FEATURES

Bitcoin, BNB, XRP, and more cryptocurrencies to watch this week

Admin

Even with friends in high places, crypto’s instability is showing as investors respond to President Donald Trump’s trade war and reports of deal talks between Binance U.S. and the Trump family. Amidst the market chaos tariffs have wrought, here are some cryptocurrencies to watch this week.

BNB

Illustration: Michael M. Santiago (Getty Images)

Binance’s crytocurrency BNB popped after two reports that the Trump family was in talks to snap up a stake in the Binance U.S. exchange (which pleaded guilty to enabling money laundering in 2023). The reported talks apparently touched on the idea of the two parties co-developing a stablecoin. Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao denied the reports, but said he wouldn’t “mind a pardon.” Still, BNB was sitting around $615 as of Sunday evening, up 8% from its price five days prior.

TRUMP

Meme coins are so out this season (well... mostly), and the Trump family’s token is no exception. The token was trading around $11.32 as of Sunday evening, down about 47.9% from a month ago. On Inauguration Day, TRUMP’s market cap was around $14.5 billion; it now sits at roughly $2.2 billion.

XRP

Talk of an end to the legal battle between the SEC and Ripple is drawing attention to the payment company’s token, XRP.

Bitcoin

Illustration: Dan Kitwood (Getty Images)

After a dip below $80,000 last week, Bitcoin staged a minor recovery over the weekend. The leading cryptocurrency was still down 10.9% from Jan. 1 as of Sunday evening, and that means the folks who flocked to it after witnessing the post-election boom are still seeing red. The early days of Trump’s second term have spelled chaos for Bitcoin, the price of which loosely correlates with the stock market. Given the tariffs to come and uncertainty surrounding AI stocks, more stock market carnage could drag Bitcoin down with it.

Cronos

A vote on reissuing burned tokens thrust Crypto.com-backed Cronos further into the spotlight. The cryptocurrency popped 3% in 24 hours to around $0.085 as of Sunday night.

[Quartz]

NASU Threatens Strike, Makes Demand From WAEC

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The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has issued a seven-day strike notice to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) management.

Naija News reports that the NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, while speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, urged WAEC to address a four-point demand concerning workers’ welfare and the alleged victimization of labour leaders.

NASU warned that all WAEC offices nationwide would be shut down starting Monday, March 24, if the management fails to meet their demands.

More details to come…

[NaijaNews]

Fubara accuses lawmakers of frustrating efforts to implement Supreme Court judgement

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The Rivers State Government has accused the State House of Assembly of obstructing Governor Siminalayi Fubara from fully implementing the Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, the state Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, stated that Governor Fubara had remained committed to implementing the court’s verdict, despite its unfavorable outcome.

Details soon…

[DailyPost]

EXPLAINER: Step-by-step process for impeaching a state governor in Nigeria

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Impeachment is when elected government officials such as the President, Vice-President, Governors, and Deputy Governors are lawfully removed from office before the end of the tenure of office if found guilty of gross misconduct.

The legislative arm of government in a nation is saddled with the responsibility of impeaching government executives who are found guilty of gross misconduct.

The process of impeaching a state governor in Nigeria is contained in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution.

Under certain terms and conditions, a Governor may be replaced by another, for example through death, impeachment or if an election is annulled.

Here are the steps below:

Step 1: A written allegation of gross misconduct against the governor must be signed by at least one-third of the members of the State House of Assembly and presented to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

Step 2: Within seven days, the Speaker of the House of Assembly is expected to serve the state governor with a copy of the notice of allegation.

Step 3: The governor has a right to reply to the allegation levelled against him. The state lawmakers must be served each with the response from the governor.

Step 4: Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House, they shall resolve by motion without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.

The motion must be passed by at least a two-thirds majority of all members of the State House of Assembly.

Step 5: If the motion fails to get two-thirds, the process shall be halted. If the required votes is met, then the Speaker shall within 7 days of the passing of the motion, request the Chief Judge of the State to appoint a Panel to investigate the allegations.

Members of the panel should not have a political affiliation

Step 6: Within three months, The panel is expected to report its findings to the State House of Assembly.

During the proceedings of the Panel, the Governor shall have a right to defend himself or have the right to be defended by a legal practitioner.

Step 7: Where the allegations of gross misconduct against the governor can not be proven, the impeachment proceedings shall end right there.

