Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

US President Donald Trump said Monday he had signed an executive order ridding the military of what he called “transgender ideology,” in a potentially major setback for LGBTQ rights. In a series of orders related to the military that Trump told reporters he had signed on Air Force One, he also called for the building of a US version of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system. The Republicans signed further orders reinstating service members dismissed for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine and extending a wider government crackdown on diversity programs to the armed forces. “To ensure that we have…

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) , Peter Obi has said described Nigeria’s democracy as “fast losing its essence” as a result of deep-necked poverty ravaging the country. Obi, who disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Monday said the number of Nigerians living in poverty is alarming, a situation which he said democracy was supposed to address. He said, “With about 100 million Nigerians living in absolute poverty and 150 million in multidimensional poverty, democracy is fast losing its essence if it fails to address the fundamental needs of its citizens, particularly in critical…

The Court of Appeal, Akure division, Ondo State, on Thursday upheld the death sentence of a popular hotelier and industrialist, Rahmon Adedoyin, over the murder of Timothy Adegoke. The appellate court, which upheld the judgment of the High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, affirmed that Adedoyin was properly convicted by the lower court. However, Judge Oyebisi Omoleye quashed the judgment of the lower court on the forfeiture of his property to the state government, as well as the judgment mandating Adedoyin to be responsible for the education of the children of the deceased. The judgment read in part: “The judgment…

Ruben Amorim says he does not know if unsettled Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford will leave Old Trafford before the transfer window closes. Rashford has not featured for 10 games after Amorim made the shock move to drop him for United’s derby win at Manchester City in December. The 27-year-old responded to his omission by saying he was ready for a “new challenge”, sparking reports that he would be sold by United before the end of the current transfer period on February 3. Linked with AC Milan, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, Rashford remains in exile, with United boss Amorim…

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has taken steps to tackle the menace of illegal revenue collection, denying the state huge financial benefits. The House, led by the Speaker, Abraham Ingobere, convened a plenary session on Wednesday to address critical issues surrounding illegal revenue collection. A motion sponsored and moved by Daniel Charles, representing Brass Constituency 1, on the “Urgent Call to Halt Unwholesome Activities of Dangerous Illegal Revenue Collection at Swali Waterside Jetty and Other Transport Terminals Across the State” was thoroughly discussed at the plenary. Daniel stated that due to the absence of road networks connecting many local…

The World Health Organization said Friday it was reviewing its priorities in preparation for the withdrawal of its largest donor the US, and stressed that it provides vital services that protect the country from health threats. Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the WHO, a body he has repeatedly criticised over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. “This announcement has made our financial situation more acute, and we know it has created significant concern and uncertainty for the WHO workforce,” the organisation’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a letter sent to…

Kenya will now permit citizens of nearly all African countries to visit without requiring prior authorisation.   According to a BBC report, Kenya will now permit citizens of nearly all African countries to visit without requiring prior authorization, as per a new directive from the cabinet. A cabinet statement clarified that the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement will be abolished for all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, citing security concerns. Under the revised system, citizens of most African nations will be allowed to enter and stay visa-free for up to two months. Additionally, members of the East African Community—comprising…

Mikel Arteta reiterated Friday that Arsenal are actively looking to sign a striker, admitting they “lack options” as the clock ticks down towards the end of the January transfer window. Serious injuries to forwards Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka have added to concerns over Arsenal’s lack of goalscoring threat as they try to chase down Premier League leaders Liverpool. The Gunners are the only club in the Premier League’s top six without a goalscorer in double figures — Kai Havertz has eight in the English top flight this season. Arsenal manager Arteta was asked about the need for reinforcements ahead…

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes said the club’s fans should not lower their expectations despite the Red Devils struggles this season, particularly at Old Trafford. Fernandes rescued his side with a stoppage time winner to beat an under-strength Rangers 2-1 on Thursday and close in on direct passage to the Europa League last 16. United had lost four of their previous five home games, which prompted manager Ruben Amorim to declare his side “the worst” in the club’s storied history. “At this club, you need to win every game, you know that if you don’t win games here it is…

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has commended the Nigeria Police Force for their efforts in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumusu, the wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumusu, who was recently kidnapped. In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the rescue operation was successfully carried out within a week. The mission resulted in the safe release of the victim, unharmed, alongside the neutralisation of some kidnappers, the recovery of weapons, and the retrieval of ransom paid. Peter Obi, in a statement via X on Friday, praised the professionalism displayed by…