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April 30, 2023

Michael Jordan's Worn Air Jordan Sneakers Sell for Record $2.2 Million - A Historic Sale

Michael Jordan's Worn Air Jordan Sneakers Sell for Record $2.2 Million - A Historic Sale


A new record has been set for the highest price ever paid for a pair of sneakers at an auction with a game-worn pair of Air Jordan XIII Breds. The sneakers, featuring a red and black colorway, sold for over $2.2 million, surpassing the previous record set in 2021 when a pair of Nike Air Ships worn by Jordan in his first NBA regular season game were sold for $1.4 million.


Head of streetwear and modern collectibles at Sotheby’s, Brahm Wachter, stated that this new record further confirms the unparalleled demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia. He said, “Today’s record-breaking result further proves that the demand for Michael Jordan sports memorabilia continues to outperform and transcend all expectations.”


The Air Jordan XIII Breds were worn by the NBA legend during the second half of the Chicago Bulls 93-88 victory over the Utah Jazz on June 5, 1998. Jordan delivered an impressive performance of 37 points, five rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers, leading Chicago to tie the series 1-1. The Bulls went on to win the finals, with Jordan receiving his sixth ring and being named the MVP of the finals.


Michael Jordan's Worn Air Jordan Sneakers Sell for Record $2.2 Million - A Historic Sale 

Following the game, Jordan gifted these historic sneakers to a ball boy from the Utah Jazz. The sneakers have been kept in excellent condition and come with a letter of authenticity signed by the ball boy, who is now a Utah Jazz superfan. With the recent sale, it’s clear that the value of Jordan’s memorabilia continues to rise, making him one of the most sought-after athletes in the world of collectibles.

April 30, 2023

I prefer a faithful cheating partner, says Doyin of BBNaija.

 

I prefer a faithful cheating partner, says Doyin of BBNaija.


Doyinsola Anuoluwapo David, also known as Doyin, a former housemate of the popular reality show Big Brother Naija, has stated that she would not mind if her partner cheats on her, as long as he remains caring and loyal to her. The reality TV star made this known on a recent episode of her podcast, Doyin's Corner, where she hosted Beauty Tukura and Modella as guests to discuss the intricacies of relationships.


Doyin noted that a partner could be unfaithful and still remain loyal, and vice versa. She believes that being cheated on does not equate to the absence of love in a relationship, and that her definition of loyalty does not hinge on faithfulness alone.

According to her, “My partner can love me but still cheat on me. But I don’t think that because he has cheated, he doesn’t love me. For me, my definition of loyalty is not, don’t cheat me."


Doyin also emphasized the importance of being realistic in a relationship, stating that she would prefer a partner who would be honest about his intentions, even if it means admitting to being unfaithful. She explained, "I’m just trying to be realistic in my relationship. For me, I will say I want a partner that he will tell me, babe, I’m travelling for six months, I can not promise you that I will be loyal for six months.”


Her statement has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some people supporting her view, while others disagree. Some people have argued that being unfaithful is a breach of trust and that it should never be tolerated in a relationship.

April 30, 2023

Elections in 2023: Prof. Onigbinde tells the INEC chief, "You messed up."

 



Professor Akinyemi Onigbinde, a leading political philosopher with expertise in public policies, politics, and governance, has criticized the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Yakubu Mahmood, over the outcome of the immediate past 2023 presidential election. Professor Onigbinde claimed that the INEC boss had "messed up" following the poll that saw Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge as the winner.


Opposition parties have been demanding the nullification of the election, which they deemed fraudulent and unconstitutional. In his interview, Professor Onigbinde alleged that the 2023 presidential election, "without prejudice to the outcome of court judgment," was "not free and fair," adding that "INEC deliberately disabled BVAS for the presidential election."


Professor Onigbinde clarified that being a member of the professorial cadre, Yakubu's incompetence cannot be attributed to all professors. He cited the example of a professor who was the returning officer for Abia governorship election who rejected a bribe from politicians.


Professor Onigbinde also pointed out that APC was aiming for an agenda, and INEC chairman's appointment is not typically chosen from the dominant ethnic group, especially where there are chances that a presidential candidate is likely to emerge and win. He cited the example of how Jonathan never met Attahiru Jega before he appointed him, and when Jega left, nobody expected Buhari to pick from his Fulani ethnic group.


