Igboho: People are working behind the scenes, says Sanwo-Olu (Punch)
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stated that people are ” working behind the scenes” concerning the arrest and trial of Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The governor made this known while addressing the Press at the Polling Unit 019 Ward 08, Ikoyi II, where he cast his vote during the Local Government/Council Areas election on Saturday.
PUNCH Online was live at the venue and our correspondent on ground asked the governor about the presumed silence of South West governors on the arrest of Igboho. Read more
Low turnout in Lagos LG poll (Tribune)
As Lagosians go to poll on Saturday to elect chairmen and councillors for the 20 Local Governments (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State, our correspondent reports that there has been glaring apathy on the part of the citizens as many of the polling booths visited as at 9:30 am were found virtually empty of the voters, while officials of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) were yet to arrive.
At Sunday Adugun in Alausa area of Ikeja where the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, usually casts his vote, LASIEC officials were just arriving at 9:30 am, while few voters were sighted sitting, awaiting the arrival of the officials and commencement of the poll exercise.
Few meters away from there, precisely at the entrance of Shoprite, Ikeja, an electoral official was already seated with all the voting materials, but no voter was sighted around. Read more
Lagos LG polls: 25-year-old YP candidate gives reasons for low turnout (Guardian)
Twenty-five-year-old Councillorship candidate of Youth Party (YP) in Ajao Estate, Ward G, Isolo LCDA, Okikiola Taiwo Jalupon, has called for more women participation in politics. Jalupon who expresses optimism despite the low turn-out of voters in the election said this after casting her vote at the ongoing local government election in Lagos State.
Speaking with The Guardian on the low turnout of voters, she said: “There is a low turn-out in this election because it is believed that a lot of people are tired of how the country is being run over the years, but we are trying to show them that Youth Party (YP) is different, we have done a lot of programmes to prove that.
Speaking on how to tackle voter apathy, she said: “we must show the people that we are practising democracy and not dictatorship so, they show to be made to understand that if they don’t keep trying, we are not going to get anywhere because if they people don’t come out to vote for the right candidate, it’s the same people that will be there and that will lead to more failure so. Read more
I won’t say I’m impressed, Gbajabiamila reacts to Lagos LG polls (Punch)
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has decried the low turn out of voters during Saturday’s local government elections in Lagos State.
Gbajabiamila made the observation after casting his vote at his polling unit located at Elizabeth Fowler Primary School, Ward 014 on Mercy Eneli Street, Surulere.
“I am not going to say I am impressed, but the turn out is low; but what is more important is the peaceful nature of the election.
“From what I have seen so far, there is no violence and people are conducting themselves orderly but would have wanted a larger turn out.
“I am very disappointed to hear that the card reader has technical issues, which is like we are not there yet, but almost there. Read more
Voter apathy, logistics problem greet Ogun LG polls (Guardian)
The Saturday local government elections in Ogun was largely characterised by low turnout of voters and logistic challenges at the early stage of the excercise in most council areas.
Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the exercise across the state reports that the elections scheduled to hold between 8 a.m and 2.00 p.m did not start until 11.00 a.m in most of the polling centres.
NAN reports that most of the polling units visited at Itoku and Kobiti areas in Abeokuta South Local Government area, as well as Ewekero and Mowe areas in Obafemi-Owode Local Government, were virtually empty as at 10.00 am.
Some electoral officials were, however, on ground as early as possible in some of the polling units at Obantoko and Federal College of Education, Osiele in Odeda Local Government area with the election materials.
They were, however, seen sitting idle waiting for voters who were coming out in trickles. Read more
Why I don’t visit Daura often –Buhari (Leadership)
President Muhammadu Buhari has said he would love to visit Daura more frequently, but for the high cost of presidential movements and exposing security personnel to the weather, assuring that his heart remains with the people.
According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari spoke yesterday when he visited the Emir of Daura, Dr Umar Faruk Umar, at his palace.
“We are known for farming and I have my farm here. I could come every two weeks and no one can stop me. But the cost to the movement is high. I would rather that it be used to better our schools, clinics and hospitals,” said the president.
He urged businessmen, contractors and other privileged Nigerians who are beneficiaries of government’s patronage to always engage in corporate social responsibility, instead of seeking to favor individuals with gifts. Read more
China donates 470,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to Nigeria (Tribune)
Efforts to immunize Nigerians against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic received a boost as the Chinese government on Friday announced the donation of 470,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Nigeria.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, made the donation to the Nigerian Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, in Abuja.
