Good morning! In today’s trending news stories:
1. A majority of 153 nations of the United Nations General Assembly have called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. This was seen as a rebuke to the United States, which had vetoed a similar resolution in the UN Security Council. The General Assembly vote, while politically significant, is nonbinding. The resolution demands a ceasefire, compliance with international law, and humanitarian access to hostages in Gaza. The Palestinian Ambassador to the UN called it “historic,” emphasizing the need for compliance from Israel. Israel, along with the US and several other countries, voted against the resolution, while Canada supported it. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for three months, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
2. The High Court in Port Harcourt has confirmed Edison Ehie as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Edison is aligned with the state governor in a political conflict with the former governor. The court ruling also instructed individuals previously claiming the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker to cease those roles. The court warned against using force or police to access the Assembly Complex. The political crisis in Rivers notably intensified following the switch of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday.
3. Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, visited Kaduna to support victims of an accidental bomb explosion in Tudun Biri. He donated N5m, urged the government to care for orphans, and called for a foundation. The Anglican Bishop cautioned against politicizing the incident and emphasized the importance of supporting the armed forces in the fight against terrorism. The accidental bombing, claimed by the Nigerian Army, resulted in over 100 casualties.
4. Financial analysts predict that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will maintain a tight monetary policy in 2024 to address inflation, currently at 27.33 percent. Measures may include raising interest rates. Concerns about the CBN’s independence and potential political interference are raised. The impact on ordinary Nigerians varies, with potentially positive effects on inflation control and a stable financial system, but negative consequences include higher borrowing costs, reduced access to loans, and potential economic slowdown.
5. Napoli secured a 2-0 home win over Braga, advancing to the Champions League knockout stages. Goals came from an own goal by Braga in the 9th minute and Victor Osimhen’s backheel in the 33rd minute. Napoli finished second in Group C, eight points behind Real Madrid. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo expressed satisfaction but acknowledged the need for improvement. Manager Walter Mazzarri emphasized the importance of not conceding goals and achieving balance.
6. Manchester United’s hopes of advancing to the Champions League last-16 have been dashed with a 1-0 defeat by Bayern Munich. Despite a good performance, United finished fourth in their group. Copenhagen’s win against Galatasaray secured their knockout spot, and Galatasaray claimed the Europa League playoff spot. The loss adds to United’s troubled season, with 12 defeats in 24 games. This defeat concludes United’s Champions League campaign, finishing bottom in their group.
7. A certain Mr. Onoh Chukwuka Richard in Abia State took his life after losing a 2.5 million naira bet. He allegedly ingested a poisonous substance. Before his death, he posted on social media about financial troubles, unemployment, and the pressure of repaying borrowed money. Friends and followers expressed shock, but it’s unclear if the family has issued a statement or reported the incident to the police. The police spokesperson is yet to respond to the matter.
