Former United States international and Premier League veteran goalkeeper, Tim Howard, has identified Chelsea Football Club as a potential wildcard in the upcoming 2025/2026 Premier League title race. Despite a turbulent start last season, Chelsea ended the campaign on a high, securing a Champions League spot and clinching the UEFA Europa Conference League title. Their momentum didn’t stop there—Enzo Maresca’s side further impressed fans and critics alike by defeating Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup final, making a strong case for their resurgence as a dominant force in European football. Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Howard emphasized the rapid development of Chelsea’s youthful squad, hinting that their form and cohesion might make them a surprising force in the new season. “Chelsea is the wildcard,” Howard said confidently.“They’ve already secured a European trophy and the Club World Cup. When I look at how fast this team is improving, I’m honestly surprised—everything’s coming together quicker than I expected.” Chelsea, under the fresh leadership of manager Enzo Maresca, is building a team filled with high-potential talents who appear to be gelling at just the right time. Many believe this combination of young energy, tactical discipline, and recent international success could translate into a serious title bid. The Blues are set to kick off their 2025/2026 Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Crystal Palace on August 17, a match that could set the tone for their ambitions this season.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:21-22). Did you know that when Jesus died on the Cross, the whole world was on that cross with Him? Every human being was crucified in Him because He was the Saviour of the world. He took the place of every sinner, every human being who lives or has ever lived. Romans 5:12 says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Adam was the first man, and through his disobedience, sin entered the world. As a result, spiritual death, which is separation from God, passed upon all men. From Adam, sin spread to humanity, affecting everyone born into this world. But Jesus was crucified in our behalf. His crucifixion meant that every human being was crucified in Him because He took their place. That’s why we must tell everyone that their sins have already been paid for in Jesus Christ. The price was settled in His death. However, paying for sin only saved humanity from its punishment; it didn’t save man from the life of sin. Christ’s death settled the charges against you, which is vital, but it didn’t reconcile you to God. The great news of the Gospel is not just that Jesus died. Of course, His death was fundamental, but the more glorious part is His resurrection. Without the resurrection, there would be no eternal life and no righteousness. The true message of salvation is based on the resurrection of Jesus. That’s where Christianity comes from. That’s where our life is from: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Christianity is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. It’s the celebration of the life of victory, righteousness, faith, hope and love in Christ Jesus. Glory to God! PRAYERDear Father, thank you for the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection. Through His death, the charges against me were settled, and through His resurrection, I have eternal life. I walk in the reality of this divine life, free from sin and its dominion. I celebrate the victory of Christ in me, living in righteousness, power, and dominion today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDYRomans 4:23-25 KJVNow it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 2 Corinthians 5:19-21 KJVto wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Romans 6:3-4 KJVKnow ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: I have all things that pertain to life and godliness. I walk in divine health and prosperity, and function from a vantage position of victory and unending success in Christ. I flourish exceedingly every day, everywhere, and at all times. I have been conditioned to live a life of glory. Continually, situations and circumstances align to God’s perfect will for me. I am divinely connected to the One who is the way, the truth, and the life. The Word of God is life to me and health to my flesh. Eternal life is working in me, radiating to all in my world. I operate from the mountaintop, from the realm of limitless possibilities and unending victories. I am in control and in charge of what happens to my body, thus, I only give expression to the workings of the Holy Spirit in my life and in my body. I keep myself in health as I consciously recognize that the Word of God is pure medicine. I meditate on the Word, day and night; thus, I function daily in prosperity, good success, and sound health. I am a well-watered garden. Streams of healing waters flow from me to all in my world. I don’t contract or transmit sickness. The good life is mine. Health is mine. Jesus suffered the shame of dying on the cross so that I may live the life of glory, honor, dignity, and excellence. My body is invigorated by the Spirit of God who lives in me. I give thanks to God for He has made me superior to Satan, his demons, sickness, disease, and infirmity. My mind is not limited or defeated by the circumstances of life because it is inundated with the light of God’s Word. I walk in the consciousness that I’m in oneness with Jesus Christ. I have the life of Christ. That life makes me indestructible and impervious to sickness. Everywhere I go, I influence my world with the healing power of God. Because of me, God’s Spirit is manifested in the world. The Lord God is mighty in me. He has blessed me with everlasting life; a life of grace, truth, and agelessness. My life
