Rivers crisis: Fubara invited anarchy moment he disobeyed court judgment – Wike
In a striking critique, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of inciting potential chaos by disregarding a court judgment. Wike’s comments came during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” where he emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the rule of law. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, expressed grave concern over Fubara’s actions, asserting that ignoring court rulings could lead to widespread anarchy. “I have always obeyed the rule of law. You heard the governor say that our state is turning into a state of anarchy where people do not obey the rule of law,” he stated. The former governor condemned Fubara’s public declaration on national television, where he indicated he would not comply with a specific court judgment. “The moment you don’t obey court judgment, you are inviting anarchy, you are inviting violence,” Wike warned, highlighting the potential consequences of such defiance. Furthermore, Wike stressed the necessity of law enforcement presence during elections, criticizing any governor who believes that elections can be conducted successfully without police support. His comments underscore a growing concern about the stability and integrity of the electoral process in Rivers State amidst escalating tensions. As the political landscape in Rivers continues to evolve, Wike’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between governance and the rule of law. Observers are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and whether it will impact the forthcoming elections in the state.
Wike criticises Jonathan’s lack of support amidst Local Government election tensions
In a candid political discussion on October 8, former Rivers Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike voiced his frustrations regarding the lack of support from his political ally, Jonathan. Wike’s comments come as Rivers State prepares for local government elections, which have heightened political tensions. “I often felt isolated in my efforts to drive meaningful change,” Wike said, lamenting that “Patient Jonathan never supported me in my political journey,” despite their shared vision for the state. This revelation highlights a growing rift that could have significant implications for future regional political collaborations. During the interview on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, Wike addressed ongoing concerns surrounding the controversial Fubara issue, emphasizing the importance of adhering to court rulings to avoid chaos. “Disregarding court judgments invites anarchy and violence,” he warned. Wike recounted his tenure as governor, asserting, “I have always obeyed the rule of law.” He also criticized Governor Fubara for publicly declaring on national television that he would not comply with a court ruling, as well as for comments regarding police security for the upcoming local elections. Wike accused Fubara of being responsible for recent violence that erupted in the state, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in governance. “We must prioritize the needs of our people and ensure that every decision is made with their best interests in mind,” “At this critical time, we cannot afford to be divided. Our strength lies in our unity.” he asserted. Tensions in the state were further exacerbated by a recent directive from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, which ordered the unsealing of the secretariats of the 23 local governments and the withdrawal of police officers stationed there since July. Despite the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, and police from the recent local government elections, Fubara insisted that the elections would proceed. The elections, held amidst rising tensions, resulted in the Action People’s Party winning 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, with the Action Alliance securing one seat. Fubara promptly swore in the newly elected chairmen on Sunday. Political analysts suggest that Wike’s remarks could signal a shift in alliances, potentially affecting the dynamics of the upcoming elections. As the situation in Rivers State continues to evolve, attention remains focused on the implications for Wike’s leadership and his relationships with key political figures.
Burna Boy reacts after Speed Darlington sudden disappearance
Grammy Award-winning musician, Burna Boy has responded to the growing concerns surrounding rapper Speed Darlington’s mysterious disappearance, which has left fans alarmed. Reports surfaced earlier stating that Speed Darlington had been missing for three days, with fans pointing out his unusual absence from social media and the lack of communication from him. The timing of Speed Darlington’s disappearance has raised eyebrows, as it comes just weeks after he publicly questioned Burna Boy’s Grammy win. Speed Darlington had suggested that the win was influenced by American rapper and music mogul Diddy, sparking controversy and debate. In response to the ongoing situation, Burna Boy took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) page to address the news. He posted a short and cryptic message saying, “Who’s missing?” followed by another post stating, “7 is Real,” further fueling speculation among fans and followers. Burna Boy’s vague comments have led to increased speculation and conversation online, with some fans interpreting his posts as dismissive, while others are reading deeper into the cryptic nature of his statements. The cryptic mention of “7 is Real” has become a topic of discussion, with fans trying to decode its meaning in relation to Speed Darlington’s disappearance. As the situation unfolds, fans of both musicians remain on edge, waiting for any updates regarding Speed Darlington’s whereabouts and the possible connection between his disappearance and his comments about Burna Boy’s Grammy win.
