*Tinubu presides over FEC meeting, swears in 8 new perm secs (ThisDay)*Police disrupt cult initiation, recover weapons in Delta (Guardian)

Tinubu presides over FEC meeting, swears in 8 new perm secs (ThisDay)

President Bola Tinubu on Monday administered the oath of office on eight new Permanent Secretaries, who were appointed last week after successfully scaling the Federal Civil Service’s selection process.

The swearing-in ceremony preceded the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which is currently ongoing at the Council Chambers at the State House, Abuja.

The new Permanent Secretaries include Ndakayo-Aishetu Gogo; Adeoye Adeleye Ayodeji; Rimi Nura Abba; Bako Deborah Odoh; Omachi Raymond Omenka; Ahmed Dunoma Umar; Watti Tinuke; and Ella Nicholas Agbo. Read more

Police disrupt cult initiation, recover weapons in Delta (Guardian)

The Delta State Police Command has announced the disruption of a suspected cult initiation and the recovery of a pump-action gun.

The police spokesperson, DSP Edafe Bright, said in a statement on Monday that on Monday, November 20, 2023, at about 7:00 PM, a team of police officers acting on credible intelligence stormed an uncompleted building at Mission Road in Sapele, where a cult initiation was reportedly taking place.

Bright stated that upon sighting the police, the suspects fled in different directions, abandoning a bag. Upon searching the bag, the police recovered one English pump action gun. Read more

Consider economic indices before banks’ recapitalisation, experts tell CBN (DailyTrust)

Experts have cautioned the federal government not to be hasty in recapitalisation of commercial banks in the country, saying the government should consider the micro and macroeconomic indices before implementing the recapitalisation policy.

Although they welcomed the idea of recapitalisation, they say the policy shouldn’t be forced on banks and a different approach should be adopted from the last exercise which took place in 2005.

Daily Trust reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Olayemi Cardoso, who spoke over the weekend at the bankers’ dinner organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos, said to achieve Nigeria’s vision of $1 trillion economy, the apex bank will ensure recapitalisation of Nigerian banks. Read more 

Why previous govts failed to solve Nigeria’s power crisis – Adelabu (Sun)

Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu disclosed on Monday that the reasons his predecessors failed in resolving the crisis bedevilling the power sector saying that they started from the top, instead of tackling it from the bottom.

Speaking at the 3rd Edition of Roundtable for Legislature, Judiciary and Stakeholders” on the enforcement of technical standards and regulations in the multi-tier Nigerian electricity supply industry, in Abuja, the minister noted that he was going to start from the bottom up.

“We will focus on customers down to distribution, infrastructure and transmission. We will not neglect generation but we will also focus on renewable energy. If we are serious in delivering the dividends of democracy, power is number one. But we cannot do it alone. Read more

NCAA probes airline for landing in Asaba instead of Abuja (Nation)

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding United Nigeria flight NUA 0506 to Asaba and the confusion it created in the public domain.

The Nation reports United Nigeria Airlines, on Sunday, November 26, said its Lagos-Abuja flight was diverted to Asaba, Delta State capital, due to poor weather conditions.

The flight, NUA 0504, took off on Sunday from the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Terminal 2, and was headed for Abuja. Read more 

Appeal Court nullifies election of Kaduna speaker (Independent)

The Appeal Court in Abuja has nullified the election of Honourable Yusuf Dahiru Liman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Makera constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly and ordered a re-run in 5 polling units.

Earlier, Hon Solomon Nuhu Katuka of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had filed a petition before the tribunal challenging the election of the speaker, Hon Yusuf Dahiru Liman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Makera constituency in the House of Assembly.

The PDP candidate argued that there were gross irregularities regarding the election of the speaker, stating that he won the election. Read more 

Appeal Court’s ruling: We’re challenging Sanwo-Olu’s victory at S’Court- PDP (Vanguard)

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State says it has resolved to challenge the Appeal Court’s ruling, affirming Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as winner of the March 18 governorship election.

The Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

NAN recalls that the party had earlier said that it would review the ruling of the Appellate Court before taking further action on the matter. Read more

Edo deputy governor Shaibu declares for 2024 Edo guber race (Guardian)

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has officially declared to run for the 2024 governorship election in the state.

Shaibu, in a pre-recorded speech aired today (Monday, said he would run for the governorship position on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

After his official declaration, Shaibu launched his campaign office in Benin City with party supporters present. Read more

Taylor Swift announces very special news for upcoming birthday after taking a break from Eras Tour (Hello!)

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has come to a close…for now, wrapping the first record-breaking leg after an eight-month trip around the world and several sold out shows.

In the midst of it all, the 33-year-old musical icon released a concert film that shattered pre-sale and attendance records worldwide in movie theatres, and it’s now coming to a streaming service near you!

In conjunction with her upcoming 34th birthday, Taylor announced that the tour’s film, titled Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, will be released on streaming services and available to rent starting December 13th, aka her birthday. Read more 

Sierra Leone: President declares calm after day of clashes (AfricaNews)

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio announced on Sunday evening that calm has been restored after a day of armed clashes in Freetown, which he portrayed as an attempt to destabilise the state. Most of the perpetrators, according to him, have been arrested.

“Calm has been restored” after what he described as an “attempt to undermine the peace and stability that we are working so hard for,” said Mr. Bio on state television. The day saw unknown assailants attempting to force their way into a military arsenal in Freetown, confronting security forces in various parts of the capital, and freeing numerous prisoners from jail.

Authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew until further notice. “Most of the leaders have been arrested,” and they will be held accountable, said Mr. Bio in a brief statement, without providing further details. Information Minister Chernor Bah had earlier stated that “the security situation in Freetown was firmly under government control.” A tenuous calm returned to the city. Read more 

Christmas celebrations cancelled in Bethlehem in the midst of war (CNA)

The strands of lights are falling down one after another, forming a kind of curtain of threads in front of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Following the municipality’s decision to suspend Christmas events and remove decorations, workers are busy dismantling the light canopy on Nativity Square and at other locations in the city.

Outgoing mayor Hanna Hanania told CNA: “Bethlehem, as any other Palestinian city, is mourning and sad… We cannot celebrate while we are in this situation.” Following the approach already taken by the Christian churches in the Holy Land, Hanania said they are going to focus on prayer. “We’ll pray for God to have peace in the land of peace.”

In a statement dated Nov.10 — issued after terrorist attacks on Oct. 7 by Hamas in Israel followed by a declaration of war by Israel, all of which has left thousands dead — the patriarchs and leaders of the churches in Jerusalem have urged the faithful “to stand strong with those facing such afflictions by this year foregoing any unnecessarily festive activities” and “focus more on the spiritual meaning of Christmas, holding in our thoughts our brothers and sisters affected by this war and its consequences, and with fervent prayers for a just and lasting peace for our beloved Holy Land.” Read more 

Ranveer Singh, Diane Kruger and Abdullah Al-Sadhan to be honoured at Red Sea Film Festival (National)

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, Hollywood actress Diane Kruger and veteran Saudi actor Abdullah Al-Sadhan are to be honoured this year at the Red Sea International Film Festival.

The 10-day event, which celebrates the best of Saudi, Arab and international cinema, begins in Jeddah on Thursday.

Recipients of The Red Sea: Honoree Award are “prominent cinematic figures and icons who contributed to shaping the history of cinema as we know it today”, organisers said. Read more

Jeff Bridges’ “The Dude” ensemble from The Big Lebowski to hit auction block (THR)

More than 250 items from Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1998 classic film The Big Lebowski starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore and Steve Buscemi will be hitting the block in December as part of a Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies joint event.

The auction comes on the heels of the film celebrating its 25th anniversary earlier this year. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will support Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Bridges serves as a national spokesperson for No Kid Hungry. Read more 

Vermont police arrest suspect in ‘‘hate-motivated’’ shooting of Palestinians (AlJazeera)

A suspect has been arrested in what police have called the “hate-motivated” shooting of three college students of Palestinian descent in the US state of Vermont.

