IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has announced her withdrawal from the senatorial race ahead of the general elections in 2023. She made the announcement in a statement on Monday – the final day to decide whether to resign as minister to pursue her political ambition or to reconsider the move.

Tallen, who initially announced to contest for the Plateau South senatorial seat in the National Assembly, had picked the expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC). She was one of the 10 ministers President Muhammadu Buhari had directed to resign if they must contest for any political office in the 2023 elections.

“With profound gratitude and great humility, I have decided to voluntarily step down from the senatorial race sequel to the yearnings of women and other well-meaning Nigerians who see the need for a strong voice for women at the Senate, having consulted widely with my family, well-wishers and supporters, conscious of the role I play for women in Nigeria today,” the minister said.

“So, to all Nigerian women and young girls who have raised concerns as to what next, rest assured that I, Dame Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG have not submitted any resignation letter and therefore, it is my decision not to go ahead with this request but carry on as the Minister of Women Affairs.”

A Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square has adjourned till May 23 for the continuation of the trial of an undergraduate, Chidinma Ojukwu, charged with the murder of the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Usifo Ataga.

Chidinma and one Adedapo Quadri are standing trial alongside a third defendant, Chidinma’s sister, Chioma Egbuchu on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, forgery, stealing, and being in possession of stolen property. They had all pleaded not guilty. At the proceedings on Monday, the new counsel for the third defendant, Ngozi Akandu, again asked the court to vacate the trial dates already fixed.

Akandu told the court that he was yet to receive the proof of evidence from the prosecution counsel and the office of the public defender (the former counsel for the third defendant). “I have no facilities to render services to the third defendant. I, therefore, apply that today’s date and other dates already fixed be vacated. “This is because I have seen the volume of documents from other counsel, it is not something someone can read in a day,” he argued.

Counsel for Ojukwu, Mr Onwuka Egwu, had no objections to the application. He added that the proof of evidence was very voluminous as it had about 400 pages.

Ministers are worried a £4.25bn deal to buy Chelsea may be at risk of "falling apart" due to a lack of consensus with the club over the proceeds of any sale, the BBC has learned. According to a UK government insider, there is now "alarm" in Whitehall that the takeover of the European champions could be "timed out" if deadlines are not met.

Chelsea have agreed terms on a deal with a private-equity funded consortium led by US investor Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team. The club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.

However a senior Whitehall source revealed there was now "serious concern" that the oligarch was "willing to let Chelsea go under" over an alleged "refusal to agree to a sale structure that gives ministers confidence that proceeds would go to a good cause". The government version of events was disputed by sources close to Abramovich when approached. Chelsea have also been approached for comment.

Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which expires on 31 May, and any takeover requires the approval of ministers and the English football authorities.

As written by The New Nigeria Crew

On the 31st of January when he declared his intention to run for the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there were a trail of reactions that followed this move.

In retrospect, his declaration illustrates the beauty that lies in Democracy. It showcases the diversity and the freedom of candidates with true intentions to render their service to the people as democracy revolves around the people. Twenty-three years after democracy was adopted and came into full play, election periods have arrived and it’s imperative we are conscious of the caliber of leaders we allow to get close to the corridors of power.

Rochas Owelle Okorocha has proved his mettle in service to humanity. From his activities before and during power, we can boldly say that his style of leadership is a servant-leader type and also satiates the need for a president from the Igbo extraction.

He is not without bad press though as day after day, articles against him meant to soil his name are being churned out in their numbers and although such nefarious claims shouldn’t be paid heed to, it is important we state the facts that these are all falsehood and begs the question of who is afraid of Rochas? Who are those hell bent on making sure Nigeria does not rise from the things that have plagued her? Who are those trying to avoid Nigerians seeing the light and demanding for better? Who are those willing to mortgage the future of Nigeria for a few morsels from their paymasters? Who are those trying to cause disunity and disarray in the nation by trying to divide that which unites us?

As citizens, it is our collective right to demand for good governance and make sure we get it. In Rochas lies these possibilities. His narratives cannot be exhausted because it is a reminder of what he is capable of doing. 

The New Nigeria will surely emerge and from the dusts and ashes of our yesterday will rise a better Nigeria which will be the pride of even generations yet unborn. We are ready for it.

There was pandemonium on Sunday as yet to be identified gunmen burnt down Idemili North Local Government secretariat in Ogidi and a Magistrate Court in the area .

Sources said the arsonists entered the premises on Sunday night to perpetuate the act, burning down all files, properties in the secretariat, including the secretariat building and cars.

Confirming the incident, Anambra State Police Command attributed the ugly incident to a yet to be identified arsonists.

DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson of the State Police Command said: “Yes, the incident was confirmed, and our men were there to restore normalcy.

“Right now, the fire has been put off, and calm has been restored to the area,” Ikenga told Imo Breaking News Correspondent.