A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday sought a no objection letter from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the State Government’s Embedded Power Programme.
Governor Ambode, who led some members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and other critical stakeholders to a meeting at the NERC's headquarters in Abuja, said the embedded power project was designed as his administration's flagship programme for direct intervention in the power value chain towards achieving a 24-hour power for Lagos.
He said the proposed power programme would generate up to 3,000MW of power through accelerated deployment of various power plants in strategic locations across the State by private sector power providers within three to six years.
He noted that Nigerians’ aspiration to create a secured and prosperous nation that is globally competitive will be difficult to achieve without stable power supply.
Governor Ambode posited that while efforts are ongoing to resolve the power crisis, it had become increasingly clear that the problems in the energy sector could no longer be left to the Federal Government alone to solve.
“Embedded power was designed as our flagship programme for direct intervention in the power value chain towards achieving a 24-hour power for Lagos. Lagos State has always demonstrated its capacity and willingness to play a leading role in resolving the power sector challenges in the state, subject to the limit of the federal authority allowed regulations.
“Having succeeded in powering government facilities, the next level of intervention for our government is to collaborate with other stakeholders in the power sector to design and implement a roadmap for uninterrupted power supply to homes and businesses in Lagos State.
“The draft of the Lagos State Embedded Power Bill was finalised in May 2017 and submitted to the National Electricity Regulatory Commission for clearance before same can be forwarded to the State House of Assembly.
“The stakeholders meeting holding today is a continuation of the ongoing engagement between NERC and the Lagos State Government on the Lagos State Embedded Power Programme.
“We are convinced that the offer by our government to deploy the state’s balance sheet in support of power generation, transmission, distribution, gas supply, metering, collection and enforcement in Lagos State will significantly relieve the national grid and free more energy for distribution to other parts of Nigeria.
“The proposed power programme will generate up to 3,000MW of power through accelerated deployment of various power plants in strategic locations across the state by private sector power providers within three to six years.”
He said the State Government would issue guarantees in support of the Power Purchase Agreements that will be signed between the distribution companies and the private sector embedded power providers to enhance bankability of the projects.
He added that the power generated under the programme will be distributed through the networks of Eko and Ikeja Distribution Companies while the state would support the distribution companies in upgrading their distribution infrastructure for embedded power areas in line with NERC guidelines.
“The State Government will support the distribution companies in installation of smart prepaid meters in the areas where embedded power is deployed. We will institute a cost-reflective tariff regime that is fair to all stakeholders, sustainable and capable of attracting private capital to the sector on a continuous basis.
“Other areas of collaboration include support for revenue collection, legislation and establishment of an agency for enforcement of power theft laws in Lagos.
“Our prayer today is to seek the commission’s no objection letter for the Lagos State Embedded Power Programme, based on cost reflective tariff regime that is fair to all parties and capable of unlocking private sector investments into the power sector on a sustainable basis," the Governor said.
Responding, the NERC’s Commissioner in charge of Legal License and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, who stood in for the Commission’s Vice Chairman, promised that the NERC would work with the Lagos State Government to ensure the success of the programme.
“Within the ambit of the law and existing regulations, you have our unflinching support in this project.
“So in response to what you said in your prayers to us, Your Excellency, I reaffirm the support of NERC towards this project. Our commitment is to create a viable electricity industry that works for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“As the laws and regulations permit us, we will work with you on this project to ensure that it does see the light of the day,” Akpaneye promised.
Akpeneye however called the Governor’s attention to some safety issues that concern the state.
He spoke about the right of way, standards and designs, electricity theft as well as customers’ enumeration.
He noted that a situation where the Commission’s record indicates that there are only 1.2million registered electricity customers in Lagos State is not tidy enough when almost all the houses in the state are connected to national grid.
Representatives of both Eko and Ikeja Distribution Companies at the meeting declared their support for the project, saying that it would be detrimental to the progress of Nigeria if they opposed it.
Buhari receives Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Abuja House in LondonBuhari receives Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Abuja House in LondonBuhari receives Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at Abuja House in London
BY PETER DURU MAKURDI – Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has directed a 50 percent slash in the fee for the acquisition of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to enable Benue indigenes acquire the document and use it to access loans for the purpose of doing business.Gov Samuel Ortom
Governor Ortom who stated this today in a radio interactive programme monitored in Makurdi said people with landed property and in need of C of O should be encouraged to acquire same to access loans for investment purposes.
