Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration will uphold democratic principles, including the right to protest, but will not condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property. “In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” Tinubu stated when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the exchange at…

The Anambra State Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has called off its indefinite industrial action following a meeting with Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The decision was made on Thursday, July 25, at the Judiciary headquarters in Awka during the Union’s Congress. The suspension was announced via a circular signed by JUSUN’s state chairman, Comrade Henry Ezeoke, and the Secretary, Comrade Nwezi Ugochukwu, and was distributed to reporters. The circular was also circulated to all Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars, and staff of the Anambra State Judiciary. The statement read: “Sequel to the meeting held between the Governor of…

Actor Kelvin Ikeduba has revealed that he would have become a drug baron if he had not pursued a career in the movie industry. During an appearance on Hip TV‘s “Trending” program, Ikeduba gave this surprising response when host Pascal inquired about his alternative career path: “I would be a drug baron if I wasn’t an actor.” Active in Nollywood since 2000, Kevin Ikeduba is renowned for his versatility and talent, often recognized for his portrayal of notorious criminals in films.

A UK police officer was suspended on Thursday after a video circulating online appeared to show an officer kicking and stamping a man’s head while making an arrest. Greater Manchester Police in northwest England said an officer was “suspended from all duties” after a review of the incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday. The video, which has circulated online, has caused public outrage. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog said it was independently investigating the “level of force” used by the police officer involved who was suspended. “We appreciate the footage which was shared on social media has…

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting traditional rulers at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. Leading the delegation of royal fathers are the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The meeting began at about 2:30 pm when the President arrived at the Council Chamber. Although the agenda of Thursday’s meeting is unknown, it may be related to growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled for August 1 – 10, 2024. ‘EndBadGovernance,’ have gained significant traction on social media, even though the organisers remain largely anonymous, with no group officially…

A former Liverpool striker, Stan Collymore, has issued a warning to Kylian Mbappe as the French star joins Real Madrid. Drawing from his own experience as a high-profile signing at Liverpool, Collymore advised Mbappe to approach his new role with humility. Collymore, who was once a British record transfer to Liverpool, shared his insights with CaughtOffside on Thursday. He stressed the importance of Mbappe navigating the dressing room dynamics carefully, stating, “They (Real Madrid players) won’t really care that he (Mbappe) was a Real Madrid fan as a kid or that he had Cristiano Ronaldo posters on his wall.” The…

The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the State Government, through its relevant agencies, to stop the activities of migrants engaged in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango in Boki Local Government Area. The lawmakers made the resolution on Thursday in Calabar, sequel to a matter of urgent Public Importance on the encroachment of Fulanis in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango communities in Boki LGA, sponsored by the Member representing Boki 1 State Constituency, Bette Obi. Leading debate on the matter, Obi who is the Chairman House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, disclosed…

The Progressives Governors’ Forum has begged Nigerians to exercise restraint, saying it acknowledged that the ongoing reforms and economic policies of President Bola Tinubu are experiencing a teething challenge. The governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, however, expressed conviction that the nation would pull through. Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting on Wednesday night, the Chairman of the PGF and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, appealed to Nigerian youths to snub the planned demonstration and allow the president to fix the country. He said, “We have looked at the various policies of this government, and we…

The pilot and sole survivor of a plane crash in Nepal’s capital was recovering in hospital after a miraculous escape from an accident that killed 18 others, aviation officials said Thursday. Nepal has a woeful track record on aviation safety and the Himalayan republic has seen a spate of deadly light plane and helicopter crashes over the decades. A Bombardier CRJ 200 plane operated by Saurya Airlines crashed at Kathmandu airport on Wednesday just as it was beginning its 20-minute flight to the tourism hub Pokhara for a maintenance review. Gyanendra Bhul of the Civil Aviation Authority told AFP that…

French rapper Naps must face trial for rape, an investigating magistrate has ruled, after allegedly assaulting a woman in her sleep in 2021. The rapper from the Mediterranean city Marseille, whose best-known track “La kiffance” has racked up over 186 million views on YouTube, contests all of the charges “as firmly as possible”, his lawyer Nabil Boudi told AFP on Wednesday. Boudi added that he had appealed the order for a trial in Paris, which prosecutors said was filed on May 15. A young woman filed a criminal complaint in October 2021 against Naps, saying she and friends shared a…