Home Blog Page 372

2 Rivers House Of Assembly lawmakers that decamped to the APC have reneged from the defection

NewsWireNGR
-
0
2 Rivers House Of Assembly lawmakers that decamped to the APC have reneged from the defection

Two of the 27 Rivers House Of Assembly lawmakers that decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday have reneged from the defection while a good number of others are relentlessly lobbying to also return, The Guardian gathered. 

The two lawmakers who have so far returned and apologised to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, are Tonye Adoki, a member representing Port Harcourt Constituency II, and Linda Somiari Stewart representing Okrika Constituency at the State House of Assembly. 

Confirming the development, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Joseph Johnson, said there are more defected members jostling to return. 

Johnson noted that the state needs peace and unity to thrive, assuring that the administration of Fubara will continue to take steps that will entrench peace in the State.

The Guardian’s observation shows that most of the defected lawmakers were only adhering to directives without adequate knowledge of the implications. 

Their breakout from the defection may have followed arguments by some lawyers and political analysts in the  State that the lawmakers shot themselves in the foot by allegedly allowing themselves to be controlled by a selfish godfather. 

Some of lawyers argued that the division cited by the lawmakers  as their reason for defection  was baseless, stressing that there is no factional Chairman in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or other  crisis situation that may have caused their action. 

Petrol price in Nigeria should be N750 — World Bank

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Petrol price in Nigeria should be N750 — World Bank

The World Bank has stated that the Nigerian Federal Government may still be paying for fuel subsidy, considering that fuel prices are currently not cost-reflective in the country.

The international financial institution said the price of petrol should be around N750 per litre more than the N650 per litre currently being paid by Nigerians.

Its Lead Economist for Nigeria, Alex Sienaert, revealed this during his presentation of the Nigeria Development Update, December 2023 edition titled, ‘Turning The Corner (from reforms and renewed hope, to results) on Wednesday in Abuja. During the event, which is hybrid, he noted that based on the official exchange rate today, fuel should cost N750/litre.

He said, “It does seem like petrol prices are not fully adjusting to market conditions so that hints at the partial return of the subsidy, if we estimate what is the cost reflective of retail PMS price of the would-be and assuming that importation is done at the official FX rate.

“Of course, the liberalisation is happening with the parallel rates, which is the main supplier, the price would be even higher.

These are just estimates to give you a sense of what cost-reflective pricing most likely looks like. We think the price of petrol should be around N750 per litre more than the N650 per litre currently paid by Nigerians.”

He highlighted that the bank is recommending to the government to take additional measures with its bold reforms to secure the benefits from having taken those decisions.

Traders in Lagos reject electronic transfer despite cash scarcity

Sub-editor
-
0
Traders in Lagos reject electronic transfer despite cash scarcity

In-spite of cash scarcity and rationing by banks, some traders in Lagos say they are still rejecting electronic transfer of fund due to network issues.

The traders, especially those engaging in petty trading, said bank network delays and failures had significantly impacted negatively on their businesses.

They were responding to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the level of acceptance of electronic transfers to ameliorate the effects of cash scarcity across the country.

A NAN correspondent who monitored major markets in Alimosho, Oshodi and Mushin areas observed that most traders have lost trust in cashless transactions.

Mrs Fatima Tunji, a corn seller, expressed the frustration she faced in her daily sales due to network delays and failures.

“Imagine today, I sold roasted corn of just N500 to a lady and she said she would transfer the money to my account.

“You would not believe that the transfer was delayed for some time and eventually failed.

“That failed transfer ate into my profit margin. I ended up not receiving the money and my customer also was unable to access the money. It was very frustrating,’’ she said.

Mrs Ufuoma Nnaji, a roasted yam and plantain seller, who shared similar experience, said she had long stopped accepting transfers ever since a customer used a fake transfer alert to dupe her.

She said, “since then, I decided that I will not sell to any customer that does not pay cash, especially now that I don’t have an android phone that I can use to check my balance.

“The best I can do is to call a Point of Sale (POS) operator that I know to carry out that services for me, but the customer bears the charges’’.

When the NAN correspondent visited some banks around Ikotun, Ejigbo, Ajao Estate and Mushin areas, only few banks were dispensing cash to customers.

For banks that have about five, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), NAN observed that only one was dispensing cash to customers.

To non-account holders with the banks, the ATM dispensed maximum of N5000, while those that have account with them, the machine paid maximum of N10,000.

Some POS operators who spoke to NAN said they were experiencing cash scarcity urging commercial banks to ease the burden on Nigerians by regularly restocking and maintaining ATMs.

