Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Activist Aisha Yesufu recently criticized President Bola Tinubu on X, claiming he was shunned by South African President Ramaphosa at an inauguration event. This sparked a heated social media exchange, with the presidency responding robustly. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed Yesufu and her supporters as “an uncouth horde of pessimists” still upset over their candidate’s third-place finish in the 2023 elections. He accused Yesufu of being quick to judge and consistently negative towards Tinubu, contrasting her behavior with that of the second-place candidate’s supporters. O’tega Ogra, Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, also criticized Yesufu, accusing her of “crass ignorance” and seeking social media approval rather than constructive dialogue. He defended Tinubu by clarifying that the South African President’s actions were misinterpreted, explaining that the first row was reserved for South African royalty and that Ramaphosa greeted the visiting presidents after the anthem.
2. The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is set to hear a case today regarding the House of Assembly crisis. This case’s outcome will impact the status of sacked council chairmen whose terms were extended by the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule before the governor appointed caretaker chairmen. The appellate court previously ordered all parties to maintain the status quo. The case involves Amaewhule and 24 others against Victor Oko-Jumbo and five others, with Amaewhule’s group seeking to overturn a High Court order that recognized Oko-Jumbo as the Speaker. Justice Charles Wali had ruled that Amaewhule and his group should cease acting as Speakers and lawmakers, declaring all laws they made, including those affecting councils, null and void until the matter is resolved. Oko-Jumbo’s group argues that Amaewhule and others lost their seats after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Appeal Court has adjourned the hearing to today, emphasizing that no actions should be taken that might affect the case’s outcome
3. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has committed to ensuring that those responsible for the kidnapping of the Fouani brothers are apprehended. The brothers were rescued by the police on Tuesday. Sanwo-Olu expressed this determination while receiving the leadership of the Baptist Convention, led by Rev. (Dr.) Israel Akanbi, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. The governor clarified that the kidnapping occurred not in Marina but on the high sea. He assured security operatives are actively searching for the culprits, emphasizing that Lagos will not tolerate such criminal activities. Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the state’s efforts to maintain peace and improve security, ensuring the safety of visitors for the Baptist Convention’s annual gathering in July 2024. He urged religious leaders to collaborate with the government to enhance governance.
4. The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced the expulsion of former deputy governor Philip Shaibu and National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Dan Orbih for anti-party activities. The decision was made during a State Working Committee (SWC) meeting. Additionally, Mr. Omorgie Ihama, a former House of Representatives member, was also expelled for the same reason. Orbih dismissed the expulsion as unconstitutional, claiming the SWC lacked the authority to expel members without following the party’s constitution,
5. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), denounced the killings in the South-East associated with the group’s secessionist agitation and called for an out-of-court settlement in his ongoing treason trial. Detained since 2021 after being re-arrested in Kenya and repatriated to Nigeria, Kanu made this appeal during his trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He emphasized that IPOB was founded on non-violent principles and condemned all forms of killing. Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, highlighted issues with the Department of State Services (DSS) not fully complying with court orders for unfettered access to Kanu and requested a “safe room” for legal meetings. Justice Binta Nyako ordered the DSS to provide an unbugged space for Kanu’s legal consultations but dismissed a fresh application challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned until September 24. The apex Igbo sociopolitical group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, supported Kanu’s proposal for a peaceful settlement, believing it could reduce tensions and end violence in the region. They urged President Bola Tinubu to release Kanu, following previous unsuccessful attempts during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
6. Inter Miami secured a 2-1 victory against the Columbus Crew despite missing key players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who are away for the Copa America, and three other regular starters. First-half goals from Ian Fray and Leonardo Campana led the team to their second win in five days, following a similar triumph over the Philadelphia Union. This victory kept Inter Miami at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 12-5-3 record. Coach Tata Martino praised his team’s effort against a strong opponent, highlighting strategic adjustments like shifting to a 5-4-1 formation to strengthen the defense. Fray, returning after more than a year due to his third ACL tear, scored the opening goal in the 10th minute, marking a significant personal comeback. Campana added a second goal following a forced turnover, while Columbus’s Juan Camilo ‘Cucho’ Hernandez scored just before halftime.
7. Nigerian music star Davido has filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court against Sophia Momodu over the custody of their daughter, Aurora Imade Adeleke. Davido seeks joint custody and unrestricted access to Imade. Despite their relationship ending years ago, Davido claims he has consistently supported Imade financially, covering school fees, rent, and other expenses. He accuses Momodu of making unreasonable demands, such as rejecting an N200m apartment, demanding continued payment of N5m annual rent, and asking for high nanny fees. Davido argues that these demands are meant to frustrate him, despite his significant contributions to their daughter’s well-being.
