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IReV: INEC still Uploading results => 90% Results

The Independent National Electoral Commission has now uploaded 159,509 results from 176, 846 polling units, seven days after the presidential and national assembly elections.

The figure represents 90 per cent of results from all the polling units.

As of the time of filing this report, the electronic transmission of results was still ongoing.

Nigerians expected that the election results would be uploaded on election day as promised by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

However, INEC came under fire for its failure to upload results to its viewing portal which led to the walkout of some parties’ agents at the National Collation Centre on Monday.

Checks on Saturday revealed that the results of all the polling units were yet to be uploaded on INEC website.

According to the Commission, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, won with 8.8 million votes, while main opposition candidates in the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, had 6.9 million and 6.1 million votes respectively.

Indian bride dies during her wedding; she was replaced with her younger sister

A bride in Bhavnagar died of a heart attack in the middle of her wedding rituals at the marriage venue in the Subhashnagar area, India.

This unfortunate incident took place in late February, in front of the Bhagwaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Bhavnagar.

Hetal, the daughter of a man identified as Jinabhai Rathore, was in the process of marrying Vishal, the son of Ranabhai Butabhai Algotar of Nari village.

Guests filled the venue with wedding songs playing in the background when celebrations were forced to halt.

While performing her wedding rituals, Hetal reportedly felt dizzy and fainted.

She was rushed to a nearby hospital and the doctors said she had died of a heart attack.

Even as the family mourned the death of Hetal, relatives proposed an alternative plan to ensure the wedding celebrations continued. They suggested the bride’s younger sister take her place and marry Vishal.

The family agreed to marry her sister to the groom and continued the wedding rituals with her younger sister.

Hetal’s body was reportedly kept in cold storage until the ceremony was over.

Corporator of Bhavnagar city and leader of Maldhari Samaj, Laxmanbhai Rathore described the incident as very sad. He said even though the family was shocked by the death of their daughter, members of society convinced them to set an example and not send the bridegroom and his family empty handed.

This is not the first time a family would give away another daughter after one died during the wedding ceremony. In June 2021, in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India, a family gave the younger sister to the groom after the bride collapsed during the wedding ceremony

Alert! Florida man declared “dead” after contracting brain-eating amoeba from tap water

A man in south Florida, USA died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses,

According to Fox 4 news reports, the man, who has not been named but was identified as a resident of Charlotte County, died on February 20, three days before the county health department issued a public alert about the infection.

DOH-Charlotte reported one case involving Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic single-celled living amoeba, on February 23. The department said infection is rare and can only happen when water contaminated with the amoeba enters through the nose, stressing that it cannot be contracted by drinking tap water.

brain-eating amoeba from tap water


The amoeba can cause an infection of the brain known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) – a condition that does not have any known effective treatments.


Symptoms of brain-eating amoeba generally start one to nine days after nasal exposure and many people die within 18 days of showing symptoms, according to the CDC. These include severe headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting in the first stage and stiff neck, seizures, altered mental status, hallucinations and a coma in the second stage.

brain-eating amoeba from tap water


In a statement to FOX 4, the CDC said this is the first case ever in Florida where a person was infected through tap water, and the first ever case reported in winter months in the U.S. It’s also the first reported case of Naegleria fowleri infection this year.

According to the CDC, the infection kills over 97% of the people who contract it. Out of 154 known infected individuals in the United States from 1962 to 2021, only four confirmed patients have survived the infection.


Last summer, a 13-year-old Caleb Ziegelbauer contracted a possible brain-eating amoeba while swimming at Port Charlotte Beach Park, which is in Charlotte County, Florida.


Though his case has not been confirmed by the US health agency as the Naegleria fowleri infection, his medical team reportedly believes that’s what it was. As of last week, he is still alive and remains on the road to recovery.

The CDC said the amoeba typically lives in warm, freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers and hot springs. It is also likely to be found living in sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers, so the agency advises against digging in or stirring up soil in shallow, warm fresh water.


It is extremely rare for Naegleria fowleri to be found in swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, or other recreational venues, but it is possible if they’re poorly maintained or don’t have enough chlorine.

Following the death, DOH-Charlotte said it is “continuing to investigate how this infection occurred and is working with the local public utilities to identify any potential links and make any necessary corrective actions.”

The CDC warned Charlotte County residents to be extra cognizant while bathing, showering, washing faces, swimming, jumping into water and playing with hoses/sprinklers to avoid water going up the nose. It’s also recommended to keep plastic and blow-up pools disinfected, and to avoid slip-n-slides.

Turkish wife cries for help as a Nigerian lady allegedly snatches her husband

I have been connected with Serpil on Instagram for well over one year. She would occasionally like my posts and I would wonder whom this white lady that bears Onwuasoanya as a surname could be. I tried to investigate within my family and found out that there is none of my relatives married to a Turkish woman. I am not as active on Instagram as I am on Facebook, but she is one of the few connections on Instagram that I regularly got notified when they update their stories. I have had a couple of white friends on social media, who tried to get close, but I deliberately avoided them because I know how much damage some Nigerian scammers have done to the Nigerian image through romance scam.

However, few days ago, Serpil sent a kind of SOS to me. She told me she was in distress and that her life was in danger. She requested my number, and I obliged her. She told me she is married to a Nigerian from Enugu-Ukwu in Anambra State, and that the marriage has been in distress for some years now. According to her, a certain Cythie Ujunwa Ogbobe had come into her marriage and took her husband away.

It wasn’t just about trying to take her husband away, but she complained that the lady is dangerous and had made some attempts on her life. She alleges that the Imo born lady who resides in the US is involved in some dangerous criminal activities across Turkey, USA and Nigeria and together with her husband, Chinemelum, could be capable of some dangerous things.

I reached out to Ujunwa Ogbobe through her USA phone number, and when I tried to know her own part of the story, she told me that; “Nigerian guys are jobless animals” and she wasn’t interested in discussing anything with me. I was to find out that she blocked me after sending that message to me, because she sent a screenshot of our conversation to Serpil.

Turkish wife cries for help as a Nigerian lady allegedly snatches her husband
Ujunwa

I reached out to Chinemelum, the man, at the centre of the whole scandal, and he started with the childish mind game of telling me that his lawyer would get in touch with me. I told him that would be fine. But after a few minutes, he called back to tell me that his lawyer wouldn’t be getting in touch with me anymore, but that I should steer clear of his family issues, except he invites me into it. He tried to blackmail me by telling me how he had known about me for a long time and that I was part of the reasons he is having issues with his wife, because he had severally warned his wife not to interact with me. Well, I immediately understood he was trying to insinuate that I was into an amorous relationship with his wife, and I told him off. He also threatened to find me out anywhere I am in Abuja to deal with me. Well, that was the trigger for me to finally decide to get involved in the matter.

Serpil told me of how Ujunwa took Chinemelum to Zion Ministry ran by one Evangelist Ebuka to “wed”. I got a video of the said Ujunwa been prayed for by Ebuka, but I cannot confirm that that was a wedding ceremony or service. I will give more details about this in a small video story I shall do on this.

With these interactions I became more determined to hear Serpil out, because I had been somehow reluctant. She emptied her out to me. Told me how she guided the young man through when he arrived Turkey, without knowing his left from her right. How she was scorned by her friends and relatives, because she was going out with a Black guy who didn’t have anything, how she invested more than twelve years of her life into building a relationship that metamorphosed into marriage, and how, given her religious and cultural background, she believes in the sanctity of marriage and wouldn’t want to trade it off. She told me how the said Chinemelum had thrown her into serious debts, while he lives in affluence.

I got videos and recorded calls and voice notes from relatives and direct siblings of Chinemelum and confirmed that Serpil has reasonably impacted on the family as they express so much solidarity with her while disowning Ujunwa.

I felt that Serpil might be open to some reconciliation with her husband and offered not to put this story out, and to rather work to see how I could achieve some reconciliation. She told me she wasn’t interested anymore. I sent messages to Chinemelum, suggesting that he tries to sort these things out amicably, but he ignored the messages.

Serpil tells me she is more interested in having her husband rebuild his relationship with his family and get his own life back together. She fears that the woman wants to wreck him, because he has got a lot of money now. Also, she wants the story out there in order to correct the impression that interracial marriages, especially, between Whites and Africans are only transactional. She loved her husband deeply and only went into the relationship out of genuine and selfless love. She is pained that her love was thrown back at her, and another woman took over the love of her life merely because she is Black.

Meantime, she has involved the Turkish law enforcement and has reached out to the EFCC in Nigeria, but is yet to get any response to her numerous mails to them. She complains that because of the financial crisis that Chinemelum put her into, she is not currently able to afford the fees for legal services required of her to get justice. For her, justice would mean getting her legitimate money back from Chinemelum.

More on this story shall be in a video story I will be publishing on my YouTube channel next week. Stay tuned.

Financial Times describes last Nigerian’s presidential poll as “badly flawed”

Reputable British daily business newspaper, The Financial Times, has taken a swipe on the authorities in Nigeria after failing to conduct credible elections.

In an editorial, the media outlet accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of badly mismanaging the elections that produced Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the president-elect.

It also berated president Muhammadu Buhari of failing to redeem his tattered reputation on a clean contest.

Part of the editorial reads, “What Nigeria needed above all was a clean election to reiterate the basic message of democracy: that a sovereign people can choose its leaders. Sadly, it did not happen. The election — which appears to have delivered the presidency to Bola Tinubu, a wealthy political fixer running for the incumbent All Progressives Congress — was badly mismanaged at best. It failed to set the example needed for west Africa, a region where too many national leaders have extended term limits or resorted to seizing power at gunpoint. Nigeria remains a democracy, but only just.

“The omens had been better. The emergence of Peter Obi as a viable third-party candidate had brought excitement and forced candidates to talk about policies, if only a little. Neutral observers thought the Independent National Electoral Commission was in good shape. They had high expectations that INEC’s promise to transmit voting tallies electronically from polling stations would eliminate ballot stuffing. The outgoing president, Muhammadu Buhari, had staked what remains of his tattered reputation on a clean contest.

“Yet the INEC badly misfired. Voting started late in many districts, depriving millions of the right to vote. The system to upload results from 177,000 polling stations stuttered, causing legitimate concerns of vote tampering during long delays. Violence was troubling. Party goons invaded many polling stations in what appeared to be blatant acts of intimidation. The Financial Times witnessed armed men remove a presidential ballot box in Surulere, Lagos.

“The official result put Tinubu on 37 per cent, Atiku Abubakar from the People’s Democratic party on 29 per cent and Obi on 25 per cent. But some individual results do not pass the smell test. That includes Obi’s ever-so narrow victory in Lagos state, where crowds had greeted him like a rock star.

“More worrying still was voter turnout, which was pitifully low at 27 per cent. If official results are right, two-thirds of the 87mn people who lined up for hours to collect their voter registration cards failed to cast their ballot. Apathy cannot explain it. Something, including the possibility of widespread voter suppression, must have prevented them from voting. Total turnout of 25mn votes in a country of 220mn people is unacceptably low. Tinubu’s tally of 8.8mn gives him the weakest of mandates.

“Obi and Abubakar must now decide whether to pursue their claims of rigging in the courts. If they do, Nigeria’s judiciary should take a long hard look. The courts in Kenya in 2017 and Malawi in 2020 overturned suspect elections. If Nigeria’s courts find suspicions, they should not shrink from annulling individual contests or even the whole result.

“It is plausible courts could conclude that — despite some obvious irregularities — the overall result reflected the will of the people. In that case, or if there is no court challenge, Tinubu will be faced with one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Nigeria has been teetering on the edge of catastrophe, with a breakdown of security and an almost total absence of growth. Neither is sustainable. By 2050, Nigeria will have 400mn people. They cannot be left without hope.

“The next president must quickly remove the ruinously expensive fuel subsidy and rationalise the exchange rate system. The army and police, both riddled with ineptitude and corruption, need urgent reform. These basic steps are the minimum to begin to repair a deeply damaged country.

“Tinubu campaigned partly on his ability to pick a strong team. If he is confirmed as president, he must name a cabinet of independent, competent and honest ministers. Even Nigerians who did not vote for him will hope against hope for that.”

Sports: Victor Osimhen could have gone blind – Surgeon

Italian surgeon who operated on Victor Osimhen’s multiple facial fractures has revealed that the Nigerian and Napoli forward ‘could’ve lost his sight’ in the horror accident.


In November 2021, the Nigeria international was involved in a clash of heads with Inter defender Milan Skriniar at San Siro that left him with shocking injuries.

Osimhen had surgery that involved placing six plaques and 18 screws into his face to repair the damage, which included multiple fractures to the cheekbone and orbital bone.


It ruled him out for over two months and he returned with the use of a protective mask that he continues to use to this day, even though technically it is no longer required.


“The orbital bone stopped just in time, because Osimhen could even have lost his sight,” Professor Gianpaolo Tartaro told Radio CRC.

“That bone could indeed have caused other problems, but fortunately, some factors helped us and the eye was able to go back into its socket.”

