Mokwa Flood Was Ordained By Allah – IBB

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) has described the Mokwa flooding incident as an unfortunate happening.

The former military leader, however, added that the tragic incident was ordained by God.

Naija News reports Babangida made the submission on Friday when he received a state government delegation led by the Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba on a Salah homage at his residence in Minna.

While commiserating with the people and and government of Niger over the incident which destroyed many properties and left about 200 people dead, IBB urged the people to use the Eid-El- Kabir period to pray for the repose of lives of the deceased and protection of all those affected

He said, “What happened in Mokwa is unfortunate but it is ordained by Allah. It is beyond our powers, and this is why we should all continue to pray for the souls of the deceased.”

Speaking during the visit, the Niger State Deputy Governor said the delegation’s visit was to seek his blessings and fatherly advice.

He highlighted that the former military leader is obviously disturbed by the flooding, but added that the government under the leadership of Governor Umar Bago is working to bring hope and succour to all those affected.

We are aware that the General is disturbed by the recent incident in Mokwa and all we need from all and sundry is prayers and we will also appreciate your fatherly role at all times especially at this trying period.

The people of Niger State and Nigeria in general are appreciative of your diligent service to the country and we assure you that the State Government will not fail you as you remain a pillar of hope for the Nation,” the Deputy Governor said.

“Everyone makes mistakes – it’s part of the game,” Chelle said at his post-match interview when asked about Safonov’s error.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has defended Russia goalkeeper Matvey Safonov following his error during the two sides’ 1-1 international friendly draw on Friday in Moscow.

Recall that Safonov mistakenly passed the ball to substitute Tolu Arokodare, who slotted home the Super Eagles’ equalising goal in the 71st minute. Semi Ajayi had earlier scored an own goal in the first half of the encounter at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Reacting to the error made by the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, Chelle expressed his support for the 26-year-old by insisting that everyone makes mistakes.

“Everyone makes mistakes – it’s part of the game,” Chelle said at his post-match interview when asked about Safonov’s error.

Goals are scored precisely because of mistakes. I don’t think the goalkeeper is the only one to blame – it’s the result of the entire team’s actions. I follow the French championship and I can say: you’ve a great goalkeeper,” he added.

Steve Bannon Urges Trump To Size SpaceX And Deport Elon Musk Immediately

Former White House adviser Steve Bannon called on President Donald Trump to investigate Elon Musk’s immigration status and deport the South African tech billionaire after a bitter fight between Trump and Musk played out on Thursday, June 5.

They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately,” Bannon, a MAGA insider, told The New York Times on Thursday.

Musk and Trump spent much of Thursday afternoon trading words after their dispute over Trump’s agenda-setting One Big Beautiful Bill Act escalated.

During an appearance on his “Bannon’s War Room” live webcast, Bannon attacked Musk, who until recently was the head of the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE

Elon Musk is illegal, and he’s got to go,” Bannon said. “He’s illegal? Deport immediately.”

You’re going to ship these other people home. Let’s start with the South Africans, OK?” he added, alluding to the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration crackdown.

Musk, one of the largest donors to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign at roughly $250 million, was born and grew up in South Africa before he emigrated to Canada and later moved to the U.S., where he became a citizen while growing his tech empire, which includes SpaceX, the social platform X, Tesla and other endeavors.

The Washington Post reported last year that Musk worked in the country illegally before gaining citizenship, prompting questions from Bannon and others about whether Musk’s citizenship is legal.

Bannon also noted Musk’s reported drug usage as potential ammo for prompting his deportation. The New York Times reported last week that Musk’s alleged use of ketamine and other substances on the campaign trail sparked concerns in Trump circles, but Musk denied the claims.

The drug thing is going to be investigated,” Bannon said.

Trump and Musk’s relationship began to sour in recent days as Musk lashed out over the Trump-backed megabill currently under review in Congress. Musk called it a “disgusting abomination,” while Trump pushed back and defended the bill.

Bannon said he supports Trump’s latest suggestion that Musk’s massive government contracts should be pulled

It needs dramatic action. I would pull all the contracts immediately,” Bannon said.

He also blasted Musk’s attacks against Trump, which escalated Thursday to a series of accusatory posts on his X platform that attempted to link Trump to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and claim credit for Trump’s election win.

President Trump empowered him more than anyone has ever been empowered in this government, had his back, promoted this guy, even when people like me said, ‘You’re making a mistake. This is a bad guy. He’s going to turn on you. He’s not with us. He’s also totally incompetent,’” Bannon said on War Room.

