William Ruto has been announced winner of the Kenya Presidential elections, following the final election result that was just announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Ruto polled 7,176,141 (50.49 percent) of the votes, to defeat his closest rival, Raila Odinga, who got 6,942,930 votes (48.85 percent) in his bid to become the fifth president of Kenya.

Election commissioner ruling ‘invalid’: Odinga spokesman

Raila Odinga spokesman Makau Mutua described the electoral commission chairperson’s announcement as “invalid because he had no quorum of commissioners to hold a plenary and make such a weighty decision”.

Complainants have seven days to submit a petition to challenge the election result in the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, Odinga’s running mate Martha Karua, a former justice minister, tweeted: “It is not over until it is over.”

Fires on streets of Kibera as William Ruto declared winner

Tyres were set on fire and people came out onto the streets of Kibera on Monday as Kenya’s electoral commission declared Deputy President Ruto the winner of the much-anticipated presidential election.

Al Jazeera correspondent Eromo Egbejule said him, their fixer and another local journalist had to leave Kibera on a motorbike as a result of the unrest, with people cautioning them not to take certain routes as some protestors had started robbing at the scene.

Ruto defeated five-time contender Raila Odinga winning 7.1 million votes, while Odinga secured 6.9 million.

William Ruto praises election commission

President-elect William Ruto in his acceptance speech says  “the hero” of the election was the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission or IEBC, praising the election commission for their conduct during the election.

“I say this with conviction that IEBC amazed all of us with results in public portal,” he added.

Kenya president-elect William Ruto pledges to work with ‘all leaders’

Kenya’s president-elect William Ruto has pledged to work with “all leaders” as he was declared winner of a closely-fought poll, attempting to ease tensions after the outcome sparked a split in the election commission and fears of violence.

“There is no room for vengeance,” Ruto said, adding, “I am acutely aware that our country is at a stage where we need all hands on deck.”

Source
https://latestnews.ng/kenya-election-result-william-ruto-wins-presidential-election/
Latest News Nigeria

FBI raids Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Home, break into his safe

FBI raids Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Home, break into his safe: The FBI has raided the Mar-a-Logo home of Former US President Donald Trump, as part of an ongoing investigation into the handling of Presidential documents that may have been brought to the Mar-a-Lago home of the former President in Florida.

In a statement released by Donald Trump, the former US president confirmed the raid on his home also alleging that the operatives broke into his safe during the raid.

His statement read in part:

“These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents. Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before,” he said in statement Monday night.

“After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate.”

It is unclear what the raid is for, what kind of warrant is being executed and what agents are seeking.

Trump said: “It is prosecutorial misconduct, the weaponization of the Justice System, and an attack by Radical Left Democrats who desperately don’t want me to run for President in 2024, especially based on recent polls, and who will likewise do anything to stop Republicans and Conservatives in the upcoming Midterm Elections.

“Such an assault could only take place in broken, Third-World Countries.

“Sadly, America has now become one of those countries, corrupt at a level not seen before.

“They even broke into my safe! What is the difference between this and Watergate, where operatives broke into the Democrat National Committee? Here, in reverse, Democrats broke into the home of the 45th President of the United States.”

It’s unclear if Trump was at his Florida home when the raid took place. He was in Texas over the weekend.

He usually spends August at his golf club in Bedminister, N.J. Photos posted to social media show him there on Sunday, posing with a newly-engaged couple.

Details later…

Source
https://latestnews.ng/fbi-raids-donald-trumps-mar-a-lago-home-break-into-his-safe/

Fire Guts Delta Market, Traders Count Losses: A popular market at the Warri Miller Waterside has caught fire, and traders have begun to count their losses.

The market, which is close to the Nigeria Ports Authority in the Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, caught fire on Wednesday, destroying goods and property worth millions of naira.

The traders have now called on the state government and security agencies to investigate the source and cause of the fire, especially as the market keeps experiencing similar incidents.

Witnesses said many houses and properties were destroyed in the fire disaster, adding that the inferno raged for several hours before the intervention of firefighters from the State Fire Service.

It was the second time within this year the popular Warri Miller Waterside was hit by fire disasters.

Most of the affected traders and shop owners were thrown into confusion as they counted their losses and tried to salvage what was left.

One of the affected shop owners, who identified himself as Lazarus Mbanefo, stated that he lost goods worth N5million to the inferno while lamenting how he would restart his life.
Another trader, who simply called herself Mama Ngozi, told newsmen that she just equipped her shop and everything went up in flames.

A cross section of the traders appealed to the state government and relevant security agencies to take action to prevent another repeat.

Although the cause of Wednesday night’s fire had yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, some traders blamed the periodic fire incidents at the Miller Waterside on the activities of illegal oil bunkers.

Consequently, they want the state government and relevant security agencies to take action to prevent a recurrence.

Also, residents of the area who spoke with newsmen called on the government to urgently swing into action by probing deep into the root causes of the recurring fire incident.

The police public relations officer for the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, could not be reached for comments on the inferno.

Source.
https://latestnews.ng/fire-guts-delta-market-traders-count-losses/

Insecurity: Ortom Unveils New Security Outfit in Benue, Purchases Weapons: Samuel Ortom, the incumbent Benue State Governor, has on Thursday, August 4, unveiled the state’s new security outfit.

This security outfit is known as the Community Volunteer Guards, with the aim of helping the state fight against rampaging insecurity.

He pledged that his administration would legally procure AK-47, AK-49, and other sophisticated weapons for the group.

Ortom said that 500 personnel drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state were recruited in the first batch.

The new recruits were unveiled during the passing out parade held at IBB Square, Makurdi.

The governor said that his administration decided to constitute the security outfit due to the failure of federal government to disarm the fulani terrorists.

Ortom said, “Benue State has been especially targeted because of the historic episode of 1804, but also because my administration’s insistence on the Rule of Law rather than rule of terror and for always standing with my people in their refusal to surrender their land, identity and Judeo-Christian faith and values to the Islamization agenda.