There are suggestions that Osimhen could need more surgery to remove the six plaques and 18 screws in future, but the professor who performed the operation assures that won’t be necessary.

Victor Osimhen could have gone blind - �Surgeon who operated on his multiple facial fractures reveals

“The plaques do not need to be removed unless there is an urgent need, for example, they develop an infection. The titanium could alter an x-ray, but I don’t think Osimhen wants them removed.

“When we performed the surgery, we used the best quality plaques in the world and had to study very carefully where to place them, so there was protection should the player have to head the ball.”

“He seems to play even better than he did before, it gives him security. He has become world-class.”
 

Read: Peter Obi’s world press conference after Saturday’s controversial polls

Dear Nigerians,

  1. On 25th February 2023, Nigerians trooped out en-masse to participate in what was promised and expected to be a free, fair and transparent Presidential and National Assembly elections. But in all things, we are enjoined to give thanks.
  2. First to Almighty God for the privilege of making Datti Baba-Ahmed and I, the tools to champion the cause of a New Nigeria that will fundamentally enhance the fortunes of our dear country. Let me also appreciate and thank all Nigerians that participated in our last election especially those who believed and tirelessly worked for a New Nigeria and voted for us. My profound thanks go to the youths, ‘Obidients’ and support groups for your commitment and resilience for a better Nigeria. You truly showed that you can take back your country!
  3. We continue to pray for the repose of the souls of all Nigerians killed during the campaigns and for those that were violently attacked, we pray for their quick recovery. We reiterate our total condemnation of such attacks and continue to demand that security agencies stop further attacks and bring perpetrators to book.
  4. The commitment and resilience of Nigerians, even in the face of unwarranted and barbaric attacks is a testimony that a New Nigeria is Indeed POssible. The Lady, Jennifer Efidi who was stabbed but insisted on exercising her right to vote and indeed all Nigerians who voted during the election are the shinning stars leading us to a New Nigeria!
  5. The election has been conducted and results announced as programmed. It is a clear deviation from the electoral rules and guidelines as we were promised and did not meet the minimum criteria of a free, transparent, credible and fair election devoid of voter intimidation and suppression, and late commencement of voting in some specific states.
  6. This will probably go down as one of the most controversial elections ever conducted in Nigeria. The good and hardworking people of Nigeria have again been robbed by the institutions and leaders whom we trusted.
  7. However, let me humbly and most respectfully appeal to all Nigerians to remain peaceful, law-abiding and conduct themselves in a most responsible manner. Please be assured that for Datti and I, and indeed for all of us, this is not the end, but the beginning of the journey to birth a New Nigeria.
  8. Datti Baba-Ahmed and I remain absolutely undaunted and deeply committed to this project of a New Nigeria that will be built on honesty, transparency, fairness, justice and equity. All of these starts with the process -The process through which people are elected to office is as important (if not more important) than what they do thereafter with the office and authority.
  9. If we seek to be called Your Excellency, then the process through which we are elected should also be excellent or sufficiently credible to generate the required confidence and moral authority to govern and lead. As you all know, the destruction of a society can be a gradual or sudden process through acts such as deliberate refusal to obey the rule of law and via the suppression of the will of the people.
  10. Let me reiterate and assure my good people of Nigeria that we will follow all available legal and peaceful procedures to reclaim our mandate.
  11. I urge you all to continue with your campaigns and troop out on Saturday 11th March 2023 to vote massively again for Labour Party-LP (Mama, Papa and Pikin) in the Governorship and State Assembly Elections. Please do not despair at a time when we can still achieve massive victories in the forthcoming elections on the 11th March 2023.

Thank you all and God bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mr Peter Obi
Labour Party Presidential Candidate

Yiaga Africa faults results of presidential elections in Imo and Rivers

Yiaga Africa, one of the Civil Society Organizations that worked with the Independent National Electoral Commission in the 2023 election has faulted the presidential results which emanated from Imo and Rivers state. 

In a statement released on Wednesday, March 1, the organisation which deployed observers to states across the country,  said the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were manipulated.

The statement read; 

“The state-level presidential results for Imo and Rivers are inconsistent with the Yiaga Africa WTV projections for both states.

“For Rivers, INEC announced 231,591 votes for APC or 44.2 percent; 175,071 for LP or 33.4 percent; and 88,468 for PDP or 16.9 percent.

“This is in sharp contrast to the Yiaga Africa WTV estimates for Rivers which are: APC 21.7 percent ±5.0 percent; for LP 50.8 percent ±10.6 percent; and PDP 22.2 percent ±6.5 percent.

“For Imo, INEC announced 66,406 for APC or 14.2 percent; 360,495 for LP or 77.1 percent; and 30,234; for PDP or 6.5 percent.

“Again, this is at variance with the Yiaga Africa WTV estimates for Imo which are: APC 5.1 ±2.3 percent; LP 88.1 percent ±3.8 percent; and PDP 5.7 percent ±2.3 percent.

“Based on reports from 97 percent (1,453 of 1507) of sampled polling units, Yiaga Africa’s statistical analysis shows that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should receive between 34.4 percent and 37.4 percent of the vote, Labour Party (LP) should receive between 24.2 percent and 28.4 percent of the votes, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) should receive between 4.6 percent and 6.4 percent of the vote, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) should receive between 28.3 percent and 31.1 percent of the vote, while no other political party should receive more than 0.3% of the vote.”

Yiaga Africa which asked INEC to clarify the inconsistencies in some of the results, especially from Rivers and Imo states, also called for extension of voting hours to 5 pm in subsequent elections as well as sustain the uploads of polling unit results form EC 8A on its IReV portal.

Do you know that INEC Uploaded 82% Of Election Results Four Days After Presidential Poll?

Four days after the country’s presidential election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded 145, 519 results from 176, 846 polling units.

The number of polling units uploaded by the electoral body represents 82% of all polling unit results.

The electronic transmission of results was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

INEV was chastised by political parties, Nigerians, and groups for failing to electronically transmit results to the results viewing portal.

Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, had promised that accreditation figures and results would be transmitted on election day.

However, the results of all polling units had yet to be uploaded to the INEC website on Wednesday.

Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the election by INEC on Wednesday.

INEC also presented Tinubu with the certificate of return in Abuja.

According to the INEC Chairman, Yakubu, the former governor of Lagos State, won the election with a total of 8,794,726 votes.

With 6,984,520 votes, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came in second, followed by Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) with 6,101,533 votes.

INEC declares APC’s Bola Tinubu winner of 2023 presidential election

The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, as the winner of the Saturday, February 25, presidential election.

The Chairman of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, who announced the final result at exactly 4.10 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, said after days of collation of results from across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Tinubu polled a total of 8,794, 726 votes.

His closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, scored 6, 984, 520 votes while Labour Party’s Peter Obi secured 6, 101, 533 votes to come third. Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has 1,496,687 votes.

Mahmood said the Certificate of Returns for Tinubu and his running mate will be issued by 3pm today, March 1.

Labour Party won Anambra, Imo and Ebonyi States

The Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has been declared winner of the presidential election conducted in Anambra state on Saturday, February 25.

According to the results released by INEC, Obi secured 584, 621 votes to beat PDP’s Atiku Abubakar who secured 9, 036 votes. Bola Tinubu of the APC secured 5, 111 votes while the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, secured 1967 votes.

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Peter Obi who is the presidential candidate of the Labour party has been declared the winner of the presidential election conducted in Ebonyi state on Saturday, February 25. According to the results released by INEC, Obi secured 259,738 to beat APC’s Bola Tinubu who secured 42, 402 votes. PDP’s Atiku Abubakar came third with 13, 503 votes.

 The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, came a distant fourth with 1,661 votes.

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has been declared the winner of last Saturday, February 25, presidential election in Imo state.

The final results by INEC shows Obi polled a total of 352, 904 votes to beat his main rival Bola Tinubu of the APC who secured 66, 171 votes. Coming third in the polls is PDP’s Atiku Abubakar who polled 30, 044 while NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso polled 1,536 votes.

Peter Obi wins Abuja FCT and Delta state

Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has won the presidential election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Obi secured 281,717 votes, Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC got 90,902 votes while Atiku Abubakar of the PDP got 74,199 votes.

A total of 478,923 people were accredited to vote in Abuja, meaning Mr Obi secured about 59 per cent of the votes cast. Tinubu got 19 per cent of the votes while Atiku got 15 per cent of the votes in the Nigerian capital.

The Federal Capital Territory has six area councils—Gwagwalada, Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Bwari and Abuja Municipal.

Out of the six area councils, Labour Party won four, while the APC won two. 

See the final results for Abuja as announced by INEC below.


Registered Voters 1526902


Accredited Voters: 478923


A 490
AA 506
AAC 215
ADC 768
ADP 585
APC 90,902
APGA 1,362
APM 297
APP 146
BP 746
LP 281,717
NNPP 4,517
NRM 294
PDP 74,194
PRP 131
SDP 233
YPP 335
ZLP 2,631
Total Valid Vote: 460071
Total Rejected Vote: 18581
Total Vote Cast: 478,652

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has been declared the winner of last Saturday, February 25, presidential election in Delta state.

The final results by INEC shows Obi polled a total of 352, 904 votes to beat his main rival Bola Tinubu of the APC who secured 66, 171 votes. Coming third in the polls is PDP’s Atiku Abubakar who polled 30, 044 while NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso polled 1,536 votes.

PDP and APC fail to meet constitutional 25% benchmark in FCT, They have lost already

The result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has put the fate of both the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party hanging as both parties fail to beat the 25% mark stipulated by both the law and the electoral act.

According to the result, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi clinched the nation’s capital city.

With the results declared in the six area councils of the FCT, Gwagwalada, Abaji, Kwali, Bwari, Kuje and AMAC, with 478,923 accredited votes, Peter Obi secured 281,717 votes, Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC polled 90,902 votes while Atiku Abubakar of the PDP got 74,199 votes.

Obi who had been in an early lead since Sunday, when he took Bwari, Kuje, Gwagwalada, while the results of AMAC were awaited when the results came from AMAC he got his biggest chunk of votes, pulling 170,392 votes in the area council ahead of the candidates of APC and PDP who scored 29,596 and 26,407 respectively.

Section 134 of the 1999 Constitution provides as follows:

1) A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected, where, there being only two candidates for the election:

(a) he has the majority of votes cast at the election; and

(b) he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

(2) A candidate for an election to the office of President shall be deemed to have been duly elected where, there being more than two candidates for the election:

(a) he has the highest number of votes cast at the election; and

(b) he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the States in the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

According to the results, Peter Obi got 58.823 percent of the votes while PDP got 18.981 percent and APC 15.493 percent.

With the result above and in line with the provisions of the constitution, non of PDP nor APC can be declared winner of the ongoing presidential election.

US Govt. rejects China’s peace proposal for Ukraine

The White House has rejected China’s peace proposal for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine .


On Friday, February 24 was the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and on that day China called for a ceasefire after presenting a peace plan.


China’s 12-point proposal does not call for Russia troops to leave Ukraine and appears to criticize Western sanctions against Russia.


“Putin’s applauding it, so how could it be any good?” President Biden said of the plan in an interview that aired Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”

“I’ve seen nothing in the plan to indicate there is something that would be beneficial to anyone other than Russia,” he added.


Tensions between Washington and Beijing have increased since the U.S. shot down a suspected Chinese spying balloon earlier this month.


National security adviser Jake Sullivan accused China of “one-sided diplomacy.”


”China put forward this plan without having had a single conversation since the war began between President Xi and President Zelenskyy,” he said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”


This comes after the State Department and Pentagon warned China against sending military aid to Russia.

Peter Obi wins in Enugu, Abia and Edo States in landslide

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has won Enugu State in the presidential election which took place on Saturday, February 25. 

According to the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission collation officer in the state, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, Obi polled a total of 428,640 to defeat Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party who had 15, 749 votes while Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress. (APC) gathered 4, 772. The New Nigerian Peoples Party’s candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, came fourth with 1808.

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The presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has been declared the winner of the presidential election in Abia state. 

The state returning officer for the presidential election, Prof. Abel Ezeorah of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Alike-Ikwo (FUNAI), declared the results at INEC state office in Umuahia. He said that Obi scored 327,095 votes of the 381,683 total votes cast to win the election.

PDP’s Atiku Abubakar got 22,676 while APC’s Bola Tinubu polled a total of 8,914 votes to come third.

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Labour party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has won last Saturday, February 25, presidential election in the state. 

According to results announced by INEC Coallation Officer in the state, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, Obi secured a total of 331,163 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 144,471 and 89,585 votes respectively.

Election Malpractice: Corper caught inside classroom thumbprinting over 6000 ballot papers for APC [Video]

A National Youth Service Corper working as ad hoc staff with INEC was caught thumbprinting over 6000 ballot papers for the ruling APC.

According to reports, the Corper locked himself inside a classroom and thumbprinted over 6000 ballot papers in Lugbe primary school, PU 009, in Abuja, while people were outside waiting.

Watch video below:

INEC Results: Atiku Abubakar wins Gombe state

The PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has won the presidential election conducted in Gombe state. 