Mr Hakeem Dosunmu, a POS operator in Ajao Estate, told NAN that due to the cash scarcity, many of his colleagues had increased their charges.

According to him, the N100 charge on N5000 withdrawal had increased to N200 while the charge for N10,000 had doubled to N400.

“But, I have decided that I will still accept the normal N100 for N5000 and N200 for N10,000.

I say this because I am a Nigerian and I know how difficult it is for people to survive this hardship,’’ he said.

UI student arrested for allegedly raping colleague

NewsWireNGR
-
0
UI student arrested for allegedly raping colleague

A 200-level student of Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, has been apprehended by the institution’s security personnel for allegedly raping a 100-level colleague within the campus.

The student had been reported to the authorities of the institution for committing the crime against the student who is said be a fresher.

According to reports, the lady had gone for night reading alongside some other girls in preparation for their examination.

The victim was said to have moved away from the lecture theatre where she was reading due to power failure and went to take a nap at the Students’ Union building, where the suspect reportedly raped her.

While narrating her ordeal, the victim said she woke up at a touch and attempted to scream but the suspect held her neck down and rendered her voiceless.

She said that luck shone on her when a student walked in, and the suspect fled.

The victim, however, sustained injuries on her neck, lips (due to a bite) and her private part.

In her reaction, the institution’s public relations officer, Mrs Joke Akinpelu, confirmed the incident, saying that investigations had begun on the matter.

“Yes. He (the suspect) was with the security unit until late yesterday (Tuesday). I’m not sure he has even been released,” Akinpelu told newsmen.

She stated that the act was reported to the Dean of Students Affairs, adding that he had since swung into action.

“The veracity of the allegation will be known upon completion of investigation,” she added.

Breakdown of Alex Otti’s 2024 Appropriation Bill of N567.2bn

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Breakdown of Alex Otti’s 2024 Appropriation Bill of N567.2bn

Governor Alex Otti of Abia on Tuesday presented N567.2 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2024 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

In a speech, Otti said that the bill, christened “Budget of New Beginning”, was over N400 billion higher than 2023 budget estimate of N160.5 billion,

He said that 84 per cent of the budget is for capital expenditure, while 16 per cent is for recurrent expenditure.

“This is against the 53 per cent alloted for capital expenditure and 47 per cent for recurrent expenditure in the 2023 fiscal year,” he said.

He put government’s estimated total revenue at over N166 billion.

He said that the revenue would come through earnings from the internally generated revenue channels, Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, grants from multilateral organisations and incomes from other revenue sources.

“We plan to finance the deficit of over N401 billion partly by new borrowings, estimated at N385.3 billion.

He said that about 50 per cent of the borrowing would be sourced externally, while the balance would be procured domestically.

“It must at this point be stated that all borrowings would be committed strictly to capital projects with direct impact on the economy of the state, especially roads, schools and medical facilities,” Otti said.

He said that such measure would enable the state to meet its obligation to its creditors, by smoothly and ultimately paying off the loans in due course.

“We shall be committing major resources to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some of the most important roads along the major economic corridors of the state,” he said.

Otti also said that the government was focused on committing more than 20 per cent and 15 per cent of the aggregate budget spending to education and health, respectively.

He also said that the state proposes to commit 44.76 per cent of the budget to the economic sector, with 16.97 per cent going to works, 9.9 per cent to land and housing, 5.12 per cent to agriculture and 5.23 per cent to finance.

“In the same vein, 40.07 per cent of the total budget is proposed to be committed to the social sector with the bulk of the resources going into education (20 per cent), healthcare (15.04 per cent), youth and sport development (3.17 per cent),” he said.

He said that rebuilding the public infrastructure required financing that would greatly stimulate the state’s economy and make it competitive on a global scale.

“The 2024 budget targets the expansion of public infrastructure, in line with the government’s new development agenda, scaling up access and quality service delivery in the social sector,” he further said.

He said that the government had created a system that would enable the citizens and other stakeholders to monitor the expenditure of funds and the impact of the capital projects on their communities, from inception to completion.

Otti said that the monitoring system would guarantee transparency and prudence.

He also opined that the feedback got from the citizens would play a vital role in government’s decision making process.

The governor said that the government had resolved to effect a pay rise for civil servants “to reflect the present economic realities in the country”.

He said that provision for pay rise was made in the 2024 budget and that the government would continue to prioritise the welfare of workers.

He, therefore, urged the workers to show greater commitment to duty and realisation of government’s agenda.

