Kenyan President William Ruto has announced measures to cut government spending after a finance bill meant to raise taxes triggered violent protests across the country.

Ruto said he declined assent to the controversial bill after reflecting on the conversation around its content.

The protests had left over 23 people dead as demonstrators breached the national assembly for the first time in Kenya’s history.

During an X-Space engagement with Kenyans on Friday, Ruto said the bill was marred with “falsehood and propaganda”.

The president explained that the bill provided interventions that would have created more jobs and protect Kenyan industries.

The presidency said the bill was meant to plug Kenya’s ballooning budget deficit and reduce reliance on borrowing.

Kenya’s public debt currently stands at 68 percent of GDP, significantly higher than the 55 percent recommended by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

AUSTERITY MEASURES

Ruto said his administration has settled on slashing various governance costs after wide consultations.

The president announced the resolutions in a separate speech at the State House in Nairobi.

Part of the cuts include the removal of budgets in the offices of the first and second lady.

“The budgetary provisions for confidential budgets in various executive offices, including my office, shall be removed, and the budget for renovations across the government reduced by 50 percent,” he added.

Ruto also dissolved 47 state corporations with overlapping functions “resulting in the elimination of their operational and maintenance costs”.

“Their functions will be integrated into the respective line ministries,” he said.

France have advanced to the semi-final of the 2024 European Championship.

The French team defeated Portugal 5-3 in penalties in the quarter-final encounter at the Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, on Friday.

The match ended goalless after 120 minutes of football that failed to meet expectations.

Both nations failed to play to live up to their full potential, with shots from Theo Hernadez and Kylian Mbappe the only real chances of a turgid first half.

The teams improved their performances after the interval, particularly the Selecao, with chances for Bruno Fernandes, Joao Cancelo,  and Rafael Leao.

The Portuguese had more opportunities in extra time but could not score, and the tie went to the lottery of penalties to decide the winner.

Ronaldo, goalless in his final Euro tournament, converted his kick in the shootout, but Joao Felix missed before Hernandez sent Costa the wrong way to send Didier Deschamps’ goal-shy side into the last four of the tournament.

France will face Spain, who dumped hosts Germany out with a 2-1 win in extra-time earlier in the day, in the semi-final.

Mikel Merino scored the all-important winner in the 119th minute after Florian Wirtz’s 89th-minute goal had cancelled Dani Olmo’s strike after the interval to force the additional period. Dani Carvajal was shown a red card for two bookings and will miss the semi-final match against France

A house of representatives committee has invited Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the minister of women affairs, over the “N1.5 billion” debt owed to contractors.

Kafilat Ogbara, chairperson of the house committee on women affairs and social development, issued the summons at the panel’s sitting on Thursday.

The committee is investigating the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion meant for the payment of contractors.

Some contractors had petitioned the committee, alleging non-payment for contracts they had executed for the ministry.

When he appeared before the committee, Aloy Ifeakandu, director of finance in the ministry, said he was instructed by his “superior” not to issue any payment to contractors.

‘FUNDS HAVE BEEN DIVERTED’

Ogbara further alleged that the ministry awarded contracts not included in the 2023 budget, while the funds were diverted.

“Money for contractors has not been paid, and money has been diverted,” Ogbara said.

“So, how do you pay these contractors?”

Ogbara said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) is also probing the ministry over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Responding, the director of finance said he assumed office at the ministry in September 2023 and does not know what happened before he came on board.

“The individual contractors have their files. It can be traced. As at the time I took over, there was no balance in the vote,” he said.

Consequently, Ogbara invited the minister to appear before the committee next Tuesday.

“We are giving until Tuesday for the ministry to bring all documents to come and defend where the N1.5bn disappeared to,” the committee chairperson said.

In June, Kennedy-Ohanenye filed a N1 billion defamation of character lawsuit against Ogbara.

In an interview on June 5, Ogbara said there are “many petitions” against the minister, adding that the parliament is investigating the minister.

The minister had denied the allegations, saying she was not under investigation over claims of fund misappropriation.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) say they will be protesting their four-month salaries withheld by the government.

The unions asked their branches in universities to go on an individual protest on July 9 ahead of a joint protest to follow on July 18.

In a resolution seen by TheCable on Friday, the joint action committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU said a strike would come thereafter.

Both unions are demanding the release of the four-month salaries of their members withheld during an eight-month strike in 2022.

The salaries of university staff who embarked on the strike were withheld by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In October 2023, President Bola Tinubu approved the release of four months of the withheld salaries of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Left out in the payments, SSANU and NASU alleged unfair treatment and discrimination against non-academic staff by the government.

