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Ogun govt frowns at Portable’s rascality

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The Ogun State Government is taking a firm stance against Portable’s actions, condemning his behavior towards government officials in a strong way. The incident, involving the assault and obstruction of town planners while they were carrying out their duties, has led to a legal response, with multiple individuals, including Portable’s associates, facing serious charges. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s condemnation highlights the administration’s commitment to upholding the law and maintaining order, regardless of a person’s status.

The situation has drawn significant attention, especially since Portable is known for his controversial public persona. His behavior is described as a breakdown of societal values, with the government emphasizing its determination to ensure that no one, regardless of influence or fame, is above the law.

It will be interesting to see how this legal matter unfolds, especially given Portable’s history of public disputes and the intensity of the state’s response to this incident. Do you think the government’s reaction will send a strong message to other public figures about respecting authority?

Champions League: Guardiola includes Rodri in Man City’s squad, omits Vitor Reis

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Pep Guardiola has included Rodri, who has been recovering from an injury, in the list for the knockout play-offs. His return to action could be crucial for City in their tough match-up with Real Madrid.

It’s also notable that new signing Vitor Reis won’t be part of the squad, which might be disappointing for him, but it’s not uncommon for some transfers to take time to get integrated into the squad for competitions like the Champions League. The inclusion of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Nico Gonzalez adds some depth and options for Guardiola in the upcoming crucial fixtures.

With the first leg at the Etihad on February 11 and the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu the following week, it’s set to be an exciting battle between two footballing giants. Are you looking forward to this clash?

I’m yet to learn new Nigerian national anthem – Iwobi

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It’s interesting that Alex Iwobi admitted he hasn’t fully learned the reintroduced national anthem yet. Given that “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” has such a deep history, and it’s only recently been reintroduced after being replaced for decades, it’s understandable that many people, including players, might not immediately adjust to it. Iwobi’s reaction of standing with his eyes closed and hand on his chest seems like a respectful way of participating while still processing the change.

This reintroduction has definitely stirred up some debate, with figures like Aisha Yesufu openly rejecting the return of the old anthem, highlighting how symbolic these kinds of decisions can be. It’ll be interesting to see if others in Nigeria, including public figures and athletes, gradually embrace the anthem or continue to resist it. What do you think about the return of the old anthem?

Serie A: Lookman gets return date from injury

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Ademola Lookman’s return will be a welcome boost for Atalanta, especially considering his impressive contributions this season. Scoring 14 goals and providing 7 assists in just 27 games shows how key he’s been for the team. It’s unfortunate he won’t be available for the Champions League play-off with Club Brugge, but it sounds like he’ll be ready to help his team in Serie A soon, with the match against Empoli on February 23 being his expected return.

Hopefully, his knee injury is fully healed by then, and he can get back to his best form for Atalanta!

EPL: Why I forced Rashford out of Man Utd – Amorim speaks on striker’s move to Villa

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Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United has been marked by some tension with Marcus Rashford, at least according to his own words. Amorim appears to feel that he couldn’t get Rashford to fully embrace his tactical vision, which ultimately led to Rashford’s departure on loan to Aston Villa.

It’s interesting to note that Rashford’s departure is framed as more of a clash of philosophies between the player and the coach rather than a matter of ability. Amorim acknowledges that some players simply click with certain coaches, and Rashford might perform better under Unai Emery’s management at Villa. Given that Rashford has had such success in previous seasons with United, it will be intriguing to see how he adapts to this new chapter in his career.

The fact that Villa has the option to make the deal permanent for £40 million suggests they have a level of confidence in Rashford’s ability to contribute. It will also be interesting to see whether Rashford can find his rhythm under Emery, who has a different coaching approach. What do you think about the move? Could this be a fresh start for Rashford?

2026 World Cup qualifier: Super Eagles fly directly to Kigali for Rwanda clash

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for an important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali. The match will take place at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday, March 21. The Nigerian squad will assemble in Kigali starting Sunday, March 16, for preparations.

