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Democratic candidate and Vice President, Kamala Harris has called President-elect Donald Trump, who contested the 2024 US election as the Republican candidate.
According to Associated Press, Harris called Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on his election victory.
Recall Donald Trump was elected US 47th president, four years after he was voted out of power.
Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden, who withdrew from the race in July due to age-related issues and a poor election debate.
More to follow...
I won't waste your time, I am going to give you a short list of why Kamala Harris Lost to Donald Trump.
Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s presidential candidate, has vowed to “Make America Great Again” after being projected to win the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
In a speech delivered on Wednesday in Florida, Trump addressed his supporters, expressing his determination to continue his vision for the country following his victory in securing 266 electoral college votes.
This puts him ahead of Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party’s candidate, who has garnered 219 electoral college votes so far.
Trump’s statement has ignited renewed optimism among his base, as he looks to build on his past achievements and push forward with his agenda for the nation’s future.
“This is the greatest political movement of all time.
“We are going to help our country heal. We are going to fix our border.
“Our country was devastated before. I want to thank the American people for electing me as the 45th President and now the 47th President of the US.
“This will be the golden age of America.
“This victory will make America great again,” he stated.
Trump will be officially declared the winner of the historic US election with 270 electoral college votes count.
The Republican Party is also expected to take control of the Senate.
20th October witness, a remarkable celebration in the city of Abuja as a renowned advocate for youth leadership Hon. Blessing Oyefeso clocked milestone of 40th.
The event, chaired by Alhaji Bashar Masud Musa, President of Aleena Petroleum UK and Patron of Nigeria Youths in Politics, brought together prominent youth leaders, including Rt. Hon. Azeezat Yishawu, Speaker of Nigeria Youths Parliament; Comrade Solomon Adodo, founder, Rising-Up for a United Nigeria (RUN), Comrade Duke Alamboye, President of Nigeria Youths Organization, Hon. Miss Powers, Hon. Ejiro MBGA Boss, AlexReports among other notable figures in Nigeria.
"We gather at a critical juncture in Nigeria's history, where our collective future hangs in the balance. As young Nigerians, we have a unique opportunity to shape our nation's trajectory. The celebrant, seized the opportunity to inspire and challenge fellow youth leaders to Engage in Constructive Dialogue, Focus on solutions, not slogans.
As we celebrate my 40th birthday, let us renew our commitment to Nigeria's progress. Let us unite, innovate, and work tirelessly towards a brighter future.
And above all " regardless of our political affiliations, we must forge a common front in building a sustainable Nigeria we all desire."
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According to Aquitane, Zenith Bank, in collusion with Veritas Registrars and Quantum Zenith Securities, orchestrated a scheme involving the illegal sale of pledged shares, manipulated bank statements, and deliberately withheld dividends for over 10 years.
The allegations suggest a deeply ingrained and long-standing conspiracy, which, if proven, could have far-reaching consequences for Zenith Bank and its affiliates.
In a statement released to the press, Aquitane said the controversy revolves around FinBank shares that were initially pledged to Zenith Bank as collateral for a loan. The oil company claims that these shares, worth more than ₦1.8 billion, were sold without consent and ahead of schedule despite regular loan repayments.
Quantum Zenith Securities, a subsidiary of the bank, is accused of facilitating the sale, while Veritas Registrars allegedly withheld dividends owed to Aquitane and other shareholders.
The allegations of misconduct took a serious turn with claims of forgery. Aquitane reports that during a police investigation, Zenith Bank provided allegedly falsified account statements in response to official inquiries. A forensic audit conducted by Aquitane further uncovered inconsistencies in the bank statements, suggesting data manipulation designed to obscure unauthorized transactions and asset sales.
Aquitane’s Managing Director has highlighted the potential damage to public trust that such actions, if true, could inflict on Nigeria’s financial system. This case raises questions about regulatory oversight within the banking sector and may lead to broader scrutiny of the country’s major financial institutions.
As police delve deeper into Aquitane’s petition, which has already sparked public interest, calls for transparency and accountability are expected to intensify.
The case underscores a pressing need for robust financial checks, as Nigeria’s banking sector faces calls to prove that no institution is above the law.
In a heartfelt announcement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
on Information and Strategy said, He passed away on the night of Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in Lagos, following a period of illness, at the age of 56.
Read the full statement below:
“Announcement of the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”
The federal government has launched the disbursement of N75 billion in single-digit loans to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria through the Bank of Industry (BOI).
This initiative is part of efforts to support businesses and stimulate economic growth, particularly in the wake of challenges brought on by the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Tola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, made the announcement during a nationwide town hall meeting held in Abuja.
The meeting is part of a broader campaign to raise awareness among MSMEs about the Presidential Grant and Loan Scheme.