When asked to explain what he meant by Nigeria cannot be redeemed by election, Professor Onigbinde stated that elections are not enough to solve Nigeria's problems. He opined that while elections are an essential part of the democratic process, they cannot be a panacea for Nigeria's deep-seated socio-political and economic challenges. He added that good governance, transparency, and accountability were necessary ingredients for a successful democracy.

April 30, 2023

Why I declared Aishat Binani the winner in the Adamawa governor's race: Suspended REC, Yunusa

 


The former Resident Electoral Commissioner for Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa Ari, has finally spoken up about the controversial declaration of Aishatu Dahiru, also known as Binani of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the governorship election. Ari was suspended by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after his illegal declaration of Binani as the winner, which was against the Electoral Act. INEC later announced Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the legitimate winner of the election after following the proper procedures.


In a recent letter to the Inspector General of Police, Ari claimed that he acted within the confines of the law. He stated that the results to be announced by the INEC Collation Officer differed from the copies he signed and uploaded on the Result Viewing (IReV) portal. He also alleged that there were attempts to replace him with his secretary, and accused two national commissioners of meeting with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri at the Government House, Yola, during the supplementary election.


“It was based on this that I compiled all the polling unit results and declared the election winner based on the highest number of valid votes scored by the candidate of the APC,” Ari stated. “I had the breakdown of the valid votes scored by the two leading candidates in the supplementary election, using the results from the polling units as collated into all relevant forms EC8B, C, D and E respectively by properly and legally appointed and recognized collation officers and my humble self as the Adamawa State Chief Collation Officer and Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).”


Meanwhile, INEC has refuted claims of its officials meeting with Fintiri during the supplementary election. INEC had earlier requested the Inspector-General of Police and necessary security agencies to investigate and prosecute Ari for his role in the illegal declaration of Binani as the winner of the governorship election.

April 30, 2023

FG; New levy on imported vehicles and alcoholic beverages

 


The Nigerian government has recently introduced new taxes on imported vehicles, alcoholic beverages and single use plastics, and has also updated the list of items banned from being imported into the country. The new tax regime is set to come into effect on June 1, 2023, according to a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.


Under the new tax regime, imported vehicles with engine sizes ranging from 2000cc to 3999cc will pay a two per cent Import Adjustment Tax (IAT) levy on the value of the vehicle, while vehicles with engine sizes of 4000cc and above will attract a four per cent IAT levy. This is in addition to the existing 35% import duty and 35% levy paid by importers of vehicles. However, vehicles below 2000cc, mass transit buses, electric vehicles, and locally manufactured vehicles are exempt from the IAT levy.


In addition to the new tax on imported vehicles, the Nigerian government will charge N75 per litre of beer, stout and wine imported into the country in 2023 and N100 per litre in 2024. Prior to the new tax regime, imported alcoholic beverages were taxed ad valorem, meaning the tax or customs duties were proportional to the estimated value of the goods or transaction concerned.


The government has also updated the import prohibition list to include used motor vehicles above 12 years from the year of manufacture, paracetamol tablets and syrups, cotrimoxazole tablets and syrups, metronidazole tablets and syrups, chloroquine tablets and syrups, folic acid tablets, vitamin B complex tablets (except modified release formulations), multivitamin tablets, capsules and syrups (except special formulations), aspirin tablets (except modified release formulations and soluble aspirin), magnesium trisilicate tablets and suspensions, piperazine tablets and syrups, levamisole tablets and syrups, ointments penicillin/gentamycin, pyrantel pamoate tablets and syrups, intravenous fluids (dextrose, normal saline, etc.), waste pharmaceuticals and mineral or chemical fertilisers containing the three fertilising elements – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.


Lastly, the government has introduced a green tax in the form of an excise duty on single use plastics, including plastic containers, films, and bags at a rate of 10%. The new taxes and import bans have been put in place to promote locally manufactured goods and protect the environment.

April 26, 2023

Nine Gombe APC chapters support Goje's expulsion.

 

On Wednesday, nine additional local government chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State backed the decision of Kashere ward officials to expel former Governor Danjuma Goje from the party. This move follows the earlier expressions of support from the Akko and Yalmatu Deba Local Government executives over the punitive measure against Goje.


