Electoral Body Announces Date of Edo, Ondo Polls

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September 26, 2023

The independence national electoral commission, INEC has officially discoursed the scheduled date for Edo and ondo State Governorship elections.

This was disclosed in a press statement by the electoral body national commissioner & chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekan on Tuesday, September 25th 2023.

PRESS RELEASE

TIMETABLE AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE EDO AND ONDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS

The tenure of the Governors of Edo and Ondo States will end on 11th November 2024 and 23rd February 2025 respectively.

As provided in Section 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), election into the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of` the last holder of the office. The latest date for Election to the office of Governor, Edo State, is 12th October 2024 while that of Ondo State is 24th January 2025.

Similarly, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 requires the Commission to publish Notice for the Election not later than 360 days before the date of the election.

Electoral Body Fixes Dates For Collection Of PVCs

In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, the Commission issues the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Edo and Ondo State Governorship elections as follows:

EDO STATE

The Governorship election will hold on Saturday 21st September 2024.

Party primaries will hold from 1st – 24th February 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00am on 4th March 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 24th March 2024.

The final list of candidates will be published on 23rd April 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on 24th April 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 19th September 2024.

ONDO STATE

The Governorship election will hold on Saturday 16th November 2024.

Party primaries will hold from 6th – 27th April 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00am on 29th April 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 20th May 2024.

The final list of candidates will be published on 18th June 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on 19th June 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 14th November 2024.

DETAILED TIMETABLE

The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the two elections have been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

By this ample notice as required by both the Constitution and the Electoral Act, the Commission appeals to political parties and candidates to note the activities in the Timetable for strict compliance.

Sam Olumekun

National Commissioner & Chairman,

Information and Voter Education Committee

Tuesday 26th September 2023

Senate Begins Screening of Cardoso, Deputy Gov. Nominees

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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September 26, 2023

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The Senate has commenced screening of Olayemi Cardoso for the position of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Four deputy governor nominees are also being screened for the apex bank.

The nominees for the positions of Deputy Governors include Emem Nnana Usoro, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor, and Bala M. Bello.

Recall the Senate in a statement on Monday by the Media Office of the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, revealed it will screen all the nominees following its resumption from its annual recess.

Senate puts on hold screening of 3 ministerial nominees

On September 15, President Bola Tinubu approved the nomination of Cardoso to serve as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The President also approved the nomination of four deputy governors for a term of five years each at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Organised Labour Declares Nationwide Strike, Oct 3

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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September 26, 2023

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The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have resolved to ground activities nationwide from October 3, 2023, following what the Labour Unions tagged as the “failure” of government to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit.

The NLC national president, Joe Ajaero, during a virtual National Executive Council meeting which was held on Zoom, Tuesday told members of NEC that a meeting was held with the officials of the TUC to deliberate on ways forward. Ajaero noted that it was resolved that the two centres work together to make their stance known to the government.

A source who was present at the meeting noted that some members of the NLC initially objected to the development of the NLC working together with the TUC.

“Initially some members did not want us to work with the TUC but as of now, we don’t have a choice. The government has not been proactive. So it is going to be a definite action this time around.”

The reports that the 21-day ultimatum given by the NLC ended last week. The national president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero had complained that “none of the demands put before the Federal Government had been addressed.”

The union first observed a two-day nationwide warning strike on September 5 and 6 to show its readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month.

Among other things, the NLC and the TUC are asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.

President Bola Tinubu had on June 19 set up the Presidential Steering Committee and various sub-committees to discuss the framework to be adopted on the palliatives.

Though the FG made a commitment to restructure the framework for engagement with organised Labour on palliatives, the eight-week timeframe set for the conclusion of the process expired in August with no action taken.

The committees were given eight weeks to conclude their assignment and hasten the implementation of the framework in cushioning the effect of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians but weeks after the timeframe expired, the sub-committees had yet to meet or actualise their mandates, leaving the NLC and TUC leadership frustrated.

Details later…

Humans Identifying As Dogs Gather In Berlin To Protest Rights

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faith Jegede

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September 26, 2023

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Individuals who identify as dogs recently gathered in the heart of Berlin in an unusual and controversial gathering, perplexing local authorities and locals.

An estimated 1,000 people who wish to be identified as canines rather than humans gathered at Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz railway station in Germany, communicating exclusively by howling or barking at one another.

