Destkelamedia

The far-right National Rally (RN) has pulled off another victory and is now well on the way to its goal of turning French politics on its head. In a significant political upheaval, the far-right National Rally (RN) has secured another victory, edging closer to its ambition of transforming the French political landscape. This triumph signals not only a shift in voter sentiment but also the potential for a broader realignment in France's political future. The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, has steadily gained traction among French voters, capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with traditional parties. The party’s recent success is a testament to its strategic focus on issues such as immigration, national sovereignty, and economic protectionism. These themes resonate deeply with a populace grappling with economic uncertainty and concerns about national identity. 1. Immigration and Security: The RN's hardline stance on immigration and its promise to bolster national sec...

  Chidi Odinkalu  Since May 23, 2024, Abdullahi Liman, a senior judge of Nigeria's Federal High Court, has embroiled himself in a judicial controversy involving the Emirate of Kano. Liman has issued at least five rulings that defy established Supreme Court jurisprudence, asserting federal jurisdiction to decide on the emirate's leadership, despite the matter being pending at the Court of Appeal. This has raised serious concerns about judicial overreach and misconduct. The heart of the scandal lies in Liman's issuance of a late-night order on May 23, 2024, demanding parties maintain the status quo concerning the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law. This law had been assented to by the Governor of Kano State earlier that day. Questions arose because it appeared there was no legitimate case filed before Liman issued his order. The order was made during a virtual proceeding and was purportedly enrolled on the same date, yet the specifics of the case filing remain dubious. L...

  The Labour Party (LP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration, claiming that the N4.3tn allocated for palliatives and loans to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal has failed to positively impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, disputes this claim, asserting that without substantial evidence, it's unfair to say the palliatives didn't reach the intended vulnerable populations. In an interview, LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh and APC Deputy National Organizing Secretary Nze Chidi Duru expressed their divergent views on the matter. The controversy arises from the government's economic policies following the removal of the fuel subsidy, which included various palliative measures such as food distribution, cash aid, transport fare rebates, and the acquisition of gas-powered buses. During a national broadcast on July 31, President Tinubu announced the first set of palliatives: N100bn for 3,000 ...

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has raised alarms over an alleged plot to frame Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a prominent opposition lawmaker, on fabricated charges. Ugochinyere, who serves as the spokesperson for a coalition of 60 opposition lawmakers, is reportedly being targeted due to his outspoken stance on the political crisis in Rivers State and his strong advocacy for democracy. According to CUPP, the alleged plot aims to discredit Ugochinyere and undermine his efforts to uphold democratic values in Nigeria. The coalition, representing various opposition parties across the country, has called on the Inspector General of Police and the Federal Capital Territory police commissioner to investigate these claims thoroughly. CUPP spokesman Mark Adebayo revealed that the group had received credible intelligence about the scheme. He warned that any attempt to falsely incriminate Ugochinyere would result in significant public outrage and condemnation. Adebayo emphasized ...

  On July 1, 2024, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), grounded a United States-registered Gulfstream G650ER jet belonging to a prominent Nigerian bank. This marks the beginning of a broader crackdown on private jet owners for unpaid import duties, which total several billion naira. The recent grounding follows the NCS's one-month verification exercise, which began on June 19, 2024, and is set to end on July 19, 2024. This exercise aims to identify private jet operators who have illegally imported aircraft without paying the necessary import duties. A similar exercise in 2019 led to the recovery of approximately N2 billion. The current effort expects around 80 private jet owners to present their import documents and aircraft registration certificates to Customs in Abuja. Despite the official start of aircraft grounding set for after the verification exercise, some private jet operators' attempts to export their aircraft prematurely have...

   In a remarkable display of integrity, Superintendent of Police Ibrahim Sini turned down a substantial bribe of N150 million offered by Lagos businessman Akintoye Akindele. The offer was allegedly made to facilitate Akindele’s escape abroad and secure a favorable investigation report. Sini, who led the Inspector General of Police’s investigative team, chose peace of mind over illicit wealth, highlighting his commitment to justice and ethical conduct. Speaking at a dinner held in his honor in Abuja, Sini recounted the incident and emphasized his desire for a clear conscience over material gain. "I would like to have money so that I can lay my head down and sleep at night," he said. "I don’t want to have something that will make me think twice and be running from one hole to another. So I decided to do the right thing." Sini used the platform to advise Nigerian youths on the importance of maintaining integrity. He encouraged them to remain steadfast in their values ...