The Kashere ward APC, led by Chairman Tanimu Abdullahi, had announced Goje’s expulsion from the party on April 18. The decision followed an investigation of allegations of anti-party activities levelled against the former governor. Among the allegations listed were “open support for opposition party candidates by hosting the New Nigeria People’s Party governorship candidate and the Peoples Democratic Party Akko Federal House of Representatives candidate at his residence and offering support against the interest of his party, the APC, among many other instances. Making unguarded utterances and pronouncements capable of undermining the APC administration in Gombe State.”


Officials from Billiri, Gombe, Akko, Yalmatu Deba, Kaltungo, Shongom, Dukku, Nafada, Funakaye, and Balanga LGAs expressed their support for the Kashere ward APC’s decision to expel Goje. They praised Abdullahi and his executive members for taking disciplinary measures against party members and officials who commit anti-party activities before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.


The officials also endorsed incumbent governor Muhammadu Yahaya as the leader of the APC in the state. The chairman of Gombe LGA chapter of APC, Abubakar Danladi, expressed concern over the alleged charge of grave misconduct and anti-party activities levelled against some party members and officials. Danladi disclosed that such activities undermined the success of the party and caused serious harm to the party’s unity and progress.


Ayuba Hassan, APC Kaltungo LGA chairman, expressed his unreserved confidence in the leadership and stewardship of the governor as the leader of the party in Gombe state. He added that his members were in support of Goje’s expulsion. “The leaders and its Executive members support and endorse completely and without any reservation the decision of the APC Kashere ward Executive Committee to expel Goje for his shameful and unpardonable conduct of anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections,” the chairman said.

April 26, 2023

Sudan crisis: $1.2 million spent to fly stranded Nigerians to Cairo — FG

People prepare to board a bus departing from Khartoum in the Sudanese capital’s south on April 24, 2023, as battles rage in the city between the army and paramilitaries. (Photo by – / AFP)


The Nigerian Federal Government has spent $1.2 million to evacuate over 2,400 stranded Nigerians from Sudan. This was revealed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who disclosed that the high cost of the evacuation was due to the need for security cover for the eight-hour journey from Luxor to Cairo and the eleven-hour trip from Aswan to Cairo, Egypt.


The evacuation was necessary due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, although the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces had agreed to halt hostilities at midnight on Monday. Local media, however, reported that fighting resumed, with a hospital being shelled on Wednesday.

Onyeama stated that no Nigerian lost their lives in the conflict, but there were no plans for continued education for the evacuees, most of whom are students of the University of Khartoum.


The evacuation was initially planned for Tuesday, but it failed due to logistic challenges. The Chairperson of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed that the new travel plans were finalized on Tuesday night. At least 40 buses were sent to move the Nigerians out of Khartoum and other troubled parts of Sudan early on Wednesday.


More buses were expected to arrive, and the stranded students were scheduled to depart for Nigeria on Wednesday. The Nigerian Embassy in Sudan and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were responsible for the evacuation.

April 26, 2023

171 Juve fans banned from stadium for Lukaku racist chants

 

            (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO / AFP)


Turin police have fined 171 Juventus fans and banned them from their stadium after racist chants were directed at Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku during the Italian Cup semi-final between the two teams on April 4. Representatives for Lukaku called the chants "hostile and disgusting racist abuse". The police cited "racist chants" in a brief statement announcing the fines, but did not provide details of the penalties or the duration of the stadium ban.


Following the match, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) closed Juventus' stadium for one game due to racist chants from "the majority of fans" in the section where the chanting took place. However, the ban was overturned on appeal.


Lukaku was suspended for one game for receiving two yellow cards, the second for his goal celebration in front of Juventus fans after scoring a stoppage-time penalty that secured a 1-1 draw for Inter. He held his finger to his lips and told the Juve supporters to "shut up". The suspension was later lifted by the FIGC following public outrage, allowing Lukaku to play in the second leg of the semi-final in Milan on Wednesday.

April 26, 2023

Tinubu Declares: "I'm Strong And Ready"


Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s President-elect, has returned to the country from Paris, France, after a month abroad. There were reports while he was away that he was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed ailment, but he dismissed these rumours, stating that he was refreshed and ready for the task ahead. He said he had been consulting and planning, and was putting together a strong team so he could hit the ground running once he assumes office on May 29.


Tinubu arrived in Abuja with his wife, Senator Remi Tinubu, and son, Seyi Tinubu. He was welcomed by Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Governors Simon Lalong and Abubakar Sani-Bello, former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, and other dignitaries. Tinubu later posted a tweet in which he expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and affirmed his promise to deliver a nation of Renewed Hope for all Nigerians.

