Popular Varsity VC is dead

The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Malete, Professor Muhammed Akanbi (SAN), is reportedly dead.He was reported dead on Sunday night after a brief illness.

Details of what led to his death were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report as the Director of KWASU relations, Dr Saedat Aliyu, did not respond to calls made to her phone number.

The late Vice Chancellor will be buried in Ilorin on Monday, November 21, 2022 in his country home according to Islamic rites, it was gathered.

Akanbi until his death was a celebrated academic, law teacher and legal icon that has achieved so many feats at his young age, and was very passionate about academic excellence and community development.

Akanbi joined the services of the University of Ilorin in 1998 as Lecturer II and was appointed Professor of Law in the Department of Business Law in 2012.

An alumnus of the prestigious Kings College, University of London, United Kingdom, Akanbi served as legal assistant in the legal unit of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lagos State, during his national service year.

He boasted of over twenty years’ experience as an academic in the University of Ilorin, during which he also held several administrative positions.

Akanbi had over 60 national and international publications in reputable peer-review journals with a bias in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Arbitration Law. His other research areas include conflict resolution laws, corporate management law and practice.

The university don was a member of the Technical Working Committee 2013 on “An Independent Review of Evidence of Gross Violation of the Rights to Participation in Government and Fair Trial through the Election Petition Process in Nigeria 2003 – 2011,” commissioned by National Human Right Commission, Abuja, OSIWA and the Ford Foundation.

He was also a Consultant/Member of the Technical Working Committee 2012, on a research on the Legal framework on Citizenship and Religion as it affects National Integration in Nigeria’ commissioned by International Development Law Organisation, Rome, Italy.

He also served as Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch between 2007 and 2009.

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Credit: Punch 

Buhari to witness first North-East oil drill Tuesday

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), is to witness the first drilling of crude oil in the Kolmani River II Well on the Upper Benue Trough, Gongola Basin, in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria, on Tuesday.Officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited stated that oil drilling activities at the Kolmani River, situated in the Bauchi and Gombe fields, would commence in earnest after the official flag-off.

In October 2019, the NNPC announced the discovery of hydrocarbon deposits in the Kolmani River II Well.

The oil firm had stated that it acquired 435.54km2 of 3D Seismic Data over Kolmani Prospect in the Upper Benue Trough, Gongola Basin.

“The President is expected at the site on Tuesday to witness the first drilling of crude in the north, which is going to further boost our production as a nation,” an official of the national oil company, who spoke on condition of anonymity, due to lack of authorisation, stated.

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2023: We're Still Open To Reconciliation, insist on shunning Atiku's campaign - Integrity Group

Five Governors of the main opposition party (PDP), who are protesting against the party leadership and other aggrieved leaders, on Sunday, styled itself “The Integrity Group” and said it is still open to reconciliation.Rising from a meeting in Lagos, on Sunday, the five Governors, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State; Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Samuel Ortom of Benue State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, alongside other aggrieved PDP leaders, rose from its meeting in Lagos and said they are still open to reconciliation with the leadership of the party.

Former Plateau Governor Air Commodore (retd) Jonah Jang, who read the communique of the group after its deliberations, said the camp was not against any peace move.

He said:”After a careful review of developments, we have decided to stand on the decision we took at our Port-Harcourt meeting. We hereby again reiterate that the window of reconciliation in our great party remains open.”

It would be recalled that the five Governors, led by Wike are insisting that the National Chairman of the Party, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, should step down and be replaced by a Southerner, since the presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is from the North.

They have also decided to stay off the PDP Presidential Campaign until the party meets their demand that Ayu should resign.

Those present at the meeting include the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde; Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike; Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; Enugu State Governor; Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Senator Olaka Nwogu; Senator MAO Ohuanbuwa; Hon. N . Ikeje; Senator Nasir Suleiman; Senator Sandy Onor; Malam B. Adoke; Olusegun Mimiko; Ayo Fayose; Donald Duke; Bode George; Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih; former Governor of Plateau State, Dr Jonah Jang and former PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Osun State, Omoba Dotun Babayemi.

