Kanye West Sued For Sexual Harassment By Former Assistant
Controversial American rapper, Kanye West has been sued for sexual harassment, breach of contract and wrongful termination.
Lauren Pisciotta, who worked as his assistant for two years, said she was fired in 2022 and that a 3 million, £2.4 million, severance package was never paid.
Pisciotta is accusing West of sending her vulgar texts and performing sex acts over the phone with her.
According to reports, Pisciotta was primarily supporting herself via an OnlyFans profile in 2021 when she met West, and he was initially comfortable with her continuing her OnlyFans business.
However, in 2022, he allegedly offered her $1 million to delete her only fans account, stating that he wanted her to be “God-like”.
She alleges that she was bombarded with explicit text messages from West, including pornographic videos after she closed the account.
Pisciotta also claims he masturbated while talking to her on the phone and that, on one occasion, he pleasured himself in front of her after “trapping” her in a private room on his plane.
Pisciotta is seeking damages for alleged fraud, unpaid wages, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
At the time of filing this report, West has not responded to the allegations and has maintained his silence ever since.
Group Alleges Marginalisation, Nepotism By Gov Eno’s Aide
By INIOBONG SUNDAY, UYO
A socio- political group, Ibom Good Governance Vanguard, IGGV, has expressed dismay over the alleged plot by the Special Assistant (SA) to the Governor on Health Matters and Personal Physician to the Governor, Dr. Ekem John, to recall his colleague from professional in -service training, authorised by the Civil Service Commission, CSC.
A chat evidence obtained by the group revealed how the governor’s personal physician had threatened to deal with his colleague by posting him to work under him where he can make life unbearable for his colleague. He went on to advise his colleague to quit Nigeria and travel to Saudi Arabia for greener pastures as the only means to escape his wrath.
The group alleged that his brazen disregard for the sacred position he is holding as the Personal Physician to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, will encourage brain drain in the health care sector, as he has become a clog in the progress of some doctors in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking in an interview in Uyo, the state capital, the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Nsima Akwaowo, alleged that the governor’s Aide, has been in the habit of exposing official secrets of government, adding that such misdemeanor and wanton display of disrespect to people constitute abuse of office.
While pleading with the governor to impress it on his appointee to tone down on his public conduct and character, Akwaowo noted that “such behaviour is not befitting of a medical doctor, whose profession demands high sense of ethical compliance and respect to constituted authorities as well as the public he is serving”.
“The Governor should call him to order because it appears he has no respect for the office that he’s occupying. He talks and treats people with disrespect and sometimes reveals secret meetings and government information and documents.
“We also understand that he is in the habit of putting up such behaviour with his colleagues in the medical profession, where he was said to have proudly told his colleagues that as long as he remains the SSA/Personal Physician to the governor, he is more powerful than the Commissioner for Health and the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in the State”.
According to sources, the SSA is alleged to have sworn that as long as he remains the SSA to the governor, his Association, the NMA would never meet with the governor to discuss ways of developing the health care sector in the State.
“It is unethical for him as a medical doctor to engage in trivial political activities, but Dr John, has turned his office in Government House, to an extended office for political meetings, thereby flouting the ethical order as a medical doctor and personal physician to the governor. It is on record that he is the first Personal Physician to the governor of AKS with such a level of arrogance and audacity to influence the State Civil Service Commission.
“In all of these ugly dispositions, Dr. John appears to have succeeded in giving a false impression that his actions and inactions are being supported by the governor, whom we know as a father that would not tolerate such inappropriate, unethical and debased attitude, utterances and conduct from any of his appointees.
“By these display of unprofessional conduct in public office, he has made a mess and mockery of the exalted office and position of personal physician to the governor.
Efforts to reach him failed as he was said to have been recuperating in an undisclosed hospital for injuries he sustained in a recent attack by hoodlums at a meeting in Cross River State, but one of his close colleagues in the State NMA, who preferred to remain anonymous, denied the allegations, maintaining that “Dr. Ekem, that I know can not be involved in these sorts of allegations.
