Mimiko expresses shock at HID Awolowo’s death

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXsFMr9vQNq7zJjTA4IVVVl8C-Z9dn4XWwprtUP4TFYvilw2NHvccKZ151VECgxyg1PGr8Bxl7fCHBgQH6Kx8zxvMpCHYoW-cSRFY1qP8qZdFgD67-x_9AgMLsa9evfsoH61SPGghFV4A/s1600/mimiko+hid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXsFMr9vQNq7zJjTA4IVVVl8C-Z9dn4XWwprtUP4TFYvilw2NHvccKZ151VECgxyg1PGr8Bxl7fCHBgQH6Kx8zxvMpCHYoW-cSRFY1qP8qZdFgD67-x_9AgMLsa9evfsoH61SPGghFV4A/s400/mimiko+hid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on Saturday expressed shock at the death of Mrs Hannah Awolowo, popularly known as Mama HID Awolowo.<br /> <br /> This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure by the Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr Kayode Akinmade.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mimiko said in the statement that shock was an understatement at the passing of one of the most notable icons of Nigerian history at a time everyone was looking forward to her centenary celebrations.<br /> <br /> The governor described the deceased as a supremely intelligent, kind, loving and caring mother of the Yoruba nation.<br /> <br /> “Mama, as no one would doubt, remains a Jewel of ‘Inestimable Value’ even in transition to glory.<br /> “It is traditional to recognise the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as the greatest Nigerian ever, but Awolowo would not have been the colossus that he was if not for the pillar he had in Mama,” he said.<br /> He noted the support of Mama for Chief Awolowo in his battles against the forces of underdevelopment and tyranny in the face of unceasing persecutions following his tireless commitment to democracy and the advancement of the African cause.<br /> <br /> “Mama made invaluable contributions to the Awolowo School of progressive politics encapsulated in the social democratic mantra of ‘Life More Abundant’ during and after the life time of the great sage,” he said.<br /> <br /> He further described the late Mrs Awolowo as a rallying point for all Yoruba sons and daughters irrespective of political affiliations as the co-chairman, with the late Ooni of Ife, of the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF).<br /> <br /> The governor commiserated with the Awolowo family, the Yoruba nation and all Nigerians on the irreparable loss.<br /> <br /> Mimiko prayed for a sweet repose for the soul of the deceased.<br /> <br /> NAN recalls that Mama HID died in her home in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Saturday.<br /> <br /> She was born on 25 Nov., 1915 to a modest family in Ikenne and would have celebrated her 100 years on 25 Nov.<br /> <br /> (NAN)

Latest-News Mimiko expresses shock at HID Awolowo’s death

Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on Saturday expressed shock at the death of Mrs Hannah Awolowo, popularly known as Mama HID Awolowo. This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure by the Commissioner …

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Wole Soyinka pays tribute to HID Awolowo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz6atQ0wwAR4qP6hJB-W9cNW_sv2JFQPB6HgD207B4hnZTRKy8zMarmXds9Ac79MVMvs-ijjFp_zPddO7lYn60Pbb5wsv6YRiPyMapL8z7QcPBzr-nZlacHcCOX9VKRhrAlD1WNVP_dNy/s1600/Soyinka-and-Mama-HID-awolowo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz6atQ0wwAR4qP6hJB-W9cNW_sv2JFQPB6HgD207B4hnZTRKy8zMarmXds9Ac79MVMvs-ijjFp_zPddO7lYn60Pbb5wsv6YRiPyMapL8z7QcPBzr-nZlacHcCOX9VKRhrAlD1WNVP_dNy/s400/Soyinka-and-Mama-HID-awolowo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka has paid a tribute to Chief Mrs Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.<br /> <br /> Mama Awolowo, popularly known as HID Awolowo, passed on at the age of 99 at her country home in Ikenne, Ogun State.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In a concise tribute Soyinka said: “An Era recedes. As solace, it leaves in its wake a treasured privilege for those who knew her, who experienced her indomitable spirit at first hand, and drank from her depthless fount of family embrace.”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile the first daughter of HID, Mrs Omotola Oyediran, has revealed that her mother died peacefully and joyously in the presence of virtually all her children and grand children.<br /> <br /> She was reported to have taken pounded cocoyam with her children and grand children at their meeting shortly before she breathed her last.<br /> <br /> “We were in a meeting at Efunyela hall where arrangement on her centenary birthday was being planned. She came to meet us there and played a lot with us. She prayed a lot for all us one after the other and she even ate pounded cocoyam with us.<br /> <br /> “Immediately after she finished eating, she told us that she wanted to go in and rest a bit, not knowing that she will be going to rest till eternity,” she revealed.

Latest-News Wole Soyinka pays tribute to HID Awolowo

Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka has paid a tribute to Chief Mrs Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Mama Awolowo, popularly known as HID Awolowo, passed on at the age of 99 at her country home in Ikenne, Ogu…

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Buhari mourns HID Awolowo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWtAGOG2jcKRUuyYk-8Hwc3p6qyCBCqvWHD6KoWplK3NKu7BIhzT_hDfx-kx2CeLIvSKPJptjukAKMKvMO4CHYSt7Zx6aKRzBwvP4vySG17fcJvsNenolvsqw9u-KIAK9Z2vDU_IHXuwI/s1600/buhari+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWtAGOG2jcKRUuyYk-8Hwc3p6qyCBCqvWHD6KoWplK3NKu7BIhzT_hDfx-kx2CeLIvSKPJptjukAKMKvMO4CHYSt7Zx6aKRzBwvP4vySG17fcJvsNenolvsqw9u-KIAK9Z2vDU_IHXuwI/s400/buhari+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, a statement by his spokesperson Femi Adesina said.<br /> <br /> “On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Buhari extends sincere commiserations to the children, grand children and great grand children of the “Jewel of Inestimable Value” on the death of their famed matriarch, just a few weeks before her hundredth birthday,” Buhari said.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The President joins them and millions of admirers of her late, revered husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in mourning Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo who will be long remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage.”<br /> <br /> “President Buhari believes that Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo will always be honoured too for the indelible legacy of very significant, behind-the-scene contributions to communal, state, regional and national development which she has left behind.”<br /> <br /> “The President prays that God will comfort Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo’s family, relatives, friends, associates and admirers, and grant them the fortitude to bear her irreparable loss.”<br /> <br /> “He also prays that the Almighty will receive the late matriarch’s worthy soul and grant her eternal rest from her long, earthly service to her renowned spouse, family, community and country.”

Latest-News Buhari mourns HID Awolowo

President Muhammadu Buhari has received with immense sadness, news of the passing away of Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, a statement by his spokesperson Femi Adesina said. “On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President B…

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VIDEO: Watch Victor Moses' stunnning strike against Manchester City

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis30S7IRjtdji8CO0uCaOLr4DOvDW2bBHF2Dghl6vWueDrTwQb_Xr7QeRWINJEex3pdj476IV2n9ECadjYbnOv7VQG5pfaZGRUiMGhrqh4tGtWBUO0xo4OKMyDOwdrEACd31gfe2u5Lkiq/s1600/moses3_3446230d+west+ham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis30S7IRjtdji8CO0uCaOLr4DOvDW2bBHF2Dghl6vWueDrTwQb_Xr7QeRWINJEex3pdj476IV2n9ECadjYbnOv7VQG5pfaZGRUiMGhrqh4tGtWBUO0xo4OKMyDOwdrEACd31gfe2u5Lkiq/s640/moses3_3446230d+west+ham.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The stunning strike by the Nigerian forward was the first league goal Manchester City conceded this season, and it was indeed a beauty<br /> <br /> <br /> Watch goal below...<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yk52GzWuBks" width="560"></iframe>

Latest-News VIDEO: Watch Victor Moses' stunnning strike against Manchester City

The stunning strike by the Nigerian forward was the first league goal Manchester City conceded this season, and it was indeed a beauty Watch goal below... …

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Nigeria’s democracy on quick slide - PDP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_abkLlfzvFZ_kRZFRigiPhl-j8WMKtLHmZ_WMD0TgexiCt9WKoFeVq6mbsvDisM-JXpw7dhbeUodekHr9eIe8PiWjr1AZqwqQp_ahzpZf1xdSUvxr5WVbK2PQAeSGsTrVcb-He61UYZ7q/s1600/PDP-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_abkLlfzvFZ_kRZFRigiPhl-j8WMKtLHmZ_WMD0TgexiCt9WKoFeVq6mbsvDisM-JXpw7dhbeUodekHr9eIe8PiWjr1AZqwqQp_ahzpZf1xdSUvxr5WVbK2PQAeSGsTrVcb-He61UYZ7q/s640/PDP-logo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says with the unfolding of events; the deliberate infractions and crass abuse of power by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government, it is no longer in doubt that the nation is on a quick slide into fascism and official terrorism.<br /> <br /> The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, on Saturday alerted that the President Buhari-led regime has exhibited trappings of despotism, including “ruling without a constitutional component of a cabinet, persistent abuse of power, undermining of democratic institutions, invasion of state government and personal houses, injecting confusion into the judiciary and hounding of individuals perceived to be against its interests”.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The party expressed worry over the “relentless onslaught against democratic institutions, especially the growing tension trailing the quest to annex the National Assembly; for which the Presidency had since vowed not to recognize the current Senate leadership, in total disdain to the independence of the legislature and the principle of separation of powers”.<br /> <br /> It further described as a mockery of reasoning, for President Buhari to condemn the recent coup in Burkina Faso whilst his government continues to violate the provisions of the constitution of his own country.<br /> <br /> “Ordinarily, the intra-party squabbles within the APC, regarding leadership positions in the Senate is not necessarily our concern. Also, we are not interested in whether Senate President Bukola Saraki ran for the APC Presidential ticket against President Muhammadu Buhari; or whether he ran for the Senate Presidency against the advice of the President and his party. Our concerns here are the prevailing executive intolerance, the undermining of the institution of the National Assembly and the overall threat to the survival of our democracy.<br /> <br /> “Whereas the PDP totally supports the fight against corruption, while reposing confidence in the judiciary to protect and preserve its sanctity, we note with grave concern, the politically induced controversies within the judiciary, as a result of the part being played by agents of the executive, especially the question of due process with respect to the roles statutorily vested on the person of an Attorney-General, who is yet to be appointed, regarding proceedings in the Code of Conduct Tribunal.<br /> <br /> “We note this dangerous trend because the Presidency and the APC have not hidden their aversion to the election of Senators Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu as Senate President and Deputy Senate President respectively, even as the fact of various moves to oust them from office, including the recent unsubstantiated allegations of forgery and harassments by the federal controlled security agencies are in the public domain.<br /> <br /> “We call on Nigerians to be aware that the fixation on the leadership of the National Assembly is part of a major step towards the appropriation of the federal legislature, so as to undermine its statutory role of checks and balances and set the stage for dictatorship in the land.<br /> <br /> “Part of this script is to commence a major onslaught against federal lawmakers perceived to hold divergent views to those of the Presidency, irrespective of party affiliations, a situation that would ensure a subdued legislature.<br /> <br /> “Also, similar machineries have been activated for possible forceful takeover of PDP states, a plot which played out in the recent act of terrorism against democracy, in the invasion of Akwa-Ibom state government house by the Department of State Services (DSS), under the direct instructions from the Presidency.<br /> <br /> “We also recall July reprehensible invasion and sealing of Rivers local councils by the Police, who also barred members of caretaker committees that were duly appointed by the state government to take charge of the councils.<br /> <br /> “The erosion of personal freedom of citizen also came to public glare in the invasion of the home of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, against constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights and the rule of law.<br /> <br /> “Furthermore, Nigerians are witness to the undue interferences of the Department of State Services in the activities of election tribunals in PDP controlled states of Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Abia, Taraba and others where electoral officers are being harassed, intimidated and detained, ostensibly to influence judgments against the PDP.<br /> <br /> “We recall the show of intolerance in the venom and disparagement with which the APC-led administration in August, attacked our highly revered national leaders in the National Peace Committee, which has as members, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, respected clerics; Archbishop John Onaiyekan and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kuka, retired justices of superior records, as well as other highly respected patriotic Nigerians, for daring to counsel Buhari’s government on some observed undemocratic tendencies and processes.<br /> <br /> “It is therefore a mockery of reasoning for President Buhari to use choice words to condemn the coup in Burkina Faso whilst his government engages in brazen contravention of our own constitution, a development that is clearly derailing Nigeria from the path of order, democracy and constitutionalism.<br /> <br /> “It is hence only appropriate that the President is called upon to focus on restoring proper democracy in Nigeria and end this drift towards dictatorship under the “new Sheriff’, an ominous undemocratic nomenclature introduced into our political space by the Presidency.<br /> <br /> “We invite the international community and the civil society to note that our nation is facing a defining moment for the survival of democracy. Nigeria has come to a point where citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, can no longer freely express their views. We have fast descended from an environment of personal freedom and rule of law to an environment of muffled voices and suppression.<br /> <br /> “Whereas we remain dedicated to our commitment in providing a robust and credible opposition, constructively offering alternatives to policies and programmes of the Federal Government, we restate in the strongest possible terms, that we shall not be cowed to abdicate our irrevocable resolution to defend our democracy, while resisting actions inimical to the stability and unity of our dear nation.

