Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The situation in Rivers State, Nigeria, is growing hotter as a faction of the House of Assembly attempted to impeach the current PDP Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leading to protests and an alleged fire at the assembly complex. The governor’s loyalists and security forces were also involved. The conflict has caused tensions between Fubara, who swore to defend his office to death, and his political mentor, the current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
2. Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has expressed concern about the Boko Haram insurgency, warning that if the humanitarian crisis in the Northeast isn’t addressed, it could consume the entire nation. He emphasized the importance of controlling the situation, particularly in Borno State, to prevent the recruitment of young people into Boko Haram and ISWAP. The governor highlighted the challenges associated with the presence of internally displaced persons (IDPs), including issues such as increased prostitution, uncontrolled procreation, and drug abuse within the IDP camps. He called for the partnership of the North East Development Commission to help close the IDP camps and enable the inhabitants to sustain their livelihoods independently.
3. The US has dismissed Russia’s claim that a Dagestan airport riot was instigated by Ukraine and the West, deeming it “absurd.” Russian President Vladimir Putin tied the incident to efforts to sow chaos in Russia, while Dagestan’s governor and Kremlin’s spokesperson implicated Ukrainian influence. US officials condemned the rhetoric, emphasizing hate and bigotry as the root cause. The Israeli government expressed concern over the safety of its citizens and Jews globally.
4. Cyprus has received a significant influx of Syrian refugees from Lebanon amid escalating tensions, leading to strains on its reception centers. Cyprus accuses Lebanon of inadequately regulating migrant movements due to its involvement in regional conflicts, which has prompted an increase in sea departures. Despite Cyprus’s efforts to manage migration, the UNHCR has expressed concern over the deportation of Syrian asylum seekers back to Lebanon, citing violations of international and European law. Cyprus has sought assistance from the EU to handle the growing migrant population, including the construction of a new reception center.
5. Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association, has been banned from all football-related activities for three years by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee for violating Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The decision came after incidents during the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Rubiales has the option to request a motivated decision within 10 days, and the decision can be appealed before the FIFA Appeal Committee. FIFA emphasizes its commitment to upholding decency and protecting the integrity of all individuals.
6. Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or at the Ballon d’Or 2023 event last night in Paris while Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen took the eighth spot. Nigerian music artist Rema also became the first Nigerian to perform at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
7. Contorversial dancers, Happie Boys have been deported back to Nigeria from Cyprus after spending just a year on a scholarship from Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere. Their deportation was reportedly due to their alleged misconduct and disagreements with Apostle Chinyere Chibuzor. They were initially reported to have been imprisoned in Cyprus before finally being deported. The information was disclosed by Oloye T.D. Esq, a Nigerian human rights lawyer in the diaspora on Monday, October 30.
