The hottest and most trending news articles for this week in all categories are captured in one shot. Find articles ranging from News to Sports, to Politics, to Entertainment, to Economy, to Metro plus, and many other categories. See below the top news for the week:
NEWS
- It’s too risky to evacuate 5,600 Nigerians in Ukraine now – FG
The Federal Government on Friday said there can be no evacuation of Nigerians in Ukraine until the airports in the European country, which is under attack by Russia, are reopened. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, in the early hours of Thursday, had ordered an invasion of Ukraine. The invasion was marked with shelling and rocket attacks on several Ukrainian major cities, including the capital, Kyiv, leading to dozens of deaths.
The invasion, which has continued, has created widespread panic and seen many fleeing Ukraine. Countries such as India, South Africa, among others had announced the facilitation of the evacuation of their nationals from Ukraine to neighbouring Poland by setting up offices at the Ukrainian-Polish borders.
According to the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry, there are no fewer than 5,600 Nigerians in Ukraine, majority of who are students.
Ukraine is a choice destination for many Nigerian students, especially those in medical-related fields, because it is cheaper compared with other western countries. The National Association of Nigerian Students in Ukraine had sent out a Save Our Soul message to President Muhammadu Buhari seeking immediate evacuation from Ukraine.
On Friday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, said the Federal Government was concerned about the safety of the 5,600 Nigerians in Ukraine. He spoke in Abuja after having separate meetings with the Ukrainian ambassador to Nigeria, Kirdoda Valerii, and his Russian counterpart, Alexei Shebarshin. Onyeama disclosed that during his meeting with the Russian envoy, he discussed the possibility of Nigeria getting her citizens out of Ukraine but the Russian envoy told him there might be risk involved.
- Our intervention stopped people trekking from Lagos to Ibadan — Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday said that without the intervention of his administration on rail and road projects, people, especially those from the South-West, could have been trekking from Lagos to Ibadan. He stated this when he received in audience a delegation from Kaduna State, led by the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, and the state’s Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, at the State House, Abuja.
The President said: “My objective was very clear. Despite the dwindling resources, I wanted to deal with infrastructure across the country. We should look at advancement in terms of infrastructure. No country can advance without infrastructure. There used to be railways. People from Southern Kaduna will remember this.
“Which country can advance without road, rail and power? That’s why I wanted to sort out infrastructure, knowing that Nigerians are competitive by nature, and they will face their businesses when there’s road, rail and power.” Besides, the President said the challenge of commuting in the South West had been improved.
- We must eliminate terorists to end terrorism – El-Rufai
Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has argued the only way to end terrorism is through the total elimination of terrorists. The Governor spoke at the weekly ministerial briefing by the Presidential Media Team in Abuja.
He stated the Fulanis involved in criminality will never abandon the business on their own because they make far more money from it than from legitimate cattle businesses. According to him, some Governors had the impression that negotiating with terrorists would end the problem but later realised it was a mistake.
He revealed Northwest State Governments began the process of cooperation and co-financing military operations against cattle rustling. The Governor regretted the operation was not sustained because some of them backed out after some successes were recorded only for kidnapping to take over.
El-Rufai said to deal with terrorism permanently, there must be simultaneous ground and air attacks in all the States where the terrorists are hiding to prevent them from escaping. He said the locations of the terrorists are known, saying that they must be wiped out at once rather than the current piecemeal approach.
- Buhari ignorant of South-West infrastructural problems –Afenifere
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has said the comment by President Muhammadu Buhari on infrastructure provided by his regime has shown that he is not in touch with the reality. The group said Buhari’s comment that people from the South-West region would have been trekking from Lagos to Ibadan was another indication that those in the corridors of power were far removed from happenings in the country. The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said this in a statement on Thursday.
The President had on Tuesday said if not for the intervention of his regime, especially on rail and road projects, “people, especially those from the South-West, could have been trekking from Lagos to Ibadan.” But the group said although the resuscitation of Lagos-Ibadan railway was appreciated, it is a height of an unpardonable exaggeration to say that without it, people in the South West would have been trekking.
- UK To Help Improve Community Policing, Train Nigeria Police Officers
The United Kingdom has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Nigeria in tackling the security challenges in the country. The UK’s Minister for Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, Vicky Ford disclosed this during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyeama on Monday, in Abuja.
Minister Ford said her country is willing to provide more training to men and officers of the Nigerian Police that will enhance their capacity to tackle the security challenges in Nigeria. This she added, will help improve community policing in Nigeria and curb the crime rate.
She said this is in furtherance to the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue in London earlier this month during which both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of military cooperation, counter-terrorism, civilian policing, protecting human rights, and recognising the important role of women in achieving sustainable peace. In addition to helping to fight insecurity, the UK government has also pledged its commitment to helping Nigeria tackle corruption by strengthening the institutions in the country.
- Russia-Ukraine war: Stranded Nigerians send SOS to Buhari, demand evacuation
Several Nigerians – mostly students – who are in Ukraine are currently stranded even as Russia continues to attack the eastern European nation, newsmen have learnt. This is as the National Association of Nigerian Students in Ukraine sent out a Save Our Soul message to President Muhammadu Buhari seeking immediate evacuation from Ukraine.
The Acting-President of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Ukraine, Eunice Eleaka, pleaded with the Federal Government to come to their aid. “We plead with your Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, to please send for an immediate evacuation of the Nigerian students currently in Ukraine. We can only trust and wait on our great nation (Giant of Africa) in this perilous time.
Earlier, on Thursday, the Federal Government expressed shock over the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The government also assured Nigerians living in Ukraine of their safety, stating that measures are underway to evacuate Nigerians living in the country. In a statement by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli the Federal government said as soon as the airport it would assist Nigerians who are willing to leave to do so.
- Declare Suspected Terrorists’ Leaders Wanted, Senate Tells FG
The Senate Wednesday urged the Federal Government to declare all known leaders of terrorist groups in Nigeria wanted. It also called for the establishment of an operational base within Danko/Wasagu and Sakaba Local Government Areas of Kebbi affected by “the current rise in security challenges.
