Siasia, told BBC that he is still in the dark as to the whereabouts of his abducted mother who was kidnapped with two other family members, madam Florence Dounana, 65, and her daughter, Selekere Dounana, 17.

The police said it’s been difficult to track these kidnappers, but my great concern is that my mother is very sick,

For someone who is unwell to be held against her will is not only callous but heartbreaking and sad.

So I can only keep appealing to these guys to please let my mother go. I would like for the government or whoever is capable to help me bring my mother back.

What more can I do but plead for assistance from the government, police and my country that I served as a player and coach,” he added.

My mother is seriously sick and this bothers me a lot. I don’t know where or who to turn to at this point.

I’ve not had a job for three years, battling with a Fifa ban appeal and to have my sick mother in the hands of kidnappers, I just feel extremely tired.

YBNL chairman, Olamide is out with the video for his latest street jam “Pawon”, weeks after releasing the official audio.

‘Pawon’ was produced by Cracker Mallo and the video was directed by the ever creative TG Omori.

“It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde Robert Mugabe,” Mnangagwa posted on Twitter early on Friday.

“His contribution to the history of our nation and continent will never be forgotten. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.

Mugabe was forced to step down by the military in November 2017 following nationwide mass protests.

The former political prisoner turned guerrilla leader swept to power in the 1980 elections after a growing rebellion and economic sanctions forced the white minority colonial government to the negotiating table.

Born on February 21, 1924, into a Catholic family at Kutama Mission northwest of Harare, Mugabe was described as a loner and a studious child, known to carry a book even while tending cattle in the bush.

After his carpenter father left the family when he was 10, the young Mugabe concentrated on his studies, qualifying as a schoolteacher at the age of 17.

Incarceration

An intellectual who initially embraced Marxism, he enrolled at Fort Hare University in South Africa, meeting many of Southern Africa’s future black nationalist leaders.

After teaching in Ghana, where he was influenced by founder President Kwame Nkrumah, Mugabe returned to what was then Rhodesia, where he was detained for his nationalist activities in 1964 and spent the next 10 years in prison camps or jail.

During his incarceration, he gained three degrees through correspondence, but the years in prison were wrenching.

Mugabe’s four-year-old son by his first wife, Ghanaian-born Sally Francesca Hayfron, died while he was behind bars. Rhodesian leader Ian Smith denied him leave to attend the funeral.

He once famously said that he’d rule his country until he turned 100, and many expected him to die in office.

But growing discontent about the southern African country’s fractured leadership and other problems prompted a military intervention, impeachment proceedings by the parliament and large street demonstrations for his removal.

Mugabe’s decline

The announcement of Mugabe’s November 21, 2017 resignation after he initially ignored escalating calls to quit triggered wild celebrations in the streets of the capital, Harare.

Mugabe’s decline in his last years as president was partly linked to the political ambitions of his wife, Grace, a brash, divisive figure whose ruling party faction eventually lost out in a power struggle with supporters of Mnangagwa, who was close to the military.

Despite Zimbabwe’s decline during his rule, Mugabe remained defiant, railing against the West for what he called its neo-colonialist attitude and urging Africans to take control of their resources, a populist message that was often a hit even as many nations on the continent shed the strongman model and moved toward democracy.

Mugabe enjoyed acceptance among peers in Africa who chose not to judge him in the same way as Britain, the United States and other Western detractors.

Toward the end of his rule, he served as rotating chairman of the 54-nation African Union and the 15-nation Southern African Development Community; his criticism of the International Criminal Court was welcomed by regional leaders who also thought it was being unfairly used to target African leaders.

South African mobs had launched attacks on foreigners, including Nigerians, and looted and burnt their places of business in suburbs of Johannesburg and surrounding areas on Sunday, September 1, 2019, and Monday, September 2.

The attacks have angered many Nigerians who have called for a boycott of South African businesses, like Shoprite, operating in Nigeria.

In a statement by Shoprite Nigeria, the retail franchise said it’s ‘highly concerned’ by acts of violence against foreign nationals that sporadically flare up in South Africa and the resultant rhetoric of intolerance that is now being levelled against South Africans living in Nigeria.

“As a company with deep African roots who employs thousands of African nationals and most importantly works to bring low prices to 14 countries outside of South Africa, we would like to see an end to xenophobia across the continent.

“Shoprite appeals to the general public of South Africa and Nigeria to protect the human dignity and safety of all people living in both countries,”

The statement read.

Shoprite said it remains committed to working with relevant groups to ensure decisive action is taken against those involved in violent crimes and intimidation against foreign nationals.

Exclusive reports from Sahara Reporters reveal that the latest attacks by local South Africans against nationals of other African countries, in South Africa, has spread to several parts of that country and might lead to more violence in coming days.

The report further states that, a handful of Nigerians in South Africa revealed how they now live in fear.

According to them, some victims of the attack, who visited the Nigerian Embassy for help and protection were denied entry into the place.

Former president of Nigerian Union South Africa, Iyke Anyene, added that Nigerians had remained in the houses, afraid for their lives and unsure if they would be the next victims.

He said, “In some parts of Guateng Province the looting has continued.

“It started in Pretoria and people have not been able to do their businesses. It is not safe, there is widespread looting.

“Some Nigerian victims went to the high commission but were denied entry into the place.

“The high commission claimed that they are dealing with the situation but we don’t know what to do. We need results, people are losing their lives and properties.”

He said migrants from other African countries are also affected in the attacks and looting, adding that the South African police are usually overwhelmed when such attacks happen.

He added, “All African migrants are affected. When it happened in Pretoria, the police was there but couldn’t stop the attack.

“In Johannesburg, they were not able to stop anything. It is a very serious problem at the moment.”

The report says that Kevin wasn’t driving the vehicle, adding that the driver and a female passenger were found pinned in their seats under the crushed roof, with the fire department forced to saw off the top of the car to free them.

Authorities revealed that the driver was airlifted across town to UCLA Medical Center. Police says the driver and Kevin suffered “major back injuries,” adding that the female passenger did not require any treatment.