The unions have since been at loggerheads with the federal government, initiating talks with the education and labour ministries.

The JAC, after a meeting, said its engagement with the education and labour ministers “has not shown any convincing commitment to the payment of the withheld salaries”.

SSANU and NASU ordered a series of industrial actions including a general meeting on July 8 to inform its members of the government’s “insensitivity”, the two protests, and another meeting to determine if an indefinite strike is to follow based on the response.

• Says musician once threw her out with daughter during holiday in US

Sophia Momodu, the estranged lover of popular Afrobeat musician, David Adeleke a.k.a. Davido, has told the Lagos State High Court sitting in Yaba that the musician should not be granted custody of their daughter.

This, she said is because Davido is more interested in exploiting her sexually than catering for their daughter’s welfare.

“The applicant is not fit to be granted custody of our daughter because he is not available and does not possess the ability to dutifully care for her,” she stated in a counter-affidavit she filed in opposition to Davido’s suit seeking custody.

Contrary to Davido’s claim that he had consistently fulfilled his financial obligations towards his daughter, Ms. Momodu said the child was almost ejected from school because the artiste refused to pay tuition fees.

She stated that while their relationship lasted, Davido never showed true commitment or love for their daughter.

“He always used the condition of my making myself available for his sexual pleasures as a pre-condition to visit our daughter or show some fatherly love to her.

“The applicant, apart from his cravings for sex, only comes around to spend time with our daughter when he wants to use our daughter for his media stunts or promotions.

“The applicant has always been known to go away and stop communicating with our daughter, to stop making payment for school fees and/or payment of maintenance for our daughter whenever I refuse his sexual advances,” Ms Momodu stated.

The respondent stated that Davido once threw her and their daughter out of his home in Atlanta (USA) during a summer holiday in 2017, and they ended up squatting with a friend.

Ms. Momodu stated that she never denied Davido access to his daughter and that it was he who chose to be “an absentee father”.

She said she has been responsible for her accommodation, and that David always had access until he chose to abuse it by visiting at odd hours to demand sex.

“When I noticed that the intention of the applicant for coming late at night to my house was not to visit our daughter but to seek sexual favours even after our relationship had ended, I told him to desist from such late-night visits as our daughter who needed to be in school in the morning would have slept at the time of his late-night visits.

“It was when I refused the applicant ingress into my house at ungodly hours of the night on the pretext of visiting our daughter that he decided to stop visiting or calling our daughter, and this has been the pattern with the applicant all through his relationship with our daughter.

“Whenever I refused to be his sex slave, he would stop caring for his daughter and abandon her and use the fact of our daughter’s sadness due to his absence to force me to accede to his unwholesome demands.

“I have never stopped the applicant or his family members from coming to visit his daughter, calling or reconnecting with our daughter,” Ms. Momodu stated.

The respondent stated that contrary to Davido’s claim, he has not been faithful in paying their daughter’s school fees, having defaulted in 2021 and 2022, with the school writing to her in January 2023 over unpaid tuition.

“The school wrote via email notifying me that our daughter would not be allowed entry into the school except all outstanding fees from 2021 to 2023 were paid off,” she stated.

Ms. Momodu told the court that it was Davido’s father who intervened and paid the school fees.

She stated that contrary to Davido’s claim, she has been the one paying the rent of the apartment where she lives with her daughter, adding that Davido did not buy any house for them.

Ms. Momodu said she has been providing the best care for her daughter despite her father’s negligence and would continue to do so as a loving mother.

The respondent was represented at Friday’s proceedings before Justice A. J. Bashua by a legal team led by Chief (Dr) Anthony Idigbe (SAN) of Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors.

Chief Idigbe drew attention to the publication of a hearing notice in a national newspaper by Davido’s legal team, in which the name of his daughter was mentioned four times.

The judge agreed with Chief Idigbe that while the press was free to report, the child’s name ought not to be mentioned at all.

The judge then asked members of the press, litigants and all other counsel not involved in the case to leave the courtroom during the hearing.

Before they left, Chief Idigbe, with the court’s permission, drew the pressmen’s attention to Section 143 of the Child’s Right Law of Lagos State 2015, which provides in a case involving a minor: “No person must be allowed to attend court other than the members and officers of the court, the parties to the case, their solicitors and counsel, parents and guardians of the child and other persons directly concerned in the case.”

Chief Idigbe also referred to Section 144 of the Law, which prohibits the publication of a child’s name.

