In a pivotal Premier League clash on February 23, 2025, Liverpool secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the table to 11 points. This win not only showcased Liverpool’s title credentials but also highlighted Manchester City’s ongoing struggles this season.
First Half: Liverpool’s Early Dominance
The match commenced with high intensity, as both teams sought to establish control. Liverpool’s innovative set-piece strategy paid dividends in the 14th minute. A cleverly executed corner saw Alexis Mac Allister pass to Dominik Szoboszlai at the near post, who then flicked the ball into Mohamed Salah’s path. Salah’s first-time strike, aided by a deflection off Nathan Ake, found the back of the net, marking his 30th goal of the season.
Buoyed by the opener, Liverpool continued to press. In the 37th minute, Salah turned provider, delivering a precise pass to Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, doubling Liverpool’s advantage before halftime.
Second Half: Manchester City’s Response and Liverpool’s Control
Facing a two-goal deficit, Manchester City endeavored to mount a comeback in the second half. Jeremy Doku was particularly lively on the flanks, completing an impressive 13 dribbles and consistently challenging Liverpool’s defense.
However, Liverpool’s defense, marshaled by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, remained resolute. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was called into action on several occasions but managed to preserve his clean sheet. City’s efforts were further hampered by the absence of their talismanic striker, Erling Haaland, sidelined due to injury.
Key Performances: Salah’s Record-Breaking Night
Mohamed Salah’s performance was nothing short of stellar. His goal and assist in this match brought his Premier League tally to 25 goals and 16 assists for the season. Remarkably, Salah has now been directly involved in over 40 league goals in two separate seasons, a feat previously unmatched in the Premier League.
Dominik Szoboszlai also shone brightly, not only contributing a goal but also playing a pivotal role in midfield, linking play and disrupting City’s rhythm. His partnership with Salah proved to be a constant thorn in City’s side throughout the match.
Implications: Title Race and Manchester City’s Woes
This victory propels Liverpool to 64 points from 27 matches, establishing a significant 11-point cushion over second-placed Arsenal. The Reds are now firm favorites to clinch their first Premier League title since the 2019-2020 season.
Conversely, Manchester City’s defeat leaves them in fourth place, a staggering 20 points adrift of the leaders. This marks their eighth loss of the campaign, underscoring one of their most challenging seasons under Pep Guardiola’s tenure.
Liverpool’s decisive win at the Etihad not only underscores their dominance this season but also highlights the widening gulf between them and their traditional rivals. With Mohamed Salah in record-breaking form and the team operating cohesively under Arne Slot’s guidance, the Reds appear poised to reclaim the Premier League crown. Meanwhile, Manchester City faces pressing questions as they seek to salvage their season and secure a Champions League berth.
The recent proposal to raise South Africa’s Value-Added Tax (VAT) by 2% has ignited widespread debate among policymakers, economists, and citizens. To understand the potential effects of such an increase on the average South African, it’s essential to explore the history of VAT in the country, its impact on household expenses, economic inequality, specific industries, and the broader economy.
A Brief History of VAT in South Africa
South Africa introduced VAT on September 30, 1991, at a rate of 10%, replacing the General Sales Tax (GST) that had been in place since 1978. The GST rates had progressively increased from 4% in 1978 to 13% by 1989. The transition to VAT aimed to create a more efficient and broad-based tax system. In 1993, the VAT rate was increased to 14% as part of efforts to enhance revenue collection. After a prolonged period of stability, the rate was raised again to 15% on April 1, 2018, marking the first increase in 25 years. This change was implemented to address fiscal deficits and bolster government revenue.
Understanding the Proposed Increase
The current proposal suggests elevating the VAT rate from 15% to 17%. This initiative aims to address funding gaps in essential public services, including education and social welfare programs. However, it has faced resistance from various political parties and labor unions, leading to a postponement of the national budget presentation.
Impact on Household Expenses
For the average South African consumer, a 2% VAT increase would directly affect the cost of goods and services. Everyday essentials, including food, transportation, and household necessities, would become more expensive, reducing disposable income and potentially altering spending habits. This is particularly concerning for low-income households, who spend a larger portion of their income on consumables.