“Given the fact that the Federal Government has consistently failed to disarm the Fulani terrorists who have continued to maim and kill our people at will, the State Government is going to apply for a License to legally procure AK47, AK49 and other sophisticated weapons for the Benue State Volunteers Guards to enable them tackle these murderous terrorists effectively.

“To do this effectively, the Benue State Government had approved a two-week capacity building programme for Five Hundred (500) personnel of the Community Volunteer Guards to learn some basic paramilitary aspects. The training which began on 29th June, 2022 with five hundred (500) participants drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas and the three Senatorial Districts ended on 12th July, 2022.

“A date for the Batch 2 would also be announced as soon as possible.”

The governor expressed optimism that the unveiling of security outfit will improve the state, stressing, “The issue of banditry, kidnapping, robbery, and most of all, the issue of terrorists Fulani herdsmen attack would be reduced to the barest minimum.”

He assured that operations of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards would be strictly guided by the law and warned that any personnel found operating outside the said Law would be shown the way out forthwith.

Thirty operational vehicles and 200 Communication gadgets were procured to enable the Volunteer Guards function maximally.

Source.
https://latestnews.ng/insecurity-ortom-unveils-new-security-outfit-in-benue-purchases-weapons/

Nigerians Brace for Hard Times As Kerosene Hits N800/Litre: Things have apparently fallen apart, and the center can no longer hold as the gap between the middle class and poor widens.

As global markets adjust to rising petrol and gas prices, kerosene, formerly the succor of the poor, makes a huge leap to N800 per litre.

Market surveys reveal that one litre of cooking kerosene, sold for N700 last week, now sells for between N800 and N850 in urban parts of Lagos State, while the price has hit as high as N1000 per litre in suburb areas at filling stations.

In Ghana, the price of a litre of cooking kerosene currently sells for GHS 12.044 (N585) per litre.

Unlike petrol, kerosene is a deregulated product- meaning prices are determined by market forces.

“It’s a deregulated market. It is also a function of the dollar to naira rate and the crude price at the international market. Since cooking kerosene is deregulated, prices can go up, it can also come down,” National Operations Controller, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Mike Osatuyi told The PUNCH.

As of June, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS, had reported an 88 per cent rise in prices of cooking kerosene and Liquefied Petroleum Gas within in one year.

According to the NBS report on “National Household Kerosene Price Watch,” the price of cooking kerosene went up by 86.94 per cent in one year.
The report also said that the average retail price per litre of household kerosene, HHK, paid by consumers in May 2022 increased by 15.21 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N589.82 in April 2022 to N679.54 in May 2022.

The state profile analysis showed that the highest average price per litre in May 2022 was recorded in Enugu with N868.75, followed by Ebonyi with N861.11 and Imo with N801.67. On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Bayelsa with N558.06, followed by Yobe with N601.39, and Nasarawa with N603.33.

In addition, the South-East recorded the highest average retail price per litre of household kerosene with N773.09, followed by the South-West with N738.19, and the North-Central with N668.78, while the North-East reported the lowest with N632.06.

An energy expert, Bala Zakka, while speaking in an exclusive chat with our correspondent, attributed the sharp increase in the price of the products to Nigeria’s continued inability to refine petroleum products for local consumption.

Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers’ Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN, Olufemi Adewole, told The PUNCH in an interview that the reason behind the continuous rise in prices of cooking kerosene was the exchange rate.

“Cooking kerosene is deregulated so prices depend on foreign exchange. A dollar is now N700 from N600 just last month, so prices will surely increase,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Clement Isong, could not be reached for his comment on the matter as at the time of filing this report.

Source.
https://latestnews.ng/nigerians-brace-for-hard-times-as-kerosene-hits-n800-litre/

Pregnant Woman, Newborn Die While Fleeing Bandits in Kaduna

Pregnant Woman, Newborn Die While Fleeing Bandits in Kaduna: A pregnant woman and her newborn have died while running from terrorists’ attack in Damari town, Kazage ward of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna state. The woman who gave birth while fleeing was reported to have died alongside the newborn baby shortly after delivery.

The rampaging terrorists who besieged the community on Sunday were reported to have abducted 50 people during the attack.

The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU), disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Kaduna.

The statement signed by Ishaq Kasai, chairman of BEPU, said the incident occurred on Sunday when the terrorists surrounded the community an unleash mayhem on residents.

He said in the last five days, BEPU had been alerting relevant authorities and the general public of the heartless attacks by terrorists in Damari, following the withdrawal of Ansaru, a splinter group of Boko Haram, from the area.

According to the statement, the persistent attacks on the community “in the last 72 hours had reached a catastrophic situation.”

The statement said, “As at yesterday (Sunday) bandits encircled Damari and abducted about 50 people, before and after troops from military field-base in Dogon-Dawa, went to the town and escorted some remnants of the residents who were willing to move to comfort zones in neighbouring communities and even to as far away Zaria.

“The most worrisome situation is where a pregnant woman was running away along side her colleagues and was left by the fleeing groups and she fell down and delivered a baby boy but unfortunately, both the mother and the baby lost their lives instantly.”

Kasai said, Damari is considered as the largest town in the entire Eastern part of Birnin-Gwari.
He said about 20,000 people, including women and children have been displaced by the incessant attacks in the area.

“Even today, the bandits returned to the town unchallenged, burnt a vehicle, kidnapped scores, intercepted and maltreated people, a development that reflects the level of serious security situation facing our community.

“This calamitous attrocities of armed bandits have made, Damari, an agrarian community that yearly produced over 600 tonnes of maize grains abandoned their ancestral homes and farms for safety”, the statement said.

It added that, “BEPU is highly concerned with the ugly situation of the citizens of Birnin-Gwari LGA, particularly those in the local communities whereby despite all efforts to draw the attention of higher authorities for action as entails in the constitutional, has failed.