  In a bold bid to bolster its air fleet, Nigeria is eyeing the purchase of a customized Airbus A330 aircraft, currently held by a German bank after its former owner defaulted on a substantial loan. The aircraft, previously owned by an unnamed Arab prince and businessman, was seized due to financial obligations amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. According to reports from PREMIUM TIMES, the Nigerian government is actively pursuing the acquisition of this specialized aircraft, which is known for its executive customizations. While presidency officials have remained tight-lipped on the matter, sources reveal that plans are underway to secure the necessary funds for the procurement  The Airbus A330 in question was utilized by a troubled oil sheikh as collateral for a loan from a German bank. Following the debtor's default, the bank repossessed the aircraft but encountered difficulties in selling it due to its unique executive features and customizations. Presently, the ...

   Transparency and Accountability: SERAP's Call to Action The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to account for over N100 billion in "dirty and bad notes" and other public funds. This demand was directed at CBN Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, urging him to provide detailed explanations and take necessary actions to address these financial discrepancies. Key Financial Discrepancies: Missing Funds and Uncompleted Projects According to the latest annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, SERAP highlighted several key areas of concern: 1. N100 Billion in Dirty and Bad Notes: The report indicates that since 2017, the CBN has been storing over N100 billion in "dirty and bad notes" across various branches. There are fears that these notes, initially meant for destruction, may have been diverted back into the economy. 2. Uncompleted Construction Projects: SERAP calle...

   The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, a significant infrastructure initiative in Nigeria, faces potential termination due to delays. The Federal Government, through the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to the contractors, demanding immediate action to accelerate the construction process. Minister Umahi expressed deep disappointment at the slow progress in the Akwa Ibom and Cross River states sections of the project. During a recent meeting in Uyo with representatives from Julius Berger and China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC), he emphasized the urgency of the situation. The minister highlighted that the contractors had been citing compensation issues as a reason for delays. However, the Akwa Ibom State government had already resolved these compensation matters, leaving no valid excuse for the contractors' inaction. Umahi issued a clear ultimatum: the contractors have one week to mobilize and resume work on the designated secti...

  Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, posing significant health risks if not properly managed. Effective diabetes management is crucial to preventing complications such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision problems. Here’s how you can manage diabetes effectively to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent complications. 1. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Regularly Frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels helps you understand how different foods, activities, and medications affect your glucose levels. Use a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor to keep track of your readings. Maintaining a log of your results can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment plan.  2. Adopt a Balanced Diet A balanced diet is essential for managing diabetes. Focus on: - Whole Grains: Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread over refined grains. - Fruits and Vegetables: Aim fo...

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health issue that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Managing blood pressure through natural methods can be highly effective. Here are the top strategies to lower your blood pressure naturally. 1. Adopt a Balanced Diet One of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure is through a balanced diet. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is particularly beneficial. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while reducing salt, red meat, and added sugars. Foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber are especially good for managing blood pressure. 2. Reduce Sodium Intake Excessive sodium intake can significantly raise blood pressure. Aim to consume no more than 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. This can be achieved by avoiding processed foods, reading nutrition labels carefully, and using herbs and spices to flavor food instead of salt. ...

In a shocking revelation, Nigerian Senator Olalere Oyewumi, representing the Osun West District, admitted to engaging in vote-buying during the 2023 general elections. This confession was captured in a viral video where Oyewumi, who serves as the Deputy Minority Senate Leader and is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), detailed his attempts to sway voters with personal funds on the eve of the elections. In the video, Oyewumi recounted how he dispatched his aide with money to buy votes, only to have it rejected by staunch supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking in Yoruba, Oyewumi explained, "I tried all the tricks I knew to win at the Onilu House polling unit, but these people didn’t allow me. After exhausting money for the election, I gave my personal money to Ten-Ten to give to people at night to buy votes. Ten-Ten came back with my money, saying the people rejected it. I was surprised." Oyewumi’s admission highlights a broader issue that plagu...

   A female prison officer has been thrust into the spotlight and is under investigation after a video surfaced showing her engaging in sexual activities with an inmate at Wandsworth Prison, located in south London. The video, which lasts over four minutes, captures the officer in a compromising position with the inmate, while background radio communications go ignored. The incident took place in a cell at Wandsworth Prison, Britain's second-largest prison, and was surreptitiously recorded by another inmate using a contraband mobile phone. This video quickly spread among the prison population. The footage shows the officer performing a sexual act on an inmate, with his grey shorts lowered, while a second inmate, visible in the background and apparently smoking a joint, records the act. "This is how we live at Wandsworth," the inmate filming can be heard saying, indicating a concerning level of normalcy regarding such behavior within the prison. As the encounter progresses...

