Presidency Criticizes Bauchi Governor Over Irresponsible Politics.

  The Presidency on Friday urged the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to face governance and stop “playing Irresponsible Politics,” with the Tax Reforms Bill. It said the governor should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state rather than attacking President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare, made this stance in a statement he signed Friday morning titled ‘Gov. Bala Mohammed is Playing Irresponsible Politics.’ Dare was responding to Mohammed, who criticised President Tinubu, saying his economic reform policies are putting the North and Nigerians at large under strain. While receiving the National Chairman Council of Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah, Sheikh Sani Jingir, earlier in the week, the Governor said he is not on good terms with the President, whom he accused of not listening to the people. “It is true that we are not on good terms with him [President Tinubu] because our brothers and sisters are suffering. Even we, the governors, are suffering. Aside from his policies, he does not listen to us,” Mohammed told Jingir, who was a staunch proponent of the Muslim-Muslim Ticket that brought Tinubu to power in May 2023. He expressed frustration over the president’s refusal to address the hardship, adding that the North has been particularly affected by the recent Tax Reforms proposed by the Federal Government. However, the Presidency said, “Governor Bala should face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish his vanishing image. Governor Bala is playing Irresponsible Politics. Rather, he should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. Ambition is made of sterner stuff. “President Tinubu is focused on revamping the economy, and he is working to turn the economic fortunes of the country around. He has a four-year mandate to deliver on his promises. “Nigerians have started to see the real impact of reforms of the Tinubu administration and better outcomes will continue to manifest in the lives of the citizens in the weeks and months ahead.” On the Tax Reform Bills, it said the President urged that anyone and groups that feel strongly about this matter before the National Assembly should take advantage of the legislative process. Therefore, “Attempts to stampede or abort this process must be considered undemocratic and self-serving,” it said. The presidency says the Nigerian public would like to know what Governor Mohammed is doing to make life better for the people of Bauchi State. It queried, “How well are the people of his state who still rank as most impoverished among Nigerians faring under his leadership? “How well has he, as Governor, used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people?” Just like President Tinubu has a duty to all Nigerians, “Governor Bala has a greater duty and responsibility to the people of his state,” therefore, “Constant blustering and playing irresponsible politics will not relieve him of his duty to the people of Bauchi State his leadership has impoverished,” Dare noted

Trump Sets Up Meeting With Putin Amid Ukraine Conflict

  US President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday that Russian leader Vladimir Putin wanted to meet and that a rendezvous between the pair was being arranged. He made the statement just a week and a half before taking office, following promises during his campaign to bring peace to Ukraine, which has been under Russian invasion since February 2022. “He wants to meet, and we’re setting it up,” Trump said at a meeting with Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. “President Putin wants to meet, he’s said that even publicly, and we have to get that war over with, that’s a bloody mess.” Trump has never made any concrete proposals for a ceasefire or peace deal, and has often criticised the large amount of military aid the United States has sent to Kyiv. Trump has also frequently mocked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “salesman,” while raising eyebrows in Washington by rarely criticising Putin — and even speaking admiringly of the Kremlin leader. In addition to criticising the massive military aid sent to Ukraine under President Joe Biden, Trump has raised doubts over continued US involvement in the Western military alliance NATO. The United States under Biden has been Ukraine’s biggest wartime backer, providing military aid worth more than $65 billion since February 2022. AFP

California Wildfires: Death Toll Climbs To 10

  The number of fire-related deaths has increased to 10 as authorities and the medical examiner continue to respond to reported fatalities. The Department of Medical Examiner said they have received notification of 10 fire-related deaths as of 9 p.m. Thursday. Authorities have not identified the deceased and are awaiting next of kin notification. The medical examiner said identification could be delayed due to fire conditions preventing them from responding to all the death locations. Traditional identification using fingerprints and visual identification may also not be available, delaying the process even further. Officials discovered remains Thursday in Pacific Palisades, making it the second fire-related death in the area. That was in addition to four confirmed fatalities in the Eaton Fire. It’s unclear which of the Southern California fires burning are responsible for the four other deaths out of the 10 total. Thousands of people remain displaced and tens of thousands are without power as the destructive fires continue to burn.

