Tinubu does not need 25% in Abuja to be President - INEC

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that 25% votes in Abuja is not mandatory for any candidate to become President of Nigeria.

The commission has told the court that there is no law that mandate any candidate to procure the 25% votes in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory before becoming the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The commission urged the court to dismiss the petition of the People's Democratic Party candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as he did not meet the requirements also the petition of the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Peter Obi as it lacks merit.

Kano State voters on the run as thugs invade polling units

Some armed men has invaded a polling unit in Kano State as the supplementary election is been taken place.

It was gathered that some thugs invaded a polling units in Kano State chasing voters away while catering away with some valuable voting materials.

Residents took to their heels as the said armed men open fire scaring voters away.

More details later...

"You are a class act champion" - Anthony Joshua to Usyk

Anthony Joshua finally congratulates Usyk after loss to the heavyweight champion twice.

The American boxer took to his Facebook page to congratulate Usyk.

He said,

"I wish Usyk continued success in your quest for greatness. You are a class act champ. 

Yesterday I had to mentally take myself into a dark place to compete for the championship belts! I had two fights, one with Usyk and one with my emotions and both got the better of me. 

I’ll be the first to admit, I let my self down. I acted out of pure passion and emotion and when not controlled it ain’t great.

I love this sport so so much and I’ll be better from this point on. 

Respect".

I will tell you the candidates to vote for come 2023 - Gov. Wike to supporters

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has told his supporters that their votes should be reserved for candidates that have developmental agenda for the state.

Wike,  at the inauguration of the remodeled Waterlines House in Port Harcourt yesterday,  said he would at the appropriate time tell them “who and who”  to vote for during the general elections.

“I will not allow this state to go astray to fall into the hands of armed robbers,”  

He vowed, adding that he had “challenged the country in so many things that were against the interest” of the state.

Wike, a Peoples Democratic Party(PDP),  said some governorship candidates in other political parties have nothing to offer the state.

He said;

"I thank all Rivers people for the support you have given us and for the prayers you are offering on our behalf. I will continue to let you know that we will not let you down.

“We will continue to do the best for Rivers and that is why we also tell you to listen to us. We will tell you those to vote for because I will tell you who is who.

BBNaija: I didn't have s3x with Daniella but we kissed deeply - Khalid

Evicted BBNaija season 7 “Level Up” housemate Khalid has denied sleeping with Daniella while on the show.

The freelance graphic designer during a recent interview “divulged’ what went down between his love interest and him under the duvet.

Khalid and Daniella topped discourse topics on several social media platforms during his short-lived stay in the Big Brother House.

The duo was caught on camera at different times getting ‘freaky’ under the duvet at light-out.

In one of the occasions, it also caught a fellow housemate, Amaka sticking out her head from her bed just to probe the ongoing action.

But Khalid in the viral interview teaser with media personality, Victoria Eze aka Miz Vik denied having s3x on the show.

According to him, “My body is a temple. What happened was just aggressive kissing and cuddling. We didn’t forget the cameras but I didn’t neglect my feelings.”

Husband beats beautiful journalist wife in Adamawa(Photos)

The leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Adamawa State council, has condemned in strong terms, an assault and battering of one of its female members, Nafeesa Vandi.

The mother of three and staff of News Department, Adamawa Broadcasting corporation Yola, was allegedly beaten to stupor by her husband, Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu, a sacked staff of PHCN, on Wednesday, 17th August 2022.

Reacting to the incident in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its chairman, Ishaka Donald Dedan, the union described the beating of a professional female practicing journalist as unacceptable, wickedness and barbaric. 

"Though the police has already swung into action in investigating and arresting the perpetrator of the domestic violence, the NUJ calls for a more speedy action towards the immediate arrest and prosecution of the said Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu according to the law and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," 

The statement read

"The union further calls on national and international organizations like FIDA,UNFPA,UNICEF as well as Civil Society Organizations that are propagating a total hault on violence against women to step on the matter for justice to prevail."

Heavy bomb explosion hits Kabul mosque many feared dead

A huge explosion has struck a mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan during evening prayers on Wednesday August 17, with many feared dead or injured.

Afghan police disclosed that there were multiple casualties with one Taliban intelligence official saying that as many as 35 people may have been wounded or killed, and the toll could rise further. 

The powerful explosion was heard in a northern Kabul neighbourhood, shattering windows in nearby buildings.

"A blast happened inside a mosque.... the blast has casualties, but the numbers are not clear yet," Kabul police spokesman Khalid Zadran told Reuters.

 

The publication stated that the Imam of the mosque was among those killed and the count could still rise. Intelligence teams were at blast site and investigations are still ongoing.

