NLC Protest: Police warn against economic disturbance in Lagos (Channels)
The police authorities in Lagos State have warned residents of the state against grounding economic activities ahead of the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
NLC had on February 16 declared a two-day nationwide protest over the economic hardship in the country. The protest is billed to take place on Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28.
Two days to the protest, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, said the command will not tolerate the disruption of commercial activities during the planned protest in the state. Read more
Rights Enforcement: Court dismisses Blessing Okoro’s suit against Police (Vanguard)
Nigeria social celebrity, Blessing Okoro, has lost the case she instituted against the Inspector General of Police and one Mrs. Folashade Samuel.
In the case before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Blessing Okoro had claimed that her arrest and invitation for arrest by the Nigeria police was a violation of her fundamental human rights.
She claimed among other things that her arrest and detention was against the provision of the law as regards the protection of her rights. Read more
NDLEA arrests port terminal operator, dock worker over 1,044.29kg cocaine, colos (Leadership)
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have begun to unmask members of an organised criminal network behind the recent importation of two containers laden with illicit drugs as well as assorted arms and ammunition from Durban, South Africa, to the Tincan seaport in Lagos.
Among those already arrested as members of the syndicate were a clearing and notify party of the two containers, Falowo Samuel Kayode; a dock worker, Anjorin Idowu, and Uzairu Ahmed Iguda, who is in charge of the Five Star terminal at the port.
Another dock worker at the terminal, Mohammed Muktar Sule (alias Organizer), who is equally linked to the syndicate, is currently at large. Read more
NLC’s planned protest not contemptuous, Falana replies AGF (Tribune)
Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has replied the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), contending that the National Industrial Court did not restrain Nigerian workers from protesting against “excruciating economic pains being experienced by the masses” under the present administration.
Fagbemi had stated in his letter dated February 23, addressed to the counsel to the NLC, Femi Falana (SAN), that the planned nationwide protest could amount to contempt in view of a restraining order of a National Industrial Court and cautioned the NLC against proceeding with the protest scheduled for February 27 and February 28, 2024.
According to Fagbemi, the Federal Government has “reasonably” complied with its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with organised labour even though certain areas of the terms of agreement have been inhibited by “unforeseen” circumstances. Read more
Gov Adeleke mourns elder sister’s husband (Nation)
Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke on Sunday mourned the death of Tohir Sanni, husband of his elder sister, Chief Dupe Adeleke-Sanni.
Adeleke expressed shock over the death of his in-law stating that he played prominent roles in his emergence as Governor.
A statement by the Governor through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, condoled with his sister, describing the deceased as a dear nice, kind and easy going father figure. Read more
‘‘Order his arrest’’- Shehu Sani, el-Rufai’s son slam Muslim cleric calling for Remi Tinubu’s death (Vanguard)
Member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Islamic cleric who called for the killing of First Lady, Sen Oluremi Tinubu.
The son of the former Kaduna State governor said the cleric should keep his apology to himself, adding that the authorities should arrest and prosecute him.
El-Rufai said this while reacting to the viral video of the cleric stating that Tinubu’s wife should be killed for being a pastor, and a leader of infidels (Christians). Read more
Hardship: Security Operatives take over Jos Market as hoodlums attempt to break in (ThisDay)
Security operatives including soldiers, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have taken over the popular Yankalli Market, one of the major commodity markets in Plateau State, following an attempt by hoodlums to break in to steal food and other essential commodities.
The hoodlums, including both males and females, arrived at the market around 8:00 pm on Friday but were intercepted by security operatives who had been deployed in anticipation of attack.
Alhaji Jamilu Kabiru, chairman of a traders’ association, confirmed the development, stating that they had earlier reported to security agencies. Read more
Qatar makes U-turn, agrees to host proposed business meeting with Nigeria during Tinubu’s visit (Leadership)
The State of Qatar has changed from its earlier position and announced it will now host a proposed Business and Investment Forum (BIF) with Nigeria on the sidelines of the visit of President Bola Tinubu to the oil-rich country on March 3, 2024.