While urging Benue people to explore investment opportunities which abound in the state, the Governor said “the decision would be formalized at the next State Executive Council meeting.”
Speaking on his industrialization drive of his administration, Governor Ortom said “in spite of the current financial challenges, the state is currently collaborating with local and foreign investors to either concession or revive the moribund industries.”
He called on Benue indigenes with the financial wherewithal to come up and take over the affected industries and manage, saying “government is willing to concession them or sell to deserving persons at affordable rates to stimulate the economy.”
The Governor noted that welfare of staff remained his priority, assuring that with the declaration of state of emergency on payment of salaries, all avenues would be explored to clear arrears of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities.
On agriculture, Governor Ortom further encouraged Benue farmers to widen their horizon to include Water Melon, Cucumber and Carrot farming, saying such crops were capable of generating high income for farmers.
He also encouraged Benue farmers to embrace dry season farming, saying “massive clearing of land, timely provision of fertilizer at highly subsidized rates and a secured environment for farmers would be guaranteed for Benue people.”
Governor Ortom while appreciating the support and understanding of Benue people to his administration, promised to redouble his efforts towards developing the state that all would be happy to live in, adding that he would work at jet speed in the remaining part of his first tenure.
By Bose Adelaja Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, has deployed 150 operatives for the annual convention of The Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, which kicks off on Monday.
TRACE Spokes person in a statement said the team from its Akute, Sagamu, Mowe-Ibafo, Ogere, Ikenne and Ogbere Divisional Commands Operational Logistics will man strategic beats and choke points along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway- Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway and the Ijebu-Ode-Ore Expressway..
He also said the team will also be on alert for the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Power Must Change Hand Programme tomorrow (Saturday) and the RCCG’s convention, holding at the Redemption Camp, from Monday to Sunday, 13th August.
He said, TRACE Corps envisage a high volume of human and vehicular traffic, breakdown of ill-maintained vehicles, obstruction and reckless driving by overbearing drivers along these Expressway.
“Nevertheless, the Corps is prepared to meet the challenge these religious activities may likely pose towards effective traffic control and safety of road users.”
While wishing worshippers a rewarding and fruitful religious exercise, TRACE Corps enjoins all motorist plying the axis to be safety consious, avoid driving in a direction prohibited by traffic law, give consideration to other road users and ensure strict compliance to traffic rules and regulations, in the interest of all.
However, for free back calls, in case of emergency situation, motorist plying these Expressway should call these hotlines: 0810 179 2333, 0803 363 2252 and 0803 464 7750.
Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, Friday, paid a personal visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at Abuja House in London.
The Archbishop and President Buhari are friends who share deep respect for each other.
Archbishop Welby said he was delighted to see the rapid recovery President Buhari has made from his health challenges, noting that it was a testimony to the healing powers of God, and answer to prayers of millions of people round the world.
The cleric pledged to continue praying for both President Buhari and Nigeria.
File: President Muhammadu Buhari receives the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby Thursday at Abuja House, London
In his response, the Nigerian President thanked Archbishop Welby, whom he noted had always stood by him at critical times and wished him God's continued grace in his spiritual duty of leading the Anglican Communion worldwide.
When former British Prime Minister, David Cameron described Nigeria as a "fantastically corrupt" country ahead of an anti-corruption summit in London in 2016, Archbishop Welby had retorted: "But this particular President (Buhari) is actually not corrupt."
The Archbishop later personally received the Nigerian President at Lambeth Palace, London, and had also paid a goodwill visit to President Buhari in March this year, during his medical vacation.
Civil rights group, League of Progressive Ambassadors of Nigeria (LEPAN), has called on the National Assembly, NASS, to expose those that stood against the Bill promoting youths’ active participation in politics.
The ‘Not too Young to Run a Bill sought to place the age for a candidate wishing to run for the office of the President at 35; governor at 30; House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly at 25 respectively.