Additionally, the VAT increase could trigger inflationary pressures, further eroding household incomes. As prices rise, the South African Reserve Bank might respond with interest rate hikes, compounding financial distress for consumers and small businesses.
Effects on Economic Inequality
VAT is often criticized as a regressive tax, disproportionately impacting low-income individuals who allocate a significant share of their earnings to taxable goods and services. The proposed increase could exacerbate existing economic disparities, as wealthier individuals are less affected by consumption taxes relative to their income. This could lead to heightened poverty levels and widened inequality gaps.
Government’s Rationale and Mitigation Measures
The government argues that the additional revenue from the VAT increase is necessary to fund critical public services, such as education, healthcare, and social grants. Plans include above-inflation increases to social grants to help offset the impact of the VAT hike on vulnerable households. However, critics contend that these measures may not be sufficient to counteract the broader economic strain imposed by the tax increase.
While the proposed 2% VAT increase aims to bolster funding for essential public services, it carries significant implications for the average South African. From increased living costs and potential inflation to exacerbated economic inequality and sector-specific challenges, the effects are far-reaching. As the debate continues, it is crucial for policymakers to carefully weigh the benefits of additional revenue against the potential hardships imposed on consumers and the economy at large.
Nigeria’s Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the 19th of February, 2025 paid a visit to the ultra modern Loveworld Medical Center in Lagos, south west Nigeria.
The elder state-man was taken on a tour of the facility which houses Africa’s Nuclear medical center.
The former president was full of praise for the vision behind the setting of such a health intervention saying that it would go a long way to curb medical tourism in the country.
Rounding off his visit Obasanjo said he had visited hospitals around the world and he would be glad to subscribe to the services of the hospital and be the first amongst many to testify to its quality and expertise.
According to him “You don’t need to go to America, Britain or to India.
Most especially our people who go to India as passengers, come back as cargo, here if you come here as a sick person you will go back as a healthy person”.
The center is the first in Nigeria to administer and make available the TErbium-161 cancer treatment. A treatment not yet available in the USA
Nigeria’s money supply (M2) surged by 18.3% year-on-year, reaching N110.97 trillion in January 2025, compared to N93.77 trillion in January 2024. This growth was largely fueled by increased savings in various investment instruments.
According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the rise in money supply was primarily driven by a 21% increase in quasi-money, which includes savings accounts, treasury bills, money market instruments, and foreign currency deposits. This data was published in the Money and Credit Statistics report released yesterday.
The report showed that quasi-money expanded to N74.07 trillion in January 2025, up from N61.2 trillion in the same period of 2024. Demand deposits also saw a 13.6% rise, reaching N32.15 trillion from N28.3 trillion year-on-year.
Currency outside banks recorded a significant jump, climbing 44.5% year-on-year to N4.74 trillion in January 2025 from N3.28 trillion in January 2024. Similarly, narrow money (M1) grew by 16.7% to N36.9 trillion from N31.6 trillion over the same period.
The increase in government borrowing played a key role in Nigeria’s growing debt profile, with total public debt rising by 6.0% quarter-on-quarter to N142.3 trillion in Q3 2024, as reported by the Debt Management Office (DMO).
The CBN data also revealed that credit to the government soared by 54% year-on-year to N24.51 trillion in January 2025, up from N23.51 trillion in the previous year. In contrast, credit to the private sector declined by 2.09%, dropping to N74.9 trillion from N76.5 trillion. Consequently, net domestic credit slipped by 0.5% year-on-year to N99.4 trillion in January 2025, compared to N99.9 trillion in January 2024.
Financial analysts at Cowry Asset Management Limited noted that the increase in public debt is largely attributed to a widening fiscal deficit resulting from government budget shortfalls and the persistent depreciation of the naira. They further highlighted that domestic debt issuance by the DMO to bridge fiscal gaps has significantly contributed to the rising debt stock.
The analysts cautioned that Nigeria’s fiscal outlook remains fragile, warning that economic stability is at risk unless meaningful structural reforms and revenue diversification strategies yield concrete results.
32 years after the annulment of what was tagged the fairest election in Nigeria’s history, lormer military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida has now acknowledged that the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, MKO Abiola, won the June 12, 1993 election.
