I’m like a diamond; any man that loses me loses a rare gem –Ebun Hodo (Sun)
Nollywood actress cum fashion designer, Ebun Hodo, would have been long married, if not for unpleasant experiences she had with men.
In a chat with Saturday Sun, the University of Calabar English and Literature graduate revealed that she has rejected several suitors for reasons bordering on dishonesty, selfishness, manipulation and domestic abuse.
In her words: “I have rejected suitors. In fact, I remember running for my dear life from a man who almost married me, because of his dishonesty, selfishness, self-interest, manipulation, and above all, domestic abuse.” Read more
DSS confirms Emefiele’s arrest (Guardian)
The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed the arrest of the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya confirmed this on Saturday in a statement on his Twitter handle.
“The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby confirms that Mr Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is now in its custody for some investigative reasons.” Read more
We complied with all rules during election, Atiku/PDP’s witnesses tell court (Nation)
Two former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who worked as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the last elections, said they complied with all rules and regulations in carrying out their assignment.
The two – Alheri Ayuba and Sadiya Mohammed Haruna – who were subpoenaed witnesses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, spoke while testifying on Saturday as the petitioners’ 17th and 18th petitiners’ witnesses before the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).
Ayuba and Haruna said the whole process went well with the exception of the hitch they experienced while trying to upload the images of the result sheets immediately at their polling units, using the BVAS machine. Read more
Media group writes Sanwo-Olu, seeks better partnership (Punch)
The National President, Association of Practitioners of Community Media in Nigeria, Mr Abayomi Adejumo, has expressed the readiness of the group to work with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to help bring the government much closer to the grassroots.
Adejumo and the group’s Public Relations Officer, Oloyede Sunday, made this known in an open letter they both signed, titled, ‘Letter of congratulations and introduction of community media to governance in Lagos State’ a copy of which was made available to Saturday PUNCH.
While congratulating the governor for his victory at the March 18 election, the statement noted that the governor’s first term as governor would not have experienced some “not-too-pleasant” feedback if the government worked “in tandem and closely with community media to create a seamless link between the leaders and residents of the state”.
Binance operations illegal in Nigeria — SEC (Tribune)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria has issued a firm statement, explicitly stating that Binance Nigeria is not registered or regulated by the SEC.
This declaration deems the operations of the popular global cryptocurrency exchange, Binance, within Nigeria as illegal.
In an official statement published on its website, the SEC highlighted that Binance Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Binance, has been actively promoting its web and mobile-enabled platforms to the Nigerian public. Read more
Nigerian Ports to become transmission hub for Africa continent (NewTelegraph)
The Federal Government has said that it has engaged some West African countries on how to make the country a transshipment hub for the continent.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Muhammed Bello-Koko, made this known on Friday while commissioning two tug boats, MT Maikoko and MT DA-Opukuro, in Apapa, Lagos.
He also added that the tug boats would be moved to the Lekki Deep Seaport. Read more
Orji Kalu weeps at Senate’s valedictory session, says Nigeria’s not fair (Vanguard)
The 9th Senate having completed its four-year term is at the moment carrying out a Valedictory session where the Senators are having the opportunity to speak their minds on their stay in the Upper Chamber.
Declaring the session open at 10.59 am, the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan said that the session was a special one against the backdrop that it would be used by the Senators to make remarks on the journey that started on 11th June 2019 and ended today.
The motion to begin the process was moved by the leader of the Senate, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, APC, Sokoto East to start the valedictory session to mark the end of the 9th Senate, the motion was seconded by the Minority leader, Senator Philip Aduda, PDP, FCT. Read more
Shinkafi condemns police invasion of Matawalle’s residence (Independent)
All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Sani Shinkafi, has condemned what he described as the invasion of the residences of former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle in Gusau and Maradun.
Shinkafi in a statement on Saturday stressed that the move was “outrageous, despicable, barbaric and impunity taken too far by the Police…”
The statement also lambasted the police action as “inconceivable”, adding that invasion of the homes of the immediate past governor of the state “is coming few days after he handed over power peacefully to Governor Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party.” Read more
Blondshell says she feared being considered “too old” to make it in music (NME)
Blondshell has spoken out about how ageism in the music industry made her feel “too old” to be a success.
The LA-based artist who was speaking on NME‘s The Cover this week, is only 26 but the singer-songwriter said that she was made to feel that by her late teens and early twenties, she might be considered “too old” to make it in music.
“There’s that horrible thing where people say you have to be under a certain age to be a musician, and I felt that because it was explicitly said to me,” she said. “The idea was always there through media and people talking about the music industry – there was always an emphasis on youth and this idea that you write your best songs before a certain age.” Read more
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence spotted filming “Bad Boys 4” (Metro)
The Bad Boys are officially coming for us as Will Smith and Martin Lawrence were spotted filming for the upcoming sequel.
Fans were sent into a meltdown in January when the pair confirmed that they would be reprising their roles as Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett respectively.
Details are still scarce on the fourth flick but new pictures have emerged, showing the stars on set. Read more
Bryan Cranston reveals his plans for retirement (ET)
Bryan Cranston can already picture what life will look like in 2026, telling British GQ that he and his wife of 34 years will be tucked away somewhere across the pond, perhaps in France, enjoying retirement life.
The Breaking Bad star revealed his plans in the latest issue of the men’s magazine, saying he’ll retire — at least temporarily, give or take six months — so that he can enjoy the leisurely life with the woman who has stood by him all these years, Robin Dearden.
