Plateau State Speaker, Hon. Abok Ayuba, has been impeached this morning, Thursday October 28th, 2021.
His impeachment came following a vote of no confidence passed by the members of the Assembly.
The lawmakers immediately elected Hon Yakubu Sanda to take over from him.
Details later…
Ronald Koeman has been sacked as coach of Barcelona, the club announced on Wednesday, after defeat by Rayo Vallecano left the club ninth in La Liga.
Barca have won only two of their last seven league games under Koeman, a run that included losing to Real Madrid in Sunday’s Clasico at Camp Nou.
A poor start to the season has raised the possibility of the team failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which would have enormous consequences for the club’s already-dire financial situation.
Barcelona’s former midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who is currently in charge of Qatari club Al Sadd, and River Plate coach Marcel Gallardo are reportedly among those under consideration to take over.
A club statement released after midnight in Spain on Wednesday read: “FC Barcelona has dismissed Ronald Koeman as coach of the first team tonight.
“The president of the club, Joan Laporta, has informed him after the defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Ronald Koeman will say goodbye to the squad this Thursday at the Ciudad Deportiva.
“The FC Barcelona wants to thank him for his services and wishes him good luck in his career.”
The E-Naira speed wallet has disappeared from the Google Play Store barely 48 hours after its launch, The PUNCH has observed.
However, our correspondent learnt that the eNaira merchant wallet, which is designed for businesses, is still running and has over 10,000 downloads on the Google Play Store made available to Android users.
Checks on the Apple App Store showed that the eNaira speed wallet was still active but had been upgraded.
To access the eNaira, users have to download the ‘speed wallet’, which allows them to conduct transactions with speed and ease. It is a digital storage that holds the eNaira and is held and managed on a distributed ledger.
Before it disappeared, the speed wallet had a rating of 2.0 from 2, 150 reviews as of Tuesday evening with many complaining of glitches.
Angry youths have stormed the residence of a suspected informant for bandits and beat him to death in Kaduna State.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the youths inflicted severe injure on the victim, Abdullahi Mohammed Gobirawa before he died.
The commissioner added that the mob also killed the victim’s wife and son, before burning their home.
Aruwan said the youths killed Gobirawa’s family over their suspected collaboration with bandits, especially in relation to recent kidnappings in the area.
He said on receiving the reports, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed his sadness and deep worry at the violent actions of the citizens, and strongly condemned the extra-judicial killings.
Aruwan stressed that lawful means alone should be adopted in confronting suspicions of criminality, as the destructive practice of self-help would only result in greater harm.
He said the state government had directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, and urged citizens to maintain order.
The commissioner cautioned against stereotyping of any sort and appealed for consistent recourse to the constituted agencies as investigations into the incident are in progress.
Source: Naija news
The bill, which also aims to eliminate substandard and hazardous products in the state, scaled second reading with Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, committing it to the Committee on Commerce and Industry.
Lawmakers at the sitting described the proposed law as one that further proves that the House will never joke with the lives of those they represent.
The Chairman of the House Committee On Commerce and Industry, Hon. Bisi Yusuff, who introduced the bill, noted: “Today in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, there are hazardous products and so many people are falling victims. The implementation of the existing law needs to be seriously addressed.”
Citing an example, the lawmaker said: “What we call soft drinks today, if they are subjected to laboratory test, 95 percent of the content is sugar. The implication is that we consume so much sugar which is not healthy and it is going on because nobody takes them to court.”
In his contributions, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) described the bill as that which benefits the people because it would help to protect the interest of Lagosians that have had horrible experiences from service providers.
“This amendment has created more robust fine and penalties against offenders,” he added.
In his submission, Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) said if the bill was passed into law, it would help the economy of the State and also create employment.
Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1), in his contribution, said there was need to repeal the existing law and re-enact it to block some loopholes exploited by operators and service providers.
According to him, the bill would ensure value for products bought or services paid for by consumers.
“It is a balanced procedure for both consumers and producers of products. The bill if passed into law will empower the agency more in achieving its stated mandate,” he argued.
On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, said that the bill would give room for social media engagement between the agency and the general public to enhance quick response to their complaints.
“This is what is obtainable at the federal consumer protection agency. We can replicate same in Lagos and this will make the public to have confidence in the state agency,” he said.
Hon. Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi Ifelodun 1) maintained that the bill would enhance consumer confidence.
He added: “I will suggest that offenders of the law should be well-punished. The position of General Manager (GM) should also not be limited to legal practitioners or State Counsel alone.