Afghanistan has been rocked by war the last two decades. Following the withdrawal of US troops from the country last August, there has been an increase in crime and poverty in the  country now controlled by the Taliban.

Naval officer dismissed from duty for Sodomizing a Teenager in Delta State

A naval personnel identified as SLT VN Ukpawanne has been dismissed for attempting to sodomize a teenager in Sapele, Delta State.

Ukpawanne who was arraigned before a court-martial set up by the Nigerian Navy in Delta State, was found guilty of disobeying standing order, attempting to commit sodomy; disgraceful conduct and wrong use of drugs.

The offences were said to be punishable under sections 57, 95; 93; 65 (1) of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004.

Other punishment handed to the officer was one-year loss of seniority, six months imprisonment, another six months imprisonment and lastly one-year imprisonment for all four offences.

The punishment was listed in a memo with Reference: NHQ: 08/68/93/A/Vol.XVIII/399 and titled "Confirmation of court martial punishment -SLT VN Ukpawanne NN/4440". 

It reads in part.

“Sequel to Reference A regarding NHQ approval and Confirmation of Court Martial Punishment for the officer named above who attempted to commit Sodomy amidst other offences on 27 Oct 21 with one teenager, (name withheld), close to Sapele Stadium, On 15 Aug 22 at about 1035, the officer was officially paraded and his sentences were read accordingly.

“The charges against the officer include the following: 2004: Disobedience to Standing Order – punishable under section 57 of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004. 2004: Attempt to Commit Sodomy – punishable under section 95 of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004. 2004: Disgraceful Conduct – punishable under section 93 of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004. 2004: Wrongful use of drug/Controlled Substance – punishable under section 65 (1) of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004.

“Accordingly, the officer in violation of all sections listed above was awarded one-year loss of seniority, six months imprisonment, another six months imprisonment and lastly one-year imprisonment for all four offences. Pertinently, all imprisonment sentences are to run concurrently.

“The dismissed officer is currently awaiting medical clearance from the Naval Medical Centre before handing over to Sapele Correctional Center for commencement of imprisonment term.”

Massive crowd welcomes Tinubu as he visits former President Obasanjo

The presidential candidate of the All Progressive Party(APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu today Wednesday 17th August, 2022 visited former President Obasanjo in his residence in Ogun State.

The APC leader was received by APC supporters in their numbers as they where chanting his name.

The meeting between the two was held behind closed doors as many say it must be connected to the 2023 general election.

See more photos below....

Labour party Vice Presidential candidate visits former President Goodluck Jonathan

The Vice Presidential candidate of labour party, Sen. Yusuf Baba-Ahmed has visited former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday 14th August, 2022.

The meeting was held behind closed door at the residence of the former President in yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Reasons behind the meeting remain unknown as at the time of filing this report.

See photos below...

Kidnapper Evans sentenced to death by a Lagos State High Court

A Lagos State high court on thursday 25th November, 2021 has finally sentenced a serial kidnapper popularly known as Evans to death.

Chukwudi Onuamadike popularly known as Evans has carried out serial kidnap and was caught by the Nigerian Police Special Unit, IRT led by Abba Kyari in 2017 and since then has been facing trial.

The kidnapper, Evans had pleaded not guilty on all charges leveled against him but the High Court sitting in Lagos State found Evans guilty and was sentenced to death.

More details later...

Popular Comedian, Klintdadrunk survives ghastly motor accident

A popular Nigerian comedian, Klintdadrunk has survived a ghastly motor accident.

The comedian shared photos of the incident on his social media pages informing his fans and love one how God has saved him from death.

See photos below...

Thank God for life.

Adamawa state Politician awards constituency with N1,000 scholarship

A member representing Mayo Belwa constituency in Adamawa State is currently receiving heat from fans.

The politician was pictured giving out N1,000 to his constituents, some Adamawa indigenes claimed that the one thousand naira(N1,000) given to the youths of Mayo Belwa by the member representing their constituency is for scholarship.

Following the incident, some Nigerians has questioned how the little amount will help solve or subsidize the education of the indigenes who are students of FCE Yola.

Senator Godswill Akpabio urges Politicians, others to emulate Davido

The minister of Niger Delta Affairs and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio has called on politicians, business owners in the country to emulate popular music star, Davido.

The minister made the call after he played host to the singer in his Abuja mansion yesterday 23rd November, 2021.

Senator Godswill Akpabio commended the singer towards his kind gesture on humanity stating that the act of the music star on his two hundred and fifty million naira(N250,000,000) donation to the less privileged across the country is worth emulating.

