ASUU suspends strike after eight months (Punch)
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has suspended its eight month old strike, The PUNCH can authoritatively confirm.
Though the union is yet to make an official pronouncement, our correspondent gathered that the decision was taken at the end of the National Executive Council meeting which was held at the ASUU secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking with our correspondent, a highly informed source within the NEC said, “Yes, it has been called off”.
When asked for more details, the source said, “the president will release an official circular in the morning”. Read more
Kanu: Jubilation in South-East, FG may appeal judgment (Punch)
There was wild jubilation in the South-East on Thursday following the Court of Appeal judgment which quashed the terrorism charges preferred against the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Across parts of the South-East states, people celebrated openly on hearing the reports that the court had discharged Kanu who has been in custody since June 2021 when he was arrested in Kenya and brought to Nigeria to face prosecution for leading an outlawed organisation and clamouring for the Republic of Biafra.
However, there are strong indications that the Federal Government may appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal. Read more
Ogun 2023: Court dismisses suits filed against APC, Abiodun (ThisDay)
A Federal High Court in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, yesterday dismissed three different cases filed against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate for 2023 elections, Prince Dapo Abiodun, challenging the victory of the governor at the party primary conducted on May 26, 2022.
In the three cases decided, Justice Joyce O Abdulmalik dismissed the cases for various reasons ranging from lack of standing to sue to lack of jurisdiction, incompetence, frivolity, academic exercise and being statue barred.
The Judge also awarded a “joint cost” of N2 million against the litigants and in favour of APC and its candidate in each of the three cases.
In the suit instituted by Mrs. Sherifat Eweje against the APC and Abiodun, the Judge held that a person who did not participate in a primary election for an office cannot invoke the limited jurisdiction of the court to challenge the outcome of that primary. Read more
Sanwo-Olu unveils Lagos State Wealth Fund (Nation)
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Wednesday signed the Lagos State Wealth Fund (LSWF) Bill and the Lagos State Civil Bill, which will be sent to the Lagos State House of Assembly for passage into law.
Also on Wednesday, the state launched its 30-year development plan which will be implemented over 30 years – 2022 and 2052.
Speaking while signing the two bills, Sanwo-Olu said the bills are critical to the future development of the state, while enhancing ease of doing business in Lagos.
He said the Lagos Wealth Fund Bill signals the commencement of the state’s Sub-sovereign Green Bond that will create sustainable wealth to government and the people of Lagos, adding that the fund will allow the state create a wealth reserve that will be instrumental to delivering infrastructure and prevent Lagos revenue from external shocks and make the state the technology and investment hub. Read more
Man caught with bloodstained female underwear in Ogun (DailyTrust)
Operatives of the Ogun State Security Network, alias Amotekun Corps, have arrested a 30-year-old man, Felix Ikpeha, with three bloodstained wet female pants.
Ikpeha, an indigene of Warri in Delta State, was arrested in Imo-Ayo community, Ajibawo Atan Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of State.
The Commander, David Akinremi disclosed this to journalists in Abeokuta, on Thursday.
According to Akinremi, the suspect was arrested following an alarm raised by some members of the community who suspected his movement. Read more
AYCF praises moves by Lagos govt in resolving transport employees, Arewa community dispute (Sun)
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has commended the efforts of the Lagos State government in bringing sanity into the activities of the state branch of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and their relationship with the Arewa community residents in Lagos.
A statement issued and made available to reporters in Kaduna by Alhaji Adamu Yahaya Chairman, Lagos State chapter of AYCF, said, they have been following with keen interest, the latest developments at RTEAN in Lagos State and how the leadership has threatened the cordial relationship between the Arewa community and their host, a development he described as disturbing and most unfortunate.
“AYCF hereby commends the quick effort of the Lagos State Government to prevent a crisis by suspending the activities of the association, by way of transparent pronouncement. We hope this will mark a turning point in the history of the Arewa community in Lagos,” the statement read.
