Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

INEC Proposes Computer-Generated Slips To Replace PVCs For Voter Accreditation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed the use of computer-generated slips as an alternative to Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for voter accreditation. This suggestion was announced by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Thursday. The proposal is part of recommendations stemming from the commission’s review of the 2023 General Election. According to Yakubu, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has reduced reliance on PVCs as the sole means of identification on election days. “Those who already have…

Senate Declares Edo Central Senatorial Seat Vacant, Calls For Bye-election. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has officially declared the seat of Monday Okpebholo, the representative of Edo Central Senatorial District, vacant. This decision was announced during a Senate session on Wednesday, 11 December. Monday Okpebholo recently won the Edo State governorship election held on 16 September under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. His victory necessitated the vacancy in the Senate, prompting the call for a bye-election to fill the position. During the session, the Senate held a valedictory ceremony to honour Okpebholo’s contributions as a senator before…

Arsenal Shine As Juventus Stun Man City In Champions League Drama. The UEFA Champions League produced another memorable night as Europe’s top clubs continued their group stage campaigns. Arsenal delivered an impressive 3-0 victory over Monaco, while Juventus secured a vital 2-0 win against Manchester City, leaving the defending champions in a precarious position just one point and three places above the elimination zone. Arsenal’s Commanding Display  At the Emirates, Arsenal showcased their dominance with a confident performance against Monaco. Bukayo Saka scored a brace before Kai Harvertz rounded things up for the Gunners.The win solidifies their position as…

Syrian Rebels Burn Tomb of Late President Hafez al-Assad Amid Historic Change. Syrian rebel forces have destroyed the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, the late father of ousted president Bashar al-Assad, in the Assad family’s hometown of Qardaha in Latakia province. Verified footage shows armed men walking through the burning mausoleum, chanting slogans as the Assad dynasty’s 54-year rule comes to an end. The rebels, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have seized control of major parts of Syria, including the capital Damascus, following a swift offensive. Bashar al-Assad has reportedly fled to Russia, where he and…

Taliban Minister Khalil Haqqani Killed In Kabul Suicide Bombing. Khalil Haqqani, Afghanistan’s Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, has been killed in a suicide bombing at his ministry in Kabul. The attack, which also claimed the lives of six others, marks the most high-profile casualty within the Taliban since their return to power in 2021. Interior ministry sources reported that the blast occurred as Haqqani was leaving his office. The Islamic State (IS) later claimed responsibility for the attack, stating via its Amaq news outlet that a militant had detonated explosives outside the minister’s office. Khalil Haqqani was a…

South Korea’s President Yoon Defends Martial Law Decision. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has defended his controversial decision to declare martial law last week, insisting it was a necessary move to safeguard the country’s democracy. In a televised address on Thursday, President Yoon described the action as a legal measure to counter what he called the opposition’s “parliamentary dictatorship” and to “prevent the collapse” of democratic governance. Facing mounting political pressure and legal challenges, Yoon has vowed to remain resolute, rejecting calls for his resignation ahead of a second parliamentary vote on his impeachment, scheduled for Saturday. “I…

National Grid Collapse Plunges Nigeria Into Darkness Once More. Nigeria has experienced another nationwide blackout following the collapse of the national grid on Wednesday. This marks the twelfth such incident in 2024, raising fresh concerns over the country’s electricity infrastructure. The Independent System Operator (ISO), an arm of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), confirmed that all power generation plants connected to the grid had ceased production by 2pm. Just an hour earlier, these plants had collectively supplied an average of 3,087 megawatts of electricity. A post on the official account of Nigeria’s national grid on X disclosed…

Tragedy Averted As Cargo Plane Skids Off Abuja Runway. A potential disaster was averted on Wednesday, 11th December, when a cargo aircraft skidded off the runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The incident occurred at 10:05 am, involving an Allied Air Cargo plane with the registration number 5N-JRT. The aircraft had five crew members on board, all of whom were safely evacuated without any injuries. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the development, with spokesperson Obiageli Orah stating: “The crew were immediately taken to the FAAN clinic for precautionary medical checks. Thankfully, no injuries were…

Naira Depreciates Further To ₦1,745/$1 As Speculators Face Criticism. The naira has experienced another depreciation, falling to ₦1,745 per US dollar in the parallel market. This development has sparked concerns among traders and economic analysts, who have attributed the decline primarily to speculative activities. According to market observers, the heightened demand for dollars by speculators has exerted immense pressure on the local currency, disrupting its stability. Traders have expressed frustration, citing the role of speculators in artificially inflating the exchange rate. Economic experts have also weighed in on the situation, urging authorities to implement decisive measures to curb…

Nigerian Army Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims In Delta State. The Nigerian Army has announced that troops of the 63 Brigade successfully rescued four kidnap victims during a raid on a kidnappers’ hideout in Ugbolu Forest, Delta State, on Monday, 9 December 2024. According to a statement released by Major Emmanuel Onoja, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the operation was based on credible intelligence and involved a fierce gun battle between the troops and the kidnappers. Major Onoja reported that the victims, who had been held captive for several days, received medical attention and necessary support before being…

Pep Guardiola Declares Manchester City His Final Club Job. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that his current role will be his last in club football, hinting at a possible future in international management. The 53-year-old Spaniard, who has enjoyed a glittering career with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and City, shared his thoughts during an interview with celebrity chef Dani Garcia on YouTube. Guardiola, who signed a two-year contract extension in November to remain at City until 2027, expressed no intention of managing another club after his tenure with the reigning Premier League champions. “I’m not going to…

Ademola Lookman Shines In Atalanta’s Narrow Defeat To Real Madrid. Ademola Lookman delivered a moment of brilliance for Atalanta, scoring his 11th goal of the season with a powerful near-post strike, giving his side hope in their Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Despite Lookman’s effort, Atalanta fell short as Real held on to secure a vital three points. The Italian side, currently ninth in the 36-team league with 11 points, pressed hard late in the game but could not overturn Real’s lead. Lookman’s performance, however, was a standout, highlighting his importance to Atalanta’s campaign as they aim to secure…