Supreme Corner

By Desmond Ibhagbe No sooner had the ears of Nigerians finished from the impulse of the arrest and suspension of acting EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, on charges of corruption and insubordination, were they faced with yet another drama involving acting MD of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei. A case not far from Fr. Isreal Anaweokhai's remission on Magu's in his work, " Highlight of this probe was the dramatic fainting of the NDDC boss when he was asked to X-ray the comical "take care of ourselves" 1.5 billion naira expenditure captured by his report. This is not the first of its kind for Nigerians as cases of corruption beclouds the Nigerian atmosphere every now and then, like the shadow of a flying bird to the mother hen. READ ALSO  Writers Corner: 4 major reasons people write However, to this latest show of shame is a worrying issue that tides questions to the lip shore of citizens. The fight against the pand...

Borno State residents have urged the Federal government to relocate repented Boko Haram members to Aso rock or the state government house. 601 ex-Boko Haram combatants graduate in Gombe  on 25July, 2020  Residents kicked against the reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members into the communities, saying that it will cause more depression to families of victims of their past attacks. One of the residents who spoke to   TheCable said, “From day one, Maiduguri people have never liked the idea of reintegrating the terrorists back to the community,” one of the residents said. “The reason is simple. It means they are likely to come in contact with people who slaughtered members of their family and friends in their presence and they are expected not to think about it? “They are expected to agree for these people to be with them in society? How do you expect us to live with the killers of our parents? Those who attacked us and burnt down our houses?” Shettima Mustapha,...

People venture into writing for specific reasons without grasping the major reasons for writing. Back in secondary school, I had a friend who wrote short stories I anticipated to read each time. She could tell stories that make your imaginations come alive, and leave you yearning for more. I noticed people's reaction to her stories made her write more, and I did my best to tell her how amazing her stories were so she could keep at it. This I'm sure is true for some writers, and a reason for them to write; word of mouth and positive affirmation from people. When asked the question, why do you write? I am sure a lot comes to mind. Some write because it's the best way they can express themselves, some because it's the only thing they are good at, and others who really crave to impact the world with words. READ PREVIOUS POST  The Mindset every Writer must have There are lots of valid reasons why people write, but they can all be categorized under these:   1. T...

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Monday revealed that airborne transmission of COVID-19 is possible, even as new evidence has shown. It, therefore, urged citizens to absolutely wear a face mask and adhere to other non-pharmaceutical protocols like avoiding mass gatherings, practicing social distancing and maintaining hand hygiene by washing of hands.   Speaking during the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said: “Over the past few weeks, increasing evidence has emerged that in addition to droplet infection we cannot rule out that airborne transmission is also possible as a mode of transmission of covid-19. READ ALSO Covid-19: Asymptomatic patient infects 71 people after usinglift “The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its guidelines on this saying exactly the same thing – that we cannot rule out airborne transmission. Therefore, we have to act in a pr...

A woman who didn’t know she had coronavirus infected at least 71 people after she used a lift in her apartment block, say researchers.  The traveller had recently returned to her home in Heilongjiang province, China, after a trip to the US on March 19, according to an article published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heilongjiang had not reported any new Covid-19 cases in the eight days before.  The woman – whose identity has been protected in the report – was not displaying any Covid-19 symptoms and tested negative when she returned from her trip but was told to quarantine at home anyway. Although she did not use the building’s lift while it was in use, her downstairs neighbour got in it shortly after her one day.  READ ALSO Alarming rise of Bubonic Plague hits China  On March 26, the neighbour’s mother and her partner stayed the night in her apartment. Two days later the mother and her boyfriend went to a party with a group of people.  ...

The Police in Jos have arrested a 39-year-old businessman, Abdul Abdul, for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl after buying N20 sachet water in her mother’s makeshift store.   Abdul, a married man and father of six who resides in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area, allegedly committed the crime on June 8, when he went into the shop to buy water.   The suspect said on Monday, that he did not know what came over him when he had ‘sex’ with the minor.   “On June 8, it was raining heavily and I needed a place to take shelter after alighting from the tricycle, so I went into the shop, opposite a house I am building.   “I bought a sachet of water from the girl after which we started discussing.   “I placed my hand on her shoulder and she did not resist so I went ahead to make attempts to have sex with her.   “She pulled down her leggings herself and told me not to ejaculate inside of her, immediately I ‘released’ on the side of her laps...

Fire on Monday gutted a section of the World Trade Centre building located in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. According to an eyewitness who spoke to the Punch, the fire started from the top of the skyscraper which dots the skyline of Central Business District, Abuja.   First responders including firefighters were yet to be seen at the incident scene as of the time of filing this report.   Since it began in 1939 in New York, United States, the World Trade Centre brand has since become global trade hubs in more than 90 countries including Nigeria. Details shortly...    