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Chelsea’s midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is reportedly on the verge of securing a permanent move to Premier League side Everton, signaling another major shift in the transfer window this summer. According to renowned football journalist and transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano, Everton have officially submitted a formal offer to sign the 26-year-old English midfielder from Chelsea. The bid, which comes amid a flurry of summer transfer activity, indicates the Merseyside club’s keen interest in strengthening their midfield options ahead of the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. At the moment, negotiations are ongoing between Chelsea and Everton as both clubs work through the details to finalize the transfer. Chelsea are reportedly open to letting Dewsbury-Hall leave, which could mark the end of his relatively short spell at Stamford Bridge. The midfielder, who joined Chelsea not long ago, appears to be seen as surplus to requirements by the current Chelsea management, hence the club’s willingness to sanction his exit. The prospective move is expected to provide Everton with an experienced midfield presence, capable of driving play from deep and contributing defensively and offensively. Dewsbury-Hall’s potential transfer would be one of several strategic moves by the Toffees as they aim to rebuild their squad for stronger performance in the upcoming season. Liverpool Confirm Signing of 17-Year-Old Striker Will Wright from Salford City In a separate transfer development, Liverpool have officially completed the signing of teenage striker Will Wright from Salford City, adding to their growing list of youthful acquisitions. The 17-year-old forward, who made headlines after breaking into Salford’s senior team, has now secured a permanent move to Anfield. Liverpool’s scouts were said to have been impressed by his talent and potential during his early appearances in competitive football. Wright, who made his senior debut in November last year in an EFL Trophy match against Wolves U21, quickly caught the attention of top-tier clubs. Following that appearance, he also featured in the Emirates FA Cup and had two outings in League Two, further showcasing his skill and composure on the ball despite his young age. Liverpool’s youth recruitment strategy has seen the club aggressively pursue highly-rated prospects, and Wright’s addition fits into their long-term development plans as they build a solid next-generation squad. The forward is expected to integrate into the club’s academy setup initially, with prospects of breaking into the senior team in the future if he continues on his current trajectory.
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The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship wrapped up in style on Sunday, with Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, lifting their fifth straight continental trophy in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This year’s tournament was packed with thrilling matches and standout performances, culminating in the grand final that saw Nigeria defeat Mali with a commanding 78–64 victory. The final game not only secured the championship for Nigeria but also solidified the status of Amy Okonkwo, who delivered a remarkable performance worthy of high recognition. As part of the post-tournament honors during the closing ceremony, multiple athletes were acknowledged for their outstanding individual contributions throughout the competition. Amy Okonkwo Named MVP Once Again Amy Okonkwo, one of the standout stars for D’Tigress, clinched the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second consecutive AfroBasket tournament, making her the top player of the 2025 championship. In the decisive final against Mali, Okonkwo registered 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, displaying elite-level skill and leadership on the court. Coaching Excellence Goes Unrewarded Officially Although no official trophy was awarded for the Best Coach category, basketball analysts and fans across Africa widely recognized the strategic brilliance of Nigeria’s head coach, Rena Wakama. Her game plans, team coordination, and consistent results have earned her near-universal praise, with many considering her the tournament’s top coaching figure. Complete List of Award Winners at FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 Below is the summary of individual awardees from the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship: ? Most Valuable Player (MVP) ⭐ All-Tournament Team (All-Star Five) ? Top Scorer ? Best Three-Point Shooter ? Best Rebounder The 2025 edition of the AfroBasket highlighted the increasing depth of talent in African women’s basketball, with players from several countries stepping up to dominate in key statistical categories. This tournament has not only confirmed Nigeria’s dominance in the African basketball scene but also showcased emerging stars from across the continent, making the future of women’s basketball in Africa more exciting than ever.