The red chamber also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to deploy massively, the military and other law enforcement agencies to conduct a rigorous operation that will bring to an end, the banditry and cattle rustling in the affected LGAs.
It equally urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to as a matter of urgency, provide relief materials to the affected areas. The resolutions were sequel to a motion moved by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC-Kebbi South) and co-sponsored by 12 other senators during plenary on Wednesday.
POLITICS
- 2023: I’m fit to rule Nigeria — Tinubu
Presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, yesterday, said he is capable and fit to pilot the affairs of the country to greatness, if allowed to rule in 2023. Speaking during his visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife and Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, in Osun State, he said Nigeria is endowed with both human and natural resources, adding that the country only needs the right person to harness its potentials for greatness.
Tinubu said: “Nigeria has a great resource base, both human and material, but we need to harness it to become valuable and move the country to prosperity. Our nation is endowed and I promise, if you push me forward, I will move it from potential to prosperity.” The former Lagos State Governor said youths have the right to political leadership too but will have to work for it by developing strong character and leadership traits.
He said: “We are not saying it is not the turn of youths. You will be president, but you have to work for it. You have to demonstrate the quality, character and intelligence to govern people, manage people.”
On his visit to the monarchs, the APC National Leader said their support to become President is germane, saying after supporting President Muhammadu Buhari since 2013 for the seat, he, Tinubu, is ready to step into his shoes.
- 2023: APC opts for consensus, zones presidency to South
After weeks of tension and uncertainty, President Muhammadu Buhari and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, took steps to save the party and prepare it for the 2023 general polls. Some of the decisions taken during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, were zoning of the 2023 presidential ticket of the party to the South; ratifying the March 26 National Convention date as fixed by the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, CECPC; and exploring the option of consensus in picking candidates for various positions.
These, among others, were the outcome of the meeting between President Buhari and the 19 APC governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Rising from the meeting, the APC said it had agreed on a zoning formula that will swap offices held between the North and the South. By the arrangement, all offices occupied by northerners in the last eight years, will go to the South and vice visa.
In essence, the South will produce the next presidential candidate of the APC since the incumbent is from the North. It also means that the national chairmanship will go to the North since the last occupant, Adams Oshiomhole, is from the South. Briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, said contrary to reports in the media of division among APC governors, agreement had been reached on zoning formula.
- APC Postpones National Convention To March 26
The All Progressives Congress has fixed its National Convention for March 26. It will also begin activities leading to the convention, including conduct of zonal congresses from February 24. The convention was earlier billed for February 26.
In a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, the party had set its zonal congresses for March 26.
The letter was signed by the party’s National Secretary Sen. John Akpanudoedehe and Caretaker Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni.
The party’s National Convention had been a subject of debate for weeks as usual pre-convention activities failed to hold. Delay in conducting its convention may not be unrelated to internal party wrangling and factions in several states.
The APC party leadership has been quiet about the processes leading up to the convention and reasons why such processes have failed to happen. Dates of purchase and submission of forms by aspirants and their screening have also elapsed without any formal communication by the party
- 2023 Presidency: Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Atiku’s Nigerian Citizenship Status
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit challenging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s citizenship status. The Judge, on Monday, struck out the suit instituted by a non-governmental organisation, Incorporated Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa, challenging Atiku Abubakar’s Nigerian citizenship.
The court held that the NGO had no legal right to query the citizenship of the former Vice President and lacks the locus standi to institute the legal action. According to Justice Ekwo, the NGO was registered under the Company and Allied Matters Act with special functions and cannot jump into public interest litigation that was not part of the objective. He cautioned the NGO to refrain from filing frivolous applications targeted at harrassing politically exposed Nigerians.
In the suit, the group had asked the court to disqualify Atiku as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and to restrain him from contesting the February 16, 2019, presidential election over alleged circumstances surrounding his citizenship.
- 2023: Kwankwaso, Dalung, Galadima, others birth Third Force
Former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi of Kaduna State; ex-Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung; Alhaji Buba Galadima and other eminent Nigerians, yesterday, formed a third force in a bid to wrestle power from All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2023 general elections.
The group, which converged under the aegis of The National Movement, TNM, said the movement would help rally Nigerians to forge a common front to save the country from collapse. TNM comes barely a year to the 2023 general elections with the two dominant political parties, All Progressives Congress, APC and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, set to face a difficult test.
Prominent Nigerians at the event included elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai; Air Vice Marshall Ifeanaju (retd); Buba Galadima; Solomon Edoda; Prince Nweze Onu; Falasade Aliyu; Prof. Rufai Alkali, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi; Senator Grace Bent; Senator Umale Shittu; Ibrahim Ringim; Ali Gwaska; Paul Okala; Rufai Hanga, and Solomon Dalung.
- 2023: No Amount Of Intimidation Can Stop Me — Tinubu Visits Alaafin, Olubadan-Designate
The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted that there is no going back in his presidential bid in 2023. Tinubu in separate visits to the two foremost traditional rulers in Yorubaland, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Olubadan designate said no amount of intimidation could stop him from fulfilling his presidential ambition.
He added that his visit to Oyo town and Ibadan was to intimate the two monarchs of his ambition to vie for the position of president in 2023. Tinubu informed Oba Adeyemi that his visit was hinged on his respect for the traditional institution He said: “I cannot embark of a project of this magnitude without seeking for prayers and cooperation of the traditional rulers. I am here today to inform our traditional rulers of my decision to vie for the position of the President of our dear Country in 2023.
The 10 traditional rulers who were in attendance threw their weight behind Tinubu. Also at the event, the retired Arch Bishop of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ayo Ladipo described Tinubu’s visit to the Alaafin as that of father and son.
- APC discussing zoning Presidency to South, says El-Rufai
Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday in Abuja said he was not nursing any ambition in 2023 but would support any candidate who emerged from the zoning arrangement, be it from the South. El-Rufai said this during the weekly ministerial press briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The governor lamented that kidnapping had become a business and called for an all-out simultaneous land and air assault on terrorists and their enclaves.
