#EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu called me to say Col Bello was shooting at Lekki, Gen tells Lagos panel (Punch)
The Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig Gen Musa Etsu-Ndagi, representing the Nigerian Army on the Lagos State Security Council, has said he received a phone call from the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, around 7.23pm on October 20,2020 informing him that a certain Lt Col Bello was reportedly shooting at the Lekki tollgate where #EndSARS protesters were gathered.
Etsu-Ndagi said he immediately called Bello, who is the Commanding Officer, 65 Battalion, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, and he (Bello) told him that he only fired blank ammunition into the air.
Etsu-Ndagi, who is one of the top four military officers listed as witnesses of the Nigerian Army before the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing the Lekki tollgate shootings, stated this in his statement on oath filed at the panel’s registry on Friday. Read more
Lagos targets 4,000 unemployed youths for jobs (Guardian)
The Lagos State government, yesterday, rolled out plans to engage at least 4,000 youths for employment opportunities to address the scourge of unemployment in the state.
The youths will be engaged through Lagos State Graduates Internship Placement Programme (LASGIPP), under the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
While speaking yesterday, Commissioner, Ministry of Wealth Creation, and Employment, Yetunde Arobieke, noted that LASGIPP would be addressing the third and fourth pillars of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration’s development agenda. Read more
Security Agencies Consider New Strategies to Stop Crimes in Lagos (Thisday)
Nearly all law enforcement agencies in Lagos State have lamented the rising cases of cult violence, land grabbing, political thuggery and unemployment rate, describing them as core threats to security of lives and property in the state.
However, the agencies have recommended pro-people measures, use of technology, deployment of drones for aerial surveillance and monitoring youth activities on different social media platforms as new strategies for containing the new waves of insecurity in the post-lockdown Lagos.
They made these recommendations at a one-day high level security workshop held in Lagos on Thursday under a theme, “Securing Lagos State during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: Preparing for the Unknown.” Read more
#EndSARS: Hoodlums looted 100 AK-47 rifles in Lagos police stations – Force committee (Punch)
Inspector-General of Police Committee on EndSARS Protest Damage Assessment has said that about 100 AK-47 rifles and 2,600 pieces of ammunition are missing as a result of attacks on police formations in Lagos State by hoodlums who hijacked protests.
The committee stated that 37 police formations were attacked during the widespread violence in the state while 367 vehicles, including 10 Armoured Personnel Carrier, saloon cars and Hilux vans were burnt.
The Chairman of the 10-man committee, CP Yaro Abutu, who disclosed this on Saturday in an interview with our correspondent, said the team was taking the inventory of property destroyed in police facilities across the country. Read more
#EndSARS: Group seeks 30% for youths in governance (Guardian)
A non-governmental organisation, Baywood Foundation (BF), renowned for youth-oriented initiatives, has called on Nigerian leaders to give the youths ample representation in governance for even development and avert youth restiveness.
Making the appeal at a media briefing in Enugu, its Director, Mr. Chukwudi Ojielo, called for 30 per cent affirmative action for youths in Nigeria.
He condemned the recent looting and destruction of public and private property that erupted in Nigeria as a result of the #EndSARS protests, saying non-inclusion of youths in the scheme of things was responsible for the crisis. Read more
‘Indecent’ dressing: Fans back Rahama Sadau amid police probe (Punch)
The storm is far from over for Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau, over a picture of her wearing a backless gown she posted on social media. The post got a lot of backlash and criticisms, especially from northerners.
Although the actress had deleted the picture and apologised to her fans, some opined that the post had attracted blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammed and threatened to attack her. She was also suspended from Kannywood by the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria.
The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, also directed the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Umar Muri, to investigate the controversy the post had generated.
In a letter signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IG, Idowu Owohunwa, the CP of Kaduna State was directed to furnish the IG with details. Read more
Yellow fever caused strange deaths in Enugu – Government (Guardian)
The Enugu State Government has confirmed that Yellow Fever was the cause of deaths from a reported strange illness in Ette Uno and Umuopu communities of Enugu Ezike town in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of the state.
A statement by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, said: “The disease was confirmed through verifiable diagnostic tests. Yellow Fever is not a new disease, but one of public health importance internationally and in Nigeria. It is among the controlled in the Nigerian set of routine and mass immunisable diseases. A suspected case is anyone with a sudden onset of fever, who develops jaundice (yellowness of the eyes) within 14 days. It is verifiable by diagnostic tests.” Read more
Yakubu steps aside as INEC chair awaits legislative approval (Thisday)
The National Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday, stepped aside from his substantive position pending when the upper chamber of the National Assembly considers his reappointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.
