Archive July 20, 2025

Police Clarify Position On Retired Officers’ Protest, Pledge Security, Respect

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has urged calm and clarified its position in response to ongoing public discussions about the planned peaceful protest by retired police officers over pension-related issues.

The Force reiterated its commitment to the welfare of its retired personnel in a statement issued by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, while cautioning against the protest’s politicisation.

The statement acknowledged the need to withdraw from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and the legitimacy of the protests.

It noted that because of legal and administrative constraints, which are beyond the inspector general’s purview, the issue has persisted for more than ten years and is still unresolved.

According to the statement, the agitation for better police pensions, and particularly the call for exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), is not recent. It has lasted for more than ten years. Since 2014, successive Inspectors-General of Police have shown empathy, engaged key stakeholders, and provided institutional support for this cause.

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“Despite these sincere efforts, the desired outcome has remained elusive, not as a result of a lack of will, but as a result of enshrined legal laws, fiscal restrictions, and administrative bottlenecks. The underlying truth is that any Inspector-General’s responsibility to leave the CPS is far beyond its purview, as the issue is intricately intertwined with a web of interagency protocols, statutory mandates, and policy inertia. ‎ “

However, the police force criticized some groups and individuals for allegedly using the protest to advance political goals, accusing them of disseminating false information and defaming facts to denigrate the government and undermine the institution.

The Force criticized the actors’ choice to politicize a sensitive welfare issue while using ostensible tactics to undermine our retired colleagues’ legitimate grievances.

Despite this, the current police leadership proposed a two-pronged plan that would support the need for reform and propose alternative solutions to meet retirees’ immediate needs. In order to improve pension benefits, measures include tapping into internally generated revenue and leveraging private sector partnerships.

The IGP has directed all commissioners of police to ensure peaceful conduct and provide adequate security coverage as the protest is scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025, primarily in the Federal Capital Territory and other states with formal notification.

The Force instructed officers to treat retired colleagues with the utmost respect and pledged to defend the rights of retired employees who could protest peacefully. Despite this, efforts will be made to stop political agitators from stealing the demonstration.

The statement urges serving officers to uphold professionalism and use the occasion as a test of the Force’s values and discipline. “The protest must not only be peaceful, it must be exemplary,” it said.

Strictly’s Amy Dowden left heartbroken as she’s given sad news about close friend

Amy Dowden, the star of Strictly Come Dancing, is heartbroken by the news that Welsh cancer activist Sophie Busson, who twice battled breast cancer, has passed away.

Amy Dowden has been saddened by the death of a fellow cancer campaigner(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Amy Dowden, the star of Strictly Come Dancing, has lost a cancer campaigner. Wales native Sophie Busson had two cancer battles.

Sophie’s devastated family announced over the weekend that she had lost her battle with the illness and had passed away at the age of 39. Amy, 34, a Strictly star, herself has been fighting breast cancer recently; she revealed in May 2023 that she has been diagnosed with grade III breast cancer.

After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, the TV star was told in February 2024 she was told that her latest check up showed “no sign of the disease”, although she wouldn’t get an “all clear” for five years. Amy was among those shocked and saddened by the news of Sophie’s death, and took to Instagram Stories on Sunday to share her condolences.

Sending your twin, your husband, boys, family, and friends, Amy shared a link to a message sent by Sophie’s family. Thank you so much for your efforts to fight breast cancer and the cancer community, darling.

Sophie’s Strictly star shared a second message with a link to a collection of photos on her Stories. Thinking about these gorgeous twins, Amy wrote. I’ve been particularly affected by the news because of how much I can relate. Love is extended to everyone, but especially Steph.

Amy Dowden shares story about cancer campaigner
Amy took to social media to spotlight Sophie’s heartbreaking story(Image: Instagram/amy_dowden)

Sophie’s family had earlier published a black and white photograph of her with the captions 1986 to 2025 written across it. Sophie’s death was brought to light in a moving message that was added to the post.

Her family wrote, “Our beautiful Sophie passed away peacefully last night, and we hoped it would never come.”

We take comfort in knowing how much she was loved because she kept us both by her side all the way through. Up until her last breath, she was a fierce fighter.

We are heartbroken, but she will always be in our hearts, her family said. Gareth, Steph, and her boys, you are all my love.