If the allegations can be substantiated, the House of Assembly shall consider the report and a resolution for adoption of the report shall be moved.

Step 8: At least two-thirds of members of the House of Assembly must vote in support of the resolution to be adopted and the governor shall be impeached while his motion to swear in his deputy shall be moved immediately and adopted.

[TheNation]

FULL LIST: Misconduct, financial breaches, other allegations against Fubara

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a notice accusing the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of alleged misconduct.

Twenty-six members of the assembly made the misconduct allegation against Fubara in a notice sent to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, on Monday.

According to the lawmakers, their action follows “Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other existing laws.”

They accused Fubara of several offences including reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, ans obstructing the Assembly’s activities among others.

See all the allegations filed against Fubara by the House:

1. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State refused to present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill, 2024 to the Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to Section 121(1)(2) of the Constitution and disobeyed the order of the Federal High Court in Suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 which declared that “thus as it stands in law, no Appropriation Bill of Rivers State has been presented neither has any of such Bill being passed into law as the purported presentation, passage and signing into law of the Appropriation Bill 2024 of Rivers State is void ab initio” and ordered him to present the Appropriation Bill 2024 to the House.

2. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State authorised or approved withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State in the 2024 financial year of Rivers State without an appropriation law duly passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to Section 120 of the Constitution.

3. ”That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State violated Section 122 of the Constitution by authorising expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State even after the Rivers State House of Assembly declared a shutdown on Rivers State Government expenditure in a resolution passed at the 4′ Legislative day of the Second Session of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly which held on Monday the 15* day of July 2024, thereby relegating the constitutional resolution passed by the House to the background.

4. ”That on Friday the 28th of February 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria before their Lordships Uwani Musa Abba Aji JSC, Ibrahim Mohanned Musa Saulawa JSC, Emmanuel Akomaye Agim JSC, Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme JSC and Jamilu Yammama Tukur JSC in Suit no. SC/CV/1174/2024 restored the kudgment of the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2024 which confirmed that Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State never presented an Appropriation Bill for 2024, still does not have an Appropriation Law for 2025 so, ordered that “the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation should forthwith stop releasing and paying to the Government of Rivers State, its organs, departments and officials any money belonging to Rivers State until an Appropriation law is made by Rivers State House of Assembly constituted as prescribed by the 1999 Constitution”.

5. “Hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly which is another arm of government protected by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) from performing her constitutional duties.

6. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS ordered and personally supervised the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Hallowed Chamber and Auditorium at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt on the 13th day of December 2023. This action was in contravention of the ex parte order of the Federal High Court in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2013 issued on the 30* of November 2023 which declared “that the Rivers State House of Assembly is a constitutional institution that needs to be preserved pending the determination of the Motion on Notice dated and filled 29th November, 2023.”

7. “That the judgelment delivered on the 220d of January 2024 in favour of the Rivers State House of Assembly where the presiding judge-Justice J.K Omotosho in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2013 condemned the act of demolition and stated that “this court finds it strange that the 11th defendant as Chief Executive of the State would go to the extent of stopping the authentic House of Assembly from sitting through devious means such as destroying the House of Assembly Complex” is noteworthy.

8. “That the Supreme Court in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024 delivered on the 28 of February 2025 took judicial notice of the illegal demolition and condemned the action of the Governor of Rivers State wherein it was stated that “surprisingly on 13-12-23, in gross violation of the subsisting Order of the trial court, the appellant demolished Rivers State House of Assembly complex at Moscow Road and secretly arranged four members of the 15 Respondent led by Rt. Hon, Ehie Ogerenye Edison to a place outside the premises of the said House of Assembly and held a sham sitting of the 1s Respondent”.

9. “Appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers
State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation as prescribed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), other extant laws but making the request for screening to persons other than the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.

10. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State made several appointments which are in contempt of the Order of the Federal High Court in a Judgement delivered in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 that prohibited him from dealing with any other persons or House other than the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule as Speaker.
This judgement which was upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court stated among other things that “AN ORDER is hereby made restraining the 11th Defendant from howsoever or in whatsoever manner making any request, presentation or nomination to the Rivers State House of Assembly except to the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the 2d Plaintiff as Speaker”.

11. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State failed to forward the name of a nominee for appointment as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in line with Section 192(2) & (6) as well as Section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended to the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly as declared by the Judgement of the Federal High Court in FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 but chose to announce one Mr. Dagogo Iboroma to assume the said position.

12. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS illegally swore-in several other persons who were purportedly confirmed by certain individuals for appointment into the Rivers State Executive Council on Tuesday 21st May, 2024 namely- Prince Charles O. Beke; Collins Onunwo; Solomon Eke; Peter Medee; Elloka Tasie-Amadi; Basoene Joshua Benibo; Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly in full compliance with Section 192(2) & (6) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Others who were sworn in on Tuesday 13th of August 2024 are Illamu Arugu; Rowland Obed Whyte; Samuel Anya; Samuel Eyiba and Austin Emeka Nnadozie while Israel Ngbuelu; Evans Bipi;
Otamiri Ngubo and Benibo Alabraba were sworn in on Monday 7th October 2024. Emmanuel Frank-Fubara was sworn-in on the 8th of July 2024 amounting to a total number of 19 persons parading themselves and misleading Rivers people that they are Commissioners with your tacit approval.

13. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State illegally swore-in Mr. Lawrence Oko-Jaja as Chairman; Earnest Ibekwe Ekwe; Mina Ogbanga; Iseleye Amachree and Adokiye Oyagiri as members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement on Friday 30th of August 2024 without screening and confirmation by the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly as stipulated in Section 4(a) of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008. Others are Gift Alex-Hart; Grace Osaronu and Selinah Amonieah as members.

14. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State engaged Mr. Goodlife Ben as Chairman;
Emmanuel Jaja; Betty Warmate; Jerome Chimenem; Prince Ohochukwu; Philip Okparaji and Christian Amadi as members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without screening and confirmation by the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to Section 44(3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.

15. “That His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State made the illegal appointments and refused to rescind his actions even after several letters were sent to him and published in the electronic and print media following resolutions of the house.

16. “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State seized salaries of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly which were hitherto paid monthly from the Ministry of Finance of Rivers State. The month of April, 2024 was the last time monthly salaries were paid to Rt. Hon.
Martin Chike Amaewhule; Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol; Hon. Major Jack; Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi; Hon. Christopher Ofiks Kagbang; Hon. Azeru Opara and Hon. Enemi Alabo George. Others in the same fate are Hon. Granville Tekenari Wellington; Hon. Solomon Wami; Hon. Bernard Mgbar; Hon. John Dominic Iderima; Hon. Queen Uwuma Tony Williams and Hon. Lolo Isaiah Opuende. Hon. Peter Abbey; Hon. Igwe-Obey Aforji; Hon. Justina Emeji; Hon. Ignatius Onwuka; Hon. Chimezie Nwankwo; Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche as well as Hon. Barile Nwakoh; Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi;Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe; Hon. Davids Arnold Okobiriari; Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo and Hon. Gerald Oforji are also affected.

17. “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State seized funds standing to the credit of the Rivers State House of Asembly since the month of April 2024 in a bid to frustrate the House and cripple her activities as well as relegate the Judgement of the Federal High Court in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 to the background. The Judgement stated that ” AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION is hereby granted restraining the Governor of Rivers State (the 11th Defendant) whether by himself or his servants or agents and/or the executive arm of the Government of Rivers state, including the 12th, 13th and 14th Defendants (by themselves individually or collectively), or by their servants or subordinates from withholding any amount standing to the credit of Rivers State House of Assembly in Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State including salaries and emoluments due and payable to the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other members of staff of the House or in any manner whatsoever denying the Rivers State House of Assembly of the due fund for running its affairs including the payment of salaries, allowances, emoluments and meeting its financial obligations no matter how described.”

18. “His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State illegally withheld the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly contrary to the Judgement of the Federal High Court in Suit No.: FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 which stated that ” AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION is hereby granted restraining the Governor of Rivers State (the 11h Defendant) whether by himself or his servants or agents and/or the executive arm of the Government of rivers state, including the 12th, 13th and 14th Defendants (by themselves individually or collectively), or by their servants or subordinates from withholding any amount standing to the credit of Rivers State House of Assembly in Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State including salaries and emoluments due and payable to the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other members of staff of the House or in any manner whatsoever denying the Rivers State House of Assembly of the due fund for running its affairs including the payment of salaries, allowances, emoluments and meeting its financial obligations no matter how described.”

