8 key takeaways from Tinubu’s first presidential media chat (ThisDay)
President Bola Tinubu, last night, asked Nigerians to believe in his government, saying the administration, which is “just 18-month” old, is on the right path and marks “a glorious dawn” for Nigeria.
Featuring in the maiden edition of his Presidential Media Chat, held in Lagos, Tinubu expressed confidence in his security architecture, saying he has no reason to sack or probe his security chiefs.
Declaring that he had no regrets removing fuel subsidy, he insisted that his controversial tax reforms had come to stay, in spite of opposition from some quarters. Though, he hinted that the government might be open to negotiation on the aspect of the tax reforms dealing with Value Added Tax (VAT). Read more
Yuletide: Police deploy 3,180 personnel in Abuja (Tribune)
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced the deployment of 3,180 officers across the territory to ensure the safety and security of residents during the 2024 Christmas celebration.
According to the Command, the initiative aims to enhance visibility at places of worship, event centers, and public spaces while addressing potential security concerns in identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties.
In a statement issued to newsmen by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, said, “Key strategies include the deployment of Police Rapid Response Squads and Tactical Teams, conducting stop-and-search operations, and implementing both vehicular and foot patrols. Read more
Stampede: Foster economic self-sufficiency to eliminate palliatives, LND tells FG (NewTelegraph)
The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has called on the Federal Government to develop economic policies that would foster self-sufficiency and reduce or even eliminate the need for such hangouts.
The league in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Dr Ladan Salihu, said this would address the root causes of poverty and hunger in the country and prevent the unfortunate deaths that occurred recently as a result of the struggle for palliatives by Nigerians.
“As Nigeria grapples with alarming levels of poverty, hunger, and destitution the generosity of individuals and organisations providing relief to the vulnerable is highly commendable,” the LND stated. Read more
Gov AbdulRazaq: I’m following probe into death of suspect in police custody (DailyTrust)
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State has said his government is keenly following the probe into the death of Mr. Jimoh Abdulqadir, a Kwara resident in police custody, urging members of the public to remain calm.
The governor said the prompt visit of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to the family of Abdulqadir raised greater hope about a thorough probe of the unfortunate incident.
Abdulrazaq specifically commended the IGP and his entourage for the visit to Ilorin within hours of being informed of the incident, urging the super cop to ensure that justice is truly done in the case. Read more
Ex President Jonathan consoles victims of stampedes in Nigeria (VON)
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed his condolences to the citizens who have lost their lives in the recent tragic stampedes across several states in Nigeria. His message was conveyed through his Special Adviser and Head of Media and Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze.
Jonathan expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the recent tragic stampede incidents that have claimed the lives of our fellow citizens in various parts of the country, where palliatives were scheduled to be distributed by public-spirited groups and individuals. These incidents have left all of us in shock and mourning.”
He extended his prayers to the families of the deceased, saying, “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who have lost their loved ones, as well as with those who have been injured.” Read more
Attack claims lives in Plateau community (Vanguard)
At least 15 people have been killed, and several others injured, following an attack on the Gidan Ado community in Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims, primarily members of the Irigwe ethnic group from Bassa LGA, were targeted during a Sunday night assault that left the community in mourning.
Despite efforts by security agencies to ensure a peaceful Christmas celebration through engagements with diverse communities and stakeholders, armed men defied these measures, causing havoc in the affected area. Read more
Yuletide: Police promises safety, warn against road blockage in Kano (Punch)
The Kano State Police Command said it has in liaison with other security agencies put in place adequate security to ensure the security of life and property before, during, and after the celebrations.
The State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, gave the assurance in a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Abdullahi on Monday.
“In a lecture held today (Monday) at the Police Officers’ Mess Conference Hall, the Commissioner of Police directed all Departmental Heads, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and other Supervising Officers to ensure adequate security at worshipping centres and recreational facilities. Read more
New NUC Boss Ribadu resumes, vows to reform commission (Leadership)
The 9th substantive Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, has assumed office, with the commitment to reform law governing the commission.
Ribadu stated this while speaking in Abuja on Monday when he officially took over from the immediate-past acting Executive Secretary of the NUC, Dr. Chris Maiyaki.
He promised to work diligently with the management and staff of the commission to improve productivity by prioritising the training and welfare of staff. Read more
Jennifer Lopez reveals “struggles” parenting teen twins Emme and Max (Hello!)
Jennifer Lopez is getting candid about the balancing act that motherhood is.
The “Let’s Get Loud” singer is a mom to twins Max and Emme, 16, with her ex-husband Marc Anthony, who she was married to from 2004 to 2014.
And as she prepares for the release of “Unstoppable”, which her ex Ben Affleck produced along with Matt Damon, and in which she stars as wrestler Anthony Robles’ mom Judy Robles, she opened up with Judy herself about motherhood. Read more
Foreign students urged to return to US before Trump’s inauguration (AfricaNews)
A growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, over concerns that he might impose travel bans like he did during his first administration.
More than a dozen schools have issued advisories, even though Trump’s plans remain uncertain. At some schools, the spring semester begins before Trump will take office, so students may have to be back in class anyway. But for anyone whose ability to stay in the United States depends on an academic visa, they say it’s best to reduce their risks and get back to campus before Jan. 20.
Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries — Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. Travelers from those nations were either barred from getting on their flights or detained at U.S. airports after they landed. They included students and faculty as well as business people, tourists and visitors to friends and family. Read more
Blake Lively’s brother-in-law slams ‘microscope’ on her ‘few bad moments,’ says the ‘public got played’ by Justin Baldoni (People)
Blake Lively’s brother-in-law Bart Johnson is championing her publicly following the actress’s complaint filed against her It Ends with Us director and costar Justin Baldoni.