This will be a crucial fixture as the Super Eagles are currently without a win in their qualifiers, having recorded three draws and one defeat so far. After the Rwanda clash, Nigeria will face Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25.

It will be interesting to see how the team approaches this match, given their challenging start in the qualifiers.

Ronaldo offered me money to stay at Real Madrid – Pepe

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That’s a remarkable gesture from Cristiano Ronaldo, showcasing the depth of their bond. It’s clear that their friendship extended beyond football, with Ronaldo willing to sacrifice part of his earnings to help Pepe stay at Real Madrid. Pepe’s decision to leave for Besiktas was evidently about more than money—it was about finding fulfillment in a new chapter of his career. It must have been a tough choice, but his desire to “get back to feeling football” seems to have guided him in making that move.

Ronaldo’s selflessness in that moment speaks volumes about the respect and care they had for each other, both as teammates and as friends. What do you think of their relationship both on and off the field?

Ex-minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye joins Nollywood

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It’s interesting to see Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye transition into Nollywood after her political career. With her background in law, politics, and entrepreneurship, her move into filmmaking will certainly draw attention. It seems like she’s using her platform to reinvent herself in a new field, and her announcement on X shows she’s eager to share her new project with the public. Given her earlier experience as an APC presidential aspirant, her story could add a unique perspective to her future roles in Nollywood.

Do you think her political career will influence the types of roles she might take on in the industry?

Kanye West asks Donald Trump to free Diddy

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Kanye West has come out in support of Sean “Diddy” Combs during his legal troubles. Kanye’s call for Trump to pardon Diddy is certainly raising eyebrows, especially with the serious charges Diddy is facing, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Diddy has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty, but his legal battle appears to be just beginning.

This situation is still unfolding, and the media’s attention is likely to stay on Diddy until his trial later this year. It’s interesting that Kanye, known for his controversial statements and actions, has chosen to speak up in favor of Diddy in this way. Do you think Kanye’s plea will have any real impact on the outcome of Diddy’s case, or is it more about the relationship between the two artists?

Nigeria’s economy, security in good shape under my watch – Buhari

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement about Nigeria’s security and economy being in a better state under his administration compared to 2015 has sparked significant debate, especially in light of recent claims by political figures such as Shehu Sani and Shehu Gabam.

Buhari’s assertion that the country made progress in these areas echoes his administration’s focus on combating corruption, improving infrastructure, and stabilizing security through measures like the fight against insurgency. His remarks highlight the government’s emphasis on security improvements, especially in the northeastern regions where Boko Haram and other militant groups posed a significant threat in 2015.

However, contrasting opinions have emerged, with some critics pointing to the rising insecurity and worsening economic conditions in recent years. Former Senator Shehu Sani has noted that insecurity worsened under Buhari, while Gabam argues that the economy deteriorated during his tenure, citing inflation and other economic indicators.

As of December 2024, Nigeria’s inflation rate had reached 34.80 percent, a sharp rise from 9.6 percent in 2015, which has further fueled criticism regarding Buhari’s economic management. These tensions highlight the differing perspectives on the legacy of Buhari’s presidency, with supporters pointing to long-term infrastructural and security gains, while critics focus on the immediate challenges Nigerians face, particularly with inflation and security concerns.

Relocating to Nigeria best decision of my life – Tolanibaj

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Tolanibaj’s decision to move to Nigeria seems like it has truly been a life-changing one for her! It’s interesting how she describes the initial uncertainty about the move, but how it ultimately turned out to be a fulfilling choice for her. It’s always inspiring when someone takes a leap of faith, even when things don’t seem perfectly aligned at the time.

Do you follow her journey, or have you seen her in action on Big Brother Naija?

American music producer Irv Gotti dead

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Irv Gotti’s passing is truly sad news, especially for the music world. He played a major role in shaping hip-hop and the broader music industry, particularly with his work at Def Jam and his contributions to artists like Jay-Z, Ja Rule, and DMX. His legacy is incredibly influential, and his work as a producer and executive will be remembered for years to come.