This was contained in a Note Verbale sent to Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following a previous request by the Protocol Department of the Ministry.
President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit the Gulf country between March 2 and 3, 2024, but in what appeared to be an embarrassing diplomatic situation for Nigeria, the Embassy of Qatar in Abuja had in a leaked correspondence with the Nigerian side, rejected the request for the BIF citing some reasons. Read more
Box Office: Bob Marley leads over Demon Slayer as Ordinary Angels and Drive-Away Dolls stumble (Variety)
Paramount’s musical biopic Bob Marley: One Love ruled again over a barren box office landscape.
The film added $13.5 million from 3,925 North American theaters in its second weekend of release, a 53% decline from its debut. One Love has been a surprise box office success with $71.1 million domestically and $120 million globally. It cost $70 million, and the studio only gets to keep roughly half of ticket sales, so it’ll need to keep singing in theaters to justify its cost.
Bob Marley topped the charts for the second consecutive weekend despite three new releases. Sony and Crunchyroll’s anime sequel Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — To the Hashira Training fared the best among newcomers with $11.5 million from 1,949 theaters — enough for the No. 2 spot. Read more
Meryl Streep leads The Devil Wears Prada reunion at the SAG Awards (FilmNews)
The Devil Wears Prada stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt staged a hilarious reunion at Saturday’s Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.
The trio appeared at the Hollywood event to present The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White with his Male Actor in a Comedy Series prize.
“Two things, I forgot my glasses and the envelope,” Streep, who played Anna Wintour-like fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly in the 2006 satire, said after originally arriving to present the award solo. Read more
Pamela Salem: James Bond and Doctor Who star dies aged 80 (BBC)
Pamela Salem, who is best known for appearing in James Bond film Never Say Never Again, has died aged 80.
She played the secretary Miss Moneypenny in the unofficial 007 film, starring alongside Sean Connery.
Salem also appeared opposite Connery in the 1978 crime film The First Great Train Robbery.
Her other roles include playing Professor Rachel Jensen in BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who in the 1980s. Read more
Oppenheimer dominates at SAG Awards 2024 with wins for Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr (ITV)
Oppenheimer continued its awards season success at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, with Cillian Murphy winning best actor in a motion picture for his role as the theoretical physicist, and the film scooping best cast in a motion picture.
Co-star Robert Downey Jr won best supporting actor in a motion picture for his role in Christopher Nolan’s biopic as head of the Atomic Energy Commission Lewis Strauss.
The event, held at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles, follows the longest strike in Sag-Aftra history. Read more
Barbra Streisand delivers emotional speech as she makes rare public appearance at SAG Awards (Standard)
Barbra Streisand said she dreams prejudice becomes a “thing of the past” in a nod to the rise of global antisemitism, during an emotional speech at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.
The musical star, actress, writer and director received a standing ovation as she was presented with the life achievement award by Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper, prompting tears from stars including Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
From Broadway to the big screen, Streisand is one of the biggest-selling recording artists of all time, and one of a handful of performers to have achieved EGOT status; a term for a select group of stars who have received at least one Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award during their career. Read more
Graham Norton announces live on air he’s quitting the slot (Deadline)
More musical chairs in the UK’s national radio ecosystem after popular presenter Graham Norton announced live on air that this will be his last weekend presenting his popular Saturday and Sunday shows on Virgin Radio.
Norton – who is also the longtime host of a BBC primetime TV chat show named after him, attracting A-list stars to his sofa – made the announcement during his very first link on Saturday morning, saying only: “It is my final weekend of shows here at Virgin Radio.”
The presenter has been with the station since 2021, when he followed fellow radio presenter Chris Evans out of the doors of the BBC and into the commercial station. Norton added on air that he won’t be leaving Virgin completely. Read more
Democrats react to Trump GOP primary victory in South Carolina (Fox)
Several Democrats took to social media Saturday night to poke fun at former President Donald Trump following his victory in the South Carolina Republican primary election, with some even encouraging his last major GOP rival to stay in the race.