“Furthermore, the enforcement offices should be sited across the state and not be restricted to one place as it is right now”, he suggested.
The Former Emir of Kano state, Sanusi Lamido has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari is meant to be impeached for paying millions of dollars on fuel subsidies without appropriation.
He disclosed that this is contained in Nigeria’s Constitution.He stated this while speaking virtually as a panelist on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the just concluded Nigerian Economic Summit held in Abuja.
In his words: “Every year, the government spends millions upon millions of dollars on fuel subsidies without appropriation. Under the constitution, this is enough ground to impeach the President. But nobody is holding them to account. The National Assembly is not holding them to account,” he said.
The former CBN Governor continued: “Those in government must understand that there are times that you have to make some decisions not because they are popular but because they are right. We have to decide to run a developmental state and not a rental state; not a populist state.”
“We are pursuing a populist policy: we want to have cheap fuel, cheap electricity, a strong Naira. That is populism. At the end of the day, what price are we paying by taking money out of education in order to subsidise petroleum products?”.
“This money coming from petrol belongs to the federation account, and the federal government doesn’t have the constitutional right to pay subsidy on behalf of the federation. So it is a fundamental constitutional issue because this is money that should go to the federal, states and local governments. Yet money that belongs to the federation is carried out as federal government expenditure. So, there are so many complex issues, legal and economic issues. We need to stop these issues” he said.
Source: Politics Nigeria
As the feud between Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State and his predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior festers, there are reports that their political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has thrown his weight behind the governor, raising anxiety in the state’s political cycle.
The fight between Oyetola and Aregbesola over the control of the APC structure in the state has divided members of the party into two camps. Aregbesola’s camp is known as The Osun Progressive (TOP) while the mainstream faction belongs to Oyetola tagged IleriOluwa, the governor’s campaign slogan.
The chairman of the party in the state, Prince Adegboyega Famodun and many prominent party leaders, state and federal legislators, and political office holders are with Oyetola. Majority of those that served in Aregbesola’s government have remained loyal to him and belong to the TOP camp.
The recently concluded ward, local government and state congresses of the party further exposed the depth of the crisis. The minister’s camp has gone to court to challenge the congresses.
Until recently, most people believe that Aregbesola was the determiner of most decisions taken by Tinubu over the years. Tinubu was Aregbesola’s godfather and boss.
Aregbesola served under Tinubu as commissioner for Works in Lagos for eight years and had huge influence in Lagos politics even when he was governor in Osun.
However, Aregbesola’s influence in Lagos politics eventually dwindled when he became minister of Interior after his tenure in Osun.
Oyetola, who served as Chief of Staff under Aregbesola for eight years, is Tinubu’s relative. Some leading politicians in Osun who spoke on condition of anonymity said Tinubu was not happy that Aregbesola did not work for Oyetola’s victory in the 2018 governorship election in Osun and was equally unhappy with Aregbesola’s political moves in Abuja.
APC members in the IleriOluwa and TOP acknowledged that Tinubu is supporting Oyetola in the crisis between the governor and Aregbesola. Those that spoke with our correspondent pleaded anonymity.
One of the leaders of TOP said; “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is supporting Oyetola against Aregbesola. It is expected. It’s normal for him to support his brother. They want to cut Aregbesola’s wings because of Oyetola. We don’t know Aregbesola’s offence.
“Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should play the role of a leader rather than supporting his brother against the minister.”
But a member of the IleriOluwa group said Aregbesola’s issue with Tinubu was not because of Oyetola.
He said “Oyetola was not the reason for the demobilisation of Aregbesola’s structure in Lagos politics. It’s because of his political moves in Abuja to contest for the presidency. It’s not as if Tinubu is supporting Oyetola against Aregbesola.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ismail Omipidan, declined comment on the issue.
Political observers in the state posit that APC might find it very difficult to win the forthcoming governorship election in the state unless the crisis is resolved and both camps work together.
When contacted, the media aide to Tinubu, Mr. Tunde Rahman, said Asiwaju was committed to amicably resolving the issue between Oyetola and Aregbesola.
He said the matter of 2022 governorship election or the second term of Governor Oyetola is not yet on the table.
“Whatever it is that you say is happening between Governor Oyetola and his predecessor, minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will be resolved amicably. That’s the resolve of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and what he is totally committed to at present.
“The matter of 2022 or second term of Governor Oyetola will take care of itself when the time comes. Of course, if you ask me, does Governor Oyetola deserve a second term? I would say of course; absolutely.