The crisis between the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joi Nunieh, and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has deepened as Nunieh gives reasons for slapping Akpabio. On Monday, Nunieh accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. She was reacting to allegations by Akpabio that, among others, she was removed from office because of insubordination and certificate issues. He also alleged that morally, Nunieh had no moral right to accuse anybody of infractions because she was involved with four husbands. But, speaking on Arise Television, she said that Akpabio should tell Nigerians “the real meaning of insubordination”. The programme was anchored by former Presidential Spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati. “Akpabio should tell Nigerians the real meaning of insubordination. I had to slap him because of sexual harassment. I am the only Niger Delta woman who can slap him like that. “He should tell Nigerians why I slapped ...

Reactions have trailed the selection of Mallam Gani Audu as Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s running mate. The lawmaker representing Etsako West Constituency 2 in the Edo State House of Assembly, Gani Audu, emerged the running mate to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Audu, a former Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council of Edo State, was strategically unveiled on Saturday. According to the Nation, a source close to Ize-Iyamu, who spoke in confidence, disclosed that Audu was picked to neutralise the impact of Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who is from the area, since the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Godwin Obaseki, insists on vying with Shaibu. On twitter today, Nigerians reacted to the pairing of two persons with different religious beliefs. People deliberated on how a pastor was being paired with a Muslim. See reactions below; Obinna Nwosu @obi_Nwosu APC lo...

Manchester City will be free to play Champions League football next season after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lifted a two-season ban from European competitions imposed by UEFA on Monday. An initial fine of 30 million euros ($34 million, £27 million) was also reduced to 10 million euros on appeal. City were accused of deliberately inflating the value of income from sponsors with links to the Abu Dhabi United Group, also owned by City owner Sheikh Mansour, to avoid falling foul of financial fair play (FFP) regulations between 2012 and 2016. The case against City was reopened when German magazine Der Spiegel published a series of leaked emails in 2018. However, CAS found that “most of the alleged breaches reported by the Adjudicatory Chamber of the CFCB (UEFA Club Financial Control Body) were either not established or time-barred”. City welcomed the decision that will have huge ramifications on the club’s finances and potentially the future of manager Pep Guardiola and star p...

It is no more news that the events that surrounded Nigeria’s mediasphere last week was the probe of former Acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu. For one week, Magu has been detained. He was accosted on the road in Abuja and dragged to appear before  Justice Isa Ayo Salami Presidential Investigation Panel, which is probing allegations leveled against him by Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami. President Buhari approved his suspension after Magu appeared before an investigative panel. The EFCC Director of Operations, Mohammed Umar, was asked to take charge and oversee the activities of the Commission pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and further directives in that regards, Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations in the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said in a statement on Friday. This attracted a lot of reactio...

The Nigerian Immigration Service has blocked 58 medical doctors from leaving the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos via a chartered flight today July 10.   A statement released by the Immigration spokesman, Sunday James on Friday, says the doctors had planned to sneak out of the country via the Lagos airport.  James said 56 out of the 58 doctors had no valid UK visas and would have been repatriated when they arrived in the UK.  He said the service will not allow individuals or groups of well-educated Nigerians who should know the procedures for travelling out of their country and the requirements during the COVID19 pandemic, to flout relevant laws. Nigerian airspace is at the moment closed to international flights.       The Immigration Service says the chartered flight has already left without the doctors.   The Statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Immigration Service has refused departure of fifty-eig...

Having the right mindset is important to position you as a great, and exceptional writer. The following are fundamental mindset you must have as a writer:   1. See your writing as an art: See yourself as an artist, when you do so, the level of attention you give to your writing will differ. Go beyond being a good writer. Think of a painter or an artist, how they meticulously draw and blend colours, I'm sure you'll agree with me that they pay a lot of attention.   You don't use words just because they are good or sound nice, but because it fits perfectly into your story and what it is you want to convey. It takes quality time to put up a great writing, you pay more attention to your use of words, think through every single word, and go through it over and over again. This mindset aims at helping you carefully craft words together, and not just scribble.   2. Your writing is not about you but your readers/audience: Communication is key; if you cannot clearly s...

Final year secondary school students in Nigeria won’t participate in the forthcoming West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations, the Federal Government has declared. The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who disclosed this to State House Correspondents on Wednesday after the week’s virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, also said there is no date for school resumption yet. He said he would prefer Nigerian students lose an academic year to expose them to dangers. Recall that the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajuiba had announced on Monday that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will now hold from August 4 to September 5, 2020.   Details later..

