Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. A fire erupted at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, coinciding with speculation about a potential impeachment of Governor Sim Fubara. Security personnel and a fire truck are on-site, but details from lawmakers remain unavailable. The fire’s relation to the political tension is uncertain, though ongoing rumors suggest a strained relationship between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, currently the FCT Minister.
2. Loyalists of President Bola Tinubu have accused Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, of selling appointments to the highest bidders. This accusation has triggered public outrage, demanding a thorough investigation and the immediate suspension of Gbajabiamila. The allegations involve the substitution of individuals approved by President Tinubu for appointments with Gbajabiamila’s own choices, leading to a possible plan to remove him from the Villa and assign him an ambassadorial position.
3. Two Lagos businessmen, ThankGod Emenike and Chidike Prince, were apprehended for smuggling cocaine and heroin in their bellies on flights to Hong Kong and France, as reported by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Additionally, the agency disclosed the arrest of Agbo Tochukwu, found with 58 parcels of skunk at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, intending to travel to Oman.
4. Hundreds of protesters stormed Russia’s Dagestan region at the Makhachkala airport against an incoming flight from Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protesters breached security, leading to arrests and injuries. Anti-Jewish sentiments were expressed during the protest, with reports of a Jewish center being set on fire in a nearby city. Israeli passengers were isolated and guarded at the airport before being flown to Moscow. The airport is expected to stay closed for incoming flights until at least November 6.
5. Israel has conducted airstrikes in Syria and Lebanon in response to rocket launches into Israeli territory. This has raised concerns about the possibility of the conflict between Israel and Hamas leading to a broader regional war. There are warnings from various global leaders, including the US and Russian officials, about the potential for the conflict to escalate beyond the Middle East. There is also discussion about Iran’s role and its denial of involvement in the attacks.
6. Lionel Messi is expected to win his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or next week. However, his focus has shifted from individual awards, especially after leading Argentina to a major team victory. He emphasized the importance of group achievements over individual accolades, indicating that his perspective on the Ballon d’Or has changed. Despite his impending win, he now places less importance on such recognition, with new goals in mind for his current club.
7. The 19th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) was held in Lagos on Sunday. Hosted by Nancy Isime, Rahama Sadau, and Richard Ato Turkson, the event highlighted the achievements in African cinema, with notable winners such as C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi’s Mami Wata, which received three awards, including Best Nigerian Film in an African Language and Best Cinematography. Anikulapo and Gangs of Lagos were also recognized, each receiving two awards.
