Author: Chronicle Editor

A pipeline explosion at Magboro, Lagos-Ibadan expressway has caused standstill traffic, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said in a terse statement. FRSC Deputy Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, Corridor Commander, Lagos-Ibadan-Egbeda Corridor urged motorists to use alternative routes as operatives work to resolve the situation. “We have a case of gas pipeline explosion around Punch Newspaper, Magboro,” he said in the statement. “The pipeline got bursted while men of Julius Berger, the construction company working on Lagos-Ibadan expressway were excavating a surface for worksite. Three final year students die in Delta accident “This has led to a standstill traffic…

The Senate on Tuesday constituted a seven-man Adhoc committee to investigate a N1.2 trillion oil revenue loss to the Federal Government owing to a breach by Sinopec Addax Petroleum. The adhoc Committee which is chaired by Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC – Niger North) has six other members which include: Gershom Bassey; Biodun Olujimi; Ahmad Baba Kaita; Jubril Isah; Michael Nnachi; Clifford Ordia; and Haliru Jika. The decision to investigate the revenue loss due to the Federal Government was conveyed in a resolution by the Upper Chamber after it considered a motion sponsored by Senator Gershom Bassey (PDP – Cross…

25m subscribers might be affected The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday gave telecommunication companies two weeks to block subscriber identity module (SIM) cards that are not registered with the National Identity Numbers (NIN) usually issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). It warned that any telecom operators that failed to comply with the directive risked withdrawal of its licence or heavy penalty. Last week the Federal Government, through the NCC, ordered the suspension of new SIM registration by operators to allow an auditing of duly registered SIM cards. But stakeholders in the industry fear that about 25 million…

Two members of House of Representatives, Hon. Aliyu Datti Yakwo (PDP, Kano) and Hon. Danjuma Usman (APGA, Taraba) on Tuesday joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The letters of defection by the two lawmakers were read on the floor of the House during Tuesday plenary by Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila amidst protest by the leadership of the minority leadership describing the defection as illegal. Hon. Aliyu who defeated Abdulmuminu Jibril of the APC in a rerun election in 2019 said he was leaving the PDP because of existing crisis in the party that has generated division within…

A group of former senators, House of Representatives members and other politicians across the Southwest geo-political zone has urged the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to contest as president in the 2023 election. They spoke on Tuesday at the unveiling of the group’s logo in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The group is christened South West Agenda (SWAGA) and led by Senator Dayo Adeyeye. It comprises politicians including the immediate former Oyo State Deputy Governor Alake Adeyemo, Senator Adesoji Akanbi and former members of House of Representatives, including Bosun Oladele and Rotimi Makinde. Membership…

Relegation-threatened West Brom picked up their first ever point at Etihad Stadium as goalkeeper Sam Johnstone made two point-blank stoppage-time saves to deny Manchester City victory. City seemed on course for their customary home win against Albion when Ilkay Gundogan applied a first-time finish to Raheem Sterling’s cutback after half an hour. But the midfielder’s first goal in 22 games was cancelled out before half-time when a volley on the turn from Semi Ajayi, which appeared to be going wide, deflected off Ruben Dias and wrong-footed City keeper Ederson two minutes before the break. It was the first goal City…

Pedro Neto scored an added-time winner as Wolves came from behind to earn a dramatic victory and stop Chelsea going top of the Premier League. Daniel Podence had levelled in the second half after Olivier Giroud put the Blues ahead. The Portugal forward tiptoed through the Chelsea defence before wrong-footing goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a shot that deflected in off Reece James. It came after a fierce Giroud volley from Ben Chilwell’s cross crept through Rui Patricio’s gloves to open the scoring for the visitors. Neto was denied a late penalty for the hosts after referee Stuart Attwell reviewed his…

Russian President Vladimir Putin has become one of the last world leaders to congratulate US President-elect Joe Biden on his victory. The Kremlin had said it would wait for official results from November’s vote before recognising the victory. The Democrat won November’s contest with 306 electoral college votes to the Republican incumbent’s 232. Mr Trump still refuses to concede, making unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud. Confirmation by the electoral college was one of the steps required for Mr Biden to take office. In a blow to Mr Trump, one of his main Republican allies, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, congratulated…

US pop star Lizzo has sparked a body positivity debate after posting videos of her 10-day smoothie diet progress. The Grammy-winning singer has previously been lauded for her body-positive stance, celebrating “big girls” on songs like Juice. Now in a series of Tik Tok videos, she has charted her weight loss attempts. Many fans have commended her efforts on health grounds, while other have criticised the star for encouraging “diet culture”. The conversation around Lizzo’s weight was re-opened after she showcased her new daily diet results, saying it had made her feel “amazing”. Following reaction from fans, both positive and negative,…

The Senate has passed President Muhammadu Buhari’s Finance Bill 2020 transmitted to the National Assembly two weeks ago for consideration and passage. The passage of the bill was sequel to the consideration of a report by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance; Customs, Excise & Tariff; Trade and Investment; and Public Procurement. Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC – Lagos West), in his presentation said the Finance Bill 2020 specifically seeks to amend 17 key areas. They are: Capital Gains Act; Companies Income Tax Act; Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act; Personal Income Tax Act; Tertiary Trust…