Latest-News Nigeria’s democracy on quick slide - PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says with the unfolding of events; the deliberate infractions and crass abuse of power by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government, it is no longer in doubt that the nation is on a quick slide into…

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Victor Moses ends Manchester City's unbeaten run

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRJRJ742o8ZhQoYQJLLufaj742qWvda6B5ElU-XGnKIi4D9JTk-dHHlRoJzWCZ2TBqOkIOFEdLT93wNDzWHCUSE2lTqEg47nmpuKzGJkayM6AE3pdA5Mu3VNBOfYINkmCFRFCUkAp1pH_/s1600/Victor-Moses-606499+west+ham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRJRJ742o8ZhQoYQJLLufaj742qWvda6B5ElU-XGnKIi4D9JTk-dHHlRoJzWCZ2TBqOkIOFEdLT93wNDzWHCUSE2lTqEg47nmpuKzGJkayM6AE3pdA5Mu3VNBOfYINkmCFRFCUkAp1pH_/s640/Victor-Moses-606499+west+ham.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b> <b><br /></b> <b>League leaders Manchester City were beaten for the first time this season thanks to a fantastic performance by Nigeria's Victor Moses and his West Ham United  team mates as ensured a stunning 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.</b><br /> <br /> Slaven Bilic's team returned with three-point hauls from their opening two away matches at Arsenal and Liverpool and they continued a remarkable run on their travels by halting City's 100 per cent record.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Victor Moses netted a sublime early opener and Diafra Sakho doubled the lead – as he did when West Ham beat the same opponents at Upton Park last season.<br /> <br /> Record signing Kevin De Bruyne marked his first start for City with a fine finish on the stroke of half-time but there was no further way through for Manuel Pellegrini's men as away goalkeeper Adrian and some desperate defending repelled persistent second-half pressure.<br /> The victory moves West Ham up to second place, three points behind their beaten opponents at the summit.<br /> <br /> Nicolas Otamendi made his full City debut alongside De Bruyne, while an injury to David Silva in the warm-up meant Jesus Navas was restored to the starting XI.<br /> <br /> Adrian returned from suspension in goal as one of three changes for West Ham, with Pedro Obiang and Carl Jenkinson replacing Cheikhou Kouyate and Angelo Ogbonna.<br /> <br /> The visiting keeper was forced into early action as Fernandinho met De Bruyne's right-wing corner with a powerful header but West Ham stunned the Etihad Stadium by taking a sixth-minute lead.<br /> <br /> Dimitri Payet fed Moses who advanced before unleashing a brilliant low drive into Joe Hart's bottom-left corner from 25 yards.<br /> <br /> That was the first Premier League goal City had conceded for 572 minutes and they were almost gifted an instant response – Aaron Cresswell's header catching out Adrian, who had strayed from his area, but Sergio Aguero was unable to finish.<br /> <br /> West Ham were not content to sit on their lead and it was 2-0 in the 31st minute, the hosts defending sluggishly as Obiang met a corner and Sakho scrambled home.<br /> <br /> City might have entered the dressing room in further disarray but for a last-ditch challenge from Eliaquim Mangala which denied Sakho and they reduced the arrears in first-half stoppage time.<br /> <br /> Aguero, who endured a frustrating 45 minutes in front of goal, set up De Bruyne to send a crisp, low strike beyond Adrian from the edge of the box.<br /> <br /> Pellegrini made a defensive switch at the interval, with Martin Demichelis replacing Mangala, and Yaya Toure fired an early second-half warning in West Ham’s direction by fizzing an angled shot wide.<br /> <br /> Adrian reacted superbly as Winston Reid almost turned a Navas cross into his own net before Toure had a venomous strike blocked and a bustling run into the box curtailed by the goalkeeper.<br /> <br /> On an increasingly rare West Ham foray forward, Sakho rounded Hart but could not finish, while Toure continued his one-man quest for an equaliser by blasting across the face of goal in the 65th minute.<br /> <br /> A close-range stop from Navas added to Adrian’s impressive body of work before Reid turned another Toure shot behind.<br /> <br /> The Spanish goalkeeper saved his best moment until five minutes from time – an exquisite reaction stop keeping out an Otamendi header from De Bruyne’s corner – and he deservedly led the celebrations at the whistle as City’s club record run of 11 consecutive league wins came to an end.<br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yk52GzWuBks" width="560"></iframe>

Latest-News Victor Moses ends Manchester City's unbeaten run

League leaders Manchester City were beaten for the first time this season thanks to a fantastic performance by Nigeria's Victor Moses and his West Ham United  team mates as ensured a stunning 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium. Slaven Bilic's team retu…

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VIDEO: Watch Odion Ighalo's brace against Newcastle

<br /> The Nigerian international scored two goals on Saturday to earn a victory for his club, Watford.<br /> <br /> Watch his goals below<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KT3mrlNxE84" width="560"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Credits: Real Video/Youtube</i></span>

Latest-News VIDEO: Watch Odion Ighalo's brace against Newcastle

The Nigerian international scored two goals on Saturday to earn a victory for his club, Watford. Watch his goals below Credits: Real Video/Youtube …

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Ighalo double secures impressive away win for Watford

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBYBNqGn4dOrB_TVcU-xbzNtUDlTcTskb3n62IY3_Ir3TzqdHLlnKNinTZCW3c_sFJHf3jaNyYDraqpXLSknTC_Rz0nCGf-VPqYLOm9P9rMUu1nuuhHITKqtOwsZ5Zv3lOG2RxgY9Xmqp/s1600/odion-ighalo-watford_1b068i7vxrpuk1l3tfidbtffph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBYBNqGn4dOrB_TVcU-xbzNtUDlTcTskb3n62IY3_Ir3TzqdHLlnKNinTZCW3c_sFJHf3jaNyYDraqpXLSknTC_Rz0nCGf-VPqYLOm9P9rMUu1nuuhHITKqtOwsZ5Zv3lOG2RxgY9Xmqp/s640/odion-ighalo-watford_1b068i7vxrpuk1l3tfidbtffph.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo gave Watford a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St. James' Park as the hosts' dismal start to the new season continued on Saturday.</b><br /> <br /> The forward scored his third and fourth Premier League goals with a pair of cool finishes inside the first half-hour.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Daryl Janmaat struck after the break with a well-taken goal as Newcastle threatened a comeback, but Watford held out for an impressive win.<br /> <br /> The result means the visitors have two consecutive victories and only one defeat from their first six matches, while Steve McClaren's men are stuck at the bottom alongside rivals Sunderland on just two points.<br /> <br /> Newcastle brought in Ayoze Perez for Vurnon Anita in their only change, while Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores replaced the suspended Valon Behrami with Ben Watson in his only alteration.<br /> <br /> Ighalo had two early chances but shot wide on both occasions as Watford came flying out of the traps, while Newcastle had their own opportunity to take the lead when Papiss Cisse missed a golden chance, failing to make sufficient contact with the goal gaping after Heurelho Gomes and his defence had failed to deal with a threatening cross.<br /> <br /> Ighalo had already provided Newcastle with two warnings and he made them pay with his third opportunity after 10 minutes. The home side gave possession away on the edge of the box and Etienne Capoue found the Nigeria international, whose well-placed shot beat Tim Krul at his near post.<br /> <br /> Cisse squandered another opportunity when he finished poorly after being played in by Moussa Sissoko, before the midfielder himself failed to find the target from a presentable opening inside the penalty area.<br /> <br /> Those misses proved costly as Watford made it two in the 28th minute. After a slick team move, captain Troy Deeney slipped a pass through to Ighalo, who rounded Krul and slotted home with a simple finish.<br /> <br /> Cisse was hooked at half-time as McClaren brought on Siem de Jong in a bid to change his side's fortunes and hopes of a comeback were raised on 62 minutes. Janmaat cut inside from the right and played a slick one-two with a sliding Sissoko before slotting a low finish under Gomes.<br /> <br /> A crucial challenge from Chancel Mbemba denied Deeney the chance to shoot after he had linked up with Ighalo again before Janmaat forced Gomes into a diving stop with a stinging long-range effort at the other end.<br /> <br /> De Jong shot straight at Gomes after a good run from Georginio Wijnaldum, but Newcastle could not find an equaliser despite late pressure.<br /> <br /> Indeed, it was almost three for Watford when Allan Nyom weaved his way into the box and flashed an effort over the crossbar.<br /> <br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KT3mrlNxE84" width="560"></iframe><br /> (Goal.com)

Latest-News Ighalo double secures impressive away win for Watford

Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo gave Watford a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St. James' Park as the hosts' dismal start to the new season continued on Saturday. The forward scored his third and fourth Premier League goals with a pair of cool f…

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'You better surrender now or face full military force' - Chief of Air Staff tells Boko Haram

<b><br /></b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzeWEaQwTRKVS7Fwqps1kmrOpt2LAISJKK5XuhXEudHg47Vm93BOqS0wQ_1gG8QiCZV_MJkZrjruWDLnJczmoMqKWrAPVEgcJRWpEXrwY_0uWkChjriiAWDh5nxFcPIHArQx0GEDCP9pE/s1600/Chief-of-Air-Staff-Air-Vice-Marshal-Sadique-Abubakar+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPzeWEaQwTRKVS7Fwqps1kmrOpt2LAISJKK5XuhXEudHg47Vm93BOqS0wQ_1gG8QiCZV_MJkZrjruWDLnJczmoMqKWrAPVEgcJRWpEXrwY_0uWkChjriiAWDh5nxFcPIHArQx0GEDCP9pE/s640/Chief-of-Air-Staff-Air-Vice-Marshal-Sadique-Abubakar+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Saturday warned the Boko Haram insurgents to surrender or face the full force of the nation’s military capability.</b><br /> <br /> Abubakar gave the warning while addressing newsmen at the end of 2015 Annual 10-kilometer Walk/Jog exercise organised by the Admin Branch of the Nigerian Air Force, in Abuja.<br /> <br /> Abubakar said, “My message to the insurgents is simple; it is either they give up their insurgency or they are going to face the force.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “We are putting together everything in place and we hope that they will keep to this advice and surrender their arms.<br /> <br /> “They can come up so that we can bring this operation to an end, if not, the consequences will be terribly unbearable.”<br /> <br /> He said that the Nigerian Air Force was working closely with all the forces to achieve the deadline to end insurgency in the North-East.<br /> <br /> “The deadline has been set and we are going to achieve that deadline.<br /> <br /> “It is not only an Air Force war; it is a war that is jointly fought by all the forces.<br /> <br /> “Our responsibility is to make it easy for the surface forces to move around to conduct their operation without any hindrance and that is exactly what we have been doing.<br /> <br /> “It is a very coordinated operation between the air elements and the land elements and that is why we are beginning to see the result of that coordination,” he said.<br /> <br /> The chief of air staff said that the significance of the exercise was to keep the minds and body of officers and men fit and ready to combat insurgency.<br /> <br /> “In trying times such as now, you need not only a sound mind but you also need a very sound body.<br /> <br /> “Certainly, somebody that has weak body is not likely to do well in the battle, so it is an opportunity for us to remind ourselves that we have very trying times.<br /> <br /> “We have challenges and responsibilities as members of the Nigerian Air Force and you cannot do that with only a sound mind, you need a sound body as well.<br /> <br /> “We are likely going to introduce additional exercise that will keep our men in good shape so that they are able to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without any difficulties,” the chief of air staff said.<br /> <br /> (NAN)

