The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim has announced the formal withdrawal of a lawsuit filed to seek nullification of the primary election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

From the April 20 primary election, Aiyedatiwa emerged as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the forthcoming election in Ondo State.

The situation didn’t go well with the senator which made him approach a Federal High Court in Abuja, citing irregularities.

Ibrahim, in a Tuesday statement, said this decision was a result of a personal intervention by President Bola Tinubu who reached out to him and had a productive meeting. 

According to him, he noted that Tinubu assured him of his commitment to enhancing internal democracy within our party.

“Based on his assurances and leadership, I have decided to withdraw the case to support his efforts to pave a new way forward for our party,” he said.

The senator also noted Aiyedatiwa’s effort and urged the general public to see the withdrawn suit as a gift to mark Tinubu’s one year in office. 

These were disclosed in the statement titled, “Presidential intervention and notice of withdrawal suit No
FHC/ABJ/CS/588/2024.”

He acknowledged his “absolute” respect for Tinubu saying that he can never disobey him.

It read, “The suit is now withdrawn due to the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The President called me and had a meeting with me.

“He assured me that he would as the leader of the party improve on internal democracy within our party, and I would need to withdraw the case to enable him to chart a way forward.

“The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa earlier visited my Asokoro residence for several hours after another unsuccessful visit to my hotel room in Akure.

“I cannot disobey the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the issue I am fighting for is not personal.

“It is simply to improve internal democracy to which the President has promised improvement. My respect for the President is absolute!

“Let me use this opportunity to thank Mr. President for the words of wisdom and encouragement during my meeting with him which lasted over one hour and his various interactions with me on the telephone during which he emphasized his commitment to internal democracy over and over again. Thank you, Mr. President.”

According to the statement, the withdrawal of this “legendary suit” is concise with the first anniversary of Mr President’s incredible performance in office, and this is my gift of the “cake” of the first anniversary! Thank you all for your support.

Meanwhile, the APC in Igbotako Ward II, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State suspended  Ibrahim, whom they alleged was involved in anti-party party activities.

However, the action was immediately countered.

In a swift reaction, another group of 55 members of the party, who identified themselves as members of the same Igbotako Ward II executive and in Okitipupa Local Government, disagreed with the purported suspension of Ibrahim as they passed a vote of confidence in the senator.

Stanley Okoruwa, a Lagos-based blogger, has issued a public apology for making unfounded allegations against popular businessman Emeka Okonkwo, also known as E-Money, and Jennifer Awele, the wife of the late actor Junior Pope.

The controversy began when E-Money launched a search for two women and a man who claimed he had an affair with Jennifer Awele.

Following this, the blogger was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command after E-Money filed a petition regarding the offensive video.

In a turn of events, Okoruwa retracted his statements and expressed regret for his actions, admitting that his allegations were merely an attempt to gain followers on his Facebook page.

“I made the video to grow my page, I did not have any bad intentions towards E-Money,” he said.

“I did not know the video would go viral. I accept it is wrong for me to make such a video and I did not know it will escalate.

“Everything in the video is not true, I just tried to make the video to get popular and get the opportunity to meet E-Money.

“… I’m very sorry, E-Money. I did not mean to tarnish his image. Everything in the video is false. I’m using this medium to seek E-Money’s forgiveness and I will not repeat the mistake again.”

The spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the blogger will be prosecuted for allegedly defaming E-Money, in his online video.

He said E-Money followed due process by reporting to the police.

“He is going to be prosecuted because the things he engaged in were criminal in nature. He has allegedly defamed E-money and he is going to be prosecuted,” Hundeyin stated.

International Breweries announces products price hike International Breweries Plc said it has increased prices of its various product offerings in Nigeria. The brewer said in a statement that reviewing prices in its portfolio has become necessary due to current market realities, and was done to serve its customers better. 

The new price review affects products such as Eagle Lager, Eagle Extra Stout, Trophy Stout, Beta Malt, and Grand Malt. 

Head of Sales of the company, Olaleye Abimbola, disclosed that it is confident that the decision to review the prices benefits all its partners. 

Abimbola however called on the company’s partners to honour the old pricing strategy it had in the previous months until the new changes were announced and implemented. 

This is the second time the company will increase the prices of its products in one year. International Breweries disclosed a forex-related loss of N162.2 billion in its first quarter report. 

Major brewers in Nigeria have been hit by an economic crisis due to inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and rising production costs, which has led to price hikes across the country

The police command in Imo on Monday said it has demoted an inspector seen in a viral video, over his alleged extortion of money from motorists in the state.

The incident happened along the Onitsha express road in Imo..

Following the virality of the video, Henry Okoye, the Imo state police spokesperson, said in a statement the erring inspector, identified as Isong Osudueh has been recommended for a reduction in rank after the necessary orderly room proceedings.

In the statement, Okoye added that Aboki Danjuma, the Imo police commissioner said the officer will face an orderly room trial after which other necessary disciplinary actions will be taken against him.

