EFCC probes former Minister of Justice, Aondoakaa over $182m Halliburton scandal

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FYkm0Bl5xoaHJaK_97VOBnSQi_zBAS3Sh5-HPDPAmhuAEqwjxmENeZyWFBvvrKp_opAx8YlyROFfvm7ni72886_tyMdggrs1HN8nGW38tBTNXI_ED6faUOc1TtlPqHljBDGP50bkSKGO/s640/Magu-Aondoakaa-.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday grilled a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), for his alleged role in the $182m Halliburton scandal.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It was learnt that Aondoakaa, who served as AGF under the late President Umaru Yar’adua, arrived the office of the EFCC around 10am and was grilled for about eight hours.<br /> <br /> As of 7pm, he was still in EFCC custody, an indication that he may spend the night at the commission.<br /> <br /> A source at the anti-graft agency said, “Aondoakaa has been in our custody since morning and has been answering questions on his alleged role in the Halliburton scandal. More details will be revealed later.”<br /> <br /> Aondoakaa’s alleged involvement in the scandal could not be immediately ascertained as of press time.<br /> <br /> However, he had been accused of frustrating investigations into the case during his time as the AGF between 2007 and 2010.<br /> <br /> The Halliburton case relates to an alleged $182m contract involving a four-company joint venture to build a liquefied natural gas plant on Bonny Island.<br /> <br /> Earlier in 2009, KBR, a former subsidiary of Halliburton, agreed to pay $402m after admitting that it bribed Nigerian officials, and Halliburton paid $177m to settle allegations by the US Securities and Exchange Commission without admitting any wrongdoing.<br /> <br /> In mid-December 2010, the case was settled when Nigeria agreed to drop the corruption charges against the company’s former boss, Dick Cheney (and former US Vice-President); and Halliburton in exchange for a settlement of over $200m settlement.<br /> <br /> However, no Nigerian official involved in the scandal has been jailed.<br /> <br /> The Office of the AGF under the leadership of Mohammed Adoke (SAN) set up a team of five lawyers which would ensure the swift recovery of the funds.<br /> <br /> However, $26m was said to have been paid to the lawyers as legal fees to the lawyers under controversial circumstances.<br /> <br /> The lawyers include a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Joseph Daudu (SAN); Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), Mr. Damian Dodo (SAN) and Mr. Roland Ewubare, who have all been quizzed by the commission.

Latest-News EFCC probes former Minister of Justice, Aondoakaa over $182m Halliburton scandal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday grilled a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), for his alleged role in the $182m Halliburton scandal. It was learnt that Aondoakaa, wh…

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INEC gives condition for Diaspora voting in 2019

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74V7a1eCkOmOhCimRlVJiOK_2QrMdJrWetYRUPUlKT3Pew0Dgtfm_O-MD9SJGTKU2k_blE4MruBMvmltmx0cdKtilW5OFb_7dnLrmBqFqCM9a-Tb2x08xE99IZvicd5qoSount_vnNs2n/s400/Nigeria-Decides-voting-+iNEC+NE+Elections-795x510.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> The Independent National Electoral Commission said in Abuja on Tuesday that the possibility of Nigerians living abroad to vote in the 2019 general elections would depend on the amendment to the country’s electoral laws.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, stated this when he played host to the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs.<br /> <br /> He said for the nation to allow Nigerians living abroad to vote, several sections of the constitution and the Electoral Act must be amended by the National Assembly.<br /> <br /> He said it was after his was done that the hope of voting by Nigerians living outside the country would materialise.<br /> <br /> Yakubu said, “Because election is a continuous process, the first thing to do is to provide the enabling environment.<br /> <br /> “So, we have to start from the amendment to our constitution and the Electoral Act. I want to assure you that this INEC is determined to providing Nigerians living outside the country the opportunity to have a say in determining who will be our leaders.<br /> <br /> “But the first thing in actualising this rests squarely on the National Assembly. They have the power to amend the constitution and our laws.”<br /> <br /> For now, he said the commission was only concerned with the registration of Nigerians living abroad who “are 18 years of age and above.”<br /> <br /> Earlier, the Chairperson of the committee, Senator Rose Oko, had told the INEC Chairman that there had been calls from various quarters for Nigerians living abroad to be involved in the nation’s electoral process.

Latest-News INEC gives condition for Diaspora voting in 2019

The Independent National Electoral Commission said in Abuja on Tuesday that the possibility of Nigerians living abroad to vote in the 2019 general elections would depend on the amendment to the country’s electoral laws. The Chairman of the Commissio…