Johnson left a comment on an Instagram post from The New York Times about the complaint, which includes Lively’s allegations of sexual harassment and claims that Baldoni, 40, launched a retaliatory public smear campaign to “destroy” her reputation.
“Her complaints were filed during the filming. On record. Long before the public conflict,” wrote Johnson, 54, who is the husband of Lively’s half-sister Robyn Lively. “The cast unfollowed him for a reason. Read this article before spiting [sic] ignorance.” Read more
France unveils new government as battle over budget looms (AlJazeera)
France has unveiled a new government, comprised of former ministers and senior civil servants that Prime Minister Francois Bayrou hopes can oversee the passage of a 2025 budget and avoid a collapse that would deepen the country’s crisis.
Bayrou on Monday put together the government that enters office after months of political deadlock and pressure from financial markets to reduce France’s mounting debt.
The names were read out by President Emmanuel Macron’s chief of staff, Alexis Kohler. Read more
Former D.C. police intel chief found guilty of tipping off Proud Boys leader ahead of Jan. 6 attack (NBC)
Shane Lamond, the former head of the Metropolitan Police intelligence unit in Washington who was indicted last year for feeding information to a Proud Boys leader, was found guilty on Monday.
Proud Boys chief Enrique Tarrio is serving 22 years after being convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
U.S. Judge Amy Berman Jackson returned the verdict on Monday finding Lamond guilty of four counts, including obstruction of justice and three counts of lying to investigators, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. The verdict followed a bench trial which featured contentious testimony from Tarrio, who insisted that he’d been contemporaneously lying to his fellow Proud Boys about receiving information from a source in the Metropolitan Police Department. Read more
Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to state murder, terror charges in CEO killing (UPI)
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded not guilty to state murder and terror charges Monday.
Mangione, 26, replied “not guilty” as he was presented the 11 charges in connection with the shooting, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.
If convicted of the state charges, Mangione faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office said he has been working with federal authorities to make the arraignment happen even though a time has not been set. Read more
Ruth Langsford shares footage of mother’s agonising injuries after fall left her hospitalised (Mirror)
Ruth Langsford has shown off the painful bruising her mother sustained after suffering a brutal fall.
The 64-year-old Loose Women star has been giving updates on the condition of her 94-year-old mother, Joan, who was rushed to hospital earlier this month after fracturing her pelvis after losing her footing. Ruth has been at her mother’s side as she continues to receive treatment – and has been doing her best to aid her recovery herself.
Taking to Instagram Stories over the weekend, Ruth gave fans a close look at some of the injuries Joan sustained – uploading a video of her rubbing some cream onto a large purple bruise that is on her head. She wrote in an accompanying caption: “Mum’s got a right shiner after her fall! Trying to soothe it with Arnica cream.” Read more
Injury stopped Onyedika from facing union Saint-Gilloise –Hayen (CompleteSports)
Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has disclosed that a last-minute injury to Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was behind his inability to feature against Union Saint-Gilloise on Sunday.
The Nigerian international, who has made 16 appearances and scored one goal in the league, sustained an injury during a warm up training to the big clash.
However, in a chat with the club’s website, Hayen stated that Onyedika was not ready for the game as a result of the injury. Read more
FCTA to build 2 indoor sports centres in Abuja (Nation)
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved contracts to build two multi-events sports centres in strategic locations in the city.
The memo regarding the contract was presented at the 11th FCT Executive Council meeting, which was presided over on Monday by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The Acting Executive Secretary of Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA), Richard Daudu, disclosed this while briefing reporters at the end of the last FCT EXCO meeting for 2024 held at Life Camp, Abuja. Read more
FIFA adapts transfer regulations after Diarra case (BBC)
World governing body Fifa has adapted its transfer regulations on an interim basis after the recent Lassana Diarra legal ruling but accepts it could be open to immediate challenge.
Fifa has been forced to change its rules following a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling around Diarra’s claim that its regulations restricted his freedom of movement.
It requested talks with all key stakeholders before drafting its interim amendments, which have been confirmed and take immediate effect – in time for the January transfer window. Read more
Liverpool routs Spurs 6-3 to take 4-point lead in Premier League; Man United humbled (JapanToday)
Liverpool heads into Christmas with a four-point lead, a game in hand and as the overwhelming title favorite in the Premier League on the back of a wild 6-3 win at Tottenham on Sunday.
As for Manchester United and its new manager Ruben Amorim, they stumble into the festive period in 13th place — as low as they’ve been at Christmas since the 1989-90 season — and with a familiar sinking feeling.
United lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth for the second straight season, the latest statistic to show just how far this English giant has fallen and the job Amorim has to turn around its fortunes. Read more
Jamie Carragher tells Liverpool to sign ‘superb’ Bournemouth star after Man Utd thrashing (Metro)
Jamie Carragher says Liverpool must buy a left-back in January, naming Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as the perfect signing.
The Liverpool legend’s comments came just before Kerkez’s side’s impressive 3-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday, a result that has left Cherries’ fans dreaming of Europe.
Bournemouth have gone from strength to strength since the arrival of manager Andoni Iraola 18 months ago, with the win at Old Trafford moving them up to fifth in the Premier League at Christmas. Read more
Australian tennis star Max Purcell suspended for doping violation (SI)
Tennis has been rocked by its third doping scandal of the year. Max Purcell has admitted breaking anti-doping rules and has been provisionally suspended from tennis while under investigation.
Purcell admitted to the violation and has been suspended since December 12. The 26-year-old has requested to be provisionally suspended since December 10.
On December 23, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the suspension, saying the Australian breached rules relating to the use of a “prohibited method” rather than a positive test for a banned substance. Read more