Sophie was reportedly diagnosed with stage four breast cancer at the age of 31 and 16 months after her wedding, according to The Express. After receiving intensive treatment, she was declared cancer-free, but tragically, the illness returned five years later.

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She updated her online as she accepted a new treatment regimen in 2023 and revealed that she had metastatic breast cancer that was secondary to inoperable stage four.

Sophie told WalesOnline in 2023, “I was devastated to learn that my cancer had returned, but I wasn’t overly surprised given that I was told I was a high risk of reoccurrence. But when I was five years without getting cancer, I really believed I had a chance of surviving.

“I’ve been dealing with this new diagnosis really well, but I’m learning along, and luckily, I’ve been doing okay with it.” I’m hoping that treatment will succeed in making things work out for me and allow me to stay there forever.

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Many Instagram followers shared condolence messages in the comments section of her family’s post after learning of her passing. What a lovely, always-on light-emitting soul. You all have my heart, everyone.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin issues warning in first gig after kiss cam blunder

After a funny incident at a concert went viral, Coldplay singer Chris Martin issued a warning to the audience.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin issues jumbotron warning after kiss cam blunder(Image: GC Images)

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin issued a warning about the jumbotron after Astronomer’s ex-CEO and HR Head were allegedly seen on the big screen at a recent gig. The duo were seemingly oblivious to all but the music as he embraced the woman from behind, moving in sync with the band’s live performance.

However, as he rushed to avoid the spotlight when they realized their union was being broadcast on television, they quickly regrouped. After spotting them on the screen, Chris then joked, “Oh look at these two. They may be having an affair or just being extremely shy. The incident quickly became well-known on social media and was shared millions of times.

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Chris Martin
Chris Martin issued a light-hearted warning to fans(Image: Getty Images)

On July 19 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Coldplay made another awkward appearance following the awkward moment at the concert. Frontman Chris joked about the jumbotron but didn’t directly address the incident.

We’d like to introduce some of you to some of you in the audience and screen some of you. We’re going to use our cameras to film some of you, he said, and how do we do that.

He continued, “Please, if you haven’t done your makeup, do it now”! Fans praised his handling of the situation and eluded sharing their opinions on social media.

Coldplay concert
It comes after an awkward jumbotron blunder(Image: X/Mrs. SpaceX/@anuibi)

One user said, “Love his sense of humor,” under a video of his warning. Well done, one commentator said, “I love how he is smiling while saying this”!

After the incident, I wondered what they would do. one was shared.

Meanwhile, the CEO released a statement shared on LinkedIn and X. They said: “As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding.

Our leaders are expected to uphold the highest standards for conduct and accountability, but recently that standard was not upheld. The board of directors accepted Andy Byron’s resignation, and he has submitted a written resignation.

As Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO, the Board will begin looking for our next chief executive. We were recognized as a pioneer in the data operations field prior to this week, enabling data teams to power everything from cutting-edge AI to modern analytics.

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Our products and our work for our customers have not changed overnight, even though the perception of our business may have. Our customers have the most challenging data and AI problems, and we’re still working on it.

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Japan’s far-right party makes electoral gains with anti-globalist message

Surbacked by a wave of populist rhetoric, anti-immigration warnings, and populist pledges on social welfare, Japan’s far-right Sanseito party has emerged as a major winner in the nation’s upper house election.

Sanseito was projected on Sunday by national broadcaster NHK, which dramatically increased its presence beyond the single seat it previously held, as a fringe movement that emerged on YouTube during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The party, which only controls three seats in the more powerful lower house, has benefited from voter outcry over rising living costs and the economy’s decline.

Former English teacher and manager of supermarkets Sohei Kamiya, 47, has been in charge of this shift. He openly credits US President Donald Trump’s “bold political style” as inspiration for conspiracy theories about vaccines and “globalist elites.”

Japan’s ruling coalition is likely to lose its majority in the upper house, according to a poll conducted by local media, 32 to 51 seats are expected to be won.

The “Japan First” movement

Kamiya defended his “Japanese First” motto in an interview with Nippon Television following the election.

By repressing globalism, the phrase was intended to express how the Japanese people rebuilt their lives. He did not advocate for a total ban on foreigners or for every foreigner to leave Japan, he said.

