Spanish prosecutors open investigation into Rubiales kiss.

Spanish prosecutors open investigation into Rubiales kiss.

Spain’s top criminal court has opened a preliminary investigation into the country’s football federation president Luis Rubiales after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

The prosecutors are looking into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault.

Rubiales, 46, has been widely criticised after the incident following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win.

Hermoso, 33, said the kiss was not consensual.

Rubiales was suspended on Saturday by world football’s governing body Fifa.

The previous day, Rubiales had insisted he would not resign.

The court said it was opening the investigation in light of the “unequivocal nature” of Hermoso’s statements, saying it was necessary “to determine their legal significance”.

“Given the public statements made by Jennifer Hermoso, the sexual act she was subjected to by Luis Rubiales was not consensual,” a statement said.

Legal experts will also contact the player “to offer her the option of legal action, giving her the chance to contact National Court prosecutors within 15 days for information about her rights as a victim of an alleged sexual assault should she wish to file a complaint”.

It added: “In order to proceed with a case for sexual assault, harassment or sexual abuse, it will be necessary for the injured party or their legal representative to file suit, or the public prosecutors’ office.”

The Spanish government has asked for Spain’s Sports Tribunal (TAD) to suspend him – a request which will be discussed at a TAD meeting on Monday.

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has also called regional federations to an “extraordinary and urgent” meeting on Monday “to evaluate the situation in which the federation finds itself”.

When Fifa announced Rubiales had been suspended on Saturday, it ordered him, the RFEF and its officials and employees not to attempt to contact Hermoso, who the RFEF had threatened with legal action earlier that day.

Agency Reporter

National Sports Festival 2024: organizers begin search for ceremonies teamproduce show-stopping Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the next National Sports Festival.

National Sports Festival 2024: organizers begin search for ceremonies team

produce show-stopping Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the next National Sports Festival.

This follows the inauguration of the Local Organizing Committee for the Games by Governor Dapo Abiodun last month.

“Ogun State is not just the educational capital, we’re also the creative capital of Nigeria and there’ll be so much local talent and inspiration for our ceremonies production team to draw upon to tell the Ogun State story,” Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, Chair of the Protocol and Ceremonial sub-committee said. “An Expression of Interest is the first phase in recruiting the production team."

The 2024 Games are the second to be hosted in Ogun State and organizers are challenging creative industries to use the tender as “an opportunity to think differently.” “Ogun is a trailblazer in all respects and that’s what I want the nation to see during our opening and closing ceremonies,” Sarafa-Yusuf added.

Organizers stated that the ceremonies team will be involved with everything from bringing up creative ideas and collaborating with people, to overseeing auditions with local artists and managing the technical aspects of the production.

“Our vision is that Gateway Games 2024 will honour the different cultures of the predominant ethnic groups in Ogun State, recognize their representatives in formal protocols, and share the history and contemporary stories of our state. “

Mrs. Sarafa-Yusuf who, for many years, as Globacom’s Head of Sponsorships spearheaded the telecoms company’s organization of the Glo-CAF Awards and the Glo-Lagos Marathon added: “We want experts because our athletes and performers deserve ceremonies that run like clockwork- truly world class events. We want well scripted, seamlessly executed and interactive ceremonies. This is also a creative exercise, so we want the team that can really get to the heart and soul of the Gateway State; share its stories and showcase our galaxy of stars”

The Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta is set to be the venue for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2024 National Sports Festival.

Ogun State also hosted the National Sports Festival in 2006; an endeavour which was generally regarded as one of the best ever organized in Nigeria.

The Nation 

PSC retires four deputy inspectors general Police.

PSC retires four deputy inspectors general

Police.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has retired Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) Moses Jitiboh, Mohammed Dan-Mallam, Adeyinka Adeleke, and Hafiz Inuwa.

The compulsory retirement may not be unconnected with the fact that the four DIGs were senior to incumbent Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, reads: “The Police Service Commission, in exercise of its statutory powers pursuant to the Third Schedule, Part 1 M, paragraph A&B of the 1999 Constitution, reinforced with Section 6 of the commission’s (Establishment) Act 2001, paragraphs a, c, d, e, &f, has compulsorily retired four Deputy Inspectors General of Police. The affected DIGs are: Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Moses Ambakina Jitiboh, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa and Adeleke Adeyinka Bode.

“In the wake of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on June 19, 2023 by Mr. President, the commission had expected, in consonance with the revered tradition of discipline and regimented culture of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), that those DIGs, who were seniors in rank prior to his (Egbetokun’s) elevation, would voluntarily apply for retirement or elect to leave the Force.

“The commission, having waited for ample time with no such application from any of them, took the decision to compulsorily retire them in order to uphold discipline, which is the bedrock of the Force, and to discourage status reversal, which is inherently inimical to the exercise of authority by the Inspector General.

“Accordingly, the former DIGs have been mandated to immediately proceed on compulsory retirement with effect from Friday, August 25, 2023…

“The commission also approved the appointment of four Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), which would be subject to ratification by the Board of the Commission, to replace the retired DIGs.

“The newly appointed DIGs, who are without Pending Disciplinary Matters and/or without any serious medical conditions and health impairments, were drawn from the same respective geo-political regions of the retired ones.