The chairman said that as a group committed to peace, unity and integrity of Northerners in Lagos State, they are comfortable with the decision of the Lagos State Government through its pronouncement of the 29th of September, 2022, leading to the suspension of the activities of the state branch of RTEAN Chairman, Alhaji Musa Muhammad. Read more
NAPTIP apprehends 49-year-old woman for abducting 2 months old twins in Benue (Independent)
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Makurdi Zonal Command, Benue State has arrested a 49 year old woman for allegedly abducting two months old twin babies in Makurdi, the state capital.
The State Commander, Gloria Bai who disclosed this in a statement made available to Daily Independent said the woman had abducted the twins for about three days before they were recovered from the suspect.
She explained that the twins (a boy and a girl) were abducted from the mother on Sunday under the pretence of taking care of them, adding that they were recovered and reunited to the mother on Tuesday.
According to her, “On Tuesday 11th October 2022, at about 1700hrs, the Makurdi Zonal Command of NAPTIP received a complaint from a distressed 22 years old mother of twins who alleged that her twin babies of about 2 months old were deceitfully taken from her by a woman she barely knew. Read more
Abducted Kwara bizwoman’s daughter freed, N5m ransom paid (Punch)
The daughter of a businesswoman in Kwara State, Misturah Abdulganiy, who was abducted from her home in the Alagbado area, Ilorin, Kwara State, has regained her freedom.
Misturah was kidnapped on Friday after the kidnappers shot dead her brother, Musa.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the kidnappers became angry and shot Musa after struggling to gain access to the house of the businesswoman for hours.
It was learnt that they later entered through the kitchen around 3am and asked for the businesswoman, who was not at home. Read more
Kwara police working hard to rescue abducted ASP (Nation)
The Kwara Police Command is working assiduously to rescue its abducted Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abdulmumuni Yusuf.
Gunmen last Tuesday reportedly abducted the police officer popularly referred to as ‘Emirate No1.’
Yusuf, before his abduction, was said to be serving at an Ilorin area command.
Sources said that the incident occurred on an ill-fated night while the victim was about to enter his house in Ogidi after the close of work. Read more
Anambra APC disowns Ngige over comments on presidential election (Sun)
The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disowned the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, over his alleged indecisive comment on the support of the party’s presidential candidate in next year’s election.
The state party chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, in a press conference at the party’s secretariat Awka, said that Ngige’s comment on national television last week was his personal opinion and doesn’t represent the state party’s decision.
“Senator Chris Ngige appeared on Channels Television last week where he was unable to categorically express support for the presidential candidate of our party, APC in the forthcoming general election. As a matter of fact, those of us in APC Anambra State say that this interview was solely personal and has nothing to do with APC in the state. He was not there to represent the APC and never said he was there talking on behalf of the APC, so whatever thing he expressed was entirely his own personal view. Read more
Spice Girls transport us back to 1990s with new Spice Up Your Life music video featuring unseen footage (Metro)
Get ready to be hit with some serious nostalgia, because the Spice Girls have only gone and dropped a new music video for Spice Up Your Life!
The band – consisting of Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie C, and Melanie B – are currently celebrating 25 years of their multi-million selling second album, Spiceworld.
We can’t believe it’s already been 25 years of the iconic album that gave us hits including Stop and Viva Forever, but we’re obsessed with the group giving the record its time to shine once again.
In honour of Spiceworld’s birthday, the girls have also dropped a brand new video which features unseen Spice Up Your Life clips. Read more
Ringo Starr cancels North America tour with Covid (BBC)
Sir Ringo Starr has cancelled the rest of his North American tour after testing positive to Covid-19 again.
The Beatles drummer, 82, had earlier cancelled some dates with his All Starr band after catching the virus, but returned after a negative test.
On Thursday, he tweeted “the rest of the tour is off”, signing off with his trademark “peace and love”.
Dates had been planned in California – including Los Angeles – and Mexico.
Earlier this month Sir Ringo cancelled performances in several US states including Michigan and Minnesota, as well as Canada, after catching Covid. Read more
MTV EMAs 2022 Nominations: Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj and more (ET)
The 2022 MTV EMA nominations have arrived, and the star-studded selection is sure to make it a can’t-miss event!
