2025 | Page 77 of 143 | Trendbrio.com

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

SERAP Sues Tinubu’s Govt Over Ban on Eedris’ Song ‘Tell Your Papa’

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago010 mins

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over “the failure to reverse the arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song ‘Tell Your Papa’. The song, which allegedly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, was prohibited from radio and TV broadcast over its “objectionable nature”. The NBC cited the song’s violation of “public decency standards” on radio and TV stations. In the suit number FHC/L/CS/797/2025 filed last Thursday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order setting aside the arbitrary and illegal ban on Eedris Abdulkareem’s song ‘Tell Your Papa’, for being inconsistent and incompatible with the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.” SERAP is seeking: “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the NBC whether jointly or severally or any other authority, person or group of persons from preventing the airing of Eedris Abdulkareem’s song on all broadcast stations and other similar media platforms in Nigeria.” SERAP is also seeking “a declaration that the NBC’s directive, issued via a letter dated 9 April 2025 to all broadcast stations in Nigeria, banning the airing of Eedris Abdulkareem’s song is unlawful and inconsistent and incompatible with the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom.” In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The NBC is censoring music under the guise of ‘protecting public decency’. Public decency is not a carte blanche for banning Eedris’ song and placing a chokehold on information and suppressing peaceful dissent.” SERAP is arguing that, “Freedom of expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and extends not only to information or ideas that are favourably received, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb in such domains as political discourse and commentary on public affairs.” SERAP is also arguing that, “The ban on Eedris’ song has a chilling effect on freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom. The NBC has not shown that the song would impose a specific risk of harm to a legitimate State interest that outweighs the public interest in the information provided by the song.” According to SERAP, “Section 3.1.8 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code is overbroad and excessively intrusive, as it breaches the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.” The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Ms Oluwakemi Agunbiade and Ms Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “All persons enjoy the rights to freedom of expression and creativity and to enjoy the arts. “The ban on Eedris’ song fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality. “The requirement of necessity also implies an assessment of the proportionality of the grounds, with the aim of ensuring that the excuse of ‘objectionable nature’ and ‘public decency’ are not used as a pretext to ban Eedris’ song and unduly intrude upon Nigerians’ human rights. “Expressions, whether artistic or not, always remain protected under the right to freedom of expression. The NBC directive is also inconsistent and incompatible with the right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity. “Art constitutes an important vehicle for each person, individually and in community with others, as well as groups of people, to develop and express their humanity. Artists may entertain people, but they also contribute to social debates, sometimes bringing counter-discourses and potential counterweights to existing power centres. “The vitality of artistic creativity is necessary for the functioning of democratic societies. Banning or removing creative expressions from public access is a way to restrict artistic freedom. “It is inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations to use vague and overly broad grounds of ‘objectionable nature’ and ‘public decency’ as justifications to ban Eedris’ song. “The action by the NBC is arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional, as it is contrary to the provisions of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party. “Media freedom and media plurality are a central part of the effective exercise of freedom of expression. The media has a vital role to play as ‘public watchdog’ in imparting information of serious public concern and should not be inhibited or intimidated from playing that role. “While the media may be subject to some restrictions necessary for the protection of certain vital interests of the state, such as national security or public health, the media has a role and responsibility to convey information and ideas on political issues, even divisive ones and the public has a right to receive them. “Article 19(2) of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, states that the right to freedom of expression includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds ‘in the form of art’. “The effects of art censorship or unjustified restrictions of the right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity are devastating. They generate important social and economic losses, deprive artists of their means of expression and livelihood, create an unsafe environment for all those engaged in the arts and their audiences. “Restrictions of the right to freedom of artistic expression also sterilize debates on human, social and political issues and hamper the functioning of democracy. “Article 19 (1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes Nigeria’s obligations to respect ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, regardless of frontiers. “Under article 19(3), restrictions on the right to freedom of expression must be ‘provided by law’, and necessary ‘for respect of the rights or reputations of others’ or ‘for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health and morals.’” No date has been fixed for the…

Burna Boy Splashes N20m On Portable

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Grammy winner, Burna Boy has gifted Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable N20 million for winning the celebrity fight match against Speed Darlington. Burna Boy had earlier promised Portable of the gift if he won the match against his opponent. Portable recently confirmed this in a video he posted on his social media page. The controversial singer who was recently arrested for defamation and slander appeared at the venue of the fight wearing a prisoner’s jumpsuit. The celebrity match which was tagged ‘Chaos in the Ring: Battle for Glory’ left the opponent Speed Darlington with a dislocated shoulder after the first round. Portable won the match as well as the grand prize of 500 thousand Naira. He later revealed that Burna Boy sent him a sum of N20 million. “20 million from @burnaboygram. If you wanna be like Odogwu, can you do like Odogwu? God bless your family.” Portable shared in excitement. Fans have reacted that Burna Boy’s decision was born out of the recent rift between him and Speed Darlington.