Latest-News 'You better surrender now or face full military force' - Chief of Air Staff tells Boko Haram

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on Saturday warned the Boko Haram insurgents to surrender or face the full force of the nation’s military capability. Abubakar gave the warning while addressing newsmen at the end of 2015 An…

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Costa should have been sent off twice - Wenger cries out

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyfy9LSQ8v4qXAfBNulGNHO-LINu0_3JLiSE69GSkPT9rY-n8F4zASnecm5K02K7_ciIGYhKMAqj3WsIHv1j0H2V4XWBwKO6NO9Hk5eG_yAJ_IQe58eWwjXESWTbjh_zUnl_0FRWgcDcg/s1600/wenger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyfy9LSQ8v4qXAfBNulGNHO-LINu0_3JLiSE69GSkPT9rY-n8F4zASnecm5K02K7_ciIGYhKMAqj3WsIHv1j0H2V4XWBwKO6NO9Hk5eG_yAJ_IQe58eWwjXESWTbjh_zUnl_0FRWgcDcg/s400/wenger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>Arsene Wenger insists Diego Costa "should have been sent off twice" during Chelsea's victory over Arsenal on Saturday.</b><br /> <br /> Jose Mourinho's men secured only their second win in the Premier League this season following second-half goals from Kurt Zouma and Eden Hazard, while the Gunners ended the match with nine men after Gabriel Paulista and Santi Cazorla were sent off.<br /> <br /> Gabriel was sent off for kicking out at Costa, but television replays have shown the Chelsea striker slapping the face of Laurent Koscielny in the build-up to his lengthy altercation with the Arsenal centre-backs.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Asked by BT Sport if he felt a sense of injustice, Wenger replied: A big one, yes. Because I think Diego costa should've had a red card, I wouldn’t like to be Mike Dean tonight.<br /> <br /> "I cannot understand this situation. Costa, twice should have been sent off.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5qmSRwbF6P2AoNZVh4PKWaIUExN7ymy2ZInBowGvQoIumzQBXBHXuUSLAIQ7zfpUKCNh80agfZixBlJieTsF3nO_htyTJ0vgmygezT7WxCmlUF0czdqhitMfCh16b_ckQS4ramYr2R1p/s1600/gab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5qmSRwbF6P2AoNZVh4PKWaIUExN7ymy2ZInBowGvQoIumzQBXBHXuUSLAIQ7zfpUKCNh80agfZixBlJieTsF3nO_htyTJ0vgmygezT7WxCmlUF0czdqhitMfCh16b_ckQS4ramYr2R1p/s640/gab.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> "Look at the situation before the cross comes in. He hits Koscielny in the face on purpose. He makes a fuss of it and in every game he is aggressive and gets away with it because of the weakness of the referee.<br /> <br /> "I think two sendings off for us and Costa staying on the pitch is a shame."<br /> <br /> Wenger did admit, however, that Gabriel deserved to be sent off, adding: "Gabriel deserves a red card and I agree, but you expect the referee to make the right decisions. That’s all you want."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The two managers failed to shake hands at the end of the game, but the Frenchman played down any suggestion he'd deliberately avoided his opposite number by claiming "he's always available".<br /> <br /> The 65-year-old also revealed midfielder Francis Coquelin picked up an injury and will definitely miss his side's next match against Tottenham in the League Cup on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> (Goal.com)

Latest-News Costa should have been sent off twice - Wenger cries out

Arsene Wenger insists Diego Costa "should have been sent off twice" during Chelsea's victory over Arsenal on Saturday. Jose Mourinho's men secured only their second win in the Premier League this season following second-half goals from Kurt Zouma an…

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Enyeama red-carded in Lille draw

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm_jf47BbMEiPpp2DcXfKhG_ETVo7O4ZZ6T6tksOdrS_MCK9o5Img5fJvtHQ0A39y1IMsjbyKdmFZMKT-hCEcoyGz_SDlI4OZyR9WZDInDMNj9TVV6nZVMdwFb_5VWj8_CYkGRyc60Lw5/s1600/bos+ng+enyeama+shout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm_jf47BbMEiPpp2DcXfKhG_ETVo7O4ZZ6T6tksOdrS_MCK9o5Img5fJvtHQ0A39y1IMsjbyKdmFZMKT-hCEcoyGz_SDlI4OZyR9WZDInDMNj9TVV6nZVMdwFb_5VWj8_CYkGRyc60Lw5/s640/bos+ng+enyeama+shout.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, was issued with a straight red card as his side played a 1-1 draw at Rennes in the French Ligue 1 on Friday night.<br /> <br /> Giovanni Sio was through on goal before referee Stephane Jochem adjudged he had been felled by the Nigeria international, who was subsequently sent off, Goal reports.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Enyeama’s team mates were furious at the decision and protested for over two minutes, but their mood improved when Paul-Georges Ntep’s penalty was saved by substitute goalkeeper Mike Maignan.<br /> <br /> It was Enyeama’s first dismissal in the Ligue 1, and could now leave him with a one-game ban.<br /> <br /> Lille took the lead on 49 minutes when Junior Tallo’s cut-back was cleverly taken by Sofiane Boufal, whose left-foot finish caught out Abdoulaye Diallo in the Rennes goal, before Paul-Georges Ntep rescued the home team.

Latest-News Enyeama red-carded in Lille draw

Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, was issued with a straight red card as his side played a 1-1 draw at Rennes in the French Ligue 1 on Friday night. Giovanni Sio was through on goal before referee Stephane Jochem adjudged he had been felled by the …

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Police rescue 75-year-old grandmother kidnapped in Delta

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS0ApnEx4LEF6WhkdMD_AxmVzjEAmW27Q69DJ5DTTWeTjf4eqDdWn56pJkeK-p6xzv-JGCoprhheqTlNhadxRvLfzNmWq4_vBmB703UAQXwsA01s_ZbBDU2GrDYWxxrJRB8WFqx-ASxia/s1600/police-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKS0ApnEx4LEF6WhkdMD_AxmVzjEAmW27Q69DJ5DTTWeTjf4eqDdWn56pJkeK-p6xzv-JGCoprhheqTlNhadxRvLfzNmWq4_vBmB703UAQXwsA01s_ZbBDU2GrDYWxxrJRB8WFqx-ASxia/s640/police-logo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Delta Police Command on Saturday confirmed the rescue of a 75-year-old grandmother, Madam Ogaraya Macauley, who was kidnapped in her farm.<br /> <br /> She was kidnapped in Ezionu village of Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state by suspected hoodlums.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The command’s spokesperson, DSP Celestina Kalu, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba.<br /> <br /> According the statement, the old woman regained her freedom after a police patrol team intercepted the kidnappers’ vehicle along the Kwale/Ogwashi-Uku road.<br /> <br /> “On Sept. 18, 2015 at about 12.40pm, police operatives of the Dragon patrol team 23 while on routine patrol along Kwale/Ogwashi-uku road, suspected a M/Benz with Reg. No. (Rivers) DW 357 PHC.<br /> <br /> “The occupants on sighting the patrol team made a suspicious u-turn. Consequently, the patrol men gave the vehicle a pursuit which forced the two occupants to abandon the vehicle and escape into the bush.<br /> <br /> “When the vehicle was searched, one Ogaraya Macaulay, female, aged 75 years, of Ezionu village in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta was found inside,” it said.<br /> <br /> It added that on interrogation, the old woman informed the policemen that she was kidnapped by the hoodlums while working in her farm.<br /> <br /> The statement said some items recovered from the fleeing kidnappers included one locally-made gun, three live cartridges, some fetish charms and the said M/Benz, Reg. No. (Rivers) DW 357 PHC.<br /> <br /> It stated further that preliminary inquiry conducted by the police revealed that the said vehicle was snatched from one Christopher Obukowho by the suspects along Ogume road.<br /> <br /> The statement said the rescued victim had since rejoined her family, while the police had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.<br /> <br /> (NAN)

Latest-News Police rescue 75-year-old grandmother kidnapped in Delta

The Delta Police Command on Saturday confirmed the rescue of a 75-year-old grandmother, Madam Ogaraya Macauley, who was kidnapped in her farm. She was kidnapped in Ezionu village of Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state by suspected hoodlums. T…

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EPL: Chelsea beat nine-man Arsenal 2-0

<b><br /></b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXPOJqZL9ib8U_Nda467cvkVzSDNV7O3iErlDYpowC_i38LFB72btByVi54TT3NyxxKWEEINrZZ90v6iGlZeQBI8gA-ZJASfU8XCEpOwJTJk4ksF0duVYZxwFynKtzlXdzPxraxJfBOPw/s1600/zouma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXPOJqZL9ib8U_Nda467cvkVzSDNV7O3iErlDYpowC_i38LFB72btByVi54TT3NyxxKWEEINrZZ90v6iGlZeQBI8gA-ZJASfU8XCEpOwJTJk4ksF0duVYZxwFynKtzlXdzPxraxJfBOPw/s400/zouma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b>Kurt Zouma's 53rd-minute header and Eden Hazard's late deflected strike sealed an ultimately facile win over Arsene Wenger's men, who had Gabriel and Santi Cazorla dismissed</b><br /> <br /> Diego Costa again proved the decisive figure as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 in a controversial clash at Stamford Bridge.<br /> <br /> The Spain striker provoked a red card for Arsenal defender Gabriel late in the first half with Santi Cazorla also seeing red in the second period as the visitors self-destructed.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Kurt Zouma headed Jose Mourinho's men into the lead after 53 minutes and a late, deflected effort from Eden Hazard secured a much-needed win for Chelsea in stoppage time.<br /> <br /> Gabriel became the latest man to be drawn into an off-the-ball row with Costa, who had first tangled with Laurent Koscielny but was involved in afters with the Frenchman's defensive partner.<br /> <br /> Gabriel received an initial booking from referee Mike Dean before his sending-off for a petulant kick on the Spain international before play had resumed on the stroke of half-time and it took the champions just eight second-half minutes to make the most of their man advantage.<br /> <br /> The unmarked Zouma nodded in a Cesc Fabregas free-kick past Petr Cech on the goalkeeper's Stamford Bridge return.<br /> <br /> Chelsea found their feet after the opener and rarely looked like relinquishing their lead - with Cazorla's second yellow card for a poor tackle on Fabregas effectively ending a fixture unlikely to be earmarked as a classic episode in the sides' long-running rivalry.<br /> <br /> Hazard's goal merely rubbed salt into Arsenal's wound and summed up the visitors' luckless afternoon.<br /> <br /> John Terry was kept on the bench following the midweek Champions League success against Maccabi Tel-Aviv and stand-in captain Branislav Ivanovic was tested early down the left by Alexis Sanchez before Theo Walcott rounded Asmir Begovic before failing to keep the ball in play.<br /> <br /> Former Arsenal man Fabregas had Chelsea's first effort on target with the opening 15 minutes largely belonging to the visitors - unchanged from their 2-0 win over Stoke City.<br /> <br /> Mourinho's men eventually grew into the game as Costa tested Cech with a strike prior to the half-hour mark.<br /> <br /> A slack touch from Pedro denied him a one-on-one with Cech before Hazard saw a penalty shout turned down after tangling with Gabriel - Mourinho seemingly bemused by Dean’s decision.<br /> <br /> Dean was then involved in the game’s main talking point prior to the break with Gabriel dismissed to the astonishment of Wenger.<br /> <br /> Wenger introduced Calum Chambers to shore up his defence but Chelsea remained on top as they sought to press home their numerical advantage, Pedro volleying over before Zouma nodded in the opener.<br /> <br /> Ghosting in at the far post, he gained the crucial touch on Fabregas' delivery to register his first Premier League goal for the club.<br /> <br /> The hosts' pressure continued as Hazard's fierce effort was beaten away by Cech, with the former Chelsea goalkeeper then watching on as the Belgian dragged a shot wide after the hour mark.<br /> <br /> Costa remained in the thick of things - seeing a penalty appeal turned away following a challenge from Nacho Monreal - with Cazorla shown a second yellow for a rash challenge on his countryman Fabregas 11 minutes from time before Hazard sealed the points.<br /> <br /> His strike took a heavy deflection off substitute Chambers and diverted past a helpless Cech to cap another frustrating visit to west London for Wenger.