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Real Madrid has made a strategic decision to appoint Kylian Mbappé as the club’s official penalty taker for the 2025/2026 La Liga season. This move not only cements Mbappé’s integral role in the team but also reflects his growing influence under newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso, according to reports by Marca. The decision aligns with Mbappé’s stellar record in front of goal. The French forward netted 44 goals last season, earning him both the Pichichi Trophy and the Golden Boot award, an achievement that highlights his clinical finishing and attacking dominance. Wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, Mbappé is now positioned as the focal point of Real Madrid’s offensive setup, overtaking Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior in terms of attacking responsibility. The move underscores the club’s confidence in Mbappé’s experience and precision, especially from the penalty spot. Having previously held penalty-taking responsibilities at AS Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), as well as for the French national team, Mbappé brings a wealth of experience and composure in high-pressure moments. His track record makes him a logical and reliable choice for Real Madrid as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions. Before this official announcement, manager Xabi Alonso had mentioned he would carefully evaluate his squad before assigning penalty duties. Now, his decision reinforces his commitment to building the team around Mbappé as a central figure in Madrid’s attacking vision. Xabi Alonso recently took the helm as Real Madrid’s head coach, following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, who accepted the role of manager for the Brazilian national football team. This change in leadership signals a new era for the Los Blancos, with fresh strategies and player roles expected to emerge under Alonso’s guidance. The countdown to the new La Liga season, set to commence on Friday, August 15, 2025, is well underway. Real Madrid will kick off their campaign with a highly anticipated clash against CA Osasuna on Monday, August 19, where fans are expected to get a first glimpse of Mbappé executing his new responsibilities.
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In a surprising move ahead of the 2025/2026 Premier League season, Chelsea Football Club has excluded nine senior players from their official first-team squad, signaling a major squad overhaul. One of the most prominent names left out is Raheem Sterling, who now appears to be part of what has been described internally as the “bomb squad”—a term used for players no longer in the club’s strategic plans. The London club, known for its aggressive transfer strategies, officially released a 31-man first-team squad on its website, highlighting all the athletes selected for the upcoming season. The newly announced list includes several new signings, such as Jorrel Hato, whose much-anticipated transfer from Ajax was finally confirmed on Sunday. Despite the arrival of new talents, a number of established players have been dropped, indicating the club’s intent to reshape its roster. The nine players excluded from Chelsea’s squad include: These footballers, once considered pivotal to Chelsea’s future, are now reportedly available for transfer or could be loaned out, as the Blues seek to free up space and reduce wage costs under new sporting directives. The omission of key players like Sterling and Chilwell is particularly notable given their high wages and past importance to the squad. This reflects a strategic shift at Stamford Bridge toward younger talent and future-focused recruitment, under the leadership of the new management and technical team. Chelsea’s drastic move aligns with their broader effort to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and reshape the club’s identity after an inconsistent 2024/2025 season. With the inclusion of dynamic new players and the exclusion of underperforming or injury-prone stars, the club aims to re-establish itself as a title contender in the Premier League and European competitions. For Chelsea fans, the latest squad announcement offers both excitement and disappointment—excitement for the new era being ushered in, and disappointment for long-serving stars now set to exit.
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Veteran Nigerian rapper and music entrepreneur, Olamide, has shared insights into his dual role in the entertainment industry, stating that managing a record label is significantly less challenging than living the life of a performing artist. The YBNL Nation founder expressed that his personal journey as an artist gives him unique insight into the psychological and emotional patterns of the talents signed under his label. During a candid session with popular YouTube creator Korty EO, Olamide opened up about the inner workings of his creative mind and how it equips him to better relate with other artists. “Functioning as a music executive is far more convenient for me than performing as an artist, primarily because I am an artist myself. I understand what it means to be a creative,” he explained. He emphasized his ability to recognize the various emotional and mental states artists experience—ranging from inspiration to pressure, and even the intoxicating nature of fame. “I get how creatives process things. I recognize when someone is truly in their creative zone. I also know when they’re starting to spiral. I can sense when they’re getting intoxicated by their own success, the lifestyle, or even just the energy around them,” Olamide said. “Because I’m familiar with those emotions, I can relate and manage better. I also make a conscious effort not to overextend myself or take on more than I can handle,” he added. When addressing the ongoing debate about Nigerian rappers venturing into singing, the multi-talented artist dismissed the constraints of genre classification. “No one can box me into being just a rapper,” Olamide declared. “I simply love music.” His response reflects a growing trend among Nigerian hip-hop artists who now blend singing and melodic sounds into their musical expression—signaling a shift in the traditional definition of rap music.