Otti said that the budget was focused on exceeding the 60 per cent budget implementation mark achieved in 2023.

He said that “facts and figures show that the government has done quite well in the implementation of the 2023 budget of N160.5 billion”.

“A new beginning awaits the people of Abia,” he said and urged the citizenry to align with the government’s rebuilding agenda to restore the glory of the state.

“I invite us all to look to the future with great optimism.

“We are coming from a very difficult place but none of the difficulties of the past can diminish the potentials of this great land,” Otti said.

He assured the house of necessary cooperation from the executive for the speedy and diligent consideration of the 2024 budget proposal.

Man accused of defiling 2-year-old in church regains freedom

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Man accused of defiling 2-year-old in church regains freedom

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has discharged and acquitted a man, Adeyemi Adejumo, accused of defiling a two-year-old in a church.

Oshodi held that prosecution failed to prove the charge of defilement against Adejumo beyond reasonable doubt.

He said that he could not conclude that there was sexual intercourse between the defendant and the minor.

“I maintain that the mother was a vital witness but her failure to testify culminated in the prosecution’s circumstantial evidence narrative.

“To have a conviction, circumstantial evidence must be compelling, complete and unequivocal.

“The medical doctor (prosecution witness one) did not identify the defendant as the perpetrator and did not say that the forceful blunt penetration was by the penis of the defendant.

“The doctor admitted that no semen attributable to the defendant was harvested,” he said.

Oshodi added that the investigative police officer, who was the second prosecution witness, revealed that the defendant denied the allegation.

“The fact that he ran away from a police station is insufficient proof that he committed the crime.

“Therefore, the circumstantial evidence the the prosecution relied on is not compelling, it is not complete and it is not unequivocal,” he said.

The judge noted that Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution stated that every person charged with criminal offence should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

He said that the presumption placed the burden of proof on the prosecution, adding that the proof must be beyond reasonable doubt.

He said: ” In this case, the prosecution could not prove the defilement charge beyond reasonable doubt, and it is better for nine guilty persons to go free than one innocent person to be wrongly convicted.

“Thus, while the guilty may escape today, he might not escape tomorrow, and the society has a chance in the future to settle scores with him, but when an innocent person suffers from a mistake in the execution of criminal justice, there is no real chance of reversing what has been done.

“I must, therefore, resolve the issue for determination in favour of the defendant and against the prosecution.

“I find the defendant not guilty and I acquit and discharge him.”

Stop selling government land, Ogun Governor, Abiodun, tells Royal fathers

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Stop selling government land, Ogun Governor, Abiodun, tells Royal fathers

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has cautioned some traditional rulers in the state against the sale of lands belonging to the State Government.

The caution is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lekan Adeniran, and made available to newsmen on Monday.

The statement further indicated that the warning was issued at a meeting the governor had with the state Council of Traditional Rulers.

He warned that his administration would take disciplinary action against any person found selling land in its forest reserves and plantation across the state.

He described as unpatriotic,
the actions of the perpetrators, including some Obas.

According to the statement, the governor said: “We will continue to seek your support in the area of lands.

“Sadly, cases have been reported to us here in Abeokuta about some of our traditional rulers who have taken upon themselves to allocate government land, government forest reserve and plantations to others.

“They have been allocating and selling government lands. I have found this very difficult to believe.

“Our traditional rulers are colluding with people from outside Ogun and giving our land to them in our plantations and they are coming there, deforesting them.

“They are destroying the plantation.

“They are planting cannabis sativa there.

“I was completely heartbroken when I heard this news and when we actually checked, we found it was true.”

The governor further said that as a responsible government, “we will not have any choice but to take disciplinary action against any person found culpable of such an act, be it traditional rulers”.

He told the royal fathers that his administration was making effort to bring more investors to invest in the state.

He expressed gratitude to the Obas for their support during and after the governorship election.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, was reported to have acknowledged the cordial relationship between the State Government and traditional institution.

Hamzat pointed out that the partnership had brought about peace at the grassroots.

He, therefore, urged the traditional rulers to continue to support government’s efforts in bringing development to every part of the state.

The Chairman of the council and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, lauded the government for its developmental strides in all parts of the state.

Ajayi appreciated the governor for his magnanimity to the traditional institution.

Who Is Noelle Watters? Biography and Things You May Not Know About Jesse Watters’ Wife

Sub-editor
-
0
Who Is Noelle Watters? Biography and Things You May Not Know About Jesse Watters’ Wife

Who Is Noelle Watters?