Babangida, who annulled the election, acknowledged this in the concluding section of the 12th chapter of his autobiography launched on Thursday, 20th of February in Abuja.
In the book titled, ‘A Journey In Service,’ the former leader expressed regret over the annulment, describing it as an “accident of history.”
That election which was supposed to be a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey, had left many questioning the former military head of state”s integrity.
After years of military rule, Nigerians went to the polls to elect a new president, hopeful that the country would finally transition to democratic rule, but the election’s outcome was annulled, plunging the country into chaos and uncertainty.
Pre-Election: A Supposed Transition to Democracy
In the late 1980s, Nigeria’s military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, announced plans to transition the country to democratic rule.
As part of this process, Babangida established the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to oversee the electoral process. He also created two new parties: the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC).
The SDP and NRC were designed to be broad-based parties that would appeal to a wide range of Nigerians. The SDP was seen as a more progressive party, while the NRC was viewed as more conservative. Both parties fielded candidates for the presidential election, with Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola emerging as the SDP’s candidate and Bashir Tofa becoming the NRC’s candidate.
June 12 1993 Election: The Very Day
On that day, Nigerians went to the polls to elect a new president and the election was widely seen as peaceful and credible, with international observers praising the NEC, headed by Humphrey Nwosu, for its efficient organization of the process.
Abiola and Tofa campaigned vigorously, with Abiola’s message of hope and change resonating with many Nigerians.
As the votes were counted, it became clear that Abiola was winning. He received over 8 million votes, while Tofa received over 6 million votes. Abiola won 19 states, while Tofa won 10 states.
Aftermath: Annulling the Election
However, despite the peaceful and credible nature of the election, the NEC refused to announce the results. Instead, Babangida annulled the election, citing electoral irregularities, and the annulment sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country.
Nigerians felt that the election had been free and fair, and that Abiola had won convincingly. The annulment was seen as a brazen attempt by Babangida to maintain his grip on power. The protests that followed were violent, with security forces cracking down on demonstrators.
Consequences: Deaths, Exile, and International Condemnation
The annulment of the election had severe consequences for Nigeria as over 100 people were killed during protests against the annulment.
Many Nigerians, including Abiola’s supporters, went into exile. This led to Abiola’s arrest for treason as he went ahead to declare himself as the President on the 11th of June, 1994, which eventually led to his death in prison on the 7th of July, 1998, the day he was due to be released from prison.
And while in prison, his wife, Kudirat Abiola was assassinated on the 4th of June, 1996.
Kudirat spearheaded oil workers’ strike against the government which lasted 12 months.
She also gathered market women, students and civil servants to fight for their electoral right which was denied on June 12, 1993. Her efforts to get her husband out of jail and restore his mandate brought her across the line of Abacha’s military government.
The international community condemned the annulment, with the United Kingdom, United States, and European Union suspending aid to Nigeria.
June 12, The Legacy For Nigeria’s Democracy
Despite the annulment, the June 12 election marked a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey. It showed that Nigerians were eager for democratic rule and willing to fight for their rights. The election also marked the beginning of a long and difficult transition to democratic rule.
In 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria, recognizing the significance of the election in the country’s democratic journey. Abiola’s victory was also recognized, and he was awarded the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) posthumously.
The naira gained value, reaching 1,494.03/$ at the official market on Thursday, according to data from FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited. In parallel, it appreciated at the black market, rising to 1,510.00/$, narrowing the gap between the two markets to 15.5/$.
The narrowing difference in exchange rates between the official and parallel markets follows the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) policy interventions. CardinalStone Research’s daily market report noted that the naira strengthened by 1.04% at the official window to 1,494.03/$, while the parallel market saw a 1.66% increase, reaching 1,510.00/$.
The naira had shown a continued upward trend in the previous day’s trading. On FMDQ, the naira rose by 0.05% to 1,509.53/$, and in the parallel market, it appreciated by 0.65% to 1,535.00/$.
The CBN’s recent directive, which extends dollar sales to Bureau De Change (BDC) Operators until May 30, 2025, has been identified as a key factor contributing to the naira’s appreciation.
