Protests Erupt at Rivers PDP Secretariat Over Delayed Voter Register Distribution

Protesters gathered at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, voicing concerns over the delay in the distribution of the 2023 Voters’ Register. The demonstration occurred just two days before the scheduled local government elections on October 5, 2024.

Security forces were called to manage the situation as the crowd grew, causing traffic disruptions in the area. The protests followed a court ruling on September 30, 2024, which temporarily blocked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from handing over the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Despite the legal hurdles, Governor Siminalayi Fubara maintained that the elections would proceed as planned. He declared public holidays on October 3 and 4 to allow residents to travel to their communities and participate in the election, with restrictions on vehicular movement from midnight on Friday to 5 p.m. on Election Day.

Femi Adebayo’s Film ‘Jagun Jagun’ Bags Seven Nominations at AMAA 2024 (Full List)

The 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nominations have been announced, with Femi Adebayo’s film Jagun Jagun receiving seven nominations. The event, in its 20th edition, will be held on November 2 at the Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Nollywood’s The Weekend by Uche Okocha leads the pack with 16 nominations, while Adebayo’s Jagun Jagun secured nominations in categories such as Best Film in an African Language and Best Achievement in Visual Effects.

Here’s the full list of nominees for the 2024 AMAA:

  1. Efere Ozako Award for Best Short Film
    The Last Shoe Maker – Uganda
    Seben – Mali
    Isolated – Nigeria
  2. Jubril Malaifia Award for Best Animation
    Heavy Crown – Libya
    Hadu – Nigeria
  3. Best Documentary
    A Quand L’Afrique – Congo Brazzaville
    Gateway To Dreams – Cameroon
  4. Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language
    Jagun Jagun – Nigeria
    Unheard – Uganda

…and many more across various categories.

NLC President Ajaero Warns of Challenges Ahead Despite Securing ₦70,000 Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged its state councils to brace for the challenges ahead as public sector workers await the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized that securing the wage increase is only half the battle, with the real challenge being its full and fair implementation.

Speaking at a workshop in Lagos for NLC’s southern state councils, Ajaero highlighted the importance of fair wages, stating, “When we fight for better wages, we are not asking for charity… we are fulfilling a sacred duty—to uplift the nation and secure the dignity of work.”

Reflecting on the struggle that led to the new minimum wage, Ajaero noted the fierce opposition and challenges faced during negotiations, and he warned that the road to full implementation will be equally difficult, urging workers to stay resolute.

The workshop, organized by Fredrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), focused on strategies to ensure the effective implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. Ajaero reminded leaders that their responsibility is to make sure the benefits of the new law reach all workers across Nigeria, warning of sanctions for any officials found colluding to deny workers their entitlements.

PDP Urges INEC to Declare Nkwonta’s Seat Vacant After Defection to APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seat of Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West in the House of Representatives, vacant following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nkwonta’s defection occurred on Wednesday during a House session, prompting the PDP to release a statement through Jude Ndukwe, the Media Adviser to the PDP Caretaker Committee in Abia. The statement urged INEC to organize a new election within the constitutionally mandated timeframe to fill the vacant seat, arguing that Nkwonta’s defection violated legal provisions.

The PDP claimed there were no internal crises within the party at the state or federal level to justify Nkwonta’s move. Citing Section 68(1)(g) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution, Ndukwe emphasized that Nkwonta’s defection lacked the necessary legal grounds.

However, Don Ubani, a PDP member from the same constituency, expressed that Nkwonta’s defection aligned with the decisions of the party’s local chieftains.

Senate Leader Bamidele Denies Allegations of Working Against Yoruba Interests

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has refuted claims that his legislative activities in the National Assembly are working against the interests of the Yoruba people. The lawmaker dismissed recent media reports as baseless and false, insisting that his actions have always served Ekiti Central, Ekiti State, the South-West, and Nigeria as a whole.

In a statement to Naija News, Bamidele challenged anyone with evidence to support the accusations against him, including a purported statement that if Nigeria returned to a regional system, “the easterners would automatically have Biafra.” He denied ever making such remarks and emphasized that the claims were an attempt to pit him against the Yoruba and other ethnic groups.

Bamidele clarified that he never discussed regional governance at the recent Senate Retreat on constitutional review, labeling the reports as misinformation and fake news. He warned that he would take legal action against anyone spreading false claims about him.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Exchange Rate and Nigeria’s $1.57 Billion World Bank Aid Boost

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today – 3rd October 2024

What is the current exchange rate for the dollar to naira in the black market, also known as the parallel market (Aboki fx)? Check the latest black market rates for 2nd October below. You can exchange your dollars for naira at these rates.

As of Wednesday, 2nd October 2024, players in the Lagos Parallel Market are buying a dollar at N1640 and selling it at N1680, according to sources from the Bureau De Change (BDC).

It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize or support the parallel market and encourages individuals to approach their respective banks for foreign exchange services.