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We can’t hand over arrested judges to EFCC – NJC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBrAl6OuW2L581N-Vx7-u1itBVX7F-uDSzXuWXbccIOI7M3ffsNmorNcJjTUOLO9Ou4yQX3us6h_Z_2-ZFCsnh95oHfUxZ6N5o9XI4uuoq-k4U4th3oiaJV6gRD_OAaDs_45CvwPxDtg1/s640/law6.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> The National Judicial Council has said it is not part of its statutory responsibilities to hand over judges who are accused of corruption to anti-graft agencies for investigation and prosecution.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The NJC also clarified that it could not recover proceeds of corruption and had no power to dismiss erring judges.<br /> <br /> The NJC said this in a letter dated October 26, 2016, which it addressed to a human rights organisation, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project.<br /> <br /> The letter was the response of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, who is the head of the NJC, to SERAP, which had requested that the NJC should forthwith hand over the seven judges recently arrested for alleged corruption to anti-graft agencies.<br /> <br /> SERAP, in a statement on Tuesday, said the letter with reference number, CJN/Gen/MISC/A37/Vol.XXI/8, was signed on behalf of the CJN by his Senior Special Assistant, H. S. Sa’eed.<br /> <br /> According to SERAP, the NJC said its duty stopped at making recommendations to the executive after looking into petitions against judges.<br /> <br /> It stressed that it could not take responsibility for the failure of the President and governors to implement the NJC’s recommendations.<br /> <br /> The CJN said, “It is necessary to restate that the NJC is a creation of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) being established under Section 153 with its mandate clearly set out in Paragraph 21, Part One of the Third Schedule to the Constitution.<br /> <br /> “This provision clearly stipulates at Paragraph 21(b) and (d) that the council may only ‘recommend’ to the President and the governors, the removal from office of judicial officers and to exercise disciplinary control over such judicial officers, which, in effect, is the extent of its power to discipline. Hence, the council cannot, suo moto, dismiss any judicial officer.<br /> <br /> “The NJC can also neither ‘hand over’ corrupt judges to law enforcement agencies for prosecution nor recover proceeds of corruption, as you have suggested. It can merely recommend to act upon its findings, as it has always done.”<br /> <br /> The NJC, however, restated his commitment to purging the judiciary of rot with the support of citizens by treating all petitions against judges appropriately.<br /> <br /> It stated that to this end, it had enacted the Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2014.<br /> <br /> The letter read partly, “However, in exercise of its constitutional mandate, the NJC has enacted the Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2014 in order to ensure that petitions are received, investigated and addressed as appropriate.<br /> <br /> “As SERAP’s own report attests, 64 judicial officers have been disciplined within five years even preceding the institution of the new guidelines. Any failure on the part of the executive arm of government to act upon such recommendations cannot therefore be blamed upon the NJC.<br /> <br /> “With due consideration to the contents of your letter, I am directed to acknowledge and address the concerns which SERAP have raised, which may reflect the wider opinion held by some Nigerians.<br /> <br /> “While his Lordship, without doubt, appreciates SERAP’s concern for the incidence of corruption in the judiciary, it is indeed erroneous to conclude that the NJC has ‘felt satisfied with applying only civil sanctions and has not deemed it fit to hand over corrupt judges to law enforcement agencies for prosecution nor recover proceeds of corruption,’ as insinuated in your letter under reference.<br /> <br /> “To be sure, every citizen of Nigeria, inclusive of judicial officers, are entitled to the protection of the law and a key provision of the constitution is the presumption of innocence, as enshrined in Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).<br /> <br /> “I must also remind us that the seven judges, like all other persons, are entitled to a fair hearing as stipulated in Section 36 of the Constitution. As such, it would be presumptive and indeed preemptive to sanction the said judges without exhausting the proper procedure for their removal.”<br /> <br /> The CJN expressed delight over SERAP’s concern and dedication to the course of justice, fairness and justness.<br /> <br /> Justice Mohammed said with the support of all well-meaning Nigerians “giant strides will be made towards reaching the goal of a transparent, fair and equitable system of justice.”

Latest-News We can’t hand over arrested judges to EFCC – NJC

The National Judicial Council has said it is not part of its statutory responsibilities to hand over judges who are accused of corruption to anti-graft agencies for investigation and prosecution. The NJC also clarified that it could not recover proc…

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Nigeris set to establish ICT University, says minister

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubgrTSmnBOCiYDvi71msVtJQl4wVay33Rjjnl4nAC0GmwhbOXA4JSjyWdSHef_sBekg_v5rDRYx8Li1Gu1v1Du4d8dBzWhP5JLYxKtGfMdqSHv6tuKG2DsHoz0LJTF4eunn3o94DTFRkK/s1600/Adebayo-Shittu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubgrTSmnBOCiYDvi71msVtJQl4wVay33Rjjnl4nAC0GmwhbOXA4JSjyWdSHef_sBekg_v5rDRYx8Li1Gu1v1Du4d8dBzWhP5JLYxKtGfMdqSHv6tuKG2DsHoz0LJTF4eunn3o94DTFRkK/s640/Adebayo-Shittu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Federal Government has concluded plans to establish the first Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Nigeria within the next three months.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, stated this on Tuesday while featuring in a quarterly radio programme, Guest of the month, at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan Zonal Office.<br /> <br /> The minister spoke on “Harnessing the Potentials in the Communications Sector for Sustainable Development.’’<br /> <br /> Shittu said that the university would be an off-shoot of an existing ICT-based institute, The Digital Bridge Institute , currently in operation in six centres across the country.<br /> <br /> “It is time to leverage on the bountiful opportunities in the Communications sector to generate additional revenue for the government.<br /> <br /> “We all know that ICT is now redefining how we live, how we deliver businesses and services in terms of government to government as well as between government and citizens,” he said.<br /> <br /> He said that the university would be the first of its kind on the continent of Africa.<br /> <br /> “We currently have what we call Digital Bridge Institute. It has six campuses- one in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Owerri, Yola and in Benue state.<br /> <br /> Shittu said that the present standard of education in the universities do not meet the needs of industry operators.<br /> <br /> He said this informed the proposed upgrading of the Digital Bridge Institute.<br /> <br /> The minister said the institute would become the ICT University in partnership with all the leading institutions in ICT throughout the world.<br /> <br /> “I have had the privilege of speaking with a lot of operators throughout the world ,including Motorola, Mark Zuckerberg (FaceBook founder) and others.<br /> <br /> “They have promised to partner with us and bring in a lot to fund and logistics to be able to sustain such a university which will provide world class hands to train experts in the telecoms industry,’’ the minister said.<br /> <br /> He also said that he had embarked on an administrative process to ensure that all the stakeholders were carried along in the establishment of the 21st century university.<br /> <br /> The minister said that as soon as the process was completed, Nigerians would see the birth of the institution.<br /> <br /> “This will be the fastest means to create employment for our teeming youths, improve access and enhance the quality of service delivery and affordability in our country.<br /> <br /> “I took a memo to Mr President on it and he asked me to get the input of the Ministry of Education and the National University Commission (NUC).<br /> <br /> “I am glad to say that I got positive inputs from the two agencies and we are at the stage of going to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.<br /> <br /> “As soon as we get the approval of FEC, we will set up an implementation committee and within three months, we should be able to take off.<br /> <br /> “The infrastructure is on ground because it is an existing institution that we are set to transform to the ICT University,” Shittu said.

