The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • A/Ibom youths barricade INEC office, demand REC’s removal

    A/Ibom youths barricade INEC office, demand REC’s removal

    Angry youths under the aegis of the Coalition of political parties on Wednesday barricaded the Akwa Ibom office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in the state.

    The youths, mostly of the All Progressives Congress(APC) demanded the immediate removal of the Residents Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mike Igini.

    The protesters numbering over 1000 accused Igini of deviating from his role as an unbiased umpire to a partisan politician bent on causing confusion in the state chapter of the APC.

    The Nation reports that the protesters who chanted “Mike Igini must go,” blocked the INEC office entrance disallowing staff of the Commission from entering their offices.

    They were seen with placards carrying various inscriptions that read; “Igini is biased”, “democracy is not for sale”, “INEC must act now”, “Akwa Ibom REC is compromised”.

    Others are; “Igini don’t kill Akwa Ibom political parties”, “Igini is partisan”, “Igini is a factional Chairman of a party”, among several others.

    Speaking with our Correspondent, the Leader of the Coalition of Akwa Ibom State Youths in Opposition Parties, Mr. Ubok-Obong Umoh said the “personal vendetta” of Igini against the main opposition party in the state should be probed.

    “This protest is carried out by all the youths in opposition political parties in Akwa Ibom State and the APC is all prominent here because it is the main opposition party in the state.

    “We are protesting clear partisanship demonstrated by a supposed umpire, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Mike Igini.

    “Between 2019 and now, Igini has demonstrated that he has no faith in Nigerian democracy and as a result, he is now playing the script of the Akwa Ibom State Government.

    Umoh accused Igini of acting on the instructions of the state government, adding that nothing APC or any other opposition parties do that is acceptable to him.

    He said the REC should be probed over the comments he made during an interview on one of the national television stations that “APC in the state will not have any candidate for 2023 elections”.

     

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    “His statement is unacceptable not just to members of APC but to the generality of the peace-loving people of Akwa Ibom State.

    “Opposition is meant for checks and balances in government so if Barr. Mike Igini who is supposed to be an umpire feels that there should be no opposition in Akwa Ibom State, he should pack his belongings and leave,” he added.

    Also, the State APC Youth Leader, Dr. Awak Clement said “Igini is not the only REC that Nigeria has,” but queried why he should single himself out to fight APC in the state.

    He alleged that Igini has openly declared war against APC even before the primaries, adding that for peace to reign in the state, the REC should either resign or outrightly sack.

    He further queried why Igini should presume himself as the Supreme Court to reject the judgement delivered by the Federal High Court.

    Clement appealed to the INEC headquarters to take swift action on the matter so that the peaceful protest does not turn into a disastrous one.

  • NDE trains 510 unemployed youths, women in Plateau

    NDE trains 510 unemployed youths, women in Plateau

    The National Directorate of Employment has commenced training of over 510 unemployed youths and women on different vocational skills acquisition in Plateau State.

    The programme was held under the Vocational Skills Development (VSD) of the Directorate.

    Speaking during the Opening Ceremony of training, the State Coordinator of NDE in the State, Mal. Ibrahim Hardo Abdulazeez said the Federal Government has injected huge resources to ensure Job creation, poverty reduction, youth and women empowerment towards creating self-employed and self-reliant citizens.

    According to him, the schemes have also been designed to impact the 340 new intakes of B-NOAS on any vocational Skills of their choice, while 170 A-NOAS trainees are those who have been trained under B-NOAS, and have attained a reasonable level of competency in their chosen trades, but need to improve their skills.

    He said that the training would be conducted in over 15 vocational skills such as Barbing, Fashion design, Hair dressing, Shoe making, Catering Services, Baking and Confectioneries, Computer application (ICT), Vulcanizing among others.

    In his remarks, the representative of the Director VSD Department, Mr Musa Ibrahim called on the trainees to be consistent, persistent and punctual during the training period.

    He also encouraged the trainees to give their bank details accurately.

    Responding on behalf of the Trainees Miss Rotkan James lauded the opportunity to acquire skills, saying they would do everything to ensure success of the programme.

  • Seeking validation sign of insecurity- Rita Dominic

    Seeking validation sign of insecurity- Rita Dominic

    Popular actress Rita Dominic has offered a probable diagnosis for individuals who continuously seek validation from others.

    According to her, such people are fueled by insecurity to seek validation from others.

    She explained the lack of confidence in one or judgment would always make a person chase after other people’s approval before acting on anything.

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    The 46-year-old newly wedded movie star said people should rather make decisions and take actions rather than wait for others’ opinions.
    “The constant need to be validated by others is a sign of insecurity. Just do you, simple,” she wrote.