   In a significant breakthrough, the Edo State Police Command has arrested the suspected killer of Glory Adekolure, a University of Benin (UNIBEN) graduate. This arrest comes 15 days after Adekolure's tragic death, bringing some relief to her grieving family and the community. Glory Adekolure, a 22-year-old final-year Chemistry student at UNIBEN, went to submit her project and complete her final clearance on June 13, 2024. However, her lifeless body was later discovered under a tree in the Iyowa Community of Benin City, near her residence. The discovery of her remains sent shockwaves through the university and the local community, prompting a swift investigation by the police. The suspect was apprehended in Asaba, Delta State, following an extensive manhunt. Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, announced the arrest during an interview with Channels Television. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, confessed to the murder of Glory Adekolure and e...

In a tragic incident on Lagos' Third Mainland Bridge, one person was confirmed dead following a collision between a mini truck and a Toyota Camry early Saturday morning. The accident, involving a mini truck (MUS 489 XS) and a Toyota Camry (KRD 470 JD), occurred during a heavy downpour and was attributed to excessive speeding. According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), preliminary investigations indicated that the excessive speed was a key factor in the accident. The crash took place near the Unilag waterfront, en route to the Iyana-Oworonsoki area of Lagos. Mr. Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, stated in a LASTMA press release that three individuals were successfully rescued at the scene. The swift response from LASTMA operatives ensured that those involved received immediate assistance. The deceased was removed by the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) officials, and the vehicles involved were quickly cleared...

   In a decisive ruling, the Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction and six-year prison sentence of Francis Atuche, the former Managing Director of the now-defunct Bank PHB. The apex court's unanimous decision was delivered on Friday by a five-member panel, rejecting Atuche's appeal against his conviction for a N25.7 billion fraud. The appeal, marked SC/CR/1223/2023, was found to be without merit. Justice Habeeb Abiru prepared the lead judgment, which was read by Justice Moore Adumein. The court held that Atuche failed to provide sufficient grounds to overturn the concurrent findings of both the High Court and the Court of Appeal. “Where the finding of a trial court on the demeanour of a witness is supported by oral and documentary evidence tendered at the trial, as in the present case, an appellate court has no business tampering with the decision of the trial court,” the judgment stated. The Supreme Court upheld the earlier decision by the Court of Appeal, which had affir...

During the Nigeria Lecture and Award event themed “25 Years of Unbroken Democracy – Challenges, Prospects, and Possibilities,” Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, sharply criticized Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome. Wike accused Ozekhome of defending election riggers, a statement that sparked significant attention and debate among attendees. Wike, an awardee at the event, was dismayed by what he perceived as an imbalance in the discourse on Nigeria's democratic progress. He noted that while challenges are evident, the event's speakers failed to acknowledge the strides the country has made over the past 25 years.  Wike highlighted several areas where he believes progress has been made. He pointed out that the absence of political detentions under the current democratic regime is a notable improvement from past practices. Additionally, he mentioned the infrastructural developments in the FCT as indicators of forward movement.  “Are you telling...

   Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Managing diabetes effectively requires a balanced lifestyle and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels. Here are some tips to help you achieve better health and maintain a balanced lifestyle while managing diabetes. Understanding Diabetes Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to produce enough insulin or effectively use the insulin it produces. There are two main types of diabetes: 1. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. 2. Type 2 Diabetes: A metabolic disorder where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin. Proper management of diabetes involves lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. Tips for Managing Diabetes 1. Healthy Eating Habits    A balanced diet is crucial for managing diabetes. Focus on con...

   In recent months, Nigerian air travel has faced significant turbulence as airlines grapple with severe fleet reductions and escalating costs, leaving passengers stranded and prices soaring. This crisis, characterized by fully-booked flights without available planes, has turned passengers into ticket scavengers, highlighting the severe aircraft shortage in the domestic aviation sector. Nigerian airlines have been struggling with a reduction in available aircraft due to the prohibitive costs of maintenance. Many planes have been sent for mandatory maintenance, but airlines face difficulties returning them to service because of skyrocketing costs driven by the foreign exchange crunch. Some airlines have grounded their planes altogether, unable to meet the financial demands of maintenance, further reducing the fleet available to passengers. The grounding of Dana Air, a low-cost carrier, has notably impacted the domestic aviation market. With Dana Air’s six aircraft out of opera...