The statement sympathised with the people of the community over their travails and promised to support them in any way possible.

The group vowed that it will not relent on advancing engagement with government, “whose primary responsibility as enshrined in the Constitution is the protection of lives and properties of the citizenry, to do the needful.”

Source.
https://latestnews.ng/pregnant-woman-newborn-die-while-fleeing-bandits-in-kaduna/

Ortom Warns of Plans to Hand Nigeria Over to Fulani Herdsmen

Ortom Warns of Plans to Hand Nigeria Over to Fulani Herdsmen: Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State in the North-Central region of Nigeria has thrown shots at the presidency, accusing the current administration of ignoring the incessant killings of innocent Nigerians.

Ortom aired his greviances during a press interview in Makurdi, and further alleged plans by the government to hand over power to criminal elements.

Ortom spoke on Wednesday in Makurdi during an interview with reporters at the Benue Peoples House, following the attack on two communities in the state where more than 23 persons were killed in their sleep by militia Fulani herdsmen.” He said, “Enough is enough.”
Suspected Fulani herdsmen had invaded and killed eight persons in Mbadwem in Guma local government and 16 in Tiortyu, a sprawling settlement in Tarka local government, along the Makurdi-Gboko road.

Ortom described the attacks as “unfortunate and the height of impunity.”

He accused Buhari’s APC government of turning a blind eye and paying lip service to the cries of the Benue people, “As the herdsmen continue to invade our communities and kill innocent people.”

The governor recalled how he had alerted Nigerians and the federal government on the murderous activities of the Fulani terrorists for many years, “Yet they didn’t believe me. Now, they are gradually taking over every space in the country. We are now sharing our sovereignty with terrorists.”

Ortom alleged that the plan of the herdsmen and their sponsors was to send the people away from their ancestral homes, take over the lands, and cause confusion in the country so that the forthcoming elections would not hold.

He stated, “I suspect that very soon, some states will be completely taken over by these Fulani men called bandits. I suspect that very soon, even the Presidential Villa will be handed over to them. I suspect strongly that this is their plan and so nobody should deceive me.”

The governor said he was old enough to understand the agenda of the terrorists Fulani against Nigeria because, as he put it, “it is a plan to hand over to these Fulani men who are called bandits so there will be no election.”

He appealed to good-spirited Fulani men and those who had the ears of the president to persuade him to stop the evil going on in the country.

Ortom warned that if nothing was done, the people would resort to self-help, which would throw the country into anarchy.

Source.
https://latestnews.ng/ortom-warns-of-plans-to-hand-nigeria-over-to-fulani-herdsmen/

NAUTH Set To Take Her Right Footing As Centre OF Excellence in Tertiary Healthcare Delivery.

By Hillary Nkem Okeke

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State started as part of General Hospital Nnewi which was officially handed over to the Teaching Hospital Management Board on the 16th June, 1990. Following the handover, a number of essential hospital equipments were either refurbished or renovated.
The Hospital was officially commissioned on Friday 19th July, 1991 by the then Anambra State Military Governor; Col.Robert Akonobi and the General Hospital were taken over as a temporary site. The Federal Government of Nigeria through Decree No 68 of 1992 then renamed the Hospital as Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in honor of the late sage and foremost politician, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe GCFR, Owelle of Onitsha.

Amidst several Challenges, NAUTH has continued to grow and Deliver effectively on the Healthcare needs of people across Anambra State and Nigeria contributing to the GDP. The pace of Development and Growth of the Institution however seems watered down to the nature of the Hospital Administrative Management. It therefore became imminent that a Strong Personality of Great and astute passion for Development, Competence and Effectiveness in Service takes over the Hospital's management.
A Tertiary Healthcare named after the Great Zik of Africa who represents Excellence and as crafted in her Vision statement should be the Centre of Excellence in Tertiary Healthcare Delivery.

Thus, on the 25th January, 2021 Ass Prof Joseph Odiri Ugboaja took over as the Acting Chief Medical Director of the Institution. Prof Ugboaja holds a Postgraduate Fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynaecology of National Postgraduate Medical College, Nigeria (FMCOG), West Africa College of Surgeons (FWACS), and International College of Surgeons (FICS). Until his latest appointment as Acting CMD he has been been the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee DCMAC and subsequently Chairman CMAC and Director, Clinical Services, Research and Training  of the hospital.

Emerging as the youngest in this leadership cadre across the country, with his strong will and resilience for Infrastructural Development, and Effective Service Delivery Ass Prof Joseph Ugboaja has shown determination to elevate NAUTH to her right footing of Excellence in Tertiary Healthcare Delivery.

Few weeks into his administration Prof Ugboaja has triggered several Projects ongoing in the hospital Community and determined to revive and boost activities in the permanent site of the hospital. Amongst the ongoing Projects are building a standard accident and Emergency Unit by remodelling and expanding the old building, building and completion of the new CSSD, expansion of the ICU and acquisition of new ambulances, completion of the ongoing Specialty clinic Construction , Virology laboratory and the standard Isolation center being constructed at the permanent site etc
Indeed, the sense of energy and optimism generated by Prof Ugboaja's bold attempt to create a new model NAUTH and making it amongst the top 5 in the Country, in spite of all odds can't be wished away as mere words. He is attacking excruciating Administrative paucity and underdevelopment head-on. This means that his capacity for prudent management is legendary.

Going by this pace, it may be impossible to articulate the cumulative magnitude of the Acting CMD's developmental strides by the year ending .

Of a Truth, Light has finally shown on NAUTH through Ass Prof Joseph Odirichukwu Ugboaja. Today, the story has changed. God and Mankind is taking Note.

Source: https://latestnews.ng/opinion-nauth-set-to-take-her-right-footing-as-centre-of-excellence-in-tertiary-healthcare-delivery/

Hon. (Dr) Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi (Ochiagha Idemili), the immediate former member of House of Representatives has called for unity among the faithfuls of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as they prepare for the November 6, 2021 governorship election in Anambra State.