Then as soon as President Trump comes out today, and President Trump saying it in the nicest way possible about the bill … the guy gets up and starts tweeting the most vicious stuff you can tweet.”

Ex-Worker At Bishop Oyedepo’s House Speaks Out:’Threatened For Telling The Truth About Worker’s Conditions

A former staff member who previously worked in Bishop David Oyedepo’s residence has come forward with troubling revelations about worker conditions—and claims to now be receiving threats for speaking up.

In a now-viral series of social media posts, the individual, known on X as @greatness0220, detailed their experiences while employed in the household of the influential preacher and founder of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel.

You come to my DM to threaten me cos I spoke up about the treatment workers receive in Papa’s house,” they wrote, adding that they left the church for the sake of their mental health. “Mind you, it was my church before, but I had to stop for my mental health.”

In an earlier post that attracted significant attention, the ex-worker gave a chilling account of life behind the scenes:

“I worked in Bishop Oyedepo’s house, and they throw food away every day but you as a cook dare not eat even in the kitchen. They have CCTV cameras in the kitchen that is watched 24/7. Security are always looking hungry and haggard. It’s a sad sight.”

The post was shared alongside a tweet from tech entrepreneur Osaretin Victor Asemota, who echoed similar sentiments about poor treatment in the homes of the wealthy.

The incident has sparked a flurry of online debate, with many users expressing outrage and demanding accountability, especially from institutions that operate in the name of faith and service.

While the church has yet to officially respond, the whistleblower is standing firm:

I just want them to fix their workers’ welfare—especially the low-level workers.”

This story continues to gain momentum online as questions mount about the labor conditions within faith-based institutions.

Troops Intercept Truck Loaded With Live Ammunition In Anambra, Notorious Gunrunner Arrested

In a major breakthrough against arms smuggling, troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, working in collaboration with operatives of the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), have intercepted a truck carrying over 164,000 live cartridges in Anambra State.

The dramatic bust happened along the Asaba–Onitsha expressway on 29 May 2025, following credible intelligence reports. Security operatives swiftly moved in and apprehended the suspected gunrunner, Mr. Emeka Omenife, who was allegedly transporting the deadly cargo.

According to intelligence sources, Omenife was immediately handed over to the DSS for interrogation. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to being part of an international ammunition trafficking syndicate that moves weapons from Ghana to Nigeria.

Acting on the confession, troops launched a follow-up operation and arrested another suspect, Mr. Uchenna Obiora, at the Onitsha–Awka tollgate on 30 May 2025, as he awaited the delivery of the deadly consignment.

The operation successfully led to the interception of the truck carrying the massive cache of ammunition, which had been carefully concealed to avoid detection.

Authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on arms trafficking networks threatening the nation’s peace and security.

Bukayo Saka: Arsenal star snubs presenter who asked for quick interview

Bukayo Saka snubbed interview at Spanish Grand Prix, leaves presenter hanging

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka made headlines off the pitch on Sunday after declining an on-grid interview during the Spanish Grand Prix in Catalunya, where he appeared alongside the rest of the England squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 6.

The England team, enjoying a rare break from the pitch, was spotted on the start/finish line, much to the delight of Sky Sports presenter Simon Lazenby and 2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg, who were hoping for some star-studded pre-race content in the absence of traditional grid walk host Martin Brundle.

While Harry Kane was happy to share a few words — saying, “I’m good, I’m hot, but looking forward to the race, it’s my first one” — the exchange with Saka fell flat.

When approached by Lazenby for a quick chat, the usually cheerful Arsenal winger tersely replied, “I don’t like to say.”

The moment prompted an awkward chuckle from Rosberg, who remarked, “He’s not very friendly.”

The focus quickly shifted to Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who was much more receptive and even challenged the suggestion that England’s clash with Andorra would be a mere formality.

Saka and his England teammates will now turn their focus to securing a crucial World Cup qualifying win in Andorra.

Nigeria Would be Far worse Without Prayer-Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said the power of prayer over the nation has kept the nation saying, “Some say, ‘You’ve been praying and fasting — where is the result?’ I laugh. If we had not prayed, Nigeria would have been in a far worse state. Let’s not stop”.

He also declared that RCCG operates under a divine shield — a supernatural covering that has preserved the church from calamities since its inception.

Speaking on Sunday during the monthly Thanksgiving service and special prayer for security and paramilitary personnel at the RCCG national headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Adeboyeadded, “There is a God who rules in the affairs of men. If those praying would pause for just one week, the difference would be terrifying. Keep praying. God controls the hearts of kings.”