Harry Styles leads the pack with seven nods, including for Best Artist, Best Song and Best Video. Taylor Swift follows closely with six nominations including for Best Artist, Best Pop, and the new EMA category, Best Longform Video.
Fan favourites Nicki Minaj and ROSALÍA each earned five nominations, which include Best Song and Best Artist.
Voting for the awards is now open at mtvema.com until Nov. 9. Read more
Vanessa Redgrave receives damehood from the Prince of Wales (Standard)
Acclaimed actress Vanessa Redgrave has said receiving her damehood at Buckingham Palace was a “unique” moment in her career.
Dame Vanessa, 85, has been nominated for six Academy Awards, winning the Oscar for best supporting actress in 1977 for her role in Julia, in which she starred alongside Jane Fonda.
The actress said she was “very happy” after picking up her damehood from the Prince of Wales on Thursday for services to drama.
Dame Vanessa told the PA news agency: “I was thrilled when I heard that the Prince of Wales was doing the investitures today.
“He gave me my British Academy Fellowship in Covent Garden Opera House in 2010.” Read more
Kevin Hart announces the death of his father Henry Witherspoon aged 73 as he shares touching social media tribute (DailyMail)
Kevin Hart announced the devastating news on Thursday that his father Henry Witherspoon has died aged 73.
The comedian, 43, took to Instagram to pay tribute to his late father as he shared several heartwarming family photos and vowed they will all make him ‘proud’.
He also referred to the death of his beloved mother Nancy, who passed away in 2007 following a battle with ovarian cancer, as he said: ‘Give mom a hug for me.’
The touching post read: ‘RIP to one of the realest & rawest to ever do it…Love you dad. Gone but never forgotten….Give mom a hug for me….y’all did good man. Read more
Paramount’s untitled ‘Avatar’ film to be animated in Australia by Flying Bark (Variety)
European-Australian firm Flying Bark Productions has been appointed as the animator of the first of three untitled ‘Avatar’ films from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation.
The film series, derived from the “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “The Legend of Korra “animated series, originally created for Nickelodeon by Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino, was announced earlier this year.
The first feature will be directed by Lauren Montgomery, with Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino producing.
Flying Bark, which is based in Belgium and has major facilities in Sydney, Australia, describes the film series as “[pushing] the style and boundaries of hybrid animation [..] it will couple traditional 2D animation with substantial CG elements. Read more
Governor in Russian-annexed region urges evacuation (DW)
The Russian-backed governor of the Kherson region has asked Moscow to help evacuate civilians. Meanwhile, Russia carried out aerial attacks on Ukraine’s capital region and Mykolaiv in the south. DW has the latest.
The Russian-appointed governor of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region has called on residents to evacuate as Ukrainian forces continue to advance in the region.
Vladimir Saldo also made a public appeal for Moscow to help transport fleeing civilians to Russia.
“We suggested to all people of the Kherson region to, if they wish, leave to other regions to protect themselves from missile hits,” he said on Telegram. “In addressing the leadership of the country (Russia), I ask you to help organize this work.” Read more
NFF to cut costs as debts accumulate (DailyTrust)
In order to stem the tide of accumulation of debts, the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to embark on a number of cost-cutting measures to keep the federation afloat.
This was contained in a communique of the inaugural meeting of the new NFF Board led by Ibrahim Gusau held on Tuesday at its secretariat, Sunday Dankaro House in Abuja.
According to the communique, the federation will ascent on frugal management of resources in the best interest of players and officials, management and staff, and Nigeria Football generally while every perceived area of waste would be cut as a way of fostering the spirit of prudence and financial discipline in the secretariat.
It will be noted that the NFF is in debt of almost N2bn accrued from hotel accommodation, allowances for national team players as well as marketers. Read more
Juve’s Di Maria out for 3 weeks with hamstring injury (France24)
Angel Di Maria will be out for around three weeks after picking up a hamstring injury during Juventus’ humiliating defeat at Maccabi Haifa, the struggling club said on Thursday.