Latest-News EPL: Chelsea beat nine-man Arsenal 2-0

Kurt Zouma's 53rd-minute header and Eden Hazard's late deflected strike sealed an ultimately facile win over Arsene Wenger's men, who had Gabriel and Santi Cazorla dismissed Diego Costa again proved the decisive figure as Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 in…

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HID Awolowo dies at 99

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGt5CcVatyfyEBdPjxGtDwyiG8ZEATzR9TZGrNHR-p4SlI4I8f_squSs9gO1niOJKK7evqXwLrv2qY-VACVsLhVg_FYX9GG6-G2oRK3eW1KWcxrfPaX3OAr_8bHWKAnhtyOyDUlAr1Feu/s1600/hid+awolowo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGt5CcVatyfyEBdPjxGtDwyiG8ZEATzR9TZGrNHR-p4SlI4I8f_squSs9gO1niOJKK7evqXwLrv2qY-VACVsLhVg_FYX9GG6-G2oRK3eW1KWcxrfPaX3OAr_8bHWKAnhtyOyDUlAr1Feu/s640/hid+awolowo+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b><br /></b><b>The matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, is dead.</b><br /> <br /> Mama, as fondly called by many, died on Saturday at age 99.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> HID, would have turned 100 on November 25 this year.<br /> <br /> She reportedly died shortly after a meeting on Saturday with her family members.<br /> <br /> Yeye Oodua, as she is also popularly known, was said to have been a part of the meeting for the planning of her 100th birthday.

Latest-News HID Awolowo dies at 99

The matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, is dead. Mama, as fondly called by many, died on Saturday at age 99. HID, would have turned 100 on November 25 this year. She reportedly died shortly after a meeting on Saturda…

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Jonathan doesn’t have money, Buhari will not find anything — Alamieyeseigha

<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JP0eaSTFdWPAN0VE9C6tnq7_nLGfFslFb1WU_9cOqBbyFUL1-QtmZj9qEGZmBVbw1XBN-c_83-Kh5QcqwcsRMbW9X0EEIZBAFjbpMsQGpv1_jNAeyagazNMLbQrei9jnU0ejGNoHL0z9/s1600/Chief-Diepreye-Alamieyeseigha-360x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JP0eaSTFdWPAN0VE9C6tnq7_nLGfFslFb1WU_9cOqBbyFUL1-QtmZj9qEGZmBVbw1XBN-c_83-Kh5QcqwcsRMbW9X0EEIZBAFjbpMsQGpv1_jNAeyagazNMLbQrei9jnU0ejGNoHL0z9/s400/Chief-Diepreye-Alamieyeseigha-360x225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> In his days as the governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, otherwise known as DSP, was fondly referred to as the Governor-General of Izon Nation, because he presided over the only state with entirely Ijaw extraction and was seen as the leader of the struggle for the proverbial Resource Control in the Niger Delta. But his popularity and political career was cut short when he was impeached towards the end of December 2005 and replaced by his then Deputy Governor, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who later became Nigeria’s President following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010.<br /> <br /> DSP landed in prison and he was in a sordid state until his godson, Jonathan granted him state pardon, lifting him out of the political doldrums.<br /> <br /> Today, Alamieyeseigha still respected in Bayelsa, speaks on Jonathan, Obasanjo , Governor Seriake and Bayelsa State.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>Excerpts:</b><br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <b><br /></b><b>Let’s start by asking what informed your choice of former President Jonathan as your deputy Governor in 1999?</b><br /> <br /> One is that I came from Southern Ijaw Local Government, the largest in the Bayelsa State and may be in the whole country. My political calculation was to pick somebody from the Ogbia axis, that is the Eastern part of the state to balance the political equation. So, I needed Ogbia votes. Number two, I wanted a deputy governor who had high level of intelligence and stable character like Jonathan.<br /> <br /> I also needed an establishment person and somebody who was not too ambitious that if I was out, he could stand in for me and could run the state. I needed somebody, who would not attempt to cause trouble if I traveled out of the state so that I could sleep well. It was a combination of these factors that made me to choose Jonathan as my deputy then. I set out an objective criteria on the qualities I needed and when the late Chief judge of Bayelsa State recommended him, (I did not know him before), I readily accepted him. In fact, I had to drive in my car to his residence and asked him to resign from the then OMPADEC, where he was working at the time.<br /> <br /> <b>Within the period Jonathan worked under you, did you at any point imagine that he would one day become a vice president or president and what were those leadership qualities you identified in him?</b><br /> <br /> Leadership comes from above. No matter how you try, if God almighty does not destine you to lead, you will not be a leader. For Goodluck, I knew that he was going to be vice president of Nigeria as far back as August 25, 2005. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had once told me that since his former vice, Atiku Abubakar and I wanted to take his job that it would be over his dead body and that unless he died, Atiku would not be president of Nigeria. He told me that since Atiku had picked me as his running mate, he would disgrace us. He said that he was going to use my deputy to rubbish me before everybody. So, I knew.<br /> <br /> <b>But some say, like Balarabe Musa observed recently, that Jonathan was not prepared for leadership and that accounted for the loss of power by the South</b>.<br /> <br /> It is not right because Jonathan is more experienced than any president that has ruled this country in the past. How can you say that somebody who has been in office for 16 years is not qualified? If I may ask, which former president of this country was in power for 16 years? He was in office as deputy governor and was overseeing administration of local governments and was very conversant with the administration of local governments at that level. He was also performing the role of a deputy governor. He became a governor and is also familiar with governance at that level. He became a vice president and later acting president and a president. Which Nigerian has that pedigree? None. So, Balarabe Musa goofed. I am not aware of any special school that people go to become president. Academically, he is more qualified than any of them, and in our local environment at the University of Port Harcourt, he has street knowledge because he is locally bred.<br /> <br /> Not everybody will like his style but I can tell you that if you sit down and catalogue what he has done for this country, no other president has done that. But it is his life style; he is a very quiet man, unassuming but with very high intellectual content. If Goodluck believes in something, the house can collapse but he will do what he believes in. He has a very strong character. It depends on who is looking at him and from which angle. From the beginning, people’s mindset were fixed for him to fail and to manage that perception was another problem. But he did well. All these things that the APC is claiming to have done in 100 days are just claims; you cannot fix the refinery in three months. Somebody must have done very serious work before. To do turnaround maintenance takes 18 months and not three months.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>Some argue that Jonathan’s defeat in the election and the role played by the elite may create bad blood in Nigerian politics. Do you agree and what do you see in the future for Nigeria?</b><br /> <br /> I have very radical views about that and I do not want to share them now. We are watching out what will play out at the national level. Will Nigeria or the ruling party still take us as part of Nigeria? Of course, they know that we are still feeding this nation. So, I think that they are conscious of that and they should also know that even the British could not conquer the Ijaw people.<br /> <br /> We have the capacity to defend what belongs to us. So far, so good, the appointments that they have made, none has come to Bayelsa. The Special Adviser to the president on the Amnesty Programme, Brig-Gen. Boroh, is just coordinating the programme and I do not consider that as an appointment. Is that what we deserve? The Amnesty programme, we do not know whether it will end in December. We are watching.<br /> <br /> <b>The present administration has just completed 100 days in office, what are your reflections?</b><br /> <br /> I have been a governor before and this question keeps coming. One hundred days in the life of a government with a mandate of four years is insignificant. There is always a learning period. You may say he was a military Head of State before but it is different. In military dictatorship there is nothing like the National Assembly; you give orders and nobody will question your orders. But the situation is quite different from a civilian government where you have to lobby. So, I do not want to use 100 days to assess a sitting president. But so far, so good! What is going for Buhari is the perception of Nigerians that he is an incorruptible leader.<br /> <br /> The integrity and what he came with to government is what is helping him. If you go to the North and you mention Buhari’s name, ‘’Sai Buhari’’, they come like bees. Some of them do not even know who he is. You can spend money and Buhari will not spend and people will trek 15 kilometers to support him. That is the mystery he has built for himself over the years because people see him as incorruptible and straightforward. With this change mantra that they floated and anti-corruption as the vessel, people seem to believe what he is doing.<br /> <br /> And once they say you are corrupt, they first finish you on the pages of newspapers before they start looking for evidence. It is a terrible country that we are in.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>You will recall that Buhari had said from the outset that he belonged to nobody but to everybody. But his recent appointments have attracted some criticisms, making some Nigerians to refer to him as the president of the North. What is your reaction to this?</b><br /> <br /> According to former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, President Buhari is the president of the North.<br /> <br /> Some have argued that there are still a lot of appointments to be made. I may not be morally right to comment on this because my brother just left office as president. People may ask what did your brother do? During President Jonathan’s administration, all the appointments, all the security architecture and all the revenue-generating sectors and almost everything went to the North West. A deity asked for blood and you give him oil, it is blood he wants and not oil. So my brother was giving them oil but the North was interested in taking power. Jonathan did everything for the north. Despite what Jonathan was doing for the north, their interest was power and they got it.<br /> <br /> <b>You were at the stadium where Governor Dickson declared for a second term and former President Goodluck Jonathan openly endorsed him despite the fact that many other aspirants close to him are in the race. Do you think Jonathan was tactful?</b><br /> <br /> At certain stage in life, if you have leadership qualities, your followers should be able to predict you and know where you stand. In politics, there is no neutrality. There is no need romancing with your subjects, quarreling with one another, wasting precious time and resources when you can come out straight as Jonathan did the other day. This would have been done long ago so that people would not waste time and resources by going to pick forms. Jonathan has been here for six and half years as Deputy Governor, governor for one and half years before he went to the federal level. So, this is a familiar terrain. All of us know the players by their first names and without going to the field, you will know who will win election and who will not win election. So, I am glad that at last, he came out openly. It is possible he would have been doing that privately but recently and on the declaration day, he impressed me because he came out openly in support of Governor Dickson. For so many reasons which we know as politicians in the state, having lost at the centre, you cannot protect your house for people to invade your privacy; it is not done.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>But with the caliber of people who have indicated interest in the seat from the main opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), are you not afraid that winning the election might be difficult for Dickson?</b><br /> <br /> Yes, some people use the media to promote themselves as leaders but I know that most of them that have picked forms cannot win in their pooling booths without help. We are also aware that some of them were given positions of responsibility in the past and we know what they did with them; we know their pedigree because by their fruits you know them. If they have made so much money and they want to use the opportunity of the election to spread it, or bring out some money for the electorate, so be it. But I can assure you that such will not win any election. These are people that were in the PDP and they did not take part in the last presidential election. They worked for the PDP against the APC. In the National Assembly elections, they were in PDP and in the state Houses of Assembly, they were also in the PDP. But in the case of the governorship, they want to be governor. So far, about 18 of them have collected forms in the APC and only one of them will become a candidate and these names, some of them are not even known by the APC at the national level. Of course, they know they would fail but the hope is that the APC government at the centre would give them appointments. It is a joke because the party has not been able to satisfy the original APC members not to talk of those opportunists, greedy and ambitious human beings. I do not think they have the interests of the Ijaw nation and Bayelsans at heart. We cannot be deceived because we know them.<br /> <br /> <b>But do you think the average Bayelsa man will support Dickson given their accusation that he does not give them money like typical politicians do?</b><br /> <br /> The election is already won by Dickson, given what he has been able to do in the state. His only offence is that he is not sharing money to people. State money should not be shared but directed to projects that will benefit the generality of the people. Dickson has tried to pay salaries and carry out infrastructural development since he came on board. So, I think that those who want to pull him down don’t even have the strength to do so. They are selfish people who have been enjoying government since 1999 yet they don’t want the younger ones to grow like they have done.<br /> <br /> <b>Let’s take you to former President Obasanjo under whose leadership you ran into a murky water. Have you have forgiven him?</b><br /> <br /> Let me make it clear here that I have forgiven all the people who worked against me. It is not only Obasanjo but everybody. This is because everything that happened, who did what, I know? I cannot be living in the past because it does not help. It pains quite well but again, if it was not permitted by God, it would not have happened. And for me to be alive, I thank God. Sometimes when I reflect on where I am coming from, I even at times ask why I am still alive, having passed through what I have passed through. It reminds me of Psalm 23, somebody passing through the valley of the shadow of death. I passed through it several times. For me to be alive, I do not need to have anything in mind.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>Have you interacted with Obasanjo since that saga and what was the closest you have been with him since then?</b><br /> <br /> I have been at a very close quarters with Obasanjo twice. The first encounter was at the Katsina Airport during the wedding of the daughter of late President Yar’Adua. I did not even know that he was in the VIP lounge. I wanted to use the rest room and here was Obasanjo directly sitting inside. I was even scared because he almost passed out.<br /> <br /> I held his hand and he said DSP what have I done to deserve a handshake from you? There were other people; Kenny Martins and one of his political friends present. I said I was shaking him for two reasons. One was because of the Almighty God who created us. Number two is that tradition demands that we should welcome our visitors. Then Kenny got up and said, great leader, great leader and he came to hug me. The second encounter was when I was going to Dubai and if Obasanjo had known that I was in that aircraft, he would not have entered but I was already seated. We were very few in the aircraft. Because of fear, Obasanjo saw me and hysterically called me Fayose, Fayose and I told him that I was not Fayose. I said former president, Olusegun Matheew Kikiola Aremu Obasanjo, you are a devil incarnate. I said when we were small, our lesson teachers always talked about this devil and this devil and I never knew that the devil is a human being. I told him that you are a direct descendant of the devil. I told him that if you talk, I will throw you out of this aircraft.<br /> <br /> I knew of truth that he did not sleep throughout the flight. The only thing he said was DSP, is it only you that entered prison. I too entered prison. He said you entered prison and I entered prison. He kept quiet and I left. But I have forgiven him and I can even go to Otta. He is an elder. One thing I know of Obasanjo is that you can say anything against Obasanjo but he is a leader. If he says he is going to do this, he will do it. You can call Obasanjo any time of the day or night and he will pick the phone himself. He will be ready to sit down with you to solve any problem even though he will not allow you to talk. He has invited you to seek your opinion on how to solve the problem but he would not allow you to talk and at the end of the day, you begin to wonder why he called you when he already had the solution to the issue. That is the type of character that he is.<br /> <br /> I know him. For me to say he is devil incarnate, he is.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>What do you think that Jonathan did well and did not do well?</b><br /> <br /> Well, I was not in government and cannot say what he did well and didn’t do well. As far as I am concerned I didn’t lift oil, I did not have oil wells and I didn’t get any contract from anybody.<br /> <br /> <b>But you must have received some presidential gifts like cash and other tangible things more valuable than contracts and oil blocks?</b><br /> <br /> Yes, I had unlimited access to Jonathan and I used to have free access to his home. If I met him eating, I would join him and so on. Jonathan has no money. So, if Buhari is looking to extract money from him, he won’t find.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>What if the money is hidden somewhere offshore?</b><br /> <br /> That cannot happen anymore in this world.<br /> <br /> <b>Are you saying he is a poor man?</b><br /> <br /> No, he is a quiet and highly contented Nigerian but not a rich man<br /> <br /> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Culled from Vanguard</span></i>

