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In a surprising turn of events, Nigerian aviation expert and youth activist, Isaac Balami, has defected from the Labour Party (LP) back to his former party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Balami, who previously served as the National Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti presidential campaign in 2023, made the announcement on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Abuja.

Balami had initially left the APC in 2023 due to the party's decision to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket, featuring President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. However, he has now reversed his stance, stating that the current administration has proven him wrong. He acknowledged that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was the primary reason for his departure, but he has come to realize that it holds little significance.

Balami praised President Tinubu's administration for its efforts in promoting equity and appointing credible Nigerians to key positions. He highlighted the president's outreach to the Middle Belt region, stating that no previous administration has worked as closely with the region as the current one. Balami expressed his optimism for Nigeria's future under the APC's leadership, saying, "I can see a Nigeria that, in a few years, will thrive." Following consultations with leaders across Nigeria, his family, and the Middle Belt caucus, Balami resigned from the Labour Party and returned to the APC.

Chaos erupted in Rivers State on Wednesday as a group of individuals blocked the entrance to the Port Harcourt Refinery Complex in Alesa-Elema. A viral video posted by social media influencer Imran Muhammed showed the group dancing to music in a makeshift tent and slaughtering a cow.

The motives behind the protest remain unclear, but sources suggest that the group is determined to halt the refinery's operations. Despite attempts to reach out to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for clarification,

Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, the founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries (CMDM), has responded to criticism over his "miracle soap" product, stating that it has received approval from the Nigerian government. The product, which includes soap, perfume, and water, was launched by Fufeyin to promote spiritual growth and well-being.

However, Abel Damina, the founder of Power City International in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has condemned the product, accusing Fufeyin of being a businessman rather than a prophet. In a video response, Fufeyin defended his product, revealing that it has a registered number from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Fufeyin claimed that he has personally used the soap and achieved success, stating, "I used it and succeeded with it. Something you don't know quite." He encouraged those suffering to try the soap, asking, "Are you not tired of suffering?" The controversy surrounding Fufeyin's miracle products continues to spark debate among Nigerians.

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid's latest summer signing, has expressed his enthusiasm about playing with Vinicius Jr. During his official presentation as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday in Spain, Mbappe emphasized that great players are meant to play together.

"Vinicius is an exceptional player, and I'm thrilled to share the pitch with him," Mbappe said. "I'm also looking forward to playing with Rodrygo and the rest of the team. As great players, we're meant to complement each other's skills."

Mbappe downplayed any potential concerns about competition or conflict, stating, "I won't have any issues playing with Vinicius. He had an outstanding last season, and now it's my turn to adapt to him, Rodrygo, and the rest of the team to support them."

This statement from Mbappe highlights his team-oriented mindset and eagerness to collaborate with his new teammates, setting a positive tone for his tenure at Real Madrid.

A 55-year-old herbalist, Kabiru Amuda, was arraigned in an Iyaganku Magistrate's Court, Ibadan, on Tuesday, for allegedly defrauding a victim of N2.5 million. Amuda pleaded not guilty to the charges of obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.

According to the prosecutor, Insp Iyabo Oladoyin, the defendant committed the offences in June at Ilora, Oyo State. He allegedly obtained the money from Taofeek Ogungbe, promising to prepare a traditional charm to boost his business and personal wealth. However, Amuda failed to provide the agreed services, contravening Sections 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Adebola Adeola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N3 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until August 20 for hearing.

Former Ogun State governor Olusegun Osoba has made a startling revelation about ex-military Head of State Ibrahim Babangida's (IBB) tenure. According to Osoba, IBB was held hostage by those who helped him overthrow General Muhammadu Buhari in 1985. This group, which included late Sani Abacha and Aliyu Gusau, exerted significant control over IBB's actions while he was in power.

Osoba shared this insight in an interview with ThisDay, recalling a meeting with IBB where he and other journalists confronted the military president about his government's shortcomings. IBB reportedly confessed that he had no choice but to listen to his fellow coupists, stating, "I am hostage to those who staged the coup and those who put me here... if I didn't listen to what they wanted, they would get me out in seconds."