Latest-News Nigeris set to establish ICT University, says minister

The Federal Government has concluded plans to establish the first Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Nigeria within the next three months. The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, stated this on Tuesday while feat…

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Reps urge INEC to conclude elections in Rivers, Anambra

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnTS-SAXPoMkER_p7GdCNAWzHdtco-em6Jm-xE5bju5rCO4EWllOTRzhOwU4pcNtR2sBTg1kNoK4ZhN1TnVrToC0B9-0dP3pijx__GmA68tRqzsv7b7yoohgcbpIAaFRSR_idxdPQKmOq/s1600/ballot-box2+inec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnTS-SAXPoMkER_p7GdCNAWzHdtco-em6Jm-xE5bju5rCO4EWllOTRzhOwU4pcNtR2sBTg1kNoK4ZhN1TnVrToC0B9-0dP3pijx__GmA68tRqzsv7b7yoohgcbpIAaFRSR_idxdPQKmOq/s400/ballot-box2+inec.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently conclude pending legislative elections in Rivers and Anambra states.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The House also mandated its committees on Legislative Compliance and Electoral Matters to ensure compliance with the House resolution of June 23.<br /> <br /> It advised that INEC should conclude all elections in Rivers State and revert within two weeks with a confirmed date for the election.<br /> <br /> The committees are to revert to the House within two weeks with a confirmed date for the polls.<br /> <br /> The House resolution followed a motion brought under Urgent National Importance by Minority Leader Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta) and five other members.<br /> <br /> Ogor noted that INEC’s inability to conduct rerun in both states had denied the people their constitutional right to representation at the National and states’ Houses of Assembly.<br /> <br /> The lawmaker accused INEC of disregarding a December 2015 order of the Court of Appeal, which directed that rerun in Rivers State should be conducted within 60 days.<br /> <br /> He said: “But INEC has since consistently failed, neglected and/or refused to do so, apart from the one it conducted on March 9, in only four out of the 12 Federal (and few state) constituencies that rerun elections were ordered in December 2015.”<br /> <br /> Ogor said INEC under its former Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, successfully conducted peaceful elections in Borno and other Northeast states, which were under Boko Haram terrorist attacks.<br /> <br /> He said: “Yet, the present leadership of INEC has consistently neglected, failed and/or refused to conduct elections in only about eight local governments of Rivers state, citing security concerns.”<br /> <br /> According to him, the action has “led to a denial of the people’s right to participate in critical national issues which have come for deliberation, including national appropriation”.<br /> <br /> Ogor added: “While almost all states are adequately represented in the parliament, Rivers State continues to be unrepresented due to INEC’s deliberate neglect and refusal to conduct outstanding elections in the state.”<br /> <br /> Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila said there was need to safeguard the country’s democracy by conducting the elections.<br /> <br /> He said: “This country is underrepresented and there are obvious shortcomings in the constituencies where elections are not concluded.”<br /> <br /> Speaker Yakubu Dogara referred the motion to House Committee on Legislative Compliance and Electoral Matters for further legislative action and compliance.

Latest-News Reps urge INEC to conclude elections in Rivers, Anambra

The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently conclude pending legislative elections in Rivers and Anambra states. The House also mandated its committees on Legislative Compliance and E…

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EFCC uncovers N18 million in female judge’s foreign account

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5Y0egFyuUqQjnrjSkC-A91-ERQZaAScKf4frHI-gjJo0yTVcnH2wz6yxcGyNVEeZBTaIaNn3PHleFqVcLRd4RG-MU0PXZcjlKuL-pGPwpFB93X5YDI9Ri11r6j5LBTcFmB6an4jaqv1F/s400/EFCC-logo3.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a bogus financial transaction of N18 million in the foreign account of Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili-Ajumogobia.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It was learnt that the commission “stumbled on the N18 million wired into the foreign account from her domiciliary account for the purchase of a property in the United Kingdom (UK).<br /> <br /> The judge was said to be under investigation for owning a foreign account and how the cash remittance came about.<br /> <br /> A source in EFCC said: “Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia owned up to the money, but claimed it was a loan obtained privately from a family friend.<br /> <br /> “The ‘family friend’, who is a chairman of an oil and gas firm from where the funds emanated, has been invited by the commission for questioning.<br /> <br /> “So far, he had told operatives that the money was an assistance he rendered to her.<br /> <br /> “Inquiry into the loan facility as claimed by both of them showed no formal agreement or documentation as to how and when the repayment would be made.<br /> <br /> “However, the oil and gas company chairman is at present telling the commission the extent of his relationship and involvement with the funds, which was wired into the judge’s personal account sometime in 2012 while she was a sitting judge of the Federal High Court.”<br /> <br /> Justice Ofili-Ajumogbobia is among the six judges being investigated by the commission for alleged corruption alongside some senior lawyers.<br /> <br /> The other five judges include Justice Nasiru Mohammed Yunusa, Justice Hydlezira A. Nganjiwa, Justice Uwani Abba Aji, Justice Agbadu Jamus Fishim and Justice Musa H. Kuriya.<br /> <br /> The National Judicial Council (NJC) had in February sanctioned Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia for misconduct on the bench.<br /> <br /> The council barred her from elevation to the Court of Appeal or taking any judicial appointment.<br /> <br /> A statement by NJC Acting Director of Information Mr. Soji Oye said: “The NJC, under the chairmanship of Justice Mahmud Mohammed, at its meeting on February 24 and 25, 2016 decided to warn Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and put her on the “watch-list” of the council for the next four years.<br /> <br /> “The judge will also not be considered for any elevation to the Court of Appeal or any ad hoc judicial appointment till her retirement from the Bench.<br /> <br /> “The decision was sequel to the petition written against her by Victoria Ayeni, alleging misconduct and injustice on the part of Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia for failing to deliver judgment in Suit No FHC/AB/CS/31/2011, a pre-election matter between Victoria A. A. Ayeni and Olusola Sonuga and two Ors.<br /> <br /> “She was also alleged to have adjourned the pre-election matter several times until the termination of the lifespan of the Ogun State House of Assembly. The decision of the Council on Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is with immediate effect.”