Jirgi Lauds Governor Idris For Playing Politics Without Bitterness
Veteran journalist and Managing Director, Triple CEE Media Ltd, Abuja, Ibrahim Mohammed Jirgi has commended Kebbi State Governor Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris for championing politics without bitterness in the state.
He described the Governor popularly called Kauran Gwandu as a very generous and active leader who is committed to running an open and all-inclusive government.
Jirgi, formerly with the BBC London, while speaking with AljazirahNigeria noted that since assuming office, Idris has made it a priority to ensure that all voices are heard and taken into consideration in the task of governing the state.
“He has extended the hands of friendship to opposition parties, demonstrating a willingness to work collaboratively in building a better future for the people of Kebbi”.
He said one of the key traits that sets the governor Idris apart is his willingness to listen.
He has made it clear that he is open to constructive criticism and good ideas from anyone, regardless of political affiliation.
“His statement inviting individuals to come to his office or personal residence at any time with suggestions on how to move Kebbi State forward speaks volumes about his commitment to transparency and inclusivity in governance”, Jirgi, APC Presidential campaign Council Media and Publicity Committee member noted.
A one-time Special Advisor, Media and Publicity to the late Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim of Yobe State and former acting information commissioner, Jirgi observed that Idris’ open-door policy is a rare quality in a leader and demonstrates his genuine desire to serve the people of Kebbi to the best of his ability.
He said the governor’s generosity is also evident in his approach to governance through prioritising projects that benefit the people of Kebbi, focusing on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and job creation.
“Under his leadership, Kebbi State has seen significant improvements in key areas such as road construction, healthcare facilities, and youth empowerment programs.
“Governor Idris’ dedication to improving the lives of the people of Kebbi is unwavering, and his actions reflect a genuine concern for the well-being of his constituents”, Jirgi further explained.
In addition to his generosity and active leadership style, Jirgi said Idris has also demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity in governance.
“He has worked tirelessly to bring together people from all walks of life in the task of building a better Kebbi State.
“By reaching out to opposition parties and seeking their input, Governor Idris has shown that he values diverse perspectives and is willing to work with others to achieve common goals.
“This collaborative approach to governanceb has fostered unity and cooperation among the people of Kebbi, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable society,” said Jirgi, member of the APC presidential campaign Council Media and Publicity Committee of Tinubu/Shattima.
He highlighted the significant political transformation occurring across all senatorial zones in the state which he said are experiencing a political revolution that is bringing about tangible democracy dividends for the people.
“One of the key aspects of this political revolution is the focus on delivering democracy dividends to the people. Government officials and representatives are now more accountable to the electorate, and are working tirelessly to improve the lives of the citizens.
“This has led to an increase in infrastructure development, improved public services, and a more responsive government that is focused on meeting the needs of the people”, he said.
Uzodimma Charges Imo Muslims On Good Conduct In Saudi Arabia
Governor Hope Uzodimma has charged Muslims from Imo State going for Haji in Saudia Arabia to be good ambassadors of the State through their behaviour in the Holy Land.
Addressing the intending pilgrims at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri on Sunday, June 2, 2004 preparatory for their departure ,the Governor said least he expects from them on return is an award on good behaviour in Saudi Arabia.
He enjoined them to be “peaceful, cooperate with one another and be united in the Holy Land and avoid anything that will bring shame and ridicule to the State, the Muslim Community and the Nation in general.”
He mandated them to “strive to bring honour and pride back home”.
Governor Uzodimma promised, in their return and settling down, that “government will set up the Imo State Haji Commission that will take responsibility for the planning and organisation of future Muslim pilgrimages”.
He appealed to them to focus on the primary objective of the Hajj, adding, “Pray at Saudi Arabia for the well being of Imo State, her growth and development as well as increase in the State revenue that will engender increased number of people going for Hajj in the future”.
Also, he challenged them to “Pray fervently that enemies will no more see Imo State and that Imo State will, henceforth, experience unstoppable prosperity”, noting that “God already knows our problems, what He expects from us is speaking to him through prayers”.
The Governor acknowledged that their prayers during last year’s Hajj were positively felt in the State as “Imo returned to peace, the elections were peaceful and the State has been growing and developing tremendously”.