“They are: DIGs Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, Daniel Sokari–Pedro, Ayuba Ekpeji, and Usman Nagogo.”

“While congratulating them for their elevation to the enviable rank of DIGs, the commission hopes that their appointment will add value and greater vigour to the efforts of the Nigeria Police in delivering on its mandate.”

The Nation. 

COST OF GOVERNANCE: PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS NON-INCLUSION OF FGN OFFICIALS WITH NO DIRECT UNGA PARTICIPATION FROM TRAVELING IN NIGERIA'S DELEGATION.

COST OF GOVERNANCE: PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS NON-INCLUSION OF FGN OFFICIALS WITH NO DIRECT UNGA PARTICIPATION FROM TRAVELING IN NIGERIA'S DELEGATION.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE:

As part of a broader effort to reduce the cost of governance in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to freeze the processing of visas for all government officials seeking to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly without proof of direct participation in UNGA's official schedule of activities.

To prevent any sharp practice in this regard, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is accordingly guided on official visa processing while Nigeria's Permanent Mission in New York is further directed to prevent and stop the accreditation of any government official who is not placed on the protocol lists forwarded by the approving authority.

By this directive of the President, all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies are mandated to ensure that all officials, who are approved for inclusion in the UNGA delegation, strictly limit the number of aides and associated staff partaking in the event. Where excesses or anomalies in this regard are identified, they will be removed during the final verification process.

The President wishes to affirm that, henceforth, government officials and government expenditure must reflect the prudence and sacrifice being made by well-meaning Nigerians across the nation.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 28, 2023

A Call for Support: Aaye's Quest for Local Government Chairman.

A Call for Support: Aaye's Quest for Local Government Chairman.

Dear Respected Citizens of Aaye Street,

I extend my warm greetings to each and every one of you. As you are well aware, I am currently in the race for the esteemed position of Chairman in our local government. I take this moment to humbly implore all of you to provide me with your unwavering moral and spiritual support for this endeavor.

Reflecting on the political landscape of Igede, it is evident that an individual from Aaye has not yet had the privilege to hold the prestigious position of Chairman. This fact, unfortunately, has led to the perception that our children lack the capability to excel in such roles. Aaye has been consistently overlooked for executive appointments in the past.

Looking back, we have witnessed three individuals from Ilogbo, the incumbent (Ogundana,) Liberty,  with Osajuyigbe as VC had occupied the position. 

Awolokun, from Ilamoye, came as caretaker.

Followed by Daplag and Toba Adaramola from Odo Uri.

This raises the question: Why has Aaye, as the symbolic heart of Igede, not been given the chance to lead the local government?

It is time to make a collective decision that heralds a new beginning. Let us rally together and harness the strength of our children, both at home and abroad, to support my aspiration.

My vision for Aaye Street and the entire local government is to embark on many developmental projects that will uplift our community and its infrastructure:

The first project on my agenda will be the development of the road from Aaye/Igedora to Ujala farmland.

Addressing the concerns of the community, I pledge to prioritize Construction of Ona Oko Irona to Okoro road.

The Alayun Road leading to Idi Iroko will receive due attention under my leadership.

Recognizing the importance of skills, I am committed to establishing a skill acquisition center in Aaye, focusing on nurturing artisans for international technology transfer.

I intend to upgrade our Oja Oba to a shopping complex akin to the one in Ado.

Ensuring education for all, I will champion Compulsory Free Education for fatherless children.

Upholding the values of compassion and solidarity, my administration will provide a monthly welfare dividend to support the vulnerable and elderly members of our community.

It's also important to note that my commitment extends beyond Aaye; I am dedicated to addressing the needs of every corner of Igede.

Let us join hands in making this vision a reality. Together, we can rewrite the history of Aaye in the local government and create a legacy of progress and empowerment. Your support will be invaluable in achieving these goals.

Thank you for your attention and consideration.

Warm regards,

Hon. Wale Alade-Oba

No Plan To Borrow To Finance Nigeria's Economy — Wale Edun Says.

No Plan To Borrow To Finance Nigeria's  Economy — Wale Edun Says.

The Minister said Federal Government has no intention to borrow from any local or foreign organisation with its removal of subsidy on petrol and exchange rate harmonisation.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, revealed this at the end of the inaugural Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday in Abuja.

He said that the benefit of the subsidy removal would be ploughed back into various sectors aimed at boosting government revenue and improving the business environment for local and foreign investment.

Mr Edun said that with the increased revenue from subsidy removal, various palliatives have been made available to cushion its effect on a short, medium and long-term basis.

He reiterated the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s desire to bring back the economy from the wood it has found itself over time.

EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT TO DISBURSE GRATUITY TO RETIREES.

EKITI STATE GOVERNMENT TO DISBURSE GRATUITY TO RETIREES.

PRESS RELEASE:

The disbursement of cheque in respect of payment of gratuity to retired Local Government workers and Primary School teachers by the Ekiti State Government will hold on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

The event which is the third batch this year has been slated to take place at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti by 1.00pm and will be presided over by the Governor of Ekiti State Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

All the beneficiaries, invited guests, dignitaries and government officials are to be seated by 12.30pm.

 

Signed:

Wole Adeleye, Director of Information and Civic Orientation, Local Government PTAD.

 For: Executive Secretary Local Government PTAD.