"I recently played host to our music icon and philanthropist, David Adedeji Adeleke aka Davido. His attitude towards the less privileged in the society made me to call on other Nigerians in politics, business and entertainment sectors to emulate him.

"I used the visit to commend him on the N250 million humanitarian donations to the less privileged in the society and for joining other like minds in the society to touch and positively affect the lives of the less privileged in our society.

 "I wish him a happy birthday and long life to do more for humanity."

Recall that Davido had called on his friends and fans to send him money ahead of his birthday and friends, fans and business associates flooded the singer account and he raised N201m in two days.

Reacting to the millions raised, the singer further thank his friends and fans for showing him love on his birthday wish and decided to donate the amount raised and his N50m making it N250m back to orphanage homes and the less privileged across the country.

President Buhari to consider Nnamdi Kanu release after meeting Igbo great leaders

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that the demand made by the Igbo leaders is very critical and difficult but will consider.

The President had told the Igbo leader in state house, Abuja that their demand for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was too difficult.

The President noted that in the past six(6) years of his administration and as the leader of the country, he(Buhari) has not interfered in the judicial system of the country.

"You've made an extremely difficult demand on me as the leader of this country, the implication of your request is very serious. In the last six(6) years since I became president nobody would say I have confronted or interfered in the work of the judiciary.

"God has spared you and given you a clear head at this age with very sharp memory. A lot of people half your age are confused already, but the demand you made is heavy but I will consider it. He said.

In attendance where former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Tagbo Amaechi, co-chair Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, Chief Goddy Uwazurike.

Recall that in the hours of today some Igbo leaders meet with the President at state house, Abuja today to plead with the President to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader who is in the custody of the DSS.

Also to discuss the current rising insecurity ravaging the region noting that it has stopped the flow of business and people are no longer walking freely without fear of being attacked by gunmen.

President Buhari receives Igbo leaders over Nnamdi Kanu, Others

The President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday 19th November, 2021 received Igbo leaders at state house Abuja.

Report have it that the South East leaders engaged the President over the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu the proscribed IPOB leader.

It is also gathered that the lgbo leaders are worried about the rising insecurity ravaging the region and demand the president's help in tackling insecurity in the region and other issues affecting the region.

See photo below.

US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken meets President Buhari

The United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken has just arrived Nigeria to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Osinbajo and others.

The US Secretary of State is said to meet with key leaders in the country to discuss the US Nigeria coexistence.

Anthony Blinken is also expected to sign documents for stronger relationship between both countries.

President Muhammadu Buhari had received the US Secretary alongside the US ambassador to Nigeria.

US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken to meet Buhari, Osinbajo others to discuss Nigeria Democracy and others

The United States of America Secretary of States, Anthony Blinken is said to visit Nigeria to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, Osinbajo and other leaders in the country.

The US spokesperson, Ned Price made the announcement in a press statement says,

"Secretary Blinken will then travel to Abuja, where he will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama and discuss furthering cooperation on global health security.

"Expanding energy access and economic growth, and revitalising democracy." He said.

Nigerians to start receiving transport allowance through BVN linked accounts - FG

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the minister of finance has said that Nigerians will start receiving transport allowance by 2022.

The honourable minister for finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed made the disclosure in an interview with Channels TV today.

"It is important that we exit this subsidy. It is costing us a significant amount of resources that we could have applied for education, health and critical infrastructure.

"It is a major waste and a major drain on the economy. “Aside our plans to deploy Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles as an alternative to petrol-aided vehicles.

"We are also considering the payment of transport allowance to Nigerians for six or 12 months to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal." She said

FG begins payment for Npower Batch C beneficiaries

The Federal Government of Nigeria through Nasims has begun payment of Npower Batch C beneficiaries.

This was disclosed through Nasims Facebook page on the 8th November, 2021.

The statement reads: "PAYMENT OF OCTOBER STIPEND OFFICIALLY COMMENCE TODAY 8TH NOVEMBER, 2021.

"Payment of October stipend has officially commence lately today 8th November, 2021 after the delay as encountered by beneficiaries.

"While some beneficiaries has begun receiving notification(alert) others are still pending. You are enjoined to log into your Nasims self service portal and assess under payroll tab.

"Based on banks some payment statuses are pending and will be processed at shortest possible time.

"Above all, ensure that your bank account details are correctly captured on your NASIMS dashboard to avoid not being paid.

Thank you."

BREAKING: EFCC Arrest Obi Cubana

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arrested socialist Obi Cubana.

The night club boss was arrested in the early hours of today 1th October, 2021. It is gathered that Obi Cubana is currently in the custody of the EFCC as he is been interrogated.