Addressing members of Reality Movement, his political organization at his Abatete residence, Ibezi said that even though there are tough challenges ahead but he is highly optimistic that APGA will emerge victorious at the November 6 polls. “APGA is more than a political party. It’s a grassroots movement whose members are passionate. Whatever challenges there are, APGA will by the grace of God win again”, he said.

He described as mischievous the rumors that he’s about to leave APGA. “I can’t labor to help to build a party and leave it for intruders and strangers. APGA is in me. The party is big enough to accommodate all interests”, he said adding that those who are peddling this rumor are intimidated by his political credentials.

He charged members to rededicate themselves to the ideals of the party and remain steadfast.

He donated N1m each to APGA Idemili North, APGA Idemili South, Oganiru Women Initiative, Idemili Youth Development Initiative and Diamond Ladies to help these bodies to renovate their offices, mobilize members and reactivate political activities at their different wards.

He announced the setting up of a 22-man committee to organize an empowerment rally for Idemili federal constituency sometime in May, 2021. Another committee to engage with critical stakeholders was also set up.

“In spite of the setback, I will continue to find a way to fulfill the promises I made to Umu Idemili. We are going to empower some of our ardent followers at the rally being planned”, he said.

The meeting had many party stakeholders in attendance. Notable among attendees were the two APGA Local Government chairmen in Idemili North and South, Chief Kentus Onwurah (Ichie Egbu) and Chief Joe Ezeanya (Ukwuata) respectively, Chief Tony Onyima (Ife Idemili), a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, APGA BoT member and CEO Rojenny Tourist and Games village, Oba, Hon. Nwabufo Nwankwo, SSA to the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Chibuzor Okeke (Onataradike Nma n' Nkpor), Chief Omezie Chukwurah (Governor Obosi), Chief Alex Ufondu, Chief Chris Okaka, Chief Felix Obunadike, Chief Bernard Ojukwu, Prince Obiajulu Obi, Iyom Stella Chuke, Dr. Ifeanyi Ike, Hon. Amaka Obi, National WIGA Coordinator, Mrs Ebele Obadike, Esq, Hon. Ejike Anyaduba, Ogbuefi Ezeobodo Samuel, Chief Charles Obadike, Chief Uchenna Ezegwui, Ambassador Jeff Ubah, Mr. Ifeanyi Muoemenam, High Chief Augustine Chukwuka various APGA Ward Chairmen, Central Executives of Oganiru Women, IYDI and other critical stakeholders in APGA Idemili North and South.

Source: https://latestnews.ng/apga-will-win-anambra-governorship-2021-hon-ibezi/

A video making rounds online captured moment a University of Abuja lecturer was allegedly beaten by Banking and Finance students for reportedly collecting their answer scripts 45 minutes into a 3-hour exam.

It was alleged that the exam which was supposed to last for 3 hours was cut shut to 45 minutes for no reason, provoking the students to anger.

Video: https://latestnews.ng/uniabuja-lecturer-beaten-by-students-for-collecting-answer-scripts-45-minutes-into-a-3-hour-exam-video/

;DPlease change number 9

https://latestnews.ng/elsa-majimbo-ikorodu-bois-emmanuella-master-kg-nominated-for-2021-nickelodeons-kids-choice-awards/

The 42-year-old fitness guru, who wrestled under the ring name Tyler Reks, shared the news via a press release on Thursday, describing the journey as a ‘thrilling story of gender transitioning.’

‘Gabbi is about to share her thrilling story of gender transitioning from a former WWE Superstar, Body Builder, Fitness Guru, Motivational Speaker and Motorcycle Racer to a fun loving and fabulous female,’ the release read.

‘She has been finally set free and ready to rule her world.’

The release continues, saying: ‘Despite his successes during and after his WWE career, Gabe was still wrestling with a secret persona dwelling deep within him. This is a persona he has been hiding in the loud silence of his soul since childhood,” the release continues.

‘Finally, with the blessing of his loving wife Priscilla, Gabe is ready to reveal who he really is. “He” is now known as “She”: A beautiful, wise, witty and wonderful woman called “Gabbi.””

‘This is a story that wrestling and other sports fans, friends and followers must not miss, especially many in the LGBTQ community dealing with challenging transgender issues, who Gabbi and [wife] Priscilla are willing to help,’ the release goes on.

She also took to Instagram to address her new identity in a lengthy post.

Sharing a photo of her new look while posing in front of an old wrestling photo, the former wrestler wrote:

“The ball dropped early today as this is now worldwide news. This is me. Unashamed, unabashedly me. This is the side of me that has hidden in the shadows, afraid and fearful of what the world would think; afraid of what my family, friends, and followers would say or do.”

“I am no longer afraid and I am no longer fearful. I can now say with confidence, that I love myself for WHO I am.”

“The previous eight months have been some of the darkest of my entire life. The emotional turmoil of being transgender and having to face the world has almost ended me on multiple occasions.”

“However, the day I stopped caring about what other people thought, was the day I truly became limitless and allowed my authentic self to come into the light.”

“My loving wife, family, and closest friends have accepted me for who I am. To them, I am forever grateful. Your support along the way means more than you will ever know.”

–

“I don’t expect everyone to agree or understand. It’s not my place to change any of your core beliefs. Just know that the outer shell may change, but the soul remains the same.”

“I know that many of you have questions and, as I have promised, they will all be answered. Tomorrow, on Extra, my interview with Billy Bush airs worldwide. I have included a link in the bio to this interview along with my personal coming out video that explains everything (waiting for Instagram to approve my name change and update the bio – please see my story for the link in the meantime).”

“I promise to always be transparent and truthful with my journey, and to be a light to those that are in need.”

This is me.

