The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the monetary policy rate (MPR) by 200 basis points, to a new unprecedented 24.75% at the end of its 294th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
This is a lower hike compared to the 400 basis points at 22.75% in the previous month. The decision announced by the CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso, propels the MPR to its highest point ever, reaffirming the CBN’s aggressive stance on monetary tightening in response to inflationary pressures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuSXZSJ6qdY
The bill is expected to face legal challenges
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that will prohibit children younger than 14 from joining social media in the state. Those who are 14 or 15 will need a parent’s consent before they join a platform.
The bill, HB3, also directs social media companies to delete the existing accounts of those who are under 14. Companies that fail to do so could be sued on behalf of the child who creates an account on the platform. The minor could be awarded up to $10,000 in damages, according to the bill. Companies found to be in violation of the law would also be liable for up to $50,000 per violation, as well as attorney’s fees and court costs.
“Ultimately, [we’re] trying to help parents navigate this very difficult terrain that we have now with raising kids, and so I appreciate the work that’s been put in,” DeSantis said in remarks during the bill-signing ceremony.
DeSantis previously vetoed a more restrictive version of the bill that would have banned social media accounts for kids under 16. That bill also required Florida residents to submit an ID or other identifying materials in order to join social media.
HB3, which is slated to take effect in January 2025, comes as efforts to regulate social media continue to ramp up across the U.S. amid concerns from some parents that the platforms don’t do enough to keep their kids safe online.
In December, more than 200 organizations sent a letter urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to schedule a vote on the Kids Online Safety Act, or KOSA, which seeks to create liability, or a “duty of care,” for apps and online platforms that recommend content to minors that can negatively affect their mental health.
In January, lawmakers grilled CEOs from TikTok, X and Meta about online child safety. The tech executives reaffirmed their commitment to child safety, and pointed to various tools they offer as examples of how they are proactive about preventing exploitation online.
Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and other advocates of the new law argue that social media use can harm children’s mental health and can lead to sexual predators communicating with minors.
“None of us can afford to be on the sidelines when it comes to social media,” Renner said in remarks made at the bill signing.
Several states that have enacted similar laws to limit teen social media — including Ohio and Arkansas — have been challenged by NetChoice LLC, a coalition of social media platforms whose members include Meta, Google and X, among others.
Drummer Kunle Ayanlowo, who claims to have worked for K1 De Ultimate for 32 years, speaks out in a new video, accusing his former employer of threatening his life.
In the latest video, drummer Kunle urges Nigerians to come to his assistance, claiming that he has been repeatedly harassed and bullied by those sent to him by his ex-boss K1 De Ultimate.
Recall that a few weeks ago, Kunle Ayanlowo made news after revealing in an interview that K1 De Ultimate often mistreats his employees/band members.
He stated that he worked with k1 De Ultimate for 32 years and did not accomplish anything throughout his time with him.
He also described a disturbing episode in which he said K1 forced him to forego critical medical care as the driver was transporting him to the hospital for treatment.
Responding to all of the claims against him, K1 De Ultimate breaks his silence, revealing that Ayankunle, who worked with him for 32 years, was never serious throughout his time with him.
In a diss track, K1 asserted that Kunle Ayanlowo is always looking for money and happiness, and the consequence is what he sees after 32 years of working with nothing to show off.
He added that he is the sole idea behind his band creation stressing that he hired and also fired people.
He noted that Kunle Ayanlowo has left before and he came back just like others. K1 further noted that if he was a bad person they wouldn’t have come back.
Meanwhile, in a new video, Kunle Ayanlawo begs Nigeria as he averred that K1 De Ultimate boys have attacked him twice and his phone has been destroyed.
The drummer said he can’t sleep with his two eyes closed adding that if anything happens to him, his wife or children, K1 De Ultimate should be held responsible. He concluded that he doesn’t want his case to be like that of the late Mohbad.
In his words; ‘Nigerians please help me. Since last week I don’t have peace of mind anymore. I have been attacked twice and my phone has been destroyed. Different strange numbers have been calling me. Everyone should please save me from Wasiu Ayinde. My life is no longer safe.
