The Big 10: These are the stories that drove conversations this week

These are the top ten stories that drove conversations this week.

  1. Dino Melaye’s certificate scandal

The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges on Monday held a hearing over allegations that Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye did not graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Melaye admitted under oath that he graduated from the institution.

The Vice Chancellor of ABU, Ibrahim Garba also told the Senate that Melaye graduated with a 3rd class.

To celebrate his ‘victory’, the lawmaker released a video where he sang, danced and taunted the publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore.

The controversial senator was however not done. On Tuesday, Melaye wore a full academic gown to plenary to further celebrate his victory.

To further convince Nigerians that he indeed graduated, the senator released a picture of his NYSC certificate, which further raised some more questions.

2. Saraki’s alleged bulletproof car

Senate President, Bukola Saraki also appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics over alleged importation of bulletproof SUV with fake papers.

Saraki denied any knowledge of the fake documents for a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) bought in his name.

The car dealer, Lanre Shittu also said the bulletproof Range Rover car was sold to the National Assembly and not to the Senate president.

3. Ali Ndume’s suspension

The Senate suspended former senate majority leader, Ali Ndume for six months.

Ndume was suspended following his allegation on the certificate scandal of Senator Dino Melaye and the bulletproof SUV of Senate President Bukola Saraki.

This was after the Senate committee on Ethics and Privileges recommended his suspension for 181 days.

4. Senate refusal to confirm INEC RECs

The Senate suspended the confirmation of 27 nominees for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The lawmakers took the decision due to the insistence of President Muhammadu Buhari to leave Ibrahim Magu as acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) despite his rejection by the upper chamber.

5. Senate vs Prof. Itse Sagay

The Senate summoned chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, Itse Sagay over his comments on the Senate refusal to confirm INEC RECs.

Sagay in an interview had said the Senate acted childish and irresponsible. He also stated that the Senate was attempting to threaten the president, noting that they would regret their decision.

Sagay in his response however said he would not appear before the senate because it has no authority to summon him.

6. Nigerians attacked in India

Nigerian students in India were attacked by some mob following the death of a 15-year-old who was alleged to have consumed drugs given to him by Nigerians in Greater Noida.

About four Nigerians have been severely injured in the attacks.

The Indian police days later arrested five persons linked to the attacks.

The Federal Government also summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria over the attack.

Amnesty International also called on the authorities of Uttar Pradesh to bring to justice those responsible for attacks against black African students and ensure the students’ safety.

7. The trials of Kemi Olunloyo

Popular blogger, Kemi Omololu Olunloyo Thursday was granted bail by a Magistrates’ court in Port Harcourt.

She was arraigned before the court on a four-count charge for allegedly publishing a defamatory and malicious story against the General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie.

Unfortunately, the investigative journalist was however remanded in prison again few hours after she was granted bail.

8. Stephanie Otobo challenges Apostle Suleman

Stephanie Otobo, the Canadian-based Nigerian lady who claimed to be in a sexual relationship with Apostle Suleman has said he is desperately trying to conceal the truth.

In a video message from Canada, Otobo said Suleman showed his desperation by bringing her mother to his church to beg.

She added that she was not afraid of him, while calling him a rat and tout.

9. Shekau still alive

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali says leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, is still alive.

Dan-Ali, who said this on Tuesday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa in Abuja stated that Shekau could be hiding in Sambisa Forest, Borno.

Just 24 hours after, the Nigerian military also said Shekau was still alive.

Director of Information, Defence headquarters, Maj. General John Enenche confirmed Shekau was alive.

He said the military was in desperate search for him.

10. Trump’s new travel ban faces indefinite halt

US District Court Judge Derrick Watson on Wednesday further extended his injunction on President Trump’s revised travel ban. This comes after the State of Hawaii asked the judge to extend the temporary ruling he passed on the case about two weeks ago.

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