  Senate President Godswill Akpabio has categorically denied allegations that the National Assembly has approved the purchase of new presidential jets for President Bola Tinubu. Speaking at the Red Chamber on Thursday, Akpabio clarified that no such request has been made to the Senate, and any claims suggesting otherwise are unfounded. Addressing rumors circulating on social media, Akpabio emphasized that the National Assembly would not yield to blackmail or misinformation. He asserted that the Senate's decisions would always prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people and the functional needs of the presidency. "We care about the President and we care about the Nigerian people. We will approve things that will benefit the Nigerian people," Akpabio stated. Akpabio's comments come in the wake of media reports that he allegedly supported the procurement of new jets for the President. These reports gained traction after President Tinubu flew to South Africa on a privat...

  Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its failure to address the ongoing political crisis in the state. During a meeting with the Senate Committee on Privatization and Commercialization, led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Governor Fubara expressed his dissatisfaction with the PDP's handling of the situation, stating that the party has not fulfilled its responsibilities to the people of Rivers State. Governor Fubara emphasized the importance of prioritizing truth and effective governance over party politics. He asserted that the state would no longer be held back by party affiliations but would instead focus on defending democracy and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. “In our state today, we are no longer doing party. We are doing a movement, so you don’t blame me if I don’t go to the side of the party too much. The party has failed us here, so what we are doing here is to stand with our two legs on the soil of Rivers St...

  In a significant development for Nigeria's education sector, holders of Higher National Diplomas (HND) with commendable grades are now eligible for appointment as Academic Staff (Graduate Assistants) in polytechnics, aligning them with their degree-holding counterparts. This breakthrough is part of the newly approved Scheme of Service for Nigerian Polytechnics, as disclosed by Prof. Idris Mohammed Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). During the formal presentation of the new Schemes of Service, Prof. Bugaje highlighted the abolition of the Instructor Cadre, which previously segregated HND holders. This move is seen as a significant step towards equity and recognition of the skills and qualifications of polytechnic graduates. Effective from June 7, 2024, the new Schemes of Service will unify recruitment and promotion processes across federal, state, and private polytechnics in Nigeria. Prof. Bugaje emphasized that all previous versi...

  President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action to address Nigeria's economic and agricultural challenges by approving the immediate rollout of the National Construction and Household Support Programme. This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen the economy, and provide urgent relief to Nigerians across all six geo-political zones. The programme prioritizes several major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will connect Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos. This highway is crucial as it traverses areas vital to the nation's agricultural sustainability. Within this corridor, there are 216 agricultural communities, 58 large and medium dams, seven Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), 156 local government areas, 39 commercial cities and towns, and over one million hectares of arable land. Other significant road projects include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Trans-Saharan Highway, linkin...

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken a significant step by urging the Federal High Court in Abuja to cite two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) – Ifedayo Adedipe and Abdulwahab Muhammed – for contempt. This call for contempt arises from the lawyers' failure to produce Yahaya Bello, the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, for arraignment as promised. Yahaya Bello faces charges related to the laundering of N80.2 billion, with the EFCC accusing him of diverting state funds. The EFCC's efforts to bring Bello to trial have been met with repeated delays, primarily due to his absence from court appearances. Justice Emeka Nwite had previously adjourned the case to allow Bello’s counsel, Adedipe and Muhammed, to produce him in court. However, when the case was called again, Bello was notably absent. This prompted the EFCC to file an application for contempt against the two SANs for failing to honor their commitment. In an attempt to shift the trial's v...

  In a significant move to address the pressing economic challenges facing Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate rollout of national construction and household support programs. This initiative, aimed at alleviating the burden on Nigerians, includes a substantial budget of N155 billion dedicated to the provision of assorted foodstuffs for nationwide distribution. The comprehensive support program includes several critical interventions: A notable N10 billion one-off support has been allocated to the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This fund is intended for the procurement of buses and to support the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) uplift program, aimed at enhancing public transportation and reducing fuel dependency. President Tinubu’s administration has also announced a N50,000 uplift grant to be provided to 100,000 families per state over a three-month period. This initiative is designed to directly support households, helping them manage th...