The Police Command in Rivers State has confirmed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated at the Action Peoples Party (APP) secretariat in Port Harcourt. The incident, which occurred around 1 a.m. on Monday, caused significant damage to the building. However, no lives were lost, as confirmed by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers.

The command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was deployed to the scene to conduct a thorough sweep. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, with the Police Commissioner in Rivers, Olatunji Disu, and his team having visited the site to assess the damage. The police have assured the public that findings from the ongoing investigation will be shared once available.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of exacerbating the issues that troubled Nigeria under the previous government. Atiku, speaking through his Media Adviser Paul Ibe, expressed frustration that the current government did not fully grasp the severity of the nation’s suffering until protests began. He argued that the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) should have been better prepared to tackle the country’s challenges and suggested that the economic difficulties under the previous administration have worsened under Tinubu’s leadership.

Atiku highlighted the rising cost of essential goods and ongoing insecurity as key areas where the current government has failed. He also questioned the management of the Dangote Refinery, a significant investment from the previous administration, implying that the current government might have compromised this critical asset. His remarks reflect a broader sense of dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of Nigeria’s pressing issues, leading many to doubt its commitment to effective governance and economic management.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has launched an investigation into an incident where a woman, Favour Igiebor, destroyed her husband’s Nigerian passport at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos. The NIS has identified the woman and invited her for questioning, emphasizing that her actions potentially violate Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015. The Act stipulates penalties for altering or destroying travel documents, which can include up to five years of imprisonment, a fine of one million naira, or both. The NIS reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Immigration Act to maintain national security and the integrity of the country’s legal documents.

A recent opinion poll by the Election Business Development Agency (EBDA) shows Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, leading in the Edo State governorship race. The survey, which included 1,179 registered voters and was audited by BusinessDay, reveals that 68% support Ighodalo, compared to 18% for Monday Okpebholo of the APC and 14% for Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

Conducted through randomized telephone interviews, the poll has a 95% confidence level and a 3% margin of error. Despite Ighodalo’s significant lead, there are concerns about voter turnout, which could be as low as 20% according to Sharon Orisakwe, MD of EBDA. The main voter concerns include the rising cost of living, poor road infrastructure, and insecurity.

Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy for the Edo State gubernatorial election has been confirmed after a Court of Appeal ruling on July 22, 2024. The court upheld his nomination from the PDP primaries and dismissed an appeal from Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

Despite claims from Edo APC leader Senator Adams Oshiomhole suggesting otherwise, the court’s decision has solidified Ighodalo’s position. Ojieh Ejehi, convener of the Young Edo Professionals Group, welcomed the ruling and criticized efforts to mislead the public. Dr. Ighodalo’s name remains on the final candidate list released by INEC, ensuring his place in the race.

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has released the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for school candidates. The examination, conducted from April 30 to June 24, involved 1,805,216 candidates out of 1,814,736 registered.

Key details:

• Results Released: 93.39% of candidates have had their results fully processed.
• Results Pending: 119,327 candidates (6.61%) are awaiting the processing of some subjects.
• Results Withheld: 215,267 candidates (11.92%) had their results withheld due to reported cases of examination malpractice, reflecting a 4.37% decrease from the previous year.
• Performance: 73.79% of candidates obtained credits in at least five subjects, while 72.12% earned credits in five subjects including English and Mathematics. However, there is a 7.69% decrease in the pass rate compared to 2023.

To check WASSCE 2024 results:

1. Visit the WAEC website: waecdirect.org
2. Input your login details.
3. Select the year and period of the exam.
4. View your results.

Iran’s Vice-President Mohammed Javad Zarif resigned just 11 days after taking office, citing dissatisfaction with his work and inability to meet expectations. Zarif’s resignation marks the second major crisis for President Massud Pezeshkian’s administration since he assumed office at the end of July. The first crisis was the killing of Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Zarif’s resignation followed his dissatisfaction with the selection of ministers for Pezeshkian’s cabinet. Zarif felt that several of the 19 nominated ministers were not his preferred choices and implied that the hardline conservative faction influenced the selections. Zarif had been instrumental in Pezeshkian’s presidential campaign and was expected to play a key role in implementing new foreign policies and resuming nuclear negotiations to lift economic sanctions on Iran.

Mrs. Igiebor, who made headlines for tearing her husband’s passport at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, has shared her reasons for the drastic action. In a video statement, she explained that their family issues had been ongoing for a long time and that she felt compelled to act out of frustration. She mentioned that the problems were not new and had persisted since their return from Europe. She also indicated that her actions were partly driven by a desire to prevent her husband from returning to Europe.

Mrs. Igiebor apologized to Nigerians and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for her actions, though she did not provide detailed specifics about the family issues involved.

Her husband has responded to her statement, suggesting that her remarks might not fully capture the situation. He revealed that he has the full video of the incident and plans to share it, which he believes will provide a clearer picture of what transpired at the airport. He also noted that some airport officials were involved in restraining his wife to prevent further damage.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a statement addressing the incident and has promised to conduct a thorough investigation.

A pilot has tragically died following a helicopter crash into the roof of a hotel in Cairns, Australia. The incident occurred early on Monday, August 12, 2024, around 1:50 am. According to Queensland police, the twin-engine helicopter collided with the hotel roof, causing a fire on top of the building. Fortunately, the hotel was evacuated as a precaution, and there were no other reported casualties.

The sole occupant of the helicopter was confirmed dead at the scene. Forensic investigations are underway to formally identify the pilot. An exclusion zone has been established around the crash site, and the Forensic Crash Unit, along with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, will prepare a report for the Coroner. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.