These are the stories that drove the conversation today:

There was a mild drama at the complex of the Benue House of Assembly on Friday when the impeached speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange (APC Ushongo) and his successor, Titus Ubah, (APC Kyaan) arrived at the premises, both laying claim to the speakership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that supporters of both groups earlier forced their way into the assembly complex jumping its high walls, but were prevented by the Police from gaining entrance into the main lobby of the Assembly complex to hold their session.

The development forced 19 members of the assembly to meet at the old Banquet Hall of the Benue Government House where they suspended the impeached speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange for six months.

Former Super Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from football.

Ikeme who made the decision known to his teammates before a training session at the club’s ground, said he took the decision after consultation with doctors after a 12-month battle with leukemia.

The Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye who was reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen early Thursday regained freedom on Friday Morning.

The Nigerian Army on Friday announced major redeployment of senior officers in Command, Staff and other appointments. 

As contained in a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu, he explained that the posting is aimed at injecting new hands and re-organising ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ to further actualize the vision of the Chief of Army Staff COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai.

The postings and appointments which affects the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and the Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force are to take effect from 1 August 2018.

President Muhammadu Buhari has on Friday assured that his administration will look into the 13 per cent derivation benefit to the Niger Delta region to ensure even spread of developmental projects in every parts of the country.

Buhari who made the disclosure when the Isoko Traditional Rulers Council of Delta State paid him a visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, noted that Isoko kingdom had very qualified citizens that have distinguished themselves in various professional and entrepreneurial skills in the country, expressing surprise that the domain was not adequately captured in Federal Government appointments.

And stories from around the world:

The White House on Friday said President Donald Trump is open to visiting Moscow, after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had invited the American leader. (Reuters)

A group of Pakistani political parties has rejected the results of Wednesday’s general election that looks poised to bring ex-cricketer Imran Khan to power.

Mr Khan’s PTI party is ahead in the poll and has declared victory, but rival parties allege vote rigging. (BBC)

Amid skepticism over his rapprochement with Kim Jong Un, US President Donald Trump praised the North Korean leader on Friday for returning remains believed to be those of more than 50 US servicemen. (AFP)

Zimbabwean opposition Presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa says country will plunge into ‘unprecedented chaos’ if party is denied victory in Monday’s election. (The Guardian)

The US economy grew at its fastest pace in nearly four years in the second quarter, expanding at an annualised rate of 4.1%, official figures show.

US President Donald Trump described the acceleration as “amazing”, claiming it as proof his policies are working. (BBC)