Rema Cancels All December Shows To Focus On Health

Afrobeats sensation, Daniel Ikubor aka Rema, has cancelled all engagements for December to focus on his health.

The Calm Down crooner made this known on his Instagram story on Wednesday.

Rema noted that during his years of touring, he had ignored his health, adding that it was time to recuperate.

His terse statement read, “Breaks my heart to say that I won’t be performing anywhere this December. Been years of touring I’ve ignored my health & I need time to recuperate. 2024 we go again love ❤️.

This comes shortly after Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki unveiled plans to host the Edo-born musical prodigy, Rema, in a grand Homecoming Music Concert on December 21.

Obaseki expressed his excitement to bring Rema back to his roots while speaking to youths at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City, the state capital on Wednesday, according to a statement by the state government.

The statement quoted Obaseki as saying, “By the grace of God, this Christmas, we will bring Rema home. Rema will have a Homecoming Concert.”

Court Adjourns Emefiele's Case Till January 18 2024

The Federal Capital Territory High Court has adjourned till January 18, 2024, for the continuation of the trial in the alleged procurement fraud suit against a former Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor,  Godwin Emefiele.

Emefiele was accused of using his position to confer a corrupt advantage on Sa’adatu Yaro, a staff member of the CBN by awarding a contract for the procurement of 43 vehicles worth N1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020.

He was subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending a ruling on his bail application on November 22.

Justice Hamza Muazu, however, granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N300 million.

 He added that the former CBN governor must produce two sureties in like sum.

The judge noted that the sureties must have certificates of occupancy and titles of properties within the Maitama district in Abuja

Emefiele has yet to meet his bail conditions as he was brought to court and taken away by armed personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Truck, Mercedes Benz Collide On Lagos-Ibadan Highway

A crash involving a car and a truck occurred in the early hours of Friday at the Magboro end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Our correspondent, who was at the scene of the accident, reported that no life was lost.

The accident involved a Toyota Camry with number plate SMK 436 GB and a Mercedes-Benz truck with number plate AKD G43 XM.

The crash happened around 8.10am just before the Magboro bus stop side of the road.

The car was heading towards Ibadan and the truck was about to get on the road before the collision happened.

reports that the accident has caused gridlock on the inward Ibadan lane of the expressway.

Emefiele Granted N300 Million Bail, Details Emerge

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has granted bail in the sum of N300 million to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

In a ruling today, Wednesday November 22, 2023 

Justice Hamza Muazu held that Emefiele should produce two sureties, who must have landed property in the Maitama District of the FCT.

 Emefiele was not in court during today’s proceedings, having been remanded at Kuje Prison last week.

Another FCT High Court had two weeks ago ordered his release in a fundamental human rights suit he instituted against the federal government.

The court adjourned till November 28 for the commencement of trial.

 Emefiele is to submit all his travel documents with the court registrar and must remain within the Abuja Municipal Council. He is expected to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre pending when he meets the bail conditions.

Appeal Court Sacks Kano State Governor, Kabir Yusuf

The Court of  Appeal sitting in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, sacked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State.

The panel upheld the verdict of the tribunal led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay which sacked Yusuf on September 20, 2023.

The lower court had declared 165,663 votes of Yusuf, who contested under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), invalid on the grounds that they were not signed or stamped by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The governor’s votes were then reduced to 853,939 while those of Nasir Ganuwa, his All Progressives Congress (APC) rival, remained at 890,705.

INEC had announced Yusuf winner of the March 18, 2023 election, after he garnered 1,019,602 votes to defeat Gawuna who got 890,705 of the votes cast.

But the APC approached the Tribunal, citing alleged electoral malpractice.

A three-man panel of judges led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan Osadebay had sacked Yusuf on September 20, 2023, by declaring 165,663 of his votes invalid because they were not signed or stamped by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The governor’s votes were then reduced to 853,939 while Ganuwa’s 890,705 votes remained.