19. “Mr. Speaker, we conclude by stating that the Governor has shown that he is not prepared to govern Rivers State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and his oath of office. The Supreme Court in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024 condemned his actions when it stated that “the 8th respondents fear of impeachment by the House of Assembly is no justification for his attacks on the House of Assembly, the Constitution, the Government of Rivers State and the rule of law. Political disagreements cannot justify these attacks and contempt for the rule of law by the Governor of a State or any person. What the 8th respondent has done is to destroy the government because of fear of being impeached”.

[Punch]

Asake reconciles with father

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Afrobeats sensation Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has made amends with his ailing father, Fatai Odunsi, and promised to purchase a house for him and as well cover his medical expenses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odunsi made this known in a new video released online, confirming that his son has reached out to him following a recent public fallout between them.

The ailing Odunsi had in a viral video accused Asake of abandoning him since his health started deteriorating in 2022, alleging that despite the singer’s fame and fortune, he had not been financially supportive.

However, in a swift reaction, the “Lonely at the Top” crooner flayed the accusation with a cryptic message on social media, singing in Yoruba.

He said: “You can’t please everyone, you can’t please the world. But anything you are doing, just do it for God.

“My own father wants to cajole me, and I have sent so much money to him. I have struggled for so many years, but they want to make life tire me.”

The recrimination, however, generated a buzz on social media, with many fans and netizens expressing sympathy with the father, while others took sides with the artiste.

As the intrigues continued between the father and son, their extended family members intervened and called on Asake to come to his father’s rescue by purchasing a house for him and also providing medical support.

However, in video released on Sunday night, Odunsi revealed that his son has reached out and promised to support him.

According to him, Asake has committed to purchasing a new house for him and covering his medical expenses.

Speaking in Yoruba, Odunsi expressed pride in Asake and showered him with prayers, adding that he called out Asake because it had been a long time since he saw him.

He further revealed that Asake has instructed real estate agents to find him a new home.

He said: “His mother ought to ask him when last he saw me. That was what got me angry, but we have sorted all the problems.

“We are no longer fighting. Asake said he will do everything that I want.We have settled, no more problems.

“They are now looking for a new house that he will buy for me. He has settled everything.”

Odunsi also confirmed that the artiste has agreed to take full responsibility for his 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat.

“He has never denied his child, but he has now promised to take full responsibility for the child.”

He also mentioned that he would be going to the hospital the next day, as Asake had sent him all the necessary funds for his treatment.

[Vanguard]

New Minimum wage: Labour leaders betrayed workers, collected money from govt — Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the new minimum wage of N70,000 which was approved for workers by President Bola Tinubu last year.

Obasanjo has claimed it is not enough to cover their basic needs, including transportation, food, and housing.

The former President also said labour leaders have betrayed workers by prioritising personal interests over collective welfare.

“That is the situation in Nigeria in the third decade of the 21st century.

“The minimum wage does not even cover transportation costs for some workers, let alone food, housing, and family upkeep,” Obasanjo wrote in his newly released book, “Nigeria: Past and Future”.

Obasanjo also claimed labour leader are more interested in pursuing personal interests.

“Because of their political ambitions, most union leaders are ineffective compared to the founding fathers’ expectations.

“The workers thereby become victims of selfish leaders who use their positions to achieve political heights.

“Rather than negotiate in the interest of the workers, they do sabre-rattling and they are called into the room and money in large amounts is stuffed into their hands and they keep quiet.

“That has been the case since 2015. And, if anything, it is going from bad to worse,” Obasanjo added.

[DailyPost]

Atiku, Obi defend corps member over viral video

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party’s Peter Obi have expressed support for Lagos-based corps member Ushie Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, following her viral video criticizing the Federal Government’s policies.

Raye had gained widespread attention after condemning President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living.

She also alleged that some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officials threatened her over her remarks on the country’s economic situation.

However, Atiku and Obi praised Raye, calling her a brave young woman who deserves support rather than condemnation.

Atiku who wrote on X, said: “Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

“She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defense of the common good.

“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”

For Obi, Raye’s experience “highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement”.

The former Anambra Governor said the NYSC member’s experience is also “not isolated”.

“I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments. I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt,” Obi wrote on his X handle.

He called on President Bola Tinubu’s government to “reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.

“To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation,” the LP presidential candidate for the 2023 election said.
“Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

“A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.”

Sowore accompanies Lagos corper to NYSC office over viral video controversy

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Human rights activist and presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Omoyele Sowore, has thrown his support behind Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, the National Youth Service Corps member facing backlash over her viral video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sowore, in a video shared on X on Monday, revealed that he had met with Uguamaye in Lagos and would be accompanying her to the NYSC Local Government Inspector’s office alongside a team of attorneys.

