Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Senate has called for justice for the officers and soldiers killed by unknown gunmen during a peace mission to riverside communities in Delta State. The attack resulted in the deaths of 16 military personnel, including a commanding officer and two majors. The Senate condemned the massacre and pledged support for investigations to ensure the perpetrators face legal consequences. In a separate incident, FIFA-accredited Nigerian sports photojournalist Sulaiman Pooja Adebayo faced backlash for advocating violence against the Okuama community in Delta State following the killing of 14 military personnel. Nigerians condemned his statement, urging FIFA and CAF to disassociate from him. President Bola Tinubu also condemned the killings, describing the attackers as cowardly and ensuring that they are punished. He emphasized the sacrifices made by the fallen soldiers and vowed to pursue peace and security across Nigeria.
2. The Nigerian government plans to increase VAT from 7.5% to 15% by 2027 to address fiscal deficits, as per the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Inflation is expected to remain high, with the naira weakening to N2,381 per dollar. Foreign borrowing aims to stabilize the currency by 2024. Challenges include deficit monetization and currency controls. Real GDP growth is forecasted at 2.5% in 2024, hindered by inflation and infrastructure constraints. Market reforms lack coherence, impacting investor confidence. The Dangote mega-refinery offers potential benefits, but corruption and insecurity pose ongoing challenges.
3. Vladimir Putin has won another six-year term as Russian president, with exit polls showing his victory as inevitable due to the absence of major opponents and a crackdown on dissent. The election coincided with ongoing military operations in Ukraine, and Putin’s opponents dismissed the vote as a sham. Despite protests and criticism, Putin’s victory was celebrated by state-run media, emphasizing overwhelming support for him. The death of prominent opposition figure Alexei Navalny cast a shadow over the election, with some voters protesting by spoiling their ballots with his name. Putin’s extended stay in power until at least 2030 was highlighted, raising concerns both domestically and internationally. Putin warned against direct conflict with NATO, highlighting the risk of escalation to a global conflict, while also dismissing Western criticism of the election process. The circumstances surrounding Navalny’s death remained contentious, with his widow accusing Putin of involvement, a claim the Kremlin denied.
4. Residents in Lagos’s Lekki/Ajah area criticized the recent demolition of shanties in the Jakande area by the government, leaving many homeless. Videos showed residents expressing despair over their demolished homes. The government defended the action, citing flood prevention and public interest. Efforts to clear drainage channels were highlighted. Those found with arms during enforcement were handed over to authorities. Residents were urged to refrain from illegal construction and dumping refuse in drainage channels. The government emphasized the importance of maintaining public infrastructure and met with local leaders to introduce contractors for infrastructure projects. Zero tolerance towards environmental abuse was reiterated, aiming to ensure smooth rainwater passage and infrastructure resilience.
5. Chelsea secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals with late goals from substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke. The match featured end-to-end action, including missed penalties, a red card, and a spectacular own goal. Despite a valiant effort from Leicester, Chelsea’s dominance in possession and chances prevailed. Manager Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged the game’s difficulty but emphasized the importance of fan support and trust in the team’s project. Chelsea’s late surge, spurred by impactful substitutions, sealed their place in the semi-finals. They will face either Coventry City or Manchester City, while Leicester shifts focus to their pursuit of promotion to the Premier League. In the other semi-final, Manchester United will take on holders Manchester City, setting up an exciting climax to the competition at Wembley Stadium in April.
6. Rebeka Sekidika, a first-class university graduate, visited Paragon Clinics & Imaging in Port Harcourt after missing her period for three months. Despite negative results from various tests, including a pregnancy test, she underwent a diagnostic hysteroscopy at the clinic. On February 2, while awaiting the procedure, she was healthy and even participated in an online class using her laptop. Minutes later, her parents heard some commotion from the theatre and were informed of her sudden death. Her father found her in a pool of blood, prompting accusations of medical negligence against the clinic. The family is now demanding justice for Rebeka’s untimely death.