In a statement, Juve said Di Maria underwent tests on Thursday “which revealed a low-grade lesion to the hamstring of the right thigh”.
“It will take around 20 days for the player’s complete recovery,” Juve added.
Argentina winger Di Maria was substituted 23 minutes into Juve’s shock 2-0 defeat in Israel which left them on the brink of elimination from the Champions League. Read more
Mikel Arteta ‘100pc’ backs his Arsenal players amid FA investigation over row at end of Liverpool game (IrishIndependent)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will give his players his full support over the row that happened late on in Sunday’s Premier League victory over Liverpool that has led to an FA investigation.
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson were at the centre of an incident involving players from both teams. Referee Michael Oliver briefly paused the game to speak to Arteta and his Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp on the touchline. Oliver also took further observations from the players involved after full-time.
No further details have been released regarding the incident, which took place during stoppage time at the Emirates, and the FA’s investigation is ongoing.
Arteta did not provide an answer when asked which players had been spoken to by the authorities, saying: “It’s something I don’t want to touch. It’s in the FA’s hands and I’m not going to get involved in that.” Read more
UEFA react to Republic of Ireland Women’s pro-IRA chant controversy (Mirror)
UEFA has opened an investigation after Republic of Ireland players appeared to sing a pro-IRA chant following their Women’s World Cup play-off victory over Scotland.
Video footage circulated on social media after Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory at Hampden Park of the players singing the chant in the dressing room. Republic boss Vera Pauw and the Football Association of Ireland issued apologies over the incident, but European football’s governing body has confirmed it will take a closer look at it.
“In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations, a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector will investigate potential inappropriate behaviour by players of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on October 11, 2022,” a UEFA statement read.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.” Pauw said on Wednesday: “We apologise from the bottom of our hearts to anyone who has been offended by the content of the post-match celebrations after we had just qualified for the World Cup. Read more
Carlos Alcaraz sent warning as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and co will be ‘targeting him’ (Express)
Carlos Alcaraz has been warned that he must learn how to win without being at his best level as he now has a “target on his back”. Jimmy Connors told the 19-year-old that he was now the man to beat with the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and his ATP Tour rivals targeting him as the new world No 1.
Alcaraz recently became the youngest world No 1 in ATP history when he ascended to the top of the rankings after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open. The Spaniard also became the first teenager to win a Major since his countryman Nadal 17 years ago.
But the 19-year-old has struggled with his results since becoming the top-ranked player, losing his first match as the world No 1 to Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Davis Cup and crashing out to David Goffin in the first round of last week’s Astana Open. And Alcaraz has now been warned that he must “learn to win at 70 per cent” as fellow former world No 1 Connors said he was the tour’s new “target”.
“Right now Alcaraz has a target on his back,” the record 109-time title winner said on his Advantage Connors podcast. “He has won the US Open, he has had a great year and he is No 1 in the world.” Read more
Claressa Shields v Savannah Marshall: Champions clash at fiery news conference (BBC)
Claressa Shields promised to “school” Savannah Marshall in their undisputed middleweight championship fight on Saturday night in London.
American Shields and WBO champion Marshall are long-time rivals having fought 10 years ago in the amateurs and came face-to-face in a fiery news conference on Thursday.
Neither woman backed down during verbal exchanges, with Shields telling Marshall: “You about to get schooled.
“I’m about to Sugar Ray Leonard her.” Read more
F1: Theo Pourchaire set for FP1 debut in Austin (GMS)
Theo Pourchaire will make his FP1 debut at the US Grand Prix next weekend, driving for Alfa Romeo.
Each team must field a driver in two FP1 sessions this season that has not competed in more than two Grands Prix in F1, and Alfa are giving Pourchaire a shot at the Circuit of the Americas.
The Frenchman has been part of the Sauber academy since 2019 and has impressed in junior formula, and many expect him to be pushing for an F1 seat in the coming years.
Indeed, in 2023 he is also going to be Alfa’s reserve driver with the team confirming that news alongside the announcement around FP1 next weekend. Read more