To that extent, the Senate, THISDAY gathered, is already considering an emergency session to confirm Yakubu’s reappointment or at the very least, refer him to the Senate Committee on INEC as part of measures to quicken his confirmation. Read more
Faith-based drama “Stepping Into Maggie’s Shoes” goes to cinema (Vanguard)
Based on Opeyemi Akintunde’s book of the same title, Stepping Into Maggie’s Shoes (SIMS) is a faith-based film about love, betrayal and scandal.
The movie premiered on Wednesday at VIVA Cinema, Jara Mall, by Computer Village, Ikeja. It will debut in cinemas nationwide from Friday, November 6.
SIMS tells the story of a young wealthy Pastor who is desired by most of the single and married ladies in his congregation. The sudden loss of his previously unlettered, dumpy wife to suicide opens the doors to a new wife, many other sins, new challenges and a ministry in disarray. Read more
Joe Biden vows to be president for all in victory speech (NYPost)
President-elect Joe Biden delivered a resounding victory speech on Saturday evening where he vowed to heal a fractured nation reeling from racial unrest, a deadly pandemic and historically deep political divides.
“The people of this nation have spoken. They delivered us a clear victory — a convincing victory, a victory for the people,” Biden said after jogging up to the stage at the Chase Center parking lot in his hometown of Wilmington, Del.
More than a thousand jubilant supporters had flocked to the drive-in rally, sitting on the roofs of their cars as they waved American flags and Biden campaign signs.
The incoming president vowed to be a leader for all Americans, and extended a hand to those who voted for his opponent.
“I pledge to be a president who seeks not to divide but to unify,” Biden said to cheers.
Speaking directly to Trump supporters, Biden said, “For all those of you who voted for President Trump, I understand the disappointment tonight. I’ve lost a couple times myself. But now, let’s give each other a chance. Read more
Celebrities react as Joe Biden becomes president-elect (PageSix)
After a lengthy wait for results, Joe Biden has been elected the next president of the United States, much to the delight of these A-list backers.
While celebrity Trump supporters have been mum so far, praise for Biden immediately erupted online, with several big names congratulating the nation’s next commander-in-chief, including Lizzo, Ariana Grande and even Kim Kardashian.
Check out the celebrities who’ve supported Joe Biden and their reaction to the election below.
Barbra Streisand
Congratulations to @JoeBiden, @KamalaHarris and our beloved country. Honesty and integrity won out! pic.twitter.com/RlaZr88O0R
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) November 7, 2020
Brooklyn’s own Babs shares her performance of “Happy Days are Here Again” in celebration of Biden’s win. Read more
Kamala Harris delivers historic first speech as vice president-elect (NYPost)
In a rousing speech Saturday night — made on the brink of becoming America’s first woman vice president — a beaming Kamala Harris reached out to all the “little girls” out there.
She knows they’re watching her, she told them. And she knows they’ll be up there in the same spotlight,, she said, any day now.
“While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last,” said Harris, speaking to a cheering outdoor crowd in Wilmington, Del.
“Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibility,” she said.
Harris praised Joe Biden as “a man with a big heart who loves with abandon.”
And she lauded the 74 million Americans who voted for the ticket.
“Thank you for turning out in record numbers to make your voices heard,” she said.
“And I know times have been challenging,” she said. Read more
US election results: Five reasons Biden won (BBC)
After nearly 50 years in public office, and a lifetime of presidential ambitions, Joe Biden has captured the White House.
It was not the campaign anyone predicted. It took place amidst a once-in-a-century pandemic and unprecedented social unrest. He was running against an unconventional, precedent-defying incumbent. But in his third try for the presidency, Biden and his team found a way to navigate the political obstacles and claim a victory that, while narrow in the electoral college tally, is projected to surpass Trump’s overall national total by millions of votes.
These are the five reasons the son of a car salesman from Delaware finally won the presidency.
1. Covid, Covid, Covid
Perhaps the biggest reason Biden won the presidency was something entirely out of his control.
The coronavirus pandemic, as well as claiming more than 230,000 lives, also transformed American life and politics in 2020. And in the final days of the general election campaign, Donald Trump himself seemed to acknowledge this. Read more
US election 2020: Why Donald Trump lost (BBC)
Let the 2020 election bury the mistaken notion once and for all that the 2016 election was a historical accident, an American aberration.
Donald Trump won more than 70 million votes, the second highest total in American history. Nationally, he has more than a 47% share of his vote, and looks to have won 24 states, including his beloved Florida and Texas.
He has an extraordinary hold over large swathes of this country, a visceral connection that among thousands of supporters has brought a near cult-like devotion. After four years in the White House, his supporters studied the fine print of his presidency and clicked enthusiastically on the terms and conditions of his presidency.