Yusuf had immediately rejected the tribunal verdict, which he described as “unfair” and “a miscarriage of justice”, and headed to the appeal court.

I'll Remove My Womb- 32-Year-Old Actress Etinosa Reveals

Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has announced that she will soon undergo surgery to remove her womb.

The mother of one who disclosed this shortly after the news of the passing of Nigerian rapper Oladips broke on social media said, “to stop death, one must put an end to reproduction.”

On her X (formerly Twitter) handle, she wrote: “The primary cause of death is life itself. So to stop death, one must put an end to reproduction. What is never born will never die. Even I myself am not ready for this deep conversation. It’s deeper than I can comprehend.”

Replying to a fan who concurred with her, Etinosa said she would remove her womb, noting that no child of hers was going to come to the world to wait for death.

She wrote: “God bless you. Reason I’m doing a surgery soon to take off my womb. No child of mine is coming to this world to wait for death.

American Rapper Snoop Dogg Quits Smoking

One of the popular American gangsta rappers, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, popularly known as Snoop Dogg, has announced his decision to quit smoking.

 

Making the announcement on his X account on Thursday, the 52-year-old artist emphasised the importance of respecting his privacy during this time.

American rapper and actor, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, popularly known as Snoop Dogg, has announced his decision to quit smoking.

American rapper and actor, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, popularly known as Snoop Dogg, has announced his decision to quit smoking.

 

Making the announcement on his X account on Thursday, the 52-year-old artist emphasised the importance of respecting his privacy during this time.

In the post, he said, “After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke. Please respect my privacy at this time.”

Snoop Dogg rose to fame in 1992 with his feature on Dr. Dre’s debut solo single, “Deep Cover,” followed by his contributions to Dre’s debut solo album, ‘The Chronic.;

Since his emergence on the music scene, Snopp has over 23 million albums in the United States and 35 million worldwide.

His achievements include an American Music Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and 17 Grammy Award nominations.

Tributes Pour As Ex-Finance Minister, Soleye Dies At 90

Prominent figures have continued to pour in tributes for the former Nigerian Minister of Finance, Dr Onaolapo Soleye who has passed on at the age of 90.

Dr. Soleye died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 90, four days after he celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

A statement by the family reads, “With heavy hearts, but with gratitude to God Almighty for a long, impactful, and positively eventful life, the family announce the passing of Pa Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, the father of our late brother, Maj. Gen. O. O. Soleye (rtd). He turned ninety years old only last Saturday.

“Papa served the country and humanity in various capacities, rising to the position of an Associate Professor in the University of Ibadan, Commissioner for Works in Ogun State, and Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, amongst others.

“He was a true lover of God and humanity, and this translated into his unwavering commitment to church activities as well as ready support and assistance to all who came across him, in anyway that he could.

“The loss of Dr Soleye is surely not that of the Soleye family alone. It’s our father that has just passed, and we must all prepare to be part of his rites of passage.

“Burial details will be announced by the family in due course. Until then, please pray for the repose of Papa’s soul and God’s comfort upon his family and other loved ones.

May the soul of Dr Onaolapo Soleye rest in peace. Amen,” the statement added.

The former Finance Minister is survived by his wife, Mrs. WMS Soleye, children, grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Driver Fleeing LASTMA Arrest Kills Two Road Sweepers In Lagos

A  driver trying to evade arrest by traffic officials today, October 13 2023 has killed two road sweepers on the Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State.

Our correspondent, who was at the scene of the accident, gathered that the driver, whose name is unknown as of press time, was chased by officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) when the fleeing driver rammed into two members of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) at their duty post by the roadside.

The situation resulted in a demonstration as passersby and motorists protested the killing of the street sweepers.

Security agents including policemen have since arrived at the scene and tear-gassed protesters in an attempt to disperse them and quell the situation.

Meanwhile, LAWMA confirmed the death of the two sanitation workers in a statement on Monday.