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Popular Nigerian singer Davido has officially unfollowed Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo on Instagram, following a controversy stirred up by leaked messages shared by controversial commentator VeryDarkMan. The rift erupted after VeryDarkMan uploaded screenshots of a WhatsApp group chat in which Iyabo Ojo allegedly criticized Davido’s involvement in the late singer Mohbad’s case, accusing the artist of exploiting the situation for social media clout. In the leaked messages posted on Instagram by VeryDarkMan, Iyabo Ojo questioned Davido’s sincerity, pointing out that he had not unfollowed controversial artist Naira Marley, despite publicly declaring his support for justice for Mohbad. The actress was quoted in the chat saying: “My issue is not even with that black whatever, it’s Davido who claimed to have flown down to support the call for justice but still follows Naira Marley. That’s clear clout-chasing behavior. I’m extremely disappointed, and to think he calls himself the only A-list artist who stood by Mohbad. It’s just fake love 001.” Davido appeared to respond decisively by unfollowing Iyabo Ojo, a move that sparked fresh conversations across Nigerian social media. A quick check by LMSINT MEDIA confirmed that while Davido no longer follows Iyabo Ojo, the actress still follows the singer on Instagram, suggesting the rift may be one-sided or still developing. The controversy stems from the tragic death of young Nigerian artist Mohbad in 2023, under circumstances that many fans and activists have described as suspicious. His passing led to a nationwide wave of protest, both online and in the streets, demanding answers and accountability from those believed to be involved. In solidarity, celebrities such as Davido, Falz, and Zlatan Ibile joined fans and family members at a candlelight procession to mourn and honour Mohbad’s memory. Iyabo Ojo, one of the most vocal figures in the Justice for Mohbad movement, had reportedly created a WhatsApp group to coordinate efforts among fellow campaigners and supporters. However, her relationship with other celebrities, including Davido, appears to have soured over time. In a previous interview, Iyabo Ojo openly expressed regret over pushing for Mohbad’s body to be exhumed—a move she had supported in the heat of the campaign but now seems to view as hasty or unnecessary. This latest fallout reflects the growing divisions among public figures who initially united in the quest for justice but now find themselves at odds over motive, integrity, and long-term involvement in the cause.
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In a dramatic twist within the Big Brother Naija Season 10 house, housemate Victory has successfully displaced fellow contestant Thelma Lawson to claim the coveted title of Head of House (HoH). Just a day earlier, Thelma had won the Sunday night Head of House challenge, securing temporary leadership in the house. However, her reign was abruptly cut short as she failed to defend her position during Monday’s HoH contest. Victory emerged triumphant in the fresh challenge, effectively unseating Thelma and taking over the mantle of leadership. What followed the announcement stirred even more attention online and in the house. During the customary selection of a guest to share the Head of House Lodge, Victory chose Joanna, bypassing his close romantic interest, Gigi Jasmine, which left both housemates and fans stunned. Gigi Jasmine’s emotional response was hard to ignore. Her disappointment was visibly written on her face, as she came close to tears following Victory’s unexpected decision. The snub has sparked intense speculation among BBNaija viewers and social media users, with many questioning the current state of their blossoming relationship. Victory’s surprise selection of Joanna over Jasmine may have further complicated the delicate dynamics between him and Gigi, possibly signaling a downward turn in their connection. Analysts of the show now predict this bold move could be the beginning of a major emotional rift within the house. By ascending to the Head of House position, Victory now enjoys immunity from this week’s eviction, giving him a secure seat in the house until the next eviction show scheduled for Sunday. His strategic gameplay and bold decisions are already becoming major discussion points across fan platforms.
