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Senate Set To Screen Professor Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman Thursday

Senate Confirms Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman

The Senate has officially confirmed Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Amupitan’s confirmation, which took place on Thursday, followed a rigorous screening session where he answered questions from senators over several hours. The queries focused on issues such as electoral reforms, electoral malpractices, and the independence of INEC. Following the confirmation, the Senate is now expected to formally notify President Bola Tinubu of Amupitan’s appointment. Prior to the confirmation, President Tinubu had written to the Senate urging lawmakers to expedite the process of approving Amupitan’s nomination.  

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Minister Dele Alake Calls for Closure of Nigerian Schools Charging Tuition in Foreign Currencies

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has called for the closure of Nigerian schools that charge tuition fees in foreign currencies, describing the practice as a significant drain on the nation’s economy. Alake made the remarks during the Nigeria Gold Day Celebration, held alongside the 10th edition of Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja on Wednesday. The event carried the theme “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.” “I am going to propose to the Federal Executive Council that all schools in Nigeria charging in foreign currencies should be shut down,” Alake said, condemning the practice as one of several economic loopholes that hinder national development. He highlighted the scale of the issue, noting that many parents pay enormous sums in foreign currency for school fees. “If your child is attending a school in Abuja or Lagos paying 10,000 pounds or 10,000 dollars, you then have to convert naira to dollars, driving the value of the dollar up. You can’t establish a school in the UK and charge in naira; it’s only in this country that such contradictions harm the economy,” he lamented. Alake also emphasized the need for Nigerians to focus on productive, constructive, and regenerative activities that contribute to national growth. The minister further outlined government efforts to curb financial leakages within Nigeria’s gold sector, including the adoption of digital systems to reduce cash transactions, limit corruption, and position Nigerian gold as a globally credible medium of exchange. He explained that the National Gold Purchase Programme (NGPP), part of the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI) and administered through the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), allows the government to buy gold directly from artisanal miners in naira, helping boost foreign reserves and stabilise the naira. Hajia Fatima Shinkafi, Executive Director of the SMDF, noted that gold exploration funding in Nigeria is increasing, contrary to global trends. She urged stakeholders to capitalise on Nigeria’s gold resources and support initiatives aimed at making the country a top destination for junior miners. The Nigeria Mining Week, which runs from October 13 to 15, is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.  

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Blord’s Instagram Shut Down Following Online Feud With VeryDarkMan

Nigerian crypto entrepreneur and social media influencer Linus Williams, popularly known as Blord, has had his Instagram account removed following a heated online clash with activist VeryDarkMan (VDM). The account, which boasted over 3 million followers, suddenly became inaccessible on October 15, 2025, triggering a flurry of speculation and discussion across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Fans expressed shock and curiosity over the disappearance of his account. The controversy reportedly began when Blord shared a private video of VDM on his Instagram story, allegedly purchased for ₦500,000. The post was considered a violation of Instagram’s privacy and harassment policies, leading to either the suspension or deletion of his account. While some reports suggest the removal is permanent, others indicate it could be a temporary suspension with the possibility of reinstatement. The situation has sparked mixed reactions online. Supporters of VDM, known as the “Ratels,” celebrated the outcome as a victory, while Blord’s fans expressed frustration and disappointment, criticizing his actions and questioning his judgment. It remains uncertain whether Blord will regain access to his Instagram account. The incident highlights the importance of adhering to social media guidelines and demonstrates the influence of online communities in holding users accountable.

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Kenneth Okonkwo Says Bayelsa Governorship Vacant After Douye Diri Quits PDP

Kenneth Okonkwo, Nollywood actor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the Bayelsa State governorship vacant following Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Diri, along with several members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, officially resigned from the PDP on Wednesday, sparking speculation that he may be preparing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor did not give detailed reasons for his resignation, only citing “obvious reasons.” According to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the announcement was made during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa. The meeting included Speaker of the House Abraham Ingobere, his deputy Michael Ogbere, All Progressives Grand Alliance minority leader Edward Brigidi, and seven other lawmakers. Alabrah noted that Diri made the decision after extensive consultations with state leaders and thanked his supporters, urging them to continue supporting his administration as he works to strengthen Bayelsa State. The resignation of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was absent from the meeting, was not addressed by the governor. Okonkwo, reacting on Instagram, argued that Diri had effectively forfeited his position as governor by leaving the PDP without joining another political party. He cited Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that a person must be “a member of a political party and sponsored by that political party” to qualify for election as governor. He called on INEC to act immediately, declaring the governorship vacant and organizing fresh elections within 90 days. Okonkwo wrote: “Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has vacated his seat by resigning from the PDP and not belonging to any party. The law is clear that every elected official must be a member of a political party, as stated in Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution. An elected official may only defect from one party to another, but cannot be without a party. I therefore call on INEC to declare his seat vacant immediately and conduct a gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State within the next 90 days.”  

