Tax bills: Northern govs, senators mobilise against Tinubu (Sun)
The backlash from plans by President Bola Tinubu to reform the tax administration in the country is yet to abate, following fresh plans by state governors of northern extraction and members of the National Assembly from the region to scuttle the moves.
The fresh push back against the bills in both chambers of the National Assembly, Saturday Sun has gathered, is being spearheaded by some governors from the seven states in the North-West and six from the North-East. Two state governors from the North-central are also alleged to have joined the fray.
On the other hand, four state governors from the North are aligning with President Tinubu’s positions on the tax reforms, it was gathered. Three of the four governors are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while one is a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Read more
Rema, Selena Gomez’s ‘Calm Down’ remix surpasses 1b YouTube views (Tribune)
Grammy Award-nominated Nigerian artiste, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has made history after his song, Calm Down remix featuring global star, Selena Gomez, became the first Afrobeats song to surpass one billion views on YouTube.
The song, which was released on 25 August 2022, peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped various music charts around the world.
Announcing the latest milestone achieved by the hit song, Mavin Records, in a post on X on Saturday, described the new landmark as a “culture-defining achievement.” Read more
Sanwo-Olu frees 55 inmates (DailyTrust)
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 55 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state.
This followed the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
A statement signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, said the order was for the immediate release of 40 inmates while others were to be released after serving additional terms of three to six months. Read more
I’ve not been invited to Okpebholo’s inauguration – Obaseki (Vanguard)
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress,/ (APC), is preparing to inaugurate Monday Okpebholo without consulting the state government.
Obaseki made the remark in Benin during the inauguration of caretaker committee for the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Fibroid: ‘I needed male child, but doctor removed my womb’ — Susan Okafor, mother of two0:06 / 1:00
Recall that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate who won the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, defeating the PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, November 12. Read more
Tinubu reappoints Prof. Mustapha as NBRDA D-G (Nation)
President Bola Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha as the Director General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), for a second tenure of five years.
This is contained in a press statement issued by Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary to the NBRDA D-G in Abuja on Saturday.
According to the statement, Mustapha’s reappointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government (SGF), Sen. George Akume. Read more
PDP condemns bandits’ attack on Kebbi community (Channels)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Kebbi State Chapter has strongly condemned the recent banditry attack on Mera Community in the Augie Local Government Area, describing the incident as both shocking and unfortunate.
The State Chairman Alhaji Usman Bello Suru, extended heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the Working Committee, Party Elders, and the State Working Committee to the State Government, Argungu Emirate Council, and Augie Local Government Council.
The advice follows bandits’ attack which claimed the lives of 15 residents on Friday. Read more
#EndBadGovernance Protests: We were devastated – Minors’ parents (Leadership)
Some of the parents of the released minors over the August 1, 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano and Kaduna States have narrated their ordeal during the period of their children’s detention by the police authorities in Abuja.
In separate interviews with LEADERSHIP Weekend in Kano and Kaduna where the minors hail from, the parents said they were devastated and could neither eat nor sleep for several days.
Some of them said they sold their property and engaged in menial jobs to raise money that lawyers demanded for the bail of their wards. Read more
NAPTIP rescues 8-year-old boy, reunites with parents in A’Ibom (Vanguard)
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has rescued an eight-year-old boy, Divine Ibanga, declared missing for over one year.
The Uyo Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Mr Emmanuel Awhen, who made the disclosure in an interview in Uyo on Saturday, said the boy had been reunited with his parents.
Awhen said that Divine was stolen on Sept. 1, 2023, by someone, yet to be apprehended while he was playing with his elder brother at their compound in Port Harcourt. Read more
Dua Lipa forced to cancel concert over safety fears (OK!)
Dua Lipa has been forced to cancel her Radical Optimism tour date in Jakarta due to “unforeseen safety and logistical issues” with the stage, according to the organisers. The 29 year old pop sensation expressed her heartbreak over not being able to perform at the Indonesia Arena as planned on Saturday evening.
Taking to social media, she wrote: “I am here in your amazing country and ready to perform, but I am gutted to share that it has been determined that it is not safe for the performance to carry on due to safety issues with the staging,” She added: “I was so looking forward to this night, and it truly pains me that we cannot perform for you all, especially after such a long time since my last performance in Jakarta.”
She ended her message by saying: “I love you all and truly can’t wait to be back together in the same room with you singing and dancing our hearts out as soon as possible.” Read more
Nicole Scherzinger says Russell Brand hat comment not “politically related” (NME)
Nicole Scherzinger has responded to criticism after commenting on a post by Russell Brand celebrating Trump’s win, saying it was not “politically related”.
Earlier this week, the Pussycat Dolls singer responded to a photo on Brand’s Instagram which showed him holding up a red cap emblazoned with the words: “Make Jesus First Again.”
“Where can I get this hat!?” Scherzinger wrote in the comments section before deleting her reply. Read more
Candyman actor Tony Todd dies aged 69 (BBC)
Tony Todd, best known for starring in the Candyman horror films, has died aged 69.
The American actor died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, according to reports.