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A fresh wave of internal conflict has hit the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following strong opposition from several aspirants over the party’s reported choice of candidate for the upcoming bye-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency. LMSINT MEDIA confirms that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the bye-election for Saturday, 16th August 2025. The election was necessitated by the unfortunate demise of Hon. Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi, a second-term APC lawmaker who passed away in July 2024. In a recent development, APC leadership announced Adewale Olatunji as the party’s official flagbearer for the bye-election. However, this decision has not been received well by all stakeholders within the party. Several aspirants within the APC, speaking under the platform of the United Ibadan North Federal Constituency Aspirants Forum, have publicly rejected Olatunji’s candidacy, citing procedural irregularities and a breach of internal party democracy. During a press briefing held on Monday in Ibadan, at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Iyayanku, the aspirants collectively condemned the process and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the party’s national secretariat to address the issue. Saheed Aderounmu, who spoke on behalf of the aggrieved aspirants, described the move as a direct violation of democratic values and party constitution. According to him, there was no transparent primary election or fair process that led to the emergence of Olatunji, rendering the nomination illegitimate and unjust. “Any attempt by the party hierarchy to impose Mr. Adewale Olatunji without allowing due process will not only undermine the party’s integrity but will also have adverse consequences,” Aderounmu stated firmly. The group further called on critical stakeholders—including the National Working Committee (NWC), The Presidency, and other senior party figures—to urgently intervene before the situation escalates beyond control. Aderounmu added that if the imposed nomination is not withdrawn or reviewed within 48 hours, the fallout from the imposition should be blamed squarely on the party’s national leadership. “We, the genuine aspirants of Ibadan North, firmly oppose the imposition of Adewale Olatunji as our candidate. This imposition is not only unacceptable but completely violates the foundation of internal democracy. The people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency deserve a candidate chosen through a transparent and participatory process.” The forum emphasized that the APC’s decision not to conduct a credible primary election has eroded confidence in the internal electoral process, warning that continuing on such a path could fracture party unity and reduce its chances at the polls. As of the time of filing this report, the APC national secretariat has not issued a formal response to the demands of the aspirants.
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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has strongly urged the Bauchi State Government to establish a clear policy mandating six months of maternity leave for nursing mothers in paid employment. This appeal is intended to enhance exclusive breastfeeding practices, which UNICEF emphasizes are vital for ensuring the proper growth and development of infants. This call was made by Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF in Bauchi, during a press briefing in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2025. Dr. Rafique highlighted the alarming number of malnourished children in the state, stressing that tackling malnutrition must begin with exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. She warned that unless infants are breastfed adequately from birth, the cycle of malnutrition will persist. In her words, “Combating child malnutrition must start from the earliest days. Breastfeeding from birth, continued exclusively for six months, followed by adequate complementary feeding until 24 months, is the foundation of a child’s nutrition and survival.” Dr. Rafique stated that early initiation of breastfeeding, coupled with family and community support, plays a crucial role in preventing both acute and chronic malnutrition. She expressed concern over the widespread stunting and undernutrition among children in Bauchi due to poor feeding practices. “We face a dire nutrition crisis in Bauchi State. Over 50% of children suffer from malnourishment, and many experience stunted growth that could impact them for life,” she noted. She introduced the “1-6-24 formula” for optimal infant feeding: initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth to deliver vital antibodies, maintain exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and then continue with complementary feeding up to 24 months. “This information must reach every household. Mothers, grandmothers, and even community influencers must understand the importance of these early nutritional steps,” she added. According to LMSINT MEDIA, this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is centered on the theme: ‘System Support for the Woman’, highlighting the need for robust institutional and societal structures that empower mothers. Dr. Rafique emphasized that without sufficient support from families, trained healthcare workers, and governmental systems, it becomes difficult for nursing mothers to implement the best feeding practices for their babies. She pointed out that with the help of skilled birth attendants and qualified health professionals, mothers are better equipped to start breastfeeding right after childbirth and continue without unnecessary disruption. Also speaking at the event was UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Philomina Irene, who fully endorsed the proposal for a six-month paid maternity leave, stating it would ease the physical and emotional demands on working mothers. Philomina disclosed a troubling statistic — only 20% of infants in Bauchi are exclusively breastfed, far below the standard recommended by global health authorities. She called for increased public awareness and better policies that encourage breastfeeding. She also tasked media professionals with the responsibility of educating the public about the long-term benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, while also advocating for breastfeeding-friendly environments in workplaces and public facilities. Adding to the conversation, Alhaji Abubakar Sale Sabo Bara, the State Nutrition Officer, reaffirmed the Bauchi State Government’s commitment to improving child nutrition through sustained behavioral change strategies. He explained that the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board is actively engaging with parents, religious leaders, and traditional authorities to increase awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. He concluded by asserting that promoting proper feeding practices remains one of the government’s top priorities and assured continued collaboration with stakeholders to support child health across the state.