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Atiku secured a total of 319, 123 to defeat his closest rival and All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Tinubu who polled 146, 977 votes.

Labour Party’s Peter Obi secured 26, 160 votes while NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso polled 10, 520 votes.

Victor Osimhen to recieve €260,000 (N120m) if he scores 30 goals this season

Napoli and Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen will earn an additional €260,000 (N120m) if he scores 30 goals for the Parthenopeans in the 2022/23 season.

According to Italian media La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 24-year-old activated his goals bonus in his contract after scoring his 20th goal of the season, which saw him earn €130,000 (N64m).

Osimhen scored in Napoli’s 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League round of 16 to take his tally for the 2022/23 season to 20 and unlock the €130,000 bonus (N63.6m).


The Edo born striker has been instrumental in helping Napoli maintain their spot at the summit of Serie A and has scored 21 goals and four assists in 25 games for the Naples-based side this term.

The Napoli star has a clause in his contract that will see him receive an extra €130,000 if he scores 25 goals and an additional €130,000 if he scores 30 goals this season.


“He (Osimhen) has already hit his first contractual bonus, which included a €130,000 bonus upon reaching 20 goals. But at this rate, Victor risks making blows because the same figure starts at the 25th and also at the 30th goals,” La Gazzetta hello Sport stated in it’s report.


“Objectives that become decidedly within the reach of a great striker who has achieved these 21 goals in just 25 games. There are at least 15 challenges ahead and probably they can become 17, dreaming of being able to reach 20, which would mean going to play the Champions League final in Istanbul.”

Osimhen has scored in each of his last eight Serie A appearances, and has 19 goals in 20 league matches.

He could help deliver the first Scudetto for the Partenopei in over three decades.

“Chinese Lab behind the COVID outbreak” – US says

The virus that causes COVID-19 most likely leaked from a Chinese laboratory, according to a classified US report based on new intelligence and recently sent to the White House and key members of Congress.

The stunning revelation by the US Energy Department comes more than a year after the FBI concluded a lab accident in China was the origin of the disease, which has killed more than 6.8 million people around the world, including 1.1 million in the US.


The FBI’s decision was made with “moderate confidence” and remains the bureau’s opinion, said The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the Energy Department’s own finding on Sunday, February 26.


But the judgment is considered important because the Energy Department which oversees the American nuclear weapons program  runs a network of national labs and has a great deal of scientific expertise, the Journal said.

"Chinese laboratory leak likely behind COVID outbreak" - US reveals three years after first covid-19 outbreak

Both agencies (Energy department and  FBI) arrived at their conclusions for different reasons, with the sources declining to detail the new intelligence cited by the Energy Department.

In response to the Journal’s report, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said, “There is a variety of views in the intelligence community” and that the origin of COVID-19 remained under investigation.


“Here’s what I can tell you: President Biden has directed, repeatedly, every element of our intelligence community to put effort and resources behind getting to the bottom of this question,” Sullivan told CNN’s “State of the Union.”


“And if we gain any further insight or information, we will share it with Congress, and we will share it with the American people. But right now, there is not a definitive answer that has emerged from the intelligence community on this question.”

The report is reportedly less than five pages long, and it’s unclear whether an unclassified version will be made public.

Last year, US Senate Republicans released an interim report that found the virus most likely leaked out of a Chinese lab and that ” the hypothesis of a natural zoonotic origin no longer deserves the benefit of the doubt or the presumption of accuracy.”

2023 Presidential Elections: Peter Obi defeats Tinubu in Lagos

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP Peter Obi has defeated the presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Lagos, his home state.

According to the results declared, Obi polled 582,664 while Tinubu scored 541,850.


Although, the APC candidate won more local government areas, Obi defeated Tinubu with the majority of the votes cast in the state.

All the results of the 20 local governments have been declared. Tinubu won in 11 while Obi won in nine local governments.

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See the results below.

Lagos State
Presidential Election
1) Agege LGA Lagos
APC 29,568
LP 13,270
NNPP 1513
PDP 4498


2) Badagry LGA Lagos
APC 31,903
LP 10,956
NNPP 153
PDP 6,024

Meanwhile the LP agent collation agent alleged that the LG agent was asked to sign the result at gunpoint


3) Ikeja LGA
APC 21,276
LP 30,004
NNPP 337
PDP 2280


4) Ibeju Lekki Lagos
APC 14, 685
LP 10,410
NNPP 104
PDP 2,329


5) IKORODU LGA
Registered voters – 364,072
Accredited voters – 89, 414
APC – 50, 353
LP – 28, 951
NNPP – 400
PDP – 4508
Valid votes – 84,096
Rejected votes – 3, 892

Labour Party Chairman, Lagos Dayo Ekon claimed it was 29,22 LP against the 28,951 recorded votes.


6) Epe LGA
APC: 19,867
PDP: 5,221
LP:3,497
NNPP: 76
7) Lagos Mainland
APC: 20,030
LP: 18,698
PDP: 3002


8) Amuwo Odofin
Registered Voters – 325,230
Accredited Voters – 75,489
Total Valid Votes – 73,007
APC – 13,318
LP – 55,547
PDP – 2,383


9) Kosofe
Registered Voters – 474,772
Accredited Voters – 94,838
Total Valid Votes –
APC – 36,883
LP – 46,554
PDP – 4,058


10) Oshodi Isolo LGA
APC: 27, 181
LP: 51,020
NNPP: 413
PDP: 3,139


11) Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA
APC: 25, 938
LP: 35,863
NNPP: 436
PDP: 4,680


12) Ijaiye
APC: 30,756
LP: 25,437
NNPP: 232
PDP: 2,997


13) Surulere LGA
APC:39,002
LP:36,923
NNPP: 442
PDP: 2651

14) ALIMOSHO LG

APC – 62, 909


LP – 71,327

NNPP 701

PDP – 8,201

15) OJO LGA

APC – 20603


LP – 38859

PDP – 3701

SOURCE : INEC

US Casey King loses 600 pounds in life-changing transformation

A reality star who once weighed a whopping 845 pounds has dropped almost two-thirds of his body weight after spending the past four years on an intense exercise and diet plan.

Casey King, 38, underwent bariatric surgery back in 2019, with the procedure helping him to eventually shed 600 pounds.

The Georgia native appeared on the TLC reality series “Family By the Ton” that same year, where he was filmed naked because all clothes were too tight and restrictive.

“I will just eat till I’m dead,” King stated on the show, “A normal day for me is to wake up around 12, figure out something I am going to eat immediately, [and then] TV, video games, bed. It’s not a lot of activity.”

Obese reality star Casey King loses 600 pounds in life-changing transformation

In the series, King claimed he was always a “big kid,” weighing 300 pounds by the time he finished high school. 

After graduation, he began working in restaurants and started eating even more. Several years later, he quit work and moved in with his dad, where his weight ballooned to an astonishing 845 pounds.

The whopping weight gain made it hard for him to undertake everyday activities — including bathing. King was forced to get clean in an outdoor trough on his father’s back deck because he was unable to fit into a regular-size shower or bath.

Obese reality star Casey King loses 600 pounds in life-changing transformation

“Because I am a bigger guy with, like, folds and flaps, I have to move around, almost like a pig in a way, and wallow and roll over to get the back of my leg. I have to lift up literal pieces of skin. It’s just a super difficult process,” King claimed.

He also admitted that he had to have his father help him wipe his bottom because he was unable to reach around to that area.

“I need his help a little bit to clean myself, you know, wiping just my a— because I can’t reach everything on my back, and I can’t reach everything below me,” he candidly confessed on the reality show.

During the series, he first met with surgeon Dr. Charles Procter Jr., but learned he needed to lose weight on his own before undergoing bariatric surgery.

Obese reality star Casey King loses 600 pounds in life-changing transformation

King’s mom helped him start the weight loss process, putting him on a healthier diet and making him move his enormous body.

King eventually went under a vertical sleeve gastrectomy to reduce the side of his stomach, which made him eat less.

Obese reality star Casey King loses 600 pounds in life-changing transformation

The surgery saw him drop from 700 pounds to 631 pounds, and he had continued to stick to his weight-loss regime over the past four years.

In November 2021, on his 37th birthday, King posted that he was down to 255 pounds. 

Obese reality star Casey King loses 600 pounds in life-changing transformation

“I’m the healthiest I’ve been since #highschool I’m the happiest I’ve been since #forever and I don’t know if I’ve ever felt more or #loved myself more,” he wrote in the caption. “5 pounds away from a weight I never really considered imaginable, I never saw even possible.”

Now, King is down to 250 pounds and wants to lose 25 more. He also wants to undergo surgery to remove the excess skin hanging from his stomach, chest and arms, with a friend starting a GoFundMe to raise money for the procedure.

The fundraiser had a goal of $15,000 and has currently raised almost $19,000.

United Nations tells Russian forces to leave Ukraine immediately

The U.N. General Assembly approved a nonbinding resolution Thursday February 23, that calls for Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces, sending a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the invasion that Moscow’s aggression against it’s neighbour must stop.

The resolution, drafted by Ukraine in consultation with its allies, passed 141-7, with 32 abstentions.


Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the vote was more evidence that not only the West (Europe and the US) backs his country in it’s fight against Russia.


“This vote defies the argument that the global south does not stand on Ukraine’s side,” Kuleba said. “Many countries representing Latin America, Africa, Asia voted in favor.”


US national security adviser Jake Sullivan called the vote “an overwhelming demonstration of support for Ukraine and a clear defense of freedom for people everywhere.”

The General Assembly has become the most important U.N. body dealing with Ukraine because the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security cannot carry out any actions due to Russia being a permanent members and carrying veto power.

General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, unlike Security Council resolutions.

The seven countries voting against Thursday’s resolution were Belarus, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Mali, which has developed close military ties with Russia.

Belarus tried to add some amendments that would have stripped much of the language but were resoundingly defeated by countries who voted against it.

The 193 member general assembly has held five vote since Russia sent troops and tanks across the border into its smaller neighbor on February 24, 2022.


Foreign ministers and diplomats from more than 75 countries addressed the assembly during two days of debate, with many urging support for the resolution that upholds Ukraine’s territorial integrity, a basic principle of the U.N. Charter that all countries must subscribe to when they join the world organization.


European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told reporters that the aggressor and the victim can’t be put on equal terms. But China’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Dai Bing, told the assembly Thursday: “We support Russia and Ukraine in moving towards each other. … The international community should make joint efforts to facilitate peace talks.”

China says it is neutral in the conflict and an advocate of peace talks, but has not criticized the invasion or described it as such. Beijing has condemned the U.S. and its allies over sanctions on Moscow and military assistance to Ukraine. China and Russia have increasingly aligned their foreign policies to oppose the U.S.-led international order.

The war has killed tens of thousands on both sides and has reduced entire Ukrainian cities to ruins and its impact has been felt worldwide in higher food and fuel costs and rising inflation.

Hon Chinyere Igwe, A Rivers state Politician arrested for Money laundering (photo)

Police Officers from Rivers State Command deployed to INEC Headquarters Aba Road, today February 24, at about 0245hrs, while on stop and search, arrested one Hon Chinyere Igwe, a member House of Representatives representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency with a cash sum of 498,100 USD inside a bag in his car.

A statement released by the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, says also recovered from the politician was a list for distribution of the money.

She added that the AIG Election, AIG Abutu Yaro fdc has ordered swift interrogation and arraignment in court.

“The Command urges all contestants and political parties to comply strictly with provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws.

Members of the public are encouraged to avail themselves of the following hotlines to report any observation they believe have potential to lead to crime or break down of law and order: 08032003514, 08098880134.” the statement read

Thousands of uncollected PVCs dumped in Anambra forest

Two hunters, whose names have not been ascertained, have discovered a bag full of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, in a forest in Nnewi, Anambra State four days before Saturday’s general election

It was gathered that the hunters on Tuesday later took the bag from Akamili community, in Nnewi to the premises of a popular radio station, Authority FM.


According to Daily Post, the Station manager of Authority FM, Charles Ede, said he was off duty when the cards were brought, but his staff members reported the incident to him.

Ede said, “I was off duty when the incident happened, but one of my staff members received the hunters when they came. I will send you his number.”

A video of the PVCs, which was made in the compound of the radio station in Nnewi, which has been trending online showed that most of the PVCs belonged to people of the area.

The radio station’s staff, who ran a short commentary on the video, urged those who were yet to get their PVCs to come to the premises of the FM to check if they can find theirs.

Man nabbed With N100,000 Fake New Naira Notes In Ekiti

One Celestine Nwoha has been arrested with no fewer than a hundred thousand fake Naira notes (N100,000) at a community in Ekiti State.

Naija News learnt that men of the Western Nigeria Security Network code-named Amotekun arrested the 50-year-old man.

It was gathered that the man had come into the community spending the notes before he was reported to the local security operatives who arrested him in Omuo-Ekiti, in the Ekiti East Local Government Area of the state.


Confirming his arrest while addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti, the commander of the corps, Retired Brigadier Joe Komolafe, said, ”The suspect went to a local area in Omuo and started spending the money before we got a hint and went after him.