Lagos Teacher Remanded For Slapping A Three-Year-Old Pupil,Pleaded Not Guilty

  Stella Nwadigo, a teacher accused of physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil at Christ-Mitots International School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was brought before Magistrate M.O. Kusanu at the Ogba Magistrate Court on Thursday. Nwadigo, who was apprehended after a video surfaced online showing her repeatedly slapping the young child, Abayomi Micheal, reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges read to her. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency disclosed this in an update on X.com on Thursday. The statement read, “Following the ongoing viral case of child abuse, all concerned parties appeared today, 9th January 2024, at the Ogba Magistrate Court. (sic) “The matter was assigned to Magistrate M.O. Kusanu. Two charges were read to the suspect, to which she pled not guilty.” Nwadigo’s defence counsel was said to have applied for bail, which the court reportedly set at N200,000. The statement added, “Her defense counsel applied for bail, which the court set at ₦200,000 and two verifiable sureties. “The suspect has been remanded in a correctional facility, and the case is adjourned to the 18th January 2024 for trial.” The viral video, which showed Nwadigo repeatedly slapping Abayomi while attempting to teach him how to write the number six, ignited public outrage, leading to widespread calls for justice. Nwadigo was also suspended by the school’s management, while Abayomi was reportedly hospitalised following the incident.

Yoruba, Igbo, Others Should Divide If Nigeria Isn’t Working – Sunday Igboho

  Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said many Nigerians are no longer proud to identify themselves as citizens of the West African nation. In a video seen online on Thursday, Igboho, who was spotted at an airport in the United Kingdom, said corruption, insecurity, and a bad economy are the reasons for the lack of patriotism in the country. The separatist also stated that various ethnic nationalities should be allowed to go their separate ways if the country cannot function as a unified country. Igboho said Yoruba youths, who have gained valuable knowledge and experience from travelling worldwide, are eager to transform the Yoruba nation into a modern, prosperous society similar to that of Europe. He said, “Even inside the airport, there is no security. They can steal your belongings inside your bag (in Nigerian airports). All these are the things dissuading people from being proud of the country, Nigeria. “Things like that make us sad to identify ourselves as Nigerians. This is why we advocate for separation. If Nigeria is not working as a country, it is better we go our separate ways. “Our (Yoruba) youths will transform Yoruba nation. Most of them have travelled across the world, and they have learned a lot. If they come back to Yoruba land, the knowledge will help them build it and transform the nation like those in Europe.” Punch