The section reads: “No person must publish the name, address, school, photograph, or anything likely to lead to the identification of a child in a matter before the court, except as required by the provisions of this law.”

The SAN further referred to Section 145 of the Child Rights Law, which provides: “The proceedings in the court must be conducive to the best interest of the child and must be conducted in an atmosphere of understanding, allowing the child to express himself and participate in the proceedings.”

Ms. Momodu, in the counter-affidavit, also faulted the publication of the suit in a national newspaper.

“The applicant (Davido) in publishing this suit in a national newspaper has exposed our daughter to great danger.

“I would have to implement extra security measures to ensure the continued safety of our daughter in school,” she stated.

At the end of the proceedings, it was learnt that the court referred the case for possible settlement by the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) section of the court during Settlement Week.

A record eight United Kingdom (UK) politicians of Nigerian origin have been elected into the House of Commons following the announcement of results from the July 4 general election.

Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, has become the Prime Minister of the UK following his party’s remarkable victory, ending the 14-year rule of the Conservative Party.

Notably, Thursday’s election delivered the most diverse parliament in the country’s history, with a notable increase in the number of members of parliament of ethnic minorities.

About 30 Nigerians participated as candidates in the poll, representing their various constituencies. Out of the eight elected, six are returning members of parliament, having served in the last session of the House.

Those who won re-election are the Conservative duo of Kemi Badenoch (North West Essex), Helen Grant (Maidstone).

Despite her victory at the poll, Badenoch, who is a frontline contender in the Tories leadership contest after the resignation of former PM Rishi Sunak, said her party must regroup and win the confidence of the people back.

“As a party, the Conservatives must come back together, look deep in our political souls, and ask some uncomfortable questions,” she said.

Four of those re-elected are from the Labour Party, namely Florence Dauta Eshalomi, Kate Osamor (Edmonton and Winchmore Hill), Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) and Taiwo Owatemi (Coventry North West).

However, Bim Afolabi, the Conservative candidate for Hitchin and Harpenden and Economic Secretary to the Treasury, lost his re-election bid after seven years in the Parliament to Labour’s Alistair Strathern.

Two Nigerians making their first entry to Westminster are businessman-turned-politician, Bayo Alaba, who won Southend East and Rochford for Labour by a comfortable margin.

The former Parachute Regiment member got 15,395 votes against Conservative candidate Gavin Haran’s 11,368 votes.

Alaba, who is currently a councillor for the London Borough of Redbridge, said after the poll: “My biggest thanks tonight is for every person across Southend East and Rochford who put their trust in me.

“This will be the greatest thing of my life. I will work every day to repay the trust you put in me.”

Similarly, Josh Babarinde of Liberal Democrats was declared the new member of parliament for Eastbourne after receiving 23,742 votes, a majority of 12,204.

Speaking after his election, Babarinde said: “Eastbourne has voted for a fresh start and it says a lot about our town that a lad from Hampden Park who looks and loves like me can stand to be Eastbourne’s member of parliament and win, win with the biggest majority here in a generation.”

Badenoch, others jostle for Rishi Sunak’s seat

With Rishi Sunak stepping down as Conservative Party leader following his party’s drubbing in the General Election, talk has already turned to who could replace him.

The former Prime Minister today announced he will stay in his place until his successor is appointed later this year.

But following huge losses for the Tories, a dozen top Cabinet ministers have lost their seats – meaning Penny Mordaunt and other possible runners have been knocked out of the race before it even started.

The surviving favourites include darlings of the right such as Kemi Badenoch and Priti Patel, while more centrist voices like Jeremy Hunt and Tom Tugendhat would be considered realistic contenders if they threw their hats in the ring.

Ms Braverman, his former home secretary, has not wasted any time to show she is ready to launch a leadership bid during her speech after winning the Fareham and Waterlooville seat.

Suella Braverman used her victory speech to launch her bid for the Tory leadership 

Senior Tory figures – including a record number of Cabinet ministers – lost their seats in an election bloodbath 

She vowed to ‘rebuild trust’ and apologised for her party’s failings, declaring: “I’m sorry that my party didn’t listen to you. The Conservative Party has let you down.

“You, the great British people, voted for us over 14 years and we did not keep our promises. I will do everything in my power to rebuild trust. We need to listen to you, you have spoken to us very clearly”.

Ms Braverman is fourth favourite to be the next Tory leader, according to bookmakers.

Ms Badenoch is favourite, followed by Ms Patel and Mr Tugendhat. James Cleverly, who held his Essex seat.

