Nnena Mbonu and Anita Ukah, forming the Nelita pair, have emerged as the winners of the Head of House (HOH) challenge for the second consecutive week on Big Brother Naija. Their victory on August 19, 2024, came after a two-round task where they completed their assignments the quickest, earning them immunity from the upcoming Sunday’s eviction.

Previously, on August 12, the Nelita pair also secured the HOH title, marking their first reign. This week, Big Brother introduced a new immunity rule, replacing the former ballot system and custodian challenge. The Nelita pair’s win granted them the privilege to select another pair to share the HOH lounge with, choosing Sooj and Topher of the Aces. Although the selected pair will enjoy the lounge’s benefits, they are not permitted to take any of it back to the main house.

This week also featured the first live nominations. The Zinwe pair nominated Chekas and Wanni x Handi; Radicals chose Shatoria and Wanni x Handi; Wanni x Handi nominated Zinwe and DoubleKay; Aces went with Beta and Zinwe; DoubleKay picked Chekas and Beta; Shatoria chose Zinwe and Beta; Chekas selected Zinwe and DoubleKay; Beta nominated Zinwe and DoubleKay; Nelita went with DoubleKay and Mbadiwe Twins; and Mbadiwe Twins nominated Beta and Zinwe.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has reaffirmed his commitment to integrating Abia State into the national political mainstream under the All Progressives Congress (APC). His recent remarks about an APC governor leading Abia in 2027 have stirred political debate, drawing criticism from some quarters, particularly from Hon. Obi Aguocha, the representative for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.

In a recent interview, Kalu highlighted his vision of inclusive governance as the driving force behind his efforts to bring Abia State under APC leadership. His bold stance has sparked a defensive response from Ugochukwu Urakpa, a public affairs analyst and constituent of Aguocha. Urakpa defended Kalu’s position, emphasizing Kalu’s popularity and achievements in Bende compared to Aguocha’s alleged challenges in Ikwuano/Umuahia.

Urakpa’s statement critiqued Aguocha’s performance, accusing him of failing to deliver significant benefits to his constituency. The statement highlighted that Aguocha, previously president-general of the Ohuhu Development Union, has not met the expectations of his constituents, who are reportedly initiating a recall process due to his inadequate representation.

In contrast, Kalu’s leadership in the Bende Federal Constituency was praised, with his re-election seen as a testament to his effective governance. The statement supported Kalu’s advocacy for APC dominance in Abia State politics and dismissed any calls for him to align with other parties.

In a strategic move to bolster the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged Governor Alex Otti to join the ruling party. This call aligns with a similar appeal made by Senate President Goodwill Akpabio to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, reflecting the APC’s ambition to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kalu praised Governor Otti for his commendable efforts in developing Abia State but made it clear that the APC aims to take control in the next election cycle. In a recent viral video, Kalu stated, “We are friends; we work together, but in 2027, the APC governor will be there. I have told him in person and in public that the APC will be the governor of Abia State.”

He emphasized that the APC’s potential victory is linked to President Bola Tinubu’s support for the South East Development Commission (SEDC), suggesting that Abia should reciprocate with electoral backing for the APC. Kalu argued that the state’s future development would be better served within the APC.

The precedent for such a political shift is not new in Abia State. Former Governor Theodore Orji, who initially won on the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) platform, later joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to align with the central government. This historical context suggests that Otti’s potential switch to the APC would follow a familiar pattern in Abia politics.

The Zamfara State government has dismissed as forged a document that purportedly appointed Bashir Hadeija as Technical Adviser on Mining. This follows recent controversies linking Hadeija, who has been arrested on charges of gunrunning and smuggling, to the state government.

The alleged letter, dated October 27, 2023, and purportedly signed by Mal Abubakar M. Nakwada, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, stated that Hadeija was appointed to the position based on his experience and competence, with a salary in accordance with his role.

However, a source within the Zamfara State government has rejected the document’s authenticity, labeling it a “mischievous attempt” by political rivals to connect the governor with Hadeija’s criminal activities. The source confirmed that the document does not exist in the state government’s records.

Hadeija faces multiple serious charges, including aiding terrorism, money laundering, and other transnational crimes. Authorities allege that he was involved in various criminal activities, including sponsoring protests and attacks across northern Nigeria.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has clarified that it has not paid any fuel subsidy to anyone in the last nine months. Chief Financial Officer Alhaji Umar Ajiya made this statement on Monday in Abuja, emphasizing that the company has not disbursed any subsidy funds to marketers during this period.

Ajiya explained that NNPC Ltd. has been managing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) importation shortfalls, which occur when the landing price of PMS is higher than the government-mandated sale price. The difference, or shortfall, is reconciled between the Federation and NNPC Ltd., without any direct subsidy payments to marketers.

He further noted that NNPC Ltd. operates on an open credit agreement with PMS suppliers, and while outstanding payments are dynamic, they are not as high as the ₦6.8 billion previously reported. The key focus remains on maintaining a steady supply of PMS across the country.

The Federal Government of Nigeria will commence crude oil sales in naira to the Dangote Refinery and other entities starting in October 2024. This initiative, announced by the Director of Press and Public Relations for the Federal Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Mohammed Manga, is part of a broader strategy to boost Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, presided over the inaugural meeting of the implementation committee tasked with fast-tracking the transition. The committee outlined key roles for various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The decision to sell crude oil in naira is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economy. Edun emphasized the importance of transparency in the process and directed the Technical Sub-Committee to finalize details and prepare a report for the president, ensuring that the initiative is on track for implementation from September.