Adeboye preaching on the topic “Shadow of the Almighty,” talked about miraculous accounts that point to what he described as the “peculiarity” of RCCG under God’s shadow.

He said, “I never preach church or denomination, but there is something peculiar about the Redeemed Christian Church of God. There is a shield over the RCCG — unseen but undeniably present.

Adeboye recalled how a building in the United States, which hosts an RCCG house fellowship, was the only one spared in a row of 15 houses during a devastating flood. “House after house was flooded, but house number eight — the only one with a sign that read, ‘House Fellowship of RCCG holds here’ — remained untouched,” he said.

He also cited a fire incident in March at Otedola Bridge, Lagos, where a blaze razed multiple buildings but mysteriously spared an RCCG structure. “The buildings before and after were consumed, yet the RCCG building was left standing. That is not a coincidence — that is divine covering,” Adeboye said as the church’s media team projected the image during his sermon.

He emphasized that although God’s protective presence may not always be visible, it is powerful and ever-present for those who abide in Him. “Your security is only assured in Him. Whether in peace or war, young or old, the Almighty casts a shadow of protection over His own,” he declared.

Earlier in the service, his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, led a passionate session of prayer for the peace and progress of Nigeria and those in leadership. “Let’s ask God to show our president mercy and give him peace, so that he may enjoy his time in office,” she prayed.

The Thanksgiving service, which also honored security and paramilitary forces, highlighted RCCG’s ongoing commitment to spiritual intercession for Nigeria’s peace and divine protection for its people.Source

Why you Should Not Choose Successor Just Because They Kneel for You-Akpabio Tells Governors

Akpabio said governors who settle for successors simply because they kneel before them might be setting themselves up for betrayal when they finally leave office.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged second-term governors to exercise caution and wisdom when choosing their successors.

He gave this advice on Saturday at the commissioning of the first 30 kilometres of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in the Lekki area of Lagos.

The Senate President emphasized the place of vision in leadership, urging second-term governors, particularly those in the All Progressives Congress, APC, to prioritise visionary leadership over patronising loyalty.

“We have a President who has both sight and vision. And this for me is something I must advise our governors, particularly those of them who are in their second term. Do not give power to anybody who is not looking for power.

Don’t give power to anybody who is not prepared. Don’t go hiding in your heart that this boy is very subservient; he is always kneeling when he is talking to me, his wife is always rolling on the floor, I think I should make this one the governor.

If you do that, you are giving power to somebody who is not prepared for governance and they will disappoint you. This is where betrayals normally start. I am just trying to give some advice.

For the progressive governors, I believe that all of you are doing well because you are being led by a man who has both sight and vision,” Akpabio said.

Present at the event were President Bola Tinubu, Works Minister Dave Umahi, as well as second-term governors including Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).

Putin To Rival Eurovision with Russia’s Own song Contest After Ukraine War ban.

Russia was banned from entering the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine, but it seems Vladimir Putin doesn’t want the country to miss out on the fun

Russia might not be a part of the Eurovision Song Contest at the moment – but that doesn’t mean Vladimir Putin doesn’t want to be part of the fun.

While Russia has competed and even won Eurovision in the past, they were kicked out in 2022 after invading Ukraine. The same year, Ukraine won with Kalush Orchestra’s Stefania, however second-place UK hosted the 2023 contest due to the ongoing war.

It was announced earlier this year that Russia will hold its Intervision competition in September. It was originally launched in 1965, and was the Eastern Bloc equivalent to the Eurovision Song Contest.

Organisers have said the 2025 contest will be held in Moscow at the LIVE Arena.

Putin shared his plans for the contest to return in February.

It originally included countries from the Eastern Bloc, including Hungary, Poland, East Germany and the Soviet Union. Over the years, other countries, such as Portugal, Switzerland, Spain and Azerbaijan, joined.

It aired from 1965 to 1968, then again between 1977 and 1980, and for a final time in 2008.

Russia was banned from entering the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022 after it launched an attack on Ukraine. Fans and other participating countries put pressure on organisers the European Broadcasting Union to ban Russia.

Russian singer Alla Pugacheva, who is considered the country’s queen of pop, was one of the joint winners in 1978.

And after having said Russia could compete just a day earlier, the country was blacklisted after a quick change of mind from the EBU.

Organisers have always said the contest is not political, and entrants with political messaging are often asked to change their performance or leave the competition.

However the decision to remove Russia was praised by many in politics.

UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said on Twitter at the time: “Eurovision stands for freedom, unity and respect between countries – watched and enjoyed by tens of millions around the world.

Glad to see Eurovision taking action and kicking Russia out.”