Ekiti Election: Confusion as NSCDC officers allegedly hijack party money (Punch)
There was a mini rowdiness at Ward 10 Unit 9, Ilupeju along Ikere -Ado Expressway in Ikere Ekiti, in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State as some officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps allegedly stormed the polling unit and took away a huge sum of money from some politicians in the unit.
A voter in the unit told our correspondent on condition of anonymity that the undisclosed amount of money hijacked by the security men was meant to buy votes from the voters in the area.
According to him, some of the voters who had voted for their candidate in the unit left in annoyance as they were not able to collect money for the ‘work’ done.
He said, “They (NSCDC officers) stormed this unit and harassed the person holding the money. They collected the money from him and took it away. We that have voted for APC and waiting to collect our money could not get the money. It is disappointing. We were told that the money is over N2million. Read more
Fashola warns residents to stop stealing road construction materials (Vanguard)
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola has appealed to residents along Lagos – Badagry expressway to desist from stealing materials for road construction.
Speaking during inspection of the road under a heavy downpour, Fashola said that the sad development is one of the numerous challenges they are dealing with in their quest to deliver the project by first quarter of 2023.
“Our plan is to deliver the project in the first quarter of 2023 but we are contending with many challenges such as the rainy season, motor traffic, community issues and theft of our materials at the site.
“Our Engineers at the site reported to us that some residents are stealing the construction materials to build their own house, claiming that it’s their own share of the national cake. That is not good because this road is for the good of everybody. Read more
1 dies, 7 injured in Lagos accident (Punch)
One person was recovered dead while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries in an accident in the Alapere area of Lagos State during the early hours of Saturday.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that the agency rescued seven passengers and recovered one dead adult male that was killed as a result of the accident.
The Permanent Secretary LASEMA, Dr.Olufemi Oke-Osanyitolu, said the accident occurred when a J5 Bus occupied by passengers as well as onions, rammed into a trailer conveying plywoods that was exiting a company.
According to him, the injured victims, mainly made up of passengers from the J5 Bus, were promptly tended to by the agency’s medical team before they were quickly conveyed to the Trauma Center domiciled within the Gbagada General Hospital for further treatment. Read more
10 years after, Sanwo-Olu, Elumelu flag off construction of Falomo Towers (DailyTrust)
After years of arbitration and disagreement, the Lagos State Government and Afriland Properties Limited, a subsidiary of Heirs Holding owned by business mogul, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has finally turned the sod for the development of the iconic Falomo Towers.
The state-of-the-art towers, Daily Trust Saturday gathered, would be developed on the old Falomo Shopping Complex in the heart of Ikoyi.
This is coming about 10 years after both the state government and the real estate firm were in arbitration over the termination of the contract in 2015 during the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
However, the government represented by the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) and the concessionaire have resolved the disagreement and the project is about to take off on 11,950 square metres of land with particular focus on sustainability to ensure a cleaner and greener environment. Read more
We’re not beggars, hunger won’t force us to resume, ASUU tells FG (Punch)
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has said its members are not beggars and the stoppage of their salaries by the government won’t force them to call off their strike.
The leadership of the union also commended the members for keeping faith with the union despite the hardship imposed on their families as a result of the No-Work-No-Pay directive of the Federal Government.
Following the failure of the government to meet some lingering demands of the union, ASUU on February 14, 2022 announced a one-month warning strike, followed by another eight-week strike before it eventually commenced its indefinite strike.
The continued strike led to the imposition of No-Work-No-Pay by the Federal Government. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, said the directive was in compliance with Section 43 of the Labour Law. Read more
NNPP, Labour Party plan merger for Peter Obi, Kwankwaso presidential ticket (Guardian)
The New Nigeria’s People Party (NNPP) on Saturday said there is an ongoing discussion with Labour Party (LP) for a merger in the 2023 general elections.
A merger could present the presidential candidate of both political parties – NNPP’s Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, a former Anambra State governor – on a joint ticket.
“We wish to inform Nigerians that, our discussions with Peter Obi and the Labour Party are still ongoing,” NNPP tweeted on Saturday.