Police added that the driver had not been drinking.

Alexa Terrazas was posing for photographs while attempting the stunt, before slipping and falling from the balcony of her sixth-floor apartment.

The tragedy occurred in Nuevo Leon on Saturday and a photograph has gone viral showing Terrazas balancing seconds before she fell.

It shows the brand-influencer supporting her entire weight on the railing, her head pointing toward the ground 80ft below.

Alexa was rushed to a local hospital where she battled through a grueling 11 hours of surgery.

She remains in a critical condition with fractures to all four of her limbs as well as to her hips and skull and might not walk for three years after doctors reconstructed her legs.

As part of its mandate, the Honorable Fatai Mojeed led committee is mandated to investigate the purchase of 820 buses that had been scheduled for public transport in the state.

The embattled ex-governor is also under investigation by EFCC on alleged cases of mismanagement of state funds.

This is coming after photos emerged showing Jamie Foxx partying in Los Angeles last Friday night with singer Sela Vave.

A source told E! News that Katie was overheard at a dinner with girlfriends saying, “What Jamie does is his business, we haven’t been together for months.”

The pair who has been highly secretive about their relationship, reportedly started dating in 2013 about a year after Katie Holmes divorced Tom Cruise.

After that, the relationship became Hollywood’s worst-kept secret for many years.

According to Deadline’s sources, the issue started when Disney asked that financing for future Spider-Man films be 50/50, a deal, Sony reportedly turned down.

Deadline reports that current terms states that Marvel receives in the range of 5% of first dollar gross

In 2015, Sony entered into an agreement with the Disney-owned Marvel Studios to share the Spider-Man character. Essentially, Disney got to use Tom Holland’s version of Spider-Man in its Marvel Studios movies – 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, and this summer’s Avengers: Endgame.

And Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige produced Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man movies for them, fully integrating the films within the MCU 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming and this summer’sSpider-Man: Far From Home

The actor, 47, thrilled fans after he announced his surprise nuptials with long-term girlfriend in Dwayne’s native Hawaii.

The pair, who share two young children together, officially tied the knot in a private ceremony.

The Rock shared two lovely photos from the ceremony in which the newlyweds cheered with joy and shared a romantic kiss with the caption.

“We do.
August 18th, 2019.
Hawaii.
Pōmaikaʻi (blessed)”

The Lion King features the voices of Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

James Earl Jones maintains his role from the original film as Mufasa.

The singer is seen striking a pose a simple yellow outfit with a classic red jewellery piece as she talks about her new upcoming album, Lucid, her career journey, dating under the international spotlight and everything in between.

The 42-year-old took to Instagram to share the beautiful piece, where she also praised her boo for not leaving her side as they continue to enjoy their vacation in Nigeria.

Posing a photo of them holding hands, she wrote:

I don’t know why I can’t stop looking at this picture. The way he’s holding my hand makes me stare at it. It says so many things. There has been times in Nigeria where I had NO IDEA where I was, or what was going on, but not for one second did he leave my side. He had me in every way. THIS is what holding your woman down is. I remember when @otgenasis said it… and I’ve said this before… all that other stuff is cool “but who gone Fck with you FOR REAL”!!! I’ve had my handheld. 

This picture should be no big deal. But, I don’t think I’ve had it held like this. There is a difference. It’s clear that this is where he WANTS to be. He’s only thinking of US. It’s not forced. This is a SOLID man. For so long, I didn’t think I deserved that. Because I didn’t know anything else. I settled for the not returned hold. Ladies, Make sure when you hold them they hold you back. This is what we deserve. God bless yall ??

Members of the Islamic sect, popularly called Shiites, have protested for years for the release of their spiritual leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been in detention for nearly four years.

El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zinat, were arrested in Kaduna in December 2015 after soldiers killed over 300 IMN members for allegedly throwing stones at the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, an act declared by the Army to be an assassination attempt.

Many members of the sect have been killed in the past year during protests where they clashed with police officers, as well as troops of the Nigerian Army.

A recent protest that led to the death of a Deputy Commissioner of Police and a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) member eventually led the Federal Government to secure a court order to proscribe the group’s activities and brand it a terrorist organisation.

Pop star, Rihanna looked sexy as ever while modeling her new August Savage x Fenty lingerie line.

The 31-year-old singer showed off her ample assets and incredible curves in floral bra and panties from her new collection.

See full photos below.

The two new housemates arrived at the house on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, between 7 and 7:15 PM respectively. First to arrive the house was Venita Akpofure who came into the house to the surprise of the housemates.

While the housemates were still basking in the euphoria of the arrival of the gorgeous video vixen and actress, another housemate came knocking and it was the handsome dude, Elozoman.

The housemates were indeed shocked at the arrival of the new housemates as they didn’t see it coming.

The guys already warmed up to Venita as Frodd who had already told Big Brother that he would be sharing his ‘Head Of House’ room with Mike asked Venita to share his room with him.

Omashola, on the other hand, appears to be playing the tribal card as he wanted all the housemates to know that Venita and himself are from the same state.

Will the new addition to the house change the dynamics of the game? Only time will tell as this season of BBNaija gets more interesting.

The housemates are Enkay, a 25-year-old tailor and Joe, a creative director.

On Tuesday, Venita Akpofure and Elozonam were added to the show in a twist that had been announced earlier.

Introducing herself, Enkay said, she was “very selfless.” She added that she is the salt that is missing in the House.

Joe said he was in the House to showcase his artistic talent in addition to bringing some spice to the game.

See Twitter reactions:

King Bona@MrBona_NBA

ENKAY entered #BBNaija
House and Mercy was#BBNaija Mercy is from Imo state. Enkay is from Enugu. Mercy must hold Ike tight now .

In Enugu @Coal_City
This Friday is the August Edition of #NkataUmuibe . Be there!