“He said he specializes in buying kola and bitter kola, saying he was also paid with cash in Lagos.

“On interrogation, he confessed to the crime and said he was given N250,000 from a factory in Lagos, but only N100,000 was found with him as he had spent some.”

Komolafe said the command would hand him over to the police for further investigation. The Amotekun commander urged members of the public to be careful, especially during the current cash crunch, so as not to fall victim.

Singaporean woman working with ‘Nigerian love scammer’ sentenced to 15 months imprisonment

A Singaporean woman who was recruited by a Malaysia-based Nigerian love scammer, Awolola Oladayo Opeyemi, has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for her role in the scam. 

32-year-old Suhaili Suparjo fell in love with Opeyemi and had a daughter with him. Persuaded by him and “blinded by love”, she acted as his money mule and laundered more than S$356,000 in criminal proceeds for him. 

She was sentenced on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Singapore, after pleading guilty to two counts of helping to retain benefits from criminal conduct, under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.

Another four charges were taken into consideration.

The court heard that Suhaili was recruited by Opeyemi, who was a member of a Nigerian criminal group carrying out scams worldwide while based in Malaysia.

In December 2021, Opeyemi, then 37, was sentenced in a Singapore district court to five years’ jail after he pleaded guilty to three counts of working with others to receive the benefits of criminal conduct linked to more than $550,000 in loses.

Opeyemi was sentenced alongside another Nigerian, Awolola Gbolahan Ayobami. He also recruited Norhafiza Samsudin, who also bore him a child. 

Ayobami, who admitted to two counts of working with others to receive the benefits of criminal conduct linked to $150,000 in losses, was ordered to spend four years and two months behind bars. 

Opeyemi targeted Suhaili as part of a love scam, cultivating a romantic relationship with her.

He then got Suhaili to act as his money mule. She would receive cash in person and through her bank accounts.

When Suhaili’s POSB bank account was frozen following police investigations into love scams, she allowed Awolola to use her OCBC bank account to receive funds.

Between June and August of 2017, the account was used to receive a total of S$255,935 from four victims in Singapore, Canada and Macau.

Every now and then, Suhaili would withdraw money from her account before travelling to Malaysia to pass the cash to Awolola, who never stepped foot in Singapore.

Awolola and another scammer were arrested in Malaysia in 2019 and later handed over to Singapore, in what was the first time that love scam suspects based overseas were arrested and brought to Singapore for prosecution.

The prosecutor called for 15 months’ jail for Suhaili.

Suhaili’s lawyer, Ms Yamuna Balakrishnan of Abdul Rahman Law, said her client met Awolola on Facebook in late 2016.

He said he was a student at a college in Kuala Lumpur and lived there on a student pass.

Suhaili agreed to befriend Awolola as she was intrigued by the fact that a man of a different nationality was taking interest in her, said the lawyer.

His Facebook account appeared legitimate, with images of himself and his social lifestyle flooding his social media.

Suhaili grew closer to Awolola, texting, calling and video-calling him. She liked the attention he gave her as well as his “sweet gestures”, which were “a far cry from the many men she had dated or met”, said Ms Yamuna.

They later met at Johor Bahru City Square to have milkshakes and doughnuts and Suhaili thought Awolola was her “dream guy”, said the lawyer.

Blinded by her “newfound fairy-tale love”, Suhaili was ready to defy her mother’s wishes and live with Awolola in Malaysia.

She was later introduced to Awolola’s friends as his girlfriend. His friends said it was the first time he introduced a woman to them and said he was indeed in love and serious.

Around February or March 2017, Suhaili discovered that she was pregnant. Awolola was happy with the pregnancy and told Suhaili to keep the baby.

He said he would do anything to marry Suhaili, including converting to Islam, said Ms Yamuna.

She said Awolola accompanied Suhaili to every medical check-up in Malaysia.

Awolola began asking to use Suhaili’s bank account to transfer and withdraw money, that he said was from an overseas friend.

Ms Yamuna said that Suhaili acted in accordance with Awolola’s instructions, including giving cover-up stories to Singaporean police for the illegal transactions.

After she found out about the crimes, Suhaili continued to help Awolola.

According to her lawyer, this was because Awolola would gaslight her by screaming: “If you choose to leave me, you will end up being a single mum and raise this child alone.”

Ms Yamuna claimed that Suhaili tried to reject Awolola’s request on one occasion, but Awolola pushed the heavily pregnant woman to the ground.

In September 2017, Suhaili went into labour and fainted at Customs and gave birth to a slightly premature daughter.

Her lawyer said Awolola had been an absent father and had not assisted Suhaili financially in raising the child.

Suhaili did not gain a dime from the crimes, argued the lawyer.

After Awolola was sentenced to jail, he sent Suhaili a message on Facebook saying he was serving his sentence.

He asked for forgiveness but Suhaili no longer wanted to be deceived by him and ignored him, said Ms Yamuna.

She asked for a year’s jail, saying a lengthy sentence would have a devastating effect on Suhaili’s daughter, who relies solely on Suhaili.

The judge allowed Suhaili to defer her jail term to March, 2023. 

Singaporean woman who had a child with Nigerian love scammer sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for helping to launder $356,000
Singaporean woman who had a child with Nigerian love scammer sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for helping to launder $356,000
Singaporean woman who had a child with Nigerian love scammer sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for helping to launder $356,000

2023 Presidential Election: ‘There will be no cash to buy votes’ —INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the 2023 elections would hold without bags of money at the polling units, assuring that this would be witnessed during Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly polls.

The Head of Voters Education, INEC Rivers State, Mark Osulo, made this known yesterday at a National Roundtable entitled “Roadmap to a Credible and Violence Free 2023 General Elections” organized in Port Harcourt by Equity International Initiative (EII).

The electoral officer explained that Saturday’s election would be free and fair because the new monetary policy of the Federal Government had saved the process of vote buying in the history of Nigerian politics.

His words: “I assure you that the election is going to be free and fair. There will be no vote buying. It is going in tandem with our plans with stakeholders.

“There will be no money to buy votes. We are going to experience an election without vote buying. There will be no money to buy votes.

INEC also stated that it had concluded plans to conduct credible elections in Rivers State, advising all candidates and politicians to abide by its rules of the process to achieve a democratic society.

Vladmir Putin issues new nuclear threats as he backs Out of Nuclear treaty with US

Russia has suspended its participation in the New START treaty, said Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in a speech to the Federal Assembly and members of the Russian political elite on Monday, Feb. 21.


The nuclear arms reduction treaty between the U.S. and Russia was signed in 2010 in Prague, and the treaty limits the size and composition of the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals. Russia and US have the world’s largest nuclear warheads – Over 6000, and with this suspension by the kremlin, the only agreement between both countries is the “arms control.”

Putin said that Russia would not allow the U.S. or NATO countries to inspect its nuclear arsenal, adding that a week ago he signed a decree putting new strategic ground-based systems of nuclear missiles on combat duty. He also said that Russia is prepared to test nuclear weapons if the U.S. carries out tests.

The statement adds to a list of nuclear threats that Russia has made since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Putin also threatened that, “the more long-range Western systems will come to Ukraine, the further we will be forced to move the threat away from our borders.”


Ukraine has been asking the West to provide it with long-range missile systems to be able to hit Russian military targets deep behind the front line. The West has so far been reluctant about supplying such weapons, fearing that Ukraine would attack Russian territory.

Putin said in his speech that “the goal of the West is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, to end us once and for all. We will respond accordingly because we are talking about the existence of our country.”


Putin declared that Russia has not had to seek economic aid from its allies despite the Western sanctions.

Putin praised the Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine, saying that he wanted to “bow down” to the relatives of soldiers and those engaged in the war effort. He added that soldiers would have a “regular vacation of at least 14 days at least once every six months,” excluding travel time.


According to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Russia has lost more than 144,000 soldiers in Ukraine as of Feb. 21, 2023.

2023 Presidential Election Is Between Tinubu and Peter Obi – Smart Adeyemi

The Senator representing the Kogi West constituency, Smart Adeyemi, has stressed that the 2023 presidential election on February 25 is between the presidential candidates of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, and the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Smart Adeyemi who picked up the Kogi State governorship nomination form on Monday from the APC National Secretariat stressed that the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar does not stand a chance in the election.

After deciding to run for governor in the Kogi gubernatorial election set for November 11, 2023, Adeyemi told the press that the 2023 presidential election is a two-horse race between the two candidates from Southern Nigeria.

The former national president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), who gave this assessment, commended the 19 Northern APC Governors for insisting that the centre of power must shift to the south.

In his evaluation of the anticipated performances of the presidential candidates, the Kogi State governorship candidate disregarded the PDP candidate, belittled the chances of Peter Obi, and stressed that Tinubu stands a better chance of winning the elections.

He said: “Why will anybody ask you to vote for Atiku? Was he not in charge of privatization? Was he not the one who sold out assets to non-performing companies? All those who do not know the history will be shouting Atiku. Atiku is not in the equation.

“Northern Governors in the APC insisted on a power shift to save Nigeria from the crisis. History will forever be kind to them. This election is between Asiwaju and Obi. Atiku is not in the race. Atiku cannot be in the race.”

He added: “They brought this redesigning of our currency to ridicule APC. Asiwaju creates wealth. Atiku sold our wealth and resources. I pity Peter Obi because politics is the way you are seeing it. Just yesterday, the entire Labour Party structure in the Northwest collapsed its structure for the APC. So, how is he going to win the election? Maybe he is a man for the future but in this election, the strength is not there.

“It is beyond street politics. I am from Kogi. There is no Labour Party presence in my constituency. Winning an election is about strategic thinking and planning not about talking too much

“I am supporting Asiwaju and Shettima not because they are APC but because of their records and contemporary issues in the Nigerian nation.”

Angry Crowd ‘Takes Over’ CBN Office In Lagos

Crowd ‘Takes Over’ CBN Office In Lagos

There is currently a large crowd at the office of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Marina, Lagos.

The crowd consists of persons trying to swap old currencies in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his national broadcast on Wednesday, Buhari declared that old N500 and N1000 notes had ceased being legal tender, directing Nigerians to take the notes to the CBN and designated places.

He also ordered the CBN to recirculate old N200 notes until April 10.


Criticisms followed Buhari’s comment, especially from some governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).


Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state had said old N500 and N1000 notes remain legal tender in his state until Supreme Court rules otherwise.


Meanwhile, officials are struggling to control the crowd at the Lagos CBN office. At a point, they asked the depositors to take the old notes to their commercial banks, but the people rejected it.

Commenting on the situation, a social media user identified as Malik said his brother got to CBN in Marina around 6am in the morning and he was number 420 in the queue.

He said it was also difficult for many persons to generate the code needed for depositing money on CBN website.

18 Nigerian Nurses involved in ‘Nursing certificate forgery scandal’ in the US

The Texas Board of Nursing has filed charges against 18 nurses from Nigeria residing in Texas, the United States for obtaining educational credentials through fraudulent means.

In a statement on its website, the Board published 23 names of persons indicted with fake certificates of which 18 of them were Nigerians. The board in its statement said an investigation carried out showed that the suspects were caught in a grand fraudulent diploma/transcript scheme. The board explained that the suspects procured fraudulent nursing credentials which they used to sit for the national nursing board exam. It added that the formal charges filed against the offenders are not a final disciplinary action, therefore, they are permitted to work pending the outcome of the charges.

The statement read

“The Board has filed Formal Charges against the following nurses for fraudulently obtaining educational credentials. The Board is authorized to file Formal Charges against a nurse if probable cause exists that the nurse has committed an act listed in Tex. Occ. Code §301.452(b) or that violates other law. See Tex. Occ. Code §301.458. Further, Formal Charges are publicly available. See Tex. Occ. Code §301.466(b).

Please note that Formal Charges are not a final disciplinary action, and a nurse is permitted to work, as a nurse, while Formal Charges are pending.”

The Nigerians indicted include Abiodun Yetunde Felicia; Adelakun Abiodun Aveez; Adelekan Joseph Adewale; Adeoye Vivien Temitope; Adewale Modinat Abidemi; Afolabi, Olufemi Toun; Afolabi Omowunmi F; Agbo Odumegwu Steve; Ajibade Charlot Omotayo, Akande Olabisi Christiana; Akhigbe Catherine; Akinrolabu, Folasade Margaret; Ako Esiri Rachael; Akpan Rosemary Moses; Alimi Bukola A; Ani Ndirika Justina; Aroh Nchekwube C.; and Ayodeji Sherifat Olubunmi.

Other non-Nigerian nurses named in the scandal are Abanda Jacob Atambili; Addai Agnes Fosuah; Anaaba Awingrug Musah; Anthony-Annor, and Spendilove; Asanga, Albert Nshanui.

“This list will be updated continuously as the Board receives additional information about the fraudulent diploma/transcript scheme,” the statement added.

