Author: Opeyemi Ogabi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final voter register for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. According to the commission, Edo State has 2,629,025 registered voters, with males making up 52.11% and females 47.89%. Youths aged 18-35 account for 37.4% of voters, while middle-aged individuals (36-49) constitute 72.2% of registered voters. In Ondo State, there are 2,053,061 registered voters, with males making up 50.36% and females 49.64%. Youths aged 18-35 account for 35.41% of voters, while middle-aged individuals (36-49) constitute 35.17% of registered voters. INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun stated that the new register…

The United Kingdom was gripped by another night of violent unrest on Monday, as protesters and police clashed in various cities. In Belfast, Darlington, and Plymouth, officers attempting to restore order came under attack, highlighting the escalating tensions. According to reports, six individuals were taken into custody in Plymouth, while several police officers sustained minor injuries in the chaos. In South Belfast, riot officers faced a barrage of stones and petrol bombs near a supermarket that had been set ablaze over the weekend. Earlier in the day, a vigil was held in Southport to honor the victims of a devastating…

Bangladesh is reeling from unprecedented violence, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly resigning and fleeing to India amidst weeks of deadly protests. The BBC reports that Hasina, 76, has arrived in Tripura, the capital of Agartala in India’s eastern state of West Bengal. The protests, sparked by a controversial quota system reserving 30% of government jobs for relatives of 1971 war veterans, have claimed numerous lives in some of the worst violence since Bangladesh’s birth over five decades ago. As the situation spirals out of control, the government has enforced a complete internet shutdown, while protesters urge the public to…

Tragedy has struck Imo State once more as gunmen shot dead the President-General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community, Hyginus Ohazurike, and six village heads on Saturday evening. According to an eyewitness, the gunmen attacked while the victims were in a meeting at the President-General’s shop, opening fire and setting the place ablaze. The source revealed that the agenda of the meeting was unknown, and the attackers’ motive remains unclear. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents fleeing their homes in fear. Sole administrator Emeka Obi confirmed the killings and urged calm, while police spokesperson Henry Okoye is…

A deadly Israeli drone strike in the occupied West Bank has claimed the lives of five Palestinians, according to Palestinian sources and the Palestinian press agency Wafa. The strike, which targeted a vehicle near the village of Zeita in Tulkarem, was confirmed by the Israeli military, who claimed to have hit a “terrorist cell” in the region. The director of the Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarem reported that “five martyrs” arrived at the facility after the strike, which occurred on Saturday. A witness, Nasser, described the scene, saying, “We saw a vehicle on fire… Next to it, we saw a…

Fulham FC has announced the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal FC on a five-year deal, with an option to extend for another year. The England international, who can play various attacking roles, expressed his excitement about joining the Craven Cottage club. “I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment. I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my teammates,” Smith Rowe said. Fulham’s vice-chairman, Tony Khan, welcomed Smith Rowe, saying, “We’re very excited to sign such a talented…

In a bold move, the United States has endorsed Edmundo González as the legitimate winner of Venezuela’s July 28, 2024, presidential election, rejecting Nicolas Maduro’s claimed victory. The US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, threw his weight behind González, citing a “deeply flawed” and “lacking credibility” declaration by the National Electoral Council (CNE). Blinken’s statement, released on Thursday, highlighted opposition-published tally sheets from over 80% of polling stations, indicating González won by an “insurmountable margin.” This was corroborated by independent observers and exit polls. The US praised the 12 million Venezuelans who voted despite challenges and dismissed Maduro’s allegations against…

A sea of protesters, predominantly northern youths, is currently marching towards the Central Business District and Presidential Villa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The protesters, who are demanding an end to bad governance, started their march from Berger Junction and Wuse Market, shutting down shops and banks in the process. “We are marching to the (Presidential) Villa. Bad governance must end,” one of the protesters declared. Security operatives have been deployed to strategic locations, including Wuse Market and Berger Junction, to monitor the situation. Earlier, protesters at Eagle Square, Abuja, were dispersed with tear gas by the police,…

Tragedy struck in Borno State on Wednesday as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at a local joint in Kawuri community, Konduga Local Government Area, leaving 19 people dead and many others injured. The blast, suspected to be the handiwork of Boko Haram insurgents, occurred around 8:05 pm at a tea joint where villagers had gathered for a night chat. A government official, who confirmed the incident, said, “Nobody can say exactly how it happened, but we suspected that the bomb was planted, not a suicide attack.” The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added, “We saw corpses of…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi, for questioning over alleged mismanagement of the 2024 Hajj exercise fund. Arabi appeared at the EFCC office on Tuesday to provide explanations on how the commission utilized the N90 billion subsidy allocated for the exercise. According to a source within the commission, Arabi’s interrogation is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fund mismanagement, which dates back to 2021. The source revealed that several petitions have been filed against the chairman and the commission’s management, prompting the EFCC…