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PDP crisis: We’re now Integrity Group — Wike, allies

Five governors elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and some aggrieved party leaders, on Sunday, announced the formation of the Integrity Group saying it will soon take a position on the crisis rocking the party.The G5 governors and some party leaders are currently having a strategic meeting in Lagos.

Addressing newsmen before going into a closed door meeting, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said the Integrity Group is the face behind the struggle within the PDP.

Makinde said: “We are here this morning to hold a meeting of the Integrity Group within our party, the PDP. You’ve seen the G5 that is the five PDP governor’s. The G5 is all about the Integrity Group. You can see us, five serving governors, as the face of this struggle but the leaders and elders of the party that you see here are the people behind those faces.

“We are this morning in the South west to review the situation within our party, to review where we are and to also look at what is going to happen in the coming elections. At the end of our deliberations, you will be fully briefed on where we stand on those burning issues. On behalf of our leaders and elders in the South west, I want to welcome members of the Integrity Group.”

Those present at the meeting include Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State.

Others at the meeting are former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, former Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, former Cross River State Governor, Mr Donald Duke, former Plateau State Governor, Mr Jonah Jang and former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George.

Also present are former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Bello Adoke; Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Mr Taoferk Arapaja; Senator Nasif Suleiman, Mr Nnena Ukeje, Senator S. O. Onor and Senator Mao Ohabunwa.

Recall that the Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Governor Wike have been at daggers drawn over removal of Ayu and the need for the South to produce the party’s National Chairman.

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Source – Vanguard

38 Parents Of Missing Chibok Girls Die In Three Years

The president of the Missing Chibok Girl’s Parent Association, Yakubu Nkeki, has said that 38 parents of the missing girls have died in the first three years of the incident.He made this known at an art exhibition whichheld in Ikoyi, Lagos on Saturday.

Nkeki said, “It’s not a small test for Chibok families. I want to share with you, almost 38 parents died, refused to eat, no help rendered to them during the first, second and third years of these girls in captivity.

It gives me a tough time to organise the families and get together, you know we are from different locations in Chibok Local Government.

I have to use a bicycle and ride almost 50km to see some of the parents.”

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Run-off: Atiku Will Win At First Ballot, PDP Tells INEC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to bother itself with preparations for a run-off in the 2023 presidential election, saying the presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, will win at the first ballot. The campaign council in a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, asked INEC not to listen to diversionary narratives by apologists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who the party said are allegedly “seeking ways to derail the election, having realized that their party has been rejected.”

The campaign council in a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, asked INEC not to listen to diversionary narratives by apologists of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who the party said are allegedly “seeking ways to derail the election, having realized that their party has been rejected.”

The party said the electoral empire should concentrate on deploying its resources towards conducting a free, fair, transparent and credible election that will be generally accepted by majority of Nigerians.

Ologbondiyan said, “Our campaign is confident that by every indices and data available, our candidate, Atiku Abubakar, will win the presidential election of February 25, 2023 at the first run.

“The APC has seen defeat ahead as Nigerians are quickly reaching a consensus on the fact that the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is not electable.

“We urge Nigerians to remain resolute in their determination to vote in their choice, Atiku Abubakar, and take every step necessary within the ambit of the law to protect their votes.”

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Final year student allegedly Commits suicide over failed relationship

A final-year student of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra, has reportedly committed suicide.

According to Daily Trust, the deceased allegedly took his life on Friday, November 18, because his girlfriend jilted him. According to a source, the young man whose identity is yet to be revealed, allegedly took sniper after his lover told him to look for another girl.It was gathered that the disheartened man was doing his Industrial Attachment (IT), when he was jilted by his lover.

A student of the institution, Iyke Orji, described the deceased as someone who was “full of energy and life”.

“He was in his IT days, a student of Public Administration. He decided to stay in Oko for his one year industrial training, (but) instead of focusing on his training, he decided to search for true love,” Orji said.

The school authorities are yet to comment on this development. When contacted by LIB, the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said

''I am yet to receive any report on it. The command wishes to use this opportunity to call on the witnesses of this incident to come forward to us with details for us first to verify the authenticity of this information and possibly to know the cause of the incident.