18 Nigerian nurses involved in fake certificate scandal in the US

2023: Bishop Oyedepo tells Nigerians the Presidential candidate to vote for

The founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners), Bishop David Oyedepo, has told Nigerians the kind of presidential candidate to vote for in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Oyedepo urged Nigerians to analyse every contestant’s antecedents and service record critically before voting to ensure they enthrone credible leadership.

The clergyman made the call on Thursday while speaking at a three-day fasting and prayer programme for a hitch-free general election in the country.

Oyedepo, also the chancellor of the Covenant University, Ota, urged Nigerians to scrutinise the character and capacity of those seeking their votes before making decisions.

“The presidential election is just a few days away. We are believing God for a hitch-free exercise. We should all do our parts to ensure a credible exercise,” he said.

The Winners’ spiritual head explained that every political party or tribe in the country has people with the requisite qualifications to lead the nation.

“There is also no political party or tribe in the country without incompetent and character-deficient individuals. No tribe is indecent. We only have indecent people in every tribe, religion, and political party,” Oyedepo explained.

He urged Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion, to defend the nation’s democracy, unity and national integrity.

“It is our collective duty to secure the future of our children and the posterity of our great nation. Democracy provides us an open access for any candidate notwithstanding their political party, tribe or religion,” Oyedepo added.

Finnish Prime Minister orders Simon Ekpa to recant, revoke no-election threat or be arrested for int’l terrorism

The Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Mirella Marin, has ordered former Radio Biafra anchorman, Barrister Simon Ekpa, to recant and withdraw her orders to stop election in South East region or face arrest for international terrorism.

Read the letter personally signed by the Prime Minister of Finland below:

Ekpa

SPEECH: Buhari’s nationwide address, autorizes the use of N200 notes

President Muhammadu Buhari has authorised the use of the old N200 as legal tender until April 10, 2023.

The President announced this during a speech to Nigerians on Thursday morning.


See the full text below;

My Dear Compatriots,


I have found it necessary to address you today, on the state of the nation and to render account on the efforts of our administration to sustain and strengthen our economy, enhance the fight against corruption and sustain our gains in the fight against terrorism and insecurity which has, undoubtedly, been impacted by several internal and external factors.


2. Particularly, I am addressing you, as your democratically elected President, to identify with you and express my sympathy, over the difficulties being experienced as we continue the implementation of new monetary policies, aimed at boosting our economy and tightening of the loopholes associated with money laundering.

3. Let me re-assure Nigerians, that strengthening our economy, enhancing security and blockage of leakages associated with illicit financial flows remain top priority of our administration. And I shall remain committed to my oath of protecting and advancing the interest of Nigerians and the nation, at all times.

4. In the last quarter of 2022, I authorised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the N200, N500, and N1000 Nigerian banknotes.

5. For a smooth transition, I similarly approved that the redesigned banknotes should circulate concurrently with the old bank notes, till 31 January 2023, before the old notes, cease to be legal tender.

6. In appreciation of the systemic and human difficulties encountered during implementation and in response to the appeal of all citizens, an extension of ten days was authorized till 10th February, 2023 for the completion of the process. All these activities are being carried out within the ambit of the Constitution, the relevant law under the CBN Act 2007 and in line with global best practices.


7. Fellow citizens, while I seek your understanding and patience during this transient phase of implementation, I feel obliged to avail you a few critical points underpinning the policy decision. These include:

a. The need to restore the statutory ability of the CBN to keep a firm control over money in circulation. In 2015 when this administration commenced its first term, Currency-in-Circulation was only N1.4 trillion.

b. The proportion of currency outside banks grew from 78%in 2015 to 85% in 2022. As of October 2022, therefore, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion; out of which only N500 billion was within the Banking System while N2.7 trillion remained permanently outside the system; thereby distorting the financial policy and efficient management of inflation;

c. The huge volume of Bank Notes outside the banking system has proven to be practically unavailable for economic activities and by implication, retard the attainment of potential economic growth;

d. Economic growth projections make it imperative for government to aim at expanding financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population; and

e. Given the prevailing security situation across the country, which keeps improving, it also becomes compelling for government to deepen its continuing support for security agencies to successfully combat banditry and ransom-taking in Nigeria

8. Notwithstanding the initial setbacks experienced, the evaluation and feedback mechanism set up has revealed that gains have emerged from the policy initiative.

9. I have been reliably informed that since the commencement of this program, about N2.1 trillion out of the banknotes previously held outside the banking system, had been successfully retrieved.

10. This represents about 80% of such funds. In the short to medium and long terms, therefore, it is expected that there would be:

a. A strengthening of our macroeconomic parameters;

b. Reduction of broad money supply leading to a deceleration of the velocity of money in the economy which should result in less pressures on domestic prices;

c. Lowering of Inflation as a result of the accompanying decline in money supply that will slow the pace of inflation;

d. Collapse of Illegal Economic Activities which would help to stem corruption and acquisition of money through illegal ways;

e. Exchange Rate stability;

f. Availability of Easy Loans and lowering of interest rates; and

g. Greater visibility and transparency of our financial actions translating to efficient enforcement of our anti-money laundering legislations.

11. I am not unaware of the obstacles placed on the path of innocent Nigerians by unscrupulous officials in the banking industry, entrusted with the process of implementation of the new monetary policy. I am deeply pained and sincerely sympathise with you all, over these unintended outcomes.

12. To stem this tide, I have directed the CBN to deploy all legitimate resources and legal means to ensure that our citizens are adequately educated on the policy; enjoy easy access to cash withdrawal through availability of appropriate amounts of currency; and ability to make deposits.

“Nigerians in diaspora can’t vote” — Court says

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday declined to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to allow Nigerians in diaspora participate in the forthcoming general elections.


The court, in a judgement delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, held that existing laws in the country didn’t permit INEC to include citizens in diaspora in the database of eligible voters for the election.

According to the court, by the provisions of Sections 77 (2) and 117 (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the right to vote was reserved for every citizen of Nigeria that has attained the age of 18 years and who is residing in the country at the time of registration of voters for the purpose of election.


Justice Ekwo noted that there was a lacuna in the Constitution that ought to be filled to guarantee the right of citizens outside the shores of the country to vote.

It will be recalled that Nigerians in diaspora had sued President Muhammadu Buhari and INEC, insisting they must be allowed to participate in the 2023 general elections.

The plaintiffs, who told the court that they are resident in the United Kingdom and various parts of the world, prayed the court to halt further preparations for the elections, pending their inclusion in INEC’s database.

They contended that the continued refusal of the electoral body to create room for them to participate in general elections, amounted to gross violation of their fundamental rights.

The suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/ CS/2119/2022, was brought by two plaintiffs, Chikwe Nkemnacho and Kenneth Azubuike Nkemnacho, both of whom are resident in the UK.

the plaintiffs, among other things, prayed the court to declare that they were entitled to participate in the electoral process by being registered to vote in 2023 and in all elections wherever they are domiciled worldwide, in line with sections 13, 14, 42 and 17 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.


As well as a declaration that there was sufficient time for INEC to include them in its database.

Cited as 1st to 4th defendants in the matter were; the INEC and its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, President Buhari and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his judgement, Justice Ekwo held that the Constitution was specific that only citizens “residing in Nigeria”, could vote in an election.

“Vote any candidate of your choice” – IPOB tells Igbos

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asked all Igbos who desire to participate in the general elections, to vote for any candidate of their choice.

The group made this known in a statement released by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, on Wednesday, February 15.

Powerful was reacting to a threat issued via an audio by an alleged community leader in Lagos state saying those who fail to vote for a certain party in the forthcoming elections will not be allowed to do business in the locale.

According to the Nnamdi Kanu-led self-determination group, while referendum to determine whether the Igbos will continue with Nigeria or not is its interest, anyone from the South-East in any part of the country has the right to vote for any candidate of their choice.

Any Biafran (Igbo) who wants to vote in this election has the right to vote for any party or candidate of his/her choice, and nobody should direct or threaten them to vote a particular party in their community or state,? IPOB’s statement in part read

Over 73 migrants ‘presumed dead’ after boat sinks off Libya coast (video)

At least 73 migrants are reported missing and presumed dead after an inflatable rubber boat sunk off the coast of Libya, the UN’s International Organization for Migration said.

The boat, crammed with around 80 migrants, reportedly departed from the village of Qasr al-Akhyar, 80 kilometers (50 miles) east of the capital, Tripoli, and was headed to Europe before the boat wrecked on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. 

The UN migration agency said that “seven survivors who made it back to Libyan shores in extremely dire conditions are currently in the hospital”.

Libya Red Crescent (Al-Khums Branch) jointly with the police have recovered 11 bodies that washed ashore in Qasr Al-Akhya area.

The dead included one woman and 10 men, said IOM spokesperson Safa Msehli. 

Qasr al-Akhyar officials shared footage online showing Libya’s Red Crescent workers handling corpses washed ashore. The footage also showed the ruined inflatable rubber boat. It was not immediately clear what happened to the rubber boat.



The central Mediterranean remains the world’s deadliest migratory sea crossing.

The latest tragedy brings the numbers of deaths there since the beginning of this year alone to 130, IOM said.

According to the agency’s Missing Migrants Project, more than 1,450 migrant deaths were recorded on that route in 2022.

And more than 17,000 deaths and disappearances have been recorded there since 2014.

“This situation is intolerable. Concrete action by states is needed to increase search and rescue capacity, establish clear and safe disembarkation mechanisms as well as safe and regular pathways to migration to reduce dangerous journeys.” IOM said. 

At least 73 migrants
At least 73 migrants
At least 73 migrants
At least 73 migrants
At least 73 migrants
At least 73 migrants
At least 73 migrants
At least 73 migrants
At least 73 migrants

CBN opens Web Portal for deposition of old naira notes

The Central Bank of Nigeira, CBN has opened a portal for Nigerians to to deposit the old Naira notes by filling up forms.

This development comes after the adjournment of the case on the legality of the February 10, 2023 deadline for the Naira Swap to February 22 by the Supreme Court.


The Supreme Court adjourned the case till February 22, 2023, and ordered that the old Naira notes remain legal tender until it sits next week Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the portal for depositing old Naira notes has opened up on the Central Bank’s official website.

CBN

On the portal, which is on cbn.gov.ng, depositors are required to fill in their Bank Verification Number (BVN), phone number, email address, bank details, address, the amount to be deposited as well as the denominations to be deposited, after which a reference number is generated.

A guideline on the deposit of the old N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes commenced on Wednesday afternoon and is expected to run till Friday, February 17.

To deposit their old notes at the CBN branches, customers would be required to have a completed online application form, copy of valid means of identification, and a completed teller. Once the account is verified, the equivalent of the cash would then be deposited in the customer’s bank account.

“The CBN Branches do not open accounts for individuals. As such, Individuals who wish to deposit their old, redesigned notes must have an active account with a Deposit Money Bank (Commercial Bank).

“Individuals who wish to deposit their old, redesigned notes are required to be orderly and comply with the instructions of the security personnel and other staff when in the Bank’s premises. if validation turns out negative, the Bank will return the unvalidated old, redesigned notes in the form deposited,” the guideline reads.

Oshiomhole Corrects Tinubu As He Raises Up His Hands During National Anthem – [Video]

Former Governor of Edo State, Adam Oshiomhole, swiftly came to the ‘rescue’ of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, when he unconsciously raised up his hands while singing the national anthem in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital yesterday.

There was a mild drama yesterday in Port Harcourt when the APC flagbearer subconsciously raised up his two hands, holding a staff while other party chieftains, including his running mate, Kashim Shettima, kept a straight face reciting the national anthem.

Oshiomhole noticed the blunder and did not hesitate to call the APC presidential candidate to order during the campaign rally aired on national television.

Watch the video clip below as aired on TVC News

Teenager girl allegedly buried her newborn baby alive

A teenage girl identified simply as Bright, buried her newborn baby alive in a shallow grave she dug in a garden inside a compound a few minutes after delivery in Ifa Ikot Okpon community, Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state.

The 18-year-old girl, who did not want the baby after giving birth, was said to have committed the crime on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.


Speaking to Premium Times, the girl who lives with her parents in a rented apartment, claimed that she did not know she was pregnant until the moment she gave birth.

However, from what her father, Okon Ekpenyong and others, who are familiar with the incident, said, it appears she lied.

“My body was paining me. All of a sudden, I now fell down here (pointing at the garden where she buried the baby), I saw a baby coming out of my body. I started crying,” she said, sobbing.


“The baby was dead. I was unconscious. I dug a small place to keep the baby until my mother comes back, so I can show her,? she added.

When asked why she didn’t take the baby inside the house instead of keeping her in that place, she replied thus; “I didn’t know what to do,”

“I was in shock when I gave birth,” she responded, again.” There was no one to tell me what.”

In the garden where the baby was buried, there was a white piece of cloth stained with blood discarded at the edge of the tiny grave. Near it, there was a leaf from a plantain tree, which Bright had used to cover the baby while inside the grave.

“Two people who witnessed the incident faulted Bright’s claim that the baby was already dead before she buried it.


A co-tenant in the compound, Matthew, said the baby was still alive before Bright buried it.

“The baby was crying,? he said.

