Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. President Bola Tinubu has urged all 36 state governors in Nigeria to begin paying wage awards to workers, to provide relief amid economic hardships. Speaking in Minna, Niger State, Tinubu emphasized that implementing the wage awards would not cause inflationary pressure and urged the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to adopt the same. He assured that measures such as student loans and unemployment benefits would soon commence to alleviate hunger. Tinubu also outlined plans for a Livestock Change program to address challenges in agriculture and commended the efforts of Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in the agricultural revolution.
2. An ICPC investigator testified in court accusing former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele and others of approving multi-billion contracts involving Emefiele’s relatives and associates. These contracts included supplying vehicles and renovating Emefiele’s residence. While Emefiele wasn’t directly implicated, questions were raised about due process in awarding contracts. The trial continues, with the next hearing set for April 25. Emefiele faces charges of corrupt practices and forgery, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
3. The Abia State Government has initiated an investigation into the death of a student from Abia State University (ABSU) who was killed in a clash between rival cult groups. Mr. Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, disclosed this during a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting. The government has taken steps to restore peace and order on campus by deploying security agencies to ABSU and launching an investigation into the incident. Kanu urged students across all tertiary institutions in the state to refrain from violence and actions that could jeopardize their safety and academic pursuits.
4. Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry agreed to resign following pressure from armed gangs, paving the way for international intervention. Caribbean nations secured his resignation at an emergency meeting in Jamaica, where US Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered an additional $100 million for security forces, to be led by Kenya. Gang violence has plunged Haiti into anarchy, prompting urgent calls for action. The resignation comes amidst a crisis exacerbated by political instability and violence. The US pledged further assistance, including humanitarian aid and support for stabilization efforts. The situation remains dire, with Haiti on the brink of civil war, prompting international concern and action.
5. Frank Hester, a prominent Tory donor, faced backlash after reportedly making derogatory comments about former Labour MP Diane Abbott, saying she made him “want to hate all black women” and suggesting she “should be shot”. Hester, CEO of The Phoenix Partnership, admitted to making rude remarks but claimed they were unrelated to gender or race. Labour and the Liberal Democrats called for the Tories to return Hester’s donations, with Labour describing the comments as reprehensible. Hester apologized for his remarks and emphasized his opposition to racism. The incident reignited controversy surrounding Abbott, who had the Labour whip withdrawn last April over comments she made regarding racism.
6. Dozens were injured on a Chilean LATAM Airlines flight from Australia to New Zealand due to a “strong movement” attributed to a technical issue. Twelve were hospitalized, with one in serious condition. This incident adds to Boeing’s recent safety-related events, including engine fires, cabin fumes, and a tyre falling off a plane. In a separate development, a former Boeing employee who raised safety concerns was found dead in an apparent suicide. Boeing’s safety record has faced scrutiny since the 2018 and 2019 crashes involving the Boeing 737 MAX. Additionally, prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into a January incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX operated by Alaska Airlines.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, Al-Nassr, lost to Al-Ain in the Asian Champions League quarter-final in a penalty shootout. Despite Ronaldo’s late goal in extra time, Al-Nassr fell 3-1 in the shootout, with Ronaldo being the only scorer for his team. Ronaldo missed a crucial chance during regular time but later equalized, leading to extra time. Al-Nassr was reduced to 10 players, and despite Ronaldo’s efforts, they couldn’t secure victory.