This will help us to advise people with suicidal thoughts on what to do.

Meanwhile the command control room number and public complain bureau number is available for report of any incident please. 07039194332 and 08039334002 respectively.''

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2023: We’re Preparing For Possible Run-off In Presidential Election – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is already making plans and preparations for the conduct of a run-off presidential election, where no candidate meets the conditional requirements for declaring a winner from votes cast on 25 February.The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, gave the hint at a meeting with Bureau Chiefs/Editors of media organisations on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Okoye said that such plan had been the tradition of INEC for all elections conducted by the commission since the return of democracy since 1999.

He said that INEC was already planning to print double of the total number of ballot papers required for the first ballot, should in case there was rerun election.

He explained that the preparations were always made along with the first because the commission had just 21 days to conduct the rerun or run-off election.

The national commissioner said that before candidate could be declared winner of the presidential election, he or she must have the highest number of votes cast and secure a quarter of the votes cast in two-thirds of the states of the federation and the FCT.

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Expect 7,000 Megawatts Before May 2023 - Buhari

The Buhari Media Organisation BMO has described the latest update on the ongoing Siemens power project as another indication that history will be kind to President Muhammadu Buhari.The group said in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke that it is heartwarming that the German company is fully committed to delivering and installing 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations before May 2023.

If there is any doubt about the Presidential Power initiative PPI of the Buhari administration and the government to government agreement it sealed in 2019 with Germany on increasing Nigeria's electricity power capacity, then the recent visit of the Chief Executive Officer CEO of Siemens Energy Dr Christian Bruch, the CEO of Siemens Africa Nadia Haakansson, and the CEO of Siemens Nigeria Seun Suleiman to the President ought to lay those doubts to rest.

But what we find interesting enough to bring to the notice of our fellow Nigerians from that meeting is the German company's assurance to fast track the delivery of the project which was slowed down by the 'pandemic'.

So, from all indications the first phase of the 25,000 megawatt project which is to deliver a capacity improvement of 2,000 megawatts is to be completed before May next year with the installation of 10 transformers and 10 mobile substations across the country.

This will effectively move the nation's capacity from about 4,000 to 7,000 megawatts in the first instance.

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I Almost Had High Blood Pressure Using Social Media – Tinubu

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said he stopped using social media because he almost had high blood with the verbal attacks against him.Tinubu revealed he has been subjected to malicious abuse and had to cease engaging with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram which are the most used social media in the country.

the former Lagos State governor said he became furious whenever he had to read the things written about him on social media.

“I don’t read social media anymore; they abuse the hell out of me. If I read it, I get high blood pressure and angry.

“I don’t read it, so if I want to hear anything; my children or my workers will say this one said this, and when I’m tired, I say please forget it,” Tinubu said.

Following his emergence as the APC presidential candidate, Tinubu has been subjected to a lot of controversies.

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My Government willRe-activate Gas Industrial Park Project – Tinubu

The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, says his government will further re-activate the multi-billion dollars Gas Revolution Industrial Park Project.Tinubu gave the assurance on Saturday at the APC rally held at the Warri Township Stadium, Delta.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Tinubu said: “Our government will further re-activate the multi-billion dollars Gas Revolution Industrial Park Project.

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has made giant strides in revisiting this project and we will complete it.

“Gas will become a national priority. I envision fertiliser and petrochemical plants, aluminium smelters, methanol plants, all aimed at creating jobs for the unemployed, while producing goods that booster farming, construction and other industries.”

Tinubu, however, assured Nigerians, especially youths that all the promises made to ensure a better Nigeria would be fulfilled.

According to him, I will fullfil my promises to you. You are the future of this country. Your dreams will be realised for a stable and united Nigeria.

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You Can Tell Lies At Town Halls, G-5 Will Not Walk For You - Wike Tells Atiku

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday, escalated his longrunning war of words with the leadership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that neither he, nor his G5 governor allies, would work for the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, at next year’s elections.He said: “Here in Rivers State, I will not support anybody who says that no other person from another ethnic group can be President.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Whether you are Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba or Igbo, from anywhere, you are entitled to be President of Nigeria.