“I think Governor Oyetola has demonstrated that he is qualified for a second term by his performance thus far, by the competence and character that he has brought unto the job,” he said.
SOURCE: DAILY TRUST
The Lagos International Festival of Animation, LIFANIMA has received the endorsement of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The State further pledged the collaboration of its agency, The Lagos State Films and Video Censors Board. This was conveyed in a letter signed by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs Bukola Agbaminoja. According to her, the endorsement is based on the festival’s strategic intent to:
• To promote the rapid development of the Animation industry in Nigeria and across Africa
• To improve the movie industry through increased inclusion of animation content
• To provide a platform for the promotion of local animators and development of the quality of animation
• To expose animators to the latest technologies in animation hardware and software
In its 5th year, LIFANIMA has been working for the promotion and development of the Animation Industry in Lagos State, Nigeria and across Africa.
The submissions for the 5th edition of the Lagos International Festival of Animation, LIFANIMA closed on the 30th of September 2021 with 1,105 entries from more than 100 countries, including 17 African countries. The festival has also introduced a new category for submissions, the STOP MOTION ANIMATION CATEGORY. Prior to now, the festival had four categories, namely 2D ANIMATION SHORT, 3D ANIMATION SHORT, ANIMATION COMMERCIAL and VISUAL EFFECTS.
For the current year, the festival received the highest number of entries in the 2D ANIMATION category, which recorded 676 entries, while the newly introduced category, STOP MOTION ANIMATION pulled 240 entries.
“Last year we had to do a virtual festival due to the pandemic but this year we are excited at the possibility of having an onsite festival. We are also happy at the rapid growth of LIFANIMA into what is today one of the top two animation film festivals in Africa. We are even more excited at what this means for the African film industry. LIFANIMA is bringing African animators together and we are poised to see greater collaboration that will culminate in the successful production of proudly African animation features that tell the African story” Says Muyiwa Kayode, Festival Director, who is also the creator and Executive Producer of the multiple award-winning animation series Turtle Taido.
LIFANIMA is scheduled to hold on November 11th and 12th at Freedom Park, Lagos.
LIFANIMA has the objectives to promote the rapid development of the animation industry in Nigeria and across Africa; to improve the movie industry through increased inclusion of animation content; to provide a platform for the promotion of local animators and development of the quality of animation and to expose animators to the latest technologies in animation hardware and software.
The Animation specific film festival was founded by Muyiwa Kayode in 2017 to promote the Animation genre and support its practitioners in the continent. Over the years, it has seen a steady increase in submission of films across the categories of 2D, 3D animation, animation commercials and visual effects. The 2019 edition received over 400 films from more than 70 countries in the continent and Diaspora while last year, more than 900 entries were submitted for the festival.
The festival will feature Screening of Selected Works, Award Presentation, Networking and Entertainment, and will attract Animators; local and foreign, Film makers, Investors, Financial Institutions, Advertising agencies, Musical Video Producers, Media Practitioners, Digital Marketing professionals, Government agencies, Information Technology companies/manufacturers and the public.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt on Tuesday ordered the suspension of the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which was slated for Saturday, 30th October 2021.
The convention was suspended pending the determination of a suit brought by Prince Uche Secondus, the embattled National Chairman of the Party.
‘Anyanwu Has My Support For PDP Secretary’ — Ihedioha Denies Rejecting South-East’s Consensus Candidate
Secondus had asked the court to issue an order stopping the PDP from conducting its planned national convention on October 30 and 31.
According to Secondus, the convention should not hold until the court makes a final decision on the matter before it.
More details later…
Although the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has not declared intention to contest any office in 2023, there have been different political movements mobilising support for him to join the 2023 presidential race.
Over the past few months, the ex- Lagos Governor’s campaign posters have surfaced in parts of Nigeria, the UK and the US.
Arguably, Tinubu commands a huge support base with his cult of followers, political loyalists growing daily.
He is also believed to enjoy the support of a broad spectrum of traditional rulers across the country, some of whom conferred him with honorary chieftaincy titles in appreciation for his philanthropy.
Prominent persons, including ex-lawmakers, Ministers and other politicians are campaigning for Tinubu to become President in 2023.
The Nation’s checks show that over 120 support groups, especially on social media platforms are promoting the presidential ambition of Tinubu.