Latest-News Jonathan doesn’t have money, Buhari will not find anything — Alamieyeseigha

In his days as the governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, otherwise known as DSP, was fondly referred to as the Governor-General of Izon Nation, because he presided over the only state with entirely Ijaw extraction and was…

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Saraki Tells Code of Conduct Tribunal - 'You’ve no power to order my arrest'

<br /> <br /> Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja, yesterday, ordered the arrest of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki following his refusal to appear in court to face a 13-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the federal government.<br /> <br /> <br /> The tribunal which is headed by Justice Danladi Umar, directed the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase and other relevant security agencies in the country to arrest the Senate President and produce him in court on Monday for arraignment.<br /> <br /> Saraki was in the charge before the CCT, marked ABT/01/15 and dated September 11, 2015, alleged to have falsely declared his assets, contrary to the constitutional requirement.<br /> <br /> He was accused of deliberately manipulating the assets declaration form that he filed prior to his assumption of office as the Senate President, by making anticipatory declaration of assets.<br /> <br /> The offence was said to have been committed while Saraki held sway as a governor.<br /> <br /> Aside allegation that he owned and operated foreign bank accounts while being a public officer, Saraki is expected to explain before the CCT how he acquired some assets which the federal government believes were beyond his legitimate earnings.<br /> <br /> Meantime, Saraki who was billed for arraignment yesterday, refused to appear before the tribunal, even though he sent his team of lawyers, led by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. J.B. Daudu, SAN, to file memorandum of conditional appearance on his behalf.<br /> When his case was called up, one of his lawyers, Mr. Mahmud Magaji, SAN, notified the tribunal about the ruling by Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, which had on Thursday, summoned the Ministry of Justice over the charge against Saraki.<br /> <br /> Justice Mohammed had after he heard an ex-parte application by Saraki, also summoned the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Umar and that of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Mr. Sam Saba, to appear before him on Monday.<br /> <br /> They were specifically asked to appear to show cause why an interim order of injunction stopping Saraki’s trial should not be granted.<br /> <br /> Meantime, irked by Saraki’s absence at the tribunal for the commencement of his prosecution yesterday, the Ministry of Justice, prayed the Justice Umar-led panel to order for his arrest.<br /> <br /> Moving the oral application for a bench warrant to be issued against Saraki yesterday, a deputy director in the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. M.S. Hassan, maintained that the accused person, “cannot sit in the comfort of his chamber and object to his trial in absentia”.<br /> <br /> The prosecution further contended that Justice Mohammed lacked the powers to summon the CCT and CCB chairmen, even as it accused Saraki of engaging in “forum shopping” in a desperate bid to scuttle his trial.<br /> <br /> Hassan argued that going by the provision of section 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Saraki, could only object to the trial after he had entered his plea to the charge against him.<br /> <br /> “My lords, the provision of this section is clear to the effect that any objection to a charge shall be raised after plea, which means that the accused person must be in court and the charge read to him before any objection.<br /> <br /> “Moreover, paragraph 17 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 constitution, as amended, empowers this tribunal to try the accused person”.<br /> <br /> The prosecuting counsel described Saraki’s contention that he cannot be prosecuted in the absence of a substantive Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, as “a clear misconception of the law”.<br /> <br /> He argued that the power to initiate criminal proceeding before any court or tribunal is not limited to the AGF alone, adding that section 175 of the constitution provides that any officer in the office of the AGF is qualified to initiate criminal proceeding in any court of law or tribunal in Nigeria, except the court martial.<br /> <br /> Placing reliance on decided case law in FRN vs Adeyemi, 2010, 10-NWLR, and section 2 & 4 of the Law Officers Act, the prosecution stres-sed that in the absence of a substantive AGF, the Solicitor General of the Federation could perform all the duties that were imposed by the law on the office of the AGF.<br /> <br /> “We also rely on section 24(3) of the CCB &Tribunal Act to submit that the charge against the accused person is proper and competent.<br /> <br /> “The Federal High Court lacks the power to compel this court before it. They are both superior courts of record with coordinate jurisdiction, and are both recognised by the constitution. Appeals from this court go straight to the Court of Appeal.<br /> <br /> “The Federal High Court does not have supervisory jurisdiction over this court. It only has power over inferior tribunals, not a court of competent jurisdiction as this court.<br /> <br /> “The accused person cannot stop us from performing our constitutional duties. He cannot sit in the comfort of his chamber and say my lawyer will do it for me. This is a criminal case, not a civil matter.<br /> <br /> “We therefore urge my lords to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the accused person”, the prosecutor added.<br /> <br /> BENCH WARRANT<br /> Ruling on the application , the tribunal while upholding FG’s argument, stressed that Saraki, having sworn to protect the constitution, ought to have shown respect to the tribunal by appearing before it today.<br /> <br /> “I have taken notice of the fact that there is no incumbent AGF in office, but that does not preclude any officer from the Ministry of Justice from initiating this criminal proceeding “, Justice Umar held.<br /> <br /> The tribunal noted that whereas the AGF has the sole right to exercise the power of ‘nolle prosequi’ (power to terminate charge), it said that such exclusive right does not include the initiation of criminal trial.<br /> <br /> It further observed that Saraki was duly served with the charge and a notice to appear in court yesterday, on September 16.<br /> <br /> “This tribunal is established under section 15(1) of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 constitution as a special vehicle vested with the powers to promote probity and accountability in the public service.<br /> <br /> “This tribunal has coordinate jurisdiction with the FHC. In view of section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, this tribunal cannot accede to the request to halt this proceeding. A superior court of record cannot issue an order prohibiting or restraining the proceeding of another court of equal status.<br /> <br /> “This tribunal has called the defendant to come before it and stand trial. As a senior citizen he is expected to show respect to constitutional provisions which he has sworn to protect.<br /> <br /> “The tribunal hereby orders the IGP or other relevant security agencies to arrest and produce the defendant for prosecution. In view of the foregoing, the tribunal orders a bench warrant to be issued against the defendant”, the court ruled.<br /> <br /> Spirited effort by Saraki’s lawyers to persuade the tribunal to consider the position of the accused person as the Senate President and stay the execution of the bench warrant against him on the undertaking that he will be available for trial on Monday, failed flat yesterday.<br /> <br /> SARAKI APPEALS<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, in a swift reaction, Saraki, yesterday, went before the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge the powers of the CCT to try him, as well as the refusal of the tribunal panel to discharge the bench warrant for his arrest.<br /> <br /> In his one ground of appeal, Saraki, insisted that the trial tribunal erred in law and also acted without jurisdiction by countenancing and assuming jurisdiction over his criminal trial/ prosecution for a charge that is being challenged at the FHC Abuja in suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/775/2015, between him and the Ministry of Justice and 3 Ors.<br /> <br /> He argued that the tribunal acted in disobedience to the order the FHC made on Thursday. Listing the particulars of error by the tribunal, Saraki, told the appellate court that “as at the time the lower tribunal overruled the appellant’s application to discharge the order for bench warrant for his arrest by the respondent, there existed an order of the FHC, Abuja, dated September 17, which was served in the lower tribunal, who were party to the suit”.<br /> <br /> It was his argument that having filed an application challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to adjudicate on the charge before it, he needed not to be present in court yesterday.<br /> <br /> More so, Saraki, argued that the tribunal did not avert its mind to the decided case laws in Doma vs Ogiri, 1997, 1-NWLR, and that of Ojukwu vs Governor of Lagos state, 1986, 3-NWLR.<br /> <br /> He therefore sought an order of the appeal court setting aside the order of arrest that was issued against him by the tribunal.<br /> <br /> The embattled Senate President had in a13 -paragraphed affidavit that was deposed to by one Efut Okoi, told the high court on Thursday that his trial was politically motivated.<br /> <br /> He told the court that since May 29 when the life span of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan expired, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had yet to appoint an AGF.<br /> <br /> “That upon assumption of office, President Mu hammadu Buhari has made several appointments ranging from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to Senior Special Advisers and Special Assistants.<br /> <br /> “That I also know of fact that President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to appoint Ministers and other key Executive Officials.<br /> <br /> “That is is also a fact that the Federal Ministry of Justice does not have an Attorney General/ Ministry of Justice yet”.<br /> <br /> He argued that on September 14 when the 4th Defendant/Respondent (M.S. Hassan) took steps to initiate the charge before the CCT, he was never directed by any AGF to do so, since there exists no substantive AGF.<br /> <br /> “That the charge pending before the CCT is predicated upon the falsehood that the plaintiff/applicant did not declare his assets in 2003, 2006 and 2011.<br /> <br /> “That the applicant has consistently declared his assets as required by law at every point before resuming any political office and that of 2015 was not exception.<br /> <br /> “That the 2nd defendant/Respondent had investigated the assets and ascertained the claims made by the plaintiff”.