Senator Barau Jibril, Adeola Olamilekan Yahyi, Opeyemi Bamidele, Dayo Adeyeye, Sabi Abdullahi and Adelere Oriolowo as well as Secretary of the recently-dissolved Presidential Campaign Council, Hon. James Faleke, Hon. Babajimi Benson, and Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Director of media and publicity in the dissolved Presidential Campaign Council, were also present at the airport.


Tinubu’s return to Nigeria and his readiness to assume office has reassured many Nigerians, dispelling rumours about his health. With his promise to deliver a nation of Renewed Hope, he has set the tone for his administration, and many Nigerians look forward to seeing what he will achieve as their President.

April 24, 2023

Anxiety as Tinubu makes his homecoming to Nigeria following a month away

 



With just a few weeks to go before the handover on May 29, 2023, the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, has returned to Nigeria to a warm welcome from hundreds of his supporters and well-wishers across the country. Tinubu's private jet landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT), at exactly 4:30 pm.


Having been away for over a month, Tinubu was received at the airport by top party officials, including a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu. The party faithful cheered as Tinubu headed straight to his vehicle, which is believed to be heading to the Defence House, the official residence reserved for President Elects since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Tinubu's return has put to rest the speculations by some opposition political parties and his adversaries that he may not be available to take over power after the end of President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure on May 29, due to ill-health.


The atmosphere at the airport was electrifying, as Tinubu's supporters expressed their joy at his safe return. The president-elect has a lot of work ahead of him, as he prepares to take over the mantle of leadership in a few weeks. However, with the overwhelming support he has received from his party faithful, there is no doubt that he is up to the task.


The next few weeks promise to be very eventful as Nigeria prepares for a change of leadership. All eyes will be on Tinubu as he begins to put his plans in place to move the country forward. We wish him all the best in his new role as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

April 24, 2023

Charly Boy responds as Buhari asks Nigerians for forgiveness, saying, "Apology not accepted."




Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy, a veteran Nigerian singer, has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari for begging Nigerians for forgiveness after what he called a deliberate mismanagement of the country for eight years. In his Eid-el-Fitr message, the president begged Nigerians to forgive him for any way he may have hurt them, saying, "all those that I have hurt, I ask that they pardon me."


In a video message shared on his Twitter handle, Charly Boy said he does not accept the president's apology. He accused Buhari and his party of intentionally mismanaging Nigeria for the last eight years. He said, "Dear General Buhari, apology not accepted! At least, by me. Abeg abeg, stop forming."


He further added, "The power that you hungered for, you have tested it twice, and this your second coming was to perfect what you failed to complete on your first. Are you happy now? Many will agree that Nigeria in the last eight years has been intentionally and deliberately mismanaged under your watch and the APC cabals with impunity and intensity."


Charly Boy's statement has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting his views while others criticizing him for being too harsh on the president. The issue of mismanagement of the country and the president's apology is likely to continue to be a subject of debate among Nigerians.

April 24, 2023

Fear as a second five-story building in GRA Apapa collapses

 



Just a day after the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the directive for the demolition of some buildings within Banana Island due to infractions, another tragic event has occurred in Lagos. This time, a five-storey building collapsed in GRA Apapa, Lagos, adding to the list of recent building collapses in the state.


It's been less than two weeks since a seven-storey building caved in on Banana Island, Lagos, causing the death of one worker and leaving others with severe injuries. Unfortunately, this latest collapse is yet another grim reminder of the hazards of building construction in Lagos.


According to reports, the collapsed building located on Ladipo Oluwole Street in GRA Apapa was still under construction when it gave way. It was alleged that a thunder strike hit the building, leading to its collapse. This incident once again raises concerns over the quality of materials used in building construction, as well as the safety measures put in place during construction.

The recent building collapses in Lagos have sparked public outrage, and many are calling on the government to take decisive action to prevent such incidents from recurring. This includes enforcing building codes and regulations, as well as ensuring strict compliance with safety standards.


As the investigation into the cause of the collapse continues, it is important for all stakeholders in the building industry to prioritize safety above all else. The loss of lives and property resulting from building collapses is avoidable, and it's time for everyone to take responsibility and play their part in preventing such tragedies.

April 23, 2023

Withdraw your petition against Tinubu, Nnamani advises Obi.

