Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

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…

Belgium’s football federation on Friday announced Frenchman Rudi Garcia as the new national team coach, after the sacking of Domenico Tedesco. The federation said they would formally introduce the 60-year-old former Napoli, Lyon and Roma boss to the press at an event later in the day.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday his administration would appeal a federal judge’s ruling that temporarily blocks his attempt to restrict birthright citizenship. “Obviously we will appeal it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about the ruling by Washington state District Judge John Coughenour, who said the president’s order was “blatantly unconstitutional.” A federal judge on Thursday put a temporary block on Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship. The ruling imposes a 14-day stay on the enforcement of one of the most controversial executive orders Trump signed in the hours after he was sworn into office for…

US authorities arrested 538 illegal migrants and deported hundreds in a mass operation just days into President Donald Trump’s second administration, his press secretary said late Thursday. “The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals,” Karoline Leavitt said in a post on social platform X, adding “hundreds” were deported by military aircraft. “The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept,” she said. Trump promised a crackdown on illegal immigration during the election campaign and began his second term with a flurry of executive actions aimed at overhauling entry to the United States. He has…

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF), has neutralised kidnappers of the wife of the retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Hakeem Odumosu, and recovered ransom. Mrs. Odumosu was kidnapped from her residence in the Arepo, Obafemi/Owode local government area of Ogun State on Friday by four heavily armed men. The kidnappers were said to have stormed the home of the Odumosus, shooting sporadically. Mrs. Odumosu was about to enter her home when they dragged her from her LEXUS Jeep, and took her through swampy areas to an unknown location. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who revealed through a statement said:…