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DHQ Denies Appointing Acting Army Chief As Stand-In For Lagbaja

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims that an “acting chief of army staff (COAS)” has been appointed to fill in for “Taoreed Lagbaja.”

In a statement released on Monday, the DHQ clarified that Lagbaja is currently on his “annual leave” and remains “hale and hearty.”

There has been growing public concern over the whereabouts of the army chief. On Sunday, the Nigerian Army dismissed rumors of Lagbaja’s death, calling them “fake news.”

Earlier, the DHQ had announced that Lagbaja is undergoing medical treatment abroad.

Some reports circulated online suggesting that a senior officer had been appointed as an “acting COAS” to fill the leadership void.

Addressing these claims, Tukur Gusau, director of defense information, confirmed that Lagbaja is being kept up to date with “routine briefs” from “Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim,” the chief of policy and plans, as per “standard military procedures.”

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave,” the statement reads.

The DHQ emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) are professionally managed, and that all service chiefs, including Lagbaja, are fully engaged in their responsibilities as outlined in the “Constitution of the FGN.”

“Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.”

The DHQ urged people spreading rumors to stop immediately, stating that “the COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave.”

Additionally, the DHQ warned those advocating for a “military takeover” in a “viral video” that such actions are “treasonable under the constitution.”

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AFCON: CAF To Decide Libya Vs Nigeria Case Wednesday

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The Confederation of African Football will announce its decision on Wednesday regarding the “botched AFCON qualifying Group D” match between Libya and Nigeria, which was supposed to take place at “Benina Martyrs Stadium” on October 15.

According to “Libya Al-Ahrar Channel,” CAF will reveal the final decision concerning the players’ ordeal during the first leg in Nigeria, which ended 1-0 in favor of the “Super Eagles,” and the reverse fixture that would have taken place at Libya’s first all-seater stadium, with a capacity of 10,550.

The outlet also mentioned that the “Libyan Football Federation” submitted all necessary documents, with a specialized lawyer assigned to oversee the Libyan file with CAF.

A day after the canceled match, CAF removed the fixture from its calendar and announced the cancellation just hours before kick-off, referring the matter to the “Disciplinary Committee” for further consideration.

In a statement released on Monday, the “Libyan Football Federation” criticized the actions taken by the Nigerian team for refusing to play against Libya and confirmed its intent to take all legal steps to safeguard the interests of their national team.

Nigeria arrived for the match on October 14, but their flight was redirected to “Al Abraq International Airport,” which is around three hours by road from “Benghazi,” the match venue. The Libyan authorities held the Nigerian team for 17 hours, causing them trauma before they eventually returned home.

Nigeria filed a complaint with CAF, recounting their experience. Meanwhile, the “Libyan Federation” claimed that the Nigerian team was uncooperative during both the first and second legs, stating their own experience in Nigeria was far worse compared to what they went through during the first leg.

CAF described the situation involving the Nigerian team in Libya as “extremely dangerous.” CAF further stated that it had been in contact with both the “Libyan” and “Nigerian authorities” after the Nigerian team was subjected to troubling conditions at the airport for several hours.

The matter has been referred to the “Disciplinary Committee” to investigate and take appropriate measures against those who breached regulations.

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Ooni Of Ife Endorses The 7th Edition Of Adron Games [PHOTOS]

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On Sunday, October 20, 2024, top real estate firm, Adron Homes and Properties, led by its Chairman and CEO, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, CFR, in Ile-Ife. This visit was to seek the revered monarch’s endorsement for the upcoming ADRON GAMES 2024, scheduled to take place in November 2024 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Following a week of celebratory activities for the Ooni’s milestone birthday, Aare Adetola, also known as Aare Akile Adimula Oodua, commended the Ooni for his unwavering support for real estate professionals in Nigeria. He emphasized Ooni’s significant contributions to sports development, highlighting its essential role in fostering community growth.

During the visit, Aare Adetola presented a soccer ball to the Ooni, who showcased his skills with it. A framed official jersey was also gifted to symbolize the Ooni’s endorsement of the forthcoming Adron Games. This event aims to unite sports enthusiasts, real estate firms, and various stakeholders under one roof to participate in a range of indoor and outdoor competitions, with exciting prizes for winners in different categories.

The Ooni, through a signed letter, formally endorsed the Adron Games and expressed his intention to attend the event. He encouraged Adron Homes to continue its commitment to sports development, recognizing it as a vital unifying force for youth across the nation, transcending racial and regional divides.

He also expressed gratitude to Aare Adetola and his team for their support during the Annual Olojo festival and for celebrating his birthday with generous gifts.

In his remarks, Aare Adetola highlighted that Adron Homes is honoured to collaborate with traditional rulers and contribute to the development of their communities. He extended best wishes to His Imperial Majesty for continued good health and prosperity, expressing hope for many more years of celebratory milestones.

Aare was accompanied by several senior executives from Adron, including Adenike Ajobo (MD), Ihuoma (DGSM), Azuru, Emmanuel Oladapo (DAS), and several other key team members.

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Lawsuit Against NNPCL, Others Will Be Withdrawn In January — Dangote Refinery

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has denied claims that it initiated a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and other marketers to revoke their licenses and halt fuel importation.

It clarified that the process to formally withdraw the lawsuit will begin in January 2025.

The Group’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, revealed this in a statement on Monday.

Chiejina was responding to reports regarding a lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court aimed at stopping fuel importation by oil marketers and NNPCL.

According to the Dangote official, the case is not recent but stems from an issue that began in June, leading to a filing on September 6, 2024.

He further explained that subsequent events, such as the “naira for crude sales,” have rendered the lawsuit outdated and it will be withdrawn from court.

The statement titled ‘No Fresh Case Filed Against NNPCL, others’ also emphasized that the parties are engaged in discussions following President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the “crude oil and refined products sales in the naira initiative.”

The statement said, “This is an old issue that started in June and culminated in a matter being filed on September 6, 2024.

“Currently, the parties are in discussion since President Bola Tinubu’s directive on crude oil and refined products sales in the Naira Initiative, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council.

“We have made tremendous progress in that regard and events have overtaken this development.

“No party has been served with court processes and there is no intention of doing so. We have agreed to put a halt to the proceedings.

“It is important to stress that no orders have been made and there are no adverse effects on any party. We understand that once the matter comes up in January 2025, we will be in a position to formally withdraw the matter in court.”

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