Love always,

Gabbi Alon Tuft

Tuft’s professional wrestling career spanned from 2007 to 2014, boasting appearances at Smackdown, Raw and Wrestlemania.

She created a fitness company called Body Spartan with wife Priscilla after retiring. The couple share a 9-year-old daughter named Mia

Source: https://latestnews.ng/former-wwe-wrestler-gabbi-tuft-has-come-out-as-a-transgender-woman/

German court authorities are unable to cash in more than $60 million in bitcoins confiscated from a convicted fraudster as he has not revealed the passwords, a court spokesman said on Thursday.

The court in the southern town of Kempten has been able to sell just 86 of the 1,800 bitcoins seized from the man, who created them illegally by hacking the computers of others.

This brought in 500,000 euros.

Speaking after details of the coins were revealed in the local press, the court spokesman said the digital coins were protected by multiple passwords, and that IT specialists had been unable to crack them.

It was also possible that the fraudster had forgotten them.

The man, who was first convicted in 2014, has now served his sentence.

The court authorities have secured his bitcoin wallet in a way that prevents him from gaining access to it.

Source: https://latestnews.ng/court-cant-seize-60m-in-bitcoin-as-owner-wont-give-password/

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent to the Senate the names of the immediate past Service Chiefs as non-career Ambassadors-Designate.
In a letter to Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, President of the Senate, the President said: “In accordance with section 171 (1), (2) (c) & sub-section (4) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the under-listed five (5) names of nominees as Non-Career Ambassadors-Designate.”

The nominees are: Gen Abayomi G. Olonisakin (Rtd ), Lt Gen Tukur Y. Buratai (Rtd), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Rtd), and Air Vice Marshal Mohammed S. Usman (Rtd).

The President urged the Senate to give expeditious consideration to the nominations.

Source: https://latestnews.ng/breaking-buhari-nominates-former-service-chiefs-as-non-career-ambassadors/

Global food prices continued rising for the eighth conservative month in January, led by cereals, vegetable oils and sugar, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has said.



This is according to the Food Price Index report released on Thursday. The index tracks international prices of most commonly traded food commodities.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 113.3 points in January, making a 4.3 per cent increase from December 2020 and reaching its highest level since July 2014.



In the report, the FAO Cereal Price Index showed a sharp 7.1 per cent monthly increase, led by maize prices, which surged 11.2 per cent and are now 42.3 per cent above their January 2020 level.

The FAO said this reflects the increasingly tight global supply amid substantial purchases by China and lower than expected production and stock estimated in the United States of America, as well as a temporary suspension of maize export registrations in Argentina.

“Wheat prices rose 6.8 per cent driven by strong global demand and expectations of reduced sales by the Russian Federation when its wheat export duty doubles in March 2021.

“Robust demand from Asian and African buyers underpinned strong rice prices,” it said.

The report said the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index increased by 5.8 per cent in the month to its highest level since May 2012.



“Drivers included lower than the expected palm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia due to excessive rainfall and ongoing shortages in the migrant labour force and prolonged strikes in Argentina reducing export availability for soy oil,” the report said.

It said the FAO Sugar Price Index was 8.1 per cent higher than in December as robust global import demand spurred concerns about lower availabilities due to worsening crop prospects in the European Union, the Russian Federation and Thailand as well as drier than normal weather conditions in South America.

“Rising crude oil prices and a stronger Brazilian Real also provided support to international sugar prices, ” it added.

According to the report, the FAO Dairy Price Index increased by 1.6 per cent underpinned by China’s high purchases ahead of the country’s upcoming New Year holiday festivities amid seasonally lower exportable supplies in New Zealand.

“Price quotations for skim milk powder (SMP) too rose, pressured by high import demand for spot supplies and lagging production activities in Western Europe.

“By contrast, cheese prices fell slightly from the highs registered in December 2020 due to limited internal sales in Europe coupled with a stock build-up in the United States of America,” it said.

source: https://latestnews.ng/global-food-prices-rise-for-eighth-straight-month-fao/

lol . Uzi probably has gotten to the point where life has no meaning for him sha

https://latestnews.ng/sss-warns-against-plans-to-cause-ethnic-religious-violence/

A federal high court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of Richard Laing, the managing director of ExxonMobil.



The court ordered the arrest after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, argued that Mr Laing had refused to appear over an investigation into an alleged fraudulent pipeline project concerning his company.

The EFCC said the investigation related to the alleged fraudulent creation of procurement orders worth more than $213 million as part of a pipelines project.



The January 29 warrant, granted by Justice Okon Abang, compels Mr Laing to appear before anti-graft investigators.

The EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, was quoted by Reuters as saying that the investigation is into the company, and not Mr Laing personally.

“EFCC invited them in the course of the investigation but they have refused to honour the invitation, that is why we went to court to compel his appearance for investigation,” Mr Uwujaren said.

Source: https://latestnews.ng/nigerian-court-orders-arrest-of-exxonmobil-chief/

The Federal Government has taken delivery of samples of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine from Russia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alex Shebarshin, on Friday, September 4, 2020.

The vaccine was received on Nigeria’s behalf by the Minister for Health, Osagie Ehanire, from the Russian Ambassador.

According to a monitored media report, the Director of Information, Media and Public Relations of the Ministry of Health, Olujimi Oyetomi, in a statement disclosed that the Russian envoy made the delivery during a courtesy visit to the ministry in Abuja.

The statement pointed out that Ehanire quickly referred the vaccine to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development and others for review and possible validation.

The minister said, ‘’We are exploring all knowledge in terms of therapeutics and vaccines. We are expressing our interest in the Covid-19 vaccine so that we will have the opportunity to work elaborately.’’

Ehanire explained that Nigeria has been taking part in a series of knowledge exchange and contact with several research bodies and nations in a bid to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

In his own remark, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Faisal Shuaib, stated that this opportunity will help to strengthen the collaboration between Russia and Nigeria.