He starred as the title character in the horror series, depicting the ghostly Candyman character with a hook for a hand, summoned by saying his name five times in front of a mirror. Read more
“Ice Age 6” is coming with original stars, 3 years after Disney closed Blue Sky Studios (EW)
It’s the dawn of a new age.
Disney surprised fans Friday by announcing that “Ice Age 6” is on the way — three years after the company closed down Blue Sky Studios, the animation house behind the frosty film franchise.
A teaser released during the D23 Brazil fan convention features three of the original movie’s stars celebrating the unexpected new chapter in the Ice Age saga. “Hello, everybody! Ray Romano here with some big news,” the video opens, depicting the voice of Manny the woolly mammoth bundled in a warm blanket and beanie. “Woo, it’s cold in here. Did the AC break or something?” Read more
China unveils $1.8t plan to fix local govt debt; more action likely in case of trade war (StraitsTimes)
Chinese officials on Nov 8 unveiled the country’s largest effort in recent years to address hidden local government debt, a longstanding drag on economic growth, but disappointed investors looking for a big fiscal stimulus package to directly boost the tepid economy.
Beijing will roll out a 10 trillion yuan (S$1.8 trillion) package – of which 6 trillion is newly approved – for local governments to bring off-books arrears onto their balance sheets, senior officials including Finance Minister Lan Fo’an said at a press briefing, as top legislators wrapped up a closely watched five-day meeting.
This measure does not amount to direct fiscal stimulus – which Mr Lan signalled was in the works – but is instead aimed at defusing risks to the financial system, and giving cash-strapped local governments more breathing room.
Botswana inaugurates President-Elect Duma Boko following historic election (VOA)
Botswana inaugurated opposition leader Duma Boko on Friday (November 8) following a historic election that kicked out former ruling Botswana Democratic Party by a landslide loss for the first time in 58 years.
The 54-year-old, of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, will replace President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
During his speech, Boko called for unity and pledged to lead Botswana to greater heights.
Australia plans “world-leading” social media ban for children under 16 (CBS)
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Thursday what he called a “world-leading” plan to implement a social media ban for all children under the age of 16. While much of the detail of the proposed legislation has yet to be made clear, the Australian leader said at a news conference that the bill involves an age verification process where “the onus will be on social media platforms to demonstrate they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access” to their platforms.
Under the proposed legislation, social media companies would face sizable fines for allowing younger children to access their platforms, but there would be no penalties for users or parents of users who ignore the law, the Australian government said in a statement. Read more
Warriors hope to bounce back from Heartland defeat (Punch)
Abia Warriors midfielder, Innocent Godwin, has vowed the team will bounce back from the disappointment of last weekend’s home loss to Heartland.
Imama Amapakabo’s side fell 2-0 to their oriental rivals at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
The Umuahia club will be up against Lobi Stars this weekend. Innocent declared that they would go all out for a win against Daniel Amokachi’s tutored side. Read more
Ballon d’Or organisers announce tiny margin by which Rodri beat Vinicius Jr as voting revealed (IrishIndependent)
Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or by a small margin of just 41 points, the organisers of the prestigious annual prize have revealed.
The Manchester City and Spain midfielder pipped the Brazilian forward to the individual award, prompting Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid to boycott the ceremony in Paris.
Details reported by L’Equipe ahead of a full release of voting results by organisers France Football show that Rodri amassed 1170 points to Vinicius 1129. Read more
Juventus owner sends message and warning to Thiago Motta before Turin derby (FootballItalia)
Juventus owner John Elkann insists he has ‘full trust’ in coach Thiago Motta but warns that games against Torino are ‘always tricky.’
Confidence is high at Juventus as the Bianconeri prepare to host city rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole this evening.
The Bianconeri are sixth in the Serie A table, but they are the only unbeaten team in the league and are four points below leaders Napoli. Read more
Sir Mark Cavendish announces retirement from cycling after Singapore Criterium (Standard)
Sir Mark Cavendish has announced Sunday’s Singapore Criterium will be the final race of his professional cycling career.
Cavendish, 39, who received his knighthood last month, finished this season with a record-breaking 35th career Tour stage win in what he said would “likely” be his last race.
But after receiving his knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on October 2, he said “it will be really nice to race as a Knight Commander”. Read more
Stella tells McLaren: “Keep doing what we are doing’’ (F1i)
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix didn’t end the way that McLaren had been hoping, with Max Verstappen taking a big win while Lando Norris was only P6 – effectively ending his chances of stealing the 2024 title.
But McLaren team principal Andrea Stella insists that he has no regrets and wouldn’t have wanted Norris or the team as a whole to do anything different this season.
Norris only claimed his first F1 victory earlier this year in May with a win in Miami, followed by two more in Zandvoort and Singapore. But the chances of catching Verstappen in the standings were always pretty low. Read more
F1 poised to make major calendar announcement (RN365)
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has confirmed a major change to the grand prix calendar is due to be unveiled soon.
F1’s remarkable rise since Liberty Media took over as owners in 2017 has resulted in new countries looking to join the bandwagon.
Madrid joins the circus in 2026, whilst a return to a new circuit in South Korea is on the cards, as well as proposals from South Africa, Argentina and Colombia. Read more