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Australian Bank Fires Longtime Employee, Replaces Her With AI She Helped Train

 

In a controversial move that’s sparked global discussion on AI ethics and workplace rights, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has come under fire after it was revealed that a long-serving employee was let go and replaced by the AI system she helped build.

Kathryn Sullivan, 65, had worked at the bank for 25 years before being made redundant in July 2025.

Her final assignment involved training the bank’s new “Bumblebee AI” chatbot, including scripting and testing its responses.

What she didn’t realize at the time was that she was essentially preparing the system to replace her job.

“I was completely shell-shocked,” Sullivan told The Sun.

“We just feel like we were nothing, just a number.”

Despite acknowledging the potential of AI in modern workplaces, Sullivan emphasized the importance of regulation and worker protections.

“I support the use of AI, but there must be safeguards. There’s a fine line between innovation and exploitation,” she added.

Initially, the bank did not respond to her inquiries for over a week.

Eventually, CBA admitted that its decision to cut 45 roles had been premature and not properly assessed.

The bank apologized and offered the affected employees, including Sullivan, their jobs back.

However, Sullivan declined the offer, saying the position now felt unstable and uncertain.

A spokesperson for CBA admitted the layoffs were mishandled:

“Our initial assessment did not fully consider all relevant factors. We’ve apologized to the affected staff and recognized our process was flawed.”

Despite the controversy, CBA continues to expand its AI programs. CEO Matt Comyn recently announced a partnership with OpenAI aimed at combating fraud, scams, and cybercrime.

“Our collaboration with OpenAI shows our dedication to using advanced technology to improve customer service and security in Australia,” Comyn said.

The incident has reignited global conversations about AI ethics, job displacement, and the rights of workers who train the very systems that later replace them.

Around the world, AI is increasingly being used to handle customer service, data analysis, and administrative tasks and concerns over job losses continue to rise.

In Nigeria, where banks and fintech companies are rapidly adopting AI for customer support and fraud detection, Sullivan’s story hits close to home.

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Enugu Community Writes Governor Mbah, Accuses Traditional Ruler Of Forging Former Governor’s Signature

Governor Mbah,

 

Serious crisis is brewing in Enugu-Agu Achi Autonomous Community, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, as some indigenes have accused their traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Godwin Ndubueze Madu, of forging a former governor’s signature to secure recognition and of ruling the community with tyranny.

In a petition addressed to Governor Peter Mbah, the aggrieved members of the Enugu community, alleged that they were excluded from the selection process that produced the monarch, insisting he was imposed on them.

They further claimed that the police are already investigating the authenticity of a Certificate of Recognition allegedly bearing the forged signature of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.

One of the leaders of the opposition group, Mr. Ezedozie Ugochukwu, submitted documents to the Special Enquiry Bureau at the police headquarters, Abuja, insisting that the certificate in Igwe Madu’s possession is fake.

“The signature on the Certificate of Recognition by the above-mentioned suspect purported to be Dr. Chimaroke O. Nnamani’s signature is forged. Please see attached the real signature of the then Governor and the forged signature marked 1,” Ugochukwu wrote.

The petitioners also appealed directly to Governor Mbah to intervene, alleging that the monarch has subjected them to intimidation, illegal detentions, and forceful land acquisitions.

They accused him of appropriating the community’s quarry to himself and his allies without rendering any account to the people.

“Over the years, this so-called traditional ruler and his collaborators have unleashed a reign of terror on innocent indigenes. Those who dared to ask questions have had bitter stories to tell,” the petition read.

The community members argued that at no time did Enugu State Government issue Igwe Madu a staff of office as required by law. Instead, they alleged, he has relied on the disputed certificate to assert authority over the community.

They are calling for a new ruler “acceptable to the people, and with no criminal record.” But responding on behalf of the monarch, a member of his cabinet, Nze Theo Onyebueke, dismissed the allegations as baseless and already investigated by the relevant authorities.

“The police have done their investigations, the ministry of chieftaincy has equally done its investigation. The police came from Abuja to our community, we discussed, and they wrote their report,” Onyebueke said.

“It’s true that Chimaroke (former Governor Nnamani) had an initial problem with him, but he later signed the certificate of return. In fact, he did not contest the stool with anybody because I’m a member of Mbaorgu Igwe-in-Council. If they are talking about forgery, they can go ahead and write. The matter has been investigated. Nothing was forged.”

The petition and counterclaims have heightened tension in Enugu-Agu Achi, with many awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigations and possible government intervention to resolve the leadership dispute.

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Landlord Removes Tenant’s Roof For Impregnating His Daughter

 

A landlord has removed the roof from a tenant after the young man set his daughter on a 9-month journey.

Detail shortly…

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‘Nigerian Lives Should Come First’, Obi Blasts Tinubu’s Europe Vacation

 

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu for embarking on a European vacation, questioning the President’s priorities amid worsening crises in Nigeria.