Latest-News EFCC uncovers N18 million in female judge’s foreign account

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a bogus financial transaction of N18 million in the foreign account of Justice Rita Ngozi Ofili-Ajumogobia. It was learnt that the commission “stumbled on the N18 million wired into t…

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Police promotion strictly based on seniority - IG

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MUCsCIclswPkTajGrAvKbsNS3QgLaanIFEkmaCmxtX7gsEf0f6mYUNOf6UaW6J3vOSAWcq-wwtY5ExxqnqSyGCx1JI06EEguSkMpahTYwp1nMhFPlntmHICzI8qBuv0jtrCp6NFK9H1j/s400/Mr+Ibrahim+Idris+ig+2016.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has explained that promotion in the force is based on seniority, contrary to insinuations.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said the police management decided to adopt seniority as criteria for promotion, stressing that it would help people know their projection in service.<br /> <br /> He warned officers and men of the Force to avoid lobbying for posting, noting that the Force will only post people based on requirements.<br /> <br /> Idris spoke in Abuja yesterday when the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, visited him at the Force Headquarters to unveil the “Change Begins with Me Campaign” to senior officers.<br /> <br /> The IGP said: “We don’t look at people; what we consider is pure seniority in promotion. We are all witnesses to so many situations in the past where they use different criteria for promotion. But in this time, like some of you that contacted me, even the names promoted are arranged based on seniority.<br /> <br /> “When we entered this job, there was a time we looked at it, we had people of a particular part of the country that were promoted but there was no rancour then and to avoid rancour within the system now, we at the senior level have decided that even the names of those to be promoted should be purely based on seniority.<br /> <br /> “We believe that it will help people in the Force to know their projection in the service.”<br /> <br /> He urged his men: “Please we should rededicate ourselves to the service of this country and try to avoid tribalism or reading meanings to postings. Posting in the police is based on experiences in the service and we have the management that assesses people because we don’t want people to start lobbying for postings.<br /> <br /> “I want our colleagues to observe some of these issues and know that postings are based on requirement of the moment and everybody should be loyal to service”, Idris said.<br /> <br /> The police boss also hinted that violent crime have reduced to the barest minimum despite believe that crimes were more prevalent at the end of every year.<br /> <br /> He said: “We are in ember months and crime rates have reduced to the barest minimum in virtually all the states.<br /> <br /> He urged officers and men of the Force to ensure adequate security throughout the country.<br /> <br /> “I implore you to provide the best service to the people of this country. I also want us to be very decisive on the issue of discipline. Police service is to the Nigerian people and nobody should be under any illusion. Irrespective of your location, as far as you are a policeman, you should be ready to provide the security in whatever capacity.<br /> <br /> “I am saying this because of some of the reports that some people are trying to instigate their colleagues on some unwholesome attitudes. I want to indicate that our uniform is for the service of Nigerians and every police officer, in whatever capacity you find yourself, you should offer that service.”<br /> <br /> On kidnapping, the police boss said the Force has made significant breakthrough.<br /> <br /> “We have made a lot of breakthrough in the area of kidnapping, but we are trying to enhance and improve on our performance. Kidnapping is not limited to a particular geographical location and we have to approach these issues using multidimensional approach.”<br /> <br /> Mohammed said “Change begins with me campaign” was designed to start from President Muhammadu Buhari.<br /> <br /> He told the police hierarchy that the re-orientation programme was meant to change the way things were being done.<br /> <br /> He stressed that “it is a campaign for all Nigerians, irrespective of coloration, religion and what have you”.<br /> <br /> “Contrary to the misconception in certain quarters, this campaign was designed to start from the very top, right from the President, the Vice President, Ministers and other top government officials, and then cascade down to all Nigerians.<br /> <br /> “Therefore, those who have said the campaign is aimed at saddling only the ordinary citizens with any burden have been unduly hasty. They should have at least waited for us to roll out the campaign before commenting on it.”<br /> <br /> “ As you are all aware, President Buhari launched this campaign on September 8.<br /> <br /> “’Change begins with me campaign’ is a pan-Nigerian campaign that has no coloration whatsoever – whether it is political, religious or ethnic. It is a campaign for all Nigerians, with the sole objective of achieving a paradigm shift in the way we do things. The campaign is based on one principle: Each one of us must be the change we want to see in our society!” he explained.

Latest-News Police promotion strictly based on seniority - IG

THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has explained that promotion in the force is based on seniority, contrary to insinuations. He said the police management decided to adopt seniority as criteria for promotion, stressing that it wo…

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Presidency hails Nigerian doctor’s surgical feat on unborn baby in U.S.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHApVSuzzf-jaSOIidvE48bv3x_68W7-nL2r-8g19O6LIWHq25iCMjxRUTW8R0KSF0KrC_6g-1Qx8oqPqXzL4aXFBrRdQFPmXISS0YY0sBewA6590GF9AUSL1W-ZozxpCZXqwlVA_pc50F/s1600/presidency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHApVSuzzf-jaSOIidvE48bv3x_68W7-nL2r-8g19O6LIWHq25iCMjxRUTW8R0KSF0KrC_6g-1Qx8oqPqXzL4aXFBrRdQFPmXISS0YY0sBewA6590GF9AUSL1W-ZozxpCZXqwlVA_pc50F/s1600/presidency.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Federal Government has congratulated a United States (U.S)-based Nigerian surgeon, Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, on his feat in carrying out a successful operation on an unborn baby with tumour in her mother’s womb.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Olutoye and his surgeon partner, Dr. Darrell Cass of Texas Children’s Hospital, carried out an operation on a foetus at 23 weeks.<br /> <br /> The baby, Lynlee Hope, who suffered from a tumour known as Sacrococcygeal Teratoma, was removed from her mother’s womb, operated on and returned back.<br /> <br /> She healed and continued to grow until she was born again at 36 weeks.<br /> <br /> The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated this in a statement to felicitate with Olutoye on behalf of the President and people of Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Olutoye is Co-Director of the Texas Children’s Fetal Center and fetal surgery team member, as well as a general paediatric surgeon in USA.<br /> <br /> Olutoye received his medical degree from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, in 1988 and his PhD in anatomy from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, in 1996.