NNPP disclosed that both political parties have set up a joint “special committee was set to discuss arrangements.”
Kwankwaso, who has been the face of NNPP’s resurgence, confirmed the possibility of a merger with Labour Party and a joint ticket with Obi. Read more
Kidnapped Abia journalist regains freedom (Tribune)
Kidnapped Abia journalist, Mr Chucks Onuoha was early this morning freed by his captors.
According to his wife, Onuoha was released early this morning in far away Imo State.
She disclosed that when released, Onuoha found his way to where he pleaded with people there to help him reach a place where “we went to pick him up.”
Though she could not confirm if any ransom was paid, she appreciated God for the release. Read more
Enugu Catholic Diocese bars faithful from attending Mbaka’s Adoration Ministry (Channels)
The Enugu Catholic Diocese has prohibited Catholics from attending religious and liturgical activities of the Adoration Ministry owned by the vocal Rev. Ejike Mbaka.
Rev Mbaka had made the news when he made comments concerning the Labour Party presidential aspirant and one-time governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.
Mbaka said “A stingy man cannot be our president. We are already hungry. We need a generous person. Nigerians are hungry. Are we not hungry?” in reference to Mr Obi, who many speculated had refused to make monetary donations to the spiritual leader’s ministry.
In a letter personally signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Callistus on Friday, the Bishop stated that Mbaka has continued to breach the tenets and principles laid down by the Catholic Church despite previous warnings. Read more
Ekiti Election: PDP candidate Kolawole hails INEC over BVAS tech (Guardian)
The People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the governorship election in Ekiti State, Bisi Kolawole, has hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for introducing the Bimodal Voter Authentication System into the electoral process.
Kolawole said the technology has improved the credibility of the poll and given political actors and voters more confidence in the electoral system.
The PDP candidate spoke with newsmen in Efon Alaaye, Efon Local government area after voting around 8.35am at Ward 008 unit 001.
He said: “There is great improvement with the application of BVAS. The accreditation and voting were done simultaneously. The process has been accelerated by this. There is an improvement by INEC. Read more
Uma Thurman, Paul Walker set to be honoured with Hollywood Walk Of Fame stars (HuffPost)
“Pulp Fiction” actor Uma Thurman and late “Fast & Furious” actor Paul Walker will be among a number of entertainers getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year.
The pair will add their names to the over 2,700 “stars” on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame.
Walker, who will be posthumously granted the recognition, will join entertainers like Carrie Fisher and Nipsey Hussle who have received stars after their death.
Others joining the pair on the Walk of Fame in 2023 include R&B singer Charlie Wilson, “The Office” actor Mindy Kaling, the Jonas Brothers and comedian Martin Lawrence. Read more
‘Selma’ star David Oyelowo plans to bring Sugar Ray Robinson to screen in ‘Sweet Thunder’ (Deadline)
Having starred as Martin Luther King in Selma, British actor David Oyelowo is planning to play another American icon, Sugar Ray Robinson.
The star of The Midnight Sky is in the process of writing the film Sweet Thunder, which he will also produce and star in, and tells the Times newspaper that it has proved a tireless passion project: “Selma took seven years; I think we’re almost ten with Sweet Thunder.”
During that time, Oyelowo has been inspired to maintain the required level of fitness to play Robinson, who he says “had unbelievable footwork and incredible hand speed,” seen in his five victories in the ring against Jake LaMotta, played by Robert De Niro in Raging Bull.
The actor will next be seen on the big screen in the film See How They Run, a murder-mystery set in 1950s London, co-starring Saoirse Ronan and Ruth Wilson. Read more
French cinema legend Jean-Louis Trintignant dies aged 91 (RFI)
French actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, who became world-renowned in the 1960s with films like “And God Created Woman” and “A Man and a Woman”, died on Friday aged 91.
Among the legends that emerged during French cinema’s New Wave in the 1960s, Trintignant had one of the most durable careers, still making ground-breaking films into his eighties.