The Presidency confirmed on Thursday that Tinubu began his 2025 annual leave, a 10-working-day vacation to be spent in France and the United Kingdom.

The trip comes barely a week after the President returned from a 15-day official visit to Japan and Brazil.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Obi expressed frustration over Tinubu’s repeated foreign travels, describing it as a disturbing pattern for a leader in the midst of national challenges.

“Our President seems increasingly uncomfortable staying in Nigeria for extended periods,” Obi wrote.

“Barely six days after returning from a 15-day trip, he jets off again — this time, on holiday. This marks what appears to be his 10th visit to France in just two years.”

Obi highlighted worsening socio-economic and security conditions in the country, stating that leadership demands full-time commitment , not absenteeism.

“Over 79% of Nigerians are facing food insecurity — that’s nearly 180 million people living in hunger. Nigeria was just ranked the worst country to give birth and among the worst places to live, with the lowest life expectancy globally.”

He also condemned Tinubu’s failure to visit areas recently affected by tragedies. Obi pointed to the Katsina State attacks that left over 50 dead and 60 kidnapped and the recent boat tragedy in Niger State, which claimed 60 lives, mostly women and children.

“Why didn’t the President visit Niger State, just 30 minutes away by air from Abuja, to show solidarity with grieving families before flying out on vacation?”

Calling for empathy and active leadership, Obi said:

“Where is the compassion? At a time when Nigerians are dying, no vacation should take precedence. Leadership is sacrifice, and it demands presence, not distance.”

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Policemen Killed My Son For Attempting To Preach To Cross River Governor – Mother

 

A grieving mother, Victoria Mba, has accused police officers in Cross River State of fatally shooting her 22-year-old son, Moses Onyekachi Mba, for attempting to deliver a Christian message to the state governor at his former residence.

In an exclusive interview with Punch Newspaper, Victoria recounted the harrowing events that led to her son’s death on August 9, 2025, just days after the shooting incident.

According to Victoria, her son Moses, a devout young man passionate about evangelism since childhood, visited the governor’s former residence in Calabar on August 1st, stating that he had received a divine message to deliver.

When turned away by security personnel, he reportedly returned a second time.

It was then that police allegedly beat and shot him, leaving him unattended for hours before the Red Cross intervened.

“They treated him like a threat instead of a harmless preacher. He lay in a pool of his own blood for hours before anyone helped,” she said.

Moses was taken to the Navy Hospital in Calabar, where his condition was described as critical.

His family claimed the hospital delayed urgent surgery due to unstable vitals and financial constraints.

The operation was eventually performed on August 4, lasting six hours.

While he initially survived the surgery, complications led to a coma.

The hospital later demanded expensive blood transfusions, which the family struggled to afford. He died five days later.

“HE SCREAMED IN PAIN, SAYING HE WAS TIRED. THEN HE GAVE UP,” THE MOTHER RECOUNTED TEARFULLY.

Victoria also alleged that government officials attempted to label her son as mentally ill, an accusation she strongly denies.

“He was never mentally unstable. He scored 196 in his JAMB exam and had plans to study Business Administration. He had already purchased his Post-UTME form for Nsukka,” she stated, adding that his academic pursuits were delayed due to family financial and health challenges.

The Mba family claims they were never contacted or comforted by any Cross River State official.

Instead, they received threatening calls and were summoned by police after Moses’ death, a move the family viewed as intimidation.

“They killed my son and then summoned me to the police commissioner. I said no. If they want to speak, they should come to our lawyer’s office.”

The family has filed a petition with Zone 6 Police Headquarters in Calabar.

Though officers involved were reportedly asked to submit statements, weeks have passed without any meaningful response or action.

“We were told only social media can help us now. That’s why I’m speaking out,” Victoria explained.

Victoria insists her demand is simple: to know who killed her son and why. She’s not asking for compensation or millions, only justice and a proper burial for her child.

“Let them come and tell me why he was killed. Just say ‘sorry’ and let me bury my son.”

Police have insisted that the body cannot be released without an autopsy, as it is now officially a murder case.

However, the process has been slow and shrouded in silence.

“They treat it like a formality. But to me, it’s my son’s life. I deserve peace,” she said.

Describing her son as a peaceful, generous, and deeply religious young man, Victoria said Moses often helped neighbors, washed clothes for others, and played gospel music even while eating.

“He never drank, never smoked. He loved helping people. Now we all feel his absence.”

She currently lives with her three other children and says the trauma of Moses’ death has left a permanent scar.

“I take sleeping pills to get through the night. My pain is rising like hell. But I will not be silent.”