Concluding, he promised that next year’s Hajj will be better than that of this year and urged the coordinators of the programme to coordinate well.
In his remarks, the Sarki Hausawa, HRH Suleiman Awal thanked the Governor for his “magnanimity to the Muslims in Imo State, the show of fatherly love that have made them indigenous, not political but true citizens of the State”.
He informed that in 2023 the Governor sponsored 200 Muslims to Mecca and that this year, despite the economic challenges, he “has provided for 100 Muslims for Hajj in Saudi Arabia”, and described it as “a show of all promises fulfilled”.
He described the Governor as a man of large heart who shows benevolence to both Christians and Muslims in Imo State, without being political and described him as “the best Governor in Hajj sponsorship and freedom of worship in Nigeria”.
He assured the Governor that as the Ammiral Hajj for Imo State, he will remain loyal and that the Muslims in the State will not be a distraction to the Governor.
He prayed that God will bless the Governor and make peace to continue to reign in Imo State.
In her address, the National Commissioner representing South East at the National Muslim Commission, Hajia Aisha Obi, thanked the Governor for his support to the Muslim Community and the special interest he has in ensuring that Muslims in Imo State participate in the Pilgrimage.
She recalled how the Governor had cleared backlog of debts owed by Imo Muslims to the National Commission by the past administrations which she said “has facilitated their participation in the Hajj operations and they will never forget the gesture in a hurry”.
Hajia Obi said the Commission was very appreciative of the Governor’s gesture and will continue to pray for the success of the Governor and his government.
She promised that they will ensure that her team does not bring disrepute or shame to Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.
Presenting the Contingents to the Governor, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu described Governor Uzodimma as “an ecumenist and a detribalised Nigerian who does not discriminate between Christians and Muslims”.
He joined the Muslim community to thank the Governor in particular for his magnanimity and in general,all Imo Citizens.
Those present at the programme were the Deputy Governor, Lady (Dr) Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma, the Senator representing Okigwe zone, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Enukwu, the Chaplain Government House Chapel who is also the Chairman Imo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Fr. Dr. Gilbert Alaribe and members of Imo State Expanded Executive Council.
Nigeria’s Macaulay-Razaq joins Board of Propel Sports Africa
A Nigerian, Vincent Macaulay-Razaq, has been named on the Board of Directors of Propel Sports Africa, the United Kingdom based broadcast streaming partner of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Macaulay-Razaq flew into the country with Basil Kabbani, the company’s Executive Chairman, to attend the Troost Ekong Foundation charity match that was held in Uyo on Sunday, June 2. The charity match that featured some Super Eagles players and celebrities was produced by Propel Sports Africa and streamed live free of charges on the NPFL-Live app
Presently based in Germany, Macaulay-Razaq who is a brother to Kwara State governor, Abdulrahman Razaq, grew up in Lagos and attended the famous St Finbarr’s College, Akoka before completing his studies in the UK as a graduate of the London International Film School.
He returned to Nigeria to begin a television production career, which included making TV commercials and documentaries for many years. He would later return to England to embark on a sporting career as a basketball coach, founding the London Lions Basketball Team as a legacy of the 2012 Olympics.
Now, Coaching in Germany, Mr Macaulay-Razaq joins the Board of Directors of Propel Sports Africa as an Executive Director to bring his many years of experience to bear on an exciting project in partnership with the NPFL Live platform.
On his joining the Propel Sports Africa board, Macaulay-Razaq said, “being able to give back to my homeland has me fired up. I can’t wait to create a truly global offering that will see Nigerian talents exposed at the highest level to the most amount of people worldwide in a game we all love.”
Kabbani said the group is excited not just to have a Nigerian on its board, but one who is bringing lots of experience, value and the domestic business intelligence and networking.
Fapohunda Gives Reasons For Proposing Regional Government
The citizen responsible for proposing a bill which seeks to return regional government in Nigeria, Akin Fapohunda, has explained the reason behind his action.