I didn’t regret working against PDP – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he has no regrets about his actions during the 2023 presidential election for working against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Tuesday, Wike denied accusations of anti-party activities for withholding support for Atiku. He explained that his decision was based on principles of justice and fairness. “For the presidential election, I said I am going to support equity, fairness and justice. On the other one, I am going to support my party and that is why we won the governor, National Assembly election. READ ALSO: Fubara appeals to Wike to allow him govern River “For presidential, I have no apologies because I don’t believe in injustice. Today people say ‘Discipline Wike, he did anti-party.’ I did not do anti-party,” Wike said. During the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, Wike former Rivers State governor, aligned with four other disaffected PDP governors—Samuel Ortom (Benue), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu)—to oppose Atiku’s presidential bid. These five governors consistently demanded that Senator Iyorchia Ayu step down as the PDP national chairman before they would consider supporting Atiku’s candidacy. READ ALSO: Let go, you can’t win all fights, Fubara tells Wike Ultimately, Atiku lost the election to Bola Tinubu, the APC candidate, under whose administration he (Wike) now serves as a minister.
Israel killed Nasrallah’s replacement, and his replacement’s replacement – Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to confirm on Tuesday evening that Israel had successfully assassinated projected new Hezbollah leader, Hashem Safieddine, who was targeted in an airstrike in Beirut last Thursday, and claimed Israel has also killed the next in line for the job. In a video message addressed to the Lebanese public, Netanyahu said that Israel has “degraded Hezbollah’s capabilities; we took out thousands of terrorists, including (longtime Hezbollah leader Hassan) Nasrallah himself, and Nasrallah’s replacement, and his replacement’s replacement.” The premier stressed, “Today, Hezbollah is weaker than it has been in many, many years.” Netanyahu did not identify by name any of the successors he said had been killed, although Safieddine had been widely considered to be next in line for the position of secretary-general.Hezbollah has not publicly confirmed his death, and the IDF spokesman declined Tuesday evening to conclusively say that Safieddine had been killed. “We struck Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters in Beirut… this is the headquarters of the head of the intelligence division, Abu Abdullah Mortada,” IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in response to a question from a reporter at a press conference. He added, “With him, we know that Hashem Safieddine was there. The results of this strike are still being looked into, Hezbollah is trying to hide the details. When we know, we will update the public.”Israel killed Nasrallah, who had led the terror group since 1992, in an airstrike on Beirut on September 27, sending shockwaves across the region. Late on October 3, Israel carried out a heavy bombing in Beirut said to target Safieddine, who was the head of the Hezbollah executive council, overseeing the group’s political affairs, and was presumed to be Nasrallah’s successor. Safieddine, whom the US State Department designated as a terrorist in 2017, is a cousin of Nasrallah and, like him, is a cleric who wears the black turban denoting ostensible descent from Islam’s Prophet Mohammed. Safieddine assumed a prominent role speaking for Hezbollah during the past year, addressing funerals and other events that Nasrallah had long avoided for security reasons. He was the first Hezbollah official to speak in public after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, telling a rally in Beirut’s southern suburbs on October 8, 2023, that the group’s “guns and our rockets are with you. Everything we have is with you.” Hailing from a prominent Lebanese Shiite family, Safieddine was born in the country’s predominantly Shiite south. He studied at religious seminaries in the Iranian city of Qom before returning to Lebanon in the 1990s to assume leadership responsibilities in the group. His son, Rida, is married to the daughter of the late Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force until he was killed by a US drone strike in Baghdad in 2020. His brother Abdullah serves as Hezbollah’s representative in Tehran. The purported loss of Nasrallah’s rumored successor would be another blow to Hezbollah and its patron Iran, after Israeli strikes in the past few weeks have decimated the terror group’s leadership. Earlier Tuesday, Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant said Safieddine was likely killed in last week’s strike in Beirut. “Hezbollah is an organization without a leader, Nasrallah was eliminated, his replacement was probably also eliminated,” said Gallant during a visit to the IDF Northern Command, adding that Hezbollah’s firepower capabilities have also taken a heavy blow. “This has a dramatic effect on everything that happens. There is no one to make decisions, no one to act,” the defence minister added. “The actions we are taking are being observed all over the Middle East. When the smoke in Lebanon clears, they will realize in Iran that they have lost their most valuable asset, which is Hezbollah,” he said. In his video message on Tuesday night, Netanyahu urged Lebanese citizens to take the country back from Hezbollah control. “You, the Lebanese people, you stand at a significant crossroads. It is your choice,” he said. Lebanese citizens “can now take back your country. You can return it to a path of peace and prosperity.”If not, Netanyahu added, “Hezbollah will continue to try to fight Israel from densely populated areas at your expense.” The prime minister said the Lebanese people “deserve to restore Lebanon to its days of tranquility; you deserve a Lebanon that is different… don’t let these terrorists destroy your future any more than they’ve already done.” He said the people of Lebanon “have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza. It doesn’t have to be that way… free your country from Hezbollah so that your country can prosper again, so that future generations of Lebanese and Israeli children will know neither war nor bloodshed, but will finally live together in peace.” Earlier