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El-Rufai: ADC Accuses FG Of Using Security Agencies To Suppress Opposition

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious allegations against the Federal Government, accusing it of deploying security operatives to intimidate opposition figures, particularly in states where the ruling party feels politically threatened.

This accusation comes in response to a police summons issued to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai and several leaders of the ADC in the state, over what authorities described as alleged public disturbances.

In a statement released on Friday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi condemned the summons, describing it as politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to silence dissent.

“These invitations are not about justice or public safety. They are clearly aimed at silencing opposition voices,” Abdullahi said.

The party further demanded that the Nigeria Police Force disclose the names of individuals or groups who lodged the complaints that led to the ongoing investigations and summons.

“The public deserves to know who is behind these attacks on political freedom and what interests they represent,” the statement read.

Abdullahi also referenced a recent attack on the convoy of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the disruption of an ADC stakeholders’ meeting in Kaduna, accusing the police of selective enforcement and inaction.

“We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those who attacked Malami’s convoy in Kebbi, as well as the thugs who violently disrupted our meeting. Failure to act only emboldens further violence.”

The party called on the Inspector General of Police and the Federal Government to immediately withdraw what it termed “politically motivated” police invitations to El-Rufai and other ADC leaders.

“Security agencies should focus on their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, not serve as instruments of political manipulation,” Abdullahi added.

Despite what it calls ongoing harassment, the ADC vowed not to back down.

“Our party stands firmly with our leaders and members. We will not be intimidated,” the statement concluded.

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I’ll Choose Atiku Over Wike For Nigeria’s Leadership – Tambuwal

 

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has declared that he would back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, if the choice were about Nigeria’s future leadership.

Tambuwal made this statement during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, emphasizing that his political decisions are driven by principles, not personal affiliations.

“When it comes to the leadership of this country and the future of our people, I would rather support Atiku than Nyesom Wike,” Tambuwal stated.

While acknowledging his cordial relationship with Wike, Tambuwal clarified that his past political alignments and choices have always been grounded in ideology and leadership values, not friendships.

“It’s never personal. You’ve never seen me go after President Bola Tinubu personally, nor have I done so with Wike. We may differ politically, but I separate friendship from leadership.”

Tambuwal referenced his earlier support for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries, which was seen by many as a snub to Wike, who had felt sidelined by the party leadership.

Back in 2023, Wike openly criticized Tambuwal, Atiku, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, accusing them of betraying a party agreement to zone the PDP’s presidential ticket to the South.

“There’s no one contesting from the North I don’t have a relationship with,” Wike had said at the time, suggesting he had been instrumental in Tambuwal’s rise, including backing his bid for Speaker of the House of Representatives, only to be let down.

Tambuwal also reflected on his past political disagreements, including his departure from the PDP during Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency.

“I had no personal issues with Goodluck Jonathan. We simply disagreed on the direction of governance. It was purely policy-based. That was why I left the PDP for the APC,” he said.

In closing, Tambuwal drew a clear line between political conviction and personal ties:

“Even if Atiku walked into this room and Wike requested my phone, I’d hand it over to Wike, that’s personal. But when it comes to national leadership, I’ll make choices based on what I believe is best for Nigeria.”

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UK Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner Resigns Over Tax Error

(FILES) Britain's Deputy Prime Minister and Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner reacts at the end of the final speeches on the fourth day of the annual Labour Party conference in Liverpool, north-west England, on September 25, 2024. Angela Rayner resigned as deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing communities and local governmentm, as well as deputy leader of the Labour party over tax error on September 5, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

 

Angela Rayner, Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, has resigned from office following revelations that she underpaid property tax, a move that has dealt a significant blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government.

Rayner, a prominent figure on the left of the Labour Party, stepped down on Friday, September 5, 2025, after an official investigation found she breached the ministerial code by not paying the correct stamp duty on a flat she purchased.

Earlier in the week, Rayner acknowledged the tax discrepancy and referred herself to the government’s independent ethics adviser.

The adviser, Laurie Magnus, concluded in a letter to the Prime Minister that Rayner had failed to act on legal guidance she received, thereby violating the ministerial code.

“Given the findings, and the impact on my family, I have therefore decided to resign,” Rayner wrote in her resignation letter to Starmer.

“I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice. I take full responsibility for this error.”

Alongside her role as Deputy Prime Minister, Rayner also stepped down as Housing Minister and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

In his response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed regret over her departure:

“You will remain a major figure in our party,” he said, noting he was “very sad” to see her leave the government.

Rayner’s resignation comes amid growing scrutiny after media reports alleged she had saved £40,000 ($53,000) in stamp duty by removing her name from another property’s deed prior to the flat purchase.

Rayner revealed that following her 2023 divorce, she sold her share of the family home to a trust fund to secure her son’s future.

The proceeds were used to buy the flat in question.

She claimed the flat was her main residence, which reduced the property tax she owed.