President Federation Cup: NFF Clears Air on Bayelsa United Protest Against Nasarawa United

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has debunked insinuations that it is unjustly protecting Nasarawa United FC in a petition filed by Bayelsa United FC over the two teams’ Round of 16 clash in the 2025 President Federation Cup competition. The encounter, which was played in Anyigba, Kogi State on Wednesday, 16th April, saw the Prosperity Boys lose 4-5 on penalties to the Solid Miners after regulation time ended 1-1. Bayelsa United promptly sent a protest letter to the NFF, dated the same day, contesting the eligibility of five players of Nasarawa United FC. In its response, the NFF said the five players listed by Bayelsa United FC, viz Detan Ogundare, Emeka Onyema, Ogochukwu Leonard, Solomon Chigozie and Benjamin Jack, were duly registered by Nasarawa United FC for the 2025 President Federation Cup competition. “After thorough examination of your claims, it is our findings that: 1) The listed five (5) players above are in the submitted list of Nasarawa United Football Club for registration for the 2025 President Federation Cup (find as contained and highlighted in the attached list. 2) The said five (5) players were duly registered and issued players licenses by the Nigeria Football Federation to participate in the 2025 President Federation Cup for Nasarawa United Football Club. “Thus, your protest lacks substance and merit, and therefore did not succeed.”

Easter: SWAN Felicitates With Christians, Seeks Sacrifice, United Front In Nigeria’s Sports Devt

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, signifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death after he was crucified. In a message, the SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, noted that the significance of the day represents love, dedication and passion for God’s reconciliation of mankind to his original place. President Benjamin then spoke of the need for stakeholders in the sports sector to always re-dedicate themselves, and in sacrificial leaning, make indelible impact using instruments of kindness to uplift the people. While further reflecting on the essence of Easter, the President of SWAN said, “As we commemorate the crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend his warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. “Today, we reflect on the sacrifice and selflessness of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for our redemption. May His example inspire us to emulate the values of love, compassion, and kindness in our daily lives. “As we observe this sacred day, I pray that the blessings of God Almighty abound among the sporting media and the entire sports fraternity, bringing peace, prosperity, and joy to every home. “May this season also remind us that from every shadow, light can rise, every sorrow, joy can bloom, and every ending, a new beginning can be triggered in Nigeria’s sports human and capital infrastructure. “May Jesus love and sacrifice of Christ inspire us to live in harmony, unity, and devotion to one another.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria enjoined all, especially Christians to remain focused in the eternal course for which Jesus Christ represents.

Police Confirm Deaths of Two Film Actors After Eating Rice in Imo State

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has launched investigation into the deaths of two yet-to-be-identified film actors in Owerri, the state capital. The actors were reported to have died after eating rice and drinking wine on Friday. On Friday night, report broke that four actors had been rushed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where two were pronounced dead on arrival. One Kaito Karisia, said the movie director who provided the food and drinks had reportedly gone to bed early, leaving the four actors and three ladies partying. He reportedly woke up in the early hours of Friday to switch from the power generator to the public power supply and discovered that two actors were already dead while the other two were gasping for breath. Karisia, who shared news of the incident on his Facebook page, said the two surviving male actors were responding to treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri. He quoted one of the survivors to have recounted, “Their host (the movie director) offered them rice, and everyone ate. He later brought out a bottle of Calypso and wine. They only took a sip and did not drink further. “However, the two other guys who are now dead finished the drink,” he wrote in his Facebook page. When contacted on telephone, the Command’s spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, adding that investigations had begun to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. Okoye described the incident as “unfortunate and tragic”, stating that two of the actors had been confirmed dead and two others were responding to treatment in a hospital. “As I speak with you, the Commissioner of Police for Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has directed a pathologist to conduct tests on the two deceased persons to ascertain the cause of death. “The results will determine the next line of action in the matter,” Okoye said.

Liverpool: Arne Slot on Virgil van Dijk agreeing a new contract

Liverpool: Arne Slot Thumbs Up Van Dijk On New Contract

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Virgil van Dijk’s decision to extend his contract with the club, highlighting it as a testament to Liverpool’s ambition and a significant boost as the team nears the Premier League title. Van Dijk, who has been a central figure in Liverpool’s defense since his arrival in 2018, recently signed a two-year contract extension, committing to the club until 2027. This move ends speculation about his future and ensures that the Dutch captain remains a cornerstone of Slot’s squad.talkSPORT Slot expressed his satisfaction with the extension, stating that securing Van Dijk’s services reflects the club’s determination to maintain a high level of performance and competitiveness. He emphasized that retaining key players like Van Dijk is crucial for the team’s continued success. The contract renewal comes at a pivotal time, with Liverpool leading the Premier League by 13 points and on the cusp of securing their second title since Van Dijk’s arrival. Slot believes that Van Dijk’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as the team navigates the final stages of the season. In addition to Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah has also extended his contract with Liverpool, further solidifying the team’s core. These renewals signal the club’s commitment to building a squad capable of sustained success under Slot’s guidance.