Latest-News Presidency hails Nigerian doctor’s surgical feat on unborn baby in U.S.

The Federal Government has congratulated a United States (U.S)-based Nigerian surgeon, Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, on his feat in carrying out a successful operation on an unborn baby with tumour in her mother’s womb. Olutoye and his surgeon partner, Dr. …

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Why too much power is centralised at the centre, by Atiku

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4J-MXvqOKGmdL8Uz_0cVORQxo7GRaHY8HUnco3eFfF656tKSd_-qsdXoKt2O3rmRFc_aAUw9wlYHs85D2UEmqUuXPK69Cghc8omYGfhEL8t52yicuhxBe6EpBJVz3_hFCnTzApbdIQMI/s1600/Atiku-Abubakar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4J-MXvqOKGmdL8Uz_0cVORQxo7GRaHY8HUnco3eFfF656tKSd_-qsdXoKt2O3rmRFc_aAUw9wlYHs85D2UEmqUuXPK69Cghc8omYGfhEL8t52yicuhxBe6EpBJVz3_hFCnTzApbdIQMI/s320/Atiku-Abubakar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday blamed dictatorship and corruption in most African societies for the centralisation of too much power and resources in the central governments.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He warned that the continent would not go far in achieving freedom, and growth in the societies, unless the countries decentralise power and resources.<br /> <br /> He spoke at the African Veterinary Association/Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association Congress in Enugu, with the theme: “Towards Economic Diversification and Sustainable Development in Africa”.<br /> <br /> He made it clear that if economic activities were diversified without modernising them, the African continent would not go far.<br /> <br /> He said: “If we diversify sources of government revenue but continue to concentrate too much power and resources in the central governments in African diverse societies, then we won’t go far in achieving freedom, development and advancing our societies.”<br /> <br /> The former vice president regretted that five decades after most African countries gained political independence, their economies remain mostly mono-crop economies, largely dependent on export of single primary commodities, such as minerals and agricultural products.<br /> <br /> Atiku observed that the prices of these commodities were determined internationally by factors over which the African countries have little influence and the prices often fluctuate rather widely, making the economies very vulnerable to externally induced shocks.<br /> <br /> He noted that reliance on single primary commodities retard industrialisation and manufacturing, add little value to the economy and high consequences for politics of African societies.<br /> <br /> “These include the preponderance of rent-seeking, state dominance of economic activities, vicious struggles for state power and the attendant corruption and trends towards dictatorship.<br /> <br /> “And we continue to have challenges with poor infrastructure and insecurity, both of which discourage investment and tourism, deteriorating educational system and inadequate support and promotion of research and innovation.<br /> <br /> “But our potentials are enormous if we truly want to turn our fortunes around. And we must. The diversification of African economies is obviously critical and one thing around which we have consensus in Africa and within our various countries,” Atiku said.<br /> <br /> He described diversification of the economy as a genuine change in policy and practice that results in the promotion of diverse economic activities by citizens and corporations in ways that contribute significantly to economic growth, employment, rising incomes and government revenues through taxation and other resources.<br /> <br /> “As you deliberate, consider these issues. And consider the role of democratic governance in the quest for the diversification of Africa’s economies? Does it help or hurt for people to have a say in how they are governed, including economic governance, policy development and the accountability of leaders?<br /> <br /> ”As professional bodies, AVA and NVMA have critical roles to play in improving African agriculture, especially veterinary health and the quantity and quality of our animal protein intake as well as the prospects of our earning vital foreign exchange from exporting meat and dairy products to the rest of the world,” Atiku said.<br /> <br /> On the position of Africa on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and what extent Africa should embrace it as a way to improve agriculture and nutrition and the risk if any, Atiku urged the participants to help with evidence-based advice to Africa’s governments rather than one governed by fad, fear or paranoia.<br /> <br /> He however urged the veterinarians not to forget to work hard to improve their profession, starting with improvements in veterinary education and training, and professional regulation to ensure high quality and ethical practices.<br /> <br /> The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to the ex-vice president, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Eddie Agbo, the inventor of urine-based malaria test kit by the African Veterinary Association.

Latest-News Why too much power is centralised at the centre, by Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday blamed dictatorship and corruption in most African societies for the centralisation of too much power and resources in the central governments. He warned that the continent would not go far in achieving…

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APC blasts Jonathan for defending Dasuki

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoEuTT9eOX1Ga_b3NCsohNEmgV6_VqgiygXUPvTVyVYUi6nXlBtU7rdnVkos2w44xygLPoiOQgYxNcRT1od3-adBnYPwbaYjZm8U7HHTOL1a8cYbrMVl2zPcHAIBNlqjJD0QOvZebp1Rw/s1600/jonathan+APC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJoEuTT9eOX1Ga_b3NCsohNEmgV6_VqgiygXUPvTVyVYUi6nXlBtU7rdnVkos2w44xygLPoiOQgYxNcRT1od3-adBnYPwbaYjZm8U7HHTOL1a8cYbrMVl2zPcHAIBNlqjJD0QOvZebp1Rw/s400/jonathan+APC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> More knocks came for former President Goodluck Jonathan over his defence that his erstwhile National Security Adviser (NSA) Col Sambo Dasuki couldn’t have stolen $2.1 billion funds.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The latest knock was from the local chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) which carpeted the former President of trying to cover what has been exposed for all to see.<br /> <br /> The party wondered why such defence came from Dr. Jonathan at a time some of those partook in the funds have not owned up but refunding their shares to the federal purse.<br /> <br /> It said the former President’s claim only confirmed that he knew how the funds approved to buy arms for troops fighting insurgents in the Northeast was diverted under his watch as the Commander-in-Chief.<br /> <br /> In a statement by its spokesman Joe Igbokwe, the APC said there should be a limit to which a leader should rise in defence of his lieutenant with the mind-boggling revelations and overwhelming evidences that the arms purchase cash was diverted.<br /> <br /> The party described as regrettable that the diversion of the security vote led to the loss of thousands of lives of both civilians and soldiers who were ill-equipped to face well-kitted Boko Haram insurgents.<br /> <br /> It urged Jonathan to refrain from playing on the intelligence of Nigerians, whose future have been compromised by maladministration, betrayal of public thrust and corruption that characterised governance under him.<br /> <br /> The statement reads: “Even as we concede that Jonathan is on a desperate bid to rehabilitate himself, we wouldn’t believe that a former president should be so contemptuous of the intelligence of Nigerians as to give the kind of defence he gave to Sambo Dasuki. We wonder what Jonathan makes of the horrid details that are emanating from the Dasukigate issue with shocking evidences, confessions and even refunds made by those that participated in that monumental corruption.”<br /> <br /> “To claim that Dasuki and his partners did not steal the arms purchase fund reveals the inner beliefs of Jonathan. One would have expected Jonathan to be cautious in seeking to advance very childish and inadmissible exculpation of his subordinates for glaring acts of corruption. We had expected that Jonathan would have striven to water down the lowly impression held of him by Nigerians and the international community by not deciding to be so patronising to clear cases of corruption by his subordinates.<br /> <br /> “By Jonathan’s defence of Sambo Dasuki, we believe time has come for the security agencies to pick up Jonathan to tell the nation all that he knows of the many cases of corruption that happened under him. We think that Jonathan knows more than he admits about the unseemly corruption that he presided over and should be brought in for questioning. It’s becoming indefensible for Jonathan to pretend he was innocent of the corrupt acts of his subordinates.<br /> <br /> “While we condemn Jonathan’s cheeky defence of Dasuki, even in the face of monumental damning evidences, we want to state that the anti-corruption war is incomplete until Jonathan justifies his defence of corrupt subordinates.”