288:33 PM – Jul 31, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee King Bona’s other Tweets

Tosinchoco@alabi_tosin

All this new housemate that biggy is bringing cant spice this house..I doubt neither Enkay or joe can..
We need the likes of broda shaggi in that house..#BBNaija178:58 PM – Jul 31, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacySee Tosinchoco’s other Tweets

🅐🅡🅒🅗🅘🅣🅔🅒🅣 🅞🅛🅐🅜🅘🅖🅔🅝🅘🅤🅢 @Olamigenius1

All the guys in the house looking at Enkay like
GUYS: This Bae Make Sense Ooo #BBNaija

128:44 PM – Jul 31, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy

In a recent interview with Ebro on a radio show, Beats1, on Hot 97 FM in the United States of America. Burna Boy expressed his feelings for the British rapper and singer and how he hopes to raise the kid(s) they have together.

The singer also stressed that their affair isn’t a publicity stunt and it means so much to them both.

He said, “It’s not the business part of us, it’s our life. I’m trying to make it right because I don’t want to bring no kid into this life and everyone is disturbing the kid and looking or wondering what’s Steflon Don and Burna Boy’s kid doing. I want to raise a kid the way I was raised.”  

Burna Boy and bae, Stefflon Don all loved up at his 28th birthday party [BukiHQ]

The ‘Killin Dem’ singer pointed out that his relationship with Stefflon Don is deep and he doesn’t want details out in the public space.

He went further saying his affair is lovely and he’s unwilling to share all that goes on with fans or the general public.

“It’s lovely (being with Stefflon Don) I don’t know how to explain it. It’s just that I try to now kind of like keep it between us. I don’t want to be putting our thing out there in front of everybody anymore. Like you’d be there and you can see it but I don’t want to put it out there for everyone,” he said. 

In March 2019, Burna Boy revealed that Stefflon Don is not just his girlfriend but ‘wifey’ in an interview with Ebro. Few months after Stefflon Don revealed how she met Burna Boy in Ghana and how she hopes they have kids together.

Speaking on a variety of issues including his phobia for granting interviews, Burna Boy says he’s been misquoted and misconstrued in the interviews he had granted. He also cited an example of an interview he granted and which had the interviewer misquoting him in the headline.

His revelation is coming after the duo were caught on more than two occasions having sex in the house.

Gedoni made this shocking revelation while discussing with Frodd and Ike on Tuesday, July 30th.

His words:

”Every night, she go dey disturb me, sometimes I go just deliberately carry kiwi put for mouth, she is allergic to it so she go kon free up.”

The former minister recalled his screening 13 years ago at the Senate, at a time when “the Senate had great men and powerful intellectuals in its ranks.”

Fani Kayode said he was grilled for 2 hours and 30 minutes, his most difficult time on live television, adding that “Smile, show your teeth, bow and go” is NOT screening.”

The former minister said this in a few tweets via his Twitter handle on Tuesday afternoon.

He wrote, “ When I was nominated to be a Minister by OBJ 13 years ago in 2006, I was screened by the Senate for no less than two hours and thirty gruelling and very difficult minutes on live television. There is no question that they did not ask me and there is none that I did not answer. ”

He added that “ In those days the Senate had great men and powerful intellectuals in its ranks. What we see today in the name of Ministerial screening is a pitiful joke. “Smile, show your teeth, bow and go” is NOT screening: it is a crass display of comic relief which is far below the Senate. ”

Femi Fani-Kayode@realFFK · 8h

When I was nominated to be a Minister by OBJ 13 years ago in 2006 I was screened by the Senate for no less than two hours and thirty gruelling and very difficult minutes on live television. There is no question that they did not ask me and there is none that I did not answer.1/

Femi Fani-Kayode@realFFK

In those days days the Senate had great men and powerful intellectuals in its ranks.What we see today in the name of Ministerial screening is a pitiful joke. “Smile,show your teeth,bow and go” is NOT screening: it is a crass display of comic relief which is far below the Senate.1,1161:09 PM – Jul 30, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy415 people are talking about this

Speaking during his ministerial screening at the Senate, he said he used to ignore the name until the little boy asked him and he had to tell him not to mind the people calling him by such name.

His words:

“I used to ignore it until my seven-year-old grandson asked me, ‘Why do they call you Liar Mohammed?’

“I told him, ‘Don’t mind them. They are the bad guys.’”

The music star made this known during the 2019 Tony Elumelu Foundation Forum at UBA Marketplace, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. After signing a deal as the new brand ambassador of United Bank for Africa (UBA), he got to speak about music and his career. 

He then threw shades at his colleagues for promoting Internet fraud via their music; “I wouldn’t want to be that kind of person, I feel like the kind of person I would want to be is to lead by example. All I can do for myself is to continue to be successful and touch many lives that I can. And I hope that every kid out there looks at this and emulate that and also want to be brave. When I started music, I made just N250k and now we are talking about big numbers here. Just so you know, that you are not going to change anything by singing about yahoo yahoo,” he said. Watch video here

Wizkid has come artists who have been encouraging Interner fraud through the music they put out [Instagram/Wizkidayo]

Since Wizkid made that statement, a lot of people believe he threw shades at a particular set of artists who in recent times have become notorious for promoting Internet fraud (Yahoo Yahoo) in their songs. 

“Our defeat was well deserved,” Real midfielder Tony Kroos told German TV after the match. It’s true that we’re not quite in good shape.”

Harry Kane scored the only goal of the game with a deft finish after pouncing on a disastrous pass by Marcello, who was trying to prevent a throw-in, after 22 minutes.

Humiliated 7-3 last week by Atletico Madrid, Real could thank goalkeeper Keylor Navas, starting in place of injured Thibaut Courtois, for preventing a heavier against an enterprising and more aggressive Spurs team.

READ ALSO: Rooney says his future is in MLS ahead of All-Star clash

Madrid survived some goalmouth scares in the first half. After the break, Dele Alli went close twice and 17-year-old Troy Parrott hit the inside of the post.

Zinedine Zidane’s team have conceded 13 goals and lost three of their four warm-up games.

