There are fears among members and supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that the attempt by security agencies to re-arrest the leader of the group and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, may prevent him from attending his mother’s (Sally Meme Kanu’s) funeral.

This is even as an Abuja Court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako reportedly denied the prayers of Kanu’s counsel; Emeka Ejiofor, seeking for the restoration of his client’s bail and guarantee Kanu’s safety so that he could return home to continue his trial.

It could be recalled that Kanu in a tweet had announced the death of his mother on August 30th in Germany after attempts by doctors to restore her failing health stalled.

Kanu, who in a video also confirmed that the body of his mother had already been flown to Nigeria (Biafra Land), stating that he would communicate his supporters when the family concluded arrangements for her burial.

Our reporter, who interacted with some members of IPOB who chose to speak anonymously in Umuahia, the state capital, and Aba, the commercial nerve of the state respectively, reports that the members were yet-to-be informed about the burial arrangements.

They were afraid that their leader (Nnamdi) may not witness the burial of his mother as they alleged that information available to them has it that the federal government has placed security agencies on alert to arrest Kanu if he attempts coming back for his mother’s burial.

The IPOB members who disclosed that they were awaiting further directives from the leadership of the pro-Biafra group, however, assure that its members in Nigeria and the world at large, are making plans to ensure they were in attendance anytime the burial of late Ugoeze Kanu was fixed.

While business and other activities were ongoing at the Isiama Afara, the country home of Kanu, some of the residents who spoke to our reporter said they were sad when the news about the death of the wife of their traditional ruler broke.

They described her as a loving and caring woman that never segregate, stressing that it will take them long to recover from the shock of her loss.

Some respondents, including the President-General of the community, Mr. Ikechukwu Ndubueze, said the family of Kanu is yet to make any official statement concerning the burial apart from the video that he (Kanu) recently released.

It was further gathered from some other members of the community that according to tradition, Kanu, as the first son of the family, was supposed to be present at the burial.

But the uncertainty over whether Kanu would be present at his mother’s burial casts further doubt as to when the burial will eventually take place.

Some of the IPOB members in Umuahia told our reporter that they have been noticing the presence of plain-clothed security personnel around their leader’s village, but said that it would not deter them from actively participating in the burial of the mother of their leader when it is made known; they, however, said that making the burial of Kanu’s mum public for everyone to come and pay her last respect would make the world see that IPOB is peaceful contrary to the picture the federal government and heads of various security agencies are painting about them.

According to them, they were unaware of where the body of the wife of their traditional ruler is kept by the family. That is, whether it is in Abia State or any other part of the Southeast.

They however insisted that no matter the years it will take, the mother of the IPOB leader would not be secretly buried, but to be buried according to the customs and tradition of the people of Isiama Afara Ibeku community.

When contacted to know if the Kanu’s has reached out to the state government and the level of the state government’s participation in the burial of the wife of the traditional ruler on whose land the present Government House is situated, the Commissioner of Information, Mr. John Okiyi-Kalu, in a text message said he was in a meeting.

However, yet-to-be confirmed reports making rounds in the state have it that Kanu’s father died in a popular hospital in Umuahia, the state capital after weeks of being in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

While the family is yet to make official statement over the death of the monarch, rumours have it that His Royal Highness; Israel Okwu Kanu, has been sick and had died on Thursday, October 31.

Joshua, one of the sons of Televangelist Mike Bamiloye, is presently getting married to the love of his life, Tolulope Odesola at the redemption camp.

The groom, Joshua is the second son of Mike Bamiloye of Mount Zion Faith Ministries while Tolulope Mary Odesola, is the daughter of Pastor Johnson Odesola who is the Assistant General Overseer and Pastor in charge of Region 1.

In a new development to the disagreement between the Federal Government and some local government areas over who has the right to conduct marriages in the country, the Federal Government has published the marriage registries and places it has licensed to conduct statutory marriage across the country.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Interior, re-emphasised its position that it was the only tier of government permitted by the constitution to regulate and conduct marriages.

It added that formation of statutory marriages was within the exclusive legislative list and that it was the regulatory body for the conduct of statutory marriages and the issuance of marriage certificates.

