Rishi Sunak, the outgoing Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has resigned as the leader of his party, Conservative Party.

Sunak made this known during his speech at Downing Street which SaharaReporters monitored on Friday morning.

His announcement followed the poor performance of his party at the just concluded election which was held nationwide in the country on Thursday.

He said, “I would surely be seeing the Majesty to offer my resignation (as prime minister). To the country, I would like to say first and foremost, I am sorry.

“I have given this job my all. But you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change and yours is the only judgement that matters.

“I have heard your anger, your disappointment and I have taken responsibility for this loss. To all the Conservative candidates, to the campaigners who worked tirelessly without success, I’m sorry that we cannot deliver what your efforts deserve.

“Following this result, I will step down as party leader not immediately, but we want a formal arrangement for my successor to be in place. It is important that after 14 years in government, the Conservative Party is rebuilt and to take our crucial roles in the opposition professionally and effectively.”

Keir Starmer, the Labour leader is set to become the first Labour prime minister in 14 years.

He has pledged that his government will prioritise “country first, party second.”

Starmer declared, “A mandate like this comes with great responsibility.”

He stressed that his administration would focus on “national renewal,” aiming to rebuild and strengthen the United Kingdom across various sectors.

“We have to return politics to public service.”

“We did it,” Starmer triumphantly declared to supporters at London’s Tate Modern museum.

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested two women, Blessing Okonkwo, 24, and Efunaya Nabufe, 35, over the alleged stealing and buying of a 4-year-old boy.

The suspects who reside in Mubi North LGA, have confessed to stealing and buying the boy, identified as Friday Okonkwo.

This is according to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, who disclosed on Thursday that the mother of the boy, Hauwa Lawan, who lives at Rimirgo in Askira Uba, an Adamawa-Borno border town, reported the stealing of her son to the police on Tuesday, July 2.

Giving a background to the matter, Nguroje said Blessing, an elder sister to Friday, met their mother at Rimirgo sometime last year and pleaded with her to release her younger brother for her to enrol in school in Mubi as there is no standard school in Rimirgo.

Hauwa released the boy, not knowing that Blessing had concluded negotiations with Efunaya to buy the boy.

Blessing was said to have lied to Efunaya in the course of negotiations, saying that the boy was her son, a child she had while she was in secondary school.

She sold the boy for N410,000, according to her confession, and used the money to buy a grinding machine after giving N200,000 to her fiance.

A Nigerian lady has married her boss after getting job as a sales girl at the man’s company.

It was gathered that the lady applied for a job as a sales girl, but ended up getting married traditionally to her boss.

She shared a video on a popular social media platform where she revealed her face alongside a caption suggesting that she married her boss after initially applying to work under him as a salesgirl.

The caption reads: ‘You came to work as a salesgirl.’

In the video, the lady displays her wedding ring and is seen serving palm wine to her boss, now her husband, during their traditional wedding ceremony.

Other scenes from the video shared online depict different moments from the traditional marriage.

WATCH VIDEO: 

@elma_favorite

 

♬ original sound – Mirabel

Viktor Maslov: The man who turned football into a marathon

Imagine being a player in the 1960s. You’ve just lit your fourth cigarette during half-time when a mad Soviet coach named Viktor Maslov suddenly decides that you have to run. All the time. Everywhere on the pitch. Welcome to the birth of pressing!

Maslov invented a tactic that made even the most hardy players gasp for breath. His idea? Why wait for the opponent to come to you when you can hunt them down like a pack of hungry wolves? Suddenly, football was transformed from a gentleman’s game to a survival race. Thank you, Maslov, for making millions of couch potatoes exhausted just by watching.

Valeriy Lobanovskyi: When Einstein met football

If you thought rocket science was complicated, wait until you meet Valeriy Lobanovskyi’s football philosophy. This former engineer decided to treat football players as equations in a huge, sweaty maths problem.

Lobanovskyi was so obsessed with numbers that he probably dreamed in binary code. He was using computers to analyse matches long before anyone knew what a computer was. The result? A Dynamo Kyiv team that played with a precision that made Swiss watchmakers envious.

Arrigo Sacchi: Zorro of the zone defence

At a time when Italian defence was synonymous with clinging to the opponent like an annoying cousin at a family party, Arrigo Sacchi came along and introduced the zone defence. Suddenly the defenders were moving in perfect synchronisation, like a ballet group with leg splints.

Sacchi’s AC Milan team was so well organised that rumour has it they also coordinated their toilet breaks. His tactics were so effective that opponents often felt caught in an invisible web. Who knew that something as boring as zoning could be so beautiful?

Egil “Drillo” Olsen: When football meets Viking tactics

While all other coaches were busy playing smart and technical, Norwegian Egil “Drillo” Olsen decided to channel his inner Viking. His tactics? Bomb long balls up the field and see what happens. It was like watching a bunch of Norwegians on a raid, only with football boots instead of axes.