Biography

Noelle Inguagiato Watters is a lifestyle writer, fashion stylist, and designer who currently owns a firm that specialises in home design consultancy.

The former FOX News employee is the ex-wife of Jesse Watters, an American conservative political commentator on Fox News.

Age

Noelle Watters was born on May 5, 1976. She is 47 years old as of May 5, 2023. Noelle will be 48 years old on May 5, 1977.

Parents

The On-Air Personality was born to Peter Inguagiato (father) and Rosemary Inguagiato (mother). She is of Scottish-Irish descent.

Marriage

Husband

Noelle got married to Jesse Watters in 2009. They met in 2022 when they were both working for FOX. The duo flaunted each other on social media; the relationship was not a secret.

They would later divorce in March 2019. Noelle filed for divorce in 2018 after Watters admitted to an affair with a producer on his show, Emma DiGiovine.

The marriage was blessed with twin daughters on 4th November 2011.

Jesse Watters would later announce his engagement to Emma DiGiovine (now Emma Watters) in a tweet on August 25, 2019.

Emma DiGiovine is a journalist and a former Fox News Channel producer. She came into the limelight following the media coverage of her affair with Fox News political analyst, Jesse Watters.

Jesse and Emma. PHOTO Credit: @jessewatters/Instagram

Emma and Jesse got married in December 2019. They had a son together in 2021, followed by a daughter in April 2023.

Jesse, Emma, and their children. PHOTO Credit: @jessewatters/Instagram

Children

Noelle Watters is a mother of twin girls, namely:

  • Ellie Watters
  • Sophie Watters

Education

Noelle Watters possessed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Major: English Writing Dual Minor: Art History and International, after graduating from Fairfield University, Connecticut, United States in 1998.

She also holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling/Counselor from the Long Island University after graduating in 2022.

She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Child Psychology.

Career

Noelle Watters started her professional career as an Account Executive at Clavin Klein between 1998 – 1999.

She also worked as a Public Relations Specialist for HBHPMK between 1999 and 2000.

After resigning from her role at HBHPMK, Noelle joined Fox News in 2000 working her way up to the position of Senior Editor/ Producer, Fox News Magazine, and resigned in September 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions About Noelle Watters

What happened with Jesse Watters’s first wife?

Noelle Watters is Jesse Watters’s first wife. They have two children together. Noelle filed for divorce in 2018 when she discovered Jesse was having an affair with a work colleague, Emma.

She is currently not remarried.

What does Noelle Watters do?

Does Jesse Watters have a child with his new wife?

Yes. Jesse Watters and Emma Watters both have two children together.

Why did Jesse and Noelle get divorced?

Jesse Watters announced his affair with a work colleague and a producer on his show, Emma DiGiovine.

This made Noelle Watters file for a divorce. Few months after the divorce was finalised, Jesse announced his engagement to Emma and they would later get married same year.

Is Noelle Watters married now?

No, Noelle Watters has not remarried since she divorced her ex-husband, Jesse Watters. Jesse however married Emma DiGiovine,the lady she was having an affair with while still married to Noelle.

The affair was the cause of their divorce.

What is Noelle Watters doing now?

According to her LinkedIn, Noelle is in the job market seeking freelance writing or producing opportunities with a dynamic and insightful brand.

Disclaimer

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for Live and Entertaining Updates.

Always visit NewsWireNGR for the latest Naija news and updated Naija breaking news.

NewsWireNGRLatest News in Nigeria

Send Us A Press Statement/News Tips on 9ja Happenings: [email protected].

Advertise With Us: [email protected]

Contact Us

LISTEN to NewsWireNGR POD

No fewer than 10 people died in an accident that occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway

NewsWireNGR
-
0
No fewer than 10 people died in an accident that occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway

No fewer than 10 people died in an accident that occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Tuesday.

Mrs Florence Okpe, the Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta.

She noted that the accident involved Iveco truck marked KRA 80 XA and a Hiace bus with registration number FKY 898 YF.

According to Okpe, the accident occured at 5:00a.m at Kara, near the turning towards interchange on the expressway.

She said that 18 men were involved in the accident, adding that seven people sustained injuries, 10 died while one was unhurt.

The FRSC spokesperson added that the accident was caused by speeding on the part of the driver of the bus which led to loss of control.

“The bus rammed into the truck that was about negotiating the turning,” she said.

Okpe explained that the injured victims were taken to Famobis Hospital, Mowe for medical attention while the corpses were deposited at Idera Morgue, Sagamu.