His quiet authority and sonorous voice left their mark on some 120 films, from the notorious “And God Created Woman” alongside Brigitte Bardot in 1959, through classics like “A Man and a Woman” and “Z”, to later powerful dramas such as “Three Colours: Red” and “Amour”.
“He accompanied our lives through French cinema,” said French president Emmanuel Macron when he was informed of the news during a tech conference in Paris. Read more
East 17 singer hints at joining forces with Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran for new project (DailyStar)
East 17’s Terry Coldwell has his eye on some big-name artists as he hopes to get the likes of Dua Lipa and Ed Sheeran on a track.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Star, Terry said: “Our dream collab, there are a few artists that inspire us, ranging over different genres, I would say Old Skool would be, Stevie Wonder and Elton John.
“New Skool would be Dua Lipa, Bad Boy Chiller Crew, Ed Sheeran, David Guetta, Sia, Calvin Harris, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man.”
Singer Terry also slammed the idea of ever reuniting with his former bandmates from the original East 17 lineup. Read more
Fake Drake facetimes real Drake to congratulate him on new album (HipHopDX)
Consider “Fake Drake” among the chosen few who went straight to the source to heap praise upon Drake and his Honestly, Nevermind album.
Izzy Drake, who had Drizzy’s stamp of approval last year when he first began showing up in Miami clubs impersonating the Toronto rapper, got on Instagram Friday (June 17) to not only show love to Drake’s new album but tell it to the man himself.
“Yo, that album was hard, bro. Congratulations on the drop,” Izzy told Drake, before later hinting the two were working on music together.
Izzy’s career as “Fake Drake” began after the Toronto native was spotted at Club LIV in Miami, appearing to be an exact doppelganger of Drizzy during his Certified Lover Boy era, complete with a heart outline edged into his hair. After being spotlighted on social media, his career as a celebrity impersonator took off, with people willing to pay him up to $5,000 or more for club appearances and performances. Read more
Russians dying for Putin’s ambitions – Klitschko (BBC)
The Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, has told the BBC the Russian public will eventually realise their young soldiers are dying for nothing more than Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions.
The former world heavyweight boxing champion was attending the funeral of a well-known 24-year-old anti-corruption activist when the remarks were made.
Volunteer soldier Roman Ratushny was killed in Izyum, in the Kharkiv region, on 9 June.
Mayor Klitschko, who won legions of fans across the world during his long record-breaking career, said the Russian leader was destroying millions of lives in both Ukraine and his own country.
“This is also a tragedy for Russians and for the Russian Federation. The people do not understand that right now, but I am sure they will realise very soon the reality. The Russians die – for what? The ambition of Putin?” Read more
US President Joe Biden, 79, falls off his bike and is helped back up by Secret Service (LBC)
US President Joe Biden had a wobble and fell off his bike at the end of a ride while out greeting members of the public at Cape Henlopen State Park near his beach home in the state of Delaware.
Mr Biden told onlookers “I’m good”, as US Secret Service agents quickly helped him up when he lost his balance after coming to a stop.
Bystanders let out an audible gasp as the president fell. He said afterwards his foot had got stuck in the toe cage on the pedals.
Mr Biden, 79, and first lady Jill Biden were wrapping up a morning’s cycling when the president decided to pedal over to a crowd of well-wishers standing by the bike trail. Read more
Pundits give Peseiro pass mark on new-look Eagles (Nation)
The Super Eagles began the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations race with two consecutive victories over Sierra Leone and Sao Tome & Principe to open a wide goals margin at the top of Group A which also has Guinea Bissau.
Of course, the ghost of the 2022 World Cup miss won’t disappear in the coming months but the team can’t afford to live under that cloud knowing that what lies ahead is more important than what cannot be changed.
Sao Tomé and Principe could only fight for nine minutes in Agadir and could have been hit for more but for profligacy on the part of Victor Osimhen and Terem Moffi.
Speaking on the Eagles’ bright start to the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju praised the professionalism, the hunger and desire to score as many goals as possible but cautioned the team should not be carried away by the outcome against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe. Read more
Ousmane Dembele breaks silence on Chelsea transfer interest (Standard)
Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele issued a response to the transfer speculation surrounding him this summer.