Aminu Gwadebe, President of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators, expressed optimism in an interview with The PUNCH. He remarked, “The pick-up of the interbank proceeds to Bureaux de Change as directed by CBN is helping to inject liquidity and reduce panic in the market.”
Meanwhile, the naira’s strengthening coincided with the decision of the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to keep the benchmark rate at 27.50% along with other key monetary parameters. The MPC maintained the asymmetric corridor around the MPR at plus 500 and minus 100 basis points, with the cash reserve ratio set at 50% for deposit money banks and 16% for merchant banks, and a liquidity ratio of 30%.
When explaining the rationale for holding rates, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, following the MPC meeting, emphasized the stability of the foreign exchange market. He said, “At this meeting, the Monetary Policy Committee noted with satisfaction recent macroeconomic developments which are expected to positively impact price dynamics in the near to medium term. These include the stability in the foreign exchange market with the resultant appreciation of the exchange rate.”
The Governor also highlighted the benefits of improvements in the external sector, which contribute to exchange rate stability, noting the convergence of rates between the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market and the Bureau de Change. He encouraged the bank to continue efforts to enhance market liquidity.
The MPC acknowledged the CBN’s recent initiatives, such as the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (B-Match) and the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code, aimed at promoting transparency, ethics, and credibility in the market. The committee concluded that, due to the major policy measures implemented by both monetary and fiscal authorities, the flow of foreign direct investments, portfolio investments, and remittances from the diaspora is expected to rise as investor and stakeholder confidence improves.
The European Union (EU) is actively engaging with private sector players in Nigeria to foster investments that will accelerate the country’s digital transformation. At a recent meeting in Lagos, the EU outlined its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy through public-private partnerships.
The EU-Nigeria Digital Economy Package, aligned with the Global Gateway Strategy, aims to position Nigeria as a regional digital hub. Key initiatives under this program include expanding the national fiber-optic network by 90,000 km, enhancing digital public services, and equipping the ICT workforce with essential skills through initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) program, according to an official EU statement released on Friday.
Boosting Digital Infrastructure Through Private Sector Participation
Speaking at a business breakfast with industry leaders, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the EU’s drive to attract private investments into Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. He highlighted the EU’s approach to de-risking financial mechanisms and offering guarantees to encourage private sector participation in large-scale projects, such as the extensive fiber-optic expansion.
“Digital public services and entrepreneurship present significant opportunities for private sector investment, with multiple procurement systems enabling collaboration between the EU and Nigeria’s private businesses,” De Luca stated.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has already committed €100 million to improve 4G connectivity in Lagos and Ogun states, while also providing technical assistance for the nationwide 90,000km fiber-optic rollout. This project aligns with Nigeria’s Broadband Strategy, aiming to enhance digital connectivity in both urban and rural areas.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Digital Identity and Startups
The EIB is further backing Nigeria’s digital transformation with a €250 million loan to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance the country’s digital identity infrastructure with high data protection standards. This investment serves as a foundational step towards digitizing public services in Nigeria.
Additionally, the EU is offering technical support for the digitalization of the Office of the Vice President and working with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to simplify business registration for startups and MSMEs.
“With increased digital skills, Nigeria’s businesses and citizens will be better positioned to leverage the opportunities brought by digital transformation,” the EU statement added.
Support for Tech Startups, Innovation, and Skills Development
The EU is committed to fostering a thriving tech startup ecosystem in Nigeria by supporting innovative solutions that drive economic and social growth. To this end, the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC)—co-funded by the EU and Germany’s GIZ—is promoting an innovation-friendly environment and new digital solutions.
The EU is also financing the Nigerian Jubilee Fellowship Programme (NJFP), a €45 million initiative designed to equip young ICT graduates with industry-relevant skills and place them in leading Nigerian and European companies. Similarly, a €9.5 million grant supports the DTC project, aimed at upskilling youth and women in the digital economy.
Enhancing Data Protection and Cybersecurity Standards
As part of its broader digital strategy, the EU is actively assisting Nigeria in developing robust regulatory frameworks to uphold high standards of privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection. The EU’s support played a role in the adoption of Nigeria’s Data Protection Law and the strengthening of the Data Protection Commission, aligning local standards with those of the EU to enhance enforcement capacity.
