Author: bukoye

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that it did not monitor the national convention of the Labour Party (LP) held in Nnewi, Anambra State on March 27, 2024. In a letter signed by its Acting Secretary, Haliru Aminu, INEC stated that it could not report on the convention as it was not observed by the commission. The convention, led by the LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, had been a subject of controversy following a court order restraining him from parading himself as the party’s chairman. Despite this, Abure retained his seat with the support of the Nigeria Labour…

Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has launched a scathing attack on former US President Donald Trump, describing him as a “consummate liar” who manipulates Americans to achieve his goals. In an interview with The News, Soyinka said Trump understood the American psyche and used it to his advantage. “He studied and understood the American psyche… he knew the right chord to tweak to get them on his side, to get them to believe anything he says.” Soyinka, who celebrated his 90th birthday, warned that Trump is a danger to the world and America. However, former Republican presidential aspirant Nikki Haley…

Reinstated Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has taken legal action against the state government, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, and Special Adviser on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie, for defamation and contempt of court. The lawsuit, demanding N50 billion in damages, comes on the heels of his reinstatement by the Federal High Court, Abuja. Shaibu, in a press conference, emphasized that the court judgement is declarative and must be obeyed, perpetually restraining the state government and its agents from preventing him from performing his duties as deputy governor. He accused Nehikhare and Osagie of ignorance, saying they failed…

Singer Simi has retracted her earlier statement that sparked outrage, acknowledging her comment was “weird” and should have been approached more thoughtfully. In a recent interview, Simi had stated that she only listens to her husband Adekunle Gold’s music, excluding other Nigerian artists. This remark drew criticism from netizens who perceived her as proud. In a lengthy post on her official X account, Simi clarified her stance, admitting the conversation was meant as banter but came across wrongly. She expressed regret over not being more careful with her words, especially since the interview was conducted in a casual setting with…

Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), has announced that cholera vaccines will soon arrive in Nigeria to help combat the ongoing outbreak. In a tweet on Thursday, Nishtar expressed encouragement over the development, stating that Gavi is ready to work with partners UNICEF and WHO to support the Nigerian government’s efforts to contain the outbreak. As of July 15, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 3,623 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The outbreak has spread to 187 Local Government Areas, with a cumulative case fatality…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set the minimum benchmark for admissions into tertiary institutions at 140 for universities, 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. This decision was taken at the 2024 policy meeting in Abuja, where heads of higher institutions gathered to determine the minimum tolerable score for admissions. According to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the benchmark is not a cut-off mark, but rather a minimum score that institutions can use as a basis for admissions. Each university has submitted its benchmark scores to JAMB, and no institution is allowed to admit candidates with scores…

In a landmark ruling, a Milan court has ordered journalist Giulia Cortese to pay Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni €5,000 in damages for mocking her on social media. Cortese was also handed a suspended fine of €1,200 for “bodyshaming” Meloni in a tweet about her height. The court’s decision comes after a heated social media exchange between the two women in October 2021. Cortese had published a mocked-up photo of Meloni with fascist leader Benito Mussolini in the background, prompting Meloni to take legal action. Cortese responded to the lawsuit with a tweet that read, “You don’t scare me, Giorgia…

Contrary to previous reports, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied approving a $10,000 bank balance and N640,000 fee requirements for Nigerian visa applicants. The UAE’s Department of Economy and Tourism clarified that the document verification website ((link unavailable)) is not affiliated with the government. Instead, visa applications should be directed to Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD), which requires a personal photo, passport with at least six months validity, travel ticket, and valid medical insurance. A tourist visa costs approximately 200-300 dirhams (N60,000 – 90,000). The GDRFAD denied knowledge of the $10,000 bank balance requirement, advising…

Manchester United are poised to bolster their defense with the signing of Lille defender Leny Yoro, with the player set to undergo a medical test with the club. According to Fabrizio Romano, a renowned football transfer expert, United have agreed to a €50m fixed fee plus €12m add-ons with Lille for Yoro’s services. This development comes after United outbid Real Madrid for the Frenchman’s signature. In a tweet on Wednesday morning, Romano confirmed the development, saying: “Manchester United have booked travel and medical tests for Leny Yoro! Plan ready after agreement reached with Lille last week for €50m fixed fee…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced that the cholera outbreak has spread to 187 local government areas across 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a total of 3,623 suspected cases and 103 deaths as of July 15, 2024. According to the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, the cumulative case fatality rate stands at 2.8 per cent since the beginning of the year, with males accounting for 52 per cent of cases and females accounting for the rest. The predominant age affected is five years old. While there has been a…