Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup —in this week’s edition, we are focusing on five trending stories across the country.
As usual, the stories will cut across the top five beats in our media organization, NRTC [your one-stop hub for rich and reliable content covering entertainment, sports, politics, metro, and leading stories].
As we all know, a day can’t pass without trending stories and we have tracked many of them for you this week. Why not scroll down and treat yourself?
NRTC WEEKLY highlights
Politics: Ondo Election
On Saturday, November 16, citizens of Ondo State will head to the polls to elect a new governor who will steer the state for the next four years.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed all preparations are complete, accrediting 111 domestic and international organizations and deploying 3,554 observers.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu confirmed the arrangements during a stakeholders’ meeting, while security agencies, including the police, have declared their readiness to ensure a safe election process.
The leading candidates, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), recently outlined their manifestos in a debate hosted by Channels TV.
Voters are keenly watching the race, wondering who will triumph in this high-stakes election.
Top story: The Egonga scandal
A recent scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, a senior Equatorial Guinean official, has shocked the nation and sparked international outrage.
Engonga allegedly recorded over 400 sex tapes featuring spouses and relatives of prominent figures, including the sister of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The videos have ignited widespread condemnation on social media, with calls for Engonga’s arrest and accountability for abuse of poweThe scandal has cast a harsh light on systemic issues in Equatorial Guinea, including abuse of authority, objectification of women, and impunity among officials.
Women’s rights activists have condemned the tapes, citing them as evidence of deep-rooted sexism and a culture of sexual violence.
International observers have also voiced their concerns, with many urging Equatorial Guinea to prosecute those responsible and protect the victims’ rights.
The incident has had profound consequences, from tarnishing Equatorial Guinea’s global image to destabilizing its political landscape, as opposition parties leverage the scandal to call for government accountability.
Engonga has been suspended and is under investigation, with potential imprisonment if found guilty.
Sports: Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester City’s struggles
In the world of football, giants like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester City have shocked fans with their early exits from the Champions League. Once-dominant clubs, they each faced unexpected losses that have ignited discussions among fans and analysts.
Real Madrid, known for its Champions League prowess, saw its campaign unravel due to injuries, questionable tactical choices, and a potential dip in form.
Arsenal’s much-anticipated return to the Champions League ended prematurely, disappointing fans who had hoped for a strong comeback.
Manchester City, previous holders of the title, were surprisingly defeated by Sporting CP, prompting debates about player selection, strategy, and the impact of key injuries.
RECOMMENDED POSTS
Although frustrations run high, some fans remain optimistic about the clubs’ future prospects.
Metro: Passing of Chief of Army Staff
Nigeria was shaken by the recent announcement of the passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. After weeks of government denial, the news was confirmed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement revealed that Lagbaja, aged 56, died in Lagos following an illness.President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast, while the National Executive Council Meeting was postponed until further notice.
Additionally, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke declared a three-day mourning period in honor of Lagbaja, who hailed from Osun. Details regarding Lagbaja’s burial remain pending.
Entertainment: Rudeboy vs Mr P
A rift has emerged between Rudeboy and Mr. P, former members of the renowned P-Square duo, over allegations of song theft. Fans have been divided by the feud, with some expressing shock while others choose sides and engage in heated debates online.
Many are calling for proof to substantiate the claims, questioning the validity of the accusations. Critics argue the public spat is tarnishing P-Square’s legacy, while others sympathize with Rudeboy, believing he has been wronged by Mr. P.
This controversy has reignited discussions on intellectual property rights, with some advocating for stronger protections to prevent future disputes.As of now, Mr. P has yet to respond to the allegations regarding ownership of the song “Winning.”
Stay tuned for the next episode of NRTC WEEKLY, where we explore the latest happenings in Nigeria.
Discover more from News Round The Clock
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.