Adekunle-Johnson explained that the town hall sessions were being held simultaneously in Ogun, Bauchi, Enugu, and Kaduna states. The aim is to inform MSMEs about the loan conditions and how they can access the funds to boost their businesses.
The disbursement of these funds follows the approval of President Bola Tinubu, who authorized the loans as part of measures to cushion the economic impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
“MSMEs can work into any Bank of Industry from today and apply for this loan. It is a single-digit loan; it is nine per cent, it is fixed, no hidden charges.
“This is the one and only single-digit loan you can get, and you can get up to N1 million.
“It is important for us to sensitise the people to this facility so that they don’t fall into the hands of people that will tell them to bring money before they can access it,” he said.
The presidential aide said his office had been collaborating with BOI, an important implementing agency for the scheme.
“If you need any information, if you are not sure of anything, go to the Bank of Industry.
“Once you provide the requirements, very quickly you will get yours, immediately,” Mr Adekunle-Johnson said.
Earlier, the managing director of BOI, Olasupo Olusi, explained that the N200 billion intervention fund was established to support them towards driving economic growth and job creation.
The MD, represented by Mabel Ndagi, executive director of the public sector and interventions of BOI, said “Despite the immense contribution to economic growth, MSMEs struggle to access the necessary funding to reach their full potential.”
He reiterated that BOI remains committed to playing its part in promoting and supporting MSMEs growth across the country.
(NAN)
A two-year-old girl was reportedly raped to death and abandoned motionless in Ningi town, the headquarters of the Local Government Area in Bauchi state.
Following the incident reported to the Bauchi State Police Command, the commissioner, CP Auwal Musa Mohammed, while frowning at the situation, ordered an immediate discreet investigation and advised residents of the area to assist.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said on Tuesday that detectives were dispatched to the scene of the incident upon receiving the report.
“On November 5, 2024, an incident was reported to the Ningi Police Divisional Headquarters that a motionless body of two-year-old baby was found beside a mosque on Deneva Street, Ningi LGA, with suspected signs of rape”.
He explained that the victim’s body was taken to the General Hospital Ningi, where a medical report confirmed that the baby had suffered severe injuries as a result of penetration, which led to her death.
CP Auwal Musa Mohammed condemned the heinous act and directed the Divisional Police in Ningi Officer to make extra efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He also called on parents and guardians to ensure the safety of their children, ‘not to allow them to wander around the streets’, as his command solicited the public’s assistance with any helpful information that could help arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
A devastating explosion occurred at Orlu International Market in Imo State on Tuesday, when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, killing at least two individuals and leaving several others with varying degrees of injury.
The blast caused widespread panic as market-goers and nearby residents scrambled in all directions, leading to a stampede and further injuries.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, heightening concerns over security in the area.
Authorities are yet to release full details on the incident, but investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack and the individuals responsible.
An eyewitness said: “We were plying our trade at the market when we heard an explosion. There was confusion everywhere as people ran for their lives. Some people were killed in the explosion.
“We are now living in fear as the relative peace in the vicinity has been punctuated.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and submitted that two hoodlums were killed in the incident.
“It was an IED that exploded. The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has deployed Anti-Bomb operatives to the scene,” he added.
The PPRO highlighted that two persons who incidentally were the masterminders were killed in the process of setting up the IED.
He called for calm, stressing, “We have deployed operatives to the area. No cause for alarm, we request for peace and tranquility.”
The Imo State Police Command urged citizens to report suspicious activities in their areas to the Police and remain watchful.
(Leadership)
The Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, led by Chairman Afam Ogene, is set to continue its investigation into the use of over $2 billion in investments and grants aimed at advancing renewable energy in Nigeria.
The investigation, which began on November 5, 2024, will see key government officials, including the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji; and Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, appear before the committee on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
The committee is investigating how funds allocated for renewable energy projects have been utilized since 2015. Despite substantial investments in the sector, Nigeria’s power supply has shown little improvement, with the committee questioning why the situation has worsened rather than improved.
The hearing is part of an investigation authorized by the National Assembly on June 6, 2024, to examine the roles of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in managing investments, grants, and procurements related to the renewable energy sector.
The initial session on Tuesday saw a disappointing turnout, as none of the invited ministers attended in person, opting instead to send representatives. However, many of these representatives were sent back, as the committee insisted on direct attendance from the officials themselves.
Chairman Ogene expressed his dissatisfaction with the ministers’ absence and urged them to make an appearance on Wednesday. The committee reminded all concerned that the power to summon public officials for investigation lies with the National Assembly, underscoring the importance of accountability in the handling of public funds.