Nothing must happen to my wife and children. If I lied against him in the interview, God should judge me. Pls don’t let my case be like Mohbad’s own. I am speaking out now, HELP ME! If I d!e today, Wasiu Ayinde k!lled me.”
Responding to reports of raids at homes belonging to Combs, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations New York confirmed it had “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation.” Law enforcement could be seen Monday at two of Combs’ homes – one in the Miami area and one in Los Angeles, according to CNN journalists on site.
HSI New York said it acted with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement. “We will provide further information as it becomes available,” the law enforcement department told CNN.
HSI is the lead investigative arm of the US Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, including human trafficking.
An HSI Miami representative told CNN’s Carlos Suarez the law enforcement action was a “search warrant execution.”
It is not yet clear if Combs or other residents are the target of the law enforcement actions. CNN has reached out to representatives for Combs for comment.
Aerial footage over Combs’ home in Los Angeles showed multiple, armed law enforcement officers walking around the grounds of the property. Mobile command post vehicles were visible at the Los Angeles home and at a home of his in the Miami area, where agents were processing paperwork on card tables. It likely will take time to locate and process evidence given the substantial size of the properties.
Combs, 54, founded the music label Bad Boy in 1993, and has gone by stage names Puff Daddy and Diddy. Credited with work that is regarded as instrumental in the growth of the hip-hop genre, Combs has won three Grammys in his career, along with 14 nominations. While he achieved initial success with his music, Combs also became a notable producer as well as entrepreneur.
Though it is not known if Monday’s law enforcement action is related, the event follows months of controversy for Combs.
In November 2023, Combs settled a suit brought by his former girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who alleged she was raped and subjected to years of repeated physical and other abuses by Combs.
“A decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing,” Ben Brafman, an attorney for Combs, told CNN in a statement at the time. “Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
Weeks later, at least two other civil lawsuits were filed in New York against Combs with allegations of sexual assault, including one filed in December in federal court that also included allegations of sex trafficking.
“I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” Combs said in response to the December suit. “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
Combs was accused of sexual assault and harassment in another civil lawsuit filed by a former male employee last month, claims which Combs, through his attorney, denied.
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/03/25/entertainment/sean-combs-home-search
Previous threads:
Puff Daddy Accused Of Sexual Assault By Rodney Jones aka Lil Rod
https://www.nairaland.com/8015483/puff-daddy-accused-sexual-assault
Sean ‘diddy’ Combs Sued For Rape, Sex Trafficking By Ex-girlfriend Cassie
https://www.nairaland.com/7913353/sean-diddy-combs-sued-rape
Cassie Settles Lawsuit Accusing Diddy Of Rape And Abuse
https://www.nairaland.com/7915342/cassie-settles-lawsuit-accusing-diddy
Photo 1) Members of law enforcement are seen outside of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ home in Los Angeles on Monday.
Photo 2) Law enforcement rides a vehicle near a property belonging to Sean “Diddy” Combs on Monday in Los Angeles.
One of the frontline governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, is dead.
Before his untimely demise, Akintelure had raised concerns about both direct and indirect threats to his life.
He had expressed hope that the situation would improve over time but sadly, it escalated as the APC governorship primary election scheduled for April 25 approached.
Akintelure’s alarm on threat to life
Akintelure in a statement released by his spokesperson, Oladapo Akintelure, on Thursday, March 21, 2023, said, “Initially, I hope these incidents would dissipate over time, yet regrettably, they have escalated to pose a serious threat to my life”
“The threats against me only strengthen my resolve to stand up for what is right and just. I will not allow fear to dictate our path forward.
“Let us embrace peace, progress, and unity. Our collective strength lies in our to stand together as one, regardless of our differences.”
Political background
Recall Akintelure ran as the deputy governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with Rotimi Akeredolu (the incumbent Ondo State governor) against Olusegun Mimiko, the then Labour Party flagbearer, who won the election.
Earlier, he had contested the senatorial election against the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, but he was defeated.
He was a medical doctor and hailed from Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.
This development happened as the build-up to the Ondo governorship election continued to gather momentum.
Tony Aziegbemi, the Edo state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been released after being kidnapped by a gang of gunmen near his home in Benin City.
