Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The federal government has denied that the recently signed Samoa agreement contains provisions for same-sex marriage but focuses solely on Nigeria’s economic development. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized that the agreement, which involves a $150 billion trade component, does not mention LGBT issues. The Samoa Agreement is a framework for EU relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, covering democracy, human rights, economic growth, climate change, and more. Nigeria, initially hesitant, signed the agreement after ensuring it did not violate Nigerian laws, including those criminalizing same-sex relationships. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reassured that the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s legal framework and interests.
2. Edo State PDP chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, clarified that a court ruling did not remove Asue Ighodalo as the party’s governorship candidate, countering circulating misinformation. Despite this, the APC Campaign Council urged Ighodalo to join their campaign, while former deputy governor Philip Shaibu claimed vindication, asserting the PDP primary was improperly conducted. The APC welcomed the court’s decision, suggesting it prevented the imposition of an unpopular candidate, and called for unity to address key state issues like food security and healthcare.
3. A group of 60 House of Representatives members, known as G-60, urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to stop supporting Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike’s involvement in the Rivers State political crisis. They criticized a Court of Appeal ruling that dismissed an order barring 25 pro-Wike lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly. Spokesman Ikenga Ugochinyere emphasized that the ruling only addressed jurisdiction, not the validity of the lawmakers’ decampment. The group insists these lawmakers’ seats remain vacant and calls for fair law enforcement and vigilance from the Rivers State people.
4. The Labour Party has won a landslide victory in the UK general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Sir Keir Starmer will become the new prime minister, succeeding Rishi Sunak, who conceded early and congratulated Starmer. Labour secured 410 seats in the House of Commons, the Conservatives 119, and the Liberal Democrats 71. In his victory speech, Starmer emphasized “national renewal” as well as prioritizing the country over the party. Labour’s win marks a dramatic turnaround from their poor 2019 performance under Jeremy Corbyn. Former Conservative minister Robert Buckland called the outcome “electoral Armageddon” for the Tories, with an expected internal debate on the party’s future. High-profile Conservatives, including Liz Truss and Jacob Rees-Mogg, lost their seats, while others like Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak retained theirs with reduced majorities.
5. The global currency market found reassurance with Keir Starmer’s Labour Party gaining a substantial majority in the UK general election. The British pound maintained its gains against the naira and held steady against other major currencies. With Labour winning over 326 seats and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceding, attention is now on Starmer’s economic policies and his first 100 days in office. The pound has appreciated against the US dollar and other major currencies, reflecting market confidence in Labour’s fiscal stability. The Bank of England is expected to lower interest rates, anticipating GDP growth to accelerate. Meanwhile, US job payroll data is awaited, which may influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions.
6. Lionel Messi missed a Panenka penalty during Argentina’s thrilling shootout against Ecuador in the Copa America quarter-finals, but Argentina still advanced to the semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia. Argentina led until the 91st minute when Kevin Rodriguez equalized, forcing the shootout. Messi’s penalty hit the crossbar, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved two penalties, and Nicolás Otamendi scored the winning penalty. After the match, Messi mentioned joking with Martínez about saving penalties and expressed relief over his improved fitness after earlier injury concerns. Argentina will face the winner of Venezuela vs. Canada next.
7. Singer-songwriter Simi has released her fifth studio album, “Lost and Found,” a 14-track collection featuring collaborations with Asa, Ladipoe, Lojay, Bella Shmurda, Falz, Tiwa Savage, and a surprise appearance by Ebenezer Obey. The album represents Simi’s journey of self-discovery and her reconnection with music, melody, and love stories. It follows her previous albums “To Be Honest” (2022), “Omo Charlie Champagne” (2019), “Simisola” (2017), the collaborative project “Chemistry” with Falz (2017), and her debut “Ojaju” (2008). Three singles from the album: “All I Want,” “Men Are Crazy” with Tiwa Savage, and “Borrow Me Your Baby” with Falz have already been released.