Tuesday, Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem, one of the last surviving members of the group’s top leadership, claimed that, “our capabilities are fine and our fighters are deployed along the frontlines.” Qassem also claimed that Hezbollah supports efforts by Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri, an ally of the group, to secure a ceasefire in the fighting, which has escalated in recent weeks. According to a Channel 12 report on Tuesday citing unnamed sources in Beirut, Iran is pushing Hezbollah to seek out a ceasefire deal in order to “cut its losses” after a long list of top officials in the group have been killed in recent weeks. Visiting Beirut on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi said Tehran backs efforts for a ceasefire in Lebanon on the condition it would be backed by Hezbollah and be simultaneous with a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. US State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller said Tuesday that Qassem’s public backing of ceasefire efforts shows that Hezbollah is “on the back foot and is getting battered,” leading the group to “change their tune.” A year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated significantly last month, triggered by a coordinated explosion across
Hezbollah’s logistic commander, Husseini killed in Israeli airstrike
The head of Hezbollah’s logistics headquarters, Suhail Hussein Husseini, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on Tuesday. Making the announcement, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said the headquarters that Husseini commanded oversees Hezbollah logistics and budgeting of its various units. According to Times of Israel, Hussein was also a member of Hezbollah’s Jihad Council, the terror group’s top military body. The IDF says, “Husseini played a crucial role in weapon transfers between Iran and Hezbollah and was responsible for distributing the advanced weaponry among Hezbollah’s units, overseeing both the transportation and allocation of these arms.” The military says the slain man was “responsible for the budgeting and logistical management of Hezbollah’s most sensitive projects, including the organization’s war plans and other special operations, such as coordinating terrorist attacks against the State of Israel from Lebanon and Syria.” The military says the headquarters also includes Hezbollah’s R&D, which is responsible for the manufacture of precision-guided missiles.
Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton advocates Formular 1’s return to Africa
In a passionate appeal for the inclusion of Africa in the Formula 1 calendar, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has emphasized that the sport cannot continue to ignore the continent. As talks progress regarding a potential grand prix in Rwanda, Hamilton’s comments reflect a growing recognition of Africa’s significance within the global motorsport landscape. Since the last Formula 1 race held on African soil at the South African Grand Prix in Kyalami in 1993, the continent has been conspicuously absent from the F1 calendar. However, recent discussions between Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Rwandan representatives have reignited hopes for a grand prix at a permanent track in the country. Hamilton’s support for this initiative underscores the urgent need for the sport to embrace Africa. “We can’t be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa,” Hamilton stated during the Dutch Grand Prix in August. His comments resonate with a broader call for greater representation and investment in Africa by global sporting events. Hamilton, who visited several African countries during the summer break, highlighted the continent’s stunning landscapes and cultural richness. He believes that hosting a grand prix would not only showcase Africa’s beauty but also promote tourism and economic growth. “There’s a huge amount of work that needs to be done there. I think a lot of the world that haven’t been there don’t realize how beautiful the place is,” he said, stressing the potential benefits of bringing F1 to Africa. He also pointed out that many people may be unaware of the positive developments happening in various African nations. By hosting an F1 race, the sport could spotlight these advancements and counter the often negative narratives surrounding the continent. While the prospect of a grand prix in Rwanda is exciting, Hamilton acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. He mentioned that there are tracks in Africa that are ready to host races, arguing that F1 should seize the opportunity to incorporate Africa into its schedule. He asserted, “The current excuse is that maybe there’s not a track that’s ready, but there is at least one track that’s ready there, In the short term, we should just get on that track and have that part of the calendar.” However, the discussions about hosting an F1 race in Rwanda are complicated by concerns regarding the country’s human rights record. Critics, including organizations like Human Rights Watch, have raised alarm over serious human rights abuses, including repression of free speech and arbitrary detention. These concerns could impact F1’s reputation and its partnerships in the region. Hamilton’s commitment to bringing F1 to Africa is evident in his ongoing discussions with stakeholders across the continent. “Rwanda is one of my favorite places I’ve been to, actually. I’ve been doing a lot of work in the background on it,” he revealed. His dedication to the cause reflects a broader desire within the F1 community to create a more inclusive and diverse sport. As the 2024 Formula 1 season approaches, with the United States Grand Prix scheduled in Austin from October 18-20, Hamilton’s calls for change remain timely. The F1 calendar now features 24 events across five continents, yet Africa continues to be overlooked. Hamilton’s advocacy could play a pivotal role in changing this narrative and ensuring that Africa is no longer ignored in the world of motorsport. In conclusion, the potential for a grand prix in Rwanda is a significant step towards reestablishing F1’s presence in Africa. With influential figures like Hamilton leading the charge, there is hope that the sport will recognize the value of the continent and take the necessary steps to make a return. The future of Formula 1 in Africa is uncertain, but Hamilton’s vision and commitment could pave the way for a new era in motorsport.
