NEWS
Again, Anambra Businessman Dies During AFCON Match
Osondu Nwoye, a businessman hailing from Anambra State, met an untimely demise while engrossed in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Cote d’Ivoire.
Residing in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Nwoye tragically collapsed and passed away during the intense penalty shootouts of the match on Wednesday evening.
As tensions ran high among football enthusiasts, particularly after the Egyptian referee awarded a penalty to South Africa following the disallowance of Nigeria’s second goal scored by Victor Osimhen, the atmosphere became charged with emotion.
Eyewitnesses reported that Nwoye, who jubilated along with fellow fans when Nigeria seemed to have secured a vital goal, succumbed to the stress of the match when the penalty was awarded against Nigeria, compounded by the VAR ruling out the goal that could have clinched victory for the Super Eagles.
Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Nwoye could not be revived, and he tragically passed away en route to the hospital.
Confirming the devastating loss, renowned businessman Obi Cubana took to his Instagram account on Thursday, February 8, 2024, to mourn Nwoye’s passing, describing him as an exceptional individual. “Yesterday’s match has taken some very important people.. why??? Nwachinemelu!!! Amazing human! Hosted us massively just last Sunday,” Cubana lamented.
In addition to Nwoye, other casualties who lost their lives while watching the match include Dr Cairo Ojougboh, a former member of the House of Representatives representing the Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State; Ayuba Abdullahi, the Deputy Bursar of Kwara State University (KWASU); Samuel, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Adamawa State; and Mikail Osundiji, a 43-year-old man from Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The newly appointed Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has arrived in the state to formally assume office, expressing optimism about maintaining peace and stability.
Ibas landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Thursday, where he was received by top government officials and security personnel.
Upon arrival, he was accorded a guard of honour before proceeding to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
Accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, Ibas was conducted around the Government House before heading to the Executive Council Chamber.
There, he addressed Government House officials and service chiefs in a closed-door session.
Speaking briefly with journalists, the retired Vice Admiral, dressed in an all-white native attire, expressed confidence in the state’s stability and promised further engagements with stakeholders.
“I want to thank you all for what you have been doing so far. When I got in here, I decided to meet with the Head of Service and service commanders. I will have to meet them for formal briefing,” Ibas stated. “I assure you that later this evening, I will address you on some issues you want to know.”
Asked about his reception in the state, Ibas said, “Port Harcourt is my city. Everything appears calm. We just want Port Harcourt to get to where it has always been.”
The Nigerian Senate on Thursday approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation imposing a six-month suspension on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
The Senate’s decision followed a closed-door session that lasted over an hour, after which Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the resolution.
The Senate based its approval on Orders 133, 134, 135, and 136.
READ ALSO: Fubara Breaks Silence On Tinubu’s State Of Emergency In Rivers, Calls For Calm
During the plenary, Akpabio read out Tinubu’s official letter, which stated: “In compliance with the provisions of Section 305, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I hereby forward, for the consideration of the Senate, copies of the official Gazette of the State of Emergency Proclamation 2025.”
The letter outlined the key aspects of the proclamation, including the suspension of the Rivers State government and the appointment of Vice-Admiral Iboete Iba as the state’s Administrator.
The Administrator will operate under direct instructions from the President.
“While I look forward to the expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” Tinubu’s letter added.
Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio committed it to the Senate Committee of the Whole for immediate passage.
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) then invoked Order 133, requesting a closed-door session.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to clarify that despite a minor incident at a section of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) earlier today, the plant remains operational and continues to produce on-spec refined petroleum products.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
This was disclosed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Wednesday night by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye.
The NNPC Ltd assures the public that there is no cause for concern, as all sections of the recently rehabilitated plant are in full operation, Soneye explained.
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