Senate chamber
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, LEPAN president, Chukwudi Anyawuocha; said, "While we commend the Senate for the passage of the Bill and well-meaning Nigerians like Mrs Oby Ekewesili and Mr Reuben Abati, including the youths for their resilience, and plead for the accent of the Bill by the president, we demand that the identity of those that opposed the Bill should be made public for all to see.
"We also appeal that the process to review key national issues should begin. Issues such as restructuring; empowerment of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure fair play in election matters and credibility in area of funding and accountability to be monitored through regulatory bodies like Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC.
"For instance, the amount charged for political aspirants should be reduced to afford people, especially those at the grass root levels the opportunity to be elected. The imposition of candidates should also be removed from the picture." added Ayanwuocha.
On the issue of reviewing the NYSC scheme, Seun Okegbemiro, Publicity Secretary, LEPAN, said: "We are not outrightly demanding for the scrap of the scheme. Rather we seek that it should be reviewed to meet the reality and needs of today. "
Other members of the group present at the event were, Secretary Mr Ifeanyi Obikili, and Legal Adviser, Miss Joke Akinola.
The group also reflected on the current state of the nation, calling on the government to improve security, youth employment and unity through constructive engagement, while demanding for essential reforms that would impact socio-political and economic development in the country.
The Auditor-General for the Federation (AGF), Mr Anthony Ayine on Friday commended "the practical efforts'' of the present NNPC management in ensuring probity, accountability and transparency in its operations.
The AGF gave the commendation in a statement issued by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC's Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division in Abuja.
Ughamadu said the AGF spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to the NNPC.
"I note with delight that he assumed office in July 2016, but he has done quite a number of things worthy of commendation.
"Let me also note with delight that information available to me is that the audited accounts of NNPC that were in arrears are now audited up to Dec. 31, 2014.''
Ayine said the Office of AGF was not only delighted on the significant changes in the corporation but was encouraged by the renewed assurance from the GMD of improved access to enable auditors perform their duty effectively.
He called for improved synergy between the Office of AGF and the oil and gas industry by providing technical exposure and support to auditors.
The statement quoted the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru as saying "transparency and accountability had become a way of life for the management and staff of the corporation''.
Baru said that the era of unpublished or accumulated NNPC audit accounts was over.
"This explains why we publish our operations and financial reports every month so that not only your office but the general public could follow the trail.
" I don't think there is any government institution that has demonstrated this level of transparency,'' Baru said.
According to him, the corporation hopes to conclude the 2015 audited accounts by the end August.
He said that the preparation of the 2016 audited account which began a month ago would be concluded by the end of 2017.
The GMD said NNPC had a mandate to ensure that Nigerians reaped bountifully from the proceeds of its vast hydrocarbon resources.
He said that the management was also willing to always adopt measures that would propel the realisation of the noble objectives of the corporation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NNPC publication, which is available on the corporation's official website, provides an overview of NNPC's operations across the oil and gas value chain (Upstream, Midstream & Downstream).
The report specifically provides detailed and unprecedented statistical insight into crucial aspects of the corporation's activities ranging from National Crude Oil & Natural Gas Production, Lifting and Utilisation.
The Director General on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo has described the Governor as a “gallant democrat” who is “determined to deepen democracy in the state”.
Gov Yahaya Bello
The Media Aide who referred to the “desperation to label the Governor a tyrant as a journey of feebleness”, said the Governor will remain undaunted in pursuing his goals of “building a new Kogi State that offers hope to the citizens and home to the dreams of people who believe in a greater Kogi”.
“Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, alleging that anarchy looms in Kogi State over what he viewed as ‘forced resignation’ of the former Speaker.
“We understand the fact that the President may not know what transpired at the House and should have sought for more information before making such statements publicly. The State Government explained how it has disbursed its Paris Club Refund even before the House of Assembly summoned Officials of the State to give explanations.
“The Accountant General of the State was at the Assembly Complex to render account of how the funds were utilized before the crisis that disrupted plenary on that fateful day. The events that followed the crisis showed that what happened was more of the agitation for the change in leadership of the House by members.
“We therefore take very strong exemption from those uncharitable names given to the Governor by someone holding a highly respected position as the President of the NLC. The Governor had no hand in what transpired on the floor of the House and will continue to guarantee the security of all Kogites”.