According to him, the Kaduna State Government has invested about N21bn in security since 2015 and has acquired enough technology to listen-in on the bandits’ phone conversations, but lacks the force to launch coordinated attacks on them. On the security of Kaduna State and the entire North-West region, El-Rufai said banditry had lingered because the contiguous states had not launched a simultaneous assault on the bandits.
He added that the surrender of terrorists recorded in the past few months resulted from hunger and frustration due to severed supply lines, not necessarily because the terrorists were repentant, arguing that the only repentant terrorist was a dead one.
ECONOMY
- Manufacturing sector GDP rises 3.35% to N6.5trn
In spite of the numerous socio-economic challenges bedeviling the country, the manufacturing sector bounced back to growth with Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of N6.5 trillion in 2021, representing 3.35 per cent growth from N6.29 trillion in 2020. The sector had recorded a contraction of 2.75 per cent in 2020 from N6.47 trillion GDP in 2019.
Analysis of the Q4 2021 GDP report of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, showed that the manufacturing sector real GDP closed the year positive, rising to 3.35 percent year-on-year (y/y) in 2021, up by 6.10 points when compared with the contraction of -2.75 percent y/y in 2020 and 2.58 points above 0.77 percent growth recorded in 2019. Further analysis of NBS data showed that the manufacturing sector contributed N6.5 trillion the nation’s real GDP in 2021, up from N6.29 trillion in 2020 and N6.47 trillion recorded in 2019.
The manufacturing sector, as captured by NBS, comprises of thirteen activities: Oil Refining; Cement; Food, Beverages and Tobacco; Textile, Apparel, and Footwear; Wood and Wood products; Pulp Paper and Paper products; Chemical and Pharmaceutical products; Non-metallic Products, Plastic and Rubber products; Electrical and Electronic; Basic Metal and Iron and Steel; Motor Vehicles and Assembly; and Other Manufacturing. Analysts attributed the growth of the manufacturing sector especially since the start of 2021, to the low base in the previous year, and also the boom in local demand and the continued interventions given to critical sectors of the economy by the monetary authority.
- Fuel Scarcity Was Due To Inspection Failure, Adulterated Products – FG
The Federal Government has admitted that the fuel scarcity was not because of the absence of supply of products but due to inspection failure, which allowed adulterated products into the country. In a statement by the Senior Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Horatius Egua, the Federal Government noted that such action is regrettable.
“The Federal Government sympathizes with the citizenry over the unforeseen hardship, occasioned by the inevitable scarcity. Let me once again appeal to Nigerians to be patient with the government in finding lasting solutions to the crisis. We appreciate the NNPC for showing so much concern to the plight of Nigerians by coming forward with an apology. This is unprecedented and shows that we on the government side are not afraid to take responsibility”, he said.
Egua noted that the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has been out on the streets; filling station by filling station to ensure that the situation normalizes quickly. He said that Nigerians deserve the best and President Muhammadu Buhari’s government is determined to set the country on the right path of petroleum products availability and sustainability.
- Unemployment: FG seeks assistance from Republic of Korea
The Federal Government has appealed to the Republic of Korea to assist Nigeria in tackling unemployment, especially among the youth and women. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige made this appeal in his office while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Nigeria, Mr Kim Young-Chae.
Noting that the era of white-collar jobs was no more, Ngige said blue-collar jobs were now being created, especially in the technical field and agriculture.
He said, “I want you to assist us to create jobs because of the unemployment pressure on us here in this country, especially among the youths and women. We want you to assist us in giving agriculture a boost in order to help our farmers. Agriculture is our low hanging fruit. This will assist our country in developing a foreign exchange base so that we don’t have to spend our limited resources on importing food.
- FG to collaborate with Republic of Korea in tackling unemployment
The Federal Government is collaborating with the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to address unemployment, especially among the youth and women in the country Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, said this while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Nigeria, Mr Kim Young-Chae on Tuesday, in Abuja. Ngige said the era of white collar jobs was no more, that blue collar jobs were now being created, especially in the technical field and agriculture.
He urged the Republic of Korea to assist Nigeria in agriculture, which has enormous capacity to boost the foreign exchange base of the country. Ngige said that the collaboration would explore opportunities in the agriculture sector and help in jobs creation and ease off the unemployment pressure in the country, especially among the youth and women.
He said that the development of agriculture sector through the collaboration would assist our country in developing foreign exchange base and reduce spending the nation’s limited resources in importing food. Ngige stated that products made by Korean companies enjoyed high patronage in Nigeria, including phones, loud speakers and electronics.
- Embarrassing, Nigeria still importing petrol — Onuesoke
A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain and former Delta State governorship aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has said that it is embarrassing that more than 65 years after becoming an oil-producing country, Nigeria, Africa’s largest petroleum producer, is importing “refined” petroleum products.
Advising the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to sanction staff who were involved in the importation of the adulterated fuel, he wondered which country or buyer on earth would “buy this type of product without a strict requirement for presentation of standard test reports both at the port of loading and port of discharge.”
Speaking in Lagos, he said the importation of the adulterated fuel was enough reason to sanction the staff involved in importation of the products.
- Russia-Ukraine war: Rising oil prices not good for Nigeria — Sylva
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, yesterday, said the increase in prices of crude oil was not in the best interest of Nigeria. Reacting to the rising prices of crude, including Brent, which rose to $103.33 from $96 per barrel in the global market, the minister said Nigeria would be comfortable with prices ranging between $70 and $80 per barrel. Specifically in an interview with Bloomberg Television, monitored by Vanguard, he said: “I’m hopeful the prices will move around, maybe $80, maybe $70. We are hoping it will come down to somewhere around $70 to $80, which will be sustainable for us to the end of the year.”
According to him, the inability of Nigeria to activate the oil wells it shut down when OPEC instructed producing countries to cut production as well as the lack of investment in the upstream sector are affecting the nation. Reacting to the development, Energy Partner at Bloomfield Law Practice, Ayodele Oni, explained that the rising crude oil prices had positive and negative implications for Nigeria.
