Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories:
1. The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has expressed support for a proposal by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, suggesting that opposition parties merge to challenge and defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election. The NNPP saw the call as patriotic and a welcome development, praising him for addressing the need to prevent the ruling party from establishing a one-party state and protecting democracy. While supportive of the idea of the merger, NNPP emphasized that it is still considering the proposal from a broader perspective, taking into account various factors.
2. Meanwhile, the Presidency refuted insinuations that President Bola Tinubu plans to appoint “loyalists” as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to establish a one-party state. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the claims, asserting that Tinubu’s recognition comes from his achievements as a governor and his global reputation as a democrat and supporter of the rule of law. The statement also accused the PDP and its presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of desperation to blame Tinubu and the judiciary for their party’s issues.
3. Confusion has been stirred in Kano State over the Court of Appeal judgment on the governorship election. While widely reported that the court upheld the tribunal’s decision to sack Governor Abba Yusuf, the state Attorney-General, Haruna Isa-Dederi, argued that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, released on Tuesday, affirms Yusuf’s victory. Isa-Dederi stated that, according to page 67 of the CTC, the court set aside the tribunal’s ruling, vindicating Yusuf as the legitimate governor. The confusion arises from a mix-up in the conclusions of the judgment. Notably, the three-member panel had dismissed the governor’s appeal on Friday, November 17, 2023.
4. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has pledged to upgrade the NYSC Orientation Camp to ensure a world-class facility for corps members. The pledge was given during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream II orientation course. He also encouraged corps members to utilize acquired skills for self-employment. In Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello, urged institutions not to reject National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to them for primary assignments. He made this known at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 Orientation Course, emphasizing that corps members should be warmly received and treated well by their employers.
5. Nigerian and German companies have signed agreements worth $500 million in Berlin. The agreement focuses on renewable energy and gas export partnerships. The Union Bank of Nigeria and Germany’s DWS Group will attract investments for renewable energy projects in rural Nigerian areas. In addition, Riverside LNG of Nigeria and Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG will collaborate on a gas export partnership, with Nigeria committing to supply 850,000 metric tonnes of natural gas annually to Germany. This addresses environmental concerns related to gas flaring and supports Germany’s transition to carbon neutrality. President Bola Tinubu expressed support for the agreements which aligns with Germany’s commitment to invest 4 billion euros in African green energy projects by 2030. The collaboration will assist Germany in achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, highlighting the importance of green hydrogen imports from Africa.
6. Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to release 50 hostages in Gaza during a four-day pause in fighting. The pause, set to be announced within the next 24 hours, would be the first break in fighting since October 7. As part of the agreement, Hamas stated that 150 Palestinian women and teenagers will be released from Israeli jails, and humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and fuel will be allowed into Gaza. Israel, however, emphasized that the pause did not mark the end of the war, reiterating its commitment to “complete the elimination of Hamas.
7. Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has initiated legal proceedings against Manchester City, alleging unpaid wages and “unauthorized deductions from wages.” This follows Mendy’s tumultuous legal battle in 2021, where he faced charges of rape and sexual assault. Although he was cleared of several charges in January, a retrial was ordered for two counts. Mendy was ultimately found not guilty in July. The legal claim against Manchester City adds complexity to his relationship with the club, where he last played in August 2021 before moving to French club Lorient.