Latest-News APC blasts Jonathan for defending Dasuki

More knocks came for former President Goodluck Jonathan over his defence that his erstwhile National Security Adviser (NSA) Col Sambo Dasuki couldn’t have stolen $2.1 billion funds. The latest knock was from the local chapter of the All Progressive …

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Senate declines Buhari’s bid to borrow $29.96 Billion

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1tQHWBVwuJ16fQNLeyytpypiyuwvCdJ2iWG82QzG9hUMQNydkbQRXzmbON-75aiP6JMLFF3lwR5bvjK28yPgApLpMWMeSYQGTW0MDxpvThPgdfyV_yR7ubRCo9LpuPU6Fc7o51le0kFv/s1600/Buhari-and-Senate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1tQHWBVwuJ16fQNLeyytpypiyuwvCdJ2iWG82QzG9hUMQNydkbQRXzmbON-75aiP6JMLFF3lwR5bvjK28yPgApLpMWMeSYQGTW0MDxpvThPgdfyV_yR7ubRCo9LpuPU6Fc7o51le0kFv/s400/Buhari-and-Senate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>The Nigerian senate yesterday rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to borrow $29.96 billion under the 2016-2018 External Borrowing Plan.</b><br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The upper chamber voted massively against the request.<br /> <br /> Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki put the question twice – “that the Senate do consider the request of the President C-in-C on the 2016-2018 External Borrowing Rolling Plan”. Twice it was rejected.<br /> <br /> Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume moved the motion for the consideration of the request. Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Bwacha seconded.<br /> <br /> The lawmakers were not comfortable with “some glaring omissions in the Executive Communication” forwarded to them by President Buhari.<br /> <br /> A source said the President failed to “attach draft of Federal Government 2016-2018 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan for consideration of the Senate” as indicated in the Executive Communication.<br /> <br /> The source noted that “by asking the National Assembly leadership to approve the borrowing plan that involves huge sums of funds without formal consideration of the Senate in session smacks of some blackmail”.<br /> <br /> The last paragraph of the communication said, “Given the emergency nature of these facilities and the need to consolidate the peace and return the region (North East) to normalcy and considering the time it will take to get the National Assembly’s approvals, it has become inevitable to request for the National Assembly leadership approval pending the consideration and approval of the 2016-2018 borrowing plan by the National Assembly to enable us disburse these funds immediately.”<br /> <br /> Senator Ndume who spoke on the rejection of the President’s request said there was technical error in the request.<br /> <br /> He however promised to represent the request on a later date.<br /> <br /> Ndume said: “I was shocked as the Senate leader that they rejected the programme. I was not anticipating what happened. It was rejected on technical ground. If you look at the letter, it said ‘attached’ but there was no attachment. There are no details. I will appeal to my colleagues and represent it for consideration. There is nothing to worry about. We cannot throw away the baby with the bath water.”<br /> <br /> The list of 46 non-career ambassadors was also rejected but Saraki used his veto power to over turn the nay vote.<br /> <br /> Saraki also put the question twice for the Senate to consider the request of the President on the confirmation of the nomination of the following persons for appointment as non-career ambassadors-designate.

Latest-News Senate declines Buhari’s bid to borrow $29.96 Billion

The Nigerian senate yesterday rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to borrow $29.96 billion under the 2016-2018 External Borrowing Plan. The upper chamber voted massively against the request. Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki put the …

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Eight suicide bombers die at checkpoint blast

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU2fzP35wm50cX5c6_D7AShME-BYPcEdqzqKyAPXl4Vr6ifq2GXPDD3HwpkOxuIwXfo9me3e4lfgO1TC82B_8qjlLmcPU9OQjSwB8Xt6d43tGSIZ4G4WdRfwzQuKmVt-PH4xQWnufgQvs/s400/Gubio-attack.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> Eight suicide bombers in a Pick-up van have detonated their bombs, killing themselves in a failed attempt to cross a military checkpoint at Gubio, Gubio Local Government of Borno State, the Army has said.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to a statement by Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman, the incident occurred about 9.15 am yesterday.<br /> <br /> He said the insurgents got frustrated after troops insisted on searching the vehicle, and one of them detonated his Improvised Explosive Device (IOD).<br /> <br /> The statement reads: “Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed in a checkpoint in Gubio, Gubio Local Government of Borno State, about 9.15am this morning (yesterday), foiled a suicide attack on Gubio town by eight insurgents.<br /> <br /> “The suicide bombers, who came in a Bedford Pick-up van, attempted to force their way through but were resisted by troops, who insisted that the vehicle be checked.<br /> <br /> “They refused and detonated one of the suicide vests, killing eight of them.”<br /> <br /> Troops of 8 Task Force Division, during Operation Hardknock, have rescued 19 women and 19 children from the northern axis of Borno.<br /> <br /> A statement by its Deputy Director, Army Public Relation, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said: “The troops of 8 Task Force Division have begun an operation, codenamed “Operation Hardknock,’’ to clear pockets of Boko Haram terrorist hiding in remote areas of northern Borno, along the Nigeria-Niger border.<br /> <br /> “As the operation progressed, troops cleared pockets of insurgents from their hideouts in Momo and Tunshe villages around Marte general area.<br /> <br /> “The troops rescued 19 women and 19 children in Dumba. During the rescue operation, the troops neutralised six insurgents while others fled with gunshot wounds, leaving behind 22 motorcycles, flags and other items.”