He said: “The positive aspect is that our revenue increases. Looking at the crude oil benchmark in Nigeria’s budget, it is obvious that we will earn much more than we expected but the setback is that we are not refining crude in-country at the moment, as the four refineries are still under rehabilitation. With this situation, we will spend more on importation of refined products and the subsidy payment will also increase substantially which is a big problem for us. This development will affect our income, revenue and also increase our expenditure. This rising crude oil price is more disadvantageous than advantageous to Nigeria because we do not refine locally. If we are refining sufficiently locally it will be a blessing to us.”
BUSINESS
- IMF, World Bank Chiefs Warn Of Global Impacts From Ukraine War
The leaders of the World Bank and IMF signaled Thursday they were ready to help Ukraine while warning that Russia’s invasion will have repercussions for the global economic recovery. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said she was “deeply concerned” about the fighting’s impact on the people of Ukraine, and cautioned in a tweet that the conflict “adds significant economic risk for the region & the world.”
The International Monetary Fund continues to assess the economic impact, but will “stand ready to support our members as needed,” she said. The Washington-based crisis lender is in the process of deploying $2.2 billion in assistance to Ukraine under a loan program set to end in June.
Georgieva has said the fund could provide aid to other countries impacted by any spillover effects of the conflict if needed.
On Twitter, World Bank President David Malpass said he was “deeply saddened and horrified by the devastating developments in Ukraine, which will have far-reaching economic and social impacts.” He added that the Washington-based development lender “is preparing options for large support to the people of Ukraine and the region, including immediate budget support.”
- Seplat Signs Deal To Acquire Nigerian Unit Of ExxonMobil
Seplat Energy Offshore Limited has entered into an agreement to acquire the entire share capital of the Nigerian unit of Exxon Mobil Corporation – Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU). The former’s Chief Financial Officer, Emeka Onwuka, who announced this in a statement on Friday, however, said the completion of the transaction was subject to ministerial consent and other required regulatory approvals.
According to him, the company – the Nigerian subsidiary of Seplat Energy Plc, entered into a sale and purchase agreement for a purchase price of $1,283 million-plus up to $300 million contingent consideration, subject to the lockbox, working capital, and other adjustments at closing relative to the effective date.
“The transaction encompasses the acquisition of the entire offshore shallow water business of ExxonMobil in Nigeria, which is an established, high-quality operation with a highly skilled local operating team and a track record of safe operations, producing 95 kboepd (W.I.) in 2020 (92% liquids),” Onwuka said. On the impact of the transaction, he explained that it would create one of the largest independent energy companies on both the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges, and bolster Seplat Energy’s ability to drive increased growth, profitability, and overall stakeholder prosperity.
HEALTH
- Nigeria making progress in immunisation, primary healthcare – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari says steady progress is being made in achieving the targets set out in Nigeria’s Strategy for Immunization and Primary Health Care System Strengthening. This, he said, could be seen from the preliminary reports showing that coverage for the third dose of the pentavalent vaccine increased from 33 per cent in 2017 to 63 per cent in 2019.
The president stated this when he received the Gavi Alliance High-Level Mission to Nigeria led by Dr. Seth Berkley, Chief Executive Officer of The Gavi Alliance and members of the Gavi Alliance, at the State House, Abuja, on Friday. He said there was a drop to 56 per cent in 2021, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding, “however, there is a lot more to do.’’
According to the president, the Federal Government will increase funding to the health sector through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and other initiatives. Buhari noted the Gavi Board’s exceptional approval for the extension of Nigeria’s transition out of Gavi’s support, which was initially scheduled for 2022 to 2028. He also noted the joint commitment of over three billion dollars to fund vaccine procurement and health system strengthening interventions across the country.
- Lassa fever: Death toll hits 86 as cases spread to 21 states
At least 86 people have died of Lassa fever within the first seven weeks of 2022, according to the latest situation report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The situation report spanning from February 14 to 20, 2022, shows that the number of confirmed cases increased from 77 in week six, 2022, to 91 cases in week seven, 2022. The total confirmed cases so far this year is now 450.
The confirmed cases were reported in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Kogi, Taraba, Enugu, Benue, Gombe, Nasarawa, and Delta states. The number of suspected cases so far is now 1995. NCDC also noted that two healthcare workers were affected from Ondo and Bauchi states in the reporting week seven and the cumulative number of healthcare workers that have been affected so far in 2022 is now 30.
EDUCATION
- Ngige, ASUU trade blame, strike national embarrassment, say Reps
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, at a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities in Abuja on Tuesday faulted the union’s claim that the government refused to implement agreement reached with it. The ministry’s spokesman, Charles Akpan, disclosed this in a press statement made available to journalists while the meeting was still ongoing.
The statement quoted Ngige as saying that “All the issues in the agreement are being religiously implemented, including but not limited to the payment of Earned Academic Allowances through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. ASUU insisted that calling off the industrial action depends entirely on the Federal Government as members were determined not to shift ground until their demands are met.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to implement the agreement it reached with ASUU in order to end the ongoing strike by the university lecturers. At plenary on Tuesday, the House urged the Ministry of Labour and Employment and ASUU to “adhere to the clauses and provisions of the previous Memorandum of Understanding and the Memorandum of Action in the interest of Nigerian students and education sector in Nigeria and call off the warning strike.”
The House also mandated its Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity and Committee on Tertiary Education and Services to interface with the Ministries of Labour and Employment; Education; Civil Society Organisations; Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and ASUU to “address the outstanding issues that are precipitating the current warning strike by members of ASUU.”
- ASUU strike to end soon — FG
The Federal Government on Tuesday assured that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, would be called off soon, saying it was taken aback by the renewed strike which university teachers embarked on February 14, 2022.
Addressing the resumed conciliation meeting with the Union, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, said the government was surprised ASUU negated the understanding and assurances it gave through the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Supo Ayokunle.
Ngige however assured that, the strike had been apprehended by his Ministry and that the ongoing conciliation would prepare the ground for an expanded meeting that will involve NIREC. The Minister expressed optimism that the strike would be called off soon to enable students to go back to school.