“We started off very badly, the opponent took advantage of our mistakes,” said Kroos.

With Gareth Bale, the source of turmoil in recent weeks, left out of the squad for the trip to Munich and James Rodriguez yet to start after returning from Bayern, Real rarely threatened. Star summer recruit Eden Hazard was invisible.

Both teams will be in action again tomorrow. Tottenham plays the winner of Tuesday’s second match, between Bayern and Fenerbahce. Real will have the opportunity to make amends tomorrow against the loser.

Zidane’s men then travel to Austria to face Salzburg on August 6, then to Italy for a match against AS Rome, the last friendly before the starting the Spanish league away to Celta Vigo on August 17.

The much-awaited plot twist to the BBNaija ‘Pepper Dem’ season four has arrived and it may interest you to know that Venita Akpofure and Elozonam are the new addition to the house.

The two new housemates arrived at the house on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, between 7 and 7:15 PM respectively. First to arrive the house was Venita Akpofure who came into the house to the surprise of the housemates.

While the housemates were still basking in the euphoria of the arrival of the gorgeous video vixen and actress, another housemate came knocking and it was the handsome dude, Elozoman.

The housemates were indeed shocked at the arrival of the new housemates as they didn’t see it coming.

The guys already warmed up to Venita as Frodd who had already told Big Brother that he would be sharing his ‘Head Of House’ room with Mike asked Venita to share his room with him.

Omashola, on the other hand, appears to be playing the tribal card as he wanted all the housemates to know that Venita and himself are from the same state.

Will the new addition to the house change the dynamics of the game? Only time will tell as this season of BBNaija gets more interesting.

39-year-old Kemi spent part of her childhood in the Lagos suburbs. She is born to Nigerian parents.

Kemi Badenoch, a UK-born Nigerian, has made it into the newly formed cabinet of new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Kemi would serve in Johnson’s cabinet as Minister of Children and she can’t wait to get started.

AFPControversial UK PM Johnson has to steady a country rocked by Brexit negotiations (AFP)

“I’m humbled to have been appointed a junior minister at the DfE. A huge privilege to be able to serve and make a positive difference on a number of issues close to my heart. I look forward to working with the ministerial team”, she says.

Serving the Conservative Party

Kemi was elected into the UK parliament in 2017 on the platform of the Conservative Party. 

Before her stint in the UK parliament, she represented the conservatives in the London Assembly.

TheCable reports that at parliament, Badenoch often spoke about her experiences of poverty in Nigeria and living without electricity or functioning water supply.

She also narrated how she had to do her homework using candles.

Kemi and her folks returned to the UK when she turned 16.

Kemi Badenoch has served the Conservative Party for years (TelegraphUK)

She would go on to study Systems Engineering at Sussex University. She also obtained a degree in law, and has worked in the IT and banking sectors in the UK.

“Thank you for all good wishes and kind messages of support received. I also look forward to working not just with Conservatives colleagues but cross-party”, she adds.

Top of the agenda for Johnson’s new team would be how to resolve the Brexit problem that has led to the fall of two Prime Ministers in quick succession.  

Kyari, who testified as the President’s third defence witness, also admitted obtaining the Cambridge documents personally on July 18, 2019.

The Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had filed the petition before the tribunal to challenge the victory of President Buhari and his All Progressives Congress in the February 23, 2019 poll.

Part of the grounds of the petition was that Buhari did not possess the academic qualification necessary to contest the poll.

Under a cross examination by the petitioners’ lawyer, Kyari said he was 67 years old and that he had known Buhari for nearly 40 years.

Kyari also said he signed for and collected the Cambridge documents for the assessment by Cambridge.

He did not say if he traveled to London to obtain the documents; but he confirmed that none of the documents contained a certificate.

He confirmed that the Cambridge documents were “assessments.”

He also confirmed that the curriculum vitae signed by Buhari did not have any certificate listed, apart from the list of schools attended by the President.

He also admitted that the Diploma in Strategic Study which he claimed Buhari possessed was not listed in the President’s CV.

Under cross-examination by APC’s lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Kyari, however maintained that Atiku was a Cameroonian by being born in Jadda in 1946, as of the time of which the part of Adamawa State was still a part of Norther Cameroon.

He also identified Buhari in a picture of those who were said to be the President’s classmates and teachers while graduating as a Class 6 pupil in 1961.

An investigation into allegations of rape against Brazilian football star Neymar was closed by police Monday due to lack of evidence, the Sao Paulo attorney general’s office said.

Najila Trindade, a 26-year-old Brazilian model, accused Neymar of forcing her to have sex at a Paris hotel in May, saying he was drunk and violent.

She reportedly told police that a representative of the Paris Saint-Germain player had bought her tickets to Paris and booked her a hotel room after she exchanged Instagram messages with Neymar.

Neymar has strongly denied the accusations, which have dominated headlines in Brazil as the country prepares for the Copa Americana.

A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office said told Agence France Presse that the police decision will be sent to prosecutors on Tuesday, who will than have 15 days to make a decision. They could contradict the police recommendation, declare the case closed, or request further investigation. A final ruling will be made by a judge.

Najila Trindade accused Neymar of raping her in a Paris hotel in May

Neymar went public in early June when he published a video on Instagram, revealing that he had been accused of rape, and attempted to defend himself against the allegations by showing WhatsApp messages and images of his encounter with Trindade.

After the allegations emerged in May, Neymar’s father had said was a “trap.”

“If public opinion is not cleared up, and if we can’t show the truth quickly, this will snowball. If we have to show Neymar’s WhatsApp messages and the conversations with this girl, we will, because it is clear that it was a trap.”

Last month, police filed a defamation suit against Trindade after she accused them of corruption.

“The police are bought, aren’t they? Or am I crazy?” she told television channel SBT last month in response to questions over a police investigation into the alleged theft of a short video she claims had conclusive evidence she was assaulted.

Polls have shown that most Brazilians believe Neymar is innocent.