Fanwo called on the NLC President to “tone down” his “unwarranted attacks on the Governor of Kogi State”, saying such “derogatory comments are unbecoming of the Office of the NLC President”.
“We shall continue to respect the person of Mr Ayuba Wabba and the Office he holds. But we will also urge the NLC President to shed his impression of the Governor of Kogi State. Kogi State Government will continue to partner with labor for the development of the state”.
He urged the NLC President to visit Kogi State on facts finding in order to properly “understand the issues of workers’ welfare and accountability”, insisting that no State Government in Nigeria today is more transparent than Kogi State.
A mass grave with the remains of 40 bodies believed to be civilians killed by Islamic State, has been found in Iraq's western city of Ramadi, a state media reported, citing a local official.
"The remains were decomposed and showed signs of gunshot wounds to the skull.
"They belonged to civilians probably executed by Daesh,'' Amar Nuri, an official in the western province of Anbar told the news website, using an Arabic acronym for the extremist group.
However, he did not state when the grave was unearthed.
Ramadi, the capital city of Anbar, was recaptured from Islamic State in December 2015.
In recent months, Iraq has unearthed mass graves of people thought to have been killed by Islamic State in several areas of the country.
In July, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi officially announced victory over Islamic State in Mosul, the group's last key stronghold in Iraq, after battling the hard-line militia there for nearly nine months.
Report said Islamic State still controls territories in Iraq, including areas south and west of Mosul.
The Secretary, Agency for the Welfare of Persons With Disabilities, in Ondo State, Mrs Olutope Fashuyi, on Friday said the state government will soon commence the distribution of free eye glasses and sun protection cream to albinos .
Fashuyi, who stated this during eye tests for albinos in Akure, said Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has already approved the scheme.
According to her the distribution will start immediately the on going screening was concluded.
She said that the albino group had been neglected for too long, hence they deserved to be given a sense of belonging.
"This kind gesture of the governor is to ameliorate the pains of these special people and prevent them from having skin cancer, sun burns and freckles usually caused by the scorching sun.
" We urge parents and guardians of albinos to bring them immediately for eye test at the agency's office at the Ondo State Development and Property Corporation .
" There is assurance that eye glasses and sun protection creams will be distributed when the eye test is completed," she said.
Fashuyi appealed to albinos in the state to take advantage of the opportunity which , she said , was the first of its kind since the creation of the state.
The Ghanaian government on Friday dispelled reports that the country was facing imminent terrorist attacks.
According to the Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid, the Ministry for National Security has said Ghana faces no known terrorist attack at the moment and remains safe.
Local media reports were awash with stories of security alerts released by the UK, Canada and other governments indicating terror on the West African country.
However, Ghana's national security said the alerts are only standard cautions and do not represent any specific known terrorism threats to the nation.
"Through collaborative and intelligence sharing with international allies, the nation's security agencies will be aware if there's a known threat in the offing,'' the statement read.
Hamid, however, has assured the public that there is no cause for alarm.
The Senate has directed the Police to arrest chief executives of 30 firms, including Crown Flour Mills and Glo Mobile, for failing to appear before its committee probing national revenue loss.
The companies are alleged to have been involved in the N30 trillion-revenue believed to have been lost by the country in its maritime sector.
The other companies are British American Tobacco, CCECC, Dana Group, Olam Int. Ltd., Hong Xing Steel Co. Ltd., Visafone, African Wire, Star Comments and Allied Ltd. and Aarti Steel Nig. Ltd.
Others are Abyem-Diva Int. Ltd., Gagasel Int., Friesland Capina, Etco Nig., Edic Chemicals and Allied Distributors, De United Foods, Don Climax Group, Skill G Nig. Ltd., Premium Seafood and La Rauf Nig. Ltd.
Also involved are Standard Metallurgical Co. Ltd., Kam Industries, IBG Investment Ltd., Orazulike Trading Co. Ltd., Popular Foods Ltd., A-Kelnal Integrated & Logistics Services, African Industries, African Tiles & Ceramics and ZTE Nigeria.
The Senate Joint Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff and Marine Transport, handling the investigation had invited 63 firms accused of complicity in the scam but only 33 honoured the invitation.