 

Withdraw your petition against Tinubu, Nnamani advises Obi.


Former Governor of Enugu State, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, has made a public appeal to the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to withdraw his petition against the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He urged Obi to join him in the task of making a new nation and align with the ebullience and conviviality of welcoming Tinubu's victory to the Office of the President of the greatest black nation on earth.


Obi had filed a petition to challenge the victory of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress in the 25 February election. Obi, who came third in the election, alleged that the election was characterized by various irregularities, including the non-qualification of Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, to contest the election. Obi also stated that Tinubu failed to win the majority of the lawful votes cast in the election and just as he could not secure one-quarter of the legal votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.


In response to Obi's petition, Nnamani said that Obi knows he has neither the spread nor national appeal to win the Presidential election, and what he is doing with the petition is "bad belle, petulance and demarketing." Nnamani believes that Obi's petition is ego-driven and a joke carried too far. His attempt to highlight non-electoral issues is trying to embarrass the President-elect.

Nnamani advised Obi to come down from his high horse to allow sedate minds to negotiate on behalf of the Igbo and South East for a safe landing to include their stake in the national Palavar and share of the accruals of the commonwealth. He believes that it's time for the Igbo to confront reality and align themselves with the mainstream to participate in making a new Nigeria. They cannot afford to be consigned to the backwoods of history.


Above all, Nnamani's public appeal to Obi to withdraw his petition against the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a call for unity and national development. He believes that the Igbo and South East can only bargain for their share of the accruals of the commonwealth by aligning themselves with the mainstream and participating in making a new Nigeria. It's time for the Igbo to confront reality and join the task of making a new nation.

April 22, 2023

Originally a singer, poverty made me a singer - Asake

 


Asake, a rising Nigerian singer known for his hit song ‘Mr Money With The Vibe’, has recently opened up about how poverty led him to pursue a career in music. In an interview with ABC News, the 24-year-old artist shared that he initially started as a dancer, but eventually turned to singing because dancing couldn’t earn him enough money.


Despite not having any formal training in music, Asake had an early exposure to it through his parents. He said, “My parents used to play me a lot of classical Songs. They love listening to songs. The kind of father I have is the one that will wake up in the morning and have one cigarette then loud music.”

Although Asake originally wanted to pursue a career in dance, he eventually realized that it may not provide him with the financial stability he desired. He said, “But at the end of the day, after dancing I fell in love with having money too. Then I started thinking about it, is dance going to give me the kind of money I want?”


This realization prompted Asake to explore other avenues, leading him to discover his talent for singing. He explained, “At the end of the day, I feel like I can actually sing. Then I added music to it. Maybe because I know how to dance then I know how to bounce on music. I actually don’t want to be a musician in the first place. I just wanted to dance. It feels like water. I love everything that comes with dancing.”


Asake’s story highlights the struggles of many aspiring artists in Nigeria, where poverty is still rampant, and pursuing a career in the arts is often seen as a risky venture. Despite these challenges, Asake has managed to make a name for himself in the music industry and is quickly becoming one of Nigeria’s rising stars.

April 22, 2023

After leaving Banja Luka, Djokovic hopes to regain his top form on clay.

                                                   Photo (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)
 

Novak Djokovic, the world's number one tennis player, was defeated in his quarter-final match against compatriot Dusan Lajovic at the Srpska Open. Djokovic, who had previously dropped only four games in his last two matches against Lajovic, lost the match by 6-4 7-6(6). This is his second early exit from a tournament in as many weeks following his third-round defeat to Lorenzo Musetti at the Monte Carlo Masters.


Despite his recent defeats, Djokovic remains hopeful of finding his form on clay ahead of next month's French Open. He will be targeting his 23rd Grand Slam title at the tournament, which is the second Grand Slam of the season, beginning on May 28. Rafa Nadal, Djokovic's long-time rival, has been forced to skip several clay tournaments due to injury, so Djokovic will be looking to build momentum ahead of the French Open.

In his post-match interview, Djokovic acknowledged that Lajovic played well, but he felt that he played much worse than he wanted to. He failed to convert 15 of 16 breakpoints and felt that his footwork was torpid and his shots lacked direction. Djokovic attributed his sub-par performance to his physical condition, admitting that his legs were slow, and he was not feeling well on the court. Djokovic also revealed that he had been struggling with an elbow injury, which might have affected his performance.