According to Thuweba Diwani, Head of Project at GIZ-DTC Nigeria, the EU’s initiatives also focus on creating stronger connections between Nigerian private sector players in the digital economy and their European counterparts.
With these investments and partnerships, the EU aims to drive Nigeria’s digital revolution, supporting infrastructure development, workforce upskilling, and an enabling environment for tech-driven economic growth.
Universities across China have introduced artificial intelligence (AI) courses this month featuring DeepSeek, an AI breakthrough from the Hangzhou-based startup that has been hailed as China’s “Sputnik moment.” The development has attracted global attention, with experts comparing DeepSeek’s models—DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1—to the most advanced AI technologies from OpenAI and Meta.
This initiative aligns with China’s push to strengthen scientific and technological innovation in its educational institutions, fostering new growth opportunities for the world’s second-largest economy.
Shenzhen University in Guangdong province announced that its new AI course, centered around DeepSeek, will not only cover core technologies but also address crucial issues such as security, privacy, and ethical considerations. The university aims to strike a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.
Similarly, Zhejiang University began offering specialized DeepSeek courses in February, while Shanghai Jiao Tong University has incorporated DeepSeek into its AI learning tools. Renmin University of China has also integrated DeepSeek into various fields, enhancing teaching, research, and administrative operations.
China’s commitment to advancing education is underscored by its first national action plan, unveiled in January, which aims to build a “strong education nation” by 2035. The plan aspires to establish a world-class education system with high accessibility and quality standards.
Highlighting DeepSeek’s growing influence, the company’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, recently attended a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping and leading figures from China’s tech industry, including representatives from Alibaba.
On Thursday, 20th of February 2025, Senate President Godwill Akpabio called for security on the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, after a heated argument over seating arrangements during plenary. The disagreement escalated, causing disruptions in the proceedings, as Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, refused to sit in the seat assigned to her, referencing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules, which protects the rights of members.
Who Is Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan born on December 9, 1979, hails from the Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State but grew up in Ajaokuta, where her father worked as a medical practitioner. She is the second of four siblings and the only daughter of a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mother.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, married with three children, began her education at Christ the King Nursery and Primary School in Okene, Kogi State, followed by her secondary education at the Federal Government College, Idoani, Ondo State. She pursued a Law degree at the University of Abuja and later attended the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja, where she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005.
In March 2018, she gained widespread attention when she presented an investigative report to the National Assembly, exposing corrupt practices at the Ajaokuta Steel Mill and revealing how government funds had been misused since the establishment of the steel company.
Her advocacy for the revitalization of the steel plant further boosted her profile, and in the 2019 general elections, she ran for the Senate under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). She was defeated by Yakubu Oseni of the APC, who secured 76,120 votes compared to her 48,336 votes. However, she outpaced the incumbent senator, Ahmed Ogembe of the PDP, who garnered 19,359 votes.
In addition to her political pursuits, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Programme (BHIIP), an initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
Moments Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Stood Up for Herself Against Opposition and Injustice
Resilience Amidst Adversity in 2018 Senate Campaign:
Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has sometime now managed to persevere in the face of opposition despite the chaotic and challenging political landscape she navigates.
Her 2018 attempt to secure a Senate seat for Kogi Central under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was fraught with challenges, including the burning of her office. Though bruised, she was not defeated.
In 2023, she contested again, this time under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where she found herself needing to reclaim her mandate in court following what seemed like a prolonged and arduous journey in politics in her home state of Kogi, and eventually successful in reclaiming her mandate.
Standing Up Against Senate President’s 2024 Remarks
On Thursday 18th July, 2024, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio made headlines on social media when he shut down the lawmaker, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan during a plenary session, telling her not to speak without being formally recognized.
He further remarked, “…the senate is not a nightclub.” Many Nigerians considered this statement derogatory, suspecting it contained gender-based biases. This sparked significant outrage, leading to an apology from the Senate President.
He publicly apologized to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but suggested that the online interest reflected that “we have enemies.” He continued, urging the public to focus on matters that would drive the nation forward. He also cautioned social media users to “practice with decorum,” stating, “we won’t out of anger regulate social media.” He further emphasized that, as a father of four daughters, he would never intentionally denigrate women, adding, “I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I will always pray that God will uplift women.”
