Ex-wife begs Ighalo for forgiveness

Adesuwa Sonia, the estranged wife of former Super Eagles’ striker Odion Ighalo has tendered an apology to the footballer.  In a post of her Instagram handle on Tuesday, Adesuwa sort for forgiveness from the former Manchester United forward.  She wrote; “Many individuals assert that I possess a powerful mysterious allure which is why I am particularly cautious about the people I allow into my life.  “Ending a relationship or friendship is always challenging for me.  “My beloved Superstar, we’ve journeyed far together, and I’m truly grateful for the grace Gods has bestowed upon our lives.  “We both struggled to make this work, even in the face of divorce.  “I understand how careful you were to keep your family in the dark about what was happening behind closed doors, knowing that it would start another fight.  “I know how hard you fought to be a loving father to your children despite family pressures.  “I understand the emotional pain you’re experiencing due to your separation from your beloved family (John 10-10), despite your effort to portray a false sense of happiness on Instagram to appease them.  “You are a wonderful man, and I will always be there for you physically and spiritually.  “I am using this opportunity to express my sincere apologies for the negative impact my posts may have had on you.  “Given the nature of your job, peace is essential for you, and because of your purity, I bear no resentment towards you.  “I believe the greatest blessing for a child is to be born to a loving mother (not evil).  “We’ve both forgiven each other and realised our mistakes. If I could wish anything at this moment, it would be for divine grace and strength from God to help us coparent harmoniously and ensure our children feel a sense of pride in us.  “I wish you all the best.  Media reports however claimed the mother of three has found a new lover. It was learnt that the mystery man is a lawmaker.

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Lagos serves notice on Illegal Occupants of Maiyegun Waterfront scheme 

To forestall the creation of slums, distortion of the Lagos State Master plan and erosion of the state coastal area, the Lagos State Government on  Saturday issued contravention notices to over 280  illegal property owners and occupiers in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme, located in the Eti Osa Local Government area of the State. According to the Contravention Notices, the occupants are required to provide relevant documentation and approvals that justify their occupation of the properties in question within seven days of the notice, failure of which a demolition notice will be served on them. The over 280 properties, which included completed, under-construction, and undeveloped lands, were found to be without any government papers authorising their construction after a detailed technical assessment of the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme by the survey team of the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development charged with the responsibility of maintaining the Lagos State Waterfront Schemes. The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon Ekundayo Alebiosu urged the property owners to voluntarily remove their structures before the expiration of the contravention notices served on them or come forward to regularise their documents if they have any to avoid penalty. He warned that all the illegal activities along the Waterfront schemes and corridor must come to an end immediately as the State Government will no longer condone or accept people encroaching on government properties, land and setbacks. Revealing that the State Government, through the Ministry, is currently sanitising the Okun Ajah waterfront scheme where similar encroachment is, Alebiosu noted that the State Government will not relent in its efforts to protect the State Waterfront Schemes and infrastructure while ensuring the safety of life and properties along the coastal area of the State.

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Tinubu visits Borno, pledges more support, creation of relief fund 

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a disaster relief fund Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, to assist Nigerian citizens impacted by floods and other disasters. He said the relief fund is already expedient as the climate becomes more unpredictable and many places in the country are vulnerable to its vagaries. President Tinubu announced this at the Borno Government House when he visited the state to sympathise with the government and people over the recent flooding from Alau Dam. He urged the private sector to contribute to the fund. Senate president Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied the President on the visit, said the National Assembly will collaborate with the executive to establish the Fund. Tinubu visited the Shehu of Borno, an Internally Displaced Persons camp at the Government Secondary School in Maiduguri and had a drive-through of the areas affected by the disaster. President Tinubu said: “After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change. “There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas. “If we take a small percentage from FAAC and put it as disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging,” he said. The President thanked Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, who is also Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Bauchi State governor Bala Mohammed, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu; and Kogi State governor Ahmed Usman Ododo; and other governors who look beyond party lines to bear the burdens of others. He said that Nigeria’s diversity should spur prosperity. The President extended his sympathy to the government, the people of Yobe State, and all the states affected by flooding and pledged his government’s continued support for victims of natural disasters. “For all the people of Yobe State, I sympathise with you. We will create an outstanding programme for Nigeria to recover from this calamity. We will build our nation together,” the President assured. The President commended the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prompt intervention and the Theatre Command of the Nigerian military for the evacuation that saved many lives. “I am glad that Prof. Zulum has been a very active governor. Let me assure you that we will be with you, Borno State and share the burden. “This disaster was a natural one. It was not the making of anybody. We cannot pass the blame. We pray that the Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest. “May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on earth,” he added. President Tinubu commended all the ministries, agencies, and security outfits, particularly the military, involved in evacuation and relief and recognised the international organisations working in the state. The Governor of Borno State thanked the President for the visit and commended the prompt intervention of Federal Government agencies, particularly NEMA and the military’s Theatre Command, in evacuating stranded victims. At the palace, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, thanked the President for the honour of visiting the state after the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, had earlier represented him. The Shehu of Borno urged the President to investigate the cause of the Alua dam collapse and overflow into the town to prevent a recurrence.