Drillos Norway climbed to an incredible 2nd place in the FIFA rankings, proving that sometimes the best tactics are no tactics at all. Or maybe it was just that opponents were too confused to react to a style of play that resembled organised chaos.

Tony Pulis: The Houdini of throw-ins

Most coaches spend hours honing their corner kick routines. Tony Pulis thought, why stop there? Let’s make every throw-in an event! Under Pulis, Stoke City’s throw-ins became more feared than a penalty.

Pulis’ team could turn even the most innocent throw-in into a goal, like a magician’s trick. The opponents never knew if the ball would end up in the box, on goal, or maybe in the next town. It was like watching a mix of football and javelin throwing, but without the javelin.

The future of football: When the nerds inherit the earth

Time goes, and football becomes as structured as if the players were not humans, but androids with a set number of tasks they had to execute, without the right to make mistakes or the improvisation opportunity. Different ideas of tactical maestros, proven over the years are woven into one genius masterplan, with some details that don’t work that well being thrown away, adapted or improved.

But it’s thanks to the bold tactical moves and experiments of Maslov, Sacchi, Lobanovskyi and others we got the modern football as it is: robotic sometimes, yes, but still interesting, fast, full of athleticism and intriguing plot. Meaning everything why we fell in love in this sport.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force, has dismissed claims that the 33-year-old graduate, Erasmus Emeya, was tortured to death in their custody.

This comes after the mother of the deceased, Rebecca Emeya, in a recent interview on the Berekete Family show, alleged that Erasmus was tortured and killed at the Nyanya Police Station in Abuja.

However, the force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released via X, denied claims that Erasmus was tortured to death.

According to him, the deceased was arrested for cultism and r*pe, stressing that an autopsy carried out on him revealed Erasmus died of asphyxiation and not torture.

Adejobi said the autopsy was done in the presence of the doctor(s) of the deceased family.

The statement read, “My attention has been drawn to this video. The matter is an old one and it has been decided. The FCT command handled the case. The autopsy report cleared the air on this. The boy, who was a cultist and arrested for alleged r*ping and killing of a young lady in the company of his friend, was never tortured by the police.

“The Force Headquarters was involved in the investigation then. Erasmus was a cultist who had been fingered in many crises and alleged killings of some innocent Nigerians in the area. He died of asphyxiation, according to the autopsy. Not torture, please. The autopsy was done in the presence of the doctor(s) of the deceased family.

“It’s unfortunate he died because the police even needed him to unravel some issues and pending cases in the area. May his soul rest in peace, while we urge Nigerians to always objective perception, understanding of cases, and view issues objectively before running down the police. We didn’t kill Erasmus.”

Abdulssamad Musa

Abdulssamad Musa, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Kashere, has been stabbed to death by a fellow student during an argument over a football match.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident to Punch, said the suspect fled after the incident on Tuesday night, July 2, 2024.

“Football is supposed to be a unifier and not a cause of death,” he said.

According to him, 18-year-old Musa died from the injuries he sustained as his neighbours fled instead of providing first aid to him or seeking immediate medical assistance.

“It was initially an argument between the students who lived in the same compound, but it soon turned into a violent argument which led to a fight. As a result, one of them used a knife to stab the other student, Abdulsalam Musa, 18 years and a 300-level student of the criminology department, faculty of Social and Management Sciences,” the PPRO said.

Abdullahi disclosed that because the neighbours failed to provide Musa with the much-needed help at the critical time of the incident as they all ran away, abandoning him to his fate.

“No immediate help was rendered to the victim. Instead, they just tried to escape. The main accused ran away, but we have put up so many efforts, and by God’s grace, we will get him

“The accused was a 300 level student, who went on Industrial Attachment Training, but came to sit for his carryover exams

“Upon his coming back, the residents in the outside hostel where he resided accommodated him. It will interest you to know that they are all from Plateau State, so you can see the height of their relationship,” he added.

 He called on residents to desist from acts of violence.

“Avoid unnecessary arguments that may lead to fight. Football promotes peace and not death. The argument ensued after they finished watching the match.”
 

Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has appealed to the members of the party to resolve their differences and work together in harmony.

The former Anambra governor made the call via his X account on Friday.

He stated that the party would emerge stronger if they were more united.

He stressed the need to move forward with a shared sense of purpose and vision.

Obi expressed confidence that the party would overcome the current crisis through open communication, empathy, and willingness to listen.

According to him, “We will successfully resolve our differences and emerge stronger and more united than ever. Our strength lies in greater unity for our common national good.

“I reiterate my earlier appeal for us to put aside our differences and work together in a spirit of harmony and mutual understanding.”
 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has stated that the Federal Government should be held responsible if it decides to embark on strike action because their demands have not been met.