The Ambassador said that the gesture was a result of the good relationship between both countries.
Jianchun pointed out that the efforts to eliminate the COVID-19 pandemic requires global collaborations. Read more
Navy releases seized vessel 17 months after (Punch)
The Nigerian Navy Ship on Friday released a seized vessel, MV Platform Care I, to its owner at the Naval Base in Warri, Delta State, warning vessel operators to always obtain necessary documents for their activities as part of precautionary measures to checkmate insecurity in the country.
The PUNCH gathered that the release of MV Platform Care I followed directives from the naval headquarters.
It was further gathered that the vessel was seized in February 2020 for not having regular documents of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the Department of Petroleum Resources.
Commander Levi Deyin, executive officer of NNS Delta, signed the release on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, as well as the Commander NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulhamid Baba-Inna. Read more
Biden releases $100 million fund to help resettle Afghan refugees (NYPost)
President Biden wants to use $100 million in emergency cash to help resettle thousands of Afghan translators in the United States, according to a report.
The White House also released a further $200 million of inventory for US agencies required to meet those same needs, Reuters reported.
Around 2,500 people who worked as translators or provided other services for the United States have been granted special immigration visas (SIVs) and are expected to be brought to a military base in Fort Lee, Virginia for final processing.
The refugees would potentially face retaliation from the Taliban because of their assistance during the US war effort. Read more
Taylor Swift releases alternate version of “The Lakes” for “Folklore” 1st anniversary (Variety)
Taylor Swift has celebrated one year passed since the release of her Grammy-winning “Folklore” album by giving fans an anniversary gift: an alternate, “original” version of bonus track “The Lakes” that has a more elaborate arrangement by co-writer/co-producer than the previous recording did.
“It’s been one year since we escaped the real world together and imagined ourselves someplace simpler,” Swift wrote on her social media accounts. “With tall tall trees and salt air. Where you’re allowed to wear lace nightgowns that make you look like a Victorian ghost every day & no one will side eye you cause no one is around. It’s just you and your imaginary cabin and the stories you make up to pass the time. To say thank you for all you have done to make this album what it was, I wanted to give you the original version of ‘The Lakes.’ Happy 1 year anniversary to Rebekah, Betty, Inez, James, Augustine, and the lives we all created around them. Happy Anniversary, folklore.”
The existence of an alternative version had recently been brought to light in an interview with Antonoff in which he said that Swift had nixed his original production of the song. Read more
Chinese tech, ignored by the West, is taking over Africa’s cyberspace (RFI)
While China’s telecom giant Huawei has come under increasing attack in the US and the European Union, it is thriving in Africa.
Its most recent addition is a contract to establish a datacenter for the government in Senegal.
Its strategy in Africa was summed up during a question-and-answer session with the company’s personnel at the end of June: “Please come to Africa for promotion and riches,” Ren Zhengfei, CEO of China’s telecom giant Huawei, pleaded with staff.
The bottom line is that the company is trying to lure young Chinese talent to go to Africa – described as “a tough place” – to help set up the expanding ventures on the continent. The company guarantees living standards “comparable to rich Switzerland” for employees willing to go. Read more
Feds ask to bring up new sickening accusations against R. Kelly at trial (PageSix)
Federal prosecutors in New York on Friday detailed a string of new accusations of sexual assault and bribery against R. Kelly going back 30 years, including how the disgraced R&B singer allegedly abused a teenage boy in 2006.
In a lengthy court filing, the prosecutors asked a judge for permission to admit what they said was evidence of the sickening allegations — for which Kelly has not been charged — at his upcoming sex-trafficking trial in Brooklyn.
The uncharged acts are “directly relevant to and inextricably intertwined with the evidence of the charged crimes,” the prosecutors argued in the motion.
The filing alleges that in 2006, Kelly sexually abused a 17-year-old boy, named only as John Doe #1, after meeting him at a McDonalds in Chicago and asking “what he was willing to do to succeed in the music business.” Read more
India monsoon: Rescuers search for survivors after heavy rains (BBC)
Rescuers are scouring devastated parts of western India for survivors after heavy rains caused deadly floods.
Tens of thousands of people have been moved out of affected areas, with record-breaking rainfall reported along parts of the coast.
The states of Goa and Maharashtra have been badly affected, with many feared missing near the financial hub Mumbai.