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TikTok in court over potential US ban

Lawyers for TikTok and parent company ByteDance will square off with the Justice Department in a Washington courtroom over the fate of a law that could ban the short video app used by 170 million Americans as soon as January 19. A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will hold oral arguments on a legal challenge filed by TikTok and Chinese-parent company ByteDance that seeks an injunction barring the law from taking effect. TikTok and ByteDance argue the law is unconstitutional and violates Americans’ free speech rights, calling it “a radical departure from this country’s tradition of championing an open Internet.” Circuit Judges Sri Srinivasan, Neomi Rao and Douglas Ginsburg will consider the legal challenges brought by TikTok and users against the law that gives ByteDance until January 19 to sell or divest TikTok’s US assets or face a ban. Driven by worries among US politicians that China could access data on Americans or spy on them with the app, the US Congress passed the law overwhelmingly in April just weeks after it was introduced. Biden could extend the January 19 deadline by three months if he certifies ByteDance is making significant progress toward a sale. The hearing could put TikTok’s fate in the middle of the final weeks of the presidential campaign. Both Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are active on TikTok seeking to court younger voters. The Justice Department says TikTok under Chinese ownership poses a serious national security threat because of its access to vast personal data of Americans, asserting China can covertly manipulate information that Americans consume via TikTok. “The serious national-security threat posed by TikTok is real,” the department said. ByteDance says divestiture is “not possible technologically, commercially, or legally” and without a court ruling will lead to an unprecedented ban. TikTok and the Justice Department have asked for a ruling by December 6, which could allow the US Supreme Court to consider an appeal before any ban takes effect. The White House says it wants to see Chinese-based ownership ended on national security grounds, but not a ban on TikTok. Trump, who unsuccessfully tried to ban TikTok in 2020, said recently if elected, he would not allow TikTok to be banned.

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Nigerian Army reaffirms commitment to upholding Citizens’ right in operations

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has affirmed the Nigerian Army’s (NA) dedication to protecting citizens’ rights during the planning and execution of military operations. This statement was made during the Third Edition of the Nigerian Army Human Rights Seminar, held recently in Lagos. The seminar, centered around the theme “Human Rights and National Security: A Strategic Balance,” was organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Victoria Island Lagos. Representing the COAS, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, opened the seminar by emphasizing the importance of human rights in military operations. He stressed that the NA consistently conducts its operations in a professional manner, ensuring the protection of Nigerian citizens from insurgents, criminal elements, and other security threats, while upholding human rights. General Lagbaja also highlighted the Army’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in the multidimensional operating environment. He noted that by fostering collaboration with civil society and the broader public, the Army aims to gain the confidence and support of the civilian population while maintaining a strong focus on human rights. Lagos State, a hub for human rights organizations, civil society, and the media, was deliberately chosen as the seminar’s venue due to its significance in the national and global discourse on human rights. The COAS expressed optimism that the seminar would lead to the development of strategies that align national security objectives with the upholding of human rights during military operations. The Special Guest of Honour, Hon Justice (Prof) Mojeed Adekunle Owoade (Rtd), praised the Army’s leadership for addressing the evolving security landscape by organizing this crucial seminar. He noted that as security challenges increase, particularly in areas where the Army is deployed, it is vital for military institutions to remain adaptable while ensuring human rights are prioritized. Justice Owoade emphasized the importance of balancing individual freedoms with the protection of others’ rights, highlighting that society functions best when these principles are upheld. In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, emphasized that respect for human rights is integral to the Nigerian Army’s code of conduct and rules of engagement. Moreover, the Army continues to take disciplinary measures against violations while raising awareness among troops on the importance of upholding human rights, particularly in counter-insurgency and internal security operations. The seminar attracted senior Army officers, legal experts, government officials, human rights activists, media representatives, and leaders of civil society organizations. Highlights of the event included presentations by prominent speakers, interactive discussions, and the presentation of souvenirs. The seminar concluded with a group photograph to commemorate the day’s insightful and impactful proceedings.