  • Pretty Mike under fire for mocking Christianity

    Pretty Mike under fire for mocking Christianity

    Lagos-based socialite, Mike Eze-Nwalie Nwogu aka Pretty Mike has been subjected to intense bashing by social media users following his recent appearance at an event.

    The controversial media personality well-known for making odd appearances during events went overboard over the weekend as seen in a viral video.

    Pretty Mike, who was one of the many guests that graced Funnybone’s wedding, was seen in the company of five ladies, four sparingly cladded with their bare backsides in full display and the fifth barely covered with a white cloth holding a cross depicting ‘Christ’ who was being led to be crucified.

    While the lady holding the cross which leaned on her shoulder walked, the other four holding black pieces of cloth as whips behind her, kept ‘flogging’ her.

    The ‘supposed’ Saviour kept making faces like one in pain as the others continued to ‘whip’ her lightly.

    At some point, the controversial media personality assisted his ‘Saviour’ to hold her wooden cross in a bid to make the burden lighter for her.

    Captioning the video on his Instagram page, the nightlife connoisseur posed an ‘atypical’ question while praising women.

    He wrote: “What if the savior of mankind was a woman? I honestly think this world would have been a better Place…… “women the most undermine secret weapon given to us, by the almighty one.”

    Social media users condemned the display, terming his display ‘blasphemy’. They noted it was a mockery of Christianity and Christ’s sufferings on the cross and dared him to reproduce a Muslim version.

    skizzyofficial said: “Totally unacceptable.. looks like an act of mockery. Only few will relate to this comment.

    iam_naya1 wrote: “This is very wrong and why the fuck is people finding it funny and laughing this is like taking the sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ to be in vain if the show isn’t to enlighten people about the sacrifice of Jesus this is very Wrong. If it is Muslim they will find him and he will pay dearly, this is trash

    coolly_signature stated: “God will surely judge you for everything you are doing.”

    ericmoore_mpr said: “Mike you just lost a fan … Christ can’t be mocked.”

    kingfuvwe12 wrote: “You make a mockery of a religion and you call it showbiz…smh

    ricchly_brandon stated: “Man you not gonna disrespect Christianity like that, you act like clown.”

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    sisiadaski said: “God have mercy … You wonder why Muslims won’t take of of this. I find this totally disrespectful

    helen_c_obi1 wrote: “REALLY THIS IS NOT FUNNY AT ALL. PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY LAUGHING. YOU CAN’T TRY THIS WITH MOHAMMED OR ALLAH. HOW CAN YOU PLAY WITH THE CROSS LIKE THIS.”

    ayoolaolabs stated: “Dare you to do Muslim own.”

    blacketihad said: “If nor be see finish wey u see Christianity finish, fear go let you try dis nonsense with Muslim religion? You are so disgusting.”

    rosegagadickson1 wrote: “This is a mockery of Christ’s suffering.”

    like_loveth stated: “This guy thinks he’s creative he should try this with the other religion and see if he’ll get away with it.”

    rity1211 said: “Blasphemy. U get luck we ain’t like the Muslims else by now we for don stone you to death. Don’t play with Christ crucifixion.”

  • Debate over Tiwa Savage, Tems as Afrobeat queen heats up

    Debate over Tiwa Savage, Tems as Afrobeat queen heats up

    The debate on who the ‘Queen of Afrobeat’ is between Tiwa Savage and Tems has taken over several social media platforms.

    Following Tems historical feat at the just concluded BET Awards 2022, the internet has continued to buzz with her fans crowning her ‘Queen of Afrobeats.’

    The sensational songstress went home with two prestigious awards last night, ‘Best International Act’ making her the first Nigerian and African female artiste to clinch the award.

    Alongside, a second award, “Best Collaboration” as a result of her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” which also features Justin Bieber.

    With these massive achievements, social media users on Twitter applauded her with some tagging her Afrobeats Queens.

    But while acknowledging Tems success, some argued the only Afrobeats Queen remains Tiwa noting she paved the way for every other female artistes and what they now enjoy.
    @AhlajiOmo tweeted: Tiwa Savage is STILL the QUEEN OF AFROBEATS!!!! Until she chooses to leave the AFROBEATS.

    @big_jemmy said: “Tiwa Savage paved the way for these girls. She broke records and made records on her own before this streaming era and did it when it was so hard surviving in this industry as a female. She gave some artists their biggest career songs too. Hype your fave but respect TIWA SAVAGE!!

    Read Also: Tems hails Tiwa, Asa others after BET Awards win

    @_chimdi wrote: “Tems is bigger than Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage, this should be known by now.”

    @ChamgeMega stated: “Nicki minaj is great but Cardi B has taken over. Tiwa savage is great but Tems has taken over. Afrobeats has a new queen. Na Tems and no condition.”

    @ShegunTweets asked: “Why you go dey compare tems to tiwa savage? Is it crack? You smoke crack?”

