March 2025 | Page 12 of 16

World Cup qualifier: Eritrean referees for Nigeria, Zimbabwe clash

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

World football-governing body, FIFA has appointed Eritrean official Teklu Mogos Tsegay as referee, with his compatriots as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official. Ghanaian Prosper Harrison Addo will be the commissioner while Paulin Ilboudo from Burkina Faso will serve as referee assessor. Leaders South Africa, on 10 points, square up to second-placed Benin Republic, on eight points, at the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan in a match starting simultaneously with that of Uyo. Lesotho, now in fifth place following their defeat by South Africa on Friday, will tackle Rwanda’s Amavubi at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium in the last match of group C.

2026 World Cup Race: Eagles focused on three points against Warriors

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The Super Eagles expect to rise to nine points and be fully back into contention for a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket after Tuesday’s African Qualification Series Matchday 6 encounter against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Team captain William Ekong reiterated on Monday afternoon that the three-time African champions will seek to control the game the way they did the encounter with Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, and then work hard to get the goals that will give them the three points and fully establish them as one of the contenders for the ticket. “We are looking forward to a win. The three points are important to us. At this stage, we cannot afford to drop any more points. Our aim is to take it one match at a time, collect three points here and there and hope fervently that these will be enough to get us the ticket.” Without a win in their first four games of the series, Nigeria languished in fifth place in the six-team group C and remained in a perilous situation, until Friday’s robust win over Rwanda in Kigali threw them up as a proposition for the ticket to the finals. Nigeria, with six points, moved up to fourth position, while Zimbabwe, on three, prop up the table, and will seek to increase their haul in Tuesday’s encounter. The Warriors’ 45-man contingent, led by the ZIFA Vice President, Kennedy Ndebele, landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo on Friday afternoon, 85 minutes after the arrival of the Super Eagles’ contingent from Kigali. While the Warriors trained at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday morning, the Super Eagles trained at the same venue in the evening, watched by some members of the NFF Executive Committee, the General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, SSA to Mr. President Mr. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Etubom Paul Bassey, former NFF General Secretary Barr. Musa Amadu and some officials of the NSC and the NFF.

US-Russia Talks On Ukraine Begin In Saudi Arabia

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago07 mins

US and Russian officials opened talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday on a partial ceasefire in the Ukraine war, a day after delegates from Washington and Kyiv had their own discussions. US President Donald Trump is pushing for a rapid end to the three-year war and hopes talks in Riyadh could pave the way for a breakthrough. Both sides have proposed different plans for temporary ceasefires, but cross-border attacks have meanwhile continued unabated. Originally planned to take place simultaneously to enable shuttle diplomacy — with the United States going back and forth between the delegations — the talks are now taking place one after the other. Russia’s TASS news agency said at around 0730 GMT that the US-Russian talks had begun. The meeting between the Ukrainian team, led by defence minister Rustem Umerov, and the Americans finished up late Sunday night. “The discussion was productive and focused — we addressed key points including energy,” Umerov said on social media, adding Ukraine was working to make its goal of a “just and lasting peace” a reality. Valentyna Guk searches for pieces of glass for mosaic fragments among debris of a heavily damaged building in Kharkiv on March 7, 2025, amid the Russia invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Ivan SAMOILOV / AFP)Trump envoy Steve Witkoff voiced optimism that any agreement struck would pave the way for a “full-on” ceasefire. “I think you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. And from that you’ll naturally gravitate to a full-on shooting ceasefire,” he told Fox News. But the Kremlin on Sunday downplayed expectations of a rapid resolution. “We are only at the beginning of this path,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state TV. He said there were many outstanding questions over how a potential ceasefire might be implemented. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian call for a full and immediate 30-day pause, proposing instead a halt in attacks only on energy facilities. Local resident walk among the debris near a damaged house, a day after a Russian strike on a suburb of Odesa, southern Ukraine on March 7, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Oleksandr GIMANOV / AFP) Peskov said the “main” focus in its talks with the United States would be a possible resumption of a 2022 Black Sea grain deal that ensured safe navigation for Ukrainian farm exports via the Black Sea. “On Monday, we mainly intend to discuss President Putin’s agreement to resume the so-called Black Sea initiative, and our negotiators will be ready to discuss the nuances around this problem,” Peskov said. Moscow pulled out of the deal — brokered by Turkey and the United Nations — in 2023, accusing the West of failing to uphold its commitments to ease sanctions on Russia’s own exports of farm produce and fertilisers. A senior Ukrainian official previously told AFP that Kyiv would propose a broader ceasefire, covering attacks on energy facilities, infrastructure and naval strikes. Both sides launched fresh drone attacks on the eve of the negotiations. Ukrainian officials said a Russian drone attack overnight Saturday killed three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father. AFP reporters in the capital saw emergency workers treating the wounded early Sunday in front of damaged residential buildings hit in the strike. Deadly strikes on the well-protected city are rarer than elsewhere in the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his country’s allies to put fresh pressure on Russia. “New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war,” he posted on social media on Sunday. Moscow heads into the Saudi talks after a rapprochement with Washington under Trump that has boosted confidence in the Kremlin. Peskov said Sunday that the “potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide variety of spheres between our countries cannot be overstated”. “We may disagree on some things but that does not mean we should deprive ourselves of mutual benefit,” he added.

LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Appoints New Directors

LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Gets CBN Approval to Appoint Eight New Directors

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago06 mins

Living Trust Mortgage Bank Plc has secured approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to appoint eight new directors to its board. This strategic move aims to strengthen the bank’s leadership structure and drive its long-term growth and expansion plans. In a statement released by the bank, the newly appointed directors include two executive directors, three non-executive directors, and three independent non-executive directors. Their collective expertise spans across banking, law, accounting, public administration, and strategic management, positioning the bank for enhanced operational efficiency and market competitiveness. New Executive Directors New Non-Executive Directors New Independent Non-Executive Directors Strategic Impact of the Appointments According to the statement, the appointments reflect LivingTrust Mortgage Bank’s commitment to enhancing its governance structure and driving operational excellence. The new board members’ diverse expertise and experience are expected to position the bank for sustainable growth and increased market presence in Nigeria’s financial sector. The bank’s management expressed confidence that the newly constituted board will strengthen its mortgage services, deepen customer engagement, and drive financial performance. “These appointments are strategic and align with our long-term growth objectives,” the statement read. “We are confident that the collective expertise of our new board members will enhance our capacity to deliver innovative mortgage solutions and create value for our stakeholders.”

‘Excessive’ – Soyinka Criticizes Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers

Excessive’, Soyinka Faults Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as “excessive” and a dangerous overreach of executive power. Soyinka’s criticism follows the political turmoil in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly by President Tinubu. The President also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator — a decision that has sparked widespread controversy and backlash. Soyinka’s Response In a statement released on Sunday, Soyinka argued that Tinubu’s action was disproportionate and undemocratic, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria. “I find the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State excessive and unjustified,” Soyinka said. “Political conflicts are not new in Nigeria, but resolving them through measures that sideline constitutional order and democratic processes is deeply troubling.” Soyinka stressed that Nigeria’s constitution provides clear guidelines for handling political disputes and that appointing a sole administrator undermines the will of the people and the integrity of the electoral process. “The solution to a political crisis cannot be the removal of an elected governor and the appointment of an unelected administrator,” Soyinka stated. “It is an insult to the democratic process and a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.” Violation of Democratic Principles Soyinka warned that Tinubu’s action threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He argued that the crisis in Rivers State should have been resolved through dialogue and political engagement rather than executive force. “Democracy is not about the absence of conflict but about the ability to resolve conflict through dialogue, compromise, and adherence to the rule of law,” Soyinka said. “By bypassing these principles, the President has weakened the democratic structure.” Legal and Political Backlash Soyinka’s statement aligns with the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has also declared the state of emergency unconstitutional. NBA President Afam Osigwe argued that the constitution does not recognize the appointment of a sole administrator and called for Fubara’s immediate reinstatement. Soyinka echoed these concerns, warning that the President’s action could trigger a constitutional crisis and further destabilize the political environment in Rivers State and beyond. “The danger of this action is not limited to Rivers State,” Soyinka said. “If left unchecked, it could become a template for resolving political disputes across the country — through executive overreach rather than democratic engagement.” Call for Reversal Soyinka urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision and work towards a political solution that respects the constitutional rights of Rivers State’s elected officials and citizens. “The path forward is not through imposition but through negotiation and respect for democratic norms,” he stated. “Governor Fubara’s mandate comes from the people, and any attempt to undermine that mandate must be resisted.” Conclusion Soyinka’s remarks have added weight to the growing opposition to the state of emergency in Rivers State. His call for dialogue and political resolution reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s democratic stability and the potential for executive overreach to undermine constitutional governance.