- NANS Gives FG One-Week Ultimatum To Resolve ASUU Strike
The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) on Monday issued a one-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve its disagreement with the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) or face a national mass action by Nigerian students across the country.
President of the student’s association, Sunday Adedayo, revealed this in Sokoto on Monday, shortly after signing the reviewed Constitution of the association at the Sokoto State Government House.
He described as unfortunate the attitude of the Federal Government who he accused of playing hide and seek with ASUU since 1999 when they signed the agreement with the academic union. He lamented that the government has bastardised the education system at the primary and secondary level and NANS is not going to open its eyes and watch the government destroy the tertiary education.
- Diri blames fallen education standard on govt
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has said that the abdication of responsibility by all tiers of government was responsible for the dwindling fortunes of education in the country. According to him, achieving quality sustainable education is becoming increasingly difficult as key stakeholders were not playing their roles well.
Diri spoke on Tuesday at Toru-Orua in the Sagbama Local Government Area while flagging off the fifth batch of primary school teachers’ training programme organised by the State Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board (TTRCB). He also berated teachers, community leaders, and other stakeholders for their nonchalant attitude towards education, adding that the faulty foundation being created at the primary school level was stifling standards of education in the country.
While underscoring the importance of training and re-training of teachers, he pointed out that no education system could rise above the quality of its teachers, assuring the participants of the government’s commitment to funding the training programme. He advised the teachers to be passionate, humble, and determined in the discharge of their duties, bearing in mind that, to a large extent, quality education delivery rests on them.
- Free, compulsory education key to tackling security challenges – Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said free and compulsory education will help in tackling the security challenges in the West African region. Jonathan, who is the chairman of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, said this on Tuesday in Lagos at the end of a two-day workshop organised by the council.
He said the Council had made some recommendations that would help the West African region to move forward during the retreat which began on Monday. “We have made some reasonable recommendations, especially when we were discussing education. As a former Head of State, I was also smiling because we recommended that there should be free and compulsory education up to the level of secondary education in the West Africa sub-region so that we will have an enlightened public.
“We believe that most of the security challenges that we are having are because we have a lot of young people that know almost nothing and they could be easily recruited by mischievous characters to cause havoc. The former president added that the council deliberated on and adopted Strategic Action Plans to proactively respond to the identified socio-political, governance and security challenges confronting the region.
WORLD
- UK Freezes Putin, Lavrov Assets Over Ukraine Invasion
The UK government on Friday ordered all assets of President Vladimir Putin and his Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov frozen over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Treasury issued a financial sanctions notice against the two men, adding them to a list of Russian oligarchs who have already had their property and bank accounts in the UK frozen.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier told his NATO partners that he was planning “imminent” sanctions against Putin and Lavrov.
Downing Street said Johnson told his counterparts that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a “catastrophe” and the Kremlin chief was “engaging in a revanchist mission to overturn post-Cold War order”.
Warning that Putin “may not stop there” and calling the situation a “Euro-Atlantic crisis with global consequences”, he urged leaders to cut Russia off from the SWIFT international bank transfer system “to inflict maximum pain”.
Johnson’s comments ratchet up British action this week against Russian interests including banks, businesses and billionaires, though some lawmakers and experts have said the UK is not going far enough. And it will bring Britain more into line with the European Union, which slapped sanctions on Putin and Lavrov on Friday.
- Putin’s Russia Invades Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine on Thursday with explosions heard soon after across the country and its foreign minister warning a “full-scale invasion” was underway. Weeks of intense diplomacy and the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia failed to deter Putin, who had massed between 150,000 and 200,000 troops along the borders of Ukraine.
“I have made the decision of a military operation,” Putin said in a surprise television announcement that triggered immediate condemnation from US President Joe Biden and sent global financial markets into turmoil. Shortly after the announcement, explosions were heard in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and several other cities, according to AFP correspondents.
The extent of Thursday’s attacks was not immediately clear, but Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the worst-case scenario was playing out. “Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes,” Kuleba tweeted. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.”
Biden immediately warned of “consequences” for Russia and that there would be a “catastrophic loss of life and human suffering”. NATO’s chief condemned Russia’s “reckless and unprovoked attack” on Ukraine.
Putin’s move came after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional appeal late on Wednesday night to Russians not to support a “major war in Europe”.
Zelensky said that the people of Russia were being lied to about Ukraine. Zelensky said he had tried to call Putin but there was “no answer, only silence”, adding that Moscow now had around 200,000 soldiers near Ukraine’s borders.
Earlier on Wednesday the separatist leaders of Donetsk and Lugansk sent separate letters to Putin, asking him to “help them repel Ukraine’s aggression”, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. The two letters were published by Russian state media and were both dated February 22. Their appeals came after Putin recognised their independence and signed friendship treaties with them that include defence deals.
- Russia Bans UK-Linked Planes From Its Airspace
Moscow on Friday banned all UK-linked planes, including transiting flights, from its airspace after its flagship carrier Aeroflot was prevented from flying over Britain following the Russian attack on Ukraine. “A restriction was introduced on the use of Russian airspace for flights of aircraft owned, leased, or operated by an organisation linked to or registered in the UK,” the Rosaviatsia aviation authority said in a statement.
The ban took effect from 11:00 am Moscow time (0800 GMT), it said, and included flights transiting through Russian airspace. It said the decision was taken “as a response to unfriendly decisions of the UK aviation authorities”. London banned Aeroflot from using British airspace on Thursday. It also froze the UK assets of Russian titans in banking and arms manufacturing, in sanctions announced after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an attack on Ukraine.
- At Least 137 ‘Heroes’ Killed As Invading Russian Forces Press Deep Into Ukraine
Invading Russian forces pressed deep into Ukraine as deadly battles reached the outskirts of Kyiv, with explosions heard in the capital early Friday that the besieged government described as “horrific rocket strikes”. The blasts in Kyiv set off a second day of violence after Russian President Vladimir Putin defied Western warnings to unleash a full-scale ground invasion and air assault that quickly claimed dozens of lives and displaced at least 100,000 people.
