Tinubu appoints Adebisi Shonubi as acting CBN governor (Tribune)
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Deputy CBN governor, Mr Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi as the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria following Emefiele’s suspension.
Until his appointment, he was the Deputy Governor of, Operations Directorate.
Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to Tinubu disclosed this in a post via his Twitter handle on Friday. Read more
Wike hails Tinubu for suspending Emefiele as CBN governor (Channels)
A former Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Tinubu suspended Emefiele late Friday and directed him to immediately hand over the bank’s Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate) Folashodun Shonubi.
While reacting to the development, Wike who was one of the critics of Emefiele’s policies, especially the naira redesign, described the president’s decision as bold and timely. Read more
Flood overwhelms Ogun communities, residents cry out for help (Punch)
Residents of several communities in Magboro, in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, have appealed to the state government to rescue them from flooding, which has paralysed socio-economic activities in the area.
Many houses and businesses in the council were affected by the flood, which resulted from a downpour that started on Wednesday and continued into the early hours of Thursday.
City Round gathered that many residents of Sparklight and Redstar estates, Powerline, Cele, Gasline, and Oke-Afa communities, were stranded on Thursday as major roads connecting the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were flooded. Read more
Lagos Speaker should embrace all tribes, says Rev Ezem (ThisDay)
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has been asked to embrace all tribes in the state.
Chartered architect and infrastructural development consultant, Rev. Benson Ezem who made the call, slammed the speaker for embarking on a dangerous path to further widen Nigeria’s fault lines through his unguarded statement against non-indigenes residing in Lagos.
Obasa had in his acceptance speech after he emerged Speaker of Lagos House for the third consecutive time, announced that this time around the legislature under his leadership was going to enact laws “to safeguard its Indigenes”. Read more
44-year-old teacher, cousins in court for defiling 10-year-old girl (Punch)
Five persons were on Wednesday arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Yaba, Lagos State for rape and conspiracy.
The defendants include the victim’s two cousins aged 11 and 13 as well as her 44-year-old teacher who were alleged to have defiled her at different times.
The victim’s mother and the mother of her two cousins were also arraigned for conspiracy. Read more
Northern/Southern group backs Kalu for Senate president (Sun)
A political pressure group, Alliance for Concerned Northern/Southern Citizens for Nigeria Unity (ACNSCNU) has endorsed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for the position of Senate President. A release by Adamu Samaila, Secretary of the group said ACNSCNU’s choice of Kalu was anchored on the need to balance the equation of power in Nigeria by giving the Igbo a sense of belonging.
ACNSCNU was of the view that for equity, peace and fairness to reign supreme in Nigeria, Kalu should be elected as the next Senate President on June 13, when the 10th National Assembly would be inaugurated.
It said the acceptability of Kalu in different parts of the country stemmed from his experience in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, having served as the Senate Chief Whip. Read more
Demolition: Tinubu shocked by Ganduje’s atrocities as governor — Kwankwaso (Vanguard)
Former governor of Kano State Rabiu Kwankwaso, Friday, said that he and the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, were summoned by President Bola Tinubu over the ongoing demolition in the state.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, said that Ganduje as a governor chased him out of Kano State for three and half years.
Fielding questions from State House correspondents, he claimed that most of the buildings demolished were illegally acquired by the Ganduje administration and that President Tinubu was shocked when he briefed him on the true picture of what led to the present demolition. Read more
Jennifer Lawrence is totally open to playing Katniss Everdeen in another Hunger Games film (DailyMail)
Jennifer Lawrence revealed that she is open to playing the role of Katniss Everdeen again.
The 32-year-old Oscar winner told Variety she would gladly take on the role if the opportunity were presented to her, saying: ‘If Katniss ever could ever come back into my life, 100 percent.’
Lawrence appeared in four Hunger Games films and won critical acclaim for her portrayal of Katniss, starting with the first film in 2012.
The subsequent three films followed soon after with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in 2013 and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and Part 2, released in 2014 and 2015, respectively. A prequel to the series will be released in November 2023. Read more
Paul Geoffrey, actor in Excalibur, Greystoke, dies at 68 (Variety)
Paul Geoffrey, an English actor known for his roles in Excalibur and Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, has died. He was 68.
Geoffrey died on June 3 in Santa Fe, N.M. from a battle with cancer, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.
“A thespian to the core, Paul continued to act for the remainder of his life. He loved French wine and food, had a stunning grasp of history, was a life-long Arsenal fan, and excelled at being the sweetest guy in the world,” the Santa Fe New Mexican said of Geoffrey. Read more
Foo Fighters beat Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds to claim top album after intense race (MusicNews)
Foo Fighters secured their sixth Official Number 1 album with But Here We Are, following a closely-fought race against Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
The American rock titans – comprising Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee and Pat Smear – reach the summit with their 11th studio album, and first since the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022. Over the last seven days they racked up 44,500 chart units.
Prior to this, Foo Fighters topped the Official Albums Chart with “One By One” (2002), “Echoes”, “Silence”, “Patience & Grace” (2007), Wasting Light (2011), “Concrete And Gold” (2017) and “Medicine At Midnight” (2021). Read more
“Gladiator 2” stunt accident injures several crew members (ET)
A stunt accident has taken place on the set of “Gladiator 2.” A spokesperson for Paramount Pictures confirms to ET that, while in Morocco filming the sequel to Russell Crowe’s 2000 film, several crew members were injured in a planned stunt sequence.