“So, when you go on national television and tell anybody, ‘don’t vote for the Yoruba, don’t vote for Igbo’, you didn’t even mention where I come from.

“This means nobody identifies me, which means I come from nowhere. But God knows I come from somewhere.

“God is the one who says where you should come from. It has nothing to do with party. It has to do with my identity.

“By the grace of God, I come from somewhere and we must show I come from somewhere. I believe in party but I believe in equity, fairness and justice.

“I tell them don’t insult me and my people. You go to town hall and you tell them lies.

“I said if you believe in restructuring of Nigeria, if you believe in devolution of power, if you believe Buhari made a mistake of appointing service chiefs from one area, then I say what you should do is to correct it from the party.

“What the G5 is saying is equity, fairness and justice. The constitution of the party says we must share elective and political offices but you say you will take everything. I will not agree”.

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Bayankole: Tribe where bride's aunt must have sex with Groom to test his potency

Marriage in this Bayankole tribe is of great importance as parents derive joy and pride from their children’s marriage.According to this Ugandan tradition, when a girl gets to the age of eight or nine, it is the duty of her aunt to groom her for family life.

Virginity in this culture is held in high esteem so the girls must abstain from premarital s€x.

The Ankole tribe considers the slim physique unattractive. To them, fat is simply sexy. So when girls get to the ages eight and nine, they are required to go through a fattening process. This is usually done to speed up the weight gain of the girls so they can attract a husband.

The Banyakole marriage involves several ceremonies including a Giveaway period know as “Kuhingira” where the relatives and friends of the bride present her with gifts such as cows and other food items to take to her matrimonial home.

On the wedding day, a feast is organized at the bride’s home where the father is to slaughter a bull while at the groom’s home there is also a feast to consummate the marriage.

But first, there has to be one last ceremony, that involves tests that must be done by the bride’s aunt. 

It involves the bride’s aunt testing the sexual ability of the groom by having s€x with him. This is to make sure they are potent. 

During the act, she learns all his s€x tricks as well as favorite styles so she can gift her niece with pointers on what the goom likes sexually.

After confirmation is done the bride is then taught by her Aunt and allowed to consummate the marriage by being sent by her Aunt to the husband with her blessings.

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Ayu is corrupt, I cannot campaign for corrupt person - Wike cries out

Governor Nyesom Wike has stated that Iyorcha Ayu, the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP can not lead campaign in Rivers state because he is corrupt.Wike spoke at the 2022 Rivers State PDP campaign flag-off and unveiling of the party’s governorship candidate, Sim Fubara, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, on Saturday.

The governor said the people of Rivers State are hurt because of the injustice being meted out to the state.

“I repeat it that Ayu is very corrupt. A man that is corrupt cannot lead me and cannot lead my state to campaign,” Wike stated.

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Peter Odili Had Graduated Before I Got Into CKC" - Peter Obi

My remarks when I visited Port Harcourt have been wrongly interpreted by some people. The former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili and I, are among other prominent Nigerians that schooled in Christ the King College (CKC) Onitsha, and we remain alumni of the school.I did not say that former Governor Odili was my classmate, rather I said that he was a great footballer in my school, and we all cherished and had good memories of his football exploits when we got into the school.

I was in CKC from 1973 to 1978 and Dr Peter Odili had graduated before I got into the school. He was such a fabulous footballer whose image still loomed large even in our time, especially considering the fact that my Primary School was very close to CKC.

The Primary School that I attended, Santa Maria School/Holy Trinity School, were both owned by the same Catholic Church that owned Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha. In fact, both Primary Schools were feeder schools to CKC, and a large number of pupils who passed through the schools ended up in CKC for secondary education. - PO

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My Governorship bid for All Rivers People, not Self-serving - Fubara

The Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2023 election in Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara said the governorship election in the state is not about him but every Rivers citizen.The Rivers PDP standard-bearer said his ambition is selfless, and his vision is to continue and consolidate the milestones of Governor Nyesom Wike in infrastructure, education, health, etc.