<br /> <br /> He said that he submitted his asset declaration form in 2007, 2011 and 2015, saying “the present charge was initiated due to external influence and undue interference on the CCT”.<br /> <br /> He told the court that the CCB never wrote to him to complain of any inconsistency in his asset declaration form.<br /> Saraki averred that the charge was “purely a malicious and politically motivated prosecution aimed at undermining the person and office of the Senate President.<br /> <br /> “That it is a fact that this charge pending before the CCT is a case of desperation to intimidate the applicant due to his recent stance on national issues.<br /> <br /> “That the applicant had suffered series of harassment and intimidation in the hands of the officials of the 1st defendant”, he added.<br /> <br /> In the charge, Saraki was accused of breaching section 2 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, an offence punishable under section 23(2) of the Act and paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.<br /> <br /> FG alleged that Saraki claimed that he owned and acquired No 15A and 15B Mc Donald, Ikoyi, Lagos, through his company, Carlisle Properties Limited in 2000, when the said property was actually sold by the Implementation Committee of the Federal Government landed properties in 2006 to his companies, Tiny Tee Limited and Vitti Oil Limited for the aggregate sum of N396, 150, 000, 00.<br /> <br /> He was alleged to have made false declaration on or about June 3, 2011, by refusing to declare plot 2A Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, which he acquired between 2007 and 2008 through his company from the Central Bank of Nigeria for a total sum of N325, 000, 000, 00.<br /> <br /> Similarly, Saraki was said to have refused to declare No1 Tagnus street, Maitama, Abuja, which he claimed to have acquired in November 1996 from one David Baba Akawu.<br /> <br /> Some of his alleged offence while in office as governor, which are said to be punishable under section 15(1) and (2) of the CCB and Tribunal Act, Cap C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, were allegedly committed between October 2006 and May 2007.<br /> <br /> His actions were classified as a gross violation of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.<br /> <br /> “The Federal High Court on Thursday, September 17, 2015, therefore ordered that the all parties in the case should appear before it on Monday, September 21, 2015. The implication of this ruling by a Court of competent jurisdiction is that the sitting today has been overtaken by event. It is for this reason that Dr. Saraki chose to go about with his normal official schedule.<br /> <br /> “Today at the Tribunal, Counsel to the Senate President, Mr. M. A. Mahmud (SAN), raised a motion stating that there is a pending constitutional matter before the Federal High Court to be decided on Monday and that the Tribunal should hold the trial until the constitutional matter is disposed of.<br /> <br /> “We are however dismayed that the Tribunal chose to disregard the order of the Federal High Court and the motion to suspend hearing till Monday when all parties are expected to argue their positions on the constitutional matter.<br /> <br /> “It is also a surprise to us that despite the application by the lead counsel to the Senate President that he will produce Dr. Saraki on Monday and the personality of the person involved as the Number three man in the country, the Tribunal insisted on issuing a warrant of arrest as if its intention is simply to embarrass Dr. Saraki. We are not unmindful of the fact that the Tribunal is acting under political influence and external pressure. This is dangerous to our democracy.<br /> <br /> “The conduct of the Tribunal today left nobody in doubt that it cannot do justice on the matter before it. It is also clear that today’s decision is an abuse of the rule of law which portends danger to our judicial system. The Tribunal has equally set a bad precedent in the way and manner it conducted itself during the proceedings.<br /> <br /> “We want to emphasise the fact that this is not part of any war against corruption but using state institutions to fight political opponents and seeking to achieve through the back door what some people cannot get through democratic process.<br /> <br /> “We need to caution here that in a desperate bid to settle political scores and nail imaginary enemies, we should not destroy our democratic institutions and heat the polity for selfish reasons. Let us all learn from history.<br /> <br /> “The Senate President is a law abiding citizen who will not do anything to undermine the judicial process and authority. However, Dr. Saraki will always act to protect his fundamental human rights.<br /> <br /> “The Senate President is a law abiding citizen and his absence from the Tribunal today was based on the legal advice he received from his counsel that the Tribunal will respect the decision of the Federal High Court which is obviously a superior court of records. Also, he relied on a letter from the Chief Justice of Nigeria directed to the Chairman of the Tribunal last May that they are not judicial officers and are inferior to the regular High Court as defined by the law and that they take official oath not judicial oath.<br /> <br /> “We will like to state therefore that Dr. Saraki will not do anything to undermine the judicial process and authority but he will always act to protect his fundamental human rights.”

Latest-News Saraki Tells Code of Conduct Tribunal - 'You’ve no power to order my arrest'

Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja, yesterday, ordered the arrest of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki following his refusal to appear in court to face a 13-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the federal gover…

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US builds wall at Nigeria-Niger border

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMOUXpTrR87hb9fXwUaxDhc73gMMB7voodSRVvoek71Ox6vJNLyQVCDOESU3eulYe-_c527vsBiUUWtkD7pI6NB6MSq2qUxB-JhkdBD2XdXzuepP8kcOiE4iWtnXJu2AIDMbmK3hWMMGI/s1600/obama+buhari+new4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMOUXpTrR87hb9fXwUaxDhc73gMMB7voodSRVvoek71Ox6vJNLyQVCDOESU3eulYe-_c527vsBiUUWtkD7pI6NB6MSq2qUxB-JhkdBD2XdXzuepP8kcOiE4iWtnXJu2AIDMbmK3hWMMGI/s640/obama+buhari+new4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> About 20 members of the United States Special Operations Forces are quietly building a wall at the Nigeria-Niger border in a move against the Boko Haram insurgent group, according to a report by Reuters on Friday.<br /> <br /> It was learnt that the development is part of US President Barack Obama’s new counter-terrorism strategy in the African continent.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to the report, the soldiers, who are providing security for the country, do not go into combat or wear uniforms, but have been quietly trying to help Niger build a wall against Boko Haram’s incursions and its recruitment of the country’s youths.<br /> <br /> The insurgent group has expanded from its base in North East Nigeria to threaten the region. Its leader, Abubakar Shekau, had pledged its loyalty to the Islamic State in March 2015.<br /> <br /> Reuters stated in its report that about 1,000 US Special Operations Forces had been deployed across Africa.<br /> <br /> The Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Forces in North and West Africa, Army Col. Bob Wilson, told the news agency that in Chad, Nigeria, Niger and elsewhere, the officers were executing Obama’s relatively low-risk strategy of countering Islamic extremists by finding local partners willing to fight rather than deploying combat troops by the thousands.<br /> <br /> He said, “The new approach, which Obama announced in May 2014, is far from being a silver bullet for the US in its global battle against Islamic militancy. The indirect strategy appears to be faltering in the Middle East, where the United States has found few reliable allies on the battlefield in Syria. In Iraq, US-trained and -equipped forces evaporated last year in the face of Islamic State’s offensive.<br /> <br /> “In Niger, there are signs of success against Boko Haram, although progress will likely be slow in a years-long effort.<br /> <br /> “For the region, this is going to be a struggle that’s going to be with them for a long time, not just in Niger, but elsewhere.”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the US soldiers in Niger have described their mission as a sharp and welcome pivot from the Iraq and Afghan wars, where virtually all of them served. They didn’t, however, state how long their presence would last.<br /> <br /> “It’s a totally different approach to the problem set,” an American team sergeant spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Latest-News US builds wall at Nigeria-Niger border

About 20 members of the United States Special Operations Forces are quietly building a wall at the Nigeria-Niger border in a move against the Boko Haram insurgent group, according to a report by Reuters on Friday. It was learnt that the development …

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Buhari’s wife seeks Adamawa commissioner’s replacement

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5NMkDaumy1rx3Y8fxzwyGNlrMfhaMkSfua7q6vI5K0AAk8XH-kbTbtXUoDT1OZCEGuiIqy4uuSavZ7FyI7Td8QDRBwqKlsqOsDgafKliXLqd3NJkG_FiCyM6LvyKBKl14IloeLEI8seu/s1600/aisha+buhari+first+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5NMkDaumy1rx3Y8fxzwyGNlrMfhaMkSfua7q6vI5K0AAk8XH-kbTbtXUoDT1OZCEGuiIqy4uuSavZ7FyI7Td8QDRBwqKlsqOsDgafKliXLqd3NJkG_FiCyM6LvyKBKl14IloeLEI8seu/s400/aisha+buhari+first+lady.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, on Friday called on Governor Muhammed Bindow Jibrilla of Adamawa State to swap his male Commissioner for Women Affairs, Alhaji Aliyu Tola, with a woman.<br /> <br /> Hajiya Buhari made the call in Yola, the capital, while inaugurating a free medical check-up for 2,000 women in the state under her pet project, the Aisha Buhari Women Health Initiative.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> She said women in the state were protesting the appointment of a man as commissioner and appealed to the governor to appoint a woman in that office instead.<br /> <br /> She said, “The women are protesting. They asked me to pass their wishes to have a woman as their commissioner for women affairs.”<br /> <br /> Tola, who was asked to deliver his speech before that of the wife of the president, seemed to have sensed the women’s countenance, tactically uttering a few words before inviting the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajiya Maisaratu Bello, a woman, to address the gathering.<br /> <br /> The appointment of Tola as the first male Commissioner of Women Affairs in Adamawa has sparked debate in the state with some criticising it and others supporting it.<br /> <br /> Those against it argued that the ministry was meant to carry women along hence the need to make it exclusively for them, while those in support said the full name of the ministry is Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development making it open for male and female to be made commissioners.<br /> <br /> There are four female commissioners in Adamawa. They are Dr. Fatima Atiku Abubakar (Health), Barrister Lilian Kayode (Works), Mrs. Victoria Sashi (Mineral Resources) and Dr. Kaleptawa Farauta (Education).