This declaration was made during a protest rally organized by the University of Lagos branch of ASUU, which also saw significant participation from the university’s student body.

The rally, which emerged following a congress of the union members, vocalized strong support for ASUU’s stance on several unmet demands by the government.

Participants, including both lecturers and students, expressed their frustrations through various placards and chants denouncing the government’s neglect and insensitivity.

The procession concluded at the university’s main gate, where union executives outlined their grievances and sought public intervention.

At the heart of the union’s discontent are promises made by President Bola Tinubu, which, according to ASUU, have not been fulfilled.

“Despite a series of promises made by the current administration to address our demands, nothing has materialized thus far,” stated Prof. Kayode Adebayo, the branch chairman, during his address at the rally.

He emphasized that the union’s patience is wearing thin after years of protracted negotiations and unfulfilled commitments dating back to 2009.

Prof. Adebayo passionately appealed to parents and students to understand the union’s position and hold the government accountable for any potential disruptions in the academic calendar.

He stressed that the union’s potential decision to strike is a direct consequence of the government’s failure to meet agreed-upon demands, affecting not only the staff but the future of education for millions of Nigerian students.

He said, “The struggle is not only for the ASUU, but also for the university system. We no longer trust politicians, they promised and failed to fulfil. Don’t blame the union for another strike, hold the Federal Government responsible.”

The former branch chairman, Dr Dele Ashiru, said the protest was one of the union’s attempts to draw attention of the government to the numerous challenges facing the university system, and in particular, lecturers, whose take home pay cannot take them home.

He said, “We have written a series of letters to the government, met with the government officials, including the National Assembly, gone on strikes, and for 15 years, the issues have remained unresolved. As of today, the take home pay of a Nigerian professor is about N600,000, which is not up to what lawmakers use for lunch or dinner.

“The Federal Government must address our demands because we will not guarantee academic stability if it fails to implement them. We call on Tinubu’s administration to pay the withheld salaries, and outstanding earned academic allowances, stop payment of our salaries through IPPIS, pay deduction of third party dues and other demands of the union.

“We cannot guarantee smooth academic activities in our various campuses. If another round of strike should take place in the universities, the Federal Government should be held responsible. Our National Executive Council will certainly decide the next line of action.’’

A member of the union, Dr. Michael Oloyede, explained that university lecturers nationwide were facing challenges with many of them struggling to meet the needs of their families, and pay school fees and medical bills. “If strike is the language the Federal Government understands, we will give it to them. Lecturers cannot continue to teach with an empty stomach. The government should fulfil the agreement signed with ASUU. The union cannot be oppressed.’’

Sandra Iheuwa, the babymama of Ubi Franklin has lambasted a troll who wished death on Afrobeats star, Davido.

This comes after a video emerged showing Davido striking one of his bouncers during his recent wedding to Chioma, which sparked online outrage.

He was seen ranting to a man while trying to shield a young boy from the scene while Chioma stood behind him.

In response to the video, a troll wrote a horrible comment: “Davido must kpai” (meaning “Davido must die”). Sandra vehemently defended Davido, wishing that the troll and his descendants meet their doom first.

See the interaction below…

Nigerian actress, Sharon Ooja Nwoke has taken to her Instagram page to pen an appreciate note to her bestie and colleague, Bisola Aiyeola.

Sharon Ooja expressed her gratitude to Bisola Aiyeola for her role in her wedding to Ugo Nwoke.

Recall that Sharon Ooja’s wedding was followed by a series of accusations against her husband about his past marriages.

In a fresh development, Sharon Ooja made sure to show her appreciation for Bisola Aiyeola. Sharon described Bisola as a sister while expressing her love for her.

In a lengthy letter posted on her Instagram page, the new bride underlined her love for her closest friend, stating that Bisola is the type of person everyone needs in their corner.

She wrote;

“Friend after my own heart!!!! I love you so much!!! Thank you for all you’ do for me.. some friends truly stick closer our love is king, it’s real !!!!, the bible never lied !!! You are a sister to me beyond a best friend !!!! May God bless and keep you for me I adore you!!!! I wear my heart on my sleeves and I’m sooooooo strong at the same time that in itself is a heavy characteristic that not many can handle, because of how playful I am but you my friend can balance that out without flinching ….

“It’s how you can know where my head is without asking me … I love you so much !!! Thank you for helping me redefine friendships truly nothing is ever a write-off in life !! God bless you from the bottom of my heart!!! Your support is unwavering it’s strong and I don’t doubt you ever !!!!! I love you soooooo much May our friendship last forever !!! From me and my SON army !!! We love you ❤️❤️❤️ @iambisola ❤️ every girl needs you in their life ❤️”.