From Davido being urged to apologise to Governor Monday Okpebholo for posting his WAEC result, to Galatasaray reportedly reducing Victor Osimhen’s asking price to €65m, opposition parties weighing a single candidate for 2027, new rules on professional membership in the civil service and concerns over Nigeria’s fiscal transparency, these are the major stories making headlines this morning.

Here’s your complete morning roundup:

1. Why Davido should apologise to Okpebholo over WAEC result troll — Lawyer

Mounting controversy over Davido’s social media post showing what appeared to be Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s WAEC result has prompted lawyer Timothy Tugbiyele to call for an apology. Davido shared the alleged result after Okpebholo criticised Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke’s dancing and leadership style.

Tugbiyele said Davido should not have responded personally to the governor’s remarks. “I think what Davido did is disrespectful and I will plead with him; he should exercise some humility and apologise,” he said.

He added that political disagreements should not become personal attacks, saying, “He should apologise to Okpebholo… it should not be an eye for an eye.”

Read more: https://punchng.com/why-davido-should-apologise-to-okpebholo-over-waec-result-troll-lawyer/

 

2. Gala reduce Osimhen asking price to €65m

Fresh transfer interest has surrounded Victor Osimhen after Galatasaray reportedly reduced their asking price to €65m amid interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. The Turkish club has reportedly not ruled out selling the Nigerian striker if its valuation is met.

According to the report, Al Hilal has contacted Galatasaray over a possible deal. “Galatasaray have not entirely shut the door on a sale, with the club demanding €65m should a suitor meet their valuation,” it said.

The final decision would also depend on Osimhen, who has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances for Galatasaray. Al Hilal are reportedly considering squad changes to accommodate the move.

Read more: https://punchng.com/gala-reduce-osimhen-asking-price-to-e65m/

 

3. 2027: Atiku, Obi mull options ahead of single-candidate summit

Rising uncertainty surrounds efforts to produce a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election. The G-100 has urged Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other opposition leaders to unite against the APC-led Federal Government.

Atiku’s aide, Phrank Shaibu, said the former vice president welcomed efforts to strengthen the opposition but had not confirmed attendance at the August 18 summit. “His attendance at the August 18 summit will, however, be communicated once his schedule and participation are finalised,” he said.

The Obidient Movement confirmed Obi was invited, while the Labour Party called for opposition cooperation around its platform. The Democratic Leadership Alliance said it was not negotiating a single candidate, while CUPP backed the summit.

Read more: https://punchng.com/2027-atiku-obi-mull-options-ahead-of-single-candidate-summit/

 

4. Professional membership not compulsory for civil service promotion – Memo

Amid concerns over career requirements in the public service, the National Council on Establishments ruled that professional membership and certification should not automatically be required for appointment, promotion or career progression.

The council said such requirements should serve professional development. It resolved that “professional membership or certification should be recognised principally for professional proficiency, ethical standards and continuing professional development.”

The rule does not remove requirements expressly provided for under approved schemes of service. The council also approved a Harmonised Entry Point Framework and created Paramedics Assistant and Paramedics Technician cadres.

Read more: https://punchng.com/professional-membership-not-compulsory-for-civil-service-promotion-memo/

 

5. Economists back US, fault Nigeria’s fiscal transparency

Amid scrutiny of Nigeria’s public finances, economists have backed a US assessment that the country failed to meet minimum fiscal transparency requirements. Nigeria was among 67 governments that failed to meet the requirements, with the report saying it made no significant progress in addressing identified deficiencies.

The assessment cited incomplete budget information, discrepancies between actual revenues and expenditures, inadequate audit independence and limited access to procurement information. It stated, “Actual revenues and expenditures did not reasonably correspond to those in the enacted budget.”

The US Department of State said fiscal transparency “helps build market confidence, and underpins economic sustainability,” while stressing that the assessment was not a corruption rating.

Read more: https://punchng.com/economists-back-us-fault-nigerias-fiscal-transparency/