The Ministry’s Director of Hospital Services Department, Dr Adepimpe Adebiyi, said that this is an opportunity to expand our vaccine production. He said the technical officers will interphase with the Russian team in order to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and Russia.

Source: https://latestnews.ng/nigeria-receives-russias-covid-19-vaccine/

Ahead of the 2019 Guber Elections in Kogi State tensions and apprehension have continued to trail the State as thugs suspected to be loyal to a leading party in the state have reportedly attacked the state secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), burning the property.

According to an eyewitness account, the incident was reported to have happened at the early hours of Monday, November 11.

Confirming the incident while speaking on phone with Daily Sun, the state chairman of the party, Mouktar Atima, pointed accusing fingers at the ruling party which he accused of “releasing their boys to unleash terror on our party.”

Atima said the development was a confirmation of the several threats received recently by the party’s candidate, Natasha Akpoti.

He said no amount of harrassment and destruction will deter the party and its governorship candidate from contesting and winning the Saturday, November 16, election; saying they remain undaunted, even as he appealed to party faithful not to be discouraged over the recent development.

In his reaction, APC campaign council spokeman Kingsley Fanwo dispelled the allegation that the hoodlums that burnt down the SDP secretariat were sponsored by the ruling party.

According to him, the party and its candidate are currently busy campaigning across the state and “has no time for irrelevant issues.”

Hakeem Busari, the commissioner of police confirmed the incident when contacted, saying that the police were already aware of the destruction and stressed that investigations have already commenced to bring the culprits to book.

SOURCE: https://latestnews.ng/kogi-elections-thugs-set-sdp-secretariat-ablaze/

From January to September 2019, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated revenue of about N1.002 trillion from 32 commands.

The data received by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from the Department of Research and Statistics and confirmed by the NCS’s public relations office indicated that the service recorded the highest revenue of N123.6 billion in the month of July followed by N118.6 billion realised in May.

The data also revealed that the lowest revenue was recorded in the month of February with N86.3 billion. The low might have been caused by 2019 general elections due to partial closure of borders within those periods of polls.

According to the data, Apapa area command has the highest revenue of N313.5 billion within the period under review.

The statistics also indicated that immediately after the partial closure of borders, the service recorded N115.6 billion in September, with about N6.1 billion more than what was realised in August before borders were closed.

The revenue was generated from import duty, levy, excise duty and other fees.

There is every possibility, with this statistics, by the end of 2019, NCS revenue will surpass the earning of 2018, which stood at N1.2 trillion.

NAN reports that 2018 revenue by customs was N164.8 billion more than the 2017 collection, which was N1.037 trillion. (NAN)

SOURCE: https://latestnews.ng/nigeria-customs-generates-n1-002trn-in-9-months/

The Mercury planet passes in front of the Sun once in every 13 years, and today (11/11/2019), is one of such rare moments when the Mercury takes this uncommon stroll in front of the Sun, as skywatchers around the world will be able to witness this rare occurrence.

The ‘transit,’ as the occurrence is called can be visibly seen from any part of the world with the help. of the right equipment depending on cloud cover.And it is expected to last for about 5hours.

The President of the Royal Astronomical Society, Professor Mike Cruise was quoted by DailyMail to have said: “Transits are a visible demonstration of how the planets move around the Sun, and everyone with access to the right equipment should take a look.”

“The sky will put on a stellar show, as Mercury crosses in front of the Sun.” said NASA.

Only two planets ― Mercury and Venus orbit the sun closer to the Earth than any other planets.

SOURCE : https://latestnews.ng/mercury-passes-in-front-of-the-sun-today/

HON. IBEZI SLAMS N2BN LIBEL SUIT ON FORMER ROAD SAFETY BOSS, OSITA CHIDOKA

Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Anthony Ibezi, member representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly has slammed a N2 billion libel suit on Chief Osita Chidoka, the former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and former Minister of Aviation.

In the suit which was filed at the Anambra State High Court, Ogidi, Hon. Ibezi stated in his statement on oath that he is suing Osita Chidoka “for the publication of the defamatory words uttered by Hon. Obinna Chidoka against me and for the defamatory statements he (Osita) also made against me; both of which statements are contained in a single video published by the defendant”.

In his statement of claim, Hon. Ibezi averred that at about 6:15 pm on March 9, 2019, the day a supplementary election was held in Obosi to determine a clear winner, the defendant in company of his brother, Hon. Obinna Chidoka and before a large crowd at the palace ground of Eze Chidubem Iweka 11, the traditional ruler of Obosi, made defamatory statements against him. In the video which Osita Chidoka published on his Facebook page, Hon. Obinna Chidoka was the first to speak to the crowd. He spoke in a combination of Igbo and English languages thus: “Ifeanyi na ndi otu ya na-ebu egbe .... even mua bu a target. Oburu na oburo onye police m, tata ha ka igba mu egbe”. The English translation is thus: “Ifeanyi and his group carry guns ..... even I was the target. If not for my police guard, today I would have been shot”. Hon. Ibezi claimed that these words by Hon. Obinna Chidoka in their ordinary and natural meaning imply that he always goes around with gun ready to kill anyone that stands on his way and that he is an uncivilized bloodthirsty brute that resorts to bloodletting to have his ways.

In the same video, Chief Osita Chidoka also spoke to the large audience in the following words: “Young people in their prime cannot be gunned down because of an election to the House of Representatives seat. Ifeanyi Ibezi is a criminal and he must be arrested and dealt with like a criminal. Ifeanyi Ibezi is a murderer and the whole world must know that he is a murderer; we will not accept this in our place... Ifeanyi Ibezi aided by APGA, came to Obosi to kill two boys in Obosi. The two boys are dead. Ifeanyi Ibezi came with thugs to Obosi and carted away materials shooting at Obosi people”.