On its website, the ministry named the 12 registries in 11 states. They are the Federal Marriage Registries in Ikoyi, Lagos State; Abuja, Federal Capital Territory; Benin, Edo State; Owerri, Imo State; Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Kano, Kano State; Jos, Plateau State, Enugu, Enugu; Kaduna, Kaduna; Ibadan, Oyo State; Ikeja, Lagos State, and Makurdi, Benue State.

In an advertorial titled, ‘Public notice on conduct of statutory marriage’, in a newspaper on Wednesday, the Interior Ministry said, “The attention of the Ministry of Interior has been drawn to the publication in the PUNCH Newspaper of Friday, 13th September, 2019, page 42 under the caption, ‘Marriage: Ignore FG’s directive, LGs tell organisations’.

“The Ministry of Interior is therefore constrained to issue this notice in order to properly guide the public on the issue of Statutory Marriages under the applicable law in Nigeria.”

The ministry explained further that it had the responsibility for granting licences to qualified places of worship as well as LGAs that compiled with the provisions of the Act (Sections 4(2) & (5) of the Marriage Act), adding that the ministry had the responsibility to appoint officers to serve as registrars in the Federal Marriage Registries.

The public notice added, “It is observed that the local governments have deliberately misinterpreted powers conferred on them by item 7 (1) of the Fourth Schedule of the constitution.

“For the avoidance of doubt, item 7(1) states that the functions of the Local Government include: registration of all births, deaths and marriages. This provision is clear and requires the local government councils to maintain registries to register births, deaths and marriages for record purposes and planning.”

The ministry, however, warned that any statutory marriage conducted in breach of the Marriage Act, CAP 218, Laws of the Federation 2004 would not serve the desired purpose.

When I released the song, This Year, people complained that I had changed my style, that I should have stuck to the ‘zanku’ style. I just want people to know that ‘zanku’ is not the only music style I can do as an artiste. I believe that there are no limitations. Anything is possible if one believes in oneself.

What inspired your album title, ‘Zanku: Zlatan Abeg No Kill Us?’

I gave it that title because when I started out, I created a dance step called ‘kuzo’ but a particular artiste hijacked it from me. When I created the ‘zanku’ dance, I decided to name it after myself, so if anybody wants to steal it, they would have to steal me with it.

Also, whenever I release a new song, my fans always tell me to take it easy, saying things along the line of, ‘Abeg no kill us (Please, don’t kill us)’. Everybody knows that I deliver my songs in Yoruba which limits my audience in a way. But despite that, I have been able to make songs people can relate to anywhere in the world. I have taken ‘zanku’ to Cyprus, Kenya, US and other countries. Basically, that is why the album has that title.

When you started your career, did you expect to get this far as an artiste?

There are so many artistes, such as Olamide, who started from the scratch and have proved that one can achieve whatever one desires. I thank God for bringing me to where I am today. I never thought I would get here. By this time last year, I had no house or car. But God has showered His blessings on me this year. However, I don’t feel I am that big yet. I believe I would be bigger by this time next year.

When I won a car at a music competition in Ogun State sponsored by Airtel in 2013, I was not given any money. I recall that the competition was organised for students of all the higher institutions in Ogun State. Then, I had just two shirts, one trouser and one pair of shoes. It was even like they added to my problem because people kept asking me for money. I ended up converting the car to a cab, carrying passengers from Sagamu (in Ogun State) to other places. That was the only way I could survive. The car became like a burden to me. When I finished my education, I didn’t go back home because I knew it was going to affect my music career.

Do you have plans for international collaborations?

All my life, I have never forced things to happen. We may have plans but God’s will transcends all. I am not going to force it (international collaboration) to happen. If it is meant to be, it would happen.

Beyond music, do you have plans to venture into other areas of entertainment?

I don’t know (for now). You may see me in an American movie tomorrow. I can play football too. I may decide to play football on weekends and record in the studio on weekdays. Also, I have ‘zanku’ merchandise.

Is Naira Marley featured on the new album?

No, he isn’t featured on the album. Everybody knows Naira Marley is my good friend and we have been making music together from the beginning of this year. He wasn’t featured on the album because there was no reason for it; it is not really about what people would have to say. Though we are friends, I have my ways and my own preferences. It has nothing to do with our friendship. Besides, we have a joint album coming out in 2020.