Latest-News Eight suicide bombers die at checkpoint blast

Eight suicide bombers in a Pick-up van have detonated their bombs, killing themselves in a failed attempt to cross a military checkpoint at Gubio, Gubio Local Government of Borno State, the Army has said. According to a statement by Army spokesman C…

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Ludogorets 2-3 Arsenal: Gunners come from behind to earn victory

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Ludogorets 2-3 Arsenal: Gunners come from behind to earn victory" height="443" src="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL_INTERNATIONAL/66/b0/hd-olivier-giroud-arsenal_1a3tv6q4i9ghn11815wgtkx1xu.jpg?t=565753880&w=620&h=430" width="640" /></div> <br /> Arsenal fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 at Ludogorets in the Champions League on Tuesday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Gunners found themselves trailing thanks to strikes from Jonathan Cafu and Claudiu Keseru in the first half.<br /> <br /> However, Arsene Wenger's men completed a dramatic turnaround through goals from Granit Xhaka, Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil.<br /> <br /> Arsenal will reach the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition if Paris Saint-Germain avoid defeat against Basel in the other Group A fixture.</div>

Latest-News Ludogorets 2-3 Arsenal: Gunners come from behind to earn victory

Arsenal fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 at Ludogorets in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Gunners found themselves trailing thanks to strikes from Jonathan Cafu and Claudiu Keseru in the first half. However, Arsene Wenger's men comple…

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Manchester City 3-1 Barcelona: Gundogan double sinks Barca + Match Highlights

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Manchester City 3-1 Barcelona: Gundogan double sinks Barca" height="443" src="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/GOAL_INTERNATIONAL/93/c2/gundogan-barcelona_yesun98299561kijceeksoyiz.jpg?t=566342306&w=620&h=430" width="640" /></div> <br /> Ilkay Gundogan struck twice as Manchester City beat Barcelona 3-1 at the Etihad on Tuesday evening.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a well-taken effort following a slick Barcelona counter-attack, before the Germany international levelled the scoring.<br /> <br /> Kevin de Bruyne then gave City the lead with a free-kick, before Gundogan added a third to secure the points for Pep Guardiola against his former side.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /></div> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yf7glGvtLaE" width="854"></iframe><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Credits: Goal/YouTube</div>

Latest-News Manchester City 3-1 Barcelona: Gundogan double sinks Barca + Match Highlights

Ilkay Gundogan struck twice as Manchester City beat Barcelona 3-1 at the Etihad on Tuesday evening. Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a well-taken effort following a slick Barcelona counter-attack, before the Germany international levelled the sc…

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Live Commentary: Manchester City vs Barcelona

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for manchester city vs barcelona" height="360" src="http://media1.fcbarcelona.com/media/asset_publics/resources/000/086/982/size_640x360/infocity1.v1392478002.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Good evening and welcome to <b><i class="">Nigerianeye's</i></b> live coverage of the Champions League Group C match between Manchester City and Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick when the two teams met at Camp Nou on October 19, with Barcelona running out 4-0 winners over the Premier League outfit.<br /> <br /> Tonight will be the sixth time that Man City and Barcelona have met in European competition and the Spanish giants have won each of the previous five – including a 2-1 victory in this stadium in February 2015.<br /> <br /> Man City currently sit second in Group C on four points, while Barcelona lead the section on nine points having recorded three wins from three matches thus far.<br /> <br /> <b>OFFICIAL LINE-UPS</b><br /> <br /> <b>MANCHESTER CITY:</b> Caballero; Zabaleta, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov; Gundogan, Fernandinho; Silva, De Bruyne, Sterling; Aguero<br /> <b><br /></b><b>BARCELONA:</b> Ter Stegen; Roberto, Mascherano, Umtiti, Digne; Busquets, Rakitic, Gomes; Neymar, Suarez, Messi</div>

Latest-News Live Commentary: Manchester City vs Barcelona

Good evening and welcome to Nigerianeye's live coverage of the Champions League Group C match between Manchester City and Barcelona at the Etihad Stadium. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick when the two teams met at Camp Nou on October 19, with Barcelo…

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Niger Delta leaders to Buhari: We want oil blocs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw5_JAg3qVjzNVcij3S6muJYIqDkrK68BJT8Z9sjCxkmFIrxVq3JZjW-i1ZxViGSNvQy1c8EMq7ib3ClxxNNjuXX6HHGPTFrfAvpfke3AUZamrdBlIHQVIIhh1K-Jt-YWn6YQ0BlfrjBr/s400/President-Muhammadu-+Buhari.-.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> Stakeholders from the Niger Delta region of the country have demanded that the region be included in the sharing and ownership of the oil blocs in the country. This was among the set of 16 demands pressed on President Muhammadu Bahari at a crucial meeting in Abuja Tuesday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Other demands included the review of the presidential amnesty Programme, Relocation of Administrative and Operational Headquarters of IOCs to the area of operation, the approval of Maritime University, Strengthening the Niger Delta Ministry, resuscitation of Key regional critical infrastructures, the resentment of Bakassi indigenes, restructuring and funding of the NNDC. Others were the introduction of fiscal federalism, economic development and empowerment of Niger delta people, improvement of power supply, security surveillance and protection of oil and gas infrastructure, meeting the immediate need of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, the effect of increased military presence in the Niger delta and The Ogoni clean-up and environmental remediation.<br /> <br /> Rising from the meeting which lasted about 3 hours at the council chambers of the presidential villa, Abuja on Tuesday, the leaders who were galvanized under the aegis of Pan Niger Delta Forum led by chief Edwin Clarke stated that the issues were critical to finding lasting peace in Niger Delta.

