metro

I’m not gay – Desmond Elliot refutes allegations

Published

2 months ago

November 8, 2024

Desmond Elliot

I’m not gay – Desmond Elliot refutes allegations

Nollywood actor turned politician Desmond Elliot has finally addressed the spiralling accusations levelled against him, tagging him as gay.

Speaking with TVC, the former filmmaker explained his reasons for initially refusing to address the claims, stressing that he didn’t see the need to clarify anything.

Describing the accusation as baseless, he said, “Why would I respond to allegations made against me when it did not reduce or increase my life? Secondly, it is an opinion that is being conceived. And I don’t think it is necessary for me to come out and say it’s true or not true; as long as I’m affecting people positively, I’m good.”

Encouraging tolerance, Elliot stated that while everyone has the right to live as they see fit within legal boundaries, mutual respect should remain a priority.

READ ALSO:

He explained, “If you feel you identify as something as long as it’s within the law people don’t have to accept it, do you. So let me say right here, I’m straight… you can never have anyone straighter than me. If some people want to enjoy themselves through publicity, that’s left to them but I don’t care really. Do you and enjoy yourself but do it within the law and with respect to your neighbours.”

This comes after a blog published a scathing list of male Nigerian celebrities they alleged were gay. The list made its rounds on social media, sparking all sorts of reactions on social media as well as conversations. However, the majority of the men on the alleged list refused to speak on the list and the allegations.

I’m not gay – Desmond Elliot refutes allegations

metro

I was not removed by Tinubu – Ex-Women Affairs minister [VIDEO]

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Trends Admin

Former Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye

I was not removed by Tinubu – Ex-Women Affairs minister [VIDEO]

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has said that she was sacked, not removed by President Bola Tinubu.

Kennedy’s dismissal in October was part of a cabinet reshuffle that saw four other ministers relieved of their duties, including the ex-Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John; ex-Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; ex-Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo; and ex-Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim.

Following their dismissal, the Presidency attempted to downplay the nature of their departure, with Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, stating that the term “sacked” did not accurately describe their departure.

READ ALSO:

However, in an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, Kennedy said she was sacked.

She said, “I was sacked, but my vision remains; my visions are not sacked; it still remains.”

She also acknowledged that her appointment and subsequent sacking were both done for a reason, but humorously declined to comment on the exact reasons, saying, “I’m not a witch to know why I was sacked.”

I was not removed by Tinubu – Ex-Women Affairs minister [VIDEO]

metro

Waiting for palliative: Ndume shares on X video of long queues outside Tinubu’s Lagos residence

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Trends Admin

Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume

Waiting for palliative: Ndume shares on X video of long queues outside Tinubu’s Lagos residence

Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has shared a video showing long queues of Nigerians on Christmas Eve waiting for palliatives from President Bola Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos State.

The lawmaker posted the video on his X account on Wednesday to emphasise that poverty transcends ethnicity and religion, calling for urgent action to address the challenge.

“Queues for presidential handouts at Bourdillon on Christmas Eve highlight a sobering reality. Poverty knows no tribe, religion, politics, or region. It is a universal challenge that demands collective action and sustainable solutions,” Mr Ndume wrote.

Mr Ndume’s comment came days after three deadly stampedes were recorded during palliative distributions in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving no fewer than 60 people dead.

Mr Tinubu’s philanthropic gesture of providing assistance to poor Nigerians who queue at his residence during this period has been ongoing for years. A similar video went viral during the same period in 2023.

READ ALSO:

Mr Ndume’s statement seeks to highlight that poverty in the North, primarily caused by the Almajiri system, is also rising in the South due to the president’s harsh economic policies since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

According to the World Bank in its Nigeria Development Update titled ‘Turning the Corner: From Reforms & Renewed Hope, to Results’ released in December 2023, the country’s poverty rate rose from 40% in 2018 to 46%, representing an increase in the number of poor people from 79 million to 104 million.

The World Bank noted that the significant increase, caused by “sluggish growth and rising inflation,” has pushed “an additional 24 million people below the national poverty line.”

Despite the rising poverty figures, Mr Tinubu, during a media chat with journalists on Tuesday, insisted that Nigerians need to “manage.” However, after assuming office, he reportedly acquired a new luxury Airbus A330 aircraft, a yacht, and a bulletproof Escalade.

Queues for presidential handouts at Bourdillon on Christmas Eve highlight a sobering reality:

Poverty knows no tribe, religion, politics, or region. It is a universal challenge that demands collective action and sustainable solutions. pic.twitter.com/UFRuQ65n21

— Senator Ndume (@Senatorndume) December 25, 2024

Waiting for palliative: Ndume shares on X video of long queues outside Tinubu’s Lagos residence

metro

Military denies bombing civilians in Sokoto

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Trends Admin

Military denies bombing civilians in Sokoto

The Nigerian Military has denied claims that it bombed civilians during its operations in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

In a statemnt released on Wednesday, December 25, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, the coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma denied the claim.

Various media organisations had reported that a military fighter jet struck the community destroying civilians structures in the area.

However, in the statement, Abdullah said the reports are a cause of concern.

READ ALSO:

He also noted that it crucial to clarify that military operations are carried out basic d on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

“This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives,” Abdullah said.

He further urged the public to always rely on only confirmed information.

He said, “There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.

“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken,” Abdullah said.