It’s heartbreaking to hear about the challenges he faced with his health, especially given how hard he fought through complications like diabetes and the stroke. His impact on the music scene, especially in the early 2000s, will certainly not be forgotten. His story is one of resilience and immense creativity, but it’s difficult to see him leave so soon.

South Korea’s top commander testifies against Yoon in impeachment trial

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This testimony provides a deeply concerning and dramatic look at the failed attempt by President Yoon Suk Yeol to impose martial law in South Korea, revealing the extent to which military leaders were willing to go to prevent opposition lawmakers from blocking his decree. The revelation that General Kwak, a key figure in the military, directly inquired about using force to control parliament—asking about tactics like shutting down electricity or storming the building—underscores the gravity of the situation.

The fact that Colonel Kim Hyun-tae, who oversaw special forces troops, rejected such measures as “not feasible,” and the resistance from parliamentary staff who physically blocked the military’s entry, suggests that there was significant pushback against this authoritarian attempt.

Yoon’s defense that he sought to “safeguard constitutional order” and his claim of not ordering physical intervention by military commanders, despite contradictory testimony from General Kwak, presents a clash between the official narrative and what some of the key players involved have testified. The fact that Yoon is currently in detention as part of an investigation into his actions—marking an unprecedented moment in South Korean political history—highlights the seriousness of the ongoing fallout.

The Constitutional Court’s decision on whether to uphold his impeachment will be pivotal, not only for Yoon’s political future but also for the direction South Korea’s democracy will take in the wake of this political crisis. This trial is likely to continue to capture public attention given its significance in determining the boundaries of executive power in the country.

I’ll not attend G-20 Summit in South Africa — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to skip the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa has drawn attention, especially with his sharp criticism of the country’s land reforms and its stance on certain global issues. His remarks focus on the policies of expropriating private property and the use of the summit to push for initiatives like diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and climate change, which he sees as misaligned with US interests. Rubio’s decision mirrors broader tensions over South Africa’s land reform policies, which have also been criticized by former President Donald Trump, leading to a broader diplomatic dispute.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, however, has rejected these criticisms, emphasizing that the government’s approach does not involve land confiscation but aims to address historic inequalities. The situation highlights ongoing debates about land ownership and reform in South Africa, which remains a sensitive issue in the country’s post-apartheid era.

What are your thoughts on Rubio’s stance and the tensions surrounding South Africa’s land policies?

Amorim won’t regret letting Rashford leave Man Utd – Paul Parker

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Paul Parker’s comments reflect a belief that Marcus Rashford’s departure from Manchester United may have been a good move for both the player and manager Ruben Amorim. While Rashford has been a key figure for United in the past, Parker points out that Rashford hasn’t been able to fit into Amorim’s tactical setup, particularly in a central forward role, and that his attitude might have been a disruptive factor in the locker room.

Parker’s comments about Rashford’s preference for not being in a physical, back-to-goal role—along with his apparent reluctance to battle for possession or take hits—suggest that Rashford might not have been able to adapt to the demands of Amorim’s style. If Rashford is struggling to perform and doesn’t fit in the system, his exit might help both the manager and the team maintain balance and focus for the rest of the season.

Do you think Rashford will find more success at Aston Villa, or do you feel he could have turned things around at Manchester United under Amorim?

Carabao Cup: ‘They’re not good enough’ — Gary Neville blasts Arsenal forwards

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Gary Neville’s comments about Arsenal’s forwards highlight a concern that has been on many fans’ minds this season. Despite Arsenal having a solid all-around team, their lack of a consistent, proven goalscorer has often been exposed in big matches. The defeat to Newcastle, which saw Arsenal go out of the Carabao Cup, was a stark reminder of the importance of having someone clinical up front, especially when key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka are sidelined.

Neville’s point about the attempted bid for Ollie Watkins is interesting. While it shows that Arsenal is aware of the need for a stronger attack, it also reveals that the current forwards may not be up to the level required to challenge for top honors consistently. Even though they have quality in their squad, a natural goal scorer could be the missing piece for Arteta’s side.