Kogi State Government has inaugurated Justice Henry Olusuyi as the Chief Judge of the state. Olasuyi’s inauguration came five days after Gov Bello appointed him as acting Chief judge.   The swearing-in ceremony was held on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state capital.   Ajanah, Kogi Chief judge dies at COVID-19 isolation centre   The State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Deputy Governor, Edward Onaja; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Matthew Kolawole and other top government functionaries were in attendance.   The position became vacant following the death of Justice Nasir Ajanah on June 29.   Meanwhile, Governor Bello has approved the appointment of Bayo Olowosegun as the acting President of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal.   Mr Olowosegun’s appointment also followed the demise of the former occupant of the office, Shaibu Atadoga, who died on June 22.

The United States is considering banning TikTok because it comes from China, according to the Secretary of State. Speaking to Fox News, Mike Pompeo suggested that other Chinese-made social apps are also being looked at. ‘We are taking this very seriously. We are certainly looking at it,’ Pompeo said. ‘With respect to Chinese apps on peoples’ cellphones, the United States will get this one right too.’ Lawmakers in the US are concerned over handling of user data by the app’s parent company ByteDance – located in Bejing. Specifically, that it may hand over information to the Chinese government if asked. When asked if people should download TikTok, the short-form video app that’s hugely popular around the world, Pompeo responded: ‘Only if you want your private information in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.’ The company has responded to the remarks in a statement, explaining: ‘TikTok is led by an American CEO, with hundreds of employees and key leaders across safety, security,...

A 44-year old pastor of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Ogo Oluwa parish, Oluwafemi Oyebola, has been arrested for allegedly raping his biological daughter.   The 24-year-old daughter, who asked to remain anonymous reported at the Owode-Egbado divisional headquarters that her father had been forcefully having carnal knowledge of her since 2015 when she was 19 years old, shortly after the demise of her mother.   According to the Nation, she told the police that she got pregnant for her father three times, but he took her to a nurse where those pregnancies were terminated.   She added  that after the third pregnancy and its termination, her father got her to undergo a family planning procedure to stop further pregnancies.   She said it was at this point that it dawned on her that her father was out to ruin her life, so she ran away from home and reported her ordeal to a non-governmental organisation, Advocacy For Children And Vulnerable Persons...

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami has debunked rumours going viral on social media of him procuring three houses within the period of his assumption of office. In a recent statement by the Minister spokesperson, Mrs Uwa Suleiman, Pantami cleared air on the publication made by Sahara reporters. He noted that he has not bought any house anywhere in the world. ‘’One of the apartments in the images published is one which the minister has occupied since January 2017, more than two years before becoming a minister, while the other one is a house he rented since 17 December, 2019. Read Statement below;

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho says the physical altercation between team-mates Hugo Lloris and Heung-min Son during the 1-0 win against Everton on Monday was 'beautiful'. Despite Spurs leading by a single goal as half-time started, Lloris and Son had to be separated by team-mates Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks as the France goalkeeper aggressively confronted the South Korean attacker.   The duo solved their differences during the half-time break as Spurs went on to win the match with Michael Keane's 24th-minute own goal the only score of the match.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Edo governorship election, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, as a barefaced treasury looter, who has no moral rectitude to speak on corruption. The PDP described as a huge irony that Governor Ganduje, who has become a butt of national shame after being seen on viral video stuffing his robe with gratification in foreign currency, to accuse the PDP of corruption intentions in the Edo state governorship election.   In a communique on Monday, the PDP said it is a paradox that an individual who has earned himself the disgraceful public sobriquet of “gandollar”, after being caught collecting gratification, would attempt to accuse others of having intention of looting the treasury of a state.   The PDP further pointed out that it is only in a party like the APC, under a Buhari Presidency, that such a tarnished individual can be selected to speak i...

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has lifted the lockdown he imposed on the oil-rich Bonny Island and Onne to curtail the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Wike in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said he would formally address all the issues in a state broadcast on Wednesday. The statement said: “The Rivers State Government has lifted the lockdown imposed on Bonny Local Government Area and Onne in Eleme Local Government Area with effect from 6AM Tuesday, July 7, 2020. “Governor Nyesom Wike will also make a state-wide broadcast to the people of the state on Wednesday, July 8, 2020”.

Authorities in the city of Bayan Nur have issued an alert banning the hunting and eating of animals that could carry plague.  The public have been told to report any suspected cases of plague or fever with no clear causes, and to report any sick or dead marmots. Yesterday’s third-level alert, the second lowest in a four-level system, follows four reported cases of plague in people from Inner Mongolia last November.  The bubonic plague, known as the ‘Black Death’ in the Middle Ages, is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that is spread mostly by rodents.  Plague cases are not uncommon in China, but outbreaks have become increasingly rare.  From 2009 to 2018, China reported 26 cases and 11 deaths. The bubonic plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. It can spread through contact with infected fleas. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, which can be as large as chicken eggs, in the groin, armpit or neck. They may be tender and warm. Others includ...