The bruising election result risks making the contest especially acrimonious, as rival ideological factions thrash it out to define the future of their party.

US President, Joe Biden has put to rest, speculation about his political future.

In a statement at a rally in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday, he addressed rumours and doubts surrounding his reelection bid.

“I’m the sitting President of the United States. I’m the nominee of the Democratic party. I’m staying in the race,” Biden declared.

He further emphasized his determination, saying, “I’m not letting one 90-minute debate wipe out three and a half years of work. I’m staying in the race, and I will beat Donald Trump.”

This statement comes as a response to recent debates and polls, questioning him on whether he’ll drop out of the race.

Biden then shifted his focus to the core issues driving his campaign, stating.

“I want a country where women have the right to make their own healthcare decisions. Trump wants an America where abortion is banned and women are punished,” he said.

The US President continued, “Justice Sotomayor warned us in her dissent that, based on the majority decision, Trump could take out his opponents, take bribes, and lead a coup while president—and be immune to being held accountable. He really could become the dictator that he promised to be on day one.

“For over two centuries, America has been a free and democratic nation. I’ll be damned if in the year 2024—just two years before the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence—Donald Trump takes that away.”

Biden vowed to stay the course in his re-election bid and defeat Donald Trump in a November.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has urged members of the party to put away their differences and work together in harmony.
The former Anambra governor made the call via his X account on Friday.

He stated that the party would emerge stronger if they were more united.

He stressed the need to move forward with a shared sense of purpose and vision.

Obi expressed confidence that the party would overcome the current crisis through open communication, empathy, and willingness to listen.

According to him, “We will successfully resolve our differences and emerge stronger and more united than ever. Our strength lies in greater unity for our common national good.

“I reiterate my earlier appeal for us to put aside our differences and work together in a spirit of harmony and mutual understanding.”

Operatives from the Bauchi Police Command have rescued a 5-year-old boy who had been chained and starved for three days by his father.

Naija News learnt that the rescue followed a tip-off from concerned neighbors in the Gwallagan Mayaka area of Bauchi metropolis.

The incident came to light on July 3, 2024, when the ward head of Gwallagan Mayaka received information from a resident who had been alerted by his wife, Amina (not her real name), that a 5-year-old neighbor was found tied with a chain inside a room at their address.

Rescued boy

Amina confirmed the boy’s condition, finding him lying unconscious and restrained.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, stated that upon receiving the information, a team led by CSP Mubarak S. Baba, DPO D’ Division, Dutsen Tanshi, promptly moved to the scene and rescued the boy.

During an interview, the victim, identified as Hussaini Abubakar, revealed that his biological father, Abubakar Nuhu, a 50-year-old known as Wanzam of Gwallagan Mayaka, had mistreated him. Hussaini disclosed that he had been confined without food for three days.

Following this revelation, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, directed the DPO to arrest the offender for investigation and prosecution.

During interrogation, the suspect, Abubakar Nuhu, claimed he had confined his son on the advice of a friend to prevent the boy from stealing neighbours’ valuables.

The CP has ordered the DPO to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the CID to thoroughly investigate the matter and uncover any other motives behind this heinous act.

Petrol stations across Nigeria are experiencing lengthy queues, reflecting concerns about fuel shortages due to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited‘s $6 billion backlog in petrol payments.

BusinessDay’s investigation revealed that NNPC owes around $6 billion to international traders for imported petrol, with payments now delayed beyond the typical 90 days.

Reuters reported that overdue payments of $4 billion to $5 billion for January imports alone have led international petrol suppliers to withdraw from recent tenders.

An industry insider disclosed to Reuters, “The only reason traders are putting up with it is the $250,000 a month (per cargo) for late payment compensation.”

These payment delays point to the return of fuel subsidies, which were scrapped in May 2023. The subsidies drain NNPC’s cash reserves, affecting its ability to import petrol and finance President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Two suppliers have already stopped participating in tenders after reaching their debt exposure limits to Nigeria. They will not send more gasoline until they receive payments.

NNPC’s suppliers, including international traders like Vitol, Mercuria, and Gunvor, as well as Nigeria-based trading houses, declined to comment as they were not authorized to speak to the media.

BusinessDay found that traders, while thriving in risky environments, limit their credit exposure to avoid excessive risk with one borrower. Consequently, Nigeria’s tenders for petrol in June and July were smaller.

NNPC will import about 850,000 tonnes in July, down from the usual 1 million tonnes in previous months, according to sources.

As a result, Nigerians are facing renewed petrol scarcity and long queues in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja.