Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 22nd September 2024.
1. ‘I Am A Chosen, Who Are You?’: CAN Tackles Church Over Viral Testimony, To Begin Investigation
A viral video featuring a woman, allegedly a member of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry in Lagos, has ignited controversy after she claimed to have received divine intervention during a Federal Government examination.
The woman recounted that an “old man” appeared in the examination hall and provided her with answers, which she then shared with a fellow candidate.
In her testimony, the unnamed church member said the exam was one of the promotional assessments for the military, involving 50 questions—40 related to career knowledge and 10 to current affairs.
One of the current affairs questions reportedly asked candidates to list ten Francophone countries and their capitals.
“Nobody knew the answer to this question,” she explained. “So, I raised my paper and declared, ‘I am a Chosen! This question: who are you? Where is the God of my pastor’s power?’ Suddenly, an old man in white appeared beside me and said, ‘My daughter, begin to write.’ And I began to write.”
The woman claimed that invigilators, sensing something unusual, removed her apron, causing the “angel” to disappear, but when they returned it, the old man reappeared and continued dictating answers.
She further shared that a fellow candidate, who appeared to be a member of the Mountain of Fire Ministries based on her attire, copied her answers before they both submitted their papers.
Her testimony was met with cheers from the church congregation, but the video has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from religious leaders.
Reacting, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), expressed dismay that the testimony was even allowed in the church, describing it as a fabrication.
He emphasized that divine assistance doesn’t come in the form of miraculous exam answers but through hard work and faith.
2. ‘You Have Been My Rock, Your Love Sustains Me’ – Tinubu Celebrates Wife’s 64th Birthday
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep admiration and love for his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she celebrates her 64th birthday.
In a heartfelt message, the President acknowledged that her unwavering love and support have been a constant source of strength throughout their journey together.
In a personal tribute, Tinubu described the First Lady as not only his greatest supporter but also his rock, confidante, and the love of his life.
He highlighted how her presence has been essential in both his personal and public life.
The President praised her for showing strength, grace, and compassion, not only to him and their family but also to the entire nation.
He noted how her dedication and kindness inspire countless Nigerians, particularly young women, who see her as a role model in her role as First Lady.
The tribute read: “My Dearest Oluremi, On this beautiful day, as we celebrate your 64th birthday, my heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman you are.
“Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life. Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria.
“You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom. Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady.
“On your special day, I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you. Your love sustains me, wisdom guides me, and strength lifts me. I could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life.
“As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come.”
3. #EdoDecides2024: I Won’t Take Bribes No Matter How Much – INEC Commissioner
The National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) responsible for Edo State, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, has vowed to uphold integrity during the upcoming governorship election, stating that she will not accept bribes.
In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Gumus confidently asserted that her strong reputation would deter any attempts at bribery.
Gumus also provided crucial details about the election schedule, announcing that the accreditation of voters will commence at 8 a.m.
Voting is set to conclude at 2 p.m.; however, she assured that all accredited voters would still have the opportunity to cast their ballots regardless of the time.
Gumus said, “I am in charge of Edo. I want to do the right thing, even though I will not be everywhere. We will conduct this election in a free, fair and credible manner. I cannot take bribes no matter how much. I don’t have to take billions to do what is right.
“Nowhere, nobody will try. Nobody will try me. You know, in any office you are in this country, they know everything about you. And when they know they will not come near. If I see it, I will not allow it.
“You won’t believe that since we started this process every day, I am on the platform with the EOCs. In five two-minute or five-minute intervals, I will enter the platform to know what is happening. If there is anything, I will correct. That is what I have been doing.”
4. #EdoDecides2024: Vote Buying Difficult To Monitor, Stopped – Police
The Deputy Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, Frank Mba, has stated that managing vote buying is among the most challenging tasks due to the various methods used by those involved.
Naturenex reports that despite being a severe violation of election rules, the practice of buying votes has become common among political groups during the electoral period in Nigeria.
Speaking on the Channels Television, just some hours into the governorship election in Edo State, Mba confessed that dealing with vote buying presents a significant challenge for law enforcement.
According to him, vote buying, in most cases, is not done in public but even in the most secluded places.
He said, “Vote buying is one of the most difficult offences to actually police and manage, and I am saying this with every sense of honesty.
“The reason is simple: the bulk of vote buying and selling that takes place doesn’t take place in the glare of the public, in the glare of the media, or in the glare of the law enforcement agents. Sometimes, they take place in the bedrooms of citizens, and we don’t have the capacity to police every bedroom, every kitchen, every toilet and every balcony.
“But our pledge is that the ones that happen in the glare of the public, the ones our security network is able to detect and intercept, we will deal with them.”
5. Tinubu’s Minister Under Fire For Alleged Links To Bandits
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is under intense scrutiny following allegations linking him to terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.
The accusations suggest that Matawalle, during his tenure as the Governor of Zamfara State, procured vehicles for notorious bandit leaders, including the infamous kingpin Bello Turji.
In a recent appearance on TVC, current Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal urged Matawalle to resign in light of the serious allegations.
“If I were him, I would resign and face all the allegations against me because, from all the information we are getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of this banditry,” Lawal stated.
Governor Lawal further claimed that Matawalle had provided refuge for terrorists in the government house and facilitated ransom payments to bandits through government channels.
6. #EdoDecides: Shame On You INEC – Davido Fumes Over Alleged Malpractice
Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has explained the reason for his interest in the ongoing governorship election in Edo State.
Naturenex reports that the singer has been calling out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on his X handle.
He claimed that there are malpractices in the ongoing guber poll.
Davido berated the electoral body for failing to conduct a free and fair election.
His concern raised questions as to why he is so interested in the election, considering that he is not from the state.
However, the singer explained that his late mother, Imade Veronica Adeleke, was from Edo State.
Speaking further, he argued that apart from his mother being from the state, he should also be concerned about the polls as a Nigerian.
He recalled calling out INEC during the Osun State gubernatorial election when his uncle, the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, was contesting.
7. Oleksandr Usyk Predicts Anthony Joshua Vs Daniel Dubois Clash
Unified boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has shared his prediction for the upcoming IBF heavyweight world title fight between British boxers Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.
At 11 p.m. later tonight, September 21, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will clash at Wembley Stadium in London for an all-British heavyweight title bout.
Usyk, who voluntarily vacated the IBF belt for Dubois, expressed his belief that Joshua will emerge victorious against the 27-year-old.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Usyk said, “I think it’s AJ. I respect both of these guys, but I predict Anthony.”
He also emphasized the significance of developing the sport of boxing, saying, “It’s good. IBF did not take my belt, I gave my belt to Anthony Joshua and Dubois. Because for me, my sport of boxing must develop.”
Note that the winner of the bout between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will walk away with the IBF world title. The winner will also be entitled to challenge for the unification championship title against either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk in 2025.
Note that Fury and Usyk have a rematch on December 21 in Riyadh. Fury is looking forward to beating the Ukrainian heavyweight boxer after losing to him in May via a split decision.
8. #EdoDecides2024: EFCC Arrests Suspected Vote-Buyers
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended several individuals suspected of engaging in vote-buying during the ongoing Edo State governorship election.
The arrests occurred around 10:00 a.m. in the Egor Local Government Area, where EFCC officials swooped in on a group of suspects, taking away three individuals – two males and one female – for questioning.
However, the arrests sparked a backlash from local residents, some of whom protested the actions of the EFCC. Many claimed that the suspects were being unjustly targeted and victimized, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
According to Channels, witnesses reported that the presence of EFCC operatives in the area intensified as election day unfolded, with the agency maintaining a focus on curbing electoral malpractices, including vote-buying.
9. ‘Today’s Election Is An Organized Fraud’ – PDP Speaks On Imo LGA Poll
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has rubbished the conduct of today’s Local Government election in the state, alleging irregularities.
The party claimed that the election was a premeditated deceit, asserting that the Imo Council poll was done in the premises of hotels and the offices of the Sole Administrators of the 27 local government areas.
Addressing journalists in Owerri, the state capital, the state’s PDP chairman, Austine Nwachukwu, said: “We have witnessed the murder of democracy today. The purported local government elections in Imo State today, September 21, 2024, is nothing but a show of shame, an organized fraud, and an unprecedented rape of democracy.
“We can boldly tell that there was no election anywhere in the State today. As of 4 pm on a supposed election day, Imo people witnessed with grief the absence of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials at virtually all the polling units across the entire State, even as electoral officers were not sighted anywhere near voting centers.
“Frustrated and disappointed, voters who had waited so long to cast their ballots to no avail retired to their respective homes. In a rather shocking development, the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) instead delivered the sensitive electoral materials to APC leaders and cronies at various LGAs.
“Recall that four days ago, the PDP in Imo State had raised the alarm over a plot by the APC administration to rig the election, with ISIEC criminally flouting the electoral act and its own guidelines.”
10. INEC Speaks On Announcement Of Edo Election Results
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Saturday, disclosed that it has not received governorship election results from any of the 18 local government areas (LGAs) in Edo State.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, in an interview with Channels Television.
He explained that the results of the election are still at the ward level and would travel to the local government level before being sent to the state collation centre.
Onuoha said, “I cannot categorically tell you when we will announce the results in the state. As they come, we will announce.”
“For now, no results yet” from any of the local government, he said.
The REC warned social media users announcing the “results” of the poll, saying that is the position of the commission.
“I want to correct one thing: those who are publishing results, it is not their duty to announce results.
“INEC has not announced results. I am not even the returning officer for the state. The returning officer will announce the results. But I am surprised with what I see on social media. That is not the correct position of the commission.
“Nobody has the capacity to do that. The law is clear on who can announce the results. So, they should desist,” he said.