At least 136 people have died in Maharashtra, while in neighbouring Goa hundreds of homes have been damaged. Read more
Britney Spears goes topless amid family feuding and conservatorship battle (PageSix)
Britney Spears is taking her mind off current family tensions and the highly publicised conservatorship battle by embracing her sexy side on social media, sharing a topless photo of herself Friday wearing nothing but denim cut-off shorts.
Spears, 39, initially posted the Instagram flick Friday afternoon, with boyfriend Sam Asghari quickly commenting “I’m sooo lucky” under the photo. The singer soon deleted the post only to re-upload it that evening, with fans believing she wanted to change the filter.
The “Womanizer” star found support in fellow celebs, such as Paris Hilton, who dropped her famous “That’s Hot” catchphrase in Spears’ comment section.
Jenni “J Woww” Farley simply added a string of praise hand and fire emojis to signal her approval. Read more
Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signs new deal until 2024 (BBC)
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has signed a new deal with the club until 2024, with an option for a further year.
The Norwegian, 48, took over permanently in March 2019, having been put in interim charge when Jose Mourinho departed three months earlier.
He led United to second place in the Premier League last season and the Europa League final, which they lost.
Solskjaer said he was “delighted” at signing the new contract. Read more
Tokyo 2020: Oshonaike crashes out as Offiong advances in women’s table tennis singles event (Punch)
Multiple Olympic Games participant Funke Oshonaike has been sent packing from the Tokyo 2020 Games in the preliminary round.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 45-year-old Oshonaike lost 1-4 to Juan Liu of the U.S in the women’s table tennis singles.
Oshonaike, who has represented Nigeria at seven Olympic Games, failed to come to the party losing the first three sets to her opponent.
She lost the first set 7-11, the second 3-11 and the third 4-11, before winning the fourth set 13-11 and then losing the fifth 4-11 to crash out of the Games. Read more
“We Don’t Want You Here” – PSG fans unveil anti-Paul Pogba banner (Eurosport)
Manchester United’s midfielder Paul Pogba has been the subject of some banners from Paris Saint-Germain fans. The PSG supporters have displayed banners at the club’s training ground and also at the Parc des Princes, saying that he is not wanted at the club, following reports that he could join them this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain fans have protested against the potential signing of Paul Pogba by hanging up banners outside PSG’s ground and training facilities.
The banners read: “Pogba, you should listen to your mother. She doesn’t want you here, neither do we.”
The antipathy may be because Pogba previously explained that his mother is a fan of Marseille, who are PSG’s main rivals since the capital club’s creation in the 1970s.
‘This is where I belong’ – Man Utd confirm Sancho transfer
Despite the family allegiance to the south coast club, Pogba is believed to be keen to join PSG, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side ready to make a move for the 28-year-old French midfielder. Read more
1st Olympic beach volleyball match canceled due to COVID-19 (NYPost)
The Latest on the Tokyo Olympics, which are taking place under heavy restrictions after a year’s delay because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The very first match of the Olympic beach volleyball tournament has been canceled because a Czech player tested positive for COVID-19.
Markéta Sluková tested positive earlier this week, knocking her and partner Barbora Hermannova out of the Tokyo Games.
The Czechs were supposed to be playing a team from the host country that would have been making its Olympic debut. Instead, the Japanese pair of Megumi Murakami and Miki Ishii earned the victory by default. Read more
Janine Beckie’s 2 goals carries Canada past Chile for 1st Olympic soccer win (CBC)
Janine Beckie’s two goals gave Canada the boost it needed to earn its first Olympic soccer win in Tokyo, 2-1 over Chile on Saturday.
The victory all but guarantees the Canadian women a quarter-final berth coming off a 1-1- draw against highly ranked Japan in their tournament opener.
Chile came out aggressive from the outset, delivering a corner kick within the first minute. But the Canadians took over possession and produced several scoring opportunities.
The first was a close call in the seventh minute as Kadeisha Buchanan took a pass from Beckie in the box. After Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler made the save, the ball ricocheted off Buchanan’s arm and crossed the goalline. But following a review the goal was called off. Read more
Judoka Takato wins Japan’s first gold of Tokyo Olympics (Punch)
Judoka Naohisa Takato won Japan’s first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday with victory in the men’s 60kg final at the iconic Nippon Budokan.
The 28-year-old made up for his disappointing bronze medal in Rio five years ago by getting the host nation up and running in the Games with a win over Taiwan’s Yang Yung-wei.Earlier, Japanese world number three Funa Tonaki had suffered an agonising defeat by Kosovo’s Distria Krasniqi in the women’s 48kg final. Read more