Oftentimes, the senators heap plaudits on the nominee from their states and make a watery case for why he or she should be asked to “take a bow and go”.

As Fashola answered the last question bordering on the poor state of roads in the Northeast, Lawan did the honours.

“Distinguished Senators Oluremi Tinubu, Adeola Solomon Olamilekan and Adebayo Osinowo…you have the floor”, Lawan stuttered.

All the aforementioned senators are from Fashola’s State of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and most populous city. 

Senator Remi Tinubu takes on ministerial nominee from her state Fashola (Guardian)

Mrs. Tinubu stood up to speak. “Thank you Mr. President and I believe that on behalf of my colleagues..and I know they are going to say something…to thank my distinguished colleagues for the support that honourable ministers have enjoyed today because I know what our colleagues can do. So I want to thank you.”

Tinubu was gesticulating the whole time as she spoke, bowing and turning this way and that. “Thank you for even telling us that he (Fashola) should take a bow at this point…”

She should have ended it here. But she had more on her chest and she wouldn’t be stopped. 

“Sir, I want to really thank you”, Tinubu continued. “My only addition is that even during your first tenure, I didn’t get any chance to give employment letters to my constituents. 

“So when you get there this time, just remember senators here…we have people back home…our constituents asking us for employment slots and as senators…and I want you to put that in your agenda for your second term that we all need slots for our constituents”, Tinubu concluded.

Ministerial nominees Fashola and Aregbesola shake hands before their sessions (DOlusegun)

You could have heard a pin drop in the red chamber at this point and just as well.

Screening sessions in the senate are not usually avenues to beg for ‘jobs for the boys’ or to make a case for the patronage network that underpins Nigeria’s politics. But Tinubu bucked the trend in the manner only she can–unashamed and unafraid.

She had rewritten the rules here and left Fashola red faced and a tad embarrassed. 

May we add that Fashola didn’t address the point she raised; and that could probably be because he had no time to or that he considered it unimportant. How do you address a subject that borders on clannishness, nepotism and favoritism on international television?

As awkward moments go in this ‘bow and go’ ministerial screening session, Tinubu’s speech has to be up there among the very worst.

And Fashola won’t forget this for a while, we are certain. He never saw it coming.

Frodd won the head of house challenge on Monday to lead the rest of the housemates a week after surviving eviction.

Nelson, who has been blocking Frodd’s from hitting on Esther, was evicted on Sunday.

But with the coast clear and the power vested with him, luck is about to shine on him well.

Aregbesola made this known when he was being screened by lawmakers in the Senate.

The former Osun state governor said he would pioneer “privilege taxes” for those who have huge resources.

“I will advocate for a just taxation system that will bridge the inequality in the system, ” he added.

Aregbesola also revealed that disparity in the payment of salaries during his reign in Osun state was stopped in July 2018 before the expiration of his tenure in November.

Speaking during an interview with Channels TV, Melaye said;

“I will tell you categorically that Nigerians are not happy especially with the way the proceedings of the screening have been conducted and I can tell you this without fear or favour,” he said.

“But I want to say that we are talking to ourselves in the senate and as the days go by, it will get better… I do not have powers to nominate ministers but the reason why we have this problem is that the president did not yield to the request of some of us from the national assembly to submit the names of his ministers with their portfolios, so we are actually shooting from the dark.

“It would be better if the president was submitting the names of the ministers with their portfolios so that we know their area of competence and we can ask them questions within the jurisdiction where they are going to serve.

“But if a man is going to be minister of labour and productivity and you are asking him questions that have to do with health or law reforms, then automatically, that exercise is a beautiful nonsense” he said.

He added saying;

“I want to advise and I still instil that for the betterment of service to the country, and for us to have quality screening, the president should submit the names of the ministers with portfolios then we can now properly screen them.

“My advice to the senate is that we should screen these ministers in committees so this will not delay other activities of plenary. Going forward, that should be the approach. But for this approach of everyone coming and three to four people asking questions and the sentiment of bow and go, and some senators trying to play to the gallery or trying to show support is very not fruitful.” he said.

Ministerial screening at the Senate is on Day Four, and former minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, was the first to be screened.

A host of Super Eagles players spent the weekend in the city of Benin to attend the wedding of teammate Henry Onyekuru. 

Onyekuru on Saturday, July 27 wedded his partner and mother of his son Estyin a traditional ceremony. 

The wedding was attended by a slew of his teammates including John Ogu, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem. ]

InstagramJohn Ogu, Kenneth Omeuro, Oghenekaro Etebo, Henry Onyekuru, Chidozie Awaziem were the Super Eagles players that were present in Benin for Onyekuru’s wedding (Instagram/Oghenekaro Etebo)

Ogu, Etebo, Omeruo and Awaziem made the trip to Benin from Lagos on Friday, July 26 a day before the wedding. 

Odion Ighalo‘s wife Sonia was present at the wedding.

The football stars spent only a day in Benin before getting back to Lagos where they were spotted partying at the popular Club Quilox. 

Onyekuru and Esty have been dating for several years and have a one-year-old son together.

It’s been a very busy summer for Onyekuru who moved into a new mansion in Lekki. He had an opening party for the new mansion just before he joined the Super Eagles ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The forward played just one game as the Super Eagles went on to win the bronze medal at AFCON 2019.

He is the second Super Eagles player to wed this summer after Wilfred Ndidi who tied the knot with his partner Fortunate in Abuja in May before AFCON 2019.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Duchess of Sussex, Markle picked 15 women she considers strong proponents for change for the upcoming September edition of the magazine which she co-edited.

The Duchess, who gave birth to her first child in May, reportedly spent seven months working with British Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Edward Enninful on the issue.

She said in a statement that she had sought to steer the focus of the September issue, usually, the year’s most-read, to “the values, causes and people making an impact in the world today.”

“Through this lens, I hope you’ll feel the strength of the collective in the diverse selection of women chosen for the cover as well as the team of support I called upon within the issue to help bring this to light.