Besides, Matthew said Bright dug the grave a previous day, not on the day she gave birth.

A midwife, Elizabeth Okon, who lives in the community, corroborated Matthew’s claim that the baby was still alive before it was buried.

She said a man who is the caretaker of the compound got attracted by the baby’s cry and called to inform her (the midwife) about the incident.

Mrs Okon said, because she was among the first responders, she took the baby out of the shallow grave, cleaned her up a bit, and hurried to the roadside to take her to the hospital.

“Keke (commercial tricycle riders) refused to collect the old naira notes, and that kept us for several hours on the road until the baby eventually died. I had examined the baby before then, it was still breathing,” she said.

As of 2:30 p.m., the baby’s corpse was still kept in the compound which belongs to the late village head of the community. By then, curious residents had gathered in front of the gate because of the incident.

Bright’s father, Mr Ekpenyong, disclosed that his daughter ran away from home a few days ago when he and his wife suspected she was pregnant and they wanted to take her out for a checkup.

When the publication asked Bright to respond to her father’s claim, she said she went to a church to look for a midwife who could help her with the pregnancy, clearly contradicting her previous claim that she was unaware she was pregnant until the very moment she gave birth.

Bright said a man named Ezekiel, who lives in the community, was responsible for the pregnancy. She said her parents had been seeing the boy whenever he visited her.

Mr Effiong said he and his wife were unaware that their daughter was pregnant until some three days ago or so.

“It was on Sunday that I suspected she was pregnant. I noticed the changes in her body. She told me and the mum that there was nothing wrong with her,” said Mr Effiong, who said he works as a labourer on a farm.

Fulani Leaders Endorse Tinubu For President

Leaders of Fulani communities (Ardos) from across the country under the agesis of Fulbe United for Peace and Development have endorsed the presidential bid of the presidential candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Special Assistant to the APC Presidential Candidate on Media and Publicity, the leaders converged on Abuja on Sunday.

He quoted them as saying as leaders of Fulani ethnic nationality, they were satisfied with the antecedents of Tinubu and his plans for Nigeria.

At the event, which was held in conjunction with a socio-political group, Arewa New Agenda, the group said it would use its 33,661 members to mobilize millions of their members to vote for Tinubu in the presidential poll.


Addressing the gathering after performing the kolanut-sharing tradition, leader of the group, Ardo Aliyu Liman Bobboi, said with the sharing of the kola, the leaders would go back with the message to their people on the decision reached at the meeting.


He said the gathering was an avenue to underscore their support, trust in his leadership qualities and capacity to administer the country effectively if he emerges victorious at the poll.


According to him, the Ardos, as leaders of the people, have final say on the position of their people and would follow it to the latter to ensure compliance.

Liman, who made reference to Tinubu’s Fulani associates who accompanied him to the meeting, including Governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Abubakar Badaru of Kano and Jigawa states, respectively, and pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, expressed optimism that the Tinubu led presidency would ensure the well-being of the Fulani ethnic nationality in Nigeria.

The group also conferred on Tinubu the title of “Barkindo” (the blessed one) which they described as a revered title among the Fulani.

Ganduje who spoke glowingly of Tinubu’s leadership qualities described the Fulani people, who have cohabited peaceably with their fellow Nigerians, as an endangered specie that deserve to be catered for and protected in the years ahead.

Speaking at the event, the APC presidential candidate, who reminisced the cordial relationship between his late mother Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, himself and Fulani inhabitants of Lagos State over the years, expressed gratitude for the show of love and support for his ambition.

He reiterated his commitment to creating an enabling environment where Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds shall cohabit and live peaceably with one another without let or hindrances.

Tinubu said: “Prior to this day I never thought I would meet a Fulani man who speaks better Yoruba. That is very wonderful.

“This is the Nigeria that we want, we expect Nigeria to be united with one voice, sharing of culture and belief in each other. I want to tell you if we stay here for the next five hours it’s the same story you would be hearing from me. Thank Almighty Allah.

“We have had problems with herders. But I guarantee you today that the problem would be solved permanently. The blueprint is almost ready. We will plan with it. The world is fair and good for all of us.


“We have to live in peace not only because of today but because of our children and grandchildren.

“What we learn about the Fulanis is their simplicity and commitment to promises. “When they give you commitment you get it. I hope I can transfer the blood , spirit that I got from you to my grandchildren for the unity stability and peace of Nigeria. You know you are in my heart. We will make Nigeria great. And we will make the name Fulani a very respectable name.”

‘No Election will be held in 240 polling units’ – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Monday, Feb. 13, that elections will not hold in about 240 polling units across 28 States of the federation.

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this when he addressed members of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja ahead of the elections.

He explained that the affected polling units have no registered voter.

He said with the exclusion of the 240 polling units, election will take place in about 176,606 polling units across the country.

Yakubu said: There are 240 polling units without registered voters spread across 28 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They range from one polling unit to 12 polling units in each State and the FCT, except Taraba and Imo States with 34 and 38 polling units respectively.

No new registrants chose the polling units and no voters indicated interest to transfer to them during the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), mainly for security reasons. This means that no elections will hold in these polling units.

The Commission also warned that it will not accept a situation where two or more party agents report to the polling units and caused confusion. INEC added that any agent found to be engaged in such act will be arrested and prosecuted.

Turkish Govt to arrests building contractors as earthquake kills over 33,000 people

The Turkish government has arrested and started legal proceedings against contractors allegedly linked with buildings that collapsed in the deadly February 6 earthquakes which has now claimed over 33,000 lives in Turkey and neighboring Syria.

The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 quakes that struck nine hours apart in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria rose to 33,185 and is certain to increase as search teams find more bodies.


The death toll in Syria?s northwestern rebel-held region has reached 2,166, according to the rescue group, the White Helmets. The overall death toll in Syria stood at 3,553 on Saturday, although the 1,387 deaths reported for government-held parts of the country hadn?t been updated in days. Turkey?s death toll was 29,605 as of Sunday.

Rescuers found more survivors in the rubble Sunday February 12, including a pregnant woman and two children,

Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said 131 people were under investigation for their alleged responsibility in the construction of buildings that failed to withstand the quakes. While the quakes were powerful, many in Turkey blame faulty construction for increasing th death rate from the quakes.


Turkey?s Justice Ministry announced the establishment of Earthquake Crimes Investigation bureaus to identify contractors and others responsible for building works. It would gather evidence; instruct experts including architects, geologists and engineers; and check building permits and occupation permits.


A contractor was detained on Friday at Istanbul airport before he could leave the country. He built a luxury 12-story building called Ronesans Rezidans in Antakya, and when it fell, it killed an untold number. He was formally arrested Saturday.


In leaked testimony published by Anadolu, the man said the building followed regulations and he did not know why it didn?t stay standing. His lawyer suggested his client was a scapegoat.

Under programs that allowed building owners to pay fines instead of bringing them up to code, the government agency responsible for enforcement acknowledged in 2019 that over half of all buildings in Turkey ? accounting for some 13 million apartments? were not in compliance.


There are 34,717 Turkish personnel involved in rescue efforts according to AP news. On Sunday, Turkey?s Foreign Ministry said they were joined by 9,595 personnel from 74 countries, with more on the way.

‘Why I called Peter Obi an opportunist’ – Seun Kuti

Seun Kuti, the Afrobeat singer, has explained the reason he called Peter Obi an opportunist.

The singer recently engaged in a social media row with Peter Okoye, one of the members of the Psquare duo.

Okoye was angered by Kuti’s denigratory comment about Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate.

In an Arise TV interview, Kuti restated what he said, adding that Obi simply saw an opportunity and took it.

He said Peter Obi would have a “hostile” government to contend with even if he wins the 2023 election.

“From day one, people were angry because I said he was an opportunist but in the right form of the word that’s what happened, he saw an opportunity and he took it,” Kuti said.

Kuti, while speaking further on Peter Obi, said opportunism works only in business and not in politics.

“In business life, opportunism is awesome. If you’re doing business, you see an opportunity you nail it,” he said.

“But in politics, opportunism must be found if you want to move forward.

“We’ve done this whole change business that doesn’t have any substance to it.

“When we Nigerian people are serious and we want to do business we will do the business and we’ll do it by ourselves.

“Not with the help of these same established politicians that have ruined our country already.”

[TheCable]

Russian troops may capture Donbas in 2 years – Yevgeny Prigozhin reveals

Yevgeny Prigozhin, a well known Putin ally and the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group has said it could take two years for Moscow to control the whole of two eastern Ukrainian regions whose capture it has stated as a key goal of the war.

Russia could take two years to win war and capture Donbas - Putin ally reveals

In a rare interview, Prigozhin said his understanding of Russia’s plan was that it needed to fully control the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that Moscow last year claimed as “republics” of Russia, in a move condemned by the United Nations as illegal.


He said that could take 1-1/2 to two years.


“As far as I understand, we need to close off the Donetsk and Luhansk republics and in principle that will suit everyone for now,” he told Russian military blogger Semyon Pegov .

“If we have to get to the Dnipro, then it will take about three years,” Prigozhin added, referring to a larger area that would extend to the vast Dnipro River that runs roughly north to south, bisecting Ukraine.

The comments provided a rare glimpse into expectations of Russia as Prigozhin’s private army is at the centre of some of the fiercest fighting in Ukraine.

Prigozhin does not speak for the Russian military but he has sharply raised his public profile in recent months, by criticising the army leadership for its failures in nearly 12 months of war.

In the interview, however, he insisted he had “zero” political ambitions.

Prigozhin said Russia needed to capture Bakhmut – a city in Donetsk that has been the scene of brutal warfare for months but faced fierce resistance from Ukrainian defenders.


Asked if Russian forces were close to achieving a full blockade of the city, he said: “It is probably too early to say that we are close. There are many roads out and fewer roads in. Ukrainian troops are well trained … and like any large city it is impossible to capture it from head-on. We are managing very well,” he said.


The United States says that Wagner currently has about 50,000 personnel deployed to Ukraine, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts recruited from Russian prisons.


It has accused the group of committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses and designated it last month as a Transnational Criminal Organization. Prigozhin denied that and asked Washington to “clarify” what crime Wagner was accused of.

Another Fresh Poll Puts Peter Obi Ahead Of Tinubu, Atiku

According to the most recent Nextier poll, Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi is the favorite to win Nigeria’s presidential election in 2023.

According to the poll, Obi is ahead of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Bola Tinubu, as well as other candidates, including Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer Atiku Abubakar.

The Labour Party’s Peter Obi leads the poll with 37%, followed by the PDP with 27% and the APC with 24%.

It is understood that the poll was conducted by Nextier SPD, an African-based international development consulting firm and that it was released on Saturday, February 5, 2023.

The firm released a poll in November 2022 that also put Obi in the lead, but the most recent poll results show the Labour Party candidate has extended his lead over other presidential candidates with only a few days until Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election.

Nextier Poll Result
Nextier Poll Result

However, in response to the poll results, the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Team’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, described the poll as ludicrous on Sunday evening.

He insisted that putting Obi ahead of Tinubu is simply incorrect.

He wrote via his Twitter account:

It is quite ludicrous that Nextier Poll that projects a clean sweep of the South East at over 90% of registered votes also put Peter Obi ahead of APC Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu in the six South West States including Lagos

“There’s Plot To Rig 2023 Presidential Elections” — Yakasai says

An Elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai, has expressed concern over the actions of some persons in the build up to the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.


He said there’s plot by undemocratic elements to manipulate the results of the

Yakasai made this known in a statement on Sunday entitled ‘Reflections of a 98-Year-Old Patriot: A Message to those Planning to Rig the Elections’.


He stated that his fear was rooted in the fact that “when people are consumed by their inordinate desires, they become blind to the bigger picture.”

The former Special Adviser to the late President Shehu Shagari said, “My concern is not for myself, everyone in the country must live in peace and harmony. ­

2023: Fresh Poll Puts Peter Obi Ahead Of Tinubu, Atiku, APC Candidate’s Team Reacts
2023: Shehu Sani Hints On Identity Of Aso Rock ‘Cabals’ Working Against Tinubu
“Those who prioritise win­ning the upcoming elections at all cost may not understand my concern for the survival of Ni­geria and its people, which only stems from my patriotism.”


He lamented that “unfor­tunately, there are unpatriotic individuals who are solely fo­cused on their own selfish and narrow interests and do not care about the future of the country and its people.

“I have been pondering on what motivates those who plan to rig or scuttle the upcoming elections in Nigeria and partic­ularly the presidential election. Do they believe they can do so without consequences?.

“I learned that when people are consumed by their inordinate desires, they become blind to the bigger pic­ture. This is why I want to ad­vise those considering manipu­lating the results of the coming presidential election not to take any actions that could plunge our nation into catastrophe.

“At 98 years old and as an only surviving child of my par­ents, with only a few relatives, all I have are my children, and grandchildren. I am a billion­aire not even a businessman. My concern is not for myself, but for Nigeria and its people. I believe that for Nigeria to prop­erly care for its teeming God-giv­en population everyone in the country must live in peace and harmony. While some may not share this patriotic concern, it is borne out of my patriotism and desire for the survival of Nigeria and wellbeing of its people. There are those who are only concerned with their own selfish interests, unconcerned about the country and its peo­ple. Such people are callous and unpatriotic.