The order to arrest the companies' officials was announced by Chairman of the committee, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, at the committee's meeting on Friday in Abuja.
He said the refusal of the officials to honour the invitation in spite of several reminders was disrespect for the National Assembly.
Uzodinma warned that the 8th Senate would not tolerate such behaviour from anybody or institution, particularly in the present situation that involved Federal Government funds.
According to him, investigations carried out by the joint committee showed several forms of infractions that have cost the country huge amount of money in revenue loss.
He said such development in a country currently in recession was a disservice to it.
"It is no longer going to be business as usual.
"We have directed the Nigeria Police to arrest the heads of the firms and bring them before us.
"If we can suspend our recess as lawmakers to see to the end of this investigation, I see no reason why the firms that have been indicted will not come to defend themselves," he said.
The chairman asked the firms that honoured the invitation to go through the documents given to them and return next week for defence.
The Senate had mandated the joint committee to carry out extensive investigation into alleged N30 trillion revenue leakages in the import and export value chain between 2006 and 2017.
The committee had already interfaced with commercial banks indicted in the matter as well as relevant government agencies.
Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki, his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole and Prof Itse Sagay, Chairman Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, on Friday, re-emphasised the need for the country to remain united.
They canvassed this position at the 20th Wole Soyinka Annual Lecture Series in Benin, against the backdrop of the current call in some quarters for restructuring of the country.
The trio, however, said that there was the need to restructure some aspects of the polity.
The theme of the event organized by the national association of SEAGODS in Benin, the Edo capital was 'Nigeria State in the Aftermath of the Centenary prospect for its indivisibility.'
Obaseki, who chaired the occasion, said the country's unity was not negotiable and expressed optimism that would become great and prosperous again.
The governor said that the country needed the right leadership at all levels of government for her to have accelerated growth and development.
''The question of whether Nigeria has come to stay is a non issue. I guess what is challenging us today is the sort of country we should create for ourselves''
He noted that his administration was making efforts to ensure good leadership and provide opportunity for youth empowerment.
He commended the organisers of the lecture series and the choice of topic, describing it as apt and timely.
Oshhiomhole, who was the guest lecturer, said that what should be paramount in the minds of Nigerians was how to keep the country united and viable.
He said what needed to be urgently addressed was the socio-economic structure and the seeming challenge of bad leadership which has corruption at its core.
''it is not in our interest to be thinking of dividing after 103 years of our existence as a nation.
''It is not a viable conversation that having lived this long together, we should divide. Rather, we should think of ways of doing things differently for better results''.
Oshiomhole condemned wasteful spending by some government officials and noted that resources should be properly channeled to improving the standard of living of the masses.
''The structural issue in the country needs to be addressed. This entails the issue of the very rich structure and the very poor structure,'' he said.
He said that the citizenry should restructure their attitude, character and value system as well as manage resources well so that the country would be able to take care of the poor.
On his part, Sagay said true federalism would promote good governance in the country, pointing out that present allocation formula was not ideal.
He said states should be allowed to control their mineral resources to avoid their over dependence on monthly allocation from the Federal Government.
The presidential advisory committee chairman said that the current structure had prevented states carrying out their responsibilities.
He said states should be allowed to control their mineral resources to avoid their over dependence on monthly allocation from the Federal Government.
He questioned ''why should the centre have all the resources and states be impoverished?
Mr Matthew Kolawole, the Speaker, Kogi House of Assembly, has pledged to strengthen democracy and good governance in the state through an all-inclusive and open-door administration.
The 52-year-old speaker made the pledge when he spoke with journalists in Lokoja on Friday.
Kolawole said the change being witnessed by the House of Assembly was for the advancement of the state aimed at attracting more dividends of democracy to the people.
He said that the state legislature under his leadership would work closely with the executive to facilitate the speedy actualisation of dividends of democracy to the people.
"I promise to run an open-door policy and solicit the support and cooperation of honourable members.
"Our collective resolve to put the interest of the state and our constituents, far above any other considerations, is an exhibition of statesmanship.
''Together we shall work to deliver good legislation and people-driven government," he said.
Kolawole (Kabb-Bunu APC) expressed gratitude to his colleagues for electing him as the 12th Speaker of the Assembly.