“I hope readers feel as inspired as I do, by the ‘Forces for Change’ they’ll find within these pages,” Markle said.

Alongside Adichie, the list also features teenage climate change campaigner, Greta Thunberg, New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden, boxer Ramla Ali and actress and women’s rights advocate Salma Hayek Pinault.

Adichie had written bestselling books including “We Should All Be Feminists,” “Americanah” and “The Thing Around Your Neck,” which have been translated into more than thirty languages.

She was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2015 and one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders in 2017.

The former governor gave the clarification when he appeared before the Senate on Monday.

He was particularly responding to a question from Sen. Bashir Gasau (PDP-Zamfara), who asked him about what led to the reported inability of his government to pay workers for four years.

Aregbesola described those carrying such information as “ignorant and mischievous”.

He said the state under his stewardship just like others fell victim of economic recession in 2014, but was able to manage the situation with initial payment of half and full salaries depending on grade levels.

“On the issue of non-payment of salary, it is untrue that we didn’t pay salaries and this can be out of ignorance and mischief.

“Just like other states in the country in 2014, Osun State felt impacts of the economic recession. But we were able to manage the situation.

“From July 2015 to July 2018, we paid full salary to all civil servants from levels 1 to 7, who constituted 72% of the workforce.

“Within the same period of time, all levels 10 to 12 workers got 75% of their salaries, while from level 13 and above including all political office holders were paid 50%.

“This was because we invested heavily in infrastructure. But today, we have cleared all that and my successor is doing his best in prompt payment of salary,” he said.

The nominee added that the measure was a temporary solution at the time as proffered by his economic team.

On multiple taxation, he said if given the opportunity, he would prepare a special tax regime for the rich and wealthy in the country.

“There’s a limitation to what we can do about multiple taxation at the federal level. But we can make the rich and the wealthy do the proper thing.

“I will create privileges tax for those who are wealthy and rich in Nigeria. I will advocate a just taxation system that will bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in the society,” he said.

Meanwhile, some senators used the opportunity to urge their colleagues to grant express approval to the nominee.

Among them is his former colleague governor, Sen. Rochas Okorocha (APC-Imo), who described him as a decent, honest and de-tribalised Nigerian.

ALSO READ: Kaduna court to rule on El-Zakzaky’s bail application next week

Also, Sen. Ishiaku Abbo (PDP-Adamawa) narrated how he was assisted by Aregbesola in 2012 when he contested for governorship election.

Two senators from Osun -Sen. Bashiru Ajibola and Hassan Sunmonu also urged the Senate to permit the nominee take a bow and leave the hallow chambers.

The request was subsequently granted by a motion moved by Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP-Abia) and seconded by Sen. Francis Fadahunsi (APC-Osun).

Director Jon Favreau’s hyper-realistic remake of the animated classic is already the fifth-biggest global release of the year with $963 million to date, according to Variety.com.

“The Lion King” well on its way to joining fellow studio releases “Avengers: Endgame,” “Captain Marvel” and “Aladdin” in the elusive billion-dollar club.

The film also added $75 million in North America this weekend, boosting domestic sales to $350 million.

Overseas, it’s had the strongest showing in China with $114 million, along with the United Kingdom with $45 million, Brazil with $42 million and France with $40 million.

“The Lion King” opens in Japan on August 9 and Italy on August 21.

Meanwhile, Sony’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home” continued scaling box office charts, collecting $21 million from 67 overseas territories.

During the week, it became the first “Spider-Man” movie to cross $1 billion globally. The superhero sequel has made $692 million overseas and $1.03 billion worldwide.

It recently passed “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” ($963 million) to become Sony’s second-highest-grossing film ever.

Falling not far behind is Disney’s “Toy Story 4,” which picked up $19.4 million from 40 foreign markets for an international tally of $522 million.

The animated adventure has now pocketed $917 million globally, including $395 million in North America.

Outside of the States, “Toy Story 4” has seen solid ticket sales in Mexico with $70.7 million, the U.K. with $64.9 million and Japan with $51 million.

It debuts in Germany later in August.

The live eviction show for BBNaija’s season four ‘Pepper Dem’ held on Sunday, July 28, 2019, would go down as one of the most memorable nights after the Ebuka and Tacha’s now-famous moment.

It would be recalled that during the question and answer session between Ebuka and the housemates, Ebuka had asked Tacha to share what three characteristics a BBNaija winner poses. The drama that followed suit between Ebuka and Tacha has sent people talking.

Let’s just say Twitter has been on the receiving hand as the conversation has gone diverse with some people insisting that the show presenter bullied Tacha. For others, Tacha wasn’t smart enough, hence her perceived not so smart response.

According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary, State Security Office, Dr Alfred Mboto, the general public should be informed that major routes in Calabar will be closed to motorists from 7.00a.m. to 4.00p.m for the tree planting.

Mboto said that the closure was to give way to the green carnival train to freely move round the state capital and plant trees in designated spots.

The permanent secretary stressed that the state government hoped for strict compliance to this directive.

He said the areas in Calabar that would be closed included Botanical Garden Road, Target Road, Mary Slessor Avenue from Bogobiri to the College of Health Tech gate.

Also to be blocked are Marian Road, IBB Way and Calabar Road and Transcorp Hotel roundabout.

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River had last Wednesday declared July 30, a public holiday for the planting of one million trees.

The governor had the statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Christian Ita that setting aside a day for tree planting “underscores our readiness for the REDD+ and commitment to forest conservation and management.”

“REDD+ is Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, plus the sustainable management of forests, and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.”

It is also an essential part of the global efforts to mitigate climate change, and FAO is supporting developing countries in their REDD+ processes.

FAO is also turning their political commitments as represented in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDD), into action on the ground. 

News Agency of Nigeria reports that they follow Avala, Isilomo, Ella, Kim Oprah and Tuoyo who had exited the show at one point or the other.

The two housemates became the sixth and seventh to be booted out of the house on Sunday during the live eviction show for having the least number of votes.