Some of them include: Southwest Agenda 2023 group; Tinubu Support Group; Disciples of Jagaban; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – B.A.T National Forum; Tinubu for President 2023; Tinubu 2023 Support Group; Tinubu Solidarity Group; Northern Alliance for Tinubu 2023; Bola Ahmed Tinubu Group – USA; Tinubu Transformation Agenda 2023; I Love Tinubu; Tinubu Mandate Group; Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu Northerners; Tinubu Peoples Network; Vote Tinubu 2023 and Tinubu Grassroots Movement, among several others.
Here is a list of prominent personalities, groups who’ve ‘publicly declared’ support for the Tinubu presidency in 2023:
1. Hamisu Chidari — Kano Speaker Hamisu Chidari has declared that the party in Kano would support the 2023 presidential ambition of Tinubu.
Chidari said Kano State, which has the highest number of voters and delegates in the country, would repay Tinubu’s act of helping President Buhari, to become President in 2015.
2. James Faleke — Faleke who is member of the House of Representatives, has also asked Tinubu to run for president in 2023.
Read Also: Nigerians in Diaspora back Tinubu for 2023
He said Tinubu left office in 2007 but remains popular to date because “he is focused, consistent and persistent”.
3. Senator Adesoji Akanbi — Former Oyo South Senator, Adesoji Akanbi, affirmed that Tinubu remains the ultimate pathfinder, who is proactive and a problem solver for the next political dispensation.
4. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu — Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also expressed support for the presidential bid of Tinubu, in 2023 general polls, saying, he has the quality to lead the nation.
5. Adeseye Ogunlewe: The former Minister of works Adeseye Ogunlewe has also called on Tinubu to declare his interest in the 2023 presidential election.
6. Mudashiru Obasa – Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on behalf of the Conference of Speakers, said the speakers have pledged their support for Tinubu Presidency at a meeting held in Kano.
7. Abdulsalam Abdulkareem Zaura — An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kano State, Abdulsalam Abdulkareem Zaura has also thrown his weight behind Tinubu, on his ‘presidential ambition’ in the 2023 general election.
Zaura said he is prepared to “fight with all his strength and last kobo” for Tinubu to be president of Nigeria in the next election.
8. Joe Igbokwe — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe described the former Lagos State governor as a builder who laid the foundation for the growth of the state. said things would be okay if Tinubu becomes Nigeria’s president
9. Oluwo of Iwo in Osun State, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi – The Iwo monarch described Tinubu as the most qualified to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
10. Senator Abu Ibrahim – A former deputy Minority Chief Whip of the Senate and stalwart of the APC from Katsina State, Senator Abu Ibrahim, has also canvassed for support for Tinubu. He spoke during the inauguration of Bola Tinubu Support Organisation (BTSO) held in Abuja, saying he could vouch for him having known the former governor for two decades.
11. Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya – A former Secretary to Niger State Government (SSG), Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya has also charged Nigerians to “create a Bola Ahmed Tinubu in each of the six geo-political zones.”
12. Tinubu Support Group (TSG) — The group has called on Nigerians to support the group to ensure the actualisation of a Bola Tinubu presidency in 2023 for a new and better Nigeria.
13. Nigeria Diasporans for Asiwaju Worldwide – The group has said the country stands a better chance of being transformed under a Tinubu Presidency.
14. Southwest Agenda 2023 group — The group has assured Tinubu of 12 to 13 million votes, ahead of the 2023 presidential election. It has also intensified its sensitisation, consultation and mobilisation tour in the state.
15. Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ) – The pro-Tinubu group, has said that it wants the National Leader of APC to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari as president in the 2023 general elections stating that Tinubu remains the most courageous and a staunch democrat that cannot be manipulated by Nigerian crooks.
16. The Ahmed Bola Tinubu Support Group – This is another prominent group promoting Tinubu’s presidential ambition. The group, located in Stuttgart, Germany, was created on May 29, 2020 and its Facebook profile says it has 12,000 members.
17. Northern Region Supports Tinubu 2023 for President (NRST-23) — This group, is led by its national Coordinator, Hon. Dahiru Hamma Dikko, where it has reiterated the need for all to help deepen the lifespan of Nigeria’s democracy beyond 2023 by rallying round Tinubu’s presidential aspirations.
18. Speakers of States’ Houses of Assemblies from North-west – The Speakers forum endorsed Tinubu, for president in the 2023 general election.
19. The Forum of Political Parties – The Lagos-based forum on Saturday threw its weight behind Tinubu, for the 2023 presidential race. The forum consists of political parties (registered and de-registered) in Lagos State.
Source: The Nation