The United States and its allies responded with a barrage of sanctions, but the Russian forces appeared intent Friday on pressing home their advantage after a string of key strategic victories on day one. At least 137 “heroes” were killed during the first day of fighting, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday, as he called up conscripts and reservists nationwide to fight in a general mobilisation.
Zelensky said there was now a “new iron curtain” between Russia and the rest of the world, like in the Cold War, adding in a later speech his nation had been “left alone”. “Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don’t see anyone.” And while the United States moved to impose sanctions on Russian elites and banks, it stressed that American forces would not head to eastern Europe to fight in Ukraine. NATO said it had activated “defence plans” for allied countries. But NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said there was no plan to send alliance forces into Ukraine.
- Biden Announces Sanctions That Cut Russia Off From Western Financing
US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced the “first tranche” of sanctions against Russia, including steps to starve the country of financing, saying Moscow had started an invasion of Ukraine. And Biden threatened tougher steps if Russia “continues its aggression.”
“We’re implementing sanctions on Russia’s sovereign debt. That means we’ve cut off Russia’s government from Western financing,” Biden said. It can no longer raise money from the West and cannot trade in its new debt on our markets or European markets either.”
The measures also target VEB, Russia’s state development bank, and members of the country’s “elites,” the US leader said. They share the corrupt gains of the Kremlin policies, and should share in the pain as well.” The announcement came after the European Union unveiled its own sanctions in a coordinated Western effort to pressure Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
- Putin Orders Russian Military To Act As ‘Peacekeepers’ In Ukraine Regions
President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered Russia’s military to act as peacekeepers in two breakaway regions of Ukraine, just hours after he recognised them as independent. Putin’s recognition of the separatist republics as independent effectively buries a fragile 2015 peace plan for the conflict, and opens the door for direct Russian military involvement.
In two official decrees, Putin instructed the defence ministry to assume “the function of peacekeeping” in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Russia has moved tens of thousands of soldiers to regions near Ukraine’s borders, with the West saying Moscow plans to use them for an attack at any moment.
The agreement, published by Russia’s lower house of parliament, “creates a legal basis for the presence on the territory (of the two regions) of Russian military formations, whose presence is necessary to maintain peace in the region and ensure reliable security”.
Earlier on Monday, the Russian leader demanded that Kyiv halt all its military operations against Moscow-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine, or face more bloodshed. Putin recognised the Donetsk and Lugansk separatist republics on Monday, despite repeated Western warnings that this would result in sanctions.
- World Leaders Condemn Russian Decision On Ukraine
Western powers reacted swiftly to Monday’s decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognise the independence of the two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine, condemning Moscow and calling for sanctions. Here is a summary of the responses so far:
Move ‘won’t go unanswered’: Biden, Macron, Scholz
The leaders of France, Germany and the United States condemn Putin’s move as a “clear breach” of the Minsk peace agreements. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden agree that “this step will not go unanswered”.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield heaps scorn on Putin’s assertion that the Russian troops would take on a “peacekeeping” role. “This is nonsense. We know what they really are,” she says.The US envoy says an earlier speech by Putin amounts to a “series of outrageous, false claims” that were aimed at “creating a pretext for war”. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres says Russia’s decision amounts to “a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations”.
- ‘No Way’ Russia Would Invade Ukraine If I Was Still In Power, Says Trump
Former US President Donald Trump boasted of his close relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, arguing that the Ukraine crisis would not have happened under his administration.
“If properly handled, there was absolutely no reason that the situation currently happening in Ukraine should have happened at all,” he said in a statement. I know Vladimir Putin very well, and he would have never done during the Trump administration what he is doing now, no way!”.
Russia is facing an international backlash after Putin ordered his forces into Ukraine to secure two breakaway enclaves. The move came with tens of thousands of Russian soldiers on Ukraine’s borders and amid warnings of an all-out invasion. President Joe Biden imposed economic sanctions on the two enclaves, but on the question of penalties against Russia itself, a US official told reporters: “We are going to assess what Russia’s done.”
ENTERTAINMENT
- Filmmakers to shoot movies on trains for free – Amaechi
The Minister of Transportation,Rotimi Amaechi, has advised film producers to strive for quality that would make them compete favourable internationally and boost the nation’s economy. Amaechi gave the advice in Abuja, while receiving the Chief Executive of Native Media, Mr Rogers Ofime and his crew members on a thank you visit. Speaking, Ofime, thanked Amaechi for approving free train services for the shooting of the film, Conversations in Transit.
The minister reiterated his resolve to always support movie makers when they needed train service for their shootings. He pledged support for the shooting of ‘Conversations in Transit’, a contemporary gritty romantic comedy and other movies. The minister said that this would promote the good image of the country.
According to him, approving train service for the shooting of the film was to show the world the exceptional infrastructure development going on under the regime of the President Muhammadu Buhari. He said, “We have to do this because what the president is doing in infrastructure should be shown to the world. The minister said that approving the train services for movie producers to use for shooting at no cost was the government contribution to boost the sector.
- NDLEA: Singers Zinoleesky, Mohbad in our custody
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the arrest of singers Zinoleesky and Mohbad. The singers, who are signed under Marlian records, were arrested after a midnight raid on their Lagos residence. Their arrest was confirmed by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, who said Cannabis and Molly were recovered by operatives during the raid.
Babafemi said: “Our men raided an area in Idado estate where Bịara Market boys stay. Some quantities of Cannabis sativa and Molly were recovered from their apartment and car,” he told TheCable Lifestyle.
Six persons were arrested in all. Two females and four males.”
The development came barely two months after the drug law enforcement agency arrested Instagram comedian De General. De General was charged to court where he was convicted of trafficking tramadol and Cannabis sativa. But the Court pardoned him on the grounds that the quantities of drugs found on him were too small to earn him a sentence.