Djokovic hopes to get into top form for the French Open and play his best tennis there. He noted that the conditions in Monte Carlo and Banja Luka were different from the French Open, and he had always had a slow start on clay in previous seasons before playing much better in the final stages. Djokovic will be looking to repeat that pattern this year, and he has several weeks to practice and play before the tournament.

April 22, 2023

Sowore criticizes Buhari's apology and asserts that he has dehumanized Nigerians.

 Sowore criticizes Buhari's apology and asserts that he has dehumanized Nigerians.


Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in Nigeria's upcoming 2023 general election, has rejected an apology offered by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari as his administration comes to a close. Sowore took to his official Twitter handle to express his dissatisfaction with the President’s plea for forgiveness, outlining the reasons why Buhari may never be pardoned for his actions during his tenure.


President Buhari had on Friday asked Nigerians to forgive him, especially those he may have wronged while discharging his duties. However, Sowore was not swayed by the President’s gesture, stating that Buhari not only hurt Nigeria but also dehumanized its citizens through his unfavourable policies.

Sowore listed various ways in which the President’s actions have negatively impacted the country, such as denying Nigerians a decent life, destroying businesses, taking innocent lives, destroying the educational sector, and depriving the sick and infirm of an opportunity to be nursed to health. He also accused Buhari of unjustly detaining and imprisoning many Nigerians, encouraging violence, and creating division through religious bigotry and ethnicity.


According to Sowore, the President and his cronies perpetrated untold corruption during their time in office, and the opportunities that President Buhari “crushed will continue to haunt and hunt” him until the end of time. It is evident that Sowore is not satisfied with the President’s apology and believes that his actions during his tenure will have long-lasting consequences for the people of Nigeria.

Sowore's rejection of President Buhari's apology demonstrates the depth of the anger and frustration that many Nigerians feel about the state of their country. The upcoming 2023 general election provides an opportunity for citizens to vote for a leader who will prioritize their interests and work towards a better future for Nigeria. The outcome of the election will be critical for the country's progress and development, and it is important that Nigerians use their votes wisely.

April 22, 2023

'Oldest' tree in the world can reveal planet's secrets


'Oldest' tree in the world can reveal planet's secrets

 In the southern Chilean forest, a giant tree is believed to be the oldest tree in the world and is about to replace Methuselah, a 4,850-year-old Great Basin bristlecone pine in California. Known as the “Great Grandfather,” this Fitzroya cupressoides, a type of cypress tree, has a trunk measuring 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter and 28 meters tall. This tree is considered a “survivor” and is on the brink of being recognized as the oldest tree in the world. It is also believed to contain scientific information that could shed light on how the planet has adapted to climatic changes.

Antonio Lara, a researcher at Austral University and Chile’s center for climate science and resilience, is part of the team measuring the tree’s age. The Great Grandfather lies on the edge of a ravine in a forest in the southern Los Rios region, 800 kilometers (500 miles) south of the capital Santiago. Due to its growing fame, the national forestry body has had to increase the number of park rangers and restrict access to protect the Great Grandfather. The exact location of Methuselah is kept a secret.

The Patagonian cypress, also known as the Great Grandfather, is the largest tree species in South America. It lives alongside other tree species, such as coigue, plum pine, and tepa, Darwin’s frogs, lizards, and birds such as the chucao tapaculo and Chilean hawk. For centuries, its thick trunk has been chopped down to build houses and ships, and it was heavily logged during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Park warden Anibal Henriquez discovered the tree while patrolling the forest in 1972. He died of a heart attack 16 years later while patrolling the same forest on horseback. His daughter Nancy Henriquez, herself a park warden, revealed that he did not want people and tourists to know where it was because he knew it was very valuable. Henrique’s nephew, Jonathan Barichivich, grew up playing amongst the Fitzroya and is now one of the scientists studying the species.

In 2020, Barichivich and Lara managed to extract a sample from the Great Grandfather using the longest manual drill that exists, but they did not reach the center. They estimated that their sample was 2,400 years old and used a predictive model to calculate the full age of the tree. Barichivich said that “80 percent of the possible trajectories show the tree would be 5,000 years old.” He hopes to soon publish the results. The study has created excitement within the scientific community given that dendrochronology is less accurate when it comes to older trees as many have a rotten core.