Latest-News Buhari’s wife seeks Adamawa commissioner’s replacement

Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, on Friday called on Governor Muhammed Bindow Jibrilla of Adamawa State to swap his male Commissioner for Women Affairs, Alhaji Aliyu Tola, with a woman. Hajiya Buhari made the call in Yola, the capital, wh…

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I’ll recover stolen public funds – Wike

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QNFzhwWNRW_E0DqaRT-rbnX0Lz9pqeKDmftERMtnhzdX3RU_Y7d0qn05e-m_f0ayYKPguKXs_JWKhvqNlwJVCXUzoJ69A6RbPdFGa45MmhfBXpJRFDzP2bD_YldFuGZp8dbVcV80OC0C/s1600/Nyesom-Wike+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2QNFzhwWNRW_E0DqaRT-rbnX0Lz9pqeKDmftERMtnhzdX3RU_Y7d0qn05e-m_f0ayYKPguKXs_JWKhvqNlwJVCXUzoJ69A6RbPdFGa45MmhfBXpJRFDzP2bD_YldFuGZp8dbVcV80OC0C/s320/Nyesom-Wike+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, declared on Friday that his administration would recover embezzled public funds from erring contractors.<br /> <br /> Wike specifically said he would ensure that contractors who defrauded the state of N2bn in the immediate past administration did not go scot-free.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The governor who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Emeka Woke, made the declaration in Port Harcourt while receiving the task force report on the renovation of selected state-owned secondary schools.<br /> <br /> “In as much as I am continuing with the important ongoing projects I inherited where Rivers State tax payers’ money have been misappropriated, I will not relent in ensuring that such funds are recovered,” Wike said.<br /> <br /> The governor expressed gratitude to members of the task force for their hard work in compiling the report and thanked God that they did not record any ugly incident during their assignment.<br /> <br /> Earlier, the Chairman, Taskforce on Inspection of Government Secondary Schools, Eze Otoma Eric, informed the governor that the inspection was carried out on selected secondary schools across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.<br /> <br /> Eric explained that the entire project was mismanaged by the Rotimi Amaechi’s administration.<br /> <br /> According to him, contracts were awarded in 24 out of 42 secondary schools and the contractors were given 30 per cent value of the contract as mobilisation fees.<br /> <br /> The task force chairman said the contracts were awarded with disregard to the due process panel by a special three-man committee made up of former Deputy Governor, Mr. Tele Ikuru, former SSG, Mr. George Feyii and former chairman of Senior Secondary Schools’ Board, Chief Allwell Onyeoso.<br /> <br /> Eric said the awards defied the Rivers State Procurement Law of 2008 as there were no newspaper advertisements calling on interested contractors to bid.

Latest-News I’ll recover stolen public funds – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, declared on Friday that his administration would recover embezzled public funds from erring contractors. Wike specifically said he would ensure that contractors who defrauded the state of N2bn in the immediate pas…

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We won’t divert bailout – Fayose

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU6Y1aLRRVNFwm8hLwzDVqB7xsIbCQV32n0A_kWF8kMbCey83EGziAnxJCgTshx5PwfbgKubPwmBk5KnqTFe1tk8_12_JkReLDLYTq-02Z25eHIUXg5JujSdH3q8N2Ax7tOgw73CKuFCU/s1600/Ekiti-State-Governor-Ayodele-Fayose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyU6Y1aLRRVNFwm8hLwzDVqB7xsIbCQV32n0A_kWF8kMbCey83EGziAnxJCgTshx5PwfbgKubPwmBk5KnqTFe1tk8_12_JkReLDLYTq-02Z25eHIUXg5JujSdH3q8N2Ax7tOgw73CKuFCU/s400/Ekiti-State-Governor-Ayodele-Fayose.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has said the state will not divert the bailout provided by the Federal Government to help the state pay its salary arrears.<br /> <br /> He stated that being a lover of workers, he would not deny them of their wages as written in the Bible, saying the funds would be used for the purpose it was meant for.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to a statement on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor, who spoke at a lecture as part of activities marking this year’s Civil Service Week, pointed out that he had met all the requirements for the bailout but that he had yet to receive the money.<br /> <br /> He assured that the money would be paid immediately the bailout was paid, saying he would not pursue “developmental projects at the detriment of the growth of workers’ stomach infrastructure.”<br /> <br /> The statement quoted him as saying, “At the last meeting I held with all of you, you asked me to go ahead and get the bailout. I’ve gone ahead, I’ve signed. I am waiting for the money and as soon as the money comes, I will pay. I am not going to be among the governors that will divert the bailout. I want the stomach infrastructure inside you to grow.”<br /> <br /> He said he would not hesitate to make necessary sacrifices to ensure the well being of the state workforce, the way he had been since he assumed office in October, 2014.

Latest-News We won’t divert bailout – Fayose

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has said the state will not divert the bailout provided by the Federal Government to help the state pay its salary arrears. He stated that being a lover of workers, he would not deny them of their wages a…

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AU suspends Burkina Faso over military coup

<div align="center"> <img alt="AU suspends Burkina Faso over military coup" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcw26FSZb-vfIDtaPTevrEXjIuRGi7uErrTuJ1EZWQXGRGxre608PqBPPbu03Br7b2_339qKXrEYC7vDp1gFyYiDAPIKTJcSOu4Gv4ld3-X-_s_GnYPYQgPKaiUi5XvvyfylGP5gJ1tFwb/s400/African-Union-AU-300x200.jpg" title="AU suspends Burkina Faso over military coup" width="400" /></div> <br /> The African Union announced Friday it was suspending Burkina Faso over Thursday’s military coup, which has halted preparations for the west African nation’s first democratic election.<br /> <br /> Following a meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa, the 54-member pan-African bloc said the country was suspended “with immediate effect” and that sanctions would be imposed “if kidnapped Transition Authorities are not released immediately” by the junta.<br /> <br /> “The Council decided in accordance with the instrument we have in place to suspend Burkina Faso from all activities of the Union with immediate effect,” Uganda’s ambassador to the AU, Mull Katende, told reporters.<br /> <br /> Burkina Faso was preparing to hold its first democratic election in decades before the coup, led by allies of the former president, threw the nascent democracy into turmoil.<br /> <br /> The presidential and legislative elections were supposed to mark the end of the transitional government, installed after president Blaise Compaore was toppled in a popular uprising in October 2014 after 27 years in power.<br /> <br /> The uprising was triggered by his attempt to extend rule over the poverty-striken country.<br /> <br /> An elite army unit - Compaore’s powerful Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) - seized power after complaining the transitional government was excluding the ex-president’s supporters in the upcoming October 11 polls.<br /> <br /> They also kidnapped the country’s interim president Michel Kafando, Prime Minister Isaac Zida and two ministers, declared a curfew and shut the borders.<br /> <br /> On Friday the coup leaders announced they had released interim president Kafando, but said Zida remains under house arrest.<br /> <br /> The coup has already been condemned by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the AU and United Nations, who said in a joint statement on Thursday that they rejected “the disruption of the democratic process”.<br /> <br /> The European Union, the United States and former colonial power France have also denounced the junta.<br /> <br /> AFP

Latest-News World News AU suspends Burkina Faso over military coup

The African Union announced Friday it was suspending Burkina Faso over Thursday’s military coup, which has halted preparations for the west African nation’s first democratic election. Following a meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council in Addis…

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Buhari condemns Burkina Faso coup

<div align="center"> <img alt="Buhari condemns Burkina Faso coup" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwLzk8dTUao9IQkJJh3oiHRCjsJBE4kYmzFWTPCzJ2gCYs0ABARbDiTleIUvizXvYp_dViEwyHslcXwMi-Ujs0Wa5mVAkLj3KeDUCWQ65kCCT2zIg1MrhYcRQbeQ5V3i25AGh8UaLkdnZ/s1600/buhari+explains.jpg" title="Buhari condemns Burkina Faso coup" /></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari, who seized power in a military takeover more than 30 years ago before winning democratic elections this year, on Friday condemned the coup in Burkina Faso.<br /> <br /> The former military ruler and his government in Abuja said they “unreservedly condemn” the takeover, which saw Burkina Faso’s interim president and prime minister detained with members of the administration.<br /> <br /> The takeover by elements of the Burkinabe Presidential Guard was a “brazen contravention of the constitution and transitional charter”, according to a statement from Buhari’s office.<br /> <br /> Abuja welcomed the release of interim president Michel Kafando.<br /> <br /> Elections had been due to take place next month, more than a year after former president Blaise Compaore was ousted in a popular uprising.<br /> <br /> Nigeria said it supported efforts by regional bloc ECOWAS and the African Union to resolve the crisis and promised its “fullest possible support” to mediators presidents Macky Sall of Senegal and Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin.<br /> <br /> Buhari, 72, is a former army general who came to power in a military coup in December 1983, overthrowing a civilian government widely seen as riddled with corruption.<br /> <br /> He stayed in power for 20 months before being ousted himself in a bloodless barracks coup.<br /> <br /> He defeated sitting president Goodluck Jonathan in elections in March, scoring the first win by an opposition politician since Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.<br /> <br /> He has acknowledged his past as a coup leader but rejected descriptions of himself as a dictator and vowed to operate “under democratic rules”, calling himself a “converted democrat”.<br /> <br /> He has also said he would no longer be referred to as “General Buhari”.

Latest-News World News Buhari condemns Burkina Faso coup

President Muhammadu Buhari, who seized power in a military takeover more than 30 years ago before winning democratic elections this year, on Friday condemned the coup in Burkina Faso. The former military ruler and his government in Abuja said they “…

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All African Games: Nigeria climbs to third on medals table

<div align="center"> <img alt="All African Games: Nigeria climbs to third on medals table" border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiINSdVxoYhRdEDynRgUIwMP8hf5uGiaVvTLzZW0TczSV55BjwNcIYT0auKOayqnicLWf9hV7qFAF52V9eZO5YNVHEccVKE1xOpJ7az4cQKKTY-f7y0TM8bOoCccw6zPAqLnvX7Rng396gD/s400/aag.jpg" title="All African Games: Nigeria climbs to third on medals table" width="400" /></div> <br /> Team Nigeria on Friday displaced Algeria in the third position on the overall medals table at the ongoing 11th African Games holding in Brazzaville.<br /> <br /> Algeria had been occupying the third spot since the beginning of the Games.<br /> <br /> Team Nigeria now has 41 gold, 50 silver and 37 bronze medals, a total 128 medals, while Algeria has 38 gold, 41 silver and 38 bronze, a total of 117 medals and occupying the fourth position.<br /> <br /> Egypt is still topping the table, followed by South Africa in the second.<br /> <br /> Nigeria had added five gold medals won from wrestling and three more from athletics to gain the edge over Algeria.<br /> <br /> The Games continue with events in athletics, wrestling, taekwondo, table tennis, tennis, powerlifting, basketball and handball.<br /> <br /> NAN

Latest-News Sports All African Games: Nigeria climbs to third on medals table

Team Nigeria on Friday displaced Algeria in the third position on the overall medals table at the ongoing 11th African Games holding in Brazzaville. Algeria had been occupying the third spot since the beginning of the Games. Team Nigeria now has 41 …

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If Fashola wanted to steal, it wouldn't be N78m - Akabueze

<div align="center"> <img alt="If Fashola wanted to steal, it wouldn't be N78m - Akabueze" border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY7lUOTjKDqeBb8AFgSk_bD4as0cgykY5tE9uATUCo_ETr3kJgaUCEC3U6Q9JeOTguURrb5TzAxnLHgH84JMo-O6_udH2Uzup2i_-Mxpm3f_-ZLzCRXzvjha8JmP2RSihH6xgPuddQ4T_/s400/FASHOLA+angry.jpg" title="If Fashola wanted to steal, it wouldn't be N78m - Akabueze" width="400" /></div> <br /> Former Lagos state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget under Babatunde Fashola's government, Ben Akabueze has come out to defend his former boss in the N78 million website scandal which broke weeks ago.<br /> <br />  In an interview with Kadaira Ahmed of Straight Talk With Kaidaia, Ben Akabueze says they ran a very detailed government that checked against fraud and that if the former governor wanted to steal, it wouldn't be N78 million<br /> <br /> "I think it would be useful for people to look at the full scope of the project and then make a determination about whether or not it did not represent value for money.<br /> <br />  For me, we ran an annual budget of over N400bn. I think that if he (Fashola) really wanted to steal money, it wouldn’t be N78m out of over N400bn that he had access to. Of course, every kobo of public funds must be accounted for and I hope in the future, we can get the full facts and it will be made available to the public.<br /> <br />  I don’t know of anybody succeeding at anything like that (stealing) because we had a system that we designed as much as possible to prevent such. Take for instance, in our capital expenditure, we had in-house experts, so, if it was a construction project, regardless of the agency of government undertaking the project, the experts in the ministry of works and infrastructure would do an independent assessment of the cost.<br /> <br /> We had quantity surveyors, engineers, architects that offered advice. If it was an IT related project, the team in the Ministry of Science and Technology would do an independent evaluation and so for you to steal; you would need to corrupt the whole process.””he said.