Refusal To Be Silenced Over Seating Change
Again during plenary on Thursday 20th February, 2024, the lawmaker stood up against what seemed like a denigration of her right over seating arrangements.
Upon entering the chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan noticed her nameplate was missing from her usual seat, which prompted her to raise her voice in protest, asking for an explanation about the change in her seating arrangement.
As the session began, Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) raised a point of order, drawing Akpabio’s attention to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “improper sitting position.” While Monguno was still speaking, Akpoti-Uduaghan interjected, demanding an explanation for the unapproved change of her seat. “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she told Akpabio.
The disruption led Akpabio to instruct the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove the Kogi lawmaker from the chamber, warning that she might face suspension if she continued to disrupt proceedings. “Can the Sergeant-at-Arms please take her out of the Senate?” Akpabio ordered. Her microphone was turned off as security personnel began to carry out the directive. However, the senator resisted, voicing her frustration over the treatment.
Seeing the situation escalate, several senators stepped in to restore calm. Senators from Kogi State, led by Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East), called for a peaceful resolution, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to allow peace to prevail.
Recalling a similar incident during his time in the 8th Senate, Akpabio mentioned how his seat had been changed without notice, which he had protested, but the matter was resolved with decorum. “In the 8th Senate, my seat was changed without prior notice. I voiced my displeasure, but the matter was resolved internally,” he said. He also suggested reinstating the old microphone system to avoid senators speaking out of turn, jokingly apologizing “on behalf of the contractor” for the technical issues.
Once the plenary resumed peacefully, Senator Jibrin cited Order 42 (Matter of personal explanation) and offered an apology on behalf of his Kogi colleague. Meanwhile, Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) defended the seat reallocation process, calling Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction unnecessary. “When she came in, we extended an arm of friendship to her; we love her too much. I don’t know why she turned the place upside down,” he said, urging her to apologize.
Finally, Senator Akpabio intervened, offering Akpoti-Uduaghan a resolution. “Senator Karimi, I can see that you are very hurt. I just want to appeal to you to temper justice with mercy,” he said. He emphasized that seat reallocation is a routine matter governed by the Senate’s Standing Orders and that while senators must speak from assigned seats, changes are at the Senate President’s discretion. “I want the public to understand that our proceedings are governed by rules and the Constitution,” Akpabio concluded.
In the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 on February 20, 2025, Galatasaray hosted AZ Alkmaar at RAMS Park in Istanbul. Despite a spirited effort, the match concluded in a 2-2 draw, resulting in Galatasaray’s elimination with a 6-3 aggregate loss.
First Half:
AZ Alkmaar began assertively, capitalizing on their 4-1 advantage from the first leg. Their persistent attacks bore fruit in the 42nd minute when, during a swift counterattack, Ernest Poku delivered a precise pass from the right wing to Japanese midfielder Satoshi Maikuma. Maikuma’s first-time shot found the net, giving AZ a 1-0 lead.
Second Half:
The Dutch side extended their lead in the 55th minute. Denso Kasius unleashed a powerful long-range shot that beat goalkeeper Günay Güvenç, making it 2-0.
Galatasaray, facing a daunting aggregate deficit, responded swiftly. In the 56th minute, Lucas Torreira sent a well-placed pass into the penalty area, where Victor Osimhen connected with a first-time strike to reduce the margin to 2-1.
Buoyed by the goal, Galatasaray continued to press. Their efforts were rewarded in the 70th minute when Barış Alper Yılmaz delivered a low cross from the left wing to the edge of the box. Roland Sallai met it with a powerful shot, leveling the score at 2-2.
Key Performances:
Despite the draw, AZ Alkmaar’s progression was largely secured by their dominant first-leg performance. Galatasaray’s goalkeeper, Günay Güvenç, stood out with multiple crucial saves, preventing further damage and earning applause from the home fans.
Galatasaray faced this crucial match without several key players, including Álvaro Morata, due to injury. Their absence was felt, as the team struggled to overturn the first-leg deficit.
With this result, AZ Alkmaar advances to the Europa League quarter-finals, while Galatasaray exits the tournament, shifting their focus to domestic competitions.
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