“The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos.

“She is scheduled to appear before the LGI (Local Government Inspector) today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys,” Sowore captioned the video.

The corps member had recently gone viral after posting a video on TikTok where she lamented the country’s worsening economic conditions and openly criticised Tinubu’s leadership.

She later alleged that she had received threats over her comments, sparking widespread debate on free speech and political dissent in Nigeria.

She also shared a screenshot of an invitation from the NYSC, summoning her to appear before the LGI office at Eti Osa 3 on Monday at 10:00 a.m

Sowore’s involvement has further amplified the situation, drawing more attention to Uguamaye’s case and the potential repercussions she may face from the NYSC or other authorities.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the NYSC regarding the matter.

[Punch]

China call up Brazil-born player Serginho for W’Cup qualifiers

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China have included Brazil-born midfielder Serginho in their squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers, less than a week after he obtained Chinese citizenship.

In recent years China’s struggling national team has followed some other countries by turning to naturalised players, with limited impact on results.

Also named in Branko Ivankovic’s 27-man squad is Liverpool-born former England youth international defender Tyias Browning, now called Jiang Guangtai.

Serginho, known in China as Sai Erjiniao, obtained citizenship on March 12 and played his first minutes for the national team in a closed-doors friendly against Kuwait on Sunday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The 30-year-old, whose birth name is Sergio Oliveira, has played in China since 2020.

China are away at Saudi Arabia on Thursday and home to Australia on Tuesday next week as they battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

They are bottom of their group on six points but only trail Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on goal difference, with Australia one point ahead. Japan lead the group on 16 points.

The top two will qualify automatically while the third and fourth-placed teams enter another qualifying round.

Serginho began his senior career at Brazilian club Santos, before moving to Japan’s Kashima Antlers in 2018.

He joined Changchun Yatai in 2020, scoring 30 goals in 100 appearances, before leaving for their Chinese Super League rivals Beijing Guoan in February.

Teenage prospects Wang Yudong and Liu Chengyu are also in the squad selected by Croatian head coach Ivankovic.

Brazil-born players Elkeson, Alan and Fernandinho, who had been regular performers for China, were not included in the latest squad.

China are ranked 90th in the world and have only qualified for the World Cup once, in 2002, when they failed to earn a point or score a goal.

AFP

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Rivers assembly begins impeachment moves against Fubara, deputy

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The Rivers state house of assembly has issued a notice of “gross misconduct” on Siminalayi Fubara, govenor of the state, and Ngozi Odu, his deputy.

Martins Wachukwu, special assistant on media to Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers assembly, relayed the development to TheCable on Monday.

The “gross misconduct” allegation is the first stage of impeachment proceedings.

BACKGROUND

Rivers state has been bogged in a political crisis stemming from the power struggle between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

The rift led to the ploarisation of the Rivers assembly.

The crisis took a new twist on February 28, when the supreme court upheld a federal high court ruling barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the accountant-general of the federation from releasing Rivers state’s statutory monthly allocations.

The court also nullified the local government elections conducted in the state on October 5, 2024.

In response, Fubara pledged to comply with the apex court’s ruling in an attempt to address the state’s political impasse.

He invited the lawmakers to a meeting but the legislators shunned the proposed parley, accusing Fubara of not following due process.

Days later, the governor wrote again to the assembly, requesting a new date to present the 2025 appropriation bill.

About 24 hours after the governor issued the letter, the assembly adjourned plenary indefinitely.

At the peak of the crisis in 2023, an attempt to impeach the governor resulted in the demolition of the Rivers house of assembly.

On Saturday, the faction of the assembly loyal to Wike accused the governor of playing to the gallery.

[TheCable]

2027: Stakeholders allege Akpabio, others have sold APC to PDP in Akwa Ibom

AFOLABI

Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the party’s state chairman, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, of selling the soul of the party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in exchange for PDP’s support for Akpabio’s 2027 third-term ambition.

The allegation was made in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, titled “The Worrisome State of the APC in Akwa Ibom State: A Call for Your Intervention”, jointly signed by Elder Okokon James, Peter Ibanga, and Chief Victor Affiah from the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial districts, respectively.