Speaking on the reason behind his actions, Fapohunda said that if President Bola Tinubu could restore the old national anthem, then he feels it is in order for the country to embrace regional government and return to the past.
He added that what is presently in circulation is a draft which he intends to present to the representative of his constituency in the House of Representatives in the hope that it can be accepted and adopted.
Minimum Wage: FG, NLC, TUC Reach Agreement
By Paul Effiong (Abuja), SAMSON ALFA (MINNA), HASSAN JIRGI (Damaturu), Nwogha Ndubuisi (Abakaliki), IKHILI EBALU (BENIN CITY).
There is high hopes that the ongoing national strike by the organized labour would be suspended sooner as the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, yesterday night signed an agreement over the new minimum wage controversy.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Government.
On the organised labour side, President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero and President, Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, signed.
The signing followed an extensive meeting yesterday night, brokered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
AljazirahNigeria reports that the meeting was convened in response to the ongoing nationwide indefinite strike embarked upon by unions to demand for a new minimum wage in line with the current economic situation in the country.
Part of the resolutions are that the Federal government will be offering above N60,000 as minimum wage in the country.
The two labour unions signed the agreement thus raising hopes that the strike would be suspended sooner than earlier envisage.
In addition, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, NMW, is to meet daily for 5 days as from today with a view to fast tracking negotiations to end the strike and resolve the differences between the Federal Government and organised labour. Also it was agreed that no worker will be victimized as a result of embarking on strike.
It would be recalled that labour had earlier withdrew from negotiation but the leadership of the National Assembly intervened on the eve of the industrial action and the unions returned to the negotiation table.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that the strike action yesterday grounded the economy as every sector was affected . in the nation’s capital, Abuja the effects of the strike is visible as government offices and private business shutdown and activities disrupted. It was observed that banks, airport, government offices were under lock and keys.
For instance, the National Assembly Complex was yesterday locked up by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, defiant workers were turned back , food vendors, restaurant operators among, motorist and hawkers were all stranded. The FCT witnessed a total compliance.
In Niger State, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, shut down the recently re-named Bola Ahmed Tinubu International airport.
State officials of the NLC went round the capital city monitoring the level of compliance of the strike in the state as directed by the headquarters.
The state chairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Comrade Ibrahim Gana in collaboration with state NLC and other sister Union executives in the state,led a joint labour committee on monitoring and evaluation of the strike action.
The monitoring team visited Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, Federal Secretariat complex, Niger State High Court complex,Niger State Board of Internal Revenue Services, Niger State Urban Development Board, others includes Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, General Hospital,office of the Deputy Governor, Niger State Secretariat as well as Niger State House Assembly.
AljazirahNigeria reports that virtually all the sectors recorded 99 percent compliant.
Following the strike directive from the national headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its counterpart the Trade Union Congress, TUC, all economic activities were grounded in Yobe State.
Speaking to journalists in Damaturu, the state capital, chairman of NLC, Comrade Muktari Tarbutu, stated that their decision to join the ongoing nationwide indefinite strike was borne out of the fact that, NLC is a family.
“We are united. We need justice for everyone”, he added.
According to him, Yobe State remains shut till further directives from the mother union to do otherwise.
He urged the people of the state to cooperate with the NLC on the strike directive and support the ongoing nationwide strike.
Also in Ebonyi, there was total shutdown of economic and commercial activities as banks and government offices in Abakaliki were under lock and keys following the directive from the Nigeria Union of Labour who directed workers to shun works nationwide until their welfares are improved.
AljazirahNigeria correspondent who went round Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital yesterday observed that commercial banks, Public schools and other offices were totally on locks and keys.
Speaking to the press, state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Professor Ogugua Egwu commended the workers and all affiliates bodies for their compliance and added that his team are moving round to ensure that no office was open for work.
According to him, “Compliance by the workers for the strike is beyond 90 percent.
“Our team is moving about to monitor compliance. The courts and secretariat are not functioning. Some banks opened but we asked their management to close them immediately.
In Edo , activities in several parts of the State were shut down on Monday as a result of the nationwide strike declared by organized labour.