Ondo: 20-year-old barber bags 14 years imprisonment for burglary, stealing
The statement said that the erring Osudueh supervisor has been issued a query for lack of proper supervision.

“The erring officer, identified as Inspector Isong Osudueh, attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Owerri, has been recommended for a reduction in rank after the necessary orderly room proceedings, for exhibiting such a shameful and unprofessional act, while the supervisory officer has been issued an official query for lack of supervision,” the statement said.

“The disciplinary actions taken against the erring officer underscore the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity among its personnel, while effectively discharging its lawful duties and entrenching public trust and confidence.

The CP warned that under his watch, the command will not condone any act of extortion or misconduct by its personnel and warned that any supervisory officer who failed to carry out his oversight duties will be severely sanctioned.

In an effort to bring back the old national anthem, the senate has approved a bill for third reading.

Following the consideration of Tahir Monguno’s report—the chair of the judiciary committee—the upper house of parliament passed the bill.

The old national anthem is themed: ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’.

While presenting his report, Monguno said his committee disagreed with the position of Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), that the process to change the anthem should be subjected to a wider process.

“The proposed bill is important,” the Borno senator said.

Thereafter, the senate considered clauses of the bill and passed it.

Last week, the house of representatives passed the bill speedily, but it only scaled second reading at the senate.

Majority of the lawmakers in both chambers of the national assembly spoke in favour of the bill when they debated on its general principles.

While debating the bill last week, Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, said an anthem is supposed to be motivational, adding that the current one is anything but emotive.

“The old one we are seeking to bring back is one that evokes emotions,” Umeh said.

“A national anthem is supposed to be motivational. There is motivation in the old anthem.

“I think from what my colleagues have said, there is nothing in the current anthem that motivates our people. If we bring it back, our children will be more committed to the ideals of nationhood.”

There have been mixed reactions since the national assembly began taking steps to reintroduce the old national anthem.

The Gombe State Government said it has filed charges against a man who amputated the two hands of his 12-year-old nephew, Adamu, over alleged phone theft.

The incident happened in Sambi Daji village, Tumu District in the Akko Local Government Area of the state. 

The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Gombe State Ministry of Justice, Abubakar Jungudo, disclosed this in an interview with the punch on Monday, May 27, 2024. 

"We are going to prosecute the defendant. We are awaiting the assignment of the case by the Chief Judge of Gombe State. One of the magistrates in Kashere drew my attention to the case, having seen the seriousness of the injury and it was referred to the Gombe State Command of the  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” the DPP said.

In a statement commemorating Children's Day, the Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe branch, Mwalin Abdu, condemned the act. 

Abdu, who doubles as Chairperson, Human Rights Committee of the NBA, condemned the spate of child abuse in a press statement she titled, ‘Protecting our future: Urgent action needed on child protection in Gombe State.’

She called on the authorities to implement the Child Protection Law to tackle cases of abuse, stressing the need for concerted efforts towards combating dastardly acts against minors

“In 2018, we woke up to the story of young Zubair Abubakar (13 years old), whose arms were amputated because of the abuse by his teacher; just four days ago was another devastating story of a 12-year-old Adamu from Tumu District in the Akko LGA of the same Gombe State, who also lost his arms due to a similar incident with Zubair Abubakar, over alleged theft of phone,” she said. 

"Even though the office of the Attorney General has taken over the prosecution of the cases, we believe that is not enough, because these two stories are just a tip of the iceberg of the numerous daily-reported and unreported complaints or cases of child abuse in the state, ranging from sexual abuse, child labour, child molestation,  child trafficking and so on.”

"The heartbreaking tales of young victims like Zubair Abubakar and Adamu from Gombe State underscore a troubling reality: child abuse remains a pervasive issue in our communities, transcending mere headlines to expose the harsh realities faced by our most vulnerable members.

“While the ratification of the Child Protection Law in 2022 was a pivotal step, the gap between legislation and its effective enforcement looms large, leaving the children at risk and their futures uncertain.”

She called on stakeholders to rise to the occasion to put a stop to the overwhelming incidences of child abuse in Gombe State typified by the cases of Abubakar and Adamu.

“The time for passive observance has passed, the safeguarding of every child’s well-being demands immediate and resolute action. Gombe State must move swiftly to implement and enforce the Child Protection Law, ensuring that those who exploit and harm our children face the full force of justice. Robust reporting mechanisms, specialised victim support services, and widespread awareness campaigns are imperative to redress the rampant abuse, exploitation, and trafficking that plague our dear state,” she added. 

Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, who narrated the tragic event explained that the suspect caught Adamu and tied his hands with a rope, intending to keep him captive until he revealed where he hid the phone.

By the time the rope was loosened, his hands had become severely damaged, and doctors were forced to amputate them to save his life. 