“While filming a planned stunt sequence on the set of the Gladiator sequel, an accident occurred during which several crew members experienced non-life-threatening injuries,” the spokesperson says. “The safety and full medical services teams on-site were able to act quickly so that those who were impacted immediately received necessary care. They are all in stable condition and continue to receive treatment.”
“The well-being of the cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us, and we have strict health and safety procedures in place on all our productions,” the spokesperson continues. “We will continue monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions as we resume production.” Read more
4 children found in Colombian jungle 40 days after plane crash (AlJazeera)
Four children have been found alive in the Colombian jungle more than five weeks after the plane they were travelling in crashed in the thick jungle, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said.
The children from an indigenous community were rescued on Friday by the military near the border between Colombia’s Caqueta and Guaviare provinces, close to where the small plane had crashed.
The plane – a Cessna 206 – was carrying seven people on a route between Araracuara, in Amazonas province, and San Jose del Guaviare, a city in Guaviare province, when it issued a Mayday alert due to engine failure in the early hours of May 1. Read more
“The Legend of Zelda” movie deal reportedly being closed at Universal (ComingSoon)
Universal is reportedly developing a “The Legend of Zelda” movie with Illumination.
The Japanese action-adventure video game has been considered one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises. It follows various incarnations of Link, a brave young man of the elf-like Hylian race, and Princess Zelda, a magical princess who is the mortal reincarnation of the goddess Hylia, as they fight to save the magical land of Hyrule from Ganon, an evil warlord turned demon king.
On The Hot Mic with Jeff Sneider and John Rocha, Sneider revealed that Universal is reportedly closing “a big deal” with Nintendo and Illumination to make a “The Legend of Zelda” movie. This comes off the success of their previous collaboration on The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which became the highest-grossing video game of all time. Read more
Al-Shabab attacks beachfront hotel in Somalia’s capital (VOA)
Somalia security forces are trying to neutralize al-Shabab militants who attacked a beachfront hotel in Mogadishu on Friday evening.
Witnesses told VOA’s Somali Service that the assault began with at least two explosions outside the Pearl Beach Hotel, followed by gunmen storming the hotel.
Gunfire was heard with an unknown number of people trapped inside the building, witnesses said, while others escaped through the back doors and windows. Read more
NPFLChampionship Playoff: Rivers Utd end Insurance’s unbeaten run
(NewTelegraph)
Bendel Insurance’s unbeaten run in the Nigeria Premier Football League finally came to an end after they were beaten 2-1 by Rivers United at the ongoing Championship Playoff at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
The Benin Arsenal have not lost a match since the start of the 2022/2023 league campaign and also drew their last three games at the playoff before meeting their Waterloo against the defending champion, who is poised to retain their title.
Before the game, Insurance had played 21 games without losing, winning eight while drawing 13. Goals in each half from Maurice Chukwu and Onoja Joseph respec- tively gave the champions the victory. Read more
Ighalo makes Saudi team of the season (Punch)
Despite his impressive goal record for Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been omitted from the Saudi Pro League team of the season, as Nigerian striker Jude Ighalo leads the frontline instead.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also finished as the Saudi Pro League’s fifth top scorer for the season with his 14 goals.
However, upon their decision to name the league’s Team of the Season, sport statistic gurus OPTA chose not to include Ronaldo. Read more
Erling Haaland could have scored more goals during record-breaking season, says Kevin De Bruyne (CNN)
Kevin De Bruyne has lived a charmed life. From Sergio Agüero and Romelu Lukaku to Samuel Eto’o and Fernando Torres, the midfielder has had his share of lethal strikers to finish the chances he’s created.
But even with those bounties of riches, none quite compare to Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian has scored a remarkable 52 goals so far in all competitions in his debut season in England, with De Bruyne providing assists for 13 of those. Together, the pair have combined brilliantly to take Man City to the brink of history. Read more
49ers Enterprises agree deal for Leeds takeover (France24)
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani has agreed a deal to sell his controlling stake in the club to co-owners 49ers Enterprises, the recently relegated Premier League club said on Friday.
As a result the American investment group, owner of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers and a minority shareholder in Leeds since 2018, will take full ownership.
“Leeds United can confirm an agreement has been reached between Aser Ventures and 49ers Enterprises for the purchase of the club,” said a statement. Read more
Ruud dominates Zverev to set up French Open final with Djokovic (Eurosport)
Casper Ruud made back-to-back French Open final appearances after cruising to a 6-3 6-4 6-0 win over Alexander Zverev.
A year ago, the Norwegian was dismantled in straight sets by Rafael Nadal; 12 months on the test looks no easier as Novak Djokovic lies in wait in Sunday’s final following his win over Carlos Alcaraz.
Ruud secured his place in the Roland-Garros showpiece by dominating Zverev in all departments. Read more
Diamond League: Faith Kipyegon sets 5,000m world record as Keely Hodgkinson posts British 800m best (Sky)
Keely Hodgkinson lowered her personal best and British record with a brilliant performance in the 800 metres at the Diamond League meeting in Paris.
Hodgkinson followed the pacemaker before striking for home 300m from the line, eventually clocking a time of one minute 55.77 seconds, taking 0.11secs off her previous best set in winning Olympic silver in Tokyo.
“I am a little bit shocked that I ran so fast,” the 21-year-old said. “Paris next year, I will definitely be back. The weather was really nice, so warm. I had heard good things about the track. With this full stadium and the great crowd, it was amazing. I am so happy. Read more