LAWMA is working with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the errant driver of the car, with vehicle number EPE 984 DV,” the statement read.

“We wish to appeal to motorists for the umpteenth time, to drive with utmost caution on the highways, to avoid sad incidents like this happening to our sanitation workers or anyone in the course of their legitimate duties.

“The public is urged to remain calm as appropriate steps are being taken and necessary measures put in place.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families of the deceased, whom we love most dearly. May their souls continue to rest in peace.”

Police arrest husband as mother of 'mummy calm down' boy commits suicide

 The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the husband of Mrs Toluige Olokoobi, mother of  “mummy calm down” boy, days after news broke that she committed suicide.

An X user broke the news of  Olokoobi’s death on Monday.

The X user, who said he was at the scene of the incident on Monday afternoon tweeted, “The woman in the viral Mummy Calm down video has just committed suicide here in Benin.

“She refused to speak to anyone about her problems. She left three kids for her husband including the popular Mummy Calm Down boy.”

One of the residents of the area also confirmed her death saying the deceased committed suicide in front of her one-year-old son.

She added that the deceased worked as a medicine distributor while her husband worked as taxi driver and car dealer.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, told BBC Pidgin on Thursday that the deceased’s husband has been arrested and detained for questioning

NLC, TUC Shutdown Abuja Airport

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja was effectively blocked by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) as they took action by obstructing both the entry and exit points of the airport. 

Despite attempts by protesters to enter the airport, they were prevented from doing so by the military. In response, the protesters proceeded to block the entry and exit points of the airport, resulting in severe traffic congestion on both sides and forcing travelers to make their way to the airport on foot. 

This action comes after the NLC and TUC declared a nationwide strike in response to the brutalization of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State. The aviation unions, in compliance with the directive for shutdown, including the National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers (NAAPE), have also suspended flights to Imo State.

Banky W loses at Appeal Court

The Appeal Court has declared the Labour Party candidate, Thaddeus Atta, as the duly elected House of Representatives member representing Eti Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State.

Newsmen recall that the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, had in September declared the election inconclusive.

The tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days in 33 polling units where elections were not held.

However, the Appeal Court on Tuesday overturned the tribunal’s directive and ruled that the elections were conclusive.

This legal battle involved famous Nigerian singer and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Bankole Wellington, known as Banky W, who was declared the runner-up in the February 2023 election, and Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Wizkid announces Four Years break from music

Multi-award-winning music star Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has announced plans to take time off the music scene.

In a series of Instagram posts on Sunday, the ‘Essence’ crooner stated that he would be taking four or five years off the music scene, adding that he is considering taking up football or golf.

Writing in broken English, he wrote, “Back in 4 years, make una papa chop him money small or maybe five or I fit still go dey play ball now.

“Or make I start dey play golf. Fifa or wrestling b*tch!”All of una dey craze! Everybody dey mad.

On some G shit, I hope you mofuckas alright body mind and soul and taking time out to enjoy with your loved ones.”

This won’t be the first time Wizkid will be announcing a break from music. In 2019, the singer, via his X account, disclosed his plans to take a break from music, tweeting, “Gone till March! Thank you.”

Plane Crash: Minister of Power, Adelabu is in 'good spirit'

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu on Saturday allayed fears about his safety following Friday’s air crash near the Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu on Saturday allayed fears about his safety following Friday’s air crash near the Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State.

A source close to the Minister told in Ibadan that Adelabu was in good spirits and not perturbed by the incident.

Newsmen had  reports that a private aircraft which had the minister and some of his aides on board crash-landed near the airport late Friday evening.

The minister feels the incident is not something to worry about. It was actually a minor thing, and that is how he has taken it,” an aide of Adelabu, who asked to stay anonymous, said.

The aide further told NAN that the minister was particularly not worried by the incident because it did not involve any of the passengers leaving with any injury.

”Everyone on board the aircraft when the incident happened actually alighted without any problem, and we have no cause to worry,” the aide added.