Police in the city of Burlington arrested the 48-year-old suspect, identified as Jason J Eaton, on Sunday afternoon, according to US news reports.

The three victims, Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid and Tahseen Ahmed, were shot on Saturday evening near the University of Vermont’s campus. The students, who attend different universities in the US, remain hospitalised with gunshot wounds. Read more

Kevin ‘Geordie’ Walker: Killing Joke guitarist dies in Prague after stroke (Sky)

Tributes have been paid to Kevin ‘Geordie’ Walker – the guitarist in English rock band Killing Joke – after he died aged 64.

Walker died in Prague on Sunday surrounded by family after suffering a stroke.

In a post on social media, the band said they were “devastated” by his death. Read more

West Ham eye Zaidu Jan move (Punch)

English Premier League side, West Ham United, are pushing hard to sign Super Eagles and Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi during the January transfer window, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Hammers are in the market to find a replacement for Aaron Cresswell, who has spent nine years with the club since joining from Ipswich Town in 2014.

After eight seasons, the 33-year-old almost left the London Stadium outfit in the summer but the club managed to hold on to him. Read more 

Giroud carrying Milan’s attacking hopes in key Dortmund clash (Guardian)

Olivier Giroud will carry AC Milan’s Champions League hopes on his broad shoulders on Tuesday when the veteran striker lines up against Borussia Dortmund at the San Siro.

Giroud has been the man for the big occasion since signing for Milan just over two years ago and the seven-time European champions will need his magic touch as they face a key Group F clash-of-form and are struggling with injuries.

The 37-year-old has scored eight times for Milan this season and reignited their hopes of reaching the last 16 with a trademark headed winner over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, his only goal in the competition so far coming when it really mattered. Read more

Xavi says Porto match represents “turning point” for Barcelona (France24)

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez says Tuesday’s Champions League match at home to FC Porto could be a potential “turning point” for his side as they look to clinch a place in the last 16.

The Catalans missed the chance to qualify from Group H with two games to spare when they suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk in Hamburg at the start of November.

However, a victory over second-placed Porto at home will send Barcelona through to the knockout phase and lift some of the tension after a stuttering run of form over the past month. Read more

Italian Serie A club linked with move for Celtic’s Irish teenage prospect Rocco Vata (IrishIndependent)

Serie A side Frosinone could make a second move for young Irish talent as the surprise packets of the Italian season have been linked with unsettled Celtic star Rocco Vata.

Frosinone, who were promoted to Serie A at the end of last season and have held their own this term with the side currently mid-table, signed Irish underage cap Justin Ferizaj from Shamrock Rovers in August.

He’s still biding his time in their academy set-up but they do see a first team role for fellow Irish/Albanian player Vata (18) and had him watched while he was on international duty with the Irish U19s last week while Torino have also been linked with the teenager. Read more 

Lewis Hamilton baffles Toto Wolff as George Russell outshines Mercedes F1 team-mate (Mirror)

Toto Wolff finds the large performance gap between Mercedes drivers “difficult to comprehend”.

George Russell had one of his best weekends of the year at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He qualified fourth and finished on the podium to ensure Mercedes would hold off Ferrari in the constructors’ championship.

In contrast, Lewis Hamilton endured a thoroughly miserable few days at the Yas Marina Circuit. From 11th on the grid he managed to rise only two places to ninth and never threatened to cut through the field. Read more

Carlos Alcaraz’s coach makes admission about watching ‘‘outrageous’’ Novak Djokovic (Tennis365)

Carlos Alcaraz’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero has admitted watching Novak Djokovic play makes him “drool” and described the Serbian’s quality as “outrageous.”

The former world No 1 described Djokovic’s handling of “the hot moments” during matches as “unique” and hailed him for achieving “almost excellence” by not missing two balls in a row.

Djokovic secured a record-extending eighth ATP year-end world No 1 finish en route to claiming a record seventh ATP Finals title in Turin earlier this month. Read more 

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