She said that the Sector Commander, Anthony Uga, was grieved by the incident because it could had been avoided if necessary caution was taken.

The spokesperson quotes the sector commander as advising drivers to endeavour to take a 15 minutes rest for every four hours on the wheel.

According to Uga, fatigue was often the major cause of road traffic crash.

Court remands man for alleged defilement of 7-year-old old girl

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Court remands man for alleged defilement of 7-year-old old girl

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday remanded a man, Wasiu Oriyomi, in Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling a 7-year-old girl.

Oriyomi, whose residential address was not given, is being charged with defilement.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Rahman Oshodi remanded him in the correctional centre where he is currently held.

Oshodi adjourned the case until February 22 2024, for the commencement of trial.

Earlier, the state counsel, Ms Inumidun Solarin, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence in August 2022 on Oludele Street, Ikola Odunsi, in Ikeja.

Solarin alleged that the defendant defiled the survivor (name withheld) by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The section attracts life imprisonment if convicted.

Corporate Affairs Commission is set to delist 91,843 companies for failing to file their annual returns

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Corporate Affairs Commission is set to delist 91,843 companies for failing to file their annual returns

The Corporate Affairs Commission is set to delist 91,843 companies for failing to file their annual returns with it.

In a list published on its website, the commission listed 91,843 companies for delisting (2,738 less than the 94,581 it initially published in August). This is still less than the initial 100,000 companies that CAC said it would remove in an earlier announcement.

In July, the Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer, CAC, Garba Abubakar, revealed that the commission would delete 100,000 registered companies from its database for failing to file an annual return.

He said, “CAC steps up enforcement of 100,000 companies to go off its register for failure to file an annual return.”

At the time, Abubakar announced that the commission would send notice of striking off to the affected companies before embarking on the action as enshrined in section 692 of the CAMA, 2020.

In an update on December 5, CAC said, “Further to its earlier notice of the commencement of striking off the names of Companies from the Register of Companies and published on August 2, 2023, the Commission hereby notifies the General Public that the list of Companies that have failed to comply with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, to file up to date annual returns is now ready for publication in accordance with the provisions of Section 692 of the Act.

“Companies who filed complete annual returns in response to the earlier publication are advised to confirm removal from the list of Companies to be struck off. The updated list for publication is available on the Commission’s website.”

It noted that any company that filed complete annual returns but still has its name on the list should send a mail with evidence of filing to [email protected] not later within 30 days.

It further stated that it is unlawful for any company whose name has been struck off the register of companies to carry on business unless its name is first restored to the register by an order of the Federal High Court.

It added, “The General Public should note further that the striking off of the name of a Company from the Register of Companies is without prejudice to the powers of the Commission to enforce any liability arising under the Act against the directors of the struck off Company.”

Kizz Daniel will be releasing two songs—‘Twe Twe’ and ‘Too Busy to Be Bae’— to round off the year

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Kizz Daniel will be releasing two songs—‘Twe Twe’ and ‘Too Busy to Be Bae’— to round off the year

A popular singer, Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe, aka Kizz Daniel, recently surprised his fans and other music enthusiasts when he announced that he would be releasing two songs—‘Twe Twe’ and ‘Too Busy to Be Bae’— to round off the year.

In a statement sent to newsmen on Tuesday, the singer noted that the songs, which were released on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, ‘further showcases his versatility and innovative approach to music; blending traditional Nupe tribe influences with contemporary sounds’.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the songs, Daniel said, “‘Twe Twe’, which is a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity, is a vibrant and energetic track that draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the Nupe tribe in Nigeria.

“We were able to seamlessly weave traditional Nupe sounds into this infectious anthem, creating a sonic experience that is both authentic and exhilarating.”

The ‘Buga’ singer added that the song, which was produced by three beat makers— Ayzed, Killertunes and Blaise Beats— is a cultural celebration that transcends boundaries.

“With pulsating rhythms and dynamic instrumentation, I believe that the track will leave an indelible mark on the music scene, showcasing my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries,” he added.

On the other hand, ‘Too Busy to Be Bae’, which was produced by P Prime, delves into the modern complexities of relationships in a fast-paced world.

Daniel stated that the track ‘explores the theme of individuals navigating their lives with the perpetual hustle, leaving little time for romantic entanglements’.

He further described it as an introspective and relatable take on the challenges of finding love amidst the chaos of a hectic lifestyle.

This was even as he maintained that the compelling narrative of the song would resonate with listeners across diverse demographics.

1...371372373...4,398Page 372 of 4,398