What inspired the song, ‘Bolanle Pepper Them’?

It’s a song dedicated to ladies for them to know that they are important to us. There is nothing really serious about the song. It shines the light on men who don’t treat their women well.

Having grown up in Ikorodu (Lagos), what plans do you have to give back to the people of that area?

Coming out from Ikorodu means I am a symbol of hope to a lot of people. Back then, I used to cut grass for people who wanted to lay foundation for their buildings. Some of my acquaintances back then even ended up as motorcycle riders and cab drivers. I wouldn’t hurt myself because I want to help others. One cannot drag others up when one is not balanced. However, I have plans and I pray to God to help me achieve them.

What would you regard as the sacrifices you have made for music?

There were days I had sleepless nights– that should be one of the greatest prices I have paid for my music.

Linda Ikeji’s brother, Peks Ikeji is asking beloved Instagramers to buy him this Mercedes Benz Coupe $70,000.

Ace musician 9ice stormed Abeokuta, Ogun state yesterday, his bouncers and security guards prevented fans from mobbing him.

According to 9ice;
Runyourbest #abeokuta I’m so local I know nothing more but being local…I can be in your village tomorrow #ilogboabeokuta

Wizkid Low-Key Hit The Night Club With Tiwa Savage As He Lands Nigeria – 01:01
— GistGram

Big Brother Naija couple, Gedoni surprises Khafi as she mark her 30th birthday today, 3rd November.

Gedoni did some decoration and love sign with flowers to wish her a happy birthday.

View this post on Instagram

Awww! Gedoni we know it’s you!!😍😍 Someone said he may be proposing tonight! Happy Birthday in advance @acupofkhafi 🎉🎉🎉

A post shared by Ije-Luv (@ijeomadaisy) on Nov 2, 2019 at 2:30pm PDT

BBNaija housemate, Frodd partners with Fybcraft to feed 500 kids on the street which took place yesterday in Agege, Lagos. Gistmore reports

Frodd storms the street with team members as they wipe tears off the faces of the less prevailed by sharing foods.
He wrote;

It was a successful event and we bless God @fybcraft God bless you for putting this whole blessing together @sholzy23 Thank you for the support @gossyng You are the best and to every brand that supported , I join hands to say Thank you

View this post on Instagram

It was a successful event and we bless God @fybcraft God bless you for putting this whole blessing together @sholzy23 Thank you for the support @gossyng You are the best and to every brand that supported , I join hands to say Thank you 🙏.

A post shared by Fresh & Odd ( FRODD ) (@callme_frodd) on Nov 2, 2019 at 3:15pm PDT

Ahead of governorship and Kogi West Senatorial elections draw nears, Dino Melaye spotted some masquerades carrying his campaign posters on their chest while convoying along some parts of Kogi.

Dino Melaye hilariously reacted with caption;

View this post on Instagram

Hope these masquerades have PVC ooo

A post shared by Senator Dino Melaye (SDM) (@dinomelaye) on Nov 2, 2019 at 5:07pm PDT

Oristefemi has come out with an explanation after he was slammed by fans online for allegedly abandoning his former friend and coming online to mourn him after he died.

In a post he shared on his IG page, the singer blamed Chi Jungulist’s friends for not speaking out on time when he first took ill until it got serious. Read what he wrote below;

He was a brave man …. he was the first to travel abroad among the both of us #china he was very talented, he know I love him ? he know I can take any shot on his behalf … he was so sick for so long, his so called new friends kept it on till when it got worse for him, that was when I was informed… and I sent money to them immediately to take him straight to the hospital… the so called friends told me the truth that my brother can not survive it anymore that he has to take him back to his mum ..

my problem is why they waited for this long… if y’all are true friends… no one can bring out money except me … nobody .. all of you guys should have contributed 1k each if you truly want him to survive, but I did my part am not super rich but have stood for so many people in this life, I took my fellow brothers problems first before facing my own .

There is no need to throw stones at anyone or throw blames! If I choose not to publicize how I help, doesn’t mean I don’t do my part! We can all be our brothers keepers.
No more comment from me!