The Great Grandfather is not just about entering the record books. It is a font of valuable information. “There are many other reasons that give value and sense to this tree and the need to protect it,” said Lara. The ancient trees have genes and a very special history because they are symbols of resistance and adaptation. They are nature’s best athletes,” said Barichivich. Those pages show dry and rainy years, depending on the width of the rings. Fires and earthquakes are also recorded in those rings, such as the most powerful tremor in history that hit this area in 1960. The Great Grandfather is also considered a time capsule that can offer a window into the past. “If these trees disappear, so too will disappear an important key about how life adapts to changes on the planet,” said Barichivich.

April 22, 2023

Seun Kuti claims Obasanjo was a CIA stooge, Jimmy Carter’s boy

 

Seun Kuti, a popular Nigerian musician and son of legendary afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, recently claimed that former Nigerian Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, was a stooge of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and a loyalist of then-US president, Jimmy Carter. In a recent interview, Kuti asserted that the US influenced the invasion of his late father's home, Fela's Kalakuta abode, in 1977 by Nigerian soldiers. He suggested that the attack was aimed primarily at his late grandmother, Mrs. Fumilayo Ransome Kuti, who was a leading socialist figure in Africa during the Cold War.


Kuti argued that his grandmother's socialist views were not well-received by the US government during the Cold War era, and this may have led to her being the target of the attack on the Kalakuta abode. He further stated that the assault was not only aimed at Fela but also his grandmother, who was thrown out of a window during the attack. Kuti believes that Obasanjo was acting on the orders of his American handlers, and his grandmother was a target because of her socialist stance.

Kuti's claims have sparked controversy and rekindled interest in the events leading to the Kalakuta invasion. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their opinions on Kuti's claims. Some have supported Kuti's assertions, while others have dismissed them as conspiracy theories. However, Kuti has remained adamant, stating that his grandmother's socialist views made her a target of the US government during the Cold War, and that Obasanjo was a CIA stooge.


In conclusion, Seun Kuti's claims that former Nigerian Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, was a puppet of the CIA and that the US influenced the invasion of the Kalakuta abode have stirred controversy. While some Nigerians have supported Kuti's claims, others have dismissed them as unfounded. However, Kuti remains steadfast in his assertions and believes that his grandmother's socialist views made her a target of the US government during the Cold War era.


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April 19, 2023

Actress Monalisa Stephen reveals having sex 27 times in one day

 


Nollywood actress, Monalisa Stephen has recently shared a wild revelation about her sexual encounter with her boyfriend. On the latest episode of ‘Love or Lies’ by YouTuber, Korty EO, the curvy actress disclosed that her boyfriend had sex with her 27 times in a day. According to her, their sexual escapade took place in different corners of the house, pausing only to watch movies before continuing.


Monalisa revealed that the wild sexual encounter only happened once at her boyfriend’s house, eliciting mixed reactions on social media with many expressing shock. This is not the first time the actress has made such revelations about her sexual encounters with her boyfriend.

Last year, Monalisa set tongues wagging on social media after claiming that her boyfriend had intercourse with her even when she was on her monthly period. The actress has always been open about her sexual experiences and is not shy to talk about them publicly.


Monalisa Stephen is a popular actress known for her curvaceous figure and has starred in several Nollywood movies. She is also a social media influencer with a large following on Instagram where she shares pictures and videos of herself.

April 19, 2023

Atiku's Aide Responds to Reports of Tinubu's Dual Citizenship

Atiku's Aide Responds to Reports of Tinubu's Dual Citizenship
Atiku's Aide Responds to Reports of Tinubu's Dual Citizenship


Daniel Bwala, the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has reacted to the reports of President-elect Bola Tinubu having dual citizenship. Bwala expressed confusion as to why Tinubu, if he had dual citizenship, would contest for the presidency.


This allegation of dual citizenship is the latest controversy surrounding Tinubu, with some of his critics arguing that dual citizenship disqualifies him from the presidency under Section 137 of the Constitution. It is alleged that Tinubu holds a Guinean passport.

In response to the controversy, Bwala took to Twitter to question the implications of having dual citizenship while running for president. He also expressed skepticism towards the excuse that Tinubu's passport had expired, stating that the expiration of a passport does not negate one's citizenship status.


The issue of Tinubu's alleged dual citizenship has caused a stir in Nigerian politics, with many questioning the implications it would have on his presidential aspirations. As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact Tinubu's political career and the 2023 presidential elections.

