Supreme Corner

  By Chika Ngozi In preparation for the forthcoming U.S. election, President Donald Trump of the Republican party and Joe Biden of the Democratic party, have had their first presidential debate on Wednesday, September 30. Here are key takeaways from the debate as analysed by the Guardian U.K. 1.The debate was a mess, largely of Trump’s making Moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News was unable to rein in the candidates and that meant Donald Trump was mostly free to interrupt, make false claims, rant and violate the previously agreed structure and rules of the debate. There were a few moments where Biden talked over Trump when it wasn’t his turn, but the lion’s share was from Trump. Even with the widespread expressions of disappointment with Wallace’s debate performance, usually reserved analysts and newscasters couldn’t help but call the debate a failure. “That was the worst debate I have ever seen,” CNN’s Jake Tapper said, saying the blame lay primarily at Trump’s door. His c...

  The body of the late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah arrived in Kuwait on Wednesday, September 30 from the United States, Kuwait TV showed. His body was transported on a royal plane and landed at the Kuwait International Airport where security forces and several officials were awaiting his arrival, including Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah. His body, which was covered with the flag of Kuwait, was carried out of the plane by Sheikh Nawaf and several other officials and security forces. Several roads have been closed to make way for the vehicles that carried the late Emir’s body to the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque where his relatives offered their prayers. His body was then transported to the Sulaibikhat Cemetery. The burial ceremony will only be open to Sheikh Sabah’s relatives on Wednesday, but the public can visit the late Emir’s grave starting from Thursday. Mosques across Kuwait will hold open Magrhib or evening prayers for the Sheikh. Sheikh Sabah ...

  The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has revealed how Biafra, Oduduwa, Kwararafa Republics can be actualised. Kanu said these republics can be achieved through synergy and sincerity of purpose. A statement by the IPOB leader on Saturday, September 26, said he looks forward to the return Karnem-Bornu Republic for Kanuri. He further called on Nigerians to join the IPOB’s October 1 sit-at-home. According to Kanu, “With synergy and sincerity of purpose, Biafra, Oduduwa, Kwararafa (Middle Belt) republics will become a reality in no distant time. “Even the highly venerated Habe Monachies of Hausa Kingdom will be returned in place of the present oppressive terror driven Fulani Emirates. The Hausa are ancient people and deserve a nation of their own. “I also look forward to the return of a Karnem-Bornu Republic for Kanuri people as replacement for the once glorious and vibrant Karnem-Bornu Empire.   “Freedom for all oppressed people in Nige...

By Nneka Nwogwugwu Ebonyi residents have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene on the deplorable state of of Ezzagu Roads in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The residents who made this known in an interview with Daily Times on Sunday, September 20, decried the deplorable Federal road that traversed their community from Ihuokpara-Amagunze, Enugu State to Ezzagu-Isu, Ebonyi State and the Ezillo - Azuinyaba - Onunweke-Ezzagu Road. Speaking to one of the residents, Godwin Ezeaka, he said that the road has been in deplorable condition for decades, as it was last constructed in 1979 by the administration of Sen Jim Nwobodo. He described the road as deadly as many lives have been lost as a result of the road. According to Ezeaka, the Federal Government started the rehabilitation of the 41-kilometre Ozalla-Akpugo-Amagunze-Ihuokpara-Nkomoro Ebonyi road in October, 2017. ‘’The reactivated road was awarded as a full project under the Federal Ministry of Power,...

The past week in Nigeria has witnessed an important change in the history of Nigeria. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, September, 20 announced Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the Saturday’s election. Obaseki, who contested under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 307,955 votes to defeat, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 223,619. Obaseki’s victory has attracted a lot of reactions nationwide. One surprising results from the election that has got people talking, was when Obaseki won Ize-Iyamu’s local government area with 3000 votes. At the collation centre, the PDP members screamed in joy and hugged one another after the declaration by the returning Officer for the election, Prof Akpofure Rim-Ruke. Outside the hall, the party supporters defied the heavy presence of policemen manning the INEC office at Ikpoba Hill, where they gathered to cel...

  The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 50-year-old man, Bawada Audu, for allegedly burying his grandson alive. The command in a statement by the state police spokesman, DSP Ahmed Wakil, said the man carried out the act after his 17-year-old daughter was delivered of the baby.  Wakil explained that the minor was allegedly raped in January this year. He said after a joint operation by the police and an unnamed human rights group, the baby was exhumed but was confirmed dead at a hospital. Wakil said, “On September 16, 2020, around 10am, a human rights group brought one 17 year-old (name withheld)   of Rimin Zayam, in the Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, to the Toro Police Division, who allegedly gave birth to a male child on September 14. “Her father, Bawada Audu, was said to have seized and buried the child behind his house. “The baby was exhumed and rushed to a general hospital where he was certified dead by a doctor.” The police spokesma...