However, she later admitted that this was incorrect, as her underage son technically resided there, disqualifying her from the tax break.

Despite this, Magnus acknowledged Rayner had conducted herself with integrity and had shown “dedicated and exemplary commitment to public service”, even though she breached the code.

Rayner, aged 45, is known for her working-class roots and candid communication style.

She left school at 16 with no qualifications after becoming pregnant, and later built a reputation as a relatable and outspoken political figure.

She has been widely seen as a future Labour leader and a frequent target of criticism from both Conservative MPs and right-leaning media outlets.

Rayner grew up in Stockport, near Manchester, in one of the area’s most deprived social housing estates.

She is a mother of three, one of whom was born prematurely, is legally blind and lives with lifelong special needs.

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I Can End Banditry In Two Months If Given Control – Zamfara Governor

 

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared that he could eliminate banditry in the state within two months if granted direct control over security agencies operating in the region.

In a viral video that captured the governor fighting back tears, Lawal recounted a series of deadly attacks in Zamfara and expressed frustration over the limitations imposed by Nigeria’s centralized security structure.

“I know where every major bandit leader in Zamfara is hiding, I could point to their locations with my phone. But I don’t have control over the security agencies, and that’s the real challenge,” he said.

Lawal revealed that in a recent attack in Shinkafi Local Government Area, dozens were killed, yet local security forces refused to act because they were awaiting clearance from Abuja.

“People were being slaughtered, and I kept calling the security agencies. They told me they needed authorization from the capital. How am I supposed to protect my people under such conditions?” he lamented.

Despite the structural constraints, the governor said his administration continues to provide substantial support to federal security operatives, including the supply of 150 patrol vehicles, logistics and operational funding.

He also highlighted the recruitment of thousands of Community Protection Guards and over 2,000 hunters from Borno and Yobe states, all of whom are contributing to the fight against rural violence.

Lawal emphasized that tackling insecurity also requires addressing poverty and underdevelopment in rural areas.

“We are sinking boreholes, building schools, and improving access to social amenities because we understand that peace is more sustainable when people live well,” he noted.

The governor also criticized political opponents, accusing some of leveraging the security crisis for selfish political gain.

“This isn’t just about politics, it’s about human lives. Politicizing insecurity is harming the people of Zamfara, not me. Some people don’t want us to succeed, but I won’t stop fighting for my people,” he said.

Lawal further questioned the federal government’s priorities, pointing to the heavy deployment of security forces during a recent by-election in the state as evidence that resources are available but often diverted for political purposes rather than public safety.

Zamfara is one of the states hardest hit by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West. Armed groups, many of which evolved from cattle-rustling gangs, have carried out mass kidnappings, extortion, and deadly attacks on rural communities.

Notable incidents include the February 2021 abduction of nearly 300 schoolgirls in Jangebe, and the December 2020 kidnapping of over 300 boys in Katsina.

These incidents drew international attention to the escalating crisis.

While terror groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have plagued the North-East for over a decade, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths and the displacement of over 2 million people, the violence in the North-West is increasingly complex and deadly.

Governor Lawal’s passionate remarks come amid renewed discussions about the establishment of state police, a reform that President Bola Tinubu and the National Economic Council are reportedly considering.

Lawal is among the governors who have consistently advocated for state policing, arguing that decentralizing security control would allow local leaders to respond more swiftly and effectively to threats.

While supporters see state police as a necessary tool for tackling local insecurity, critics warn of potential abuse by state governments for political ends.

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Military Rejects Court Ruling, Insists On 15-Year Service Rule

 

The Defence Headquarters has stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to operate under its existing Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS), despite a recent court ruling nullifying a key provision of the document.

On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja declared the mandatory 15-year minimum service period before resignation or retirement as unconstitutional, ruling that it violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Subilim in a suit filed by Flight Lieutenant J. A. Akerele, who accused the Nigerian Air Force of victimisation after he attempted to resign.

Akerele, commissioned in 2013, told the court that his career had been derailed by repeated disruptions, demotions, and lack of promotion, which left him emotionally and professionally distressed.

The court described the military’s resignation restriction as “modern-day slavery under the guise of national service,” and affirmed that no personnel can be compelled to remain in service against their will.

However, speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, insisted the military would maintain its current terms of service until they are formally reviewed.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria has a document which governs our terms and conditions of service. Everything concerning disengagement is clearly spelt out. Unless those terms are amended officially, we will abide by the existing document,” Kangye said.

He explained that personnel enter the military through various routes, each with specific service obligations.

These include Recruitment Depots for soldiers, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) for regular combatant cadets and Short Service Commission and Direct Short Service Commission for graduates and professionals such as doctors, lawyers and accountants.

Kangye noted that regardless of entry point, each category is bound by its respective terms from enlistment to disengagement.

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