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NNPC, Dangote biker over Petrol pump price 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC) and Dangote Refinery are at loggerheads over the price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.  Both parties have issued conflicting press statements on the matter in the recent time.  The NNPC Ltd, in a statement by signed its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye on Monday, the Company has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) in its retail stations across the country. The NNPC Ltd also wished to state that, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), PMS prices are not set by Government, but negotiated directly between parties on an arms length.  The NNPC Ltd confirmed that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024.  The NNPC Ltd assured that if the quoted pricing is disputed, it will be grateful for any discount from the Dangote Refinery, which will be passed on 100% to the general public.  Dangote Refinery however denied selling the product to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at N898.  The Group refuted the claims in a statement on Sunday.  The statement read; “Our attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to NNPCL spokesperson, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, that we sell our PMS at N898 per litre to the NNPCL. “This statement is both misleading and mischievous, deliberately aimed at undermining the milestone achievement recorded today, September 15, 2024, towards addressing energy insufficiency and insecurity, which has bedeviled the economy in the past 50 years. “We urge Nigerians to disregard this malicious statement and await a formal announcement on the pricing, by the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which will commence on October 1, 2024, bearing in mind that our current stock of crude was procured in dollars. “It should also be noted that we sold the products to NNPCL in dollars with a lot of savings against what they are currently importing.  With this action, there will be petrol in every local government area of the country regardless of their remote nature. “We assure Nigerians of availability of quality petroleum product and putting an end to the endemic fuel scarcity in the country.”

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Dangote Refinery denies selling PMS at N898

Dangote Refinery has denied selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at N898.  The Group refuted the claims in a statement on Sunday.  The statement reads; “Our attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to NNPCL spokesperson, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, that we sell our PMS at N898 per litre to the NNPCL. “This statement is both misleading and mischievous, deliberately aimed at undermining the milestone achievement recorded today, September 15, 2024, towards addressing energy insufficiency and insecurity, which has bedeviled the economy in the past 50 years. “We urge Nigerians to disregard this malicious statement and await a formal announcement on the pricing, by the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which will commence on October 1, 2024, bearing in mind that our current stock of crude was procured in dollars. “It should also be noted that we sold the products to NNPCL in dollars with a lot of savings against what they are currently importing.  With this action, there will be petrol in every local government area of the country regardless of their remote nature. “We assure Nigerians of availability of quality petroleum product and putting an end to the endemic fuel scarcity in the country.”

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EFCC arrests five Chinese for alleged  Illegal Mining in Uyo

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested five suspected illegal Chinese miners at Ndito-Eka-Iba village, in Ibieno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The five alleged illegal miners  were arrested by the “Special Task Force on illegal Mining” at the Commission’s Zonal office in Uyo, following credible intelligence on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies within Eket and Ibieno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. The arrested Chinese suspects are: Zhon Qinping arrested on September  10, 2024 at Ibieno Local Government Area, while Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and  Chen Zeng were arrested on August 29, 2024 at the same location. They were all arrested at an illegal mining site of a mineral suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral. The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. llegal mining in Uyo Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested five suspected illegal Chinese miners at Ndito-Eka-Iba village, in Ibieno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The five alleged illegal miners  were arrested by the “Special Task Force on illegal Mining” at the Commission’s Zonal office in Uyo, following credible intelligence on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies within Eket and Ibieno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. The arrested Chinese suspects are: Zhon Qinping arrested on September  10, 2024 at Ibieno Local Government Area, while Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and  Chen Zeng were arrested on August 29, 2024 at the same location. They were all arrested at an illegal mining site of a mineral suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral. The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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