He said, “Let me state this again: Section 81 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) provides that ‘Each House of the National Assembly shall have power by resolution published in its journal or in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation to direct an investigation into any matter or thing with respect to which it has the power to make laws.”
He added that this power includes probing into “the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, Ministry or government department charged, or intended to be charged, with the duty of or responsibility for executing or administering monies appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.”
At the commencement of the hearing, Ogene called on the Budget and Economic Planning to appear before the committee to make his presentation. However, a director in the ministry, Felix Okonkwo, appeared on behalf of the minister.
Asked if he had the mandate of the minister to speak, Okonkwo said, “I can take some responsibilities but not all.”
Not pleased with the remark, Ogene urged him to go back and inform his principal to physically appear on Wednesday.
“Tell your minister to appear before this committee on Wednesday. It is not meant to witch-hunt anybody. A situation where invitations are sent about three times to heads of MDAs and they would still not appear to make their presentations is not acceptable,” he said.
The story was no different when Deputy Director of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Suleiman Abubakar, stood in for the minister.
Asked if he was delegated to speak for the minister, Suleiman said his directorate mandated him to attend the investigative hearing.
Ruling on the development, Ogene said, “You have no locus to stand in for the Minister. He should appear in person on Wednesday. We wrote to the Minister, not a directorate.”
Also expected at the investigative hearing on Wednesday are the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Union Bank of Nigeria, Niger Delta Power Holding Company and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.
Republican candidate Donald Trump surged ahead in the U.S. presidential election as early results showed him leading in key states.
As of 4:00 a.m., Trump had accumulated 198 Electoral College votes, significantly ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris, who held 109 votes.
Trump secured victories in 20 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Meanwhile, Harris won in 10 states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Colorado.
A notable win for Trump came in Georgia, a pivotal swing state. Both candidates are now focused on securing the 270 Electoral College votes required to claim the presidency.
President Joe Biden was at the White House making congratulatory calls to Democrats who won their races.
He called Senator-elect Lisa Blunt Rochester from his home state of Delaware.
Blunt Rochester had breakfast with Biden last Monday when he voted in his home state.
He also called Delaware’s Govenor-elect Matt Meyer and Wilmington’s new Mayor, former Governor John Carney.
The 81-year-old also talked to New Jersey’s incoming-Democratic Governor, Representative Andy Kim and North Carolina’s incoming-Democratic Governor, Attorney-General Josh Stein.
Harris is in Washington, D.C. to watch the election results at Howard University, her alma mater. Should she win, Harris would make history as the first U.S. president to have graduated from a historically Black college or university (HBCU), a milestone she celebrated with supporters at Howard, saying: “I am ready to be the next president.”
Trump: I would acknowledge it if I lose
Trump said: “I would be the first one to acknowledge it if I lost,” as he cast his vote alongside his wife, Melania, in Palm Beach, Florida.
Wearing his signature “Make America Great Again” hat, Trump emphasised his willingness to respect a fair election outcome, signaling readiness to accept the results under the right conditions.
However, Trump voiced sharp criticism over potential delays in Pennsylvania, calling them “an absolute outrage” and suggesting that extended counting timelines could lead to legal challenges if the process extends into the coming days.
Trump underscored his ongoing concerns about election integrity, vowing to accept the outcome if, in his view, the election is conducted fairly.
His remarks added to the tension surrounding Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state, as both campaigns brace for a possibly prolonged and contested vote count.
Calls for immediate results as mail-in ballots delay counts
At a final rally in Michigan, Trump called for an immediate election-night result, raising concerns about his insistence on a rapid conclusion despite the high volume of mail-in ballots.
He told a crowd of supporters that “we want the answer tonight.”
Experts warn that the influx of postal ballots, especially in swing states like Pennsylvania, may delay the outcome by days.
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa remains in custody at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Port Harcourt, marking his second night under detention by the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC detained Okowa after he responded to their invitation on Monday for questioning related to alleged financial misappropriations during his time in office.
Okowa, who served as the running mate for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election, faces allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion.
In addition, he is reportedly accused of failing to account for N40 billion purportedly used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed support for the EFCC’s actions, viewing the detention as a positive move in Nigeria’s broader fight against corruption.
One of the sources said, “He was also accused of failing to render accounts of the funds as well as another N40bn he allegedly claimed he used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.
“He also allegedly bought shares of N40bn in one of the major banks in the country, representing eight per cent equity to float the offshore LNG. The funds were alleged to be used for other purposes.
“Investigators are also investigating the diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba in Delta State.”
However, a source familiar with the matter told our correspondent on Tuesday that the former governor was yet to be released because of the quantum of the allegations against him.
The source added that Okowa was earlier in the day confronted with the allegations.