  President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki on his re-election. He also hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth process that led to the emergence of Obaseki. In a statement on Sunday by his Senior Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said: “President Buhari has commended the election process in Edo State which led to the victory of @GovernorObaseki as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission. “”I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order. “Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with. “He commended the people of Edo State, the parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.”      

  Following his declaration as the Winner of the Saturday's election, Governor Godwin Obaseki has commended the Edo people for his re-election. He described his re-election as “triumph over godfatherism”. He said, “Words fail me in saluting our teeming supporters who displayed immense courage in the face of threats, intimidation, and brutalisation. “The collective will of Edo people made it possible for us to triumph over godfatherism. Congratulations to Edo people.” The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Obaseki winner of the governorship election. INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, announced the result of the election on Sunday. Obaseki of PDP polled 307,955 votes to defeat his closest rival, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, of the All Progressives Congress, who got 223,619 votes. Rim-Rukeh, while declaring Obaseki winner, said the incumbent governor was returned elected after satisfying all requirements in line with the law. Obaseki of PDP...

By Chika Ngozi Meet candidates for Edo gubernatorial elections, to hold on Saturday, September 19. 1. African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship candidate: Mabel Akomu Oboh is 56 years old. Former TV presenter and movie producer from Uromi in Esan North East local government area of Edo state. 2. Action Democratic Party (ADP) Governorship Candidate: Iboi Lucky Emmanuel, 36 years old and the youngest candidate. He is a business analyst from Okomu-Udo in Ovia South-west local government area. 3.All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Governorship Candidate: Idehen Osagie Lucky, 40 years old, who is an Agriculturalist and a graduate of Public Administration from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. 3. Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Governorship Candidate: Igbineweka Osamuede, 42 years old, is a businessman from Benin City with BSc. University Attended: Ambrose Alli University.   4. Action Peoples Party (APP) Governorship Candidate: Areloegbe Amos Osalumese, 52, is a Financial...

  Liverpool have officially confirmed the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara. The Reds struck a deal worth in the region of £27million for Thiago and the 29-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Premier League champions.  Liverpool have been chasing Thiago for much of the summer since the Spaniard decided against penning a new deal with Bayern. Manchester United also showed interest in Thiago, who Bayern were prepared to offload if a side met their asking price. But Thiago had his heart set on a switch to Anfield where he could work under Jurgen Klopp and will wear the No.6 shirt. ‘’The moment youâ €™ ve all been waiting for … #ThiagoFriday 𠟤© pic.twitter.com/s2tOCvnHta — Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 18, 2020 ‘’ READ ALSO:   All you need to know about U.S. billionaire, Charles Feeney,who gave $8 billion to Charity, to die Poor Thiago is considered one of the best midfielders in the world and won the Champions League and Bundesl...

The Federal Government has apologised for asking all account holders in the country’s financial institutions to register their details again. The FG earlier asked all account holders in banks, including insurance companies, to fill and submit a Self-Confirmation form. The order was given despite the possession of the Bank Verification Number and the National Identification Number by account holders on Thursday, September 17. READ ALSO:    ''Are we still unknown in this country?'' – Nigerians react to self-certification form order This attracted reactions from Nigerians, expressing displeasure for the self-certification form request. In a tweet on Friday, the government apologised for misinformation. It tweeted, “We apologise for the misleading tweets (now deleted) that went up yesterday, regarding the completion of self-certification forms by Reportable Persons.  ''The message contained in the @firsNigeria Notice does not apply to everybody. FIRS will is...

  FIRS Chairman, Mohammad Nami Nigerians have reacted to the directive by the Federal government to account holders in financial institutions to submit self-certification forms. The Federal government ordered all account holders in financial institutions to submit self-certification forms to their respective institutions. The FG stated this on Thursday, September 17 via its twitter account, Government of Nigeria. ‘’@NigeriaGo’’ According to the tweet, ‘’This is to notify the general public that all account holders in Financial Institutions (Banks, Insurance Companies, etc) are required to obtain, complete and submit Self – Certification Forms to their respective Financial Institutions. ‘’Persons holding accounts in different financial institutions is required to complete & submit the form to each one of the institutions. The forms are required by the relevant financial institutions to carry out due diligence procedures in line with the Income Tax Regulations 2019 ‘’...

By Chika Ngozi 89-year-old, Charles Feeney, also called Chuck, 89, who cofounded airport retailer Duty Free Shoppers with Robert Miller in 1960 has given away all of his massive wealth in order to fulfill his dream to die poor. As a philanthropist, he pioneered the idea of Giving While Living—spending most of your fortune on big, hands-on charity bets instead of funding a foundation upon death. ”Since you can’t take it with you—why not give it all away, have control of where it goes and see the results with your own eyes? “We learned a lot. We would do some things differently, but I am very satisfied. I feel very good about completing this on my watch,” Feeney tells Forbes. “My thanks to all who joined us on this journey. And to those wondering about Giving While Living: Try it, you’ll like it.” Over the last four decades, Feeney has donated more than $8 billion to charities, universities and foundations worldwide through his foundation, the Atlantic Philanthropies. READ ALSO:...