April 18, 2023

International Terminal Targeted: Aviation Unions' Strike Leads to Massive Traffic Congestion

 


The aviation industry in Nigeria has been experiencing a prolonged industrial strike by aviation unions, which has caused significant disruptions. As a result, offices of agencies of the Ministry of Aviation, including the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, have been shut down. The ongoing industrial action has led to heavy traffic leading to the airport, with unionists laying siege at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.


The unions have threatened to completely shut down Nigeria's airspace seven days after the end of the two-day warning strike. The heavy presence of security personnel, including the police and army, has been observed at strategic points around the airport, while the unionists have been chanting solidarity songs.

One of the unionists, Comrade Abdulrarak Saidu, expressed disappointment that nothing has been done to ensure that the conditions of service are adhered to, even after eight years. He also criticised the Minister of Aviation for wanting to pull down offices of agencies and parastatals in Lagos state. He stated that the minister wants to turn his policy into law and lord it over the industry, even when it is flawed.


According to Saidu, conditions of service were not implemented for eight years. He also alleged that the minister usurps the functions of the governing boards, and there is no check and balance. He further mentioned that the government wanted to coerce the unionists to come to Abuja, but they didn't attend the meeting. He stated that no conclusions were reached, and there was no genuine meeting with the government.

Saidu also claimed that the minister wants to destroy buildings in the sector for a Road map that was not approved for Lagos. He added that even the one approved in Abuja for the aerotropolis, nothing has happened there, and the minister wants to turn his policy into law. He warned that if the government proceeds with its plans, the unionists would cut Nigeria off from other countries after seven days and go into total shutdown.


The ongoing aviation strike in Nigeria has led to the shutdown of offices of agencies of the Ministry of Aviation and heavy traffic congestion. The unionists have threatened to completely shut down Nigeria's airspace seven days after the end of the two-day warning strike. The unionists have criticised the minister for not implementing the conditions of service for eight years, and wanting to pull down offices of agencies and parastatals in Lagos state. They have also alleged that the minister usurps the functions of the governing boards, and there is no check and balance. The unionists have warned that they would cut Nigeria off from other countries after seven days and go into total shutdown.

April 17, 2023

Fashola: Nigeria's Constitution Permits Dual Citizenship, Tinubu

 


During his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, expressed uncertainty regarding whether Nigeria's constitution allows dual citizenship. Fashola was responding to online rumors that the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, may have a Guinean passport in addition to his Nigerian one.


These allegations have generated mixed reactions on social media, particularly among those who are opposed to Tinubu's emergence as the President-elect in the recent election. However, Fashola maintained that he is not aware of Tinubu's citizenship status and that he only knows that Tinubu carries a Nigerian passport.

Fashola further explained that Tinubu had resided abroad during his exile, and he is not sure if he was granted American citizenship during that period. Nevertheless, Fashola questioned the relevance of Tinubu's citizenship status to the outcome of the election.


He reminded viewers that Nigeria's constitution allows for dual citizenship, but he is not certain if this applies to Tinubu. The controversy over Tinubu's citizenship has been ongoing, with critics suggesting that he may be ineligible to contest for the presidency due to Section 137 of the Constitution.

Fashola's comments have added to the ongoing debate regarding Tinubu's citizenship status, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that the president-elect is qualified to hold the position.

April 17, 2023

INEC writes IGP, SGF, demands sack, arrest, prosecution of Adamawa REC


 During its meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made some important decisions regarding the Adamawa Governorship election. One of the decisions made was to write to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali, requesting an investigation into the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa state, Barr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, for possible prosecution.

Another decision made by INEC during the meeting was to write to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, in order to inform President Muhammadu Buhari about the "unwholesome" activities of the REC and to consider reviewing his appointment. This action was taken due to the concerns that have been raised about the behavior of the REC during the election.

The decisions made by INEC were a fallout of the Commission's meeting on Tuesday in Abuja. The Commission discussed matters arising from the Adamawa Governorship election and decided to take action against the REC in question. It is hoped that these actions will help to address the concerns that have been raised about the integrity of the election process.


Finally, it should be noted that the collation process in Adamawa will resume at a later date as determined by the Returning Officer. This decision was made in order to ensure that the election is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, and to address any concerns that have been raised regarding the integrity of the election process. The Commission is committed to ensuring that the Adamawa Governorship election is conducted in a manner that is transparent and free from any form of malpractice.