Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has challenged rival presidential contenders to demonstrate their physical stamina after jumping off a stage during a campaign meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday, October 22.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Makinde performed the stunt at the APM South-West Presidential Campaign Town Hall Meeting held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome.

Addressing supporters, the governor said he would prioritise energy and the ability to withstand the demands of leadership rather than make age a central issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“While I will not make age an issue of this campaign, I will make energy, having energy, being able to stay up late, have the rigours, have the energy to deal with the challenges that we’re faced as a country,” he said.

Makinde subsequently challenged other presidential candidates to replicate his demonstration, urging Nigerians to consider their physical fitness when deciding whom to support in the forthcoming election.

“So please, when they bring their own presidential candidate, let the candidate come here and also jump down! If they can do that, vote for them!” he added.

His demonstration was met with cheers and chants from supporters at the gathering.

The town hall meeting also provided a platform for the APM to present its policy proposals ahead of the 2027 general election. Makinde outlined a four-point agenda under the party’s “RESET Nigeria” platform, focusing on the economy, education, security and socio-political development.

The governor also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to fulfil its promises to Nigerians.

He pointed to persistent electricity challenges and fluctuations in petroleum prices as examples of the difficulties confronting households and businesses. Makinde questioned the government’s management of the economy and urged Nigerians to consider an alternative in 2027.

He described the forthcoming election as an opportunity for voters to reject the current administration, positioning the APM as an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who attended the meeting, also expressed confidence in the APM’s electoral prospects, describing it as a major opposition movement.

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has called on the Senate to ensure that government agencies perform their responsibilities in line with the law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Kingibe made the call during plenary on Thursday while supporting a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi, which sought strict compliance with resolutions passed by the Senate.

The lawmaker stressed that Nigerians deserve a government that listens to their concerns and responds to their needs.

Kingibe said she had joined Ningi in urging the Senate leadership and committee chairmen to use their constitutional powers to ensure that government agencies comply with the law.

She stated, “I joined my voice with that of my colleague, Senator Abdul Ningi, on the need for strict compliance with Senate resolutions, urging the Senate leadership and committee chairmen to utilise our constitutional powers to ensure that government agencies carry out their duties in accordance with the law.

“Where institutions fail to comply, the appropriate steps must be taken in accordance with due process.”

The senator emphasised that the responsibility of lawmakers extends beyond making laws and approving government budgets.

According to her, the National Assembly must also ensure that decisions made in the interest of Nigerians are implemented and that the concerns of their constituents receive adequate attention.

“Our responsibility goes beyond passing laws and approving budgets. It includes ensuring that decisions taken in the interest of Nigerians are implemented and that the concerns of our communities receive the attention they deserve,” she said.

Kingibe reiterated her commitment to promoting accountability, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the needs of Nigerians are not neglected.

She added, “The people deserve a government that listens, acts and delivers. I remain committed to strengthening accountability, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the voices and needs of our people are never overlooked.”

A Lagos State High Court has reportedly granted interim Mareva injunctions in favour of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) against Swiss-based energy trading company Vitol SA and four other shipping companies over a disputed $242 million petroleum products transaction.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that UBA accused Vitol of wrongfully releasing petroleum cargoes that were consigned to the bank’s order in the relevant bills of lading.

During proceedings, UBA’s lead counsel, Bode Olanipekun, SAN, urged the court to grant interim preservative orders against Vitol and the other shipping companies.

In its ruling, the presiding judge, Justice K. A. Jose, granted three prayers contained in UBA’s application, including requests to prevent the dissipation of assets and restrict dealings with funds up to the disputed amount. However, the judge specified that the orders applied only to the second respondent.

“Prayers 1–3 are granted as prayed against the 2nd Respondent only,” the judge ruled.

The application was filed pursuant to Order 43 Rule 1 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State High Court Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.

In the substantive proceedings, UBA intends to argue that Vitol SA and the owners of the vessels involved are liable for alleged conversion, misrepresentation and negligence arising from the failure to deliver the petroleum products.

The bank also listed 34 financial institutions and public agencies, including commercial banks, merchant banks, microfinance banks, the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service, in connection with the application.

In an affidavit supporting the application, UBA’s Group Head of Recoveries and Remedial Management, Anthony Chilaka, explained that the bank had issued a letter of credit in favour of Vitol SA to facilitate a petroleum products transaction.

According to the affidavit, the cargo was transported to Nigeria, after which the vessels’ masters issued several bills of lading.

UBA alleged that Vitol subsequently endorsed the bills of lading in the bank’s favour and handed over the original documents to it.

The bank maintained that the endorsement entitled it to take possession of the cargo once the voyage had been completed.

However, Chilaka stated that UBA had yet to receive the gasoil despite the completion of the voyage.

“The applicant has not been given possession of the gasoil despite completion of the voyage,” the affidavit stated.

UBA further alleged that the cargo was instead diverted for the use of another party, arguing that the failure to deliver the products amounted to conversion and negligence.

The bank maintained that the respondents had obligations arising from the transaction and the endorsement of the shipping documents, which it alleged they failed to fulfil.