  By Desmond Ibhagbe With the countdown to Edo guber gradually coming to a close as the clock remains restive, various groups and organizations have come in handy so as to achieve a free, fair and credible election. Edolites on their part have been apprehensive given the rancour that have characterized the build up to the election as with other gubernatorial elections in Nigeria. However, varied groups or organizations have put in efforts to squash the tension. Also, contesting party candidates have been made to reach a peace treaty which binds their supporters as well.  Governmental contributions have been felt in the form of deployment of over 30,000 policemen for election duty in the state by the IGP while INEC have since sensitized voters on proper conduct during election. Also, a Non- Governmental Organizations,Connected Advocacy ,which is known for  Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative in collaboration with NDI and USAID have brought the "VOTE NOT FIGH...

  The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency on Monday refuted reports of an explosion at Kainji Dam in Niger State.   The NIHSA described the report (not by The PUNCH) as fake, urging the public to disregard the claims made by the online medium.   The Director-General, NIHSA, Clement Nze, told our correspondent that his agency investigated the claim and found out that it was false.   He said, “The general public, especially the print and electronic media, should disregard the online ‘fake news’ claiming that there was an explosion in Kanji Dam.   “I can authoritatively confirm that Kainji Dam is safe, no explosion whatsoever in the dam.”   Nze said the hydrological services agency was working in synergy with the operators of major dams across the country.   The NIHSA boss said his personnel contacted officials at the Niger State dam but none of those contacted confirmed any explosion at the site. “After reading the online news,...

  Kylian Mbappe has informed Paris Saint-Germain he intends to leave at the end of the season as he considers joining Premier League giants Liverpool or Manchester United.   Mbappe has established himself as one of the best players in the world since joining PSG from French rivals Monaco in 2018.   The forward initially signed for PSG on loan but made the move permanent two years ago and has now racked up 90 goals in 124 appearances for the club. Mbappe, 21, has already enjoyed substantial individual and collective success, winning three Ligue 1 titles and of course the World Cup with France.   PSG do not want to lose the superstar and, according to The Times, have made several offers in an attempt to persuade Mbappe to sign a new deal on improved terms. But it is claimed that Mbappe has made it clear that he intends to stay at PSG for one more season before leaving next summer, possibly to join the Premier League.   The French World Cup-winner h...

  Tunde Odesola, an opinion writer has said that he is casting his vote for Senator Dino Melaye, the senator who represented Kogi West Senatorial district, if he declares his interest for 2023 presidency.   Odesola said he is casting his vote for Dino Melaye against President Muhammadu Buhari, enlisting reasons he justified. He wrote, ”I know that the generality of the 21.7 million unemployed Nigerians are unhappy about Dino’s incessant wealth worship but the 84 million registered Nigerian voters are disappointed with the shambolic performance of Buhari, whose screaming achievements include the inability to manage his domestic crises from hitting newspaper cover pages, consigning women to the bedroom and the kitchen, indulging his son, Yusuf, to own and ride multimillion naira powerbikes when fuel scarcity had grounded the country, and permissively releasing the presidential fleet of planes for Hanan and her camera and cosmetic bag to live happily in the sky.   ...

    By Nneka Nwogwugwu, Abuja The Federal government has assured on the speedy intervention of over 450,000 hectares of rice farmlands and other crops destroyed by flood in Kebbi State.   The minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, said while visiting the scenes of the floods in Argungu on Saturday, September 12, that the FG will ensure that the farmers get improved seeds to restart planting as soon as the rains recede. Nanono who was in company of the Governor of Kebbi State , Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said it was one of the worst disasters witnessed in recent times and said his visit was to restore hope and build up confidence for the farmers in the state.   In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Deputy Director of Information,   Eno Olotu, Nanono said, “What I have seen here today is very devastating, my coming here is at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari who has sent me to commiserate with the people of Kebbi state o...

  Reno Omokri, Former presidential aide has reacted to the spate of domestic violence in the country. Omokri, referring to men, stated on his twitter handle on Wednesday, September 2 that men should gain their wives submission by using financial power. He stated this to fault the incessant cases of domestic violence reported in the society. FIFA had last month, August 18, pledged support to join the African Union, World Health Organisation and Confederation of African Football to address the issue of domestic violence across Africa. President Gianni Infantino was quoted on FIFA website saying, “I am glad that today we can launch this campaign on the important topic of domestic violence, which is significantly exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdown conditions and movement restrictions, together with our partners, the African Union, WHO and CAF. READ ALSO:  Edo 2020: The two sides of Oshiomhole after 2016 election “It is our duty to leverage the immense popularity of footbal...