Fubara stated this at the Official Flag-off of the Rivers State PDP Campaign which was held at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Igwuruta on Saturday 19 November, 2022.

"While I was coming here, someone said to me that today is my day, let me set the record straight, what we are doing is not about me but every Rivers citizen, it is not Fubara's day. Today is the day that we have all come together to support and consolidate on the NEW Rivers Vision.

"Your support for the consolidation of NEW Rivers Vision is Sim. It is not my day but it is a day for continuity. A day we have all agreed that where our present governor will stop, Fubara will continue. 

"In the area of education, wherever he stops, Fubara will continue. In the area of infrastructure, which is his special area, wherever he stops, Fubara will continue. Wherever he stops in health care, Fubara will continue from there.

"Like I stated earlier, it is a day for everyone of us. A special day will come where we will unveil what we will do for Rivers people, to consolidate on the already established blueprint of the NEW Rivers Vision," the guber candidate added.

Fubara seized the opportunity to thank Rivers people for their overwhelming and unflinching support for Governor Nyesom Wike and his administration. 

"I want to specially thank Rivers people for your continuous support for our visionary and indefatigable Governor, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, my own oga," he said. 

The chief host of the PDP Integrity Governors at the grand rally, His Excellency Governor Nyesom Wike thanked Governors Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu, and Seyi Makinde of Benue, Enugu, Abia, and Oyo respectively for honouring Rivers people with their presence at the epoch event.

"I sincerely thank my brothers, the Integrity Governors for being here with us. Let me assure you, no state of the PDP Integrity Group will lose their governorship election. No amount of gang up will make PDP in Rivers, Abia, Oyo, Benue, and Enugu lose governorship election in 2023.

"Here in Rivers State, they cannot defeat us because we have done very well. Even President Buhari who is a member of APC acknowledged that we have worked for Rivers people, if the president could score us very high, who are they to challenge us at the polls?

"APC in Rivers State sold all our assets before we came on board, they sold our plane, we got it back, they sold our gas turbines that Dr. Peter Odili built, they sold it to themselves, now they want to come back, Rivers people will not let that happen," the Governor added. 

Governor Wike stated that he will not support any presidential candidate who says or believes that people from a certain section of the country cannot be president because he believes in the unity of Nigeria, and he wants a country where every Nigerian will be given equal rights and opportunities. 

"I will not support any presidential candidate who says people from other parts of the country cannot be president. Nigeria belongs to all of us, nobody can say we do not exist, Rivers State exists. 

"If you believe in restructuring like you claim in your townhall meetings, then show it in your party, all the senior positions of the party cannot be in the hands of people from one section of the country. What the G-5 Governors are saying is this, we need equity, fairness and justice in PDP," he added. 

The Chairman of PDP Integrity Governors, Governor Samuel Ortom said Governer Wike is a pan Nigerian leader who believes in equity, fairness and justice.

"Governor Wike is our leader, a pan Nigerian who believes in equity, fairness and justice. He has shown an exemplary leadership and we are happy to follow his leadership. 

"With what I have seen here today, I want to congratulate the incoming governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, your victory is sure because Governor Wike has done well and PDP is fully on ground here. I also want to appreciate the good people of Rivers State for your hospitality," he said. 

Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb. Desmond Akawor who gave the welcome address said the campaign flag-off is the unveiling of the next governor of Rivers State.

"I welcome you all for the unveiling of the next governor of Rivers State, that man is Sir Sim Fubara. History is being made today. The crowd you see here are Rivers people with PVC, not rented crowd. 

"Sim is the man Rivers people have willingly chosen to govern them in 2023. It is Sim Fubara because his candidacy stands for equity and fairness, it is Sim Fubara because he is young, educated, sound, and energetic. He is the right man to take us to the next level, he added. 

The Director-General of Rivers PDP Campaign Council, Bro. Felix Obuah said Governor Wike has made his job as campaign D.G easier because he has done tremendously well for Rivers people. 

"As the Director-General of PDP Campaign Council, I am supposed to be running around campaigning for our governorship candidate, but His Excellency Governor Wike has done virtually 75 percent of my work with his projects in Rivers State. My job is a lot easier. The entire state is SIMplified," he stated. 