- Divorce: Aquaman star Jason Momoa makes a U-turn, reunites with wife
Hollywood couple, Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet, have made a U-turn in their divorce decision, as they were reportedly living together again. A close friend to the Aquaman star told HollywoodLife that the duo had decided to give their marriage a second chance. This comes barely six week after the couple took to their individual Instagram pages to announce their separation.
“The love between us carries on, evolving in ways it wishes to be known and lived. We free each other to be who we are learning to become. Our devotion is unwavering to this sacred life and our children,” the now-deleted January 12 post had partly read. But a close pal on Friday said that the duo were “very much back together”, adding that their children – daughter, Lola, 14, and son, Nakoa-Wolf, 13 – were “obviously thrilled” by the decision.
The 42-year-old star known for his lead role in Aquaman married actress Bonet in October 2017 after they met each other in 2005. It was the first marriage for Momoa and the second for Bonet, 54, who had been married to rockstar Lenny Kravitz from 1987 to 1993.
- Cross dresser, James Brown, commences study at UK varsity
Popular Nigerian crossdresser, James Chukwueze Obialor, alias James Brown, has revealed that he sponsored himself to a University in the United Kingdom. The self proclaimed Princess of Africa disclosed this via his Instagram page on Tuesday as he celebrated his 22nd birthday.
Sharing a video of himself giving a classroom presentation, the social media personality said he decided to gift himself university education for his birthday this year.
“What a beautiful gift I gave myself this year by sponsoring myself to study in a university in UK. I never stopped dreaming of the impossible because earlier this year I made the decision to support myself through university and I was faced with one of the biggest obstacles in my life,” he wrote.
Earlier in the month, Brown announced to his fans with a flurry of Instagram posts that he had relocated to the United Kingdom. In one of the birthday posts, James who was decked in traditional attire declared himself, “Princess Adaeze Lolo one of Imo state.”
- Tems, Bimbo Ademoye win at The Future Awards Africa 2022
The 16th edition of The Future Awards Africa which held in Lagos on Sunday night recognised young Nigerians in different fields.
The event, which was organised to honour youths aged 18 and 31, was hosted by Nollywood actress and show host, Nancy Isime. Winners for this year’s award include Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi, Bimbo Ademoye, Tunde Onakoya of Chess2slums, and a host of others.
Prize for music
Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi (26) – WINNER
Joseph ‘Joeboy’ Akinwale (24)
Adedamola ‘Fireboy’ Adefolahan (26)
Oyinkansola ‘Ayra Starr’ Aderibigbe (19)
Chukwuka ‘Ckay’ Ekweani (26)
Stanley ‘Omah Lay’ Didia (24)
Daniel ‘Buju’ Benson (24)
Prize for acting
Bimbo Ademoye (30) WINNER
Teniola Aladese (28)
Maryam Yahhaya (24)
Nengi Adoki (31)
Temi Ami-Williams (24)
Emeka Nwagbaraocha (24)
Abayomi Alvin (27)
SPORTS
- UEFA Strips Russia Of Champions League Final Hosting Rights
Paris will host this season’s Champions League final after Saint Petersburg was stripped of the match due to Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, UEFA announced on Friday. The showpiece occasion of the European club season will be played at the Stade de France on Saturday, May 28, European football’s governing body said after holding an emergency meeting in response to the crisis.
“UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to the French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis,” a statement said.
Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement.”
The final was supposed to be played at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg, which already hosted several matches at last year’s European Championship and at the 2018 World Cup held in Russia. UEFA made no reference to its relationship with Gazprom, the Russian state energy giant that is a key sponsor of European football’s governing body. However, UEFA did announce that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in international competitions must play home matches at neutral venues “until further notice”.
- UK Plans To Takeover Chelsea From Abramovich – Reports
The British parliament is considering a forceful takeover of English football club Chelsea from its Russian owner Roman Abramovich over links to the Russian state and his reported involvement in corrupt practices. This planned move comes after The Sun expose revealed that Abramovich withdrew his application for a UK Tier 1 investor visa in 2018 due to pressure in the wake of the nerve gas atrocity in Salisbury, Wilts.
British Labour MP Chris Bryant, disclosed he had details of a leaked Home Office document which suggested Abramovich should not be allowed to be based in the UK. MP Bryant also revealed that the Russian businessman was of interest to the government “due to his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices”.
UK government has also mulled imposing tough sanctions on some business magnates who have close ties to the Kremlin including Russia’s youngest billionaire and ex-husband of Vladimir Putin’s daughter Kirill Shamalov, general director of United Aircraft Corporation Yury Slyusar, and CEO of Novikombank Georgieva Elena Aleksandrovna.
- UEFA May Move Champions League Final From Russia
UEFA will hold an emergency meeting on Friday with this season’s Champions League final in Saint Petersburg set to be at the top of the agenda as European football’s governing body said it “strongly condemns” Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. “UEFA shares the international community’s significant concern for the security situation developing in Europe and strongly condemns the ongoing Russian military invasion in Ukraine,” it said in a statement on Thursday. We remain resolute in our solidarity with the football community in Ukraine and stand ready to extend our hand to the Ukrainian people.”
UEFA said an extraordinary meeting of its executive committee would be held on Friday at 0900 GMT and a decision is likely to be made on this season’s Champions League final. The showpiece game of European club football’s premier competition is scheduled to be played on May 28 at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg, which already hosted several matches at last year’s European Championship and at the 2018 World Cup held in Russia.
European football’s governing body also has a major sponsorship deal with Gazprom, the Russian state energy giant. On Thursday the German club Schalke 04 said it would remove the logo of Gazprom, its main sponsor, from the team’s shirts. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed on Tuesday that Russia had “no chance” of holding European football’s showpiece game if it invaded Ukraine.
- ‘No To War’, Says Russian International Footballer Smolov
Fedor Smolov became the first Russian international footballer to express his opposition to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia posting on Instagram: “No to war.” The 32-year-old Dynamo Moscow striker’s post is against a dark backdrop and followed by a Ukrainian flag and a broken heart icon. The 45-times capped Smolov — who has been called up to the last three national squads — expressed his opposition hours after the launching of the Russian invasion was announced by President Vladimir Putin.