“Furthermore, it is crucial that Nigeria develops in order to properly care for its bur­geoning population. This can only be achieved if the coun­try remains united, peaceful and harmonious. Those who prioritise winning the upcom­ing elections at all cost may not understand my concern for the survival of Nigeria and its peo­ple, which only stems from my patriotism. I can assure all that this concern is genuine. I am in politics for patriotic reasons, not personal gain. Unfortunate­ly, there are unpatriotic individ­uals who are solely focused on their own selfish and narrow interests and do not care about the future of the country and its people.

“But there are many Nige­rians who are only concerned about the country prosperity and of its people but who are concerned about peace and harmony as well as peaceful coexistence of the over 200 mil­lion of its people and humanity.

“I, therefore, urge patriotic citizens to rise in defence of our motherland and its future not to allow the tiny misguid­ed minority among Nigerians who are not looking at the greater picture of the country. We should together engage in cooperative understanding of doing our utmost endeavours and synergy to save the country and protect its future.”

Nigeria 2023: Tinubu takes battle to Aso Rock Cabals

With two weeks left to the Presidential election, All Progressives Congress candidate (APC) Bola Tinubu has all but taken the gloves off in his battle against President Muhammadu Buhari’s men whom he has accused of frustrating his campaign. Will he come out on top? 

For the last six months, the ruling APC had been mocking the Presidential candidate of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, over his dwindling chances at the poll due to a feud between him and five PDP governors known as the G5. 

This feud had made even public commentators write off Atiku in the upcoming election. However, unbeknownst to the APC, there were columnists within their ranks as well. 

“I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.”

[theafricareport]

EarthQuake: 4300 lives lost in Turkey

NATO countries have responded to Turkey?s appeal for help after two massive earthquakes devastated its southern and south-eastern provinces and claimed well over 4300 lives on Monday, February 6.

More than 4,300 people have died and rescuers are racing to pull survivors from beneath the rubble after a devastating earthquake ripped through Turkey and Syria, leaving destruction and debris on each side of the border.

One of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in a century shook residents from their beds at around 4 a.m. on Monday, sending tremors as far away as Lebanon and Israel.


In Turkey, at least 2,921 people were killed and more than 15,800 others injured, according to Turkey?s head of disaster services, Yunus Sezer.

In neighboring Syria, at least 1,451 people have died. According to the Syrian state news agency SANA, 711 people have died across government-controlled areas, mostly in the regions of Aleppo, Hama, Latakia, and Tartus.


Different countries from NATO and also Turkey’s Balkan neighbors have pledged assistance to Turkey since the disaster occured.


A total of 139 French civil security rescue workers will fly to Turkey on Monday evening to assist with search and rescue efforts, France?s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said.


In a tweet, Darmanin said the response came ?at the request of the president of the republic,? and is ?part of the European solidarity mechanism.?


?France stands in full solidarity with Turkey in these terrible circumstances,? the minister added.

Also, US President Joe Biden has ?authorized an immediate U.S. response? to the disaster.

 


Jill and I were deeply saddened by the news of the devastating earthquakes that have thus far claimed thousands of lives in Turkiye and Syria. My Administration has been working closely with our NATO Ally Turkiye, and I authorized an immediate U.S. response,?

Our teams are deploying quickly to begin to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and address the needs of those injured and displaced by the earthquake,? Biden said.
 



He added that ?U.S.-supported humanitarian partners are also responding to the destruction in Syria.?



Qatar?s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said Qatar?s International Search and Rescue Group (QSART) will fly to Turkey through the air bridge as soon as Monday, carrying with them specialized rescue and search vehicles, and relief aid, tents and winter supplies to set up field hospitals upon arrival, Qatar News Agency (QNA) said.


Kuwait?s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah also ordered the establishment of the air bridge to send ?urgent aid and medical staff,? Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said in a statement.


Also, The UN said it is ready to support emergency response efforts following the deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted on Monday.


?I am deeply saddened by the news of the devastating earthquakes in T�rkiye & Syria, and offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,? he wrote.


The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday has led to a ?catastrophic situation? in Syria, an official of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) told CNN.


?What we are seeing inside Syria really is a catastrophic situation,? said Mark Kaye, IRC’s policy, advocacy and communications director for Middle East and North Africa.

 


The earthquake has made the situation worse for the already vulnerable and displaced populations in Syria, specifically the rural areas, Kaye said.


 

For this area, you have to remember: This population [was] already highly vulnerable. They have a huge amount of people who have already been displaced ? sometimes as many as 20 times … Almost the majority of them are women and children, particularly vulnerable to the harsh weather and this earthquake,? Kaye said.

Vladmir Putin hints he could use nuclear weapons in Ukraine (Video)

Russian president, Vladimir Putin has compared Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the fight against Nazi Germany, in a speech to mark the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the Battle of Stalingrad.


Russia launched its bloody, full-scale invasion almost one year ago, prompting Western countries to send weapons and aid to the government in Kyiv.


Throughout the war in Ukraine,  Putin has falsely sought to present Russia’s invasion as a battle against nationalists and Nazis who he claims are leading the Kyiv government.


Putin was in Volgograd, the modern name for Stalingrad -to mark the anniversary of the end of the Battle of Stalingrad, the World War Two conflict which saw the Soviet army capture nearly 91,000 German troops and turn the tide of the war.


Over a million people perished in the battle – the bloodiest of World War Two.

80 years on, we are facing German tanks again - Putin compares invasion of Ukraine to war against Nazi Germany; hints he could use nuclear weapons (Video)


Germany is one of many countries helping Ukraine defend its territory by giving it weapons most especially Leopard tanks last week


Citing Germany’s decision to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine, Putin claimed history was repeating itself.


“It’s unbelievable but true,” he said. “We are again being threatened by German Leopard tanks.”

80 years on, we are facing German tanks again - Putin compares invasion of Ukraine to war against Nazi Germany; hints he could use nuclear weapons (Video)

Putin then hinted that he could seek to move beyond conventional weapons.


“Those who hope to defeat Russia on the battlefield do not understand, it seems, that a modern war with Russia will be very different for them,” the 70-year-old leader said.


“We are not sending our tanks to their borders, but we have the means to respond. It won’t be limited to the use of armoured hardware. Everyone must understand this.”


After the event, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to elaborate on Putin’s comments, but did tell reporters that “as new weapons are delivered by the collective West, Russia will make greater use of its potential to respond”.



Putin continued to liken Ukraine war to war against Hitler’s Nazi Germany.


“Now, unfortunately, we see that the ideology of Nazism, already in its modern guise, in its modern manifestation, again creates direct threats to the security of our country,” he said.


“Again and again we have to repel the aggression of the collective West.”

Volgograd was temporarily renamed Stalingrad for the day to mark the occasion, and earlier this week a new bust of the former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin was unveiled.

Putin also laid flowers at the grave of the Soviet marshal who oversaw the defence of the city, and visited the main memorial complex where he led a moment of silence for those that died in the battle.

‘I still have good relationship with Mbappe’ – Lionel Messi insists

Lionel Messi has insisted that Argentina’s World Cup final triumph against France in December has not marred his relationship with his PSG team-mate, Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe was left disappointed when his side failed to defend their world crown in Qatar and watched on as Messi finally got his hands on the illustrious trophy.

Several fans questioned whether the showpiece would fracture the relationship between the two teammates at PSG, especially after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez mocked Mbappe in the Argentina dressing room.

During his side’s celebratory bus tour in Argentina, the Aston Villa star carried around a doll of the Frenchman whilst standing next to Messi, who seemed to have no problem with his goalkeeper’s antics.

The former Barcelona star was keen to rubbish any idea of a fallout between the pair during an interview this week.


When asked about their relationship and whether the two had spoken about the final, Messi told Argentine outlet Ole: ‘Yes, we talked about the game, how people living in Argentina celebrated in those days, that I had been on vacation and the festivities we had. And nothing, nothing more – but good, really good.’


Messi also said he’s aware of the pain Mbappe is going through having lost the World Cup final against Germany in 2014.


‘I was on the other side too, I had to lose a World Cup final as well and I didn’t want to know anything about that, about what had happened – and nothing that had to do with the World Cup at that time,’ Messi added.


‘That’s why I don’t want to talk about it either. But the truth is that there is no problem with Kylian, quite the opposite.’

IPOB calls off ‘sit-at-home’ for elections

The Indigenous People of Biafra has suspended its weekly sit-at-home order for the 2023 general elections.

In a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group said for the purpose of the election, it would not issue any sit-at-home order.


The statement reads: “IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has never forcefully obstructed the election process in Nigeria. Rather, we once called Biafrans to boycott elections, which was later called off.

“We have maintained that we don’t have any interest in the Nigeria shambolic political selection process called Nigeria elections scheduled for February 2023. Our interest and focus is the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the date for Biafra referendum for Biafrans to determine their political future in or outside Nigeria.

“We knew that this mushroom group called PANPIEC is among those sponsoring this fake group claiming that they are IPOB issuing and enforcing reckless sit at homes in the East.


“If they are not their sponsors, why do they keep linking the paid agents of confusion with us even as IPOB have publicly denounced any link with Simon Ekpa and his collaborators?

“It’s on record and in the public domain that IPOB has not called for any sit-at-home during the February elections. It’s also obvious that IPOB and ESN do not have any faction or splinter groups. IPOB remains peaceful and indivisible under one command for the liberation of Biafra Nation from the Republic called Nigeria.

“We reiterate for the records that, IPOB has not, did not, and will not issue any sit-at-.home order in February during the elections period. We also did not call for any boycott of the upcoming elections yet.

“The focus of IPOB is the release from illegal detention of our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom Appeal Court and other courts have discharged and acquitted since 13th of October 2022, and Biafra referendum date.”

Younger girl marries 85-year-old man in the US

A 24-year-old has married an 85-year-old man who is way older than her grandfather.

Miracle Pogue, 24, from Starkville, Mississippi, met husband Charles Pogue, 85, when she was working in a launderette in 2019 and the pair quickly formed a friendship.

Retired real estate agent Charles finally decided to admit his feelings for the nurse a year after they met and he proposed in February 2020. 

Charles doesn’t have any children and the couple are looking into IVF in the hope of starting a family to ensure Charles leaves behind a new generation.

Miracle says her mother Tamika Phillips, 45, and grandad Joe Brown, 72, were supportive of the relationship from the start after seeing how happy the pensioner made her but her dad Kareem Phillips, 47, was harder to convince.

24-year-old woman marries 85-year-old man and hopes to give him his first child

Miracle recalled how her relationship with Charles began when she was working in the launderette, saying: “Charles used to bring in one item of clothing and only wanted me to serve him.

“One day he waltzed in there and threw a piece of paper down and said ?write down your number? like he’s a player. He was my knight in shining armour.

“We had a good vibe going, he didn’t make me feel weird. It was good conversation, he made me feel comfortable. I knew he was older but I didn’t know his age exactly.

“When I found out I was in too deep, it was a couple of months in and I already had feelings for him. He was my baby and he wasn’t going anywhere.

24-year-old woman marries 85-year-old man and hopes to give him his first child

“I found out in conversation when we asked each other our date of birth and he said he was born in 1937.

“I never even placed his age, we just wanted to see how it went.

“I don’t care if he’s 100 or 55, I like him for him. I thought he was maybe 60 or 70 because he looks so good. He’s always up and active.

“My grandad said if I was happy and it’s what I want to do then he’s happy. My dad was like ‘hell no ma’am, not at all’.

“It took a lot of time to convince him but I asked him if he wanted to lose his daughter forever.

“If he didn’t come to my wedding, he would have lost me forever.

?I told him I needed his support and to walk me down the aisle. Once he got to meet Charles and talk to him, he loved him.?

24-year-old woman marries 85-year-old man and hopes to give him his first child

Charles said: “Miracle has got a lot going for her. She’s got her life in order, she’s great.

“The wedding day was wonderful, it was the best day of my life. There’s no problem with the age difference.

?People making comments online doesn’t make a difference, we just let them do their thing. We’re very happy together. We’re looking forward to starting a family together.?

The couple married in July last year and Miracle describes the day as ?the best day? of her life.

24-year-old woman marries 85-year-old man and hopes to give him his first child

Despite the age difference, Miracle says she’s desperate to start a family with Charles and hopes to have two children.

Miracle said: I want him to have another generation. We’re looking to go to an IVF clinic to talk about our options.

“We went to an IVF clinic before but we really felt the pre-judgment even though they don’t know me and it was quite overwhelming.

“Now I’m forgetting it as long as they give me my baby. Maybe Charles’s age will stop us from having children but I have an open mind. It may not work.

“I worry about Charles. At Thanksgiving he got Covid and I broke down. I prepared myself, but the way he gets up and goes every day, he’s not going anywhere.

“We prepare for things and he says he might not be here in five years. I tell him he will and he’ll outlive us all.

