
Rapper and social commentator Folarin Falana, known as Falz, has criticized the Federal Government's spending priorities and the ruling party's "Emi Lokan" campaign slogan. During an interview with Arise Television, Falz questioned the government's heavy expenditure on vehicles and jets while insecurity persists. He also challenged the notion that government officials are under pressure, arguing that they willingly sought public office. Falz described the "Emi Lokan" slogan, which translates to "It is my turn," as the most absurd thing he has ever encountered, implying it suggests a self-serving motivation for seeking office rather than public service.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency NIHSA has issued a flood advisory, indicating that 14 states face a medium flood risk between July 14 and July 20. Mr. Umar Mohammed, the Director-General of NIHSA, stated that this advisory is based on the agency's latest hydrological forecast, which predicts localized flooding along major river channels and identifies 16 high-risk monitoring stations. The states identified are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, and Plateau. NIHSA warned that various local government areas and communities, including schools, health facilities, and markets, could be impacted without precautionary measures. Mohammed explained that the Annual Flood Outlook AFO provides flood predictions to aid disaster preparedness, response planning, and risk reduction. He urged state governments, emergency management agencies, and communities to enhance early warning systems, evacuation plans, and public awareness. Critical locations on the projected flood path include Saminaka on the Karam River, the Waya Dam site on the Waya River, and Amber on the Amber River. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to relocate, clear drainage channels, avoid flooded roads, and stay informed by NIHSA's forecasts. Emergency management agencies are also encouraged to pre-position relief materials and activate community-based early warning systems to mitigate flood impacts.

Ireland has introduced a temporary measure permitting eligible non-European Economic Area nationals to travel internationally with recently expired Irish Residence Permit cards until August 31, 2026. This initiative, announced by the Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, aims to assist residents whose renewal applications are still being processed. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Immigration stated that its Immigration Services Registration Office in Dublin is experiencing a high volume of applications, with some processing times exceeding 17 weeks. To facilitate summer travel, individuals whose renewal applications were submitted before their current IRP cards expired can use the expired cards. Travelers are advised to carry a Travel Confirmation Notice, their expired IRP card, and proof of renewal application submission. They should also contact airlines and verify acceptance of the notice in transit countries before traveling. This measure addresses backlogs in residence permit renewals and follows recent reforms to Ireland鈥檚 employment permit system.
Must ReadMohammed Ngoshe, a former Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services, revealed how security forces secured the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State's Oriire Local Government Area. Speaking on Channels Television, Ngoshe explained that the operation involved isolating the kidnappers' hideout, cutting off their access to food and weapons, and neutralizing their informant network. He stated that security personnel surrounded the area, denying the criminals essential supplies and weakening their position. This pressure, including showing the kidnappers videos of the operations, left them with no option but to release their captives. Ngoshe praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their efforts, dismissing criticisms regarding the transparency of the operation. He also mentioned that three security personnel were killed by improvised explosive devices during the operation as troops closed in on the kidnappers.