Outrage As US Pastor Makes Lady Apologise To Congregation For Pregnancy

  A viral video of Pastor Terry Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ, Hampton, Virginia, publicly rebuking a young woman for being pregnant outside wedlock has sparked outrage and debate on social media. The footage, which reportedly happened on Sunday, shows the pastor instructing the visibly emotional woman to address the congregation. Standing at the centre of the church, she tearfully apologised, saying, “I want to apologise to everybody in here because I am pregnant. I’m sorry, y’all. I just hope that y’all forgive me. Keep on praying for me.” In his response, Jackson condemned her actions, describing the situation as “out of order.” He further declared that the church would not celebrate her pregnancy with events like a baby shower. “If you sin, you don’t wait later to repent. We don’t condone sin. Ain’t no baby showers. That’s what you lose when you have a baby out of wedlock, ain’t nobody in this church bout to attend one.” “Thank God that God didn’t take you out of here,” the pastor said. The video has drawn widespread criticism, with many accusing the pastor of public shaming. Others supported his approach, arguing it was necessary for discipline. Social media users weighed in with diverse opinions. American journalist Jemele Hill condemned the pastor’s actions, writing on Instagram, “The only person who should be ashamed in this scenario is the pastor. I hope she finds a new church home.” A commenter on Instagram, blk_charleston, wrote, “Why does she need people’s forgiveness? Did they die for her sins?” Deedle, tweeting as @VanillaDeedle, “Why does she have to apologise for her sin in front of everyone in the church?? All those people sitting in those pews should be up there confessing theirs also. You know they’re all full of sin as we all are.” Republican Rach ❤🐘, tweeting as @patrioticmaine, “You can condemn the sin of sex outside of marriage without condemning the individual or the innocent life she is carrying. Nothing a bout this is biblical or Christlike.” Some defended the pastor’s stance. On X, The Watcher, tweeting as @bythebookjulie,”The Pastor of True Vine is a hundred per cent correct. Sometimes it takes shaming bad choices that will effect the lives of everyone else and her future generations!” DBSSTEELER, tweeting as @dbssteeler29754, “The Bishop is right. Don’t go on like there was no transgression, chastise the transgressor. 99% of what’s wrong with modern women is men letting bad behaviour go on unchecked.” Others highlighted the importance of grace and compassion. A commenter, @spottedlamb777, tweeted, “She confessed her sin, baby is coming, it’s time to support that girl and her child.” Don Elswick, tweeting as @do5925, “Show grace, with the caveat, we all have missed the mark of godliness in our lives. Love restores.” According to the church’s website, Jackson’s vision for True Vine Apostolic Church is to follow the Lord’s guidance in teaching the gospel, administering baptism, and bringing new souls to Christ. While Jackson has not commented on the controversy, the incident has reignited discussions about how church leaders should handle sensitive matters involving congregants.

West Ham Appoints Ex- Chelsea Manager Graham Potter,Head Coach

  English Premier League club, West Ham, has confirmed the appointment of former Chelsea boss, Graham Potter as its new head coach. “West Ham United is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as the club’s new head coach. The 49-year-old joins the Hammers on a two-and-a-half-year contract and will take charge of his new team for the first time when the Irons travel to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday evening. “A highly-respected and sought-after coach, Potter has been awaiting the right opportunity after leaving his last role at Chelsea in April 2023 and was the Board’s unanimous choice to take the club forward in line with its objectives and ambitions. “Potter, whose progressive style and flexible tactical approach previously impressed at Swedish club Östersund, Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion, has a passion for a return to Premier League management and is relishing the opportunity to work with West Ham United’s talented squad of international players,” the club statement read on Thursday. More details later…

NCC To Meet Telecom Consumer Groups On Thursday Over Tariff Hike

  The Nigerian Communications Commission, the country’s telecommunication regulator has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja for Thursday to discuss the proposed 100 per cent tariff hike in the telecom sector. The meeting will bring together representatives from major consumer advocacy groups and other relevant industry stakeholders to deliberate on the implications of the price increase. President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, who has been a major critic of the proposal, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Wednesday. “I had mentioned earlier that there is a need for the NCC to discuss and iron out the issue. But Yesterday, I was invited to the meeting and it will be held on Thursday in Abuja at 2 pm,” Ogungbanjo stated. Telcos have submitted a proposal to the regulator, requesting a 100 per cent hike in telecom tariffs. The proposal is currently awaiting the final nod from the NCC, which has yet to decide on the matter. The operators, a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy argued that this hike is necessary to offset rising operational costs, including increasing fuel prices and the depreciation of the naira. The proposal has sparked concern among consumer rights groups, including the NATCOMS, which fear that such an increase could further strain Nigeria’s already financially burdened population. The President of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Sola Ajulo, further confirmed the scheduled meeting during an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday. Ajulo emphasised that the discussions are critical for shaping the future of telecom pricing in the country. “It’s crucial that all stakeholders are present and agree on the terms, as this will determine whether the government will approve a price increase and under what conditions,” she stated. Ajulo noted that a price increase may be inevitable, given the economic challenges facing the sector. However, she stressed that it is essential to ensure that the terms of any increase are measured and conducive to the welfare of consumers, especially in light of Nigeria’s current economic difficulties. “A 100 per cent or even a 40 per cent increase may be too steep. Easing the tariff increase with measurable conditions could be a more reasonable solution,” Ajulo suggested. The PUNCH reported earlier that mobile operators have agreed to channel the revenue from the proposed 100 percent tariff increase into major upgrades in network infrastructure and service quality. This is a major condition for the telcos as they await final approval for the tariff hike, following discussions with the government and the NCC. As part of the agreement, the country’s telecom regulator will oversee the implementation of these investments to ensure that telecom companies comply with the requirements.