This rare occurrence has sparked debate on the limits of freedom of personal expression and led to requests for animal control officials to intervene.

The group sparked cries for tighter animal control after the video of their Berlin meet-up went viral.

Critics threw jabs online, with some offering to test the herd’s “canine instincts.”

The event took place on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023.

Meanwhile, some psychologists urge that the distinction between those who identify as a creature other than humans, or “therians,” and people who like to play dress up in animal suits or “furries,” even though both groups are essentially playing dress up.

Federal Govt Declares September 27 Public Holiday

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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September 25, 2023

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The Federal Government has declared Wednesday September 27 as public holiday in commemoration of Eil-ul- Maulid celebration, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration on Monday night in Abuja on behalf of the government.

The Minister, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, congratulated Muslim faithful at home and in the diaspora for witnessing this year’s occasion.

He admonished Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, tolerance and perseverance which are deep spiritual virtues that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him ) exemplified.

June 12: FG Declares Monday Public Holiday

The Minister urged youths to embrace hard work and peaceful dispositions to fellow citizens irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity.

He called on them to join hands with President Bola Tinubu to build a progressive country.

Police Nab 19 Suspects In Sagamu Cult Clashes

By

faith Jegede

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September 25, 2023

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About 19 people suspected to be members of different cult groups have been arrested by the police in Ogun State in connection with the recent cult clashes.

The clashes have left eight persons dead in the Sagamu area of the State.

Police Public Relations Officer in state, Omolola Odutola said this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday.

Odutola said the suspects were arrested at different locations in the Sagamu area of the state through a combined effort of various formations of the police force.

She stated that during the operation, a suspected kingpin of the Eiye Confraternity, Ogunnibi Hammed, who was allegedly responsible for attacks against rival cult groups in the state was also arrested.

The statement read in part, “On the 24th of September 2023, a successful tactical operation carried out by the Ogun State Police Command led to the arrest of Ogunnibi Hammed, the kingpin of the Eiye Confraternity.

This notorious cultist has been widely known for his involvement in gruesome attacks against rival cult groups in Ogun State.

“The operation was a result of a combined effort between the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, the Anti-Cultism Unit (AKU), and the Obalende Division of the police force.

Acting on intercepted information, the operation targeted the suspected cultists who had been causing terror in various areas including Odogbolu, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, and Ilishan.

“Among those apprehended were Sodipo Azeez, also known as Bintobo, Ilori Gbenga, Lamina Yusuf, Kolawole Rasaq, Adelaja Otusanya, Adeyemi Soneye, Oseni Toheeb, Thank God Naba, Lekan Qudus, Adelusi Omotayo, Timothy Monday AYOMIDE Ishmael, Oboje Jeremiah, Ayoola Oladayo, Jacob Chidi, John Innocent, Ayangbile Victor, and Jacob Sunday. All of these individuals have confessed to being active members of different cult groups.”

She noted that the state commissioner of police, Abiodun Alamutu, has ordered an immediate investigation of the individuals arrested while assuring that the public will be duly informed of further development on the case.

“The Commissioner of Police (CP) is informed about the arrests and has ordered an immediate investigation into the individuals apprehended.

As the investigation progresses, the police will provide updates to the public regarding any relevant developments in this case,” Odutola concluded

Cord Jefferson’s ‘American Fiction’ Wins Toronto Film Festival Audience Award

By

Emenike Agu

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September 25, 2023

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“American Fiction,” Cord Jefferson’s Blistering Satire Of Race And Media, Captured The Toronto International Film Festival’s People’s Choice Award, Bolstering Its Oscars Chances.

Tiff’s People’s Choice Award Is Considered To Be Among The Best Predictors Of Eventual Awards Success, Though The 2023 Festival Hosted A Weaker Lineup Than Most Years Due To The Writers And Actors Strikes That Saw Some Prominent Contenders Skip A Canadian Premiere. In The Past, Winners Of The Prize Such As “Green Book,” “12 Years A Slave” And “Nomadland” Went On To Be Named Best Picture At The Academy Awards. Other Recipients, Including “Belfast,” “La La Land,” “Jojo Rabbit,” And 2022’s Winner, “The Fabelmans,” Were All Best Picture Nominees.

The People’s Choice Category Was Created In 1978. Seven Recipients Won Best Picture At The Oscars, With Five Of Those Victories Coming In The Past Two Decades.