More details later...

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo meets APC National leader{Photos}

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo today 29th October, 2021 met with Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja.

The APC National leader received the Vice President as they both hug and have a lengthy discussion together.

Photos:

FOREIGN: President Joe Biden meets Italian Prime Minister thank him for good leadership

The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden has met with the Italian Prime Minister, Mario Draghi today 29th October, 2021.

Photo credit: Facebook

The President thanked the Italian leader for showing good leadership at G-20.

The US President via his verified Facebook page said, "I met with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi today to thank him for his leadership of the G20 during the year of overlapping global challenges.

"We recognized the historic achievement of a global minimum tax and the commitment to rapidly decarbonize how we produce electricity." 

Over 50 EFCC operatives invade Supreme Court Justice house, Mary Odilli

Men of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stormed the house of Supreme Court Justice and wife to former Rivers State Governor's house, Mary Odili.

Eye witnesses say that the operatives numbering more than 50 with police officers stormed the Abuja house of the Supreme Court Justice in the early hours of today but was not allowed into the property.

An eye witness said that Mrs. Mary Odili came out and stopped the invasion telling the officers to leave her property and go after her husband the former Governor of Rivers State, Perter Odili as she has no pending case before the commission.

The husband to the supreme Court Justice and former governor of Rivers State has been facing corruption charges by the EFCC.

Recall that a federal high court sitting in Abuja has ordered the commission to return the ex governor's passport failing to provide substantial documents.

Nollywood Star, Chiwetalu agu regains freedom

Chiwetalu agu has just been freed by the Nigerian Army after being interrogated by the agency.

The Nollywood star took to his Instagram page to inform his followers that he has been freed by the Nigerian Army to go home.

Recall that VsXtra Info earlier reported on the veteran actor's arrest by men of the Nigerian Army on the 7th October, 2021.

The actor was arrested for wearing a Biafran flag shirt in public while distributing food items to people in Onitsha.

Nigerian Army confirms arrest of popular Nollywood star, Chiwetalu agu

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Popular Nollywood Star, Chiwetalu agu on Thursday 7th October, 2021.

The director Army Public Relations officer, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed the arrest stating that the popular Nollywood actor was inciting members of the public and drumming support for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB).

The Nigeria Army further stated that he, Chiwetalu agu was never assaulted nor brutalized by men of the force but the actor at first tried to resist arrest.

Chiwetalu agu was arrested by men of the Nigerian Army for putting on what appears to be the uniform of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra in public.

President Muhammadu Buhari presents 2022 Budget {Photos}

President Muhammadu Buhari has presented the 2022 budget to the National Assembly at a joint session.

The President who was received by the law makers at a joint session of the Nation Assembly thanked the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives.

See photos:

BREAKING: Abba Kyari to resume work soon as he has committed no crime - Report

According to The Times News, DCP Abba Kyari will be resuming his duties in the Nigeria Police Force soon.

The report reveals that the FBI wanted Abba Kyari has committed no offence in the United States of America.

The report from the panel States that "He committed no crime on the soil of the US to warrant his extradition." The report said.

Recall that the Nigeria Super Cop was accused by the FBI of involvement with an internet fraudstar popularly known as Hushpuppi which had made the FBI request for his extradition to the USA for face trail.

EFCC Chairman, Bawa slumps in Abuja

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been rushed to a hospital in Abuja.

The incident occurred while the EFCC boss was delivering a speech at a conference in Abuja on the need for Digital Identification.

The EFCC boss who spoke on loosing one of it's official felt emotional when suddenly he left the microphone to his sit and immediately slumped.

Bawa was rushed to a nearby hospital accompanied by the honourable minister, Isa Pantami but returned to the audience to say that Bawa is in good condition now.

Federal Government to lift Twitter ban in days - Lai Mohammed

The Federal Government has said that days from now the ban on one of the largest social media platform in the world, Twitter will be lifted.

The minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this in Abuja after a FEC meeting held on Wednesday 15th September, 2021.

While answering questions from news men regarding the Federal Government's current state on the Twitter ban.

"I think even Twitter itself two days ago gave what I call a progress report on our talks with them and I think if i want to quote them rightly, it has been productive and quite respectful.

"And as to the qualifying word for when or how soon, I want to assure you that the time that Twitter operation has been suspended and when it will be restored is by far much much shorter.

"That I can assure you that it is by far in other words, if the operation has been suspended for about 100 days now, I can tell you that we're just actually talking about a few, just a few more days now." He said.

Recall that the Federal Government had suspended the social media platform, Twitter over taking down President Buhari's tweet which it claimed that it went against the company's policy.