The committee also provided updates on the Port Harcourt and Dangote Refineries, with significant production increases anticipated by November. The first delivery of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Refinery is expected in September.

The Ebonyi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring power supply to the Afikpo communities after a 13-year-long outage. Peter Oga-Ali, the State Commissioner for Power and Energy, provided this assurance on Monday following an inspection of the ongoing power project in the Afikpo local council.

Governor Francis Nwifuru has already overseen the installation of eight new transformers in the area, with an additional five old transformers refurbished and installed. The construction of the Amasiri sub-station has also been completed, which is expected to ensure steady power supply once the ongoing relocation of high voltage lines, necessitated by the construction of the Enugu-Abakaliki expressway, is finalized.

Oga-Ali addressed rumors circulating on social media alleging misappropriation of the ₦208 million allocated for the project. He clarified that ₦194 million was released after tax deductions, and the funds were used as intended, with the ministry completing all required works. He urged the public to remain patient as the final technical issues are resolved, promising that power will soon be fully restored to the Afikpo communities.

President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja for Paris on Monday, August 19, 2024, aboard the new Airbus A330, which has replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) that was purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the new aircraft is expected to save Nigeria substantial maintenance and fuel costs, potentially amounting to millions of dollars annually. Onanuga noted that the Airbus A330 was acquired below the market price, making it a cost-efficient addition to the presidential fleet.

The decision to replace the ageing Boeing B737-700 came after an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament, which raised concerns about the plane’s safety and cost efficiency, particularly following a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia. The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended the replacement to reduce downtime and operational expenses.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 21-day notice to the Federal Government, signaling the possibility of an imminent warning strike. The notice was given following ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Ibadan on Monday, August 19, 2024.

This move comes in response to the government’s failure to implement agreements previously reached with the union. ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, emphasized that despite a recent meeting with the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, in July, the government’s commitments remain unfulfilled.

Among ASUU’s key concerns are the non-implementation of the 2009 re-negotiated agreements and the accumulation of academic allowances over the past six years. Osodeke also highlighted the need for revitalization funds to upgrade Nigerian universities to international standards and criticized the government’s approval of new universities without sufficient funding.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has approved the payment of a ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage to workers on the state and local governments’ payrolls. Emmanuel Fashe, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), revealed this to newsmen after a closed-door meeting with the governor in Yola on Monday.

Fashe announced that state government workers will begin receiving the new minimum wage starting in August, while local government employees will see the increase from September. He explained that the implementation will use the consequential adjustment table from 2019, pending the release of a new table from the National Salaries, Wages, and Income Commission.

Fashe also reassured workers of the governor’s commitment to prioritizing their welfare, noting that the new wage implementation is being initiated even before the national table’s release.

The UK Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong condemnation of Acting National Chairman Umar Iliya Damagum and National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, calling for their immediate expulsion from the party. Umar Damagum has held the position of caretaker chairman since the conclusion of the 2023 presidential elections.

In a statement signed by Dr. Anita Jackson, the UK Chapter described the actions of Damagum and Anyanwu as a “cancer” infiltrating the PDP leadership, specifically targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The group accused the pair of collaborating with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the PDP, labelling their behavior as a “toxic poison” that must be eradicated.

The group further alleged that Damagum and Anyanwu have interfered in legal matters and plotted to derail the party’s progress, in direct violation of the PDP constitution. They urged the party’s leadership to take immediate and decisive action, emphasizing that the duo’s continued presence is a “festering wound” on the party’s reputation. The PDP UK Chapter vowed to fight to restore the party to its former glory.

“President Tinubu Departs for Paris on New Airbus A330, Replacing Aging Boeing”

President Bola Tinubu has left Abuja for Paris, France, aboard a new Airbus A330, which replaces the old Boeing B737-700 acquired during ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. The new aircraft, purchased at a favorable price, is expected to reduce maintenance and fuel costs significantly.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared the update on X (formerly Twitter). The decision to replace the Boeing B737-700 came after an investigative hearing raised concerns about the aircraft’s safety and cost efficiency, particularly following a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia. The Nigerian Senate’s Security and Intelligence Committee had recommended replacing the outdated plane to minimize operational downtime and expenses.

The presidency announced that President Tinubu’s trip to France is set for Monday, August 19. The statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, was brief, providing no specific details about the purpose of the visit, but confirming his return to Nigeria after the trip.

“Ex-Lawmaker Dr. Farah Dagogo Slams Niger Delta Governors Over Mismanagement of 13% Derivation Funds”

Dr. Farah Dagogo, a former member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, has sharply criticized the governors of Niger Delta states for their handling of the 13% derivation funds allocated for oil-producing communities. Dagogo highlighted that despite the Niger Delta receiving trillions of naira over the past 23 years, including over N600 billion in the first half of 2024 alone, there has been no significant improvement in the living conditions of the local communities.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Ibrahim Lawal, Dagogo expressed frustration that these substantial funds have not led to improvements in infrastructure, health, or general welfare. He noted that while the Federal Government has consistently increased the allocation, the region’s challenges persist, including severe poverty and inadequate infrastructure.

Dagogo criticized the governors for what he described as a lack of accountability and transparency, accusing them of treating the funds as a source of personal gain rather than addressing the constitutional purpose of improving conditions in oil-producing areas. He called for a thorough investigation into the expenditure of these funds and urged the current governors to correct the mismanagement of the past.