Latest-News Politics If Fashola wanted to steal, it wouldn't be N78m - Akabueze

Former Lagos state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget under Babatunde Fashola's government, Ben Akabueze has come out to defend his former boss in the N78 million website scandal which broke weeks ago.  In an interview with Kadaira Ahmed …

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Nigeria concludes airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyHG7UlDP5gljTNDJXOkKGHekacMA9suVSnFVNfZY3LX110rZsH657NggWZcoDR0mJnhe7jeNv9v_d9QB8L9k7ZzUkP6DpdekBo_U4QHbgMtpDYGWUtOriyunZ1-pgEntD3ptsAu8KV3H/s1600/Hajj_women_NAN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyHG7UlDP5gljTNDJXOkKGHekacMA9suVSnFVNfZY3LX110rZsH657NggWZcoDR0mJnhe7jeNv9v_d9QB8L9k7ZzUkP6DpdekBo_U4QHbgMtpDYGWUtOriyunZ1-pgEntD3ptsAu8KV3H/s400/Hajj_women_NAN.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The National Hajj commission has announced the completion of the airlift of Nigeria’s intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia just one day before the closure of the King AbdullaAziz international airport, Jedda.<br /> <br /> The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission, Abdullahi Mukhtar, said this in an interview with the BBC Friday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mr. Mukhtar said this year Nigeria airlifted 66,000 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.<br /> <br /> “This year we have concluded the airlift of all our intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia at least a day before the closure of the King AbdulAziz Airport,” he said.<br /> <br /> He also said that the operations happened under 160 air trips from across the Nigerian states with the last two airlift from Port Harcourt and Abuja.<br /> <br /> The King AbdulAziz International airport is expected to close for air operations concerning Hajj for all countries of the world on Saturday.<br /> Meanwhile all Hajj rites are to begin on September 21.

Latest-News Nigeria concludes airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

The National Hajj commission has announced the completion of the airlift of Nigeria’s intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia just one day before the closure of the King AbdullaAziz international airport, Jedda. The Chairman of the National Hajj Commissi…

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Explosion kills 4 in Port Harcourt

<div align="center"> <img alt="Explosion kills 4 in Port Harcourt" border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gJ4USHQGRy9fNKLC5yqINn-uDxvOP54kg2_jGRj94vvFweBIEJXKTanmMkUszLxbo6UNZvxbvaqyW7I4GSto73jzkeqqYyms7QmoCi_x9UQq735PyD6II5rVrAMTLPp6OraTll7Nz950/s640/rivers+map.gif" title="Explosion kills 4 in Port Harcourt" width="640" /></div> <br /> The Rivers Police Command on Thursday confirmed the death of four persons, following an explosion in a panel beater’s workshop at Eliozu, near Port Harcourt.<br /> <br /> The command’s spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that the police had received report of the incident.<br /> <br /> “I can confirm to you that the state police command has received report of the gas cylinder explosion at Eliozu today. Four victims were confirmed dead,” he said.<br /> <br /> Mr. Muhammad, deputy superintendent of police, said police had commenced investigation into the incident.<br /> <br /> A witness corroborated the police’s position, saying four persons were killed when the gas cylinder exploded.<br /> <br /> The witness said that the incident occurred at 6.00pm on Thursday at a panel beater’s workshop.<br /> <br /> The zonal office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it had not received report of the incident.<br /> The witnesses said that the bodies of the deceased had been taken to a hospital.<br /> <br /> NAN

Latest-News Nigerian News Explosion kills 4 in Port Harcourt

The Rivers Police Command on Thursday confirmed the death of four persons, following an explosion in a panel beater’s workshop at Eliozu, near Port Harcourt. The command’s spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harc…

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“Missing” Bauchi aircraft finally lands in Nigeria

<div align="center"> <img alt="“Missing” Bauchi aircraft finally lands in Nigeria" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKUs8uQTan3t8hctDU7gVFiHYwGn9oo24W9YPdt1K65bt9bw_kJWTBmklSe3rGJJVQHl3Rp7pb9cp7tNpP0iwsHXn0vI5dkwesX8yih8NaYnzSD55xFNVxjeU7Ua7n6z0lTyVlaWfSqrz/s400/plane+in+air.jpg" title="“Missing” Bauchi aircraft finally lands in Nigeria" width="400" /></div> <br /> The allegedly missing Bauchi State-owned aircraft, has landed in Nigeria from Morocco where the state government claimed it was found.<br /> <br /> The Embraer ERJ 145 touched down on the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport Bauchi at about 10 am Friday.<br /> <br /> Its whereabouts had been a subject of controversy as the new government suggested the aircraft was stolen by its predecessor and hidden in Morocco.<br /> <br /> In an address two weeks ago, Governor Mohammed Abubakar announced the airplane had been found in the north African country.<br /> <br /> Mr. Abubakar said the state’s public Property Recovery Committee traced the plane.<br /> <br /> “I wish to announce the fruitful efforts in locating the state owned “Embraer 145 aircraft in Morocco and soon it will land at the Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa international Airport in a matter of days,” the governor said.<br /> <br /> He said the plane would be returned to Nigeria within days.<br /> <br /> In response, former Governor Isa Yuguda told journalists the plane was on lease to Overland Airways.<br /> <br /> Mr. Yuguda said he had provided full details about the plane, which was bought by former Governor Adamu Mu’azu, in his handover notes.<br /> <br /> He said the new administration did not require any assets recovery committee to know what happened to the aircraft.<br /> <br /> The state deputy governor, Nuhu Gidado, who acknowledged the arrival of the aircraft, told journalists that, “we have been longing to see our aircraft is back and we are glad that the aircraft is back we will be meeting with the crew to see what next and how to move forward”.

Latest-News Nigerian News “Missing” Bauchi aircraft finally lands in Nigeria

The allegedly missing Bauchi State-owned aircraft, has landed in Nigeria from Morocco where the state government claimed it was found. The Embraer ERJ 145 touched down on the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport Bauchi at about 10 am Friday.…

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We will arrest Senate President, Bukola Saraki without delay - Nigerian police

<div align="center"> <img alt="We will arrest Senate President, Bukola Saraki without delay - Nigerian police" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qyHEae6a47D4cxFd83vRwII4_CDEVwFBsGMPJh-fcYpsr63MduR2yB5flWHefojXBQ5EQajmUUR-91PXSGiyapF1osiLJ92B7sEA-p5ZquLHZcdnJRvrWfIHil7eKwu_YbjvS8dKLlVx/s1600/Bukola-Saraki-600x330.jpg" title="We will arrest Senate President, Bukola Saraki without delay - Nigerian police" /></div> <br /> <b>The police on Friday said the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase would promptly effect the arrest of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, without delay.</b><br /> <br /> The Force Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Olabisi Kolawole, stated this in a telephone interview with newsmen on Friday.<br /> <br /> “We are going to promptly arrest the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and produce him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Monday.<br /> <br /> “Since it is a bench warrant issued by a competent court, the order will be carried out without delay. We don’t want to pre-empt anything,” Kolawole stated.<br /> <br /> The Code of Conduct Tribunal had on Friday, issued a bench warrant for Saraki’s arrest, for failing to appear in court in his ongoing trial for alleged false asset declaration.

Latest-News Politics We will arrest Senate President, Bukola Saraki without delay - Nigerian police

The police on Friday said the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase would promptly effect the arrest of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, without delay. The Force Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Olabisi Kolawole, stated this in a tele…

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Nigeria's John Mikel Obi welcomes twins

<div align="center"> <img alt="Nigeria's John Mikel Obi welcomes twins" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdjDnCqvmu0s4TeX8Q1EGZtFI2aorkONIACWp0HQWkmiLXgHyl10Q3N2McNFE3lJzZO9qKzPiOtrQLW6TrUSDOwGlQJV69bcfWh2J-o-rso25TeTh6g46pQxBsOGgW1_ii0FECQY3LHbK/s400/John-Obi-Mikel-and-his-twins.jpg" title="Nigeria's John Mikel Obi welcomes twins" width="400" /></div> <b><br /></b><b>It seems John Obi Mikel has just announced that he has welcomed a set of twins.</b><br /> <br /> The Chelsea midfielder shared a photo of himself holding a cute set of twins with the captain, "My whole world in my arms Welcome to the world my angels."<br /> <br /> It is expected that his Russian girlfriend, Olga Diyachenko is the mother of the kids, though it was never revealed that she was pregnant.<br /> <br /> Olga Diyachenko and Mikel started dating in 2013 after reportedly meeting him in London where her millionaire father runs a chain of businesses.<br /> <br /> She is also reportedly related to Chelsea's Russian billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich.<br /> <br /> <div align="center"> <img alt="Nigeria's John Mikel Obi welcomes twins" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLbbwsFTuahelX5b8g8ktizrL4BUq4w3SKt3mTQyiYiOmFO_B7vhAT9oJ8SQydCxGa_Dy9D1xnxbGrau1THHKs0HJEbxTDODLnbZNl9hh1l6yLULDjYG05ERYwzMSgY6rKAykVYrNsJEa/s400/mikel+gf.jpg" title="Nigeria's John Mikel Obi welcomes twins" width="400" /></div> <br /> Olga Diyachenko<br /> <br /> The 28-year-old year-old was seen in an Instagram photo hanging out with the father of his girlfriend, suggesting that he has been accepted into the Diyachenko family.<br /> <br /> The Nigerian is also a secret father of two children with different women.<br /> <br /> According to the UK Sun, the Chelsea midfielder has a four-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter with two women he briefly dated.<br /> <br /> Mikel, the report revealed, is very much involved in the lives of his son and daughter, splashing the whooping sum of N153m (£500,000) for a house in 2013 for the mother of his boy child.<br /> <br /> "John also agreed to give her tens of thousands a year in upkeep and, I think, agreed to give her a new car every three to five years," a source told the UK Sun.

Celebrities Latest-News Nigeria's John Mikel Obi welcomes twins

It seems John Obi Mikel has just announced that he has welcomed a set of twins. The Chelsea midfielder shared a photo of himself holding a cute set of twins with the captain, "My whole world in my arms Welcome to the world my angels." It is expected…

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