His retirement plans would include selling his half of the insanely successful Dos Hombres Mezcal Tequila line — which he co-owns with his former co-star Aaron Paul — as well as shutting down his production company, Moonshot Entertainment. Read more
Chris Pratt says “Super Mario Bros Movie 2” has been delayed by writers’ strike (DigitalSpy)
Marvel star Chris Pratt has been giving updates on The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel, saying news of a sequel should be announced “soon”.
He said the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike has meant there is a delay, but added he supported the writers.
In an interview with ET, Pratt said: “We’re in the midst of this writers’ strike, and so everything has been paused and [put] on hold for the right reasons. Read more
Elton John halts Birmingham gig and tells crowd “That’s the last of England” (BirminghamLive)
He still has two shows to play tonight (June 10) and Sunday (June 11) – but in the first of three final performances, Elton John said an emotional farewell to Birmingham crowds. The pop icon won’t perform in the city again after his three-night stay at Utilita Arena is over.
On Thursday night (June 8) the huge Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour rolled into town again following shows at Resorts World Arena in March. The show – rescheduled a number of times due to the pandemic and the star suffering a hip injury – spans Elton’s 50-year career with beloved songs.
Audiences can expect to hear hits including Tiny Dancer, Candle in The Wind, I’m Still Standing and Crocodile Rock. The show has received rave reviews across the world. Read more
Canadian appointee investigating China election claims steps down (AlJazeera)
A government appointee looking into allegations of Chinese interference in Canada announced on Friday that he is stepping down from his role, citing the highly partisan atmosphere around his work.
Former Canadian Governor General David Johnston said in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that his leadership of the government’s probe into purported meddling by China has not helped build trust in democratic institutions because of partisanship.
The appointment of Johnston was contentious, with opposition Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre accusing him of being too close to Trudeau’s family. Read more
Sudan begins 24-hour cease-fire (VOA)
The two warring factions in Sudan entered into a cease-fire 6 a.m. Saturday, local time.
There are apprehensions that the 24-hour deal will collapse before it ends; a number of other truces have already failed.
US and Saudi mediators have warned they may pull out of mediation efforts if Saturday’s cease-fire collapses. Read more
AFCON qualifier: Peseiro dumps Uzoho for Adeleye (Sun)
Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, yesterday released list of invited players for the AFCON qualifying match against Sierra Leone with the first-choice goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho conspicuously missing.
Instead, Israel-based goalkeeper, Adebayo Adeleye as well as four home-based players make the cut.
Similarly, Peseiro has invited captain Ahmed Musa, defender William Ekong, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Moses Simon among others for next weekend’s match against the Leone Stars in Monrovia. Read more
William Saliba agrees new 4-year Arsenal deal after breakthrough in talks (Metro)
William Saliba has agreed to sign a new four-year Arsenal deal and extend his contract until 2027, according to reports.
The France international only had one year remaining on his £40,000-a-week deal and Arsenal were becoming increasingly concerned by the negotiations.
There had been interest in the centre-back from other clubs in the Premier League and abroad but Arsenal have now reached an agreement with Saliba. Read more
PSG owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi responds to Man Utd takeover bid after contact from Glazers (Mirror)
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has publicly denied any involvement in the takeover of Manchester United.
His comments come amid multiple reports that Al-Khelaifi was the subject of contact from the Glazer family a month ago, with United’s owners aiming to get Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to raise his offer for the club.
Discussions with Al-Khelaifi have since sparked a flurry of rumours suggesting that the PSG chief is part of a bigger Qatari involvement in Sheikh Jassim’s bid for the Red Devils. This would go against the Sheikh’s previous claim that his proposal was put forward in a personal capacity. Read more
Celtic manager vacancy: Mjallby wants Knutsen or Potter to replace Postecoglou (BBC)
Former Celtic assistant Johan Mjallby believes Kjetil Knutsen or Graham Potter could be the ideal candidates to replace Ange Postecoglou as manager.
Knutsen, Enzo Maresca and former boss Brendan Rodgers have all been linked with the post since Postecoglou joined Tottenham Hotspur.
And Mjallby says it’s important the club appoint someone with a similar attacking style. Read more
NBA icon LeBron James kickstarts 24 Hours of Le Mans in France as honorary starter (DailyMail)
NBA legend LeBron James brought the star power to the world’s oldest active endurance racing event as he started Le Mans Staurday.
While the NBA world awaits for the Lakers superstar’s decision on his on-court future, James spent the weekend in France to watch the iconic race.
Not only did he get a prime viewing spot but James also had the privilege of being this year’s honorary starter. Read more
Novak Djokovic explains “refreshing” French Open experience as Serb makes favourite claim (Express)
Novak Djokovic said he enjoyed being the underdog in his French Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz. The world No 3 defeated the 20-year-old 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 as Alcaraz started cramping in the third set. And he claimed that he wasn’t the favourite in the match – a rare occurrence that he found refreshing.
Djokovic and Alcaraz contested one of the most highly-anticipated matches of the season on Friday. But after two hours of brilliance, there was a disappointing end when the top seed started cramping badly at 1-1 and forfeited a game to receive treatment.
The Serb went on to win in four sets as Alcaraz managed to win just one more game after the cramps set in. And speaking after the match, Djokovic claimed that it was one of the few occasions where he wasn’t the pick to win. Read more