Good Day! Below is a Summary of News Stories Across Nigeria and Abroad:
1. A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank has described the alarm over an alleged plot to foist an Interim National Government (ING) on the country as an excuse by security agencies to arrest the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, before the May 29. The DSS had on Wednesday alleged a plot to subvert democracy by forcing the emplacement of an interim government on the country. Frank in a statement issued Thursday said the security alarm by the agency was meant as an alibi to crack down on peaceful protesters demonstrating against the rigged 2023 presidential election and to massively arrest opposition politicians in the country. DAILY TRUST
2. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is set to commence investigations into a petition against former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar for allegedly using the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to divert fund between 1999 and 2007. Recall that the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo submitted the petition against Atiku in the buildup to the just concluded presidential poll. n the case filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja by the Festus Keyamo Chamber, the plaintiff joined the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively, while Atiku is the first defendant. VANGUARD
3. The Arewa New Media Solidarity Association (ANMSA) has named the Kaduna State governor-elect, Uba Sani, as the ‘Most Masses-friendly Senator’ from the North to have ever served in the Nigerian Senate. In a statement signed by its chairman, Suleiman Abba, after an expanded first quarter stakeholders meeting, ANMSA said though it was happy that Sani has been elevated to governorship level, his constituency and indeed the whole northern region would miss his human and community-based legislative advocacies in the Senate. LEADERSHIP
4. King Charles III called Russia’s war in Ukraine a threat to Europe’s democratic values in the first speech made by a monarch at the German parliament, but said allies like Germany and Britain can draw courage from their unity. Speaking mostly in German through the 30-minute speech, Charles underlined that “the scourge of war is back in Europe, the war of aggression against Ukraine has brought unimaginable suffering on so many innocent people.” “The security of Europe as well as our democratic values are under threat. But the world did not stand idly by… we can draw courage from our unity,” he added. PUNCH
5. Popular Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, lost his first son, Kachichukwu, to the cold hands of death on Wednesday. It was gathered that the lad collapsed while playing football. A source close to the actor told journalist, “It is true, his son is dead.” More so, It was gathered that the actor’s son was rushed to the hospital after falling unconscious. DAILY TRUST
6. World football governing body, FIFA, has announced stripped Indonesia the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023 hosting right. The announcement followed Wednesday’s meeting between FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and President of the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Erick Thohir. A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged and potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage. LEADERSHIP
7. Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has confirmed that he is married to his lover, Chioma Rowland. The singer confirmed this in an interview with media personality Kiekie on Wednesday, March 29. According to Davido, he took a break from social media after he lost his son, Ifeanyi, because he needed time to reflect. It was during this period that he finally married Chioma. PULSE
8. Shi’ite protesters stormed the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja asking the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to lift the travel ban placed on the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky. Believed to be followers of the Shi’ite leader, the protesters demanded the release of the International passports of El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Malama Zeenah, for a medical trip. A Federal High Court in Abuja earlier Thursday, had rejected an application filed by Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, asking the Department of State Services to release his passport and that of his wife. Delivering the judgement, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, ruled that the Islamic cleric failed to prove that his passport was missing, despite the 10 exhibits provided by his lawyers, to prove that the DSS took the passports away, after his return from India in 2018. PUNCH
9. The Federal Executive Council meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, approved the sum of N24.2 billion for the provision of internet facilities at 20 airports, some institutions of learning and markets across the country. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami made the disclosure while briefing State House Correspondents on some of the memos that were deliberated upon at the FEC meeting. According to Pantami, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is expected to facilitate the operations of the internet at designated airports and institutions. DAILY POST
10. The Nigeria Police Force says it will prosecute a musician, one Habeeb Okikiola, (AKA Portable), for allegedly exhibiting irrational behaviour and hurling insults at Police Officers on legal duty. The Force Spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday. Adejobi condemned the musician for the viral video, where he was seen exhibiting irrational behaviour and hurling insults at Police officers carrying out their legal duty. He said that his action was criminal and punishable by the criminal laws of Nigeria. PULSE
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