He said, "You have demonstrated to the world that this honourable House has the wherewithal to resolve issues, however contentious and whenever they may arise.''
The new speaker promised to leave an accountable, focused, progressive and united House, capable of playing stabilising factor in the politics of the state.
Newsmen report that Kolawole, who was born on May 5, 1965, started his primary education in at Ayede-Bunu in 1973 and completed it at Ayeh-Gbede in 1978.
He proceeded to Baptist Commercial Secondary School also at Ayeh-Gbede and completed his secondary education in 1987.
Kolawole also attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin where he obtained National Diploma (ND) in 1993,HND in 1996 and Post Graduate Diploma (PGD),in 2004, all in Business Administration.
He started as an Event Manager, organising different events and programmes, especially, sporting activities and got elected into the state House of Assembly in 2015.
Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, on Friday, paid a personal visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at Abuja House, London, where he expressed delight over the president's rapid recovery.
This information is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
According to Adesina, the Archbishop and President Buhari are friends, who share deep respect for each other.
Archbishop Welby said he was delighted to see the rapid recovery President Buhari had made from his health challenges, noting that it was "a testimony to the healing powers of God, and answer to prayers of millions of people round the world.''
The cleric pledged to continue praying for both President Buhari and Nigeria.
In his response, the Nigerian President thanked Archbishop Welby, whom he noted had always stood by him at critical times, and wished him God's continued grace in his spiritual duty of leading the Anglican Communion worldwide.
It will be recalled The Archbishop personally received the Nigerian President at Lambert Palace, London in 2016 when he attended an international conference on corruption.
Welby also paid a goodwill visit to President Buhari in March this year, during his medical vacation.
The president left Abuja for London on May 7 for follow-up on his medical checks.
British boxers Amir Khan and Anthony Joshua became embroiled in an explosive Twitter spat on Friday after Khan appeared to accuse Joshua of having a relationship with his wife.
Khan and Joshua
Khan, who is currently on holiday in Dubai, said he was splitting up with his American wife, Faryal Makhdoom Khan, and suggested she had got together with Joshua.
Joshua, the reigning world heavyweight champion, and Makhdoom both responded by denying the accusations, with Makhdoom accusing Khan of being unfaithful.
“Faryal moved on quick,” Khan wrote on Twitter. “Always mentioned to me how much she wanted to be with another guy, from all people another boxer @anthonyfjoshua.”
In subsequent tweets, former light-welterweight champion Khan added: “Left my family and friends for this Faryal. I’m not hurt but another fighter. I’m making it public. You getting the divorce #Golddigger.
“Mans like Joshua can have my left overs!”
Makhdoom, a model, hit back: “Accusing other boxers just because your boxing career is finished. Man up amir.
“After all these years. I’ve always defending (sic) a cheat, always stuck around for him, always had his back. And I’m called a gold digger?”
Joshua responded by posting a clip of the song ‘It Wasn’t Me’ by Shaggy, in which the protagonist tries to dodge accusations of infidelity.
He added: “Bantz (banter) aside, I hope you guys can resolve your situation or this is a hack as we have never even met! Plus I like my women BBW (Big Beautiful Women) #ItWasntMe.”
Khan and his wife have a history of airing their dirty linen in public.
Last year Makhdoom, 26, took to another social media forum, snapchat, to blast Khan’s family, accusing them of abusing and bullying her.
Khan, 30, responded by telling his wife and family to try harder to get along.
But he and Makhdoom also appeared on British daytime television in January to discuss rumours about his infidelity and a sex tape he appeared in.
Some northern youths and members of the Arewa coalition are currently in a meeting with some Ndigbo in Kano over the quit notice issued to all Nigerians of Igbo extraction living in the 19 northern states to vacate the region before October 1st by Arewa Youths.
Reports indicate that representatives of Ndigbo in all the northern states including the leaders and members of the Arewa youths are in the meeting.
Outcome of the on-going meeting is yet to be out.
Arewa youths, Ndigbo currently in meeting In Kano over quit notice
However, the meeting is coming barely 24 hours after the Arewa group said it's earlier eviction order stands.
Just yesterday, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (ACF) said the quit notice it Ndigbo to vacate all northern states before October 1st stands.
