Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, along with his daughter Fatima, Jalal Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Ltd, face arraignment before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama. They are charged with six counts related to alleged abuse of office during Sirika’s tenure. The charges include using his position to award contracts to his daughter, son-in-law, and associates. These contracts amount to significant sums, allegedly awarded unfairly. The charges specify instances where Sirika purportedly used his influence to benefit specific individuals and entities, breaching trust and engaging in fraudulent activities. The allegations involve misuse of public office for personal gain and possession of proceeds from criminal activities.
2. In the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, members of the State House of Assembly aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara have elected Victor Oko-Jumbo as their new Speaker. This move comes after Edison Ehie, previously elected as Speaker during the crisis, resigned and was appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor. Oko-Jumbo, one of the lawmakers loyal to Fubara, was chosen during a plenary session, though the exact number of attending lawmakers remains unclear. He was escorted to the session with the original mace of the Assembly. Oko-Jumbo, in his acceptance speech, dismissed the actions of the previous Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, labeling them as futile and legally void. He emphasized the legality of their Assembly and called on Governor Fubara to cease dealings with the opposing lawmakers who defected to the All Progressives Congress, asserting their Assembly as the constitutionally recognized body.
3. President Joe Biden has warned Israel that the US would halt weapons supplies if Israel launched a major ground operation in the Gaza city of Rafah. The warning came amid concerns over civilian casualties and humanitarian crises. Despite firm US opposition, Israel is considering a large-scale invasion of Rafah, Hamas’s last major stronghold. Biden’s remarks mark the first time he suggested stopping American weapons shipments to Israel. The US has already delayed a bomb shipment to Israel, and disagreements between the allies are being resolved behind closed doors. Efforts for a ceasefire and negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue, with the US expressing concerns and reviewing weapons transfers since April.
4. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended the suspension of processing fees on significant cash deposits until September 30, 2024. This decision affects deposits exceeding ₦500,000 for individuals and ₦3,000,000 for corporations, originally subject to fees of 2% and 3% respectively. The extension aims to promote financial inclusion and alleviate the burden on large transactions. The directive, outlined in a letter from the CBN’s Acting Director of Banking Supervision, follows a previous suspension and aims to ensure that depositors will not face additional costs when making substantial cash deposits for an extended period.Â
5. The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has delivered 1,437.5 metric tonnes of grains to vulnerable individuals in Niger state. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aiming to distribute 42,000 metric tonnes of grains to vulnerable Nigerians. NEMA had previously commenced distribution in Sokoto state on April 8, 2024. The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, handed over the grains to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in Minna. The grains include maize and garri, with an emphasis on equal distribution across all local government areas in the state. Mrs. Umar also called for proactive measures against anticipated floods in 2024. The distribution is managed by local committees in each local government area, with allocations designated for religious organizations and boarding schools. Governor Bago assured fair distribution and announced the formation of an early warning committee for flood risks. Every state in Nigeria is expected to benefit from this distribution effort, aimed at addressing food insecurity.
6. Real Madrid defeated Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final with Joselu scoring twice in the closing minutes. Despite Bayern leading 1-0 and looking set to advance to the final against Borussia Dortmund, Joselu’s late goals turned the tide. Thomas Tuchel’s decision to substitute key players Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala just before the goals has been questioned. Kane’s absence notably impacted Bayern’s attacking prowess, with Tuchel citing injuries and cramps as the reason for the substitutions. However, critics argue that Kane’s experience and goal-scoring ability could have been crucial in the closing stages. This defeat marks the end of Bayern’s season without any major trophies and raises uncertainty about Tuchel’s future as the head coach.
7. The 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) activities commence with the Cultural Day event on Friday, preceding the Award Night on Saturday, hosted by IK Osakioduwa. The awards feature 25 categories, including standout nominee “Breath of Life” in 10 categories. Sponsored categories include Best Lead Actor and Actress, Best Movie, and Best Director. The Cultural Day event will include musical performances and cultural presentations. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content at MultiChoice West Africa, expressed excitement for the event, celebrating a decade of African cinema and television excellence. The Award Night will air live on Saturday on Africa Magic channels, with sponsors including Amstel, Pepsi, Martell, and others.