While in the house, Nelson, who was Mr Universe Nigeria, maintained a cool personality but had a love triangle with Frodd and Esther.

NAN reports that he planned to use the prize money to care for himself and open a business.

He also stated that if he was a world leader, he would ensure the poor and rich had equal opportunities.

On her part, Hair and beauty entrepreneur, Thelma said she got into the show for the fame and planned to utilize it.

During her stay in the house, she gained attention in the first week for arguing with Tacha over food. Thereafter, she maintained a calm demeanour.

NAN also reports that all 16 housemates were put up for eviction during the last eviction show which caused some tension in the house.

The remaining housemates continue to battle for the Grand prize worth 60 million Naira.

The lawyer described the court order as “highly discriminatory and unconstitutional, as was the case of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB.”

This was contained in a statement made available reporters in Abuja on Saturday in a reaction to the ruling of an Abuja Federal High Court which described the group on Friday as a terrorist organisation.

According to him, “what group could be more terrorist than the herdsmen and their known anchor, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association that has held Nigeria down by the jugular for years, killing, maiming, burning, raping, turning Nigeria into a crimson field of bloodbath?”

He also pointed out that “until the government bans and outlaws these, it is certainly not serious.”

According to him, “they are demanding for the release of their leader still kept in government dungeon in spite of several court orders  The Shiites group is a religious group, like the President’s Sunni group. It is not an association that could be banned.

Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution makes Nigeria a secular state. You can’t ban religion, a people’s belief. There is also freedom of thought, conscience, and religion in section 38, while sections 40 and 41 allow for freedom of movement and association.”

Ozekhome lamented that it was unfortunate that the nation’s constitution “is ruthlessly being shredded by an intolerant and overbearing civilian dictatorship.”

The lawmaker, who made headlines recently for assaulting a nursing mother in a sex toy shop in Abuja, assured that he is committed to serving humanity, using his office as a distinguished senator of the federal republic of Nigeria.

The Senator thanked the group for finding him worthy of such a prestigious “ICON of Democracy” Awards.

Ihedioha and Okorocha Disclosing this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, the former governor Okorocha averred that since the incident happened on Friday, neither the governor nor the government he heads or even the head of the Committee, has deemed it necessary to apologize to the woman.

The statement reads thus: “On Friday, July 26, 2019, a member of the Committee on Recovery of Government Property set up by Governor Emeka Ihedioha and led by Mr. Jasper Ndubuaku slapped the daughter of the former governor of Imo State, Mrs. Uloma Rochas Okorocha when she went to the “ALL-IN” furniture store owned by the mother, to know why members of the committee invaded the store and began to tamper with the items including the ones inside the Containers especially when the EFCC had marked the shop for investigation also following their petitions to that effect.

“Three days after the ugly incident, neither the governor nor the government he heads or even the head of the Committee, has deemed it necessary to apologize to the woman, the family and the former governor. And they have not denied knowledge of the ugly incident, like they had denied knowledge of similar cases in the past.

“It has therefore become necessary to ask the governor and his government to apologize to Mrs. Uloma Rochas Nwosu, the family and the former governor. “It is even more disturbing that instead of doing the needful, the government dished out a very heartless falsehood, that mob wanted to lynch Mrs. Nwosu and their media collaborators who they had assembled the previous week and struck an ungodly deal with them, went to town with such unfounded story.

“In the history of Imo State, since its creation, Rochas Okorocha is the only person who had governed the State and after leaving office, the Children stayed behind in Owerri to run their businesses without police escort and also move freely. Ihedioha gives Okorocha one month ultimatum on govt property(Opens in a new browser tab).

“The daughters have their shops in Owerri and are physically managing them. The first son, Aham Rochas Okorocha has his barbing Saloon along MCC/Uratta road and also managing it. No Imo man or woman can raise a finger against any member of Okorocha’s family.

The young journalist was on the field for Channels TV covering happenings of the protest before a stray bullet pierced him, which led to his death.

Condolence messages have been pouring in from different quarters of the country; even President Muhammadu Buhari sent a condolence message to the family.

Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday evening paid a condolence visit to the home of late Precious Owolabi.

For the 4th Saturday Night Party, 5 interesting activities went down at the purpose-built club inside the BBNaija Pepper Dem house.

The fourth Saturday night party which took place on Saturday, July 28, 2018, had several dramas worth knowing.

In the first two parties, housemates were described as boring and not in sync with the music while some fans wished the ‘Double Wahala’ housemates were returned for parties.

However, that was not to happen after DJ Lambo’s edition.

After 28 days in the BBNaija Pepper Dem house, the remaining 16 housemates have let down their guards.

ALSO READ: 7 things that happened at 3rd Saturday night party

Drinks flowed ceaselessly and it is believed that some housemates – most especially the females – had too much to drink.

Here are the five things that happened at the Saturday night party.

1. Mercy, Thelma, Diane, Esther spice up party with booty dance

Nelson and Esther [Twitter/BBNaija]

Mercy, Thelma, Diane, and Esther took turns to entertain the viewers with their booty dance steps. While Thelma kept wriggling her waist, Mercy showed the viewers no mercy as she juggles her booty for the better part of the show. Mercy led the booty dance show while Diane and Esther followed suit. Another housemate who gave viewers good viewing is Esther. The one time Head of House couldn’t hide her booty as she not only teases fans with it but also engaged in some raunchy dance steps with Nelson, who seemed to enjoy every minute spent. 

Nelson and Esther 2 (Twitter/BBNaija]

2. Khafi couldn’t take her hands off Gedoni

One of the viewers favourite couple, Gedoni and Khafi again gave viewers something to watch at the 4th Saturday Night Party. Khafi couldn’t take her hands off Gedoni and at every opportunity she gets, she whines her waist to the rhythm of her lover’s waist. She also takes time to tell him how much she cares and love him. Towards the end of the show, Khafi and Gedoni hooked themselves to a corner to steal few minutes of intimacy that saw them kissing passionately. 