Any analysis of his political weakness in 2020 also has to acknowledge his political strength. However, he was defeated, becoming one of only four incumbents in the modern era not to get another four years. Also he has become the first president to lose the popular vote in consecutive elections. Read more
People dancing in the streets across US as Joe Biden wins election (Metro)
Celebrations erupted on the streets of major US cities within minutes of Joe Biden being announced as the next president. The news was greeted with wild cheers from Democrat supporters who have been following every twist and turn of the election count. People have been seen dancing in Black Lives Matter plaza in Washington DC while loud cheers could be heard across New York – the city where Donald Trump was born. Crowds were equally loud in Philadelphia, where supporters of the two presidential candidates have been lining the streets waiting for news about who has won the key swing state of Pennsylvania. Read more
Milind Soman: Actor and model charged over nude photo (BBC)
Indian actor and model Milind Soman has been charged by police after he shared a naked picture of himself on Instagram.
Soman posted the image on Wednesday, showing him sprinting nude down a Goa beach, with the caption “Happy Birthday to me!”.
It attracted over 147,000 likes and thousands of comments.
But police were called to action following a complaint by political party Goa Suraksha Manch.
The party said Soman had indulged in public obscenity, and tainted Goa’s image.
Police charged him on Friday with public obscenity and sharing lewd images online. Read more
Rafael Nadal out of the Paris Masters as Alexander Zverev books Daniil Medvedev final (Metro)
Rafael Nadal saw his 10-match winning streak brought to a halt by Alexander Zverev as he was beaten in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters. Nadal, the world No. 2 from Spain, has never won the title in Paris-Bercy and has only claimed one ATP title on an indoor hard court – in Madrid back in 2005. Zverev already has two titles on this surface to his name in 2020 and is now on a 12-match winning streak. The US Open runner-up’s 6-4 7-5 win in an hour and 35 minutes was another impressive display – particularly on serve – and he has not been distracted by serious off-court allegations with regards to his private life. Read more
In-form Chelsea put four past bottom side Sheff Utd (BBC)
Chelsea came from behind to beat Sheffield United comfortably at Stamford Bridge, leaving the visitors bottom of the Premier League on another frustrating evening for Chris Wilder’s side.
David McGoldrick gave the Blades the lead in the ninth minute with a deft flick from close range.
But Tammy Abraham’s scuffed half-volley bounced past Aaron Ramsdale for Chelsea’s equaliser, before Ben Chilwell touched in Hakim Ziyech’s cross at the back post.
Ziyech turned provider again after the break when Thiago Silva headed in his free-kick at the near post, before Timo Werner added a fourth. Read more
LeBron James, athletes rejoice as Biden becomes president-elect (NYPost)
After multiple outlets called game on the 2020 presidential election, some of the NBA’s biggest stars wasted no time in getting the celebration started.
LeBron James, who is behind the voting rights organization More Than a Vote, posted multiple victory tweets Saturday after Joe Biden was projected by the Associated Press and others to win the race. The former vice president picked up a projected win in Pennsylvania, which unofficially pushed him past the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
Among the tweets, James posted a picture of his iconic chase-down block on Andre Iguodala in the 2016 NBA Finals, with Biden’s face Photoshopped onto his and President Trump’s face on Iguodala’s. Read more
Di Maria scores twice to help injury-hit PSG beat Rennes (BBC)
Angel Di Maria scored twice and Moise Kean grabbed his fifth goal in five games as Paris St-Germain moved five points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with victory over third-place Rennes.
However, the win came at a further cost for injury-hit PSG as Kean, defender Thilo Kehrer and midfielder Idrissa Gueye all had to come off prematurely.
Kean’s low strike put PSG ahead before Di Maria clipped home the second.
The Argentina winger made it 3-0 with a low deflected shot in the 75th minute.
Julien Stephan’s side, making their Champions League debut this season, regularly threatened in the PSG area, but goalkeeper Keylor Navas was called into action only on a couple of occasions. Read more
Raptors fighting hard to avoid playing in New Jersey (NYPost)
The Raptors are fighting hard to stay in Toronto for the 2020-21 season, league sources told The Post.
Two weeks ago, The Athletic reported the possibility of the Raptors moving to Newark’s Prudential Center because of Canada’s strict quarantine rules stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other possible landing spots include sharing Barclays Center with the Nets, or playing in Kansas City, Mo., Seattle or the Tampa Bay area.
According to sources, those sites, including Newark, are long shots, and the likelihood of remaining in Toronto still is very much on the table. Read more
West Ham win after Lookman fluffs Panenka penalty with last kick (BBC)
Fulham’s Ademola Lookman missed a Panenka-style penalty with the last kick of the game as West Ham clinched a dramatic victory with an injury-time winner of their own.
The game had looked on course to end goalless before Tomas Soucek drove home from substitute Said Benrahma’s pass inside the box in the first minute of injury time.
But Fulham were awarded a 95th-minute penalty when Benrahma caught Tom Cairney and, after a check by the video assistant referee, the spot-kick was awarded. Read more