NLC Set To Embark On Nationwide Strike November 8

 The Organised Labour, comprising of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, on Friday, issued a five-day ultimatum over the earlier arrest of the National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, by the police in Owerri, Imo State, on Wednesday.

The labour centres demanded the redeployment of the commissioner of police in the state and the arrest and prosecution of the aide of the government who was alleged to have perpetrated the attack.

The unions also threatened to embark on a nationwide industrial action if their demands were not met in five days from Friday.

Ajaero was arrested by the police ahead of the state-wide protest in Imo on Wednesday. This was disclosed by the NLC’s Head of Information, Benson Upah.

 The Organised Labour demanded the arrest and prosecution of the Special Adviser to the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Special Duties, threatening to embark on a nationwide industrial action if their demands were not carried out.

Some of the other demands made on the Federal Government by the leaders of the 2 unions include the removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, and Area Commander, among other officials, for their alleged complicity in the brutalisation and humiliation of Ajaero and other workers.

The union leaders accused the Imo State government as well as the police of being responsible for the attack on the NLC leader.

Imo State Government, Police deny allegations

Meanwhile, the Imo State Government and the police denied every allegation against them in their separate responses on Friday.

Speaking on the issue earlier at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, denied the allegation of being responsible for the attack on Ajaero, saying it took his intervention before the NLC leaders in his state who were suspended and replaced with the caretaker committee were reinstated.

Uzodimma accused Ajaero, an indigene of Imo State, of being involved in local politics.

Naira rebounds, appreciates to N786.02/$1 at the official market

The Nigerian naira appreciated against the dollar on Wednesday, 1st November 2023, closing at N786.02/$1 at the official market.

This represents a 3.73% increase from the N815.32/$1 recorded on the previous day.

The intraday high recorded was N1101.00/$1, while the intraday low was N701.00/$1, representing a wide spread of N400/$1.

 According to data obtained from the official NAFEM window, forex turnover at the close of the trading was $105.98 million, representing a 41.82% decrease compared to the previous day.

On the black market where forex is sold unofficially, the exchange rate appreciated by 0.85%, quoted at N1170/$1, while peer-to-peer traders quoted around N1180/$1.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero Arrested

The President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero has been whisked away by the Police in Owerri, Imo State capital.

The development followed an ongoing protest by members of the union in the state.

It was gathered that the protest was hijacked by miscreants, who smashed vehicles and inflicted wounds on labour members.

Recall that the union had on Sunday announced that it would stage a protest in the state over the alleged violation and abuse of rights and privileges of workers by the State government.

Ajaero’s arrest was reportedly effected as early as 8am Wednesday morning.

Our sources said workers were gathered at the state Secretariat of the NLC for the protest when suddenly some men with weapons stormed the Secretariat and attacked the workers and chased them away.

However, the workers re-assembled at the Secretariat again but this time led by the NLC President and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja to commence the protest.

The source said, just as Ajaero was about to address the gathering, a team of armed Policemen came and took him away alongside some officials of the NLC.

Reports said several gunshots were fired to disperse the gathered workers.

NLC’s Head of Information and Publicity, Benson Upah confirmed the development, saying the Police have arrested Ajaero.

He said: “The NLC President was abducted by men suspected to be Policemen armed to their teeth at the Imo state NLC secretariat on Wednesday as we were about to commence our lawful protest against the violation of trade union rights of the workers”.

Also while giving an account of the incident, NLC Deputy General Secretary and Chief of Staff to the NLC President, Chris Onyeka said that he was standing with Ajaero when he was brutalised and arrested.

“As workers were gathering to protest their maltreatment by the state government in Owerri, Imo state and the President of NLC was about to address the workers, the Police came amidst attacks by thugs to arrest Ajaero.

“Thugs first attacked and dragged Ajaero from the platform before Police came to arrest him along with another senior official of the NLC,” he said.