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The International Press Centre (IPC), through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has strongly criticized what it termed the illegal closure of Badegi 90.1FM, a radio station based in Niger State. The closure, according to reports monitored by LMSINT MEDIA, was allegedly carried out under the directive of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. The controversial decision reportedly stemmed from the outcome of an enlarged All Progressives Congress (APC) meeting held on Friday, August 1, during which Governor Bago is said to have ordered the station’s shutdown. This move followed Badegi FM’s broadcast of a programme that was perceived as critical of the state government, raising serious concerns over press suppression. In a strongly worded statement released over the weekend, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, labeled the action as “an outright misuse of executive authority”, and described it as “a disgraceful show of disregard for journalistic institutions.” Arogundade added, “Even if—without admitting—that the radio station committed any professional error, the correct legal path would have been to file a formal complaint to the appropriate media regulatory agencies such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).” He went on to highlight the dangers of such actions, asserting that no democratic society should allow the silencing of media voices under any pretext. He warned that such behavior mirrors the oppressive tendencies of military dictatorships, where fear, threats, and media clampdowns were rampant. The IPC reiterated that only a court of law is empowered to rule on the legality or otherwise of any alleged media infraction, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding freedom of expression. The centre also demanded the immediate and unconditional reopening of Badegi 90.1FM, cautioning all public figures against engaging in acts that threaten press freedom and constitutional rights. The IPC’s statement concluded: “This is a democratic nation where the freedom of expression, speech, and thought is enshrined in the Constitution. No official, regardless of rank, has the right to override these fundamental rights.”
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unlikely to prolong the state of emergency in Rivers State, which was declared in recent months due to political unrest and the suspension of local government leadership. Wike made this known during his monthly press conference held in Abuja on Monday. He elaborated on the constitutional implications of the emergency declaration, especially concerning the scheduled local government elections in Rivers State, which are expected to take place on August 30, 2025. According to Wike, prolonging the emergency rule would not sit well with the people of Rivers, indicating that President Tinubu supports a swift return to democratic governance, particularly at the grassroots level. “From what I understand, the President does not wish to extend the emergency rule. In his wisdom, he introduced another regulation in July mandating that the local government elections must be conducted within 30 days,” Wike stated. He emphasized that this new directive from the President was aimed at restoring democratic structures in local councils as part of a broader peace initiative. Recall that President Tinubu had earlier imposed a six-month suspension on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, placing Rivers State under a temporary emergency administration. Wike questioned the sustainability of an emergency rule without an elected local government council: “If the elections are not held and the emergency continues, how will local governments gain access to their constitutionally allocated funds? The Supreme Court has ruled that governors cannot appoint caretaker committees. Without elections, and with no access to funds, are we not inviting another crisis?” He explained that the President’s directive for local elections is intended to eliminate the constitutional vacuum created by the emergency, ensuring that both the State Assembly and Governor can resume full responsibility after the rule is lifted. Wike further pointed out that failure to conduct the elections now would allow the incoming governor to issue a one-year notice, as mandated by the Supreme Court, before conducting new elections. This delay would also prevent the appointment of temporary administrative committees and freeze Federation Account access for local councils. “That would leave the local government structure in limbo. So the President’s regulation under the emergency law has allowed for modification of the 2022 Electoral Act, which is within his legal authority,” Wike emphasized. Addressing concerns that the local elections may be manipulated to favor his political loyalists, Wike dismissed such claims outright. “People keep talking about my loyalists. But who are they? It’s a shame that some people prefer television advocacy instead of taking legal action in court. When the emergency rule was declared, many said it was illegal. But how many actually filed lawsuits to challenge it?” He criticized political commentators for misinterpreting Supreme Court judgments and choosing to debate judicial matters on television instead of pursuing them in court. Wike recounted how his own legal team was responsible for the court action that resulted in a past ruling against a flawed election process. “After we secured the judgment, these same people went on air to insult the judiciary, accusing judges of bribery, rather than respecting the legal process.” The minister reiterated the necessity of legal modifications and emergency governance to allow for the smooth operation of local governments in the absence of elections. “Don’t forget, local government is the only tier of government without a consistent democratic structure due to these legal and political issues. The Supreme Court has ruled that without an elected local government in place, such councils cannot receive funds from the Federation Account, nor can governors legally install caretaker committees.” “Because of the emergency rule, the judgment was temporarily set aside, allowing for the appointment of sole administrators, ensuring that local governments were not starved of funds.” He concluded by emphasizing that the emergency rule was critical to maintain functionality in Rivers State’s local governance system during the crisis period. “Let’s be honest, without the President’s intervention and declaration of emergency rule, would any local government have access to funds today? Certainly not. The emergency became necessary and timely.”