A copy of the letter, made available to newsmen on Sunday in Uyo, reads in part:

“We, the founding fathers of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, are compelled to write this open letter to you.

“The state chairman of the party, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, are openly declaring that they were directed by the Senate President to cripple the party in the state, giving the PDP an easy ride to victory in the 2027 polls in exchange for PDP’s support for the Senate President’s third-term ambition.

“We want to assure Mr. President that if urgent action is not taken to revive and strengthen the party in the state, there won’t be party members left to receive you when you visit next year to campaign.

“The soul and spirit of the party in the state have been sold to the PDP-led government, and as a result, party members are gearing up to join an upcoming opposition coalition against your second-term ambition.

“How can party members be mobilized for you when the party itself has been intentionally crippled by the Senate President and his close allies? It is unbelievable that the party is dead in a state that produces the Senate President and the Minister of Petroleum Resources.”

The APC stakeholders described Akpabio’s actions as a betrayal of confidence and treachery against the party, which provided the platform for his Senate Presidency.

“Should members of the party in the state move en masse to the opposition coalition against your second-term ambition, hold the Senate President and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, responsible,” they asserted.

They further warned that Governor Umo Eno would neither join the APC nor commit to Tinubu’s second-term ambition, stating:

“While Governor Umo Eno and his team are strengthening their party daily, our party leaders are doing nothing to show that APC still exists in the state.”

However, responding on Sunday, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the allegations as spurious and mischievous.

“The writers of the letter are non-existent and not known to the party. Their allegations are spurious and mischievous.

“The Senate President has strengthened the party through various appointments he has secured for members. Do you call that working against the party?” Eyiboh said.

Gov. Abiodun Installs Onimope, Alaparaki

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The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has installed the Onimope of Imope land, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, as the first Onimope in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of the State.

Governor Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the installation and presentation of staff of office was a demonstration of the administration's unrelenting commitment towards ensuring that the State takes its rightful position in the comity of States.

"We realise the fact that traditional institution and its leadership must be properly positioned as it serves as a bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots", he said.

In his goodwill message, Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, represented by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebayo, enjoined the people of the area to work together for the development of the land.

Speaking, Chairman, Ijebu-North Local Government, Hon. Omobolaji Odusanya, appealed to the people of the community to work in harmony with the new king for peaceful coexistence, saying, ‘’the job of communal peace and progress calls for everybody's concern’’.

The newly installed Onimope of Imope land, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, expressed gratitude to the Governor, dignitaries and the entire community, promising that his reign would sustain the peace and bring anticipated development to the community.

In a related development, Governor Abiodun has installed the new Alaparaki of Aparaki, Oba. Prof. Julius Ogunfowora, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, the Governor noted that it was imperative that traditional institutions and its leadership were properly positioned, as they serve as the bridge between the government and the people at the grassroots.

"This is the reason why we have made it a matter of policy to reposition our traditional institutions by upgrading the deserving Chieftaincy stools in Ogun State", he said.

Governor Abiodun enjoined the monarch to justify the mandate and trust reposed on him by the State Government and the people of Aparaki-Ijebu.

In his acceptance speech, the newly installed monarch, Oba. Prof. Julius Ogunfowora, thanked the State Government for the opportunity given him, saying his reign would not compromise on set standards in the interest of the people of the State, calling on sons and daughters of the land to join hands with him for a successful reign.

Onimope of Imope land, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, receiving instrument of office from the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, at his installation as the first Onimope in Ijebu-North local Government Area of the state.

My father Nigeria’s greatest president – Seyi Tinubu

AFOLABI

Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described his father as the greatest president in Nigeria’s history.

In a video that went viral on Monday, Seyi made the remark while addressing a gathering of youths in Adamawa State.

“It was never politics, but they keep coming for me, they keep coming for my family, they keep coming for your father, they keep coming for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the greatest president in the history of Nigeria,” he said.

He further praised his father’s leadership, claiming he had prioritised youth empowerment and economic growth.

“He is the only president that has kept your people at home, from when he was governor to when be became president, the only president that considers youths, the only president that created a platform for young people to fly.

“The only president that created an economy that has benefitted everybody, the only president that is not trying to enrich his own pocket,” he stated.

Seyi has recently been seen distributing food items during visits to northern states.

Earlier in March, he joined Kano residents, including the state chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Hashimu Dugurawa, in breaking the Ramadan fast.

He has also visited Yobe State as part of his engagements with youths.