Do you think Arsenal should have done more to secure a striker in January, or do you believe they can still challenge with their current forward options?

Taye Taiwo inducted into Marseille’s Hall of Fame

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This is indeed a tragic and alarming situation. The disappearance and subsequent discovery of Hon. Justice Azuka’s decomposing body raise many questions about his kidnapping and the circumstances surrounding his death. The fact that his body was found at the 2nd Niger Bridge by security forces might indicate the level of planning and coordination involved in this crime.

Kidnappings have unfortunately been a significant concern in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in regions with high crime rates. The authorities, including the police, are likely to investigate further to understand the motives behind the abduction and determine the responsible parties.

It’s crucial that justice is sought for the late lawmaker, and his family and constituents must be going through an extremely difficult time. Do you have any thoughts on how the authorities might tackle such issues moving forward, or concerns about the state of security in the region?

BREAKING: Decomposing body of missing Anambra lawmaker Azuka found

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This is indeed a tragic and alarming situation. The disappearance and subsequent discovery of Hon. Justice Azuka’s decomposing body raise many questions about his kidnapping and the circumstances surrounding his death. The fact that his body was found at the 2nd Niger Bridge by security forces might indicate the level of planning and coordination involved in this crime.

Kidnappings have unfortunately been a significant concern in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in regions with high crime rates. The authorities, including the police, are likely to investigate further to understand the motives behind the abduction and determine the responsible parties.

It’s crucial that justice is sought for the late lawmaker, and his family and constituents must be going through an extremely difficult time. Do you have any thoughts on how the authorities might tackle such issues moving forward, or concerns about the state of security in the region?

Europe risk losing in US-China trade war – ECB warns

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The European Central Bank (ECB) is expressing concern about the impact of the ongoing US-China trade war on the euro zone, with a warning that this could harm the economy of the 20-member currency union. ECB board member Piero Cipollone emphasized that the uncertainty surrounding the US’s trade policies, particularly new tariffs, poses a significant risk to Europe’s economic stability.

The ECB has been gradually lowering interest rates to stimulate the euro zone economy, which has struggled to recover from years of slow growth. Since June, borrowing costs have been reduced five times, and investors expect at least three more cuts this year. The latest reductions are driven by concerns over sluggish growth rather than inflation, with inflation moderating to 2.5% in January, nearing the ECB’s target of 2%.

Cipollone pointed out that there is still room for further interest rate cuts, but warned that the situation is complex, with external factors like rising energy prices and the unpredictable global trade environment complicating ECB decisions. He mentioned that the ECB’s stance has not fundamentally changed since December, and while future rate cuts are anticipated, there is caution in making specific commitments.

The uncertainty around US trade policies, especially the US imposition of new tariffs on China, could have a negative effect on European exports. If China loses access to the US market, it may shift its exports to Europe, potentially flooding the market with discounted products, which could dampen both growth and inflation.

The ECB’s approach continues to be focused on balancing these complex external pressures while trying to guide the euro zone back to more stable economic growth.

Elon Musk’s-led DOGE moves to solve US aviation safety concerns

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Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is taking a hands-on approach to address safety concerns in the U.S. aviation sector, especially following the tragic midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington D.C. earlier this year. Musk’s team, with the backing of former President Trump, aims to implement rapid safety upgrades to the air traffic control system, following the FAA’s recent issues, like the failure of its primary aircraft safety notification system.

Trump’s remarks on diversity requirements at the FAA have sparked debate, with his comments suggesting that “brilliant” individuals are needed in key roles for safety and air traffic control, potentially pointing to his belief that diversity initiatives might be lowering standards.

Interestingly, Musk’s DOGE team has extended its scope beyond aviation, also focusing on tackling corruption in U.S. healthcare agencies and gaining access to the U.S. Treasury Department to investigate possible wrongdoing. This multi-sector approach reflects Musk’s broad ambitions to overhaul government functions, though it has raised questions and critiques regarding the concentration of power and influence in his hands.

What do you think of this development? Do you believe these efforts will lead to meaningful changes in U.S. safety and governance?