North Will Back Tinubu Again in 2027 – Governor Sule

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule yesterday declared that the North would not waver in its support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The North, the governor insisted, would not pander to the whims and caprices of a few who want to equate their personal interest with that of the majority of the people of the region. Governor Sule spoke on a day the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said Tinubu would be re-elected comfortably regardless of “the volume of armchair theories and political conspiracies” by opponents. The President’s performance ‘will clear the path,” Dare said. Speaking at the 2025 Nzeh Mada Festival in Akwanga, Akwanga Local Government Area of the state yesterday, Gov. Sule said it had become imperative for the North to work towards the actualisation of Tinubu’s return in 2027. According to him, supporting the President’s re-election would be a fulfillment of the promise the region’s leaders made ahead of the 2023 general elections. Sule, who doubles as Chairman, North Central Governors Forum, said the North is not known for reneging on its promise. He urged North’s stakeholders to disregard the agitation of a few politicians who are bent on causing confusion in the polity on account of their failed personal ambition. He said the same politicians were among the region’s leaders who sold Tinubu’s candidacy to the people in 2023. He said: “Some politicians will always create confusion if they fail to get what they want or achieve their targets. “As a junior governor then, some of the older governors told us that the best person for the presidency was Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “They told us Tinubu can transform Nigeria the same way he made Lagos an epicenter of business and commerce. “It was a challenging period but we worked hard to bring Tinubu into office. “Today, the same people, because they couldn’t get what they were looking for, are criticising Tinubu; that he is the worst President Nigeria has ever produced. “Well, whether he is the good, the bad or the ugly, by the grace of God, we are bringing back Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue as president of Nigeria.” He said the North made a firm commitment that having been in the presidency for eight years, the South should have its turn. “So, we cannot do the contrary. We cannot say something today and say another tomorrow. “So, we have to be patient and support the President to do his eight years in office,” he noted. Only last Wednesday, prominent members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc in the All Progressives Congress (APC) pledged their support for the Tinubu administration and its policies. They also pledged loyalty to the APC. Former Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, the only elected CPC governor; former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, who was House of Representatives Speaker, and Minister of Education in the Muhammadu Buhari Administration, Alhaji Adamu Adamu, signed a communiqué after a meeting of the CPC bloc, along with 20 others. It was in reaction to the switch by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a member of the CPC bloc, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) last month. Similarly, the North Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM) has expressed support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls. Chairperson of the movement, Prof. Nghargbu K’tso, during a visit to Governor Sule in Lafia on Friday, also advocated that the North Central Zone should produce the President after 2027.

Morocco 2025: Flamingos Trash Algeria 4-0 Confident of Victory in Algiers After Naira Rain

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Nigeria inched closer to an eighth appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals on Saturday after a brace by Queen Joseph and one each by Zainab Raji and substitute Aishat Animashaun left Algeria’s U17 girls bedraggled in Ikenne-Remo. There were bold hints of a massacre early in the day as the Flamingos attained the scoreboard only one minute into the match, after Philomena Isaiah cut the ball back into the box from a corner for the lurking Queen Joseph to smash into the roof of the net. Joseph, Zainab Raji, Muinat Rotimi, Kaosarat Olanrewaju and Shakirat Moshood swarmed on the Algerians time and again, and it was no surprise when in the 13th minute, Raji received a sweet pass from Moshood, accounted for two defenders with a drop of the shoulder, and unleashed a rocket into the top corner. The bold, audacious and vivacious approach of the Flamingos greatly unsettled the visitors, who apparently came to soak the pressure, and things got worse for them in the 17th minute when Joseph, left to dance into the box, struck a belter that left goalkeeper Amelia Yahiaoui with no chance. Layana Belgacem, captain Zaza Rebbahi, Mehdi Assia, Thania Ammar Parmentier and Melissa Benchikh all tried to take the game to the Flamingos in a busy second period, but they were checkmated each time by the rearguard of Azeezat Oduntan, Christianah Sunday, Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo. Just as the crowd that included President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Executive Committee members Sharif Rabiu Inuwa and Aisha Falode, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi and Remo Stars FC proprietor Hon. Kunle Soname were certain it had ended 3-0, substitute Aishat Animashaun pulled out a sublime one from outside the box, placing the ball in the far corner with goalkeeper Yahiaoui stranded. President of NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau announced a cash gift of the sum of N6,000,0000 (Six Million Naira) for the girls after the match, explaining that the sum of two million naira is from the NFF while the sum of four million naira is a gift from billionaire businessman Hon. Kunle Soname. Gusau charged the girls to go to Algiers and play their hearts out to win the World Cup ticket for Nigeria. Both teams will make it a date in the return at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algiers) on Friday, with the winner on aggregate to qualify as one of Africa’s five flag-bearers at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.