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of flags to the governorship candidate and National Assembly candidates by the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja. While performing the task, Amb. Arapaja said they will continue to be loyal to the G-5 Governors because they mean well for Nigeria, and those fighting them are elements of disunity in the country.

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Photostory: Kim Jong Un Steps Out With Daughter For Missile Launch

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday oversaw the test of the intercontinental missile with his daughter in tow for the first time, state media reported.Declaring he would meet perceived nuclear threats from the United States with nukes of his own, Kim supervised the launch of the black-and-white missile, the official Korean Central News Agency said was the Hwasong-17 -- dubbed the "monster missile" by analysts.The intercontinental ballistic missile landed in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone on Friday.Meanwhile, the European Union on Saturday decried the "dangerous" test of North Korea's newest intercontinental ballistic missile and said Pyongyang's weapons programme threatens the world.

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Credit: Twitter| AFP

Fans Hail Advert Featuring Ronaldo, Messi , Call it Iconic

Social media users have been reacting to an advertisement by luxury brand, Louis Vuitton, featuring two football legends, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

 

 

The French luxury fashion house shared the advertisement of Ronaldo and Messi playing chess via its verified X handle on Saturday.

 

The advertisement of the two legendary footballers have left some fans wondering how much the advert might have cost while others admired it.

 

A magazine, zenmagafrica, tweeted “This is iconic!!! Mesmerizing!!! Seeing the two greatest of our generation. Two warriors. Two different kings. Two men who have inspired millions of young kids to believe that someday, they too can be great. We love this shot so much."

 

Another tweep, Dehkunle, commented on how the picture will make it to the walls of places. He said, “Most iconic picture ever, this picture will be hung in homes, schools, offices, stadiums, across the streets and will remain in the history of football, perfect timing."

 

A tweep, Yubiieeee, wondered about the amount the brand would have spent on the advert saying, “The money that Louis Vuitton must have spent to get these two to do this must have been incredible."

 

A popular X Influencer, Daniel Regha, hailed the brand for bringing the two footballers saying, "Louis Vuitton you guys did an incredible job bringing Messi & Ronaldo together for a photoshoot. Two GOATs. A brilliant advertising campaign. This is one of the best football pictures taken this century. Wishing both players nothing but the absolute best in the forthcoming World Cup.”

Forget My Support if you Think Other Tribes Can't be President -Wike

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that he will not support anybody who believes that only they, and not other ethnic groups, can produce the president of Nigeria.Governor Wike made the declaration at the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 election campaign flag-off rally that held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State on Saturday.

The governor wondered why anybody could go on national television to deride any tribe, insinuating that they are less Nigerians and therefore, do not qualify, on ethnic basis, to ascend the presidency.

'My dear brothers of the integrity group, you've done well. They have tried to break us, they couldn't break us and they will never break us. 

 

"But here in Rivers State, I will say it and let the heavens hear me. Let the earth hear me today. I will not support anybody who says that no other person from other ethnic groups can be president. I will not do it.

 

"I mean, Nigeria belongs to all of us whether you're from Hausa, Fulani whether you're from Yoruba, whether you're from Igbo, or you're from Ikwerre, whether you're from Urhobo, whether you're from Itsekiri, you're from Ijaw, or from anywhere, you are entitled to be president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

"So, when you go on national television and tell anybody, don't vote for the Yorubas, don't vote for the Igbos, you didn't even mention where I come from, which means, nobody identifies with me. Which means, I come from nowhere. But God knows that I come from some where."

 

Governor Wike explained that his stance has nothing to do with the party because he believes in the PDP.

 

But, he insisted that it is about the identity of a people who are Nigerians and therefore, should have equal status, no matter their ethic groups.

 

The governor said when people do not acknowledge that you exist, there is need to tell such persons that you do exist.

 

According to him, the people of Rivers State do exist and as Nigerians they can also determine issues about the presidency, and become the president of Nigeria too.

 

"You are saying it, don't vote for Igbos, don't vote for the Yorubas. You don't mention where I come from which means I don't exist. 