The primary was called for the former president and 2024 GOP frontrunner just moments after polls closed Saturday night. Trump celebrated saying he looked forward to telling President Biden in November: “Joe, you’re fired.”
In a statement following the news of Trump’s victory over former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Biden insisted that “Every day, Americans are reminded of the threat Donald Trump poses to our future as Americans grapple with the damage he left behind.” Read more
Paris 2024: Waldrum, Ajibade tip Falcons to outrun Lionesses in Abuja (Nation)
Head Coach Randy Waldrum and Captain Rasheedat Ajibade are confident Nigeria’s Super Falcons will overcome the challenge of Cameroon and reach the final round of the African qualifying series for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France.
Waldrum led his ladies to a scoreless draw in the first leg in Douala on Friday, with the Nigerians rueing a disallowed goal by Jennifer Echegini early in the second half. Both squads then joined the same flight from Douala into Abuja on Sunday morning.
“We played a good game in Douala and we are confident of our chances to get the ticket in Abuja. It was never going to be easy having only a few days together with the girls, but we will make the best of the opportunities that we are able to create on home ground on Monday,” said Waldrum. Read more
Ex-Eagles goalkeeper Enyeama loses father (Punch)
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, has lost his father, Phillip Enyeama.
The retired goalkeeper made this known in a tribute alongside a video of himself and his late father playing Table Tennis which was shared on his Instagram account on Saturday.
He wrote, “To God be the glory for a life well spent. You were the reason a lot of people achieved what they achieved. You were selfless and generous. You stood in for many, you fought for many to achieve their dreams.
“I am proud to have been fathered by you. It’s a series. Your number was called. Farewell. God rest your soul in peace.” Read more
Harry Maguire wants ‘‘big reaction’’ after Manchester United’s Fuham setback (RTE)
Harry Maguire called for a “big reaction” after Manchester United were stunned by a late Fulham winner at Old Trafford.
Alex Iwobi netted in the seventh minute of stoppage time as Fulham snatched a 2-1 Premier League victory on Saturday after it seemed Maguire had salvaged a point for the hosts.
Fulham dominated most of the contest and deservedly led through Calvin Bassey’s 65th-minute strike, but United produced a strong finish. Read more
Sheffield United team-mates lash out at each other after squaring up on pitch (Mirror)
Sheffield United team-mates Jack Robinson and Vinicius Souza lashed out at each other midway through their clash with Wolves.
In a scene reminiscent of Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer, the pair squared up off the ball before putting their heads together and then slapping each other with their hands.
The coming-together was quickly broken up but VAR did check to see if the incident warranted red cards. In the end, the referee spoke to the duo, who both avoided even being booked. It marks a new low for the Blades, who have had a miserable return to the top flight so far this term. Read more
Horner keeps door open for Andretti F1 entry (RN365)
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has insisted the door remains open for Andretti to join F1, though only if it takes over an existing outfit.
The Amercian team had attempted to join the grid in either 2025 or 2026 in partnership with General Motors brand Cadillac, only to be denied entry by FOM having passed through the initial FIA application phases.
It means it was the second time in recent years that Michael Andretti had failed in his bid to join the grid having seen a deal to take over Sauber fall through at the 11th hour in 2021. Read more
Former Seattle Seahawks player Richard Sherman arrested on suspicion of DUI (CNN)
Former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman was arrested in King County, Washington, on Saturday on a suspicion of a DUI charge, the Washington State Patrol confirmed to CNN.
Sherman was stopped by the Washington State Patrol for going 79 mph within a 60 mph zone at about 2 a.m. local time in Bellevue, according to a first appearance document, from which a District Court judge found probable cause for DUI.
Sherman told authorities he had two margaritas when asked if he’d had any alcohol to drink, according to the document, and he also agreed to a voluntary test. Read more