3. DJ Kaywise displayed wisdom on the turntable

DJ Kaywise (Twitter/BBNaija]

DJ Kaywise displayed wisdom on the turntable on Saturday, July 27, 2019. Kaywise was the fourth DJ to play for the housemates in the ongoing BBNaija 2019. The Disc Jockey took his time to make the housemates dance to his tunes as he played for three hours. DJ Xclusive was on hand on the first Saturday night while DJ Big N serenaded housemates, viewers, and Biggie on the second Saturday night. DJ Lambo was on the wheels of steels on the 3rd Saturday night.

4. Diane gets drunk and makes a scene

Khafi and Diane (Twitter/BBNaija]

Though she tried to hide her pain of being lonely, Diane failed to hide her innermost pain when she got drunk during the party. Gedoni noticed she was drunk and got her to a corner to relax. 45 mins before the end of the party, Diane broke down and despite efforts by Sir Dee to comfort her, she couldn’t hold back the tears. Mercy and Esther joined in the effort to comfort her. It’s unsure what Ms. Hashim went through but it was obvious that despite the smooth and sweet tunes blaring out of DJ Kaywise’s speakers, she remained drunk. However, the petite-sized housemate tried to find joy again and joined in the fun before the night party ended. After the party, Jackye took her in and tucked her into the bed.

5. Mercy smashes Oppo phone

Towards the end of the Saturday party, Mercy smashed one of the Oppo phones after she was dared by Gedoni. Ike had made a video of Mercy and a drunk Diane but later deleted it after Mercy showed her displeasure. Few minutes after, Gedoni came along and recorded a drunk Diane with Mercy and she objected the recording. Mercy got confrontational with Gedoni and told him to stop recording or else she will smash the phone. Gedoni recorded the video and gave the video to Mercy, who in turn smashed the phone on the floor.

BBNaija

Leshy is a Chicago based afropop artiste. Born and raised in the city of Ibadan, relocated to the US a few years back after graduating from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta.

Shayo by Leshy can be mostly described as a groovy and rhythmic song for music lovers with a mid-tempo afro-pop instrumental. The song tells a story of night life in Lagos and the essentials of booze (alcohol). Its all about drinking, having a good time and drinking some more.

The afro-pop jam was produced by Profaceebeatzz and mixed by itsLanre. #SHAYO #MyShayoStory #ShayoStorybyLeshyLesh

Listen and download.

https://my.notjustok.com/track/406920/leshy-shayo

News Agency of Nigeria reports that some of the housemates were tipsy after the party, including Diane.

Trouble started when Gedoni made a video of drunk Diane and Mercy repeatedly asked him to stop filming as she is as tipsy.

Gedoni, however, went on to film and dared Mercy to break the phone if she did not want the video which she did.

Following the altercation, Mercy was seen talking to her romantic pair, Ike and expressing her fear of getting evicted because of the fight.

While Ike tried to make her relax, insisting that she would only get a strike, Gedoni told the other housemates that he did not see Mercy as a competition.

Nigerians have since taken to Twitter to share their opinions with some pleading with Big Brother not to give Mercy a strike as she was defending herself.

@ChiadiNelson tweeted, “Biggie right now thinking on who to punish for the smashed Phone!

“Gedoni? Mercy? Diane that got drunk, or should I just free them, cos they making me more money.”

@Kaujudez said, “Ok let me say this, Gedoni recording a drunk girl against her will is dodgy.

“Mercy asks him to delete it, he refuses and she threatens to break the phone. He hands it over to her and it gets smashed. He now goes ahead to be abusing her n forming saint? Dude is bad #BBNaiija”

@Kleanboy15 said, “If the object in question was a knife & it was handed over to her during an argument, will she stab herself? Let’s be reasonable, please.

“Mercy is one of the housemates I like but she totally lost it. That phone isn’t hers for crying out loud. She doesn’t have any right to smash it.”

@Bobmanuellizzy tweeted, “He shouldn’t have handled her the phone and his reasons for that are wack…. ‘coz she dared me and the phone is not mine ‘.

“And raining insults on her and calling her names is a very shallow thing for a guy who claims and tends to be quite. Gedoni comes and is going.”

@Segun_olodun wrote, “Mercy should have controlled her emotions. If she gets disqualified, Gedoni laughs last.”

Meanwhile, housemates were a lot freer during the party with DJ Kaywise at the turntable. This comes after host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu told them to enjoy themselves at the party.

NAN reports that all the housemates are up for eviction and at least one party might go home on Sunday.

The 77-time international had been told by Real coach Zinedine Zidane he does not form part of his future plans at the Bernabeu.

The former Tottenham Hotspur winger came off the bench to play half an hour in Real’s record 7-3 defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

The source dismissed reports by Spanish daily Marca which said the player’s family had blocked a potential move to Asia.

Marca said those close to Bale had asked his representatives to look for clubs in Europe “before definitively saying yes to Jiangsu Suning’s offer”.

The Chinese transfer window closes on Wednesday.

Precious Owolabi, 23, who was interning with ChannelsTV as a reporter, was shot dead as police clashed with members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise referred to as Shiite, in Abuja, Nigeria’s administrative capital, on Monday, July 22, 2019.

Owolabi was serving out a mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program with the television station. He was hit by a stray bullet to his stomach.

“The 23-year-old died of a gunshot wound he sustained while covering the clash between the police and the Shiite protesters on Monday in Abuja”, ChannelsTV reported.

The statement from the broadcast station would add that: “The management and staff of Channels Television are greatly saddened by the untimely and unfortunate death of such a promising journalist.

“We pray that God will grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and avail his soul eternal rest”.

Recent clashes between Shiites and the police have played out in pristine Abuja, the seat of government in Nigeria.

Members of the Shiite sect have been protesting the arrest of their spiritual leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who has been in detention since 2015, following a bloody clash between Shiites and officers of the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State.

El-Zakzaky has been complaining of a failing health at recent court appearances