 

"God, are you alive and they say I don't exist? I exist. God has never made a mistake in life. He is the one who said where we should come from? It has nothing to do with party. It has to do with my identity."

 

Governor Wike challenged Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, the national chairman of PDP to sue him if he is not corrupt as accused, over the diversion of N1billion, N100million, and money realised from the party primaries.

 

The Rivers State governor, informed that Dr. Ayu is already building a private university from the proceeds of corruption and insisted that such person cannot lead Rivers State to any campaign.

 

"I have challenged Ayu, you are corrupt and cannot lead me to campaign. I will not, Rivers State will not, whether they like it or not, Ayu cannot lead us to campaign. Ayu is corrupt."

 

 

He further added, "You (Ayu) are building a university in Benue State, but you have not stayed one year in office. How do you fight corruption? I said you took N1billion, I told you, you took N100million, I told you, you took the money that we realised from the primary, Ayu sue me."The governor told Rivers people that PDP governorship candidate for the 2023 gubernatorial election is Siminalaye Fubara, and all Rivers people who are satisfied and attest to the quality services he has rendered in office will join to deliver Fubara as the winner of the election.

 

In his speech, Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom said governor Wike earned their respect for showing exemplary leadership. According to him, all G-5 governors have chosen to work with him since they believe in equity, fairness and justice.

 

On his part, Enugu State governor, Ífeanyi Ugwuanyi stated his support to the Sim-project which, will consolidate the New Rivers Vision and guarantee continual delivery of democratic dividend to Rivers people.

 

The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu spoke and urged all Rivers people to support to deliver Fubara who will continue in the Wike's trajectory of growth, development and progress for Rivers State.

 

Also speaking, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State expressed the hope that Rivers State will continue in their tradition of delivering all PDP candidates as known since 1999.PDP deputy national chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, expressed optimism that the party will win all elective positions in the 2023 general elections.

 

Arapaja commended the G-5 governors for their unwavering commitment to the party.

 

On his part, former governor of Ekiti State Ayodele Fayose urged the national leadership of PDP to use the available time to ensure that true reconciliation was achieved, before it is too late.

 

In his speech, Rivers State PDP governorship candidate, Siminalaye Fubara declared he will consolidate the successes of the Wike's administration in all sectors when elected into office. 

 

"It's a day that we have all decided to support, to consolidate on that New Rivers vision and your support for consolidation of New Rivers vision is SIM."Rivers State PDP chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor described Fubara as educated, young and a technocrat who will take the State from where it is now to another height of prosperity.

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G-5 Wants every PDP Member to be Protected - Ortom

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has declared that the position of the PDP G-5 Governors is to ensure that the interest of all members of the party was protected.Governor Ortom stated this Friday night, November 18th, 2022 in his brief remarks during a state banquet organised by the Rivers State Government in honour of members of the G-5 who are in Port Harcourt to flag-off PDP campaigns in the State ahead of the 2023 polls.

In his words, "Let me reiterate the commitment of the G-5. We are committed to ensuring equity, fairness and justice for all Nigerians. We believe in the rule of law and due process. Whatever is happening in the party now, is for us to ensure that every member of PDP is protected."

The Governor also hinted that the group is not opposed to reconciliation but insisted that "the reconciliation must be based on equity, fairness and justice. Anything less than that will not be accepted by us."

He commended Rivers people for supporting Governor Wike, stating that the Rivers Governor was a bridge builder in the country.

"I want to commend you for standing with our brother Governor Wike and supporting him and giving him the courage and the confidence to be a bridge builder, not just for Rivers State but for our country Nigeria.

"I congratulate him for the numerous works and achievements he has recorded for Rivers people. I also congratulate him for using the commissioning of projects to unite our country Nigeria," Ortom stated.

While appreciating the warm reception and hospitality accorded to them, Governor Ortom particularly thanked Governor Wike and people of Rivers State for identifying with Benue State in trying moments.

According to Ortom, "I also thank you for standing with us at all times. You and Rivers' people for supporting us in times of our distress, speaking for us and standing with us. What I can say as Governor of Benue State is that God will bless you and God will bless Rivers State," he added.

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