Author: Olukayode Oke

Senate And Attorney General To Review Tax Reform Bill. The Nigerian Senate, in collaboration with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), is set to review the controversial Tax Reform Bill today, 5th December 2024, in Abuja. This development follows the decision by Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, to suspend further deliberations on the bill on Wednesday. Senator Barau emphasised the importance of ensuring that all stakeholders have an opportunity to express their views before arriving at a balanced conclusion. Addressing Concerns The chairman of the bill review committee, Senator Anna Moro, alongside other committee members, is…

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier To Resign After No-Confidence Vote. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is expected to tender his resignation today after his government was ousted in a historic no-confidence vote, just three months into his tenure. The motion, passed late last night with 331 votes in favour—well above the 288 needed—marks the first time in over 60 years that a French government has been voted down by parliament. The collapse of Barnier’s administration follows widespread backlash over his controversial use of special powers to push through the budget without parliamentary approval. The no-confidence vote saw a…

South Korea In Turmoil As President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Impeachment For ‘Insurrection’. South Korea is grappling with a political crisis as President Yoon Suk Yeol faces an investigation for alleged “insurrection” following his controversial declaration of martial law earlier this week. The decision, which was swiftly reversed after an emergency parliamentary vote, has sparked protests, resignations, and a push for impeachment. The controversy began on Tuesday night when President Yoon declared martial law, reportedly on the advice of Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun. The announcement shocked the nation, with many senior military officials claiming they were unaware of the…

Nicolas Jover: The Mastermind Behind Arsenal’s Set-Piece Success. Arsenal’s dominance from set pieces has become a defining feature of their game, and the credit largely goes to their set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover. Jover, a French coach specialising in dead-ball situations, has been instrumental in transforming Arsenal into a threat from corners and free kicks. This was evident once again in their recent 2-0 victory over Manchester United, where goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both originating from corners, sealed the win. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been vocal about Jover’s impact. Reflecting on Arsenal’s earlier 1-0 win…

Liverpool Confident Of Mohamed Salah’s Future Amid Contract Uncertainty. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed confidence that Mohamed Salah will remain a key player for the club “for a long time” following his stellar display in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Newcastle at St James’ Park. Despite his contract expiring at the end of the season, Salah, 32, proved his immense value once again. The Egyptian forward provided the assist for Curtis Jones’ opener and scored twice himself before Fabian Schär’s last-minute equaliser denied Liverpool all three points. Slot praised Salah’s contribution, telling Amazon Prime: “Every time we…

Arsenal Outclass Manchester United To Secure Victory. Arsenal capitalised on set-piece dominance to claim a convincing 2-0 victory over Manchester United, handing Ruben Amorim his first defeat in English football. Goals from defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both originating from corners, ensured Arsenal kept pace in the Premier League title race. The win trims Liverpool’s lead at the top to seven points, with the Gunners sitting third on 28 points, level with Chelsea. The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Declan Rice delivered a corner that Timber expertly headed in at the near post. Arsenal nearly…

Liverpool Held To Thrilling 3-3 Draw By Newcastle At St James’ Park. Premier League leaders Liverpool played out a pulsating 3-3 draw with Newcastle United in what has been hailed as one of the most thrilling matches of the season. The encounter at St James’ Park saw Liverpool twice fall behind before Mohamed Salah’s brilliance put them ahead with a sensational double. The Reds appeared set to secure their fifth consecutive league victory, only for Fabian Schär to snatch a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser for Newcastle, ensuring a deserved share of the spoils. Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin, speaking…

EPL: Manchester City End Winless Streak With Commanding Victory Over Nottingham Forest. Manchester City returned to winning ways with a dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last night, ending a disappointing run of seven games without a win. The Premier League champions put on a clinical display, showcasing their trademark attacking flair to secure a much-needed three points. This victory marks their first since enduring a tough spell that included six defeats and a dramatic 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League—a match where City had squandered a three-goal lead. City’s performance against Nottingham Forest was a…

Security Operatives Dislodge Suspected IPOB Members In Imo. A combined team of security operatives has successfully raided criminal hideouts and dislodged suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Aku, located in the Okigwe Council Area of Imo State. Brigadier-General Usman Lawal, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Obinze, Owerri, confirmed this development while addressing journalists in Aku on Tuesday. The operation, which began on Friday, 29 November, involved a joint effort by the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The raid was…

Human Rights Lawyer Dele Farotimi Remanded Over Defamation Allegations. A Magistrates’ Court in Ado Ekiti has ordered the remand of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, over allegations of defamation against Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University. Farotimi was arraigned on a 16-count charge for allegedly publishing a book titled Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, in which he accused Aare Afe Babalola of corrupting the judiciary and influencing Supreme Court judgements. The allegations were said to have subjected the renowned legal luminary to public ridicule and harmed his esteemed reputation. The accused pleaded not guilty…

Rabiu Ali Confident In Super Eagles B Team’s CHAN Qualification. Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles B team’s chances of securing a spot in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Speaking ahead of their crucial qualifier against Ghana, the Kano Pillars captain emphasised his determination to contribute to the team’s success. Ali, who was recently called up to the national squad for the qualifiers, described his invitation as an honour and a testament to his commitment to the game. “It’s a great honour to be invited again,” he told *Punch*. “This year, I wasn’t…

Federal Polytechnic Ugep: House Committee Uncovers Imbalance in Staff and Student Numbers. The House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnics and other Higher Technical Education has raised concerns over the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, in Cross River State. The institution, established in 2021, currently has only 142 students but employs 154 academic and non-academic staff, with expenditures exceeding N600 million.   This revelation was made during the committee’s oversight visit to Federal Polytechnics in the South-South region. The Chairman of the Committee, Fouad Laguda (APC, Lagos), criticised the institution’s operations and described its spending as unsustainable. The Rector of the Polytechnic,…