In their ordinary and natural meaning, Hon. Ibezi claims that the words are understood to have defamatory imputations that he is “a criminal, a murderer and that he killed the two boys referred to”. Chief Osita Chidoka’s Facebook page, Hon. Ibezi said “is open to the public and enjoys high traffic” and as at the time of publication of the offending video, Osita Chidoka had about 23,033 followers on Facebook.

On March 10, 2019, Hon. Ibezi claimed that he was “dismayed when he watched the offending video and saw that the video had been viewed for about 65,000 times by Facebook users and shared about 1,000 times”. He claimed that his anxiety increased when he “saw and read the comments that trailed the video which at that time had more than 200 comments and the comments kept tumbling in”. He said he was further shocked when he checked his phone and saw several missed calls from friends and family members who expressed shock at the accusations made by Osita Chidoka. He said he returned some of the calls and that his denials and explanations were rebuffed by some of the callers as they bluntly told him to clear himself and ended the call.

Hon. Ibezi is therefore seeking N2 billion in damages; an order mandating Osita Chidoka to render a public apology to be published in two national dailies; an order mandating the defendant to make a video showing that the defamatory statements he made on March 9, 2019 were false and such video made should within 14 days after delivery of judgment be delivered to the plaintiff. In addition to a refund of N15 million being the cost of litigation, Hon. Ibezi is also seeking an order restraining Osita Chidoka “by himself or through his agents, servants or privies from publishing or further publishing the offending speech(es), releases or videos either on Facebook or any other media whether social, print or otherwise”.

No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.

Source: [url][/url]https://reliablesourceng.com/2019/08/21/lawmaker-slams-n2bn-libel-suit-on-former-road-safety-chief-osita-chidoka/[url][/url]

Public Hearing on Ports Decongestion Commences, as NAVY, NPA, NIMASSA and NIWA Come Under Fire

The Ad hoc committee set up by the House of Representatives to “determine why the Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, Calabar and Onitsha Inland ports complexes are not being put to maximum use” started public hearing yesterday, Thursday, August 15, 2019. Civil societies, MDAs, maritime stakeholders, security agencies and other interested members of the public were in attendance.

The stakeholders in their various submissions listed poor infrastructure at the ports, lack of motorable inter state roads, shallow waterway channels, and security as the major problems causing the underutilisation of the Eastern ports.

In his submission, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, a member of the Ad hoc committee and sponsor of the motion noted that the Apapa gridlock is a national disgrace, and that stakeholders should be more concerned with proferring solutions than listing the problems, as these problems have been known for years. He maintained that finding solutions is the main reason for the institutiom of the committee. Ibezi bemoaned the fact that the Nigerian Navy is still using the British hydrographic Chart of 1903 as mentioned in their submission.

He also challenged the stakeholders to be more proactive in proffering solutions to the problem, as we must get it right this time by ensuring that the Eastern ports are put to maximal use.

In the course of the hearing, the NPA, NIMASSA, and NIWA came under fire of the committee as each claimed responsibility for the removal of wrecks in the waterway channels. Interestingly each of these agencies budget and receive allocations independently for the removal of the said wrecks. In his clarification, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transport, Sabin Zakari explained that this is caused by the overlapse in the Acts that that established these agencies, and an urgent amendment is needed to rectify this.

The chairman of the Committee, Hon. Baba Yusuf Yakub assured Nigerians that the Committee is committed to ensuring the decongestion of the Lagos ports and the full utilisation of the Eastern ports.

The ad-hoc committee shall also hold public hearings with stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Onitsha, and Lagos in a bid to ensuring a holistic approach towards solving the problem. The committee also plans to visit all the ports concerned.

It will be recalled that following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Anthony Ibezi on Tuesday, July 18, 2019, the House of Representatives set up a 14-man ad hoc committee with Hon. Baba Yusuf Yakub as its Chairman. Other members of the committee are Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, Hon. Makama Missau Ibrahim, Hon. Onuh Blessing Onyeche, Hon. Haruna Maitala, Hon. Victor Amela, Hon. Nuhu Yakubu Danja, Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Almustapha, Hon. Alex Egbona, Hon. Akiolu Moshood Kayode, Hon. Kolade Victor Akinjo, Hon. Olayide Adewale Akinremi, Hon. Kalu Benjamin Okezie and Hon. Suny Goli Isreal.

The committee is to seek ways of restoring the full use of Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, Calabar and Onitsha Inland ports in order to decongest Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

The ad-hoc committee is expected to report back within six weeks with its findings for further legislative action.


Source:https://www.punchng.com/apapa-gridlock-stakeholders-want-other-ports-developed/amp/

Following a motion moved by Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Anthony Ibezi on the incessant rise of SIM swap fraud in Nigeria, the House of Representatives on Thursday, July 25, 2019 resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to conduct an investigative hearing into the growing trend of SIM swap fraud in the country.

Presenting the motion, which was supported by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the member representing Owan Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibezi recalled that in 2012, the Central Bank had introduced the cashless policy, an initiative which reduced the amount of physical cash involved in business transaction and encouraged the use of electronic platforms for payment of goods and services. He noted that despite the numerous advantages of electronic transactions, some drawbacks are manifesting in the form of Subscribers Identification Module (SIM) swap fraud. This occurs, he said, when a fraudster steals someone’s personal information, mainly from the Internet and uses it to request for a new SIM card from the victim’s network provider, effectively cloning that person’s identity.

Hon. Ibezi also noted that as soon as the network provider issues the new SIM card with the same number of the person whose identity was stolen, that person’s network signal will disappear from his original line which he would still have in his possession. As the confused victim will be battling to restore his or her line, the fraudster will immediately set to work by diverting any incoming SMS and completing the text-based two-factor authentication checks that protects the owner’s most sensitive accounts in financial services, social networks, webmail services and instant messages. This type of fraud, he observed, is now used to steal money from people’s bank accounts and simulate emergencies to solicit money from victims’ contacts. He recalled the pathetic story of one Sawari Bolanle, a young mother who was a victim of this new fraud as reported by The Guardian newspaper of July 01, 2019.

