right people are brought on board.”

On the removal of the fuel subsidy, Bamidele said the federal government would soon roll out social investment programmes to palliate the sufferings of the masses, especially the poorest of the poor in the country.

“The federal government will put palliatives in place to help the poorest of the poor. There is also another category of palliatives that will be rolled out for the civil servants apart from the promised salary increment that will be done across states and at the federal level,” he said.

“The removal is very significant because the FG will be able to save a lot of money to do infrastructure and make all Nigerians happy.

“That was the intention of President Tinubu about the removal. He knows what Nigerians are passing through and efforts are underway to cushion the effects of this removal.”

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has clarified the reason behind the “let the poor breathe” joke he made at the plenary session on Tuesday, a sarcastic remark that has been greeted with criticisms by Nigerians.

On the floor of the Senate, Akpabio, in his urge to stop the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies (DisCos) from hiking tariff jokingly presented the motion moved by Senator Akintunde Abiodun, from Oyo State.

Reacting to the criticisms, the Senate President, in a statement date July 27 and posted on Friday, said he did not mean to insult the citizens, as he was aware of the hardships resulting from the high cost of living.

He said the motive behind his ‘let the poor breathe’ remark “was to firmly reject any plan of increasing electricity tariffs for Nigerians, considering the ongoing economic challenges that Nigerians are faced with.”

The statement added, “We are deeply concerned about the negative tilting of a very harmless statement by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, about his deep concern and that of the Senate on the plight of the ordinary Nigerians as a result of the prevailing economic situation in the country.

“‘Let The People Breathe’ made during the Plenary on 26th July 2023, was made by Senator Akintunde Abiodun while speaking on the motion to halt the planned electricity tariff hike.”

Akpabio assured Nigerians that the upper legislative arm of the country cannot treat crucial matters with trivialities, and affirmed that the lawmakers cannot make a mockery of the challenges confronting the people.

The statement further reads, “We want to assure the general public that all matters discussed during Senate sessions are of utmost importance and are treated with great seriousness by the President of the Senate and his Distinguished colleagues

“It is crucial to clarify that the intentions of the mover of the motion and the comments of the President of the Senate were never to make light of the hardships, suffering and economic challenges faced by Nigerians at this critical juncture.

“The purpose of the proposal was to firmly reject any plan of increasing electricity tariffs for Nigerians, considering the ongoing economic challenges that Nigerians are faced with.

“The primary focus of the current National Assembly under the Chairmanship of Senator Akpabio is on the implementation of effective and well-structured policies that truly benefit the people. He has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the current Senate will work for all Nigerians.

“The President of the Senate deeply empathises with Nigerians and has never considered the current economic crisis in the country as a matter of jest. His unwavering commitment lies in serving the best interests of the Nigerian people with the release of the ministerial list and the subsequent screening and swearing-in of the ministers, we have high hopes that the newly appointed officials will promptly address the challenges and bring the much needed relief and succour to all citizens thereby, easing the current hardship and pains experienced by Nigerians.”

Says resuscitating Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Aluminium Smelter Company priorities

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reassured Nigerians, especially those living in Russia that the country will work again under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

A statement issued by the Director of Information in his office, Mr Olusola Abiola, said the Vice President gave the assurance late Friday evening in St Petersburg at a forum with members of the Nigerian community in Russia.

Senator Shettima, who was addressing concerns raised by members of the community, said: “Be rest assured that in the next nine to twelve months, there will be a swift change in the fortunes of Nigeria.

“I’m talking with all sense of certainty and responsibility because I believe in the capacity and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Speaking on the efforts of the administration to reposition the economy, the VP said: “We are here for the Africa-Russia Summit, but we are also here fundamentally to pursue the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and revival of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON).

“It is going to be a game changer. Having a vibrant steel industry is a sine qua non for the industrial take off of any nation. I can bet you, I can promise you that the President will bring Ajaokuta to reality.

“Be rest assured that if there is one legacy that President Tinubu would bequeath to fellow Nigerians, Ajaokuta is one.

“I’ll come back to Russia. We are going to drive this process, and my leader, my boss and principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is irrevocably committed to Ajaokuta and to ALSCON.