?I know realistically I’ll be around longer than him so I try to live and have fun and experience as much as I can with him. We try to live it up.?

24-year-old woman marries 85-year-old man and hopes to give him his first child

Miracle claims her relationship has attracted a lot of negative attention online, with the couple often mistaken for father and daughter.

Miracle said: “One time we were going to Florida on vacation.

“We were renting a car and the lady said ?oh is this your dad? and I said ?yes this is my dad, hey papa, daddy?. I’m a goofy person so I won’t get mad.

“In public I don’t even care, I don’t think of it as being weird I just go about my day. People on the internet make me feel weird.

“I get backlash from people who don’t know me or love me, they just call it as they see it. I posted my man online and it blew further than I could even imagine.

“People were saying I’m using Charles, he doesn’t know what’s going on and saying I should be ashamed.

“Of course, people mention finances but I’m a nurse. I was starting medical school when I met him.

“I will be well off with or without Charles, it’s a choice to be with him and it makes me feel good that he chooses me.

“It’s so crazy that people come after me, as he’s the older one. He’s with me of his own free will, he chose me. I’ve learned it’s OK for people to say how they feel, it’s a free country.

?I have a lot of followers who are pro me and Charles. People say we look so good. People share their stories about their older men and say I make them feel comfortable in their skin.?

Commenters on TikTok debated whether Miracle is the age she claims, with one asking for evidence that she is 24.

One commenter wrote: ?24? No way. I’ve got to see proof and if you’re 24 I’ll never try to guess ages again.? 

Another said: ?42 she meant.?

Miracle hit back insisting that she was born in 1998 and claims she may look older because she doesn’t dress ?all out?.

Miracle says she’s attracted to Charles’s laid-back nature but admits the age difference is stark when it comes to technology.

Miracle said: “I love his advice, I know I can go to Charles and ask him anything. I trust he’s not going to leave me in the dark, he’ll make sure I’m OK.

“He’s peaceful, he’s so laidback, he doesn’t want to argue. I love to hear his stories.

“I love to joke with him about technology. I will take a photo of a cheque and deposit it into my bank account. Charles doesn’t even have a bank card.

“It’s so weird how he operates but I like how he takes it easy.

?It’s a blessing to have someone you can talk to and confide in. I know our relationship looks weird and people think ‘what’s going on here?’ but I know he got me and I got him.?

Tinubu Attacks Buhari’s Govt – ‘They Met Exchange Rate at N200/$1, Now It’s N800/$1’

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, at the party’s presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, slammed the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government over the depreciation of the nation’s currency.

This comes few days after Tinubu criticised the government.

According to Tinubu, when the government took over, the naira/dollar exchange rate was about N200 to a dollar, but it has depreciated to about N800 to the dollar on the parallel market.

“Today, they moved the exchange rate from N200 to N800. If they had repaired it, if they had arrested this, we won’t be where we are today, we will be greater. “They don’t know the way, they don’t know how to think, they don’t know how to do,” the former Lagos governor said.


Tinubu recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State, had attacked the federal government for the lingering fuel scarcity in the country as well as the naira redesign project which the Central Bank of Nigeria carried out with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, the former Lagos governor had denied that the outburst wasn’t targeted at the president, but the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.

Also at the Calabar rally, Tinubu promised that Cross River State woulf be converted to the tourism hub of Nigeria if he becomes the president of Nigeria after the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu said this while addressing a mammoth crowd of APC stalwarts and supporters that trooped out to grace the presidential campaigns of the party in Calabar.


The APC leader who arrived Calabar in company of his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima alongside other party members said: “We will turn the water surroundings and the Atlantic of Cross River State to be better than Florida.Money will come in; this state will become wonders of tourism in Nigeria. We are promise keepers!

“We mean what we say. When we took over in Lagos, we said what we’ll do in Lagos, and we did it. Today Lagos is exceptionally rich and functional.”

The APC presidential candidate said as president, he would create prosperity, create jobs and create a much stronger economy for the country.

Tinubu told the people of Cross River State not to vote for the candidate of the PDP.

“They (PDP) mismanaged the nation’s economy, and privatised assets of the country to themselves and their cronies. Don’t mind them with their lies of 16 years, they cannot even provide electricity to roast corn. They kept lying, electricity that is generated from our hydro, they don’t know how to do it”, he alleged.

Tinubu praised Senator John Owan-Eno and the Mrs. Mary Ekpere for sheathing their swords, and working together in unison with others for the victory of the APC at the polls.

Also speaking, a former Leader of the Senate Victor Ndoma-Egba, said the election provides the opportunity for the PDP to be buried finally.

The state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade said the APC would win all the election in the state.


Ayade asked Tinubu to ensure that the Bakassi Deep Seaport, and the Super Highway become realities when he becomes president of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, at the Awka rally in Anambra State, Tinubu derided two of his co-contestants, Atiku and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), saying anytime Atiku says “walahi talahi’, what is in his head is, ‘na lie I lie.”

Describing the duo as liars and betrayers, Tinubu, who insisted that he was the only one who has been able to establish a track record of success, with verifiable projects as governor of Lagos State, identified Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a thinker he was ready to work with as well as promised to tackle the challenge of erosion in the state the same way he tackled the menace of ocean surge in Lagos.

“You will have industrial hub in Anambra. We are not like PDP that forgot your rail line. They are liars. When you hear Atiku uses the word and say ‘walahi talahi’, what is in his head is “na lie I lie”. Anytime you hear him say Walahi talqhi,, just reply and say, “na lie I lie.

“The man who left here, he calls himself Peter Obi. We read in the bible that before the cock crows, he will deny Jesus Christ. Is it not true? So, how can he keep his promise to you? He cannot prove a point. Has Bola Tinubu not proved a point? Did I close any market? Did I kill anyone? I’m a thinker and a doer, I even tamed the Atlantic,” he said

Speaking on his promises for the people of Anambra State, Tinubu said, “You want to make Anambra a highly dependable state right? That is the memory of my dear friend Chuba Okadigbo. That is what we will continue to carry on – the joy of Chuba Okadigbo. Youths of Anambra, I’m here today to concretise the promise of development that will promise you restoration and industrialisation.


“You know me, you know Tinubu, the city boy of Lagos? You know I had the Atlantic tamed in Lagos? The way we tamed Atlantic Ocean is the same way we will tame the erosion in the eastern region. We will tame the erosion. We will make the value of your property worth more than 1,000 time of your investment.

“We will create jobs for our youths. We will industrialise and make Anambra both the economic city and the economic centre of Nigeria. Your resources will be applied to create handwork and hard work, better paying jobs.

“We are not like the other party that comes here to lie to you. Tell them when they bring their lie, ask them how long will it take their lies to travel from Port Harcourt to Onitsha, Onitsha to Aba?

“You see their lies, for 16 years, PDP lied that they will give industrialisation, but instead they sold our assets to themselves and they called it privatisation. Privatisation to their own pockets. They privatised the industry to their pockets.

“The hour has come, your PVC is the master, the voice of commandment. Atiku said he is the candidate of the north, is that not a dog whistle? Is that not a division among us. Anambra people lived well, in prosperity and joy with me in Lagos. I started paying WAEC fees, I didn’t discriminate whether you are Igbo, Christian or anybody, I paid for everybody.”

He, however, eulogised Soludo, saying, “Soludo, your son is not contesting with me or against me. He is a brilliant man, he has the brain, he is a thinker, he knows the way. We will work together. When I become the president, Soludo will be one of those advisers, who will bring prosperity back to you. So, the way you voted for Soludo is the way you vote for Bola Tinubu.”

Director General of the APC presidential campaign council, Senator Margery Okadigbo, who spoke at the rally said, the massive attendance was indicative of the love the people of the state had for Tinubu, and that they were ready to vote for him during the election.

Churches in Nigeria go cashless, reject old notes as offerings

Many churches in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Sunday rejected the old N1,000, N500 and N200 notes as offerings, insisting on the new currencies.

This, it was gathered, constrained many worshippers to give their offerings electronically, following their inability to get the new naira notes which have remained unavailable.


Our correspondents who visited some churches in Abuja observed that old notes were not accepted in many churches.

At The Redeemed Christian Church of God located along Airport Road, the announcer said, “We have been given a directive last week to stop collecting the old notes, so please today, it is the new notes.

“I’m sure you have it and if you don’t have it, you can please make a transfer to the church account. Thank you.”

Also, a branch of the Church under FCT province 2 rejected the old notes and encouraged members to go cashless.

However, a new-generation church did not give preference on notes to be given


A member who spoke to our correspondent said, “We just collected offerings, old or new. People gave what they had.

“Every seat has a customised envelope that is usually on the chairs before the service starts and we either pay in the envelope or transfer it to the church account.”

At the Living Faith Church in Kubwa, a satellite town in FCT, it was observed that the church was no longer accepting old notes for offering and tithes.

The members were encouraged to transfer their offerings and tithes electronically or write a cheque.

However, a worshipper, Stephanie Ekpo told The PUNCH that in the past two weeks, the church has been announcing that it will no longer accept the old notes with effect from January 29.

Our correspondent who visited the regional headquarters of The Apostolic Faith Church, Jabi, observed a notice on the board warning members against offering the old naira notes.

One of the pastors also reiterated the warning during the Sunday service.


At the Dunamis Church along Airport Road, Lugbe, it was observed that old notes were still in circulation but the church prohibited members from spending the money with effect from Sunday.

At the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Sanctuary of Great God Parish, Dutse Tipper Garage, the collection of offerings went on normally, and there was no announcement regarding the new naira or any preference of notes.

At the Petra Christian Centre, Peka Park and Gardens, Wuse Zone 3, members were seen offering both the old and new currencies.

Equally at the Celebration Church, Eden Park and Gardens, Utako, there was no preference for the new notes.

The Living Faith Church in the Lokogoma area of FCT did not reject the old notes.

Also, at the Celestial Church of Christ, Central Cathedral, Garki, our correspondent reports that there was no restriction on the old notes but it was observed that the majority of the congregants gave the new notes as offerings.

At the Living Faith Church, Jikwoyi, Abuja, parishioners had no directive on the use of old or new currency notes for either offering or tithes.


The Senior Deacon, Gabriel Idris, who monitors offering and tithes’ collection told our correspondent that the bulk of monies collected in the church were old notes.

“You know ours is a big church. Banks come at every service to take the money away. What we collected today were mostly old notes. I can say more than 90 per cent of what worshippers gave the church in the form of offerings and tithes were old notes,” he said.

The same situation was observed at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Kubwa, Abuja, where members freely gave the old notes during the mass.

The PUNCH also observed that some churches around Lagos and its environs are still collected the old notes as offering on Sunday.

A leader in one of the churches along Ikotun-Idimu Road, Alimosho Local Government Area, who simply gave his name as Mr Augustine said, “Churches can still collect the old currency for today because they have tomorrow to go and make the deposits in the bank. But no one may be collecting the old notes within the week.”

A member of the Redeemed Church along, Liasu Road, Egbe, Ikotun, who doesn’t want his name on prints, said there parish still collected old notes as offerings and other things on Sunday.

“I rescued Atiku when Obasanjo wanted to roast him” – Tinubu

The presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said he “rescued” his counterpart at Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo, wanted to roast him.

Tinubu stated this while speaking at APC presidential rally held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He said Atiku and his party were just about “stomach infrastructure. They don’t have a mandate, what they have is ice cream. It has melted. I am the one that rescued him from Obasanjo, who wanted to roast him like goat meat.

The former Lagos State governor said, “He ran away to Dubai and when the election came again, he came for stomach infrastructure. He came to Lagos. We rehabilitated him and gave him a ticket but he wasted it and used it to collect money.

“He faced Obasanjo, faced Buhari and failed. He failed with Jonathan. He failed in all his subjects.

“You better watch him before he starts selling the little palm trees that you have left. What we need to do is to develop our country. We have enough gas reservoirs in our land.

“Akwa Ibom, you will not suffer again. That boy (Governor Emmanuel Udom) that brought Atiku here, that calls himself governor, tell him enough is enough. He lived in my backyard in Lagos. If not that we are one, I’d have driven him home.”

Earlier, addressing a crowd of supporters, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and candidate of the APC for Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot Ekpene) senatorial district, Senator Godswill Akpabio appealed to the party members and supporters to ensure they get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in order to return the party to power through Tinubu.

Meanwhile, the PDP Presidential Campaign, in a statement by Special Assistant on Public Communications to Atiku, Phrank Shaibu, while reacting to Tinubu’s comment, said: “The constant gaffes of Tinubu, which started as a comic relief is slowly becoming a tragedy, an embarrassment to Nigeria, Africa’s largest nation.

“Since Tinubu declared his intention to contest, he has made over 20 gaffes publicly.

“These gaffes, which have provided online skit makers with comic content, are no longer a laughing matter but a tragic embarrassment to a nation in dire need of salvation.

“In his latest rally in Akwa Ibom State, Tinubu said he made Atiku Abubakar the Senate President when it is on record that Atiku has never contested any legislative election before.

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