Black Market Rates for 3rd October 2024:

  • Buying Rate: N1640
  • Selling Rate: N1680

CBN Rates for 3rd October 2024:

  • Buying Rate: N1600
  • Selling Rate: N1601

Keep in mind that exchange rates may vary, and you might buy or sell forex at a different rate than what is listed.

Nigeria Receives $1.57 Billion from World Bank for Health and Climate Resilience Projects

Nigeria has secured fresh support from the World Bank, totaling $1.57 billion, to help boost the country’s efforts in improving human capital and resilience to climate change. The funding will assist in strengthening healthcare services for women, children, and adolescents, as well as enhancing infrastructure against the effects of floods and droughts through improved dam safety and irrigation systems.

The aid package includes:

  • $500 million for addressing governance issues in education and healthcare (HOPE-GOV),
  • $570 million for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program (HOPE-PHC),
  • $500 million for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN).

SCANDAL: Dean, Media and Communications Studies who is also HOD Mass Communication sends Ex- AGF Aondoakaa, SAN’s Cousin out of Exam Hall.

A mind boggling SCANDAL involving Prof ( Rev) Vatalis Torwe, the Dean Media and Communications Studies of the Benue State University, (BSU) Makurdi and Mr. Leva Titus, who is Ph. D student at the BSU and cousin to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN.

A highly placed source at the University confirmed that Rev. Vitalis Torwe, on Wednesday, sent Mr Leva out of the examination hall alleging that his Cousin (Aondoakaa) had been insulting and critising the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

According to the source, Mr. Titus Leva who was duly admitted into the University, had barely two weeks ago written continuous assessment tests without any incidence only to be harassed and sent out of the examination hall on allegations attributed to someone else.

The source further added that Professor Torwe, was on top of his voice shouting ” Very soon the Governor is making me the Vice Chancellor of this University and I will deal with anyone that thinks he will critize his administration”

When contacted, the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN declined to comment and only informed us that he has communicated this worrying development to the Governor via sms.

Expose Sexual Abuse, Sanwo-Olu Urges Residents

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged citizens to dismantle the culture of silence surrounding sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) in society. He made this call during the 2024 Governor’s Commendation and Awards Night organized by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), held in Ikeja. Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

The Governor emphasized that the 2024 theme against sexual and gender-based violence, “Not on My Watch,” serves as a rallying cry for collective action. He stated, “The fight against sexual and gender-based violence requires participation from everyone – religious leaders, community heads, families, and individuals. It is not just the responsibility of the government or the agency; it is a collective endeavor.”

Sanwo-Olu highlighted the need to strengthen the legal framework and expand support systems for victims of GBV, while underscoring the importance of breaking the silence that allows such abuse to persist.

Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, represented by Mojisola Daba, also addressed the event, reinforcing his commitment to family values and a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and intimidation against any person or group.

The Executive Secretary of the DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, shared alarming statistics, revealing that the agency has handled over 25,000 cases since its inception in 2014, with 6,330 cases reported in the previous year alone. She noted that the top five local government areas with high reports of sexual violence include Alimosho, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Eti-Osa, and Oshodi-Isolo.

The DSVA recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a symposium and various programs aimed at raising awareness about domestic and sexual violence, culminating in the awards night. The governor’s appeal and the agency’s efforts highlight the urgent need for a concerted approach to combat sexual abuse and support victims in Lagos State.

President Tinubu Embarks on Two-Week Vacation to the UK

President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for a two-week vacation in the United Kingdom as part of his annual leave. He left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with top officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, present to bid him farewell.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, indicated that Tinubu would use this period for a working vacation and reflection on his administration’s economic reforms. He is expected to return to Nigeria after the leave period.

In related news, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has called on President Tinubu to consider hiring military contractors to assist in combating Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, following a recent attack by the group that resulted in the deaths of six farmers and the abduction of five others. Ndume emphasized that while the military and Civilian JTF have performed commendably, they may require additional support to effectively eliminate the remaining insurgents and bandits in the northern region.
See Video Below.


Nigeria Achieves Coordinated Security Response Under President Tinubu, Says Gebi

Aliyu Gebi, Special Adviser to the Chief of Defence Staff, has announced that Nigeria is experiencing its first coordinated response to insecurity under President Bola Tinubu. In an interview with Arise TV, Gebi highlighted the significant reduction in the capabilities of terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), claiming an 82% and 75% decrease, respectively.

Gebi emphasized the importance of mission-specific targeting in combating insecurity, noting that high-profile leaders within these groups have been systematically eliminated. He credited the improved coordination among security forces to the National Security Advisor’s leadership and the military’s enhanced capabilities.

In addition to addressing security concerns, Gebi praised the military’s response to humanitarian crises, such as flooding in Borno State. He asserted that Nigeria’s military is now equipped to meet both security and emergency response challenges effectively.

Asserting that Nigeria is in a “consolidation phase” regarding security, Gebi called for the continuation of these efforts to prevent any regression to previous levels of insecurity.