The Frenchman has been strongly linked with moves to Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain now his contract is into its final few days, with Thomas Tuchel keen on attacking signings.
Dembele has struggled to live up to his billing as one of the most expensive players in the history of the game, although impressed last season, with no player in La Liga beating his 13 assists.
Tuchel worked with the 25-year-old at Borussia Dortmund prior to his move to the Camp Nou for £135m in the summer of 2017 after Neymar had left for PSG. Read more
Empoli buy Vicario as clubs like up for goalkeeper (FootballItalia)
Empoli have officially activated their option to buy Guglielmo Vicario from Cagliari, but the goalkeeper won’t stay for long, targeted by Fiorentina, Lazio, Napoli and more.
The 25-year-old shot-stopper spent the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Empoli, where he made 38 Serie A appearances, keeping seven clean sheets.
The performances in goal certainly got him noticed with some sensational saves.
Empoli have officially taken up the option to buy for €8m, but he will not remain at the Stadio Castellani for long. Read more
England defender Bronze joins Barcelona (BBC)
England defender Lucy Bronze has signed for Barcelona on a two-year deal.
In May, Manchester City announced the 30-year-old would leave the club when her deal expired on 30 June.
The 2020 Best Fifa Women’s Player re-joined City for a second spell in September 2020 after three years with Lyon.
“I’m very happy to play for a club like FC Barcelona, one of the biggest teams in the world. I really want to start working with the team,” Bronze said.
“After a couple of conversations, you can’t say no to Barca.”
Barcelona are the current champions of Spain’s Primera Division and were Champions League runners-up to Lyon last season. Read more
Naomi Osaka withdraws from Wimbledon with ‘Achilles’ injury (StraitsTimes)
Former world number one Naomi Osaka pulled out of Wimbledon on Saturday (June 18) with an Achilles injury.
“My Achilles still isn’t right so I’ll see you next time,” the four-time Grand Slam winner posted on Twitter.
Osaka, 24, was already considering not playing over the ATP and WTA tours decision to strip Wimbledon of ranking points after the All England Club banned Russian and Belarusian players in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Osaka’s tweet, although not mentioning Wimbledon specifically, was accompanied by a photo of herself on a grass court, and an emoji of a blade of grass. Read more
Max Verstappen under pressure as Red Bull strongly backed over Ferrari and Charles Leclerc (Express)
Max Verstappen has been put under pressure to win the world championship by Formula 1 fans as the majority of Express Sport readers back the Dutchman to secure the crown. It comes after Ferrari and Charles Leclerc threw away their early-season advantage with a string of mechanical failures and strategy mistakes.
Verstappen was over 40 points behind Leclerc after the Australian Grand Prix but the tables have since turned on their head. The majority of the 5,000 Express Sport readers (72.3 per cent) said Verstappen was now their favourite to win the drivers’ title at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, just under 15 per cent backed Charles Leclerc to close the gap and take his first world championship. Sergio Perez was the third most popular option after a fighting display from the Mexican this season.
He secured pole position at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and won the iconic Monaco Grand Prix just days after signing a new two-year deal. However, just 8.5 per cent said they backed Peres to outshine both Verstappen and Leclerc over the course of the rest of the season. Read more
Ladies European Tour: Bronte Law pips Georgia Hall, Charley Hull to Aramco Team Series win (Sky)
Bronte Law produced an incredible finish to snatch an unlikely victory on home soil at the latest Aramco Team Series event in England.
Law went into the final round two off the pace and fell further behind with a double-bogey at the par-five 13th, only to bounce back with successive birdies from the 15th and a brilliant 50-foot eagle at the par-five last.
Playing the last four holes in four under saw Law close a final-round 71 in the 54-hole event at the Centurion Club, seeing her end the week on nine under and a shot clear of compatriot Georgia Hall.
“I had to stay mentally strong and had to set my head straight before I got on to the next tee box,” Law said about the double-bogey. “I did that and I hit the best shot I could’ve hit on that hole. Read more