On Wednesday Benfica’s Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk celebrated a Champions League goal by revealing a shirt bearing his country’s coat of arms. The 26-year-old scored the goal that gave his Portuguese club a 2-2 draw against Ajax and then displayed a black shirt with the Tryzub symbol.
“I wanted to support my country. I thought a lot about it and I’m afraid of the situation,” he told CNN Portugal. The club supports me, they spoke to me and wanted to do everything to help me. I thanked them, although for the moment everything is fine.”
- Super Falcons Beat Cote D’Ivoire To Qualify For 2022 Africa Women’s Cup Of Nations
Nigeria have qualified for this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morocco after the Super Falcons produced a brave performance to defeat the Lady Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 in Abidjan.
The result secured an aggregate 3-0 win for the nine-time African champions following Wednesday’s win. The hosts threw all they had in the return leg encounter at the Stade Robert Champroux but met an unshakable Nigerian defence and an inspired goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who was outstanding.
Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum has hailed his players after they clinched a ticket to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco following Wednesday’s 1-0 win against Cote d’lvoire. Saint Etienne striker, Esther Okoronkwo netted the winner in the 87th minute.
- After AFCON Glory, Senegal Ushers In World-Class Stadium
Thousands of Senegalese gathered on Tuesday for the inauguration of a 50,000-seater stadium aimed at making the country Africa’s go-to venue for international events. The stadium is in Diamniadio, a town being built about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the capital Dakar, for which an express train link opened in December. The venue, to be named in honour of former president Abdoulaye Wade, will be the only one in Senegal certified for international football.
Current President Macky Sall said during an inauguration ceremony that the naming of the stadium was a “tribute to the multidimensional, intellectual, pan-Africanist politician”. The country’s last major stadium, Lat Dior, in the region of Thies 70 kilometres from Dakar, lost its certification from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in May last year. Jubilant crowds came by bus and train for the inauguration, which follows Senegal’s dramatic victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on February 6.
- Djokovic Loses World Number One Ranking To Medvedev In Dubai Shock
Novak Djokovic lost his Dubai quarter-final and his world number one ranking in one go on Thursday as he suffered a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) upset at the hands of Czech world number 123 Jiri Vesely. Competing in his first tournament of the season, and first, since getting deported from Australia, Djokovic needed to at least reach the semi-finals in the Emirates to try and stop Daniil Medvedev from replacing him at the top of the rankings.
But Vesely had other ideas as the left-handed qualifier improved his career record against Djokovic to 2-0 – a result that will see Medvedev become the first man since 2004 outside the “Big Four” – Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray – to occupy the number one ranking on Monday.
Djokovic, who has spent a record 361 weeks as the world number one, said at the start of the tournament that he “would be the first to congratulate” Medvedev if the Russian succeeded in his quest for the summit.
METRO PLUS
- Court okays Kyari, six others’ detention for 14 more days
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency permission to further detain the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and six others for 14 days. Others to be detained along with Kyari are the alleged drug couriers named in the drug trafficking case involving the suspended head of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team.
Justice Zainab Abubakar gave the order for the detention of the seven suspects pending the completion of investigation into the allegations against them. The others are Assistant Commissioner of Police Sunday Ubia; Assistant Superintendent of Police Bawa James; Inspectors Simon Agirigba and John Nuhu; as well as Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne.
Justice Abubakar gave the order after listening to the Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, NDLEA, Joseph Sunday, who moved an ex parte application to that effect. In a short ruling, Justice Abubakar ordered that Kyari and the six other suspects be detained for another 14 days in the first instance and said the NDLEA could come up with a fresh request if required.
- Ritual killings: FG will ensure responsible use of social media -Lai Mohammed
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Monday, said the Federal Government will ensure the responsible use of social media to curb social menace including the rising rate of ritual killings. The minister stated this during a media visit to Daily Trust office in Abuja. He said, “Our visit today is coming at a time of great concern across the country over the rising cases of ritual murders by unscrupulous people, most of them very young, who are seeking to get rich at all cost. We have therefore decided to use this opportunity to begin the process of raising national awareness of this scourge.
“For those who may still be in doubt, ritual killings have assumed a worrisome dimension in recent years…Recently, in Ogun State, four young men, one of whom is 18 years old, murdered their 20-year-old female friend for money rituals. One of them said they learnt about using human parts for money rituals from social media. Of course, you are also aware of a case involving a female student of the University of Jos who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend for ritual purposes. These killings have been widely reported by the media.
- Pensioners lament, say gratuities not paid in Rivers since 2014
Pensioners in Rivers State have pleaded with the state government to commence the payment of their gratuities and pension arrears gradually, which they say have not been paid since 2014. The appeal was made to Governor Nyesom Wike by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in the state, Collins Nwonkwo.
The Chairman said, “No gratuities or accumulated arrears have been paid so far except for monthly pension. That one has been on, but all other benefits that we have been protesting for, like gratuities, arrears of pension, harmonisation and other issues have not received any response yet. Pleading on behalf of the pensioners, the National President, South-South Youths Initiative, Imeabe Saviour, advised Governor Wike to make effort to pay the retirees and pensioners.
- Fake policeman arrested in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command on Thursday said it had arrested a man, identified as Nkanu Patrick for allegedly parading himself as a policeman. In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, on Thursday evening, the 50-year-old suspect was allegedly parading himself as an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
The PPRO, in the statement, also stated that the suspect was arrested along the Benin-Ore-Expressway last Wednesday. The statement read, “On the 23rd of February, 2022 at about 2.00pm a team of policemen attached to Ore Division who were on stop and search duty along Benin/Ore Expressway and intercepted a Volkswagen Mini Bus carrying pharmaceutical products enroute Benin being escorted by the suspect in a complete Police camouflage uniform.
“His dressing arose the suspicion of the policemen on duty and had to probe further into his particulars. When asked about his identity, he could not give satisfactory account of himself as a police officer.
Investigation, however, revealed that the suspect, Nkanu Patrick has never been a policeman but was close to policemen in his area.”
Odunlami said the suspect would soon be charged to court.