    @Kelechii6 tweeted: “Queen Of Afrobeats is Tiwa savage Congratulate Tems and move on!”

    @SirDavidBent said: “Tems remains an average singer in my opinion, I don’t care about whatever awards she gets via payola or overrated hype. She will never be able to lace Tiwa Savage’s shoe laces. After Tiwa, the only other Nigerian artiste that can compete is Simi. No debates.

    @emrysbleu wrote: “I’m done arguing with peeps who call Tems “queen of afrobeats” so as to throw shades at Tiwa Savage. Normal normal una head no correct.”

    @nicolebarbwest stated: “Tiwa savage is the queen of afro beat.”

    @rajamaibo tweeted: “Tiwa Savage is everything. Can’t get enough of her vocals en Afro beats….she’s a queen of all times…..a real G.O.A.T.”

    @Slutty__ stated: “Just Hype your Tems and go, but don’t disrespect Tiwa Savage. Don’t be unfortunate.”

  • Okowa names four commissioner nominees

    Okowa names four commissioner nominees

    Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Tuesday forwarded the names of four commissioner nominees to the House of Assembly for possible screening and confirmation.
    The names were contained in a letter to the Assembly which was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori.

    The nominees are: Mr Samuel Mariere, Mr Sunda Onoriode, Chief Mike Okah and Chief Godspower Asiuwhu.

    During the sitting, the House also received two separate letters of nomination into the State Board of Internal Revenue and Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

    According to the letters, Kelly Oghenekevwe was nominated as Executive Director, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue while Dr Samuel Ossai was nominated into the board of DESOPADEC.

    Speaking on the Governor’s letters, the Majority Leader, Chief Ferguson Onwo, moved separate motions praying the Assembly to receive the letters.

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    In a unanimous vote, the Assembly accepted the letters as working documents before it.

    Speaking later, the Speaker directed the nominees to submit 35 copies of their curriculum vitae and photo copies of their credentials to the Clerk of the House.

    He said that the documents must be submitted before July 4.

    Oborevwori further said the nominees would be screened by the Assembly on July 5.(NAN)

  • FG rakes in N200b, $7m from 2020 marginal field bid

    FG rakes in N200b, $7m from 2020 marginal field bid

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has disclosed that the 2020 Marginal Field bid round has earned the Federal Government about N200 billion and $7million revenue.

    Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engr. Gbenga Komolafe made this known at the official unveiling of Host Communities Development Prospecting Licenses (PPLs) and presentation of PPLs to 2020 Marginal Field Awardees in Abuja.

    “Again, it is noteworthy that the 2020 Marginal Field Bid Round exercise in respect of which PPLs are being issued today has attracted Government revenue of about N200billion and seven million dollars respectively,” he said.

    Komolafe noted that since inception, a total of 30 fields have been awarded, with 17 currently producing.

    Giving the breakdown, he added that two fields were awarded in 1999, 24 fields were awarded in 2003/2004, one was awarded in 2006 and 2007 and two in 2010.

    According to him, 10 years after, in 2020 57 fields were awarded.

    Stressing that the commission has been transparent, he said NUPRC has been very committed to beneficial ownership disclosure in the bid exercise.

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    He added: “The Beneficial Ownership (BO) reporting, which requires full disclosure of ownership information.”
    The CEO noted that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Asset Beneficial Ownership Register (NOGABOR) portal has been developed by requisite compliance by oil and gas companies.”

    According to him, oil prices have crossed $100 per barrel due to disruptions that the Russian and Ukraine conflicts have caused. He regretted that Nigeria is not reaping from the high prices because of sabotage, theft and other operational challenges.

    Komolafe insisted “potential licensees are urged to take advantage of the current market realities and quickly bring their fields to production.”

    Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, reminded the awardees that the licenses are governed by the Petroleum Industry Act, adding they should adhere to the law.

  • Sterling Homes empower widows at 12

    Sterling Homes empower widows at 12

    Sterling Homes has empowered no fewer than 50 widows with start-up resources, shop rental payments and cash gifts in celebration of its 12th anniversary.

    The real estate development company made the donation and resource presentation last week at their corporate head office in River Valley Estate, Lagos as part of week-long activities.

    The firm also allocated land to subscribers of its housing estate in Eleko, Ibeju-Lekki and handed over of keys of bungalows to homeowners of its housing estate in Mowe, Ogun State.

    The resources, including grinding machines, gas cookers, entrepreneurship capital, rent payment, food and clothing items and medical bills payment were distributed to over 30 randomly selected widows from across Lagos state according to their communicated needs.

    The widows, who were filled with excitement and gratitude, displayed their appreciation with a promise to make judicious use of the resources given to them.

    Sterling Homes CEO, Dr Kunle Adeyemi said that the initiative was a way of giving back to society from the successful achievements of the leading real estate firm.