Sanseito has built its platform on fears of an “silent invasion” by immigrants despite his denial of xenophobia. Many Japanese voters are familiar with this message, which are echoed by political analysts, who are dealing with a sluggish economy and weakening the yen, which have attracted record numbers of tourists and fueled inflation.

Only about 3 percent of the population, or 3.8%, of foreign residents in Japan, despite concerns that immigration is still prevalent.

Just 7% of respondents to NHK polls prior to the election cited immigration as their top concern. More voters expressed concern about the country’s declining birth rate and rising food costs, particularly rice, which has doubled in price in the last year.

Sanseito’s populist and anti-foreign message is what has caused the buzz, according to the author. However, it also reflects the LDP’s [Liberal Democratic Party] weakness, according to Joshua Walker, president of the US-based Japan Society.

Prince Harry’s team bites back after claims William could ‘banish’ Sussexes

Prince Harry’s team has refuted claims that his immediate family is now “seriously concerned” about being exiled from the UK when Prince William ascends in later years.

A Harry spokesperson said that “people who know the least about him always have the most to say.”

Prince Harry’s team has bitten back at claims he is “seriously worried” about being exiled from the UK by his brother Prince William when he takes the throne. “Harry is seriously worried that when his father dies one day, William will literally banish him and he will have no status in Britain at all,” said royal author Tom Bower in a recent interview with the Mirror.

But Harry’s team rubbished the claims and a spokesperson said Harry retains a desire to reconnect with his family following a long-running and very public feud. Harry continues to live in the US with his wife Meghan Markle.

“It’s funny how the people who know the least about him always have the most to say,” the spokesperson told GB News. Recently, Harry himself said he would “love reconciliation” with his family. “There’s no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious,” the Duke of Sussex said.

Prince William, the new Prince of Wales, and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, arrive to view floral tributes to Queen Elizabeth II laid outside Cambridge Gate at Windsor Castle on 10th September 2022 in Windsor, United Kingdom
(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)

Of the feud with his father King Charles III, Harry said that disagreements regarding his security when he is in the UK has left the two not being on speaking terms.

Harry’s level of security changed in 2020 when he and Meghan stepped down as working royals and moved to California for financial and personal freedom, and he suggested the royal family and officials hoped his realisation of the increased safety risk “would force us to come back”. The duke failed in an appeal against the dismissal of his High Court claim against the Home Office, over the decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) that he should receive a different degree of protection when in the UK.

Harry, a father of two, claims he wants to end the conflict because he “does not know how long my father has been in jail.”

Prince Harry and King Charles
Prince Harry and King Charles (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Harry said he has now “forgiven” his family. But he added: “I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point.”

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To break up the rift, some actions have been taken. Meredith Maines, the Sussexes’ chief communications officer, and Liam Maguire, their King’s communications secretary, were photographed with Tobyn Andreae, their UK PR director. The Royal Over-Seas League near Clarence House, which cited an insider who claimed there were “things both sides wanted to talk about” but there was no “formal agenda” for the discussions, was able to get photos of the meeting on Sunday. It is unknown which side convened the meeting, according to The Mail.

Following their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they claimed a member of the family was concerned about their son Archie’s skin tone before he was born, the rift between the Sussexes and the royal family grew significantly.

Ireland claim opening T20 success over Zimbabwe

Images courtesy of Getty

Dublin’s First Twenty20 International

Ireland 118-4 (16.5 overs) Lewis 67, Chigora 2-18, Chipare 1-19

Zimbabwe 117-9 (20 overs) Mugeri-Tiripano 42, Murray 3-19, Kelly 2-10

By six wickets, Ireland wins.

In their opening Twenty20 International at Sydney Parade in Dublin, Ireland Women put on a strong display to defeat Zimbabwe Women by six wickets.

With Orla Prendergast taking a wicket in the third ball of the innings, the hosts made a good start and skipper Gaby Lewis chose to bowl first.

Ireland managed to defeat the tourists by the 17th over, ending their innings with an 117-9 total, but they had only lost four of their own wickets in a strong batting display.

Lewis won 67 runs while also passing 4, 000 runs for Ireland in all competitions.

Amy Hunter, 19, who scored nine runs to lead her country to a record of 1, 000 in T20 internationals, added history.

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