LIST OF REASONS

The New York Judge clarified the no punishment decision of the court saying that it would bring "finality" and has no risk of interfering with Trump’s presidential duties. It is in the news that the President-elect Donald Trump will face no legal penalties for his conviction in the hush money case, a decision that has drawn significant attention as Judge Juan Merchan upheld the conviction but opted for no punishment. Trump, convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, will become the first convicted felon to assume the presidency. Despite the legal weight of the conviction, Merchan’s ruling focused on finality and the practical implications of imposing penalties on a sitting president. Trump’s conviction stemmed from payments made during his 2016 presidential campaign, intended to silence Daniels about an alleged affair. While Trump has consistently denied the affair, the payments and subsequ...

Babatunde Titilola sheds light on the dangers of gambling, especially its destructive effects on the gambler and their family. As Nigeria’s economic crisis deepens, more men are drawn into sports betting, lured by the promise of quick money through "sure odds." However, what starts as a hopeful attempt to escape financial hardship often becomes an addiction that drains resources, strains relationships, and destabilizes households. Titilola’s insights expose the devastating consequences of this trend, showing how it leads to emotional and financial ruin. Toyin, a resident of Ibadan and a mother of two, tells her harrowing story. Her husband, a cab driver, succumbed to gambling during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. With little work and dwindling income, he began betting on virtual games. What seemed like a temporary fix spiraled into an uncontrollable habit. He borrowed money recklessly to continue gambling, convinced he could hit a winning streak. Instead, his addiction grew, ...

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, clarified the circumstances surrounding the departure of 1,000 staff members from the apex bank, stating that their exit was entirely voluntary and accompanied by full payment of benefits. During an investigative hearing convened by the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee, the Governor, represented by Deputy Director of Corporate Service, Mr. Bala Bello, emphasized that the Early Exit Programme (EEP) and related restructuring efforts were designed to enhance efficiency and optimize performance within the bank. Mr. Cardoso reiterated that the 1,000 staff members were not sacked but opted for voluntary exit under a program aimed at repositioning the institution for greater efficiency. He explained that the EEP was part of broader efforts to realign the bank’s human resources with its operational and technological requirements, ensuring that “round pegs are put in round holes.” According to him, the initiative r...

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern warning that 2025 could see a prolonged confrontation with the Federal Government of Nigeria because pending issues and expectations are not addressed. According to ASUU, the government's efforts in the previous year were merely superficial and did not result in any substantial improvements in the university education sector. The union criticized the Federal Government for its continued neglect of the university system and its failure to resolve longstanding issues satisfactorily in 2024. ASUU's Ibadan chapter chairman, Professor Ayo Akinwole, emphasized in a statement that the uninterrupted academic calendar in 2024 was solely due to the sacrifices made by the union, rather than any meaningful resolution of issues by the government. He highlighted several unresolved issues, including the lack of funding for the revitalization of public universities based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of 2012, 2013, a...

In a significant diplomatic move, the Benin Republic recently summoned a Nigerien diplomat following serious allegations by Niger’s junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani. Tchiani accused Benin of backing terrorist activities in West Africa, a claim that has caused considerable tension between the two neighboring countries. Benin's response marks a formal protest against these allegations, which they have described as baseless and inflammatory.   Benin’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through a statement issued by Foreign Minister Olushegun Bakari via the social media platform X, confirmed that the Nigerien chargé d’affaires was summoned to provide clarification on these serious accusations. The statement emphasized that the accusations made against Benin were unfounded and reiterated the country's commitment to peace and collaboration with its neighbors. The Ministry’s statement read, “Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargee d’affaires of Niger has be...

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has made a resolute call for the withdrawal of the Tax Reform Bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu and submitted to the National Assembly. The NLC President, Joe Ajaero stated that the demand is because of the need to involving key national stakeholders in the tax reform process to ensure the resulting legislation is comprehensive and equitable.   The NLC's stance stems from widespread criticism of the bills, particularly from northern regions of the country, where they have been perceived as detrimental to economic growth. In a New Year message to Nigerians, Ajaero reiterated the union's commitment to advocating for the welfare and well-being of the nation's citizens in 2025. He stressed that the government's primary responsibility is to improve the lives of its people, a goal that should be reflected in all policy decisions.   The NLC's message, titled "In 2025, hope is in our collective resolve," underscores the unio...