“We have begun the discussion, and we will see to it that these two companies take off. We have no option but to bring them to reality.”

Speaking further about the prospects for Nigeria’s transformation, the VP said the Tinubu administration will harness the vast human and material resources to put the country on the path of sustainable development and growth.

According to him, “this is the land of opportunities. We have the landmass and vibrant youth population. By 2035, there will be 65 million talent deficit in the world. America, Russia, Brazil will all suffer six million talent deficit, and Nigeria with a vibrant young population will be expected to fill the gap.

“So, opportunities abound in the digital space. Our target is to train 1,000,000 Nigerians on digital skills.”

The Vice President expressed confidence in the capacity of President Tinubu to transform Nigeria, noting that “the President passionately believes in the Nigeria project,” and that his emergence as leader of the nation “did not happen by chance.”

Citing examples of President Tinubu’s sterling performance as Lagos State governor, Senator Shettima said the President has shown “the propensity to inspire development across all sectors, and he has also shown the zeal, passion as well as the commitment to transform Nigeria.”

He then commended the conduct of leaders and members of the Nigerian community in Russia, stating that “the maturity exhibited by Nigerians living in Russia is an understatement, and I must confess that I am impressed by the Ambassador’s impressive achievements.”

Representatives of the Nigerian community in separate remarks commended the initiatives of the Tinubu administration to actively engage with the Russian government to improve relations between Nigeria and Russia.

Present at the forum were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Amb Shehu Abdullahi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr Gabriel Aduda; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mrs Mary Ogbe; President of Nigerian Community in Russia, Dr Maurice Okoli, and Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO), Russia, Mr Sampson Uwem, among others.

After six days in the kidnapper’s den, abducted Anambra native doctor and social media influencer, Mr. Chidozie Nwangwu, otherwise known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been released after his abductors demanded N350 million ransom, which was delivered to them.

It was gathered that the popular native doctor, considered one of the richest men in his Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area, was released yesterday morning.

An indigene of the town who confirmed the release said: “Akwa Okuko was released very early this morning (Saturday) and he is still celebrating with his friends and well wishers in his house in Oba. His friends rallied round and raised the money for the abductors.”

Police PPRO, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “Yes, he was released this morning. We are waiting to debrief him with a view to getting his experience and clue of who the abductors were, so that we can go after them.”

Nwangwu, however, declined to confirm if a ransom was paid and the location the release transpired.

Recall that Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki was kidnapped in one of his hotels in Oba last Sunday, while two of his personal aides were killed.

American rapper Jay-Z is reportedly plotting a bid to take over Tottenham Hotspur after owner J oe Lewis was accused of insider trading.

Spurs owner Lewis has been charged with conducting an insider trading scheme by prosecutors in America, and if found guilty would be forced to give up his ownership of the club per Premier League rules.

On the backdrop of this, The Mirror reports that Jay-Z is waiting in the wings to come in.

The American rapper has previously opened up on his interest to invest in a Premier League club.

Speaking back in 2010, he said: “I don’t know a lot about the business of soccer, but in the future if the right opportunity presented itself, then who knows?

This interest was, however, reported at the time to be in Spurs’ great rivals Arsenal, having previously revealed his allegiances lie with the Gunners when it comes to football.

The Bridge parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, has announced that it would fill the fuel tanks of members who arrive at church by 8am on Sunday, July 30th.

The parish is headed by Pastor Leke, the son of the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

In the advertorial floated by Leke on Saturday, vehicles whose tanks will be filled with petrol must come to the service “filled with people.”

The cars must also remain in church until the end of church service by 11:30am.

The gesture is apparently aimed at assisting members attend church services following the hike in fuel price occasioned by the Federal Government’s recent petrol subsidy removal.

In his inaugural address on May 29, Tinubu had said “fuel subsidy is gone”, and subsequently promised to provide palliatives to cushion the effect on Nigerians.

“I can assure you that I understand your pains and the pains of your uncles, brothers, your mums. I understand, I feel it. It is not easy to get out a monster of over 40 years that is called subsidy,” Tinubu said afterwards without drawing back on his decision.

Amid the development, the governors have supported the president’s decision.

Lately, the governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri rolled out over 100 cars in the state to assist residents in their movements