“We are still keeping him, he is still with us. The investigation is ongoing and earlier, he was confronted with some of the allegations against him.
“We are still keeping him because of the quantum of the allegations and amount involved. We want him to respond to the allegations,” the source said.
The Delta APC State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, in a statement on Tuesday, urged the EFCC to continue its investigation into the financial dealings of other former governors and public officials.
The statement partly read: “We in the APC wholeheartedly welcome the arrest of the former governor, who oversaw one of the most concerning cases of financial mismanagement during his eight-year tenure.
“His administration allegedly funnelled significant state resources into personal ventures, including establishing a bank, financing a failed presidential ambition, and supporting the controversial imposition of a successor.
“The arrest serves as a caution to all public officeholders, affirming that the era of impunity is over and that no one, irrespective of position or political affiliation, is above the law.”
It added that “The legacy of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration is a high debt profile resulting from a reckless borrowing spree, which earned him the notorious nickname of ‘Borrow Borrow Governor’.
”During his eight years in office, Delta State has little to show for the vast federal allocations received. The few substandard roads he constructed often hailed as the ‘roadmaster,’ have deteriorated rapidly.”
(Punch)
The government of Equatorial Guinea has launched an investigation following the leak of numerous explicit videos allegedly involving high-ranking civil servant Baltasar Engonga.
The videos reportedly show Engonga in sexual encounters with multiple women, including the wives of prominent officials in his office, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
In response to the scandal, the government has mandated the installation of surveillance cameras in courts and ministries to prevent “indecent and illicit acts” within government offices.
Additionally, officials implicated in the scandal are facing suspension, as confirmed in a statement by the Equatorial Guinea Press and Information Office on Tuesday.
Vice-President Teodoro Mangue also issued a stern warning, stating that any government employee found engaging in sexual activities at the workplace would face disciplinary action, as such behavior is a “flagrant violation of the code of conduct.”
The government emphasized that these measures aim to restore public trust, following the circulation of these videos, which officials say have “tarnished the country’s image” on a global scale.
“Among the decisions taken are the suspension of employment of the officials who appear in the homemade adult videos circulating on the networks, severe measures for the members assigned to the surveillance of the inmates for not fulfilling their duties and allowing such acts, as well as the reinforcement of security in all judicial offices in the country; in addition to the installation of surveillance cameras in the judicial and ministerial offices,” the statement said.
“The Executive has made this decision in the wake of the sexual videos that have gone viral on social media in recent days, which have denigrated the image of the country.
“And in order to correct this bad behaviour of some officials of the public and judicial administration of Equatorial Guinea, the Vice President of the Republic, concerned about this situation, has urgently summoned the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, the Attorney General of the Republic, and several members of the government headed by the Prime Minister, to adopt strategies to stop this type of behaviour and thus propose preventive measures,” it added.
The social media has been agog following the arrest of Engonga who is the Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, for allegedly recording over 400 sex tapes of the wives of notable people in the country.
The scandal emerged in the course of a fraud investigation against the 54-year-old economist which resulted in the search of his house and office on impromptu notice by ANIF officials who came across several CDs that later revealed his sexcapades with different married women.
Ever since the sex tapes leaked on the internet, different reactions have trailed the news described as the biggest sex scandal in the country and perhaps Africa.
The videos reportedly include encounters with high-profile individuals, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, the sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea, the Director-General of Police’s wife, and about 20 of the country’s ministers’ wives, among others.
In a recent interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Senator Ali Ndume expressed strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill, predicting it is “dead on arrival.”
According to Ndume, the proposed reforms have sparked significant backlash, particularly among Northern leaders, who view the bill as disproportionately unfavorable to the North.
Ndume emphasized that President Tinubu’s focus should be on streamlining government functions rather than introducing new tax burdens on Nigerians.
He argued that the Northern Governors’ Forum had already voiced concerns and advised the President to reconsider the bill, urging Tinubu to prioritize reforms that support growth and ease economic pressures on citizens.
The senator called on President Tinubu to listen to this feedback and withdraw the bill to pursue a more inclusive approach to economic reform.
Ndume said, “Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill, they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival. President Tinubu should heed the advice of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum and withdraw the bills immediately.
“Nigerians are willing to pay taxes but only when they can afford it. Right now, people are struggling to survive. Let people live first before you start asking them for taxes.”
Ndume said it would be fair to shut the bill down, hinting that he had started rallying support among colleagues to reject the bills.
“What he needs to do is to withdraw the bill. Then go back to our people, educate and make us understand. We are representing the people, and they have already made their stance clear.
“The governors and traditional rulers have said that the bill is not good. So, the best course of action is to withdraw it immediately,” he added.
(DailyTrust)