Given the widespread incidences of this new tech fraud, the House of Representatives through a unanimous voice vote adopted the motion and resolved to set up an Ad hoc committee to conduct an investigative hearing into the trend. The committee has six weeks to report back to the house for further legislative action.

Source: https://punchng.com/reps-probe-sim-swap-fraud/amp/

It was a rare sight this evening at Eke Agu, junction Abatete in Anambra State as Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi, Member - Elect, House of Representatives for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency alighted from his convoy to decongest traffic and ease congestion at junction.

The Anambra born legislator on reaching the the gridlock, stepped down under the rain to control traffic as there were no Traffic Wardens at the junction.

He remained there ensuring smooth movement of vehicles even long after his Convoy had left the the gridlock.

Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi would be representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency at the 9th National Assembly.



Source:
https://latestnews.ng/ifeanyichukwu-ibezi-house-of-reps-member-elect-controls-traffic-under-the-rain/

February 28, 2019.

THE TRUE STATE OF THINGS IN IDEMILI NORTH AND SOUTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

It is public knowledge that the February 23, 2019 general elections for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency seat was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) because of irregularities in 26 Polling Units in Obosi and five Polling Units in Abatete. This decision by INEC was informed by the provisions of Sections 26 and 53 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and Sections 39(b) of 2019 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections. In compliance with these provisions, INEC has ordered a re-run in the affected 31 Polling Units in Obosi and Abatete on Saturday, March 09, 2019.

Following numerous enquiries from the public, it has become necessary for Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi Campaign Organization (HIICO) to clearly narrate the unsavoury events that led to the re-run as follows:

1. At the conclusion of the February 23, 2019 election, Ibezi who contested under the platform of All Progressive’s Grand Alliance (APGA) was clearly leading in 22 out of the 24 wards. He scored 21,026 votes while his closest rival, Hon. Obinna Chidoka of PDP scored 18,984 votes. Other notable scores are SDP (7866 votes) and APC (3183 votes).

2. There was a violent disruption of collation of result at the Obosi Collation Centre when it became apparent that APGA Candidate was coasting to victory. With the help of compromised security agencies at the Collation Centre, the PDP candidate brazenly caused the arrest of fifteen of APGA Polling Agents who were at the Collation Centre to submit the results from their respective Polling Units. In fact, the APGA collation agent was kidnapped for three days. The ensued confusion enabled PDP to further rig the result of Obosi Ward as much as it wanted.

3. Following our outcry and in exercise of his powers in the management of the margin of lead principle as contained in Schedule 1 of the 2019 Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of Elections, the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) ordered for a verification and regeneration of fresh results in Obosi Ward from Police and INEC duplicate copies.

4. During the verification exercise on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at Ogidi, the PDP candidate insisted that the Abatete result which had earlier been collated and entered into forms EC 8C (II) must also be verified. In a rare demonstration of good faith, the APGA candidate submitted the Abatete result for verification. At the end, the results of 39 out of 65 Polling Units in Obosi were successfully verified with both Police and INEC duplicate copies. The results of the other 26 Polling Units could not be verified because of the obvious mutilations contained therein and lack of police and INEC duplicate copies to authenticate them. A total of 28 out of 33 Polling Units in Abatete were also successfully verified leaving a balance of five Polling Units.

5. After the verification exercise, the results from the verified Polling Units in Obosi and Abatete were then added to the February 23, 2019 scores of the candidates. This brought the figures to APGA (25,866 votes), PDP (24,283 votes) APC (3,407 votes) and SDP (8,502 votes); meaning that Ibezi is leading with a margin of 1,583 votes.

6. Because Ibezi’s margin of lead is NOT in excess of the total number of registered voters in the 31 Polling Units in Abatete and Obosi where the results could not be verified, the Returning Officer in line with Section 39(b) of the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections declined to declare a winner. Subsequently, INEC has ordered for a re-run in 26 Polling Units in Obosi and five in Abatete on Saturday, March 09, 2019. The results of the scheduled re-run shall be incorporated into a new form EC 8D(1) and subsequently recorded into form EC 8E(1) for Declaration and Return.

7. That we were able to checkmate the consistent rigging and impunity by PDP in Obosi during each election cycle since 1999, was a proof of our resolve to have the votes of Umu Idemili count this time.

8. As we look forward to the March 09 re-run with confidence, we urge Umu Idemili and supporters of Ibezi to remain steadfast and focused, as we are resolved more than ever before to redeem Idemili from the shackles of poor representation.

9. We wish to appreciate Umu Idemili for giving us the lead we currently enjoy and urge our supporters in the affected 31 polling units where a re-run will hold on March 09 to keep faith with the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezi. A vote cast for him is a vote for progress and development of Idemili North and South. Idemili deserves better than the present lacklustre and poor representation.

Long Live Idemili!

Signed:
Chief Tony Onyima (Ife Idemili)
Director General, HIICO

Mopolchi:
Bros, forget rigging. Chidoka comes from Obosi which determines election in that constituency. If both should win their towns and scramble for votes in surrounding towns, Chidoka will win Ibezim and landslide for that matter.

The same Obosi where he has lost the support of his people. The 7th Obiora Obosi Festival of last Saturday was just a foresight of how Ibezi would beat Chidoka even in his ward in Obosi...

BrownRoofRep:

From his amazing display of charisma he will go far in politics, very far.

Very Far ooo

Mopolchi:
PDP's Chidoka will win this one easily.

You say what? The people of his constituency have a different opinion. Ibezi have embedded himself into the hearts of his constituents, it would be hard and impossible to beat him in Idemili North and South, whether Chidoka or whoever...

kestolove95:
am looking for someone that we give birth to twins, so that, I can name them; KOSEWE, KOSEGBO �

Lol

What do you expect when a supposed Dynamic country has static policies

https://www.nairaland.com/4459696/2019-nation-dynamic-why-static