Nigeria can become refining hub – Dangote
Nigeria must enhance its crude oil production capacity and effectively manage its crude supply to ensure adequate feedstock for domestic refineries, in order to transit from a net importer to a net exporter of petroleum products. Chairman of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company Limited, Aliko Dangote, made this assertion during his keynote address at a summit held in Lagos by the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN). The event attracted top government officials and key stakeholders from the midstream and downstream sectors. Addressing Nigeria’s potential as a refining hub, Dangote expressed concern that, despite producing over 3.4 million barrels of crude oil per day, Africa imports around 3 million barrels of petroleum products daily. Represented by Engr. Mansur Ahmed, Group Executive Director of Dangote Industries Ltd, he noted that these imports, primarily from Europe, Russia, and other regions, are estimated to cost approximately $17 billion in 2023. He urged that Nigeria could capitalize on this situation to become a net exporter of refined petroleum products, as the markets would be more competitively served from Nigeria. The President of Dangote Group of Companies said, “Both the crude oil and the petroleum products will travel shorter distances. The logistics costs of floating storage will be eliminated, and countries can purchase their petroleum product requirements just-in-time. Nigeria and Africa can become completely self-sufficient, and we can keep all the value on our shores. We have done it in cement, and we can certainly do it for petroleum products. “It is worth noting that the Dangote Refinery already produces sufficient diesel and jet fuel to meet Nigeria’s demand. We recently started the production of PMS and will soon ramp up to meet Nigeria’s needs. Our refined products have been exported to diverse markets, including Europe, Brazil, the UK, the USA, Singapore, and South Korea.” Dangote emphasized that Nigeria must develop a refining capacity of 1.5 million barrels per day and prioritize domestic crude supply obligations to seize this opportunity. Acknowledging the arising and future challenges, he urged the government to incentivize investors, contrasting this with the Dangote Oil Refinery, which was built without any government incentives. “It is unfortunate that while countries like Norway are putting oil proceeds into a future fund, in Africa, we are spending oil proceeds from the future. We will also need to prioritize the implementation of domestic crude supply obligations. We will need to expand our crude oil production capacity to support demand from new refining capacity. The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking active steps to achieve this through fast-tracking IOC divestments and other initiatives,” he stated. Emphasizing that global developments in the petroleum sector, particularly in Europe, will disrupt historical trade flows for refined petroleum products in Africa, Dangote stated that Nigeria is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and become a significant player in the global oil industry. He called for consultation, collaboration, and cooperation among stakeholders. “As a vibrant exporter of refined products, Nigeria will witness an improvement in its balance of trade and generate much-needed foreign currency. Nigeria’s potential as a refining hub is clearly not in doubt; let us work together to make it happen,” he urged. The foremost industrialist noted that the summit’s theme, “Making Nigeria a Net Exporter of Petroleum Products,” would have seemed unrealistic a few years ago, and added that despite being Africa’s largest crude oil producer, Nigeria has historically relied on imports to meet its refined petroleum product needs. However, he emphasized that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals is poised to transform Nigeria from a “net importer” to a “net exporter” of refined petroleum products, establishing the country as an emerging player in global downstream trade flows; with refined products already exported to various markets, including Europe, Brazil, the UK, the USA, Singapore, and South Korea. Commending Dangote for this transformation, Chairman of IPPG/Waltersmith Refinery & Petrochemicals Co. Ltd, Abdulrazaq Isa, called on the government to support domestic refiners by ensuring the availability of crude, adhering to domestic crude supply obligations, and implementing effective pricing and monitoring measures to prevent smuggling. Chairman of CORAN’s Board of Trustees and CEO of Integrated Oil & Gas, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho (rtd), remarked that the Dangote Oil Refinery has set a high standard by producing Euro-V products, thus protecting citizens from exposure to high-sulphur products. He noted that transforming Nigeria into a net exporter will bring numerous benefits but reiterated the need for increased investment to boost crude production, lamenting that Nigeria loses approximately $83 billion annually by not meeting its OPEC quota. While acknowledging that tank farms remain essential despite local refining, Iheanacho urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to consider cancelling import licences, as Nigeria can now meet its local demand. Chairman of Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), Huub Stokman, stated that Nigeria is on the verge of becoming Africa’s refining powerhouse, which will significantly boost the economy. The Chairman of CORAN, Momoh Oyarekhua, also expressed concern over challenges related to crude supply and stated that domestic refiners will work with regulators and stakeholders to address these issues. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lopkobiri, assured that the government would continue to refine frameworks to enhance crude production and support domestic refineries. His counterpart from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, emphasized the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to ensuring value addition for mineral resources before export. Two panel sessions were held to discuss Nigeria’s downstream petroleum refining sector and its potential impacts, as well as policy strategies for achieving self-sufficiency in petroleum products.
