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In a recent address during the commissioning of the 34.85-kilometer Oyo-Iseyin Road, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State delivered a firm message to indigenes and princes vying for the esteemed Alaafin of Oyo throne. He urged them to cease their disputes over the selection of the next occupant of this historic position.

Governor Makinde emphasized that the Alaafin of Oyo stool would not be swayed by the highest bidder. The vacancy in this prestigious position arose following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April 2022. The Governor issued a stern warning, cautioning against any attempts to sell or purchase the throne, firmly stating that such individuals would meet their downfall.

Addressing the residents of the town, Governor Makinde also highlighted the accomplishments of his administration, affirming that they had delivered on their promises to the people of the state. He emphasized the significance of the Oyo-Iseyin Road project, describing it as a vital endeavor that would unlock opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Oyo and the Oke-Ogun regions.

"I call on princes and interested parties in Oyo to stop bickering over the selection of a new Alaafin of Oyo," the Governor stated unequivocally, reiterating that the revered throne's destiny would not be determined by financial influence but by merit and tradition. He continued, "It gives me great joy to be here today as we commission one of the key projects that will open Oyo and Oke-Ogun zones to further investments and economic stimulation."

The Governor acknowledged the positive impact of the newly inaugurated road on commuters and businesses in the region, emphasizing that it not only promotes convenience but also cost-saving measures. This infrastructure development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the socio-economic landscape of Oyo State.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, has put forward a fresh list of ministerial nominees, comprising 19 names, to the Senate. The new batch of nominees was presented by Femi Gbajamiabila, the Chief of Staff and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, during a session in the Red Chamber. To accommodate this development, the Senate suspended its rules at 3:15 pm to facilitate the entry of the Chief of Staff.

The nominees listed for ministerial positions are as follows:

1. Ahmed Tijani Kwazo
2. Bosun Tijani
3. Dr. Isiak Salako
4. Dr. Tunji Alausa
5. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu
6. Adegboyega Oyetola
7. Atiku Bagudu
8. Bello Mattawale
9. Ibrahim Gaidam
10. Simon Lalong
11. Lola Ade John
12. Dr. Mariam Shetti
13. Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
14. Prof. Taye Mamman
15. Sen. Sabi Abdullahi
16. Senator Alkali Ahmed Saidu
17. Senator Heineken Lokpobori
18. Uba Maigari Ahmadu
19. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo

With this latest list of nominees, the President seeks to fill important ministerial positions, aiming to drive the nation's policies and governance. The presentation of these names comes as a significant development in the administration's efforts to ensure an efficient and effective government structure.

The Senate's willingness to suspend its rules to accommodate the Chief of Staff's entrance highlights the importance of the ministerial selection process in shaping the country's leadership and direction. The nominees' qualifications, experience, and dedication to public service will be closely scrutinized during the confirmation process.

Once confirmed, these ministerial nominees will join the government's ranks to collaborate with various departments and agencies to address pressing issues and deliver on the administration's promises. Their roles will be instrumental in steering Nigeria towards its developmental goals, fostering economic growth, and improving the welfare of its citizens.

As the confirmation proceedings unfold, the nation eagerly anticipates the Senate's decision on the suitability of each nominee. The president's choice of these individuals reflects his vision for a competent and diverse cabinet, ready to address the challenges and opportunities facing the country.

The presentation of 19 additional ministerial nominees by President Tinubu signifies a crucial step in shaping the future of Nigeria's governance. These individuals, if confirmed, will play pivotal roles in charting the nation's course and addressing its most pressing issues. The Senate's careful evaluation and consideration of these nominees will determine the composition of the country's leadership and pave the way for progress and prosperity.

In the wake of a military junta overthrowing Niger's elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, the Nigerian government has taken a decisive step by cutting off power supplies to its neighboring country, the Niger Republic. This move came shortly after an emergency meeting convened by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where sanctions, including freezing utility services, were imposed on Niger Republic due to the coup, according to Daily Trust reports.

Power Disruption in Niger Republic

Nigelec, the electricity company in Niger, announced the suspension of power supplies from Nigeria. Cities such as Maradi, Zinder, and Niamey experienced an hour of electricity before facing up to five hours of blackouts. Such power outages are rare in Niger, a country that typically enjoys consistent and reliable electricity supplies.

The Impact of the Nigerian Government's Decision

The Nigerian government's decision to cut off power supplies has significant implications for Niger Republic. Approximately 70 percent of Niger Republic's electricity supply is dependent on Nigeria, primarily sourced from the Kainji Dam. With this supply disruption, Niger Republic faces challenges in meeting its energy demands, potentially impacting daily life, businesses, and essential services.

Political Tensions in the Region

The political situation in Niger Republic remains tense after the military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The actions of the ECOWAS member states, including Nigeria, to impose sanctions reflect the regional concern over the political upheaval and its potential consequences. Cutting off power supplies serves as a strong message to the military junta and underscores the seriousness of the situation.

Regional Cooperation and Stability

The situation in Niger Republic highlights the importance of regional cooperation and stability in West Africa. ECOWAS's intervention and the subsequent actions taken by member states demonstrate a collective effort to address political crises and maintain peace and stability in the region.

The Importance of Electricity in Development

The power outage in Niger Republic also brings attention to the crucial role of electricity in a country's development. Reliable access to electricity is essential for economic growth, social development, and overall well-being. The disruption of power supplies underscores the significance of energy security and the need for diversified energy sources to reduce dependency on a single provider.

Bilateral Relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic

The power supply cut-off has implications not only for Niger Republic but also for the bilateral relations between Nigeria and its neighbor. Both countries share historical, cultural, and economic ties, making cooperation and constructive engagement crucial for the prosperity of the region.

The Nigerian government's decision to cut off power supplies to Niger Republic following the military coup signals a strong stance by ECOWAS member states against political instability. As Niger Republic grapples with power outages and its implications, regional cooperation and diplomatic efforts will play a pivotal role in resolving the crisis. The situation also calls for a renewed focus on energy security and the importance of reliable electricity supply for a nation's development.

In a brewing legal battle, Twitter has issued a strong warning to Meta, the parent company of Instagram, over its newly launched platform called Threads. Introduced as a text-based companion to Instagram, Threads bears similarities to other text-based social platforms, including Twitter itself.

The rivalry escalated when Mark Zuckerberg, the owner of Meta, proudly announced that Threads had amassed a staggering 30 million users on its very first day, putting it far ahead of its competitors in terms of user adoption.

However, the excitement surrounding Threads quickly soured as Alex Spiro, a Twitter attorney, sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, alleging the misuse of Twitter's "trade secrets and other intellectual property" in the creation of the Threads app. Forbes reports that Spiro's letter was swift in its demand for action, stating that Twitter intends to fiercely protect its intellectual property rights and urging Meta to immediately cease using any Twitter trade secrets or confidential information in relation to Threads.

The attorney emphasized that Twitter reserves all rights to seek appropriate remedies, including civil remedies and injunctive relief, to prevent further retention, disclosure, or use of its intellectual property by Meta without any additional notice.

Furthermore, Spiro accused Meta of hiring numerous former Twitter employees who had previously been privy to Twitter's trade secrets and other highly confidential information. This allegation raises concerns about the potential transfer of proprietary knowledge from Twitter to Meta during the development of the Threads app.

As the tension between these tech giants escalates, the dispute highlights the importance of safeguarding intellectual property and respecting trade secrets in the fiercely competitive social media landscape. The outcome of this potential lawsuit could have significant implications for both Twitter and Meta, shaping the future of their relationship and potentially impacting the development and features of the Threads platform.