It also said that it had sent what it termed all the atrocities of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the United Nations, UN.
Chairman of the forum, Nastura Shariff who was in the company of the National President of Arewa Consultative Youth Forum, Shettima Yerima, while speaking to newsmen in Kano on Thursday, said that at no point in time did the group recant on it's earlier injunction.
Government has arrested the finance minister and 40 others over allegations of corruption and embezzlement of state funds.
Ethiopian state minister for finance, Alemayehu Gujo, was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement of government funds, state-run television said on Friday.
The arrest was part of an anti-graft drive that the government said has led to dozens of arrests in the last two weeks.
Alemayehu Gujo: Ethiopia's finance minister arrested
Alemayehu Gujo is the highest-ranking official to have been detained so far in the sweep that has also involved business owners.
Friday's arrest followed the detention of more than 40 officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation, the capital's housing development agency, the state-run Ethiopian Sugar Corporation, and the Ethiopian Roads Authority.
Charges brought so far include embezzlement and the siphoning off of billions of birr.
Zayed Woldegabriel, Director General of the Ethiopian Roads Authority, was also detained on Friday, the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) said.
In an emergency session, Ethiopia's House of People's Representatives lifted Gujo's immunity from prosecution, the EBC said in a breaking news announcement.
"A warrant was then issued and led to his arrest," the broadcaster said, citing the Attorney General's Office.
The anti-corruption drive is partly a response to unrest that wrecked the Horn of Africa country in 2015 and 2016 and which was sparked by a scheme to development and expand the capital, Addis Ababa. The protests turned into broader anti-government demonstrations over politics and human rights abuses.
The violence included attacks on businesses, many of them foreign-owned, including farms growing flowers for export.
The government subsequently acknowledged that maladministration and abuse of power was rife and that it needed to broaden political participation.
On Friday, it lifted a 10-month state of emergency that was imposed in the wake of the unrest.
A top politician in the United Progressive People (UPP) party has been arrested for allegedly abusing the President.
Police arrested Zambian opposition leader, Saviour Chishimba on Thursday and said he would be charged with defaming President Edgar Lungu, an offence that carries a maximum five-year prison term.
Officers did not say how Chishimba, the head of the United Progressive People (UPP) party, had defamed the president.
Zambia President, Edgar Lungu
Chishimba hit the headlines in July criticizing Lungu's decision to impose emergency powers and suggesting the president should go to hospital for mental tests.
Political tensions in Zambia, once seen as one of Africa's more stable and functional democracies, have been rising since main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema was arrested on treason charges in April.
Lungu said on July 6 that he had invoked emergency powers to deal with "acts of sabotage" by his political opponents, after fire gutted the southern African country's biggest market.
The president said the measure would safeguard investments in Africa's second-biggest copper producer which is in talks with the International Monetary Fund over a financial aid package.
Police said Chishimba's offence took place between July 1-8.
"He has since been detained in police custody and will be charged once the officers are done with processes," police spokeswoman Esther Mwaata-Katongo said.
The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has said that presidential assent was an unnecessary addition to the process of amendment of the Constitution.
He told newsmen in Abuja that it was with conviction on that, that the 8th National Assembly approved the removal of presidential assent to an amended constitution.
The 7th Assembly had in 2015, while reviewing the 1999 Constitution, approved the removal of presidential assent from the process of the amendment.
Bukola Saraki
But, the then president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, refused assent to the amendment because of the removal of the clause contained in Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
Jonathan had insisted that the amendment would have been valid if supported by votes of not less than four-fifth majority of all the members of each chamber of the National Assembly.
In addition, he said that it also ought to have been approved by a resolution of the House of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the states as provided by Section 9 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.
However, Saraki said that going by the process of amending the Constitution, the final decision of federal and state legislatures should be seen as the decision of the people.
"Well, to me, if two-thirds of the National Assembly agrees to something and two-thirds of the state assemblies also agree, in my view, the President should accept that as the wish of the people.
"Does he really need to assent? Personally, I don't think so; that is my personal view, because with two-third of National Assembly, two-third of states' assemblies, the people have spoken," he said.
Saraki added that the senate would follow up on the amendment process in the states to ensure that there was wide consultation and sensitisation.
