Good morning! In today’s trending news stories;
1. President George Weah of Liberia has been defeated in the second round of the presidential election by former Vice President Joseph Boakai, with Boakai leading with 99.58% of votes. He secured 814,212 votes compared to Weah’s 785,778. Weah, however, accepted defeat, urging his supporters to do the same, and the United States government commended him for peaceful acceptance. The election process, marked by campaigns, debates, and international observation, involved more than 2.4 million registered voters.
2. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the tribunal’s decision to sack Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State. The lower court declared a significant number of Yusuf’s votes invalid due to lack of signatures or stamps by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This decision reduced Yusuf’s votes, making his All Progressives Congress (APC) rival, Nasir Ganuwa, the winner.
3. The High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has ordered the remand of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, in the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail request. Emefiele is facing trial for alleged procurement fraud, initially charged with 20 counts amounting to N6.5 billion, which was later reduced to six charges of over N1 billion. The court, after hearing arguments for and against bail, deferred the ruling on bail, imprisoning Emefiele in prison until November 22. The trial is scheduled to commence on November 28. This decision follows a previous release order on November 8 after 151 days in detention.
4. OpenAI has dismissed CEO Sam Altman due to a lack of confidence in his leadership abilities, following a review process that revealed inconsistencies in his communications with the board. Altman gained fame with the release of ChatGPT, an advanced AI chatbot. Altman’s departure comes despite the success of ChatGPT, and will be temporarily replaced by Mira Murati, the company’s chief technology officer. The board expressed gratitude for Altman’s contributions but emphasized the need for new leadership as they moved forward.
5. Nigeria is facing severe economic challenges, including an 18-year high inflation rate, debt servicing consuming 98% of revenue, and concerns about the high cost of living. Though the new administration led by Tinubu aims to achieve at least 6% annual economic growth, remove investment barriers, and promote job creation; obstacles such as foreign exchange shortages, inflation, and economic pressures hinder these goals. In response, to these issues, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, emphasized the need to explore revenue sources and reduce dependence on borrowing.
6. Canada is aiming to qualify for the 2024 Copa America by facing Jamaica in the quarterfinals of the 2023/24 CONCACAF Nations League. The team is under temporary management with Mauro Biello after John Herdman’s departure. Jamaica, led by Heimir Hallgrimsson, presents strong competition. The match was delayed due to heavy rain in Kingston and rescheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET, (4:30 p.m. WAT), Saturday November 18.
7. Shakira is facing trial in Spain for alleged tax evasion. She has been accused of not paying taxes in the country during the period 2012-2014. Prosecutors claim she spent a significant part of that time in Spain but maintained tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015. Shakira denied wrongdoing, rejecting a plea deal. The trial seeks an eight-year jail term and a substantial fine, that centers on her residency and the use of offshore companies.