    According to him: “Today Sterling Homes is celebrating 12 years of greatness and we are so thankful to God. Our goal of satisfying our customers and giving back to society has always been the driving force. Today we want to spotlight the plight of widows in communities by empowering them to create their own stability.

    “Losing a husband or a partner can be an incredibly saddening experience. But for too many women in Nigeria, becoming a widow can also be the beginning of a whole new set of problems and hardships,” Dr. Adeyemi Shared.

    “We asked for the nomination of indigent widows after which we screened the received nominees to ensure that those who need these items are chosen and empowered. We have been able to empower 30 widows today and we believe that it’s not going to end today. More empowerment is coming. At Sterling Homes, we recognise the importance of giving back, whether it’s volunteering, raising money for a charity or food drive, this is who we are.”

    Adeyemi urged private organisations to deploy corporate social responsibility and support the needy and less privileged in the country.

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    He said: “At Sterling Homes we encourage our staff to truly evaluate their own desire to have an impact in the world from how they lead their day-to-day life to how they treat others; in ways that they can contribute to improving their country and community. I also want to encourage private organisations to give back to the community that made them because as little as a percent, can go a long way to change the environment and condition of the underprivileged in the country.

    One of the beneficiaries, (name withheld) expressed happiness for the kind-hearted gesture the company has shown. She said: “I didn’t pay any money to qualify for this. God bless Sterling Homes for wiping away my tears. The only money I spent was my transportation to this place and now I’m going back home with money to start my business. I say thank you to them.”

    Another beneficiary, whose daughter’s medical bill of over N100,000 was cleared by the company, thanked the organisation for coming to her aid as a widow who had been suffering for years without help from anybody.

    She said: “My daughter is my only child and her illness got me scared and worried, we had tried herbal treatment to her ailment and it wasn’t working, she was admitted to the hospital when her illness got worse and I have been running around looking to loan money from friends before I got the call from Sterling Homes, they paid all the medical bills, gave me NGN50,000 for my Shea butter business, and still gave me foodstuff. I can only say God has smiled on me through them.”

  • Police arraign Ibadan businessman for alleged N186 million fraud

    Police arraign Ibadan businessman for alleged N186 million fraud

    The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Lagos on Tuesday brought an Ibadan-based businessman, Oluwabukola Odeleye to the Federal High Court in Lagos in connection with alleged N816million fraud and forgery.

    It arraigned Odeleye and his firm, Beedel Strategic Investment Company Limited, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo on a charge marked FHC/L/342c/2022.

    Prosecution counsel Emmanuel Jackson alleged that the defendants committed the offences sometime in 2020 in Lagos.

    Jackson, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and Officer-in-Charge of the PSFU’s legal department, alleged that the duo defrauded two firms – Bostocke Close Investment Limited and Ctando Capital Limited – of the said N186 million.

    The court heard that they allegedly committed the offence with forged Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) of multinational firms and local firms.

    The firms whose LPOs were said to have been forged included British-American Tobacco Nigeria Limited; Fan Milk Plc; Lafarge Nigeria Limited; National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP); G.R. Building and Constructions Nigeria Limited, and GB Foods Nigeria Limited.

    The defendants were also accused of converting the N816m “to their own use and benefit.”

     

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    According to Jackson, the offences contravened Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 14 of 2006 and were punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

    The offences also infringed sections 465, and 468 and were punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code, 2004.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Their counsel, Olabiyi Ademola, applied for Odeleye’s bail.

    He was opposed by Jackson, who supported his argument with a 14-paragraph-counter affidavit detailing why the court ought to exercise his bail discretion against Odeleye.

    The prosecutor applied for a trial date and prayed the court to remand Odeleye till the conclusion of the trial.
    Justice Oweibo, in a bench ruling, upheld Ademola’s application and granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100million and one surety in the like sum, among other conditions.

    He adjourned till October 25 and 27, for trial and remanded the defendant in Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS)’ custody till the perfection of the bail terms.

  • Regina Daniels impressed by son’s rapid growth

    Regina Daniels impressed by son’s rapid growth

    Child star-turned-billionaire wife, Regina Daniels is euphoric over her son Munir’s rapid growth.

    The ecstatic mother of one shared the pre-birthday photo shoots via her Instagram.

    Munir Nwoko, who’ll turn two on June 28, looked dapper in white long sleeve shirt tucked in a grey trouser with a black suspender and white sneakers to finish the look.

    He posed for different shots standing in front of his G-Wagon automobile with plaited hair and white glasses.

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    He also snapped while seated in his car, nodding his head stylishly to the sound of ‘Buga’ playing in the background with his unseen ‘cheerleaders’ clapping and cheering him on.

    Amazed at how time ticks away, Daniels captioned her post: “Wow I just can’t believe how time flies
    my son will be 2 tomorrow.”