Ganduje Criticizes Obi As APC spokesperson Receives 200 Death Threats.

  The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje on Wednesday threw his weight behind the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka. Ganduje also described claims attributed to the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, as misleading, an act he said incited his online supporters to troll Morka. He disclosed this in a statement personally signed by him in Abuja. His clarification comes a few hours after the APC spokesman claimed that he and his family received 200 death threats over his inflammatory remarks from pro-Obi supporters. Morka alleged that the threats were triggered by Obi’s accusation that his remarks during a Sunday interview on Arise Television constituted a threat to the Labour Party candidate’s life. Morka’s earlier interview on Sunday sparked an outrage after he accused Obi of “crossing the line” in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that Obi “deserved whatever came his way.” His inflammatory remarks prompted Obi to tweet, asking Nigerians if he had truly crossed the line by attempting to the Tinubu’s administration accountable to the people. Morka, on Wednesday, claimed that Obi’s supporters were after him, allegedly sending 400 threats, including 200 death threats. Morka said, “Peter Obi’s allegations that my words in that interview threatened his life have triggered serious consequences. “As of now, I have documented 400 threats, about 200 of which are explicit death threats. These are written threats that I will be submitting to law enforcement agencies. “In these messages, individuals have detailed how they plan to harm me—threatening to shoot me, behead me, and carry out other gruesome acts. This is not mere rhetoric. It has even extended to direct threats against some members of my family. These are explicit and graphic threats, not vague insinuations. “This entire situation is baseless and cannot be attributed to me. I did not threaten Peter Obi in any way. Those issuing these threats are acting on their own, but I trust that law enforcement will respond swiftly to bring them to justice.” Ganduje, throwing his weight behind Morka on Wednesday, accused Obi of inciting an online mob against the ruling party. Ganduje said, “By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr Obi has libelled him in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family. “Morka’s comments during the interview were strictly in response to a question referencing ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.’ Nothing in his statement constituted or suggested a threat to Obi or anyone else. “Does Mr Obi expect the APC to fold its arms and allow the opposition to propagate falsehoods without any response?” Ganduje queried. Ganduje maintained that the APC would continue to counter baseless allegations with facts against the Tinubu-led administration. Punch

OneDead, Several Injured In Ibadan, As Granite Laden-Truck Lost Control

  IBADAN – A truck fully loaded with granite has on Wednesday claimed lives of some suspected road side traders at Eleyele Junction of Ibadan Metroplis. The devastated accident claimed lives of unconfirmed number of lives believed to be road side traders that used to displayed their wares and petty markets at the Eleyele bus stop, while many were seriously injured. The development according to an eyewitness said a truck loaded with granite lost control and crashed into a nearby park garage. The eyewitness accounts stated that the truck, coming from the opposite direction, initially struck a group of roadside traders before barreling into the garage, where it struck waiting passengers, leaving many injured. An anonymous eyewitness described the chaotic scene, emphasising the devastation and panic that ensued. The driver of the truck fled the scene in an attempt to avoid being mobbed by onlookers, further complicating the aftermath of the tragedy. Rescue operations are currently ongoing, and authorities have stated that the exact number of casualties remains unknown as they work to clear the wreckage. Emergency responders are focused on removing the truck to prevent additional accidents and to restore normal traffic flow in the area. In a telephone interview, Rosemary Alo, the Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, confirmed the tragic incident. She stated that the roadside traders had previously been warned about the dangers of conducting business in the area. “If they had heeded these warnings, we could have potentially reduced the number of casualties,” she remarked. Alo also indicated that efforts would be intensified in collaboration with the local government chairman to enforce a ban on street trading in the vicinity, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.