Alexander Payne’s Boarding School Dramedy “The Holdovers” Was The First Runner-Up For The People’s Choice Award, While Hayao Miyazaki’s Animated Coming-Of-Age Story “The Boy And The Heron” Was The Second Runner-Up.

“Dicks: The Musical,” A Raunchy Satire From “Borat” Director Larry Charles, Won The People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award. A24 Will Release The Film Later This Month. The First Runner-Up In The Midnight Madness Category Was Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s “Kill,” While “Hell Of A Summer,” Co-Directed By Finn Wolfhard And Billy Bryk, Was The Second Runner-Up.

Mission: Impossible 7 Ends Its Domestic Run In Red

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Emenike Agu

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September 25, 2023

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After Leading One Of The Most Successful Films Of 2022 With Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise’s Career Suffers A Setback With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Which Is Now One Of The Biggest Flops Of 2023 At The Domestic Box Office. It’s Been 27 Years Since Tom Cruise First Became Ethan Hunt In The 1996 Film Directed By Brian De Palma. At That Time, No One Would Have Imagined That It Would Become One Of The Most Popular Action And Espionage Sagas In The Entire History Of Cinema.

Entry After Entry, Mission: Impossible Has Achieved Huge Numbers At The Box Office, Both Domestically And Globally. However, The Latest Installment Has Not Managed To Keep Up With The Previous Films. According To Reports, The Movie Directed By Christopher Mcquarrie Will End Its Domestic Run With A Total Grossing Of $172 Million Dollars, Becoming The Second Worst For The Entire Franchise, Being Surpassed Only By 2006’s Mission: Impossible Iii, Which Only Grossed $134 Million Dollars.

Despite These Disappointing Numbers, Adding Its Global Gross, Mission: Impossible 7 Has Made $566.2 Million Against A Budget Of $291 Million. So, While It Cannot Be Considered A Smash Hit, It Is Not An Absolute Disaster Either. Unfortunately, One Of The Biggest Problems The Film Had To Face Was Its Competition, As It Shared Much Of Its Time In Theaters With Barbie And Oppenheimer, Which Have Become Two Of The Biggest Movies Of The Year.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Is The First Chapter Of A Larger Story That Will Come To An End In June 2024 With Dead Reckoning Part Two, Also Directed By McQuarrie.

Outbreak Won’t Affect Presidential Election Petition— Spokesman

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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September 25, 2023

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The Public Relations Officer for the court, Festus Akande has said the fire incident that occurred on Monday morning has no connection with and won’t have any effect on the presidential election petition.

LN247 reported earlier that a wing of the Supreme Court complex situated at the Three-Arm-Zone, Abuja, was engulfed by fire this morning.

Fire outbreak at Federal Capital Territory

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Monday, Akande stated that the fire outbreak won’t affect anything in the court.

He said: “As a matter of fact, there’s no single connection, and it won’t affect anything in the court.

“This incident occurred in a chamber equipped with a computer and other equipment, as well as a functional library used by any justice occupying such chamber.

“The only thing that was affected were the books and computer equipment in the chamber. Even the books are replaceable.

“Also, it has nothing to do with it because it was from an electrical fault, which could happen anywhere, and there are things that happen daily.”

Oppenheimer Surpasses $900 Million At Worldwide Box Office

By

Emenike Agu

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September 25, 2023

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Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer Keeps Climbing At The Box Office With More Than $900 Million In Global Ticket Sales To Date.

Over The Weekend, The R-Rated Historical Drama Added $12.8 Million Globally, Including $10.7 Million Overseas And $2.1 Million Domestically. After Nine Weeks Of Release, Oppenheimer Has Grossed A Staggering $910 Million Worldwide, With $318 Million From North American Theaters And $594 Million Internationally.

Oppenheimer, Starring Cillian Murphy As The So-Called “Father Of The Atomic Bomb,” Continues To Crush Expectations And Stands As The Third-Highest Grossing Release Of The Year Behind “Barbie” ($1.41 Billion) And “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” ($1.36 Billion). At This Rate, The $1 Billion Benchmark Isn’t Out Of The Question — But It Would Require “Oppenheimer” To Continue Playing In Theaters For Several More Weeks. (Awards Attention And Theatrical Re-Releases Would Help As Well.