Local government Secretariat in all the eighteen Local Government Areas and other government offices were shut down even as a special team of the Nigerian Labour Congress ,NLC, in the state moved round and enforced compliance with the strike action.
In Benin City, banks were also shut even as customers, mostly Point Of Sale (POS) operators besieged several banks with the hope of getting cash for their business and that also led to some of them quickly increasing their charges per transaction.
The NNPC Mega Filling State along Sapele Road , Benin Airport, public schools were shutdown.
The NLC picketing team was led by the state Vice Chairman, Comrade Williams Uwumarogie told AljazirahNigeria that “So far, so good, we have shut down NNPC mega station, we have shutdown the Pension Trustfund, NPDC, the Secretariat Complex, federal secretariat at Aduwawa, the High Court Complex. We discovered that some students forced themselves into some public schools, we shut them down, the Benin Airport in Benin is shut down, the Museum, TCN, BEDC offices in Akpakpava.
There is no timeframe for this strike, it is indefinite but we look up to the national leadership to direct us on the next line of action, for now no time frame for this strike. We will continue again tomorrow ,today.
However, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has appealed to Organised Labour to call off the ongoing strike and return to the negotiation table in the interest of the country.
“This is a heartfelt and deeply considered appeal to the Labour Unions to continue along the path of negotiations with the Federal and State Governments, under the auspices of the Tripartite Committee that has been established to fashion out a new, realistic minimum wage for the Nigerian people.
“As Government, we are desirous of a peaceful outcome, and we will do everything to make this happen. Yesterday, the leadership of the National Assembly met with the Unions. Today, we have offered another invitation to the Unions, to meet with us and continue our discussions.
“We will continue to engage, and continue to make ourselves readily available in the context of these negotiations on behalf of the Nigerian people”, he said.
According to the Minister, government’s position that Labour’s current proposal of N494,000, which translates into an annual wage bill of 9.5 Trillion Naira for the Federal Government of Nigeria alone is unrealistic and capable of crippling the Nigerian economy, by leading to massive job losses especially in the private sector.
Strike: ATBUTH Limits Services To Emergency Unit
Following the nationwide strike embarked upon by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, in Bauchi has scaled down its operations to provide only emergency services.
The move came as the state chapter of NLC joined the industrial action.
Our correspondent who visited the teaching hospital yesterday observed that few medical practitioners were seen attending to patients.
The areas visited are the maternity, male surgery, gynaecology, male medical wards popularly known as ‘Sani Sami’ and paediatric ward, among others.
A staff at the pediatric ward who refused to disclose his identity told our correspondent that routine activities are ongoing with some patients admitted in the morning.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Usman Koli, stated that management has been instrumental in ensuring that emergency services continue, adding that it is closely monitoring the strike.
However, many public offices remained locked with leaves placed at their main gates, indicating full participation in the strike within Bauchi metropolis.
Both the state and federal secretariats were under lock, including all banks in the state.
Customers who visited various banks were turned away.
Speaking with journalists at the state secretariat, the Acting Chairman of NLC, Ibrahim Mai Kudi, said they received a circular from the national union that they should ensure total compliance.
He said NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, expressed concern and disappointment over the federal government’s failure to conclude and pass into law, a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the hike in electricity tariff.
‘MORE Grant’: Delta Govt Distributes Prepaid Cards To Petty Traders
From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State government, under the leadership of Sheriff Oborevwori, has commenced the second phase of ‘MORE’ grant scheme, which is the distribution of prepaid cards to petty traders across the 25 local government areas, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl-Child Development.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl-Child, Ms Orode Uduaghan, disclosed this yesterday in Asaba, adding that the distribution would be carried out in batches.
She revealed that government would start the distribution in 13 local government areas, while the remaining 12 would be attended to after the completion of the first phase.
“We are kick-starting this exercise in 13 councils and they are – Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Isoko North, Isoko South, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Ukwuani, Ika North-East, Ika South, Okpe, Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East and Sapele,” she stated.
It would be recalled that over 5,000 petty traders, artisans and female entrepreneurs from poor and vulnerable households were empowered by Governor Oborevwori during the launch of the ‘MORE’ Grant Scheme.