IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Amid the announcement of a breakup with his wife, Annie Macualay, Nigerian Music star Innocent Idibia popularly known as Tuface or 2baba, has confirmed relationship with the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Natasha Osawaru.

With rumours of their relationship flying around, Tuface caused a stir on Monday when he appeared at the Edo State House of Assembly during plenary. While many on social media wondered what his appearance at the House was for, others viewed that as a confirmation of the rumoured romance with the Edo State lawmaker.

However, the legendary singer addressed the rumours in a video post on his Instagram handle early Wednesday morning. Confirming his affection for the lawmaker, Tuface stated: “Yes, I love her. I want to marry her.” He added: “I said what I said. All of us will be alright… Honourable Natasha, I see she has been dragged, she has been called all sorts of names. She has been labelled as a home breaker. She is a young, brilliant and amazing woman.”

The singer also said that his new love is not responsible for the marital tension between him and his wife, Annie. “She has nothing to do with what’s happening between me and Annie. But I see everybody trying to allegedly want to rope her into everything. Yes, I love her. She is amazing, she is cool, I want to marry her,” Tuface said.

In January, Tuface shocked the social media space when he announced that he and his wife Annie have been separated for a while and have filed for a divorce. He had said: “Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long. Annie Macaulay and I have been separated for a while and have filed for divorce.

“I would grant a press release soon to say my story—not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life, but because I love my people, and I need them to know my innocence or offence. Stay blessed, my people. I love you all.” 

Following a motion of urgent national importance by a member, Oboku Oforji, the House of Representatives on Tuesday called for the immediate suspension of the 50% hike in telecoms tariff. The House also decried the poor service delivery from telecom operators and insisted that an increase in tariff should not happen until service improves.

The lawmakers ordered the NCC and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to suspend the tariff increase because of the economic hardship in the country. This was as telecommunications operators in the country began the implementation of the new tariff regime earlier approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Many subscribers on social media who used the services of telecoms operators on Tuesday observed about 50% increase in the cost of calls, data and text messages. As of December 2023, Nigeria has over 224 million subscribers, according to official data by the regulator. MTN boasts of over 87 million subscribers, representing 38.79% of the total market share, the highest in the country by any licensed Mobile Network Operator (MNO). Globacom and Airtel have 61 million subscribers each while 9mobile has 13.9 million users.

Earlier in January, the NCC said telephone subscribers in Nigeria would pay more for data and airtime as it approved a 50% tariff increase for telecoms operators in the country. A spokesman for the regulator Reuben Muoka had said the price adjustment though lower than the “over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability”. The regulator had said the increase was pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.

Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had threatened an industrial action, demanding a reversal of the hike but the labour unions aborted their rallies after last-minute talks with government representatives. 

Manchester City's fans started the night by unfurling a huge flag taunting Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior for their angry reaction to Rodri beating the Brazilian to last year's Ballon d'Or. 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' was the message, the words of the Oasis hit accompanied by an image of Rodri kissing the coveted trophy at the ceremony boycotted by Real in protest at the decision.

Firing barbs at the most ruthless and experienced operators in Champions League history is a dangerous occupation, and so it proved. All the tears belonged to City and their supporters at the final whistle after a trademark smash-and-grab late surge gave Real a potentially decisive 3-2 advantage after the first leg of this play-off to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Real's relentless, concrete-clad confidence in themselves and street wisdom honed over years of experience and triumphs, saw them turn a 2-1 deficit after 86 minutes into a victory, Carlo Ancelotti's side preying on City's own painful lack of self-belief. The contrast was stark, City wilting visibly in the second half, then consumed by anxiety and nerves once their former midfielder Brahim Diaz restored parity with four minutes of normal time left.

City are never home and hosed this season. Real Madrid never believe they are beaten. And this was the case again as Pep Guardiola's team lost a lead for the fifth time in this campaign. It is perhaps an insight into City's current state of mind and form that the two late goals conceded here made it eight goals shipped in the final 16 minutes of their past five Champions League games, the most of any side.

Guardiola is currently presiding over a team with too many miles on the clock, too many players not fully fit – or not fit at all in Rodri's case. The cracks are starting to look beyond repair, rather more in need of major renovation. Rodri was watching from the sidelines, having been included in City's Champions League squad in the hope he may recover from his knee injury this season, and on that giant flag. How City needed his calming influence, quality and steel on the pitch as they were overcome late on once more. 

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) aims to grow the region’s economy to $200 billion by 2035, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion national GDP.

Speaking at his inauguration, Managing Director Mark Okoye expressed gratitude to the 10th National Assembly and the Senate Committee on Regional Commissions for their role in establishing the commission. He highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure investment, citing over 2,500 active erosion sites, high unemployment, and a challenging business environment in the region.

To address these challenges, SEDC plans to:

Rebuild critical infrastructure damaged during the Civil War.

Collaborate with state governments, private sector investors, and development partners.

Focus on security, investment climate, technology, innovation, agriculture, and industrialization.

Engage traditional and religious leaders, academia, and civil society to ensure inclusive development.

Okoye assured that SEDC will prioritize action over rhetoric, with clear strategies and measurable impact. In the coming months, the commission will launch new initiatives and an interactive website for public engagement. 

A new bill has been proposed in the Nigerian Senate seeking to prohibit the daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles across the country. The legislation aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and curb accidents involving large trucks and trailers.

Under the proposed law:  

- Individual violators will face a fine of ₦500,000.

- Corporate offenders will be fined ₦5,000,000.

- Offending vehicles may be seized for up to 30 days.  

The bill comes in response to rising road accidents and gridlocks caused by heavy-duty vehicles operating during peak hours. If passed, the regulation will enforce strict movement schedules to improve traffic flow and enhance public safety on Nigerian roads. 

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that if he decides to seek a second term in 2027, nothing will stand in the way of his victory.

Fubara made this statement on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers and leaders from the three Local Government Areas that make up the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality in Rivers State.

The delegation endorsed his re-election bid, commending his leadership and commitment to infrastructure development, particularly the ₦200 billion Trans-Kalabari Road Project, which is currently under construction.

In response, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible progress, stressing that impact and service are more important than time spent in office.