Tinubu Should Restore Fubara, Administrator Unconstitutional – NBA

Tinubu Should Reinstate Fubara, Administrator Appointment Unconstitutional – NBA

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reaffirmed its stance that the removal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by President Bola Tinubu is unconstitutional. The association has called on the President to reverse the decision and restore Fubara to office. On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly due to the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. He subsequently appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator. Speaking on Sunday Politics, NBA President Afam Osigwe condemned the President’s action, insisting that the constitution does not recognize the appointment of a sole administrator. “That is our position and what we expect the President to do — restore Fubara to power, as his removal was unconstitutional,” Osigwe stated. “We do not recognize a sole administrator as the legitimate authority in Rivers State because the appointment itself is unconstitutional.” Osigwe also questioned the legitimacy of the oath of office taken by Ibas. “When I saw him taking the oath, I wondered what kind of oath it was because it’s not one recognized by the constitution,” he said. He compared the President’s response to using a sledgehammer to treat a headache, calling the measures “overreaching, excessive, undemocratic, and above all, unconstitutional.” According to Osigwe, the problem in Rivers State is political and requires a political solution. No Constitutional Gap Some have argued that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution provides a basis for the President’s action, but Osigwe firmly rejected this claim. “I do not believe Section 305 is unclear; I believe we are simply refusing to apply it correctly,” he said. Although the National Assembly has approved the state of emergency in Rivers State, Osigwe argued that this does not validate the President’s actions. “The National Assembly’s approval is like placing something on nothing,” he asserted.

Tiger Woods dating Donald Trump Jr’s ex-wife

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Tiger Woods has confirmed that he is dating the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Golf legend Woods, 49, also shared photos of himself with Vanessa Trump, 47, who split from the US president’s oldest son in 2018 after 13 years. The photos include one image of Woods and Trump embracing on a hammock. “Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side!” Woods said on his social media channels. “We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time, we would appreciate privacy to all those close to our hearts.” Trump has five children with Don Jr, and her eldest daughter Kai is said to attend the same school as Woods’ children Charlie and Sam. Woods has played golf with the president and the two are said to have been negotiating between the PGA Tour and the owners of LIV, the Saudi breakaway circuit. Woods has been involved in several high-profile relationships, after his marriage to Elin, the mother of his children fell apart because of a sex scandal. Other girlfriends include Lindsey Vonn, the world champion skier, with whom he split in 2015, and Erica Herman. That relationship ended badly when she took him to court after he evicted her from his home. Woods is considered among the greatest golfers of all time. He is ranked joint-first for PGA Tour wins and is second for major championship victories.

Buhari mourns Gov. Radda’s mother demise

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the government and the people of Katsina State in mourning the demise of Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Baribari, the mother of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. In a message to the governor, the former President said, “It is with profound sadness that I convey my deepest sympathies on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u. “No matter how old a person becomes, they need their mother. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you and your family during this difficult period as we remember her life and service to women and the community at large. “May Allah reward her good deeds, and may her legacy be an inspiration to her descendants and future generations. May Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.”