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Sultan of Sokoto Urges Regulation of Social Media to Prevent Abuse and Promote National Unity

Sultan of Sokoto Urges Regulation of Social Media to Prevent Abuse and Promote National Unity

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the regulation of social media in Nigeria, citing its growing misuse as a threat to peace, unity, and mutual respect in the country. Addressing the Northern Ulamah Summit on insecurity and socioeconomic challenges in Kaduna through the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Sultan expressed concern over how social media is being abused, even by scholars. He warned that unmonitored online activity allows anyone to insult others without consequences. “Anyone can wake up, pick up their phone, and insult anyone—whether a respected individual, a leader, a neighbour, or even a family member. There are no laws, no consequences, and no one to challenge this behaviour,” the Sultan said. He added that other countries regulate social media, ensuring that posts that cause division or unrest can be traced and punished, and called for Nigeria to implement similar measures. The summit, organized by the Congregation of Northern Ulamas, brought together Islamic scholars, political leaders, and stakeholders from northern Nigeria to discuss ways to tackle insecurity, strengthen religious harmony, and enhance the role of scholars in national development. Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, stressed the need for unity and responsible communication. “We must rise above our differences. The Qur’an and Sunnah guide us to work together for peace, justice, and good relationships,” he said, warning against the spread of misinformation online that fuels conflict. Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi also highlighted the importance of responsible online engagement, cautioning against defamation while rejecting complete censorship. “Existing laws against false accusations and defamation should be updated to match the speed and universality of social media,” he noted. Other respected clerics present included Sheikh Ibrahim Khalid, Sheikh Abubakar Jahid, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, Sheikh Kabiru Gombe, Sheikh Khalid Aliyu (JNI), Dr. Bashir Dahiru Bauchi, Malam Nafiu Baba Ahmed, and Sheikh Maihula. Former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, called on northern communities to take responsibility for local security challenges, noting that many violent incidents are perpetrated by residents themselves. Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa pledged legislative support to implement the summit’s recommendations. Senator Kawu Samaila of Kano addressed international claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, describing them as false and emphasizing peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. The summit concluded with a strong call for verified, responsible communication by scholars and the public, underlining the need for unity, peace, and accountability both online and offline.  

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Swanky Jerry and Annie Idibia Fuel Dating Rumors With Flirty Online Exchange

Swanky Jerry and Nollywood actress Annie Idibia have set tongues wagging after a series of flirtatious interactions on social media, sparking dating rumors. The drama started when Swanky Jerry shared two photos of himself and Annie looking effortlessly stylish in matching outfits, captioning the post “WCW” (Woman Crush Wednesday) and tagging the actress. Annie responded playfully in the comments, writing: “my SWANKILICIOUS loveeeeeeeee you ❤️❤️❤️,” while Swanky Jerry replied: “@annieidibia1 together forever,” sending fans into a frenzy. The affectionate exchange has reignited speculation about their relationship, especially since past reports suggested the pair had distanced themselves after personal controversies involving Annie. Though neither has confirmed a romance, their recent interactions have captured the attention of fans, many of whom are eagerly watching to see if the stylish duo will make their relationship official.

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Toke Makinwa Shows Daughter YaYa Enjoying Biweekly Indonesian Massage

Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has once again delighted fans with a glimpse into her life as a new mother. On her official Snapchat page, Toke shared a video of her 2-month-old daughter receiving a soothing Indonesian massage, showing just how pampered her little one is. The 40-year-old had previously captured social media attention in August 2025 when she announced the birth of her baby. In the latest clip, she highlighted her devotion to her daughter, revealing that the massage is given twice a week by a professional Indonesian therapist. Captioning the video, Toke wrote: “2 times a week YaYa has an Indonesian lady come give her a full body massage.”

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Zinoleesky and Moliy’s Online Clash Sparks Massive Social Media Frenzy

Zinoleesky and Ghanaian-American singer Moliy turned heads on X (formerly Twitter) this week after a heated online spat that quickly became one of the most viral feuds in African music. The confrontation began on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, when Zinoleesky responded to a post tagging Moliy with a dismissive comment: “2 hits wonder… and I don’t even know the 2nd song @moliymusic.” The jab immediately gained traction, attracting reactions from fans, influencers, and fellow artists. Moliy fired back sharply, seemingly taking aim at Zinoleesky’s influence, tweeting: “Very grateful to not be known by you, artists that know me aren’t local champions.” The exchanges set social media alight, with fans from both camps flooding the platform with memes, hot takes, and playful arguments. Zinoleesky escalated the drama, calling Moliy a “Remix goddess” and adding a cryptic line that many interpreted as a reference to OnlyFans. While the online storm has cooled, the clash has reignited discussions about the rivalry between Nigerian and Ghanaian artists, highlighting how social media continues to amplify competition and conversations across the continent’s music scene.  

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