“His elder brother did this to him after accusing him of stealing his mobile phone. The brother caught him and tied his hands with a rope, intending to keep him captive until he reveals where he hid the phone. Tragically, the rope was too tight, cutting off circulation to his hands. By the time the rope was loosened, his hands had become severely damaged, and doctors were forced to amputate them to save his life,” he added.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has criticized the federal government for dragging the state to court alongside 35 other states over Local Government (LG) autonomy. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos State already fully complies with LG autonomy and should not be part of the legal action.

The federal government filed a suit at the Supreme Court against all 36 state governors, seeking to prevent the arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders. However, Sanwo-Olu argued that including Lagos in the lawsuit was a legal error since the state’s local governments have been enjoying autonomy for decades.

Speaking at the ongoing Justice Reform Summit organized by the Lagos State Judiciary, Sanwo-Olu supported the suit but highlighted that the Attorney General of the Federation should have identified non-compliant states before initiating legal proceedings. He suggested that only states violating autonomy should be sued rather than all 36 states collectively.

He said: “It is interesting to read that the Honorable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation has sued all the 36 states because Governors did not give autonomy to the third tier of government. The only mistake I am going to tell our Attorney General is that some of us are in compliance.

“The Attorney General should have done his due diligence to identify which states are not compliant, so we don’t sue all the 36 states together. You can determine which states are not violating the Constitution. If it is three, four or five states that comply, then you can sue the 31 states for violating the autonomy of the local governments. That is part of the back work that we need to do.”

Drawing a parallel with Singapore, a fishing village with environmental similarities with Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said Singapore’s faith in the rule of law and fairness transformed the efficiency of the country’s justice system, leading to its rapid economic growth and prosperity.

He said: “Just like Lagos, Singapore has no resources. Singapore is what it is today because of the Ease of Doing Business. Registering a business in Singapore takes less than 30 minutes, surpassing many countries in ease of doing business. Singapore has one of the best judiciary systems in the world; they have quick turnaround time in mediation and dispute resolution.”

Representatives of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the Attorney General of the Federation acknowledged the strides made by the Lagos judiciary in promoting justice development. They pledged continued support for reforms to enhance public trust in the judiciary and foster economic growth.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) is set to commence a comprehensive verification exercise of all its lands and houses across Nigeria. This move aims to authenticate the records of all allottees.

This verification exercise follows the recent launch of FHA’s digitalization initiative, designed to capture the agency’s legitimate allottees’ data accurately. According to an advertorial published on Monday, May 27, 2024, in major newspapers, the exercise will begin on June 3, 2024, at all Zonal offices of the agency nationwide and will continue for 90 days.

The Public Relations Officer, Mr. Kenneth Chigelu, urged all genuine allottees to take advantage of this opportunity to update their relevant information in the FHA database. He also encouraged all allottees with outstanding statutory payments to clear their liabilities during this period.

Chigelu noted that the FHA would enforce the relevant clauses in the allocation letters against any erring allottees to ensure compliance.

Nigerian actress, Eniola Badmus has confirmed her appointment as the special assistant on social events and public hearing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

In her Instagram post on Monday, Eniola thanked Abbas for entrusting her with the role, describing it as a “significant milestone” in her career.

Among the pictures the Omo Ghetto: The Saga actress posted is one of herself bending to greet Abbas.

She wrote:

“A sincere heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me with the recent political appointment. It is an honor to be given this opportunity, I am truly honored and excited to serve under your leadership @speakerabbas and I am deeply appreciative of the confidence you have placed in me.

“This appointment is not only a significant milestone in my career but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to our shared goals and vision.”

Eniola’s appointment went viral on May 10 and was greeted with mixed reactions.

The 41-year-old added in her appreciation post:

“Your support and belief in my abilities mean a great deal to me. I am committed to working diligently and upholding the principles and values that our team stands for. Thank you for your belief in my potential, and for giving me the chance to make a positive impact.

“I look forward to collaborating closely with you and our colleagues to achieve success in our collective goals and to bring about the positive changes we all aspire to see.”

Eniola supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign for the presidency last year. Many of her critics said they would boycott her movies due to her political affiliation.

A group of crossdressers from Ikorodu has stirred up reactions online as they took to the streets to demand the release of controversial figure, Bobrisky, from prison.

The protest comes in the wake of Bobrisky’s arrest and subsequent sentencing to six months in prison over issues relating to the abuse of the Nigerian currency, after the self-styled social media sensation pleaded guilty.

The arrest of Bobrisky, known for his flamboyant and often polarizing persona, caused a serious buzz online, with supporters and critics voicing their opinions on the matter.

However, the emergence of this protest by fellow crossdressers adds a new dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding the case.

Video footage shared on social media captured the striking image of the crossdressers, all adorned in feminine outfits, passionately advocating for Bobrisky’s release.

Holding placards with messages pleading for the freedom of the self-proclaimed ‘Mummy of Lagos.’

“Free Bobrisky” the message on one of the placards read.