He was set free by his abductors in the early hours of Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Aziegbemi returned to his Benin City residence around 3 a.m.
Crusoe Osagie, the special adviser for media projects to the Edo State Governor, confirmed the release in a telephone conversation with Channels Television.
The former member of the House of Representatives represented the Esan North-East/Esan South-East federal constituency of Edo State. According to reports, his abductors, who rode in two Toyota Corolla cars, trailed him on the night of Friday, March 16, 2024, when they seized him.
The gunmen intercepted Aziegbemi’s sports utility vehicle (SUV) along Osaro Street, around 11 p.m. that night.
Senegal opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a political newcomer popular among the country’s disaffected youth, is set to be declared the next president after his main rival called him on Monday, March 25, to concede defeat.
Provisional results showed Faye with about 53.7% and Amadou Ba – from the current ruling coalition – with 36.2% based on tallies from 90% of polling stations in the first-round vote, the electoral commission said.
Amadou Ba and President Macky Sall both congratulated Faye, who turned 44 on Monday, March 25. They hailed the outcome as a win for Senegal.
“The Senegalese people have reinforced the good health of our democracy.. I wish him (Faye) success at the head of our country,” Ba said.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s extraordinary rise caps a rollercoaster period in Senegalese politics that caught many off-guard.
Faye spent months in jail alongside ally and kingmaker Ousmane Sonko, but the pair were released suddenly the week before the presidential election.
Now Mr Clean, as Faye is nicknamed, must get to work on the sweeping reforms he has promised.
“He’s never been a minister and wasn’t a statesman so critics question his lack of experience,” analyst Alioune Tine tells the BBC about Faye.
Many hope Faye’s victory will bring stability and an economic boost after three years of unprecedented political turbulence which saw several waves of deadly anti-government protests.
“I am happy to see there is a wind of change,” said Tall, an opposition supporter who joined revellers during the night as street celebrations broke out in anticipation of Faye’s victory.
“It is wonderful because democracy has won. Many thought it would not happen,” he said.
Meanwhile, singer Akon, who is originally from Senegal, has joined his countrymen to celebrate Faye’s victory.
Social media users have been astounded as crossdresser Bobrisky took home the title of Best Dressed Female at the Ajanaku movie premiere, leaving many in disbelief.
The event, held at Circle Mall in Lekki, saw numerous celebrities including Odunlade Adekola, Toyin Abraham, Mercy Aigbe, and Iyabo Ojo showing their support for Eniola Ajao’s film.
Among the attendees, Bobrisky stood out with an impressive outfit, ultimately bagging the Best Dressed Female award, much to the surprise of netizens.
The crossdresser was rewarded with a prize of N1 million, as captured in an online video where actor Femi Adebayo announced the victory.
Ajibade, Oshoala, Nnadozie lead Super Falcons squad for Paris Olympics qualifiers against South Africa
Coach Randy Waldrum has announced the list of players invited to represent the Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, in the upcoming Paris Olympics final qualifying fixture against South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
Among the 22 players called up are familiar faces such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Africa queen Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The squad also includes Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre, veteran Osinachi Ohale, and midfielder Deborah Abiodun.
Notable recalls have been made for 2019 World Cup star Chidinma Okeke and forward Chiwendu Ihezuo, while U20 defender Shukurat Oladipo earns her first invitation.
The Super Falcons will face South Africa in a two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for April 5th at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The return leg will take place on April 9th at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The winner of the tie will secure one of Africa’s two tickets to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.
Coach Waldrum has also retained regulars like wing-back Michelle Alozie, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, and forward Gift Monday in the squad.
Full list of invited players:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)
Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Forwards: Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Ifeoma Onumonu (SLC Utah, USA); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico)
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has approved the appointment of 168 assistants and 104 board members for the 15 agencies and commissions of the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Borno State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, on Monday in Maiduguri.
He said the appointees comprised of nine Senior Technical Assistants (STA), 81 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and 78 Special Assistants (SAs).
The SSG also listed 104 others as Chairmen and Board members of 15 agencies and commissions.
The appointment, the SSG said, was done based on powers conferred on the governor by the provisions of Section 208(2)d of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
“The governor congratulates the appointees and looks forward to their contributions to the development of Borno,” the SSG said.
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