Hello and welcome! Here’s what’s making headlines in today’s news:
1. In response to increasing kidnapping incidents in Abia State, the special adviser to Governor Alex Otti, Macdonald Ubah Rtd, announced plans to convert the cattle market in Lokpanta, Abia, into a daily market. The decision followed findings that linked the market to criminal activities. Measures included demolishing illegal structures, making arrests, and initiating investigations, with ongoing plans to fence the market. Despite rumors of the Hausa community’s expulsion, Ubah clarified that the government had not driven them out, emphasizing their priority was to ensure public safety. The Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti, on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, has denied the news reports claiming that the governor set a two-week deadline for Northerners at the Lokpanta Regional Cattle market.
2. The Abuja Court of Appeal has removed Senator Elisha Abbo from his position as the Senator representing Adamawa North. This decision was made after the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Yohanna, contested the election results. The Court ruled in favor of Yohanna, stating that the results indicated a lack of compliance with the Electoral Act, and declared Yohanna and the PDP as the rightful winners. Senator Abbo responded by calling the judgment a threat to democracy.
3. The number of casualties from Israeli airstrikes overnight has reached 71 following the assaults on Rafah and the bombing of three residences in Khan Younis. It has been confirmed that US President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Israel on Wednesday, where he plans to emphasize the country’s ‘right and duty’ to protect itself from Hamas. Currently, the food supply in Gaza has been reduced drastically and the people are crying for help. The pressure of opening a humanitarian passage to Gaza through Egypt is growing more urgent.
4. In an interview with Channels Television, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) gathered approximately 3.2 trillion Naira from diverse sources. However, during its attempt to replace the old N200, N500, and N100 notes with the new currency, the CBN only printed 402 billion Naira.
5. Former Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Emenike, urged Igbos in Lagos to relocate investments to the South East due to recent property demolitions by the Lagos State Government. Emenike criticized the government’s actions, citing them as unfair after granting initial permissions. He called for a shift in investments to states like Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi.
6. The Federal Government will pay nine months of overdue stipends to N-Power beneficiaries from November, following the program’s temporary suspension for restructuring and audit. Akindele Egbuwalo, the N-Power National Programme Manager, announced this during a meeting with beneficiaries, stating that the aim is to resolve outstanding issues and recover funds from payment service providers.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo contributed two goals to the 5 goals scored during the match on October 16th, securing Portugal a strong victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Euro 2024 qualifier. With this win, Portugal remains undefeated and at the top of the Group. Throughout eight matches, Portugal has scored 32 goals and conceded only twice, with Ronaldo contributing nine goals in his seven appearances.