Beyond ‘Beautiful Things’ – A Deep Dive into Benson Bonne’s Best Tracks
Music fans appear to be drawn to the song “Beautiful Things” from the Fireworks and Rollerblades album. Ironically, Beautiful Things is my least favorite track on the album. I’ll be sharing my top tracks from the album along with my thoughts on them. There She Goes This is actually one of the album’s most upbeat tracks. The protagonist in this song finds a woman who helps him overcome his loneliness. Without her, his world feels empty, but she makes him incredibly happy. Whenever he is away from her, he longs to return home to her. He sincerely believes this woman has completely changed his life for the better. My Greatest Fear Benson touches on his overthinking, his fear of losing loved ones, and the complexity of his mind in nearly every song on this album. In this song, he expresses his deepest fear of losing someone very special to him. Although the protagonist is “terrified of the day he dies,” losing the one he loves is even more frightening. He also reveals that he hasn’t spoken to God “since early May.” The song gives the impression that the person he fears losing is still with him. However, by the end, it becomes clear that they have already left. Hello Love Benson Bonne’s lyrics are incredibly poetic. If he weren’t a musician, he could easily be a poet. In this song, the protagonist begs his love to stay. Although it doesn’t seem like their love is physically leaving, it feels that way. The protagonist worries that their love already feels different. He blames his thoughts, emphasizing his vulnerability and how much he needs them to stay and hold him. This song is the foundation for the album’s title. In the Stars How I wish I could use emojis here! The protagonist of this song has lost a loved one and struggles to say goodbye. He is still holding on to everything they owned. Because this person helped him attend church regularly, he no longer goes to church now that they are gone. Their absence makes it difficult for him to keep attending. Love of Mine Benson Bonne’s lyrics consistently emphasize vulnerability. This song speaks of how the protagonist feels empty and lost without his love. It seems as though he has already lost this person, making the song truly heart breaking. Essentially, he is lamenting his life after the breakup. He is in deep pain, and it feels like the only place he can see his beloved now is in his dreams.
Sotayo Gaga Welcomes Baby
Movie star Tayo Sobola, widely recognized by her stage name Sotayo Gaga, has joyfully revealed the arrival of her first child through a heartfelt social media announcement. The acclaimed Yoruba actress, who entered into matrimony with a Northerner in2021, shared an endearing video showcasing her baby bump on Instagram prior to welcoming her little one. The touching reveal has sparked a wave of jubilant congratulations from fellow actors and friends within the Nigerian film industry, underscoring the community’s affection and support for the new mother. Reactions poured in as stars took to their own social media platforms to express their excitement and offer congratulatory messages. Nkechi Blessing exclaimed, “OMG!” displaying her sheer delight over the news. Meanwhile, Alesh Sanni posted, “What. Gaga oooo. I dunno what to say, mehn. Thank you for giving me this great news.” Bimbo Afolayan joined in the celebration with a warm congratulatory note, saying, “Oluwaseun. Congratulations babe.” Anita Joseph shared her excitement with, “Hehehe see that face omg. Cute cuties. Come wassap ma, you owe me oh.” Debbie Shokoya echoed her excitement, “Eehhh,” while Temitopesolaja Aruga simply stated, “Congratulations.” Jamiu Azeez expressed his happiness by shouting, “OMG. Congratulations sotee. I am so happy mehn.” The spirited responses from Tayo Sobola’s colleagues highlight not just the excitement for her new journey into motherhood but also the strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie that characterize the Nigerian film industry. As Sotayo Gaga embraces this beautiful chapter in her life, her fans and peers will undoubtedly continue to shower her with love and support.