Last week started off with the review of the next phase of the gradual easing of the Covid-19 Lockdown. President Muhammadu Buhari approved the ‘’safe reopening’ of schools whereby only graduating classes are to reopen for examination preparations. President Buhari also approved the reopening of airports and Inter State travel. Making up part of the events for last week was the announcement by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency about a new price band of N140.80 to N143.80 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol. Marketers were advised to operate within the indicative prices as advised by the PPPRA. Last Week Wednesday, the National Assembly announced the suspension of the Special Public Works programme under the National Directorate of Employment to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic. Buhari, had approved the engagement of 774, 000 Nigerians under the scheme. By the arrangement, 1, 000 Nigerians who would earn N20,000 each on a monthly ba...

Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde, has resigned his appointment. Abegunde, popularly known as Abena, tendered his resignation letter on Monday morning. He was however silent on why he opted to quit when Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, is undergoing treatment for COVID-19. In a letter dated 6 th July, 2020 addressed to Gov Akeredolu, he appreciated the governor and wished him a safe recovery. According to the Nation who spoke to, Abegunde, he said, “I have left Akeredolu’s government through a resignation letter effective today.” Abegunde said he would talk more on why he left at a press briefing later today.

Messi sets new record for La Liga assists The Argentine forward's skills show no signs of waning after another prolific showing for the Catalan giants. Lionel Messi wrote another page in the record books when he set up Antoine Griezmann for Barcelona’s third goal against Villarreal for his 19th La Liga assist for the season - the Argentine’s best ever tally in the Spanish top-flight.   The 33-year-old had already set up Luis Suarez midway through the first half at El Madrigal, becoming the first player to reach 18 assists for the season since Messi himself did so in 2014-15 and prior to that in 2010-11.   He went one better shortly before the break, with his neat back-heel teeing up Griezmann who stroked home his ninth La Liga goal of the campaign. Messi has now up set up three of those nine goals, more than any other team-mate.

Lille president Gerard Lopez has stated that Victor Osimhen would become a superstar at Napoli should a transfer materialize. The 21-year-old Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has been touted to join the Partenopei with reports suggesting he has travelled to the Campania capital and has met with the club president Aurelio De Laurentiis as well as coach Gennaro Gattuso. Osimhen continues to be linked with a move to the San Paolo. Napoli’s interest in Osimhen comes on the back of a productive season with Lille where he scored 18 goals in 38 competitive outings, all good enough to crown him as the club’s best player and the best African player in Ligue 1 of the campaign.

Imo government has offered assistance to a 20-year-old woman and mother of triplets, Nkechi Ezenwa, who was raped while hawking bananas in Owerri. The wife of the Imo State Governor, Chioma Uzodinma, and the senator representing Anambra Central in the Senate, Uche Ekwunife, Ezenwa, who was delivered of a set of triplets prematurely.   Ezenwa who makes a living with Hawking bananas, delivered two of the triplets through caesarean section at the Paveliar Care Clinic in Ubomiri, after she had earlier given birth on her own to the first baby at a health centre, was being held at the hospital because of the outstanding bill.   Sen Ekwunife, on Saturday, made a donation of N500,000 for the upkeep of the triplets.   The senator, who was represented by Ify Chinwuko, during a visit to the triplets at the hospital, said she was touched by their story.   According to the lawmaker, the triplets and their mother deserve to live.   Also, the wife of the go...

The immediate past National Vice Chairman (North-West), of the All Progressives Congress, Inuwa Abdulkadir, is dead. He died in the early hours of Monday after a brief illness. A friend and his colleague in the defunct Adams Oshiomhole-led APC National Working Committee, who was the Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu, confirmed the incident in a text message to The PUNCH.   Details later…

By Nneka Nwogwugwu, Abuja   The Federal government has continued to express its commitment to support Nigerian farmers to enhance food production and supply in 2020 in order to avert food scarcity. AddThe Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, represented by the Deputy Governor Chief Edward Onoja ,Flagging off the distribution of Agricultural inputs to Farmers in Kogi State . caption The Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono reaffirmed the Federal government's commitment to support Nigerian Farmers with distribution of agricultural inputs. Nanono, speaking on Thursday during the flag – off ceremony at the Ministry’s Warehouse at Okene road, Lokoja in Kogi, stated that the free distribution of agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers such as categories of seeds of cashew, sesame, soybeans and tomatoes, is part of the Ministry’s measures to mitigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on agricultural production in the...