Headlines

A shocking incident in Nigeria has gone viral after a man was spotted eating a roadside sacrifice amidst the country’s economic challenges.

A trending TikTok video captured the moment a driver stumbled upon the man consuming the sacrificial offering on the side of the road.

The driver, taken aback by the unusual sight, began recording the incident to document it. As he drew closer, he jokingly encouraged the man to “keep enjoying” his meal.

The video footage shows the man sitting beside the sacrifice, rummaging through it with his hands to extract edible portions.

The clip swiftly spread across social media platforms, sparking a flurry of reactions from concerned individuals who flooded the comments section with their thoughts on the bizarre occurrence.

The Northern Governors have rejected the recent tax reform bill submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

This decision was disclosed in a communiqué issued on Monday by Muhammadu Inuwa, the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State.

President Tinubu had forwarded the tax reform bill to the Senate and House of Representatives on October 3, 2024, which includes reforms such as changing the name of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

However, the governors expressed opposition to the bill, particularly the proposed amendment to the distribution of value-added tax (VAT) to a derivative-based model.

The Northern Governors’ Forum noted with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill, stating that it “goes against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals.”

“The proposed amendment to the distribution of VAT to a derivation-based model is unacceptable, as companies remit VAT based on their headquarters’ location, rather than where services and goods are consumed,” the governors explained.

In light of this, the Forum unanimously rejected the proposed tax amendments and urged members of the National Assembly to oppose the bill.

The Forum clarified that it is not against policies promoting national growth and development but advocates for equity and fairness in implementing national policies to prevent marginalization.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governors’ Forum supports policies benefiting the nation but insists on fairness to ensure no geopolitical zone is disadvantaged or marginalized,” they stated.

The Nigerian Senate has decided to postpone the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s newly nominated ministers, originally set for today, Tuesday.

This delay is intended to give the nominees sufficient time to complete all necessary documentation and pre-screening procedures.

The screening exercise has now been rescheduled for Wednesday, according to the National Assembly’s red chamber.

This decision comes after President Tinubu’s significant cabinet reshuffle last Wednesday, where five ministers were sacked and seven new ones were nominated.

Tinubu also re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios.

The President nominated Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, while Nentawe Yilwatda was designated as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, officially bringing an end to the tenure of the suspended Betta Edu.

Others nominated by the President were Maigari Dingyadi as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole as the Minister of Industry, Idi Maiha as Minister for the newly created Livestock Development Ministry, Yusuf Ata as the Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, and Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State, Education.

Alex Ikwechegh, the representative for Aba North and Aba South, Abia State, in the House of Representatives, has publicly apologized following a now viral confrontation with a Bolt driver at his home in Maitama, Abuja.

The incident occurred when the cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, was delivering a package. A disagreement escalated, resulting in Ikwechegh physically assaulting Abuwatseya and threatening him with serious consequences.

The bolt driver recorded and shared the altercation online, resulting in severe backlash and condemnation of Ikwechegh by netizens. 

In his statement, the Abia Rep admitted that his behavior was unacceptable and did not meet the standards expected of someone in his position.

He expressed remorse for the distress caused to Abuwatseya, his constituents, and the general public. Ikwechegh pledged to cooperate with the Nigerian Police as they investigate the incident to ensure accountability.

He also announced his intention to seek professional counseling to prevent future incidents and mentioned plans to participate in community service aimed at fostering respect, empathy, and understanding.

In his statement, Ikwechegh said, “I, Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, Member of the House of Representatives, want to address a concerning incident that occurred at my home. A video has emerged showing me behaving inappropriately towards an Uber driver who came to deliver a waybill. I sincerely apologize for my actions, which were not suitable for a public official.

“As a public servant, I recognize the responsibility I have towards my constituents and the Nigerian people. My actions did not reflect the standards expected of me, and for that, I am genuinely sorry. I understand that I have caused harm and embarrassment to the driver, my constituents, and the nation.

“I assure the public that I am fully cooperating with the Nigerian Police investigation into this matter. I support their efforts to ensure justice and accountability.

“I appreciate the swift condemnation of my actions from both my party and the Nigerian Police, highlighting our shared commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding citizens’ rights.

“I am seeking professional counseling to prevent any recurrence of such behavior. Additionally, I will engage in community service focused on promoting respect, empathy, and understanding.

“We must unite to create a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

“Thank you for your understanding, and I hope you will join me on this path of healing and personal growth.”

The Nigerian Army is facing a significant manpower shortage due to a high number of voluntary retirements, particularly affecting the Mechanical Engineering Corps.

Recent data reveals that over 1,008 soldiers have resigned in the past four years, including 196 in August 2024 alone.

In a memo dated October 16, 2024, the Mechanical Engineering Corps expressed concern over the exodus, instructing commanding officers to contact discharged soldiers interested in returning.

Signed by Lt Col A. Muhammed, the memo emphasized the importance of experienced technical manpower for effective equipment support.

“The deployment of technical manpower is essential for effective and efficient equipment support in the field, which is based on trades/expertise of technicians. NAEME is currently experiencing an acute shortage of manpower.”

“The dearth of manpower in the Corps is further compounded by the large number of voluntarily discharged soldiers in recent years. Consequently, I am directed to request Comds/COs to reach out to discharged skilled soldiers in their AOR who are willing to be re-engaged to the NA on a contract basis.”

Retired Brig Gen Bashir Adewinbi supported the initiative, stating that retired officers returning to service is common in many nations, though he highlighted the importance of recruiting individuals genuinely committed to military service.

Professor Oguejiofo Ujam, a renowned academic at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), was kidnapped on Sunday while traveling along the Ugwuogo-Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road.

Prof. Ujam, the Dean of the School of General Studies and a lecturer in the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, is among several individuals reportedly abducted on this route in the last week.

Social media influencer Chijinkem Ugwuanyi announced the incident on Facebook, calling for prayers for Prof. Ujam’s safe return.

A UNN colleague, speaking anonymously to Daily Post, confirmed the kidnapping was shared in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) UNN chapter’s WhatsApp group.

The ASUU post urged immediate assistance, stating: “Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, Dean of GS, was kidnapped this morning along Opi-Enugu Road. Please, we need urgent help.”

Despite multiple police and military checkpoints along the Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka Road, kidnappings have alarmingly increased, with daily abductions reported.

Constitutional lawyer Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new ministerial nominees, stating they violate the federal character principle.

Ozekhome noted the appointments came too late, considering many ministers performed poorly. He also questioned the impact of the ministry restructuring, calling it “cosmetic window dressing.”

In an interview with newsmen, Ozekhome accused President Tinubu of perpetuating former President Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy of non-compliance with laws promoting national unity and social justice.

Specifically, Ozekhome pointed out that Ogun State, one of Nigeria’s smallest states, has four ministers, while other states may not even have one minister. This, he argued, contradicts Sections 14 (1) and 14 (3) and Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution.

Ozekhome emphasized the appointments breach constitutional provisions and Section 7 (1) of the Third Schedule, Part One, highlighting the need for adherence to federal character principles.