Osoba's account suggests that IBB's powers were not absolute, and that he was beholden to the interests of those who brought him to power. This revelation provides a unique perspective on the dynamics of military rule in Nigeria and the constraints that IBB faced during his tenure. It also highlights the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable, even under challenging circumstances.

Arsenal FC has rejected two bids from Fulham and Crystal Palace for their midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, according to Sky Sports. The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the North London club due to limited game time under manager Mikel Arteta. Despite his talent, Smith Rowe only made three Premier League starts for Arsenal last season, largely due to injury issues.

As a result, Smith Rowe is eager to secure first-team football elsewhere. Fulham and Crystal Palace are now considering whether to submit an improved bid for the midfielder. Arsenal's decision to block Smith Rowe's departure may be a strategic move to retain his services or negotiate a better deal.

The situation highlights Smith Rowe's desire for regular playing time, which has been scarce under Arteta's management. With his potential and age, Smith Rowe is an attractive target for Premier League clubs seeking to bolster their midfield. The transfer saga will likely continue, with Fulham and Crystal Palace weighing their options and Arsenal holding firm on their valuation of the player.

 
Ex-Formula One driver, Ralf Schumacher comes out as gay

Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has made a significant personal announcement by coming out as gay. This makes him the most high-profile driver in the sport's history to do so. Schumacher, the brother of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, shared the news on social media on Sunday night.

In an Instagram post, Schumacher expressed his joy and gratitude, saying, "The most beautiful thing in life is when you have the right partner by your side with whom you can share everything." The post included a photo of him and his French business manager, Étienne.

Schumacher's friend, German actor Carmen Geiss, confirmed the news on her social media post, saying, "I want to tell you about a person who plays a very special role in my life. For many years, I have known and loved him infinitely. Today, he confessed his homosexuality. This step was an act of liberation and self-acceptance for him."

Geiss praised Schumacher's courage, saying, "It was a courageous decision that has matured in him for a long time, and one he is now full of pride and confidence." This announcement marks a significant moment for the sports world and the LGBTQ+ community, and Schumacher's bravery is being celebrated by many.

The debate about who deserves the title of Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in football has been a long-standing one, with opinions divided between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Recently, Argentina legend Angel Di Maria shared his thoughts on the matter, firmly placing Messi at the top.

Di Maria, a former Argentina international, declared Messi as the greatest of all time. Speaking to the media after Argentina's 2024 Copa America win over Colombia, Di Maria cited Messi's impressive collection of Ballon d'Or awards as a key differentiator. "In the end, the best is the one who has more Ballon d'Ors, and Messi has eight," Di Maria said. "For me, therefore, there is some distance between him and Cristiano."

Di Maria's comments highlight the significance of individual accolades in evaluating a player's greatness. With eight Ballon d'Or awards, Messi surpasses Ronaldo's five, making a strong case for his status as the GOAT. While opinions may still vary, Di Maria's endorsement adds weight to Messi's claim to the top spot.

As a former teammate and fellow Argentina international, Di Maria's opinion carries significant weight. His statement adds to the ongoing conversation about Messi and Ronaldo's legacies, sparking further debate among football fans worldwide. Where do you stand on the GOAT debate? Share your thoughts!

The constitutional review process is currently underway, with a focus on critical issues such as state creation, state police, and other vital matters. According to Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, the committee is working tirelessly to ensure a thorough and inclusive review process

Agbese praised the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, for his exceptional leadership and innovative approach to constitutional review. The committee has adopted a citizen-driven approach, engaging various stakeholders and soliciting input from Nigerians nationwide. This has not only enhanced the review process but also fostered a sense of ownership and inclusivity among Nigerians.

The committee has identified critical stakeholders in various sectors to provide insight and guide the process. They are aggressively working on areas of concern to Nigerians, including state creation, state police, local government autonomy, and contradictions in local government election and autonomy and funding for the judiciary

Agbese assured that the committee will keep its promise of concluding the process before December 2025. The goal is to amend the constitution in a way that strengthens institutions and promotes nationhood, rather than creating further problems for the nation. The committee aims to create a flexible constitution that unites citizens and gives them a sense of nationhood.

The ongoing constitutional review process is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and representative constitution. By engaging citizens and soliciting their input, the committee is ensuring that the revised constitution reflects the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians. As the process moves forward, it is essential to maintain transparency and accountability to ensure a successful outcome.