Latest-News Niger Delta leaders to Buhari: We want oil blocs

Stakeholders from the Niger Delta region of the country have demanded that the region be included in the sharing and ownership of the oil blocs in the country. This was among the set of 16 demands pressed on President Muhammadu Bahari at a crucial m…

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You can leave Nigeria if you think you have another country - Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdXeX7HdSwsUHLekjbR074lxYh5GxasVwHXF01pswEQKgKHPs55qhFSC2YA5o4gYCv3tZETkByV46jZ92F-U2ECEHoCEtRF5f15k4XcNQX2xIM7PXLFOAlI7mVPvX8f-a67m_Hx7Gnlpz/s1600/buhari+f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdXeX7HdSwsUHLekjbR074lxYh5GxasVwHXF01pswEQKgKHPs55qhFSC2YA5o4gYCv3tZETkByV46jZ92F-U2ECEHoCEtRF5f15k4XcNQX2xIM7PXLFOAlI7mVPvX8f-a67m_Hx7Gnlpz/s640/buhari+f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said any Nigeria who has another country to relocate to are free to do so.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> On his part, he said he would stay back to solve the nation’s position.<br /> <br /> According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President spoke while addressing Niger Delta stakeholders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.<br /> <br /> “We are determined to make life comfortable and affordable to all Nigerians. If anybody has a country to go to, let him go, we will stay here and salvage our country,” Shehu quoted the President as saying.<br /> <br /> Buhari was said to have told the leaders of the Niger Delta that they had more to do than anyone else to bring peace to the region, given the influence they have on militant groups.<br /> <br /> He expressed the determination of his administration to stay focused on its key campaign promises of securing the country, fighting corruption and creating jobs through the improvement of the economy.<br /> <br /> He said peace, security, investment and prosperity are linked together, adding that “if we give peace a chance, investors will come here to invest. Nobody will invest in an insecure environment.”<br /> <br /> Buhari said the problems his administration found on the ground were many, as illustrated in collapse of oil prices, inability of 27 of the 36 states to pay salaries, absence of savings to fall back and having to deal with an elite who didn’t seem to care.<br /> <br /> All these, he said, made his government to conclude that, “life as usual is no longer affordable.”<br /> <br /> In welcoming the 16-point request presented for negotiation by the Niger Delta leaders, Buhari said he was still expecting reports from officials he had instructed to review the implementation of the Amnesty programme to determine where government fell short so that amends can be made.<br /> <br /> The President said the service chiefs were putting together their own assessment of the militancy situation, saying “when I have these reports, including this one (just presented), we will revisit the situation (in the region) to ensure that we succeed this time.”<br /> <br /> The President who delivered his report card on the war against corruption and the efforts to secure the country repeated his call to the Niger Delta leaders to join the administration in bringing peace to the troubled region.

Latest-News You can leave Nigeria if you think you have another country - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said any Nigeria who has another country to relocate to are free to do so. On his part, he said he would stay back to solve the nation’s position. According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Medi…

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Niger Delta elders’ meeting with FG will not stop bombing – Militants

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3Rggu54K6tEPfafebyU9MIYNgti12TPiAOdWdYitO0hog0pIRKQwNHPE7SA81cNzYjT9TQldzP5GaNJhIeKm9x_9p3wPHNd6f-n96xdapFs22MTi5eNMpd-2ZfTa3lDAYz4Kp8DBRidU/s1600/Militants+Buhari+kk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3Rggu54K6tEPfafebyU9MIYNgti12TPiAOdWdYitO0hog0pIRKQwNHPE7SA81cNzYjT9TQldzP5GaNJhIeKm9x_9p3wPHNd6f-n96xdapFs22MTi5eNMpd-2ZfTa3lDAYz4Kp8DBRidU/s400/Militants+Buhari+kk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Niger Delta militants have described Tuesday’s meeting with the Federal Government by some stakeholders in the region as an exercise that will not put an end to the attacks on oil facilities.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a>The agitators stated that none of the stakeholders chosen to be part of the meeting with the Federal Government was aware of the plight of the Niger Delta people.<br /> <br /> Speaking through separate statements, the Niger Delta Peoples Democratic Front and the Concerned Militant Leaders, expressed dissatisfaction that no former militant leader was among those chosen to be part of representatives of the region in the meeting with government.<br /> <br /> Leaders of the two groups, General Ben and General Playboy maintained that such a meeting without any recognised former Niger Delta militant would not protect the interest of the people of the region.<br /> <br /> They also doubted the Federal Government’s sincerity on the $10bn development fund to be earmarked for the Niger Delta.<br /> <br /> “Pipeline bombing cannot stop because the people going for the meeting do not know why they are going there. It is not the first, second, or third time and would not be the last. So, we cannot be deceived or bamboozled by whatever tag is given to the meeting.<br /> <br /> “We insist on implementation of the report of the National Conference and other reports on the development of Niger Delta region. Anything short of this is insincere and will not be accepted. For a genuine peace, past reports of several commissions on Niger Delta must be visited,” they said.<br /> <br /> General Playboy specifically said, “Our elders and leaders are not helping matters at all. They do not really know the plight of Niger Delta people because they are wealthy, quite rich and do not take issues about the region seriously.<br /> <br /> “They do not know the common people in the region because they are not based in Niger Delta and cannot show holistic commitment to our struggle. Our elders represent themselves, and not the people in the rural areas.<br /> <br /> “We don’t need people who will play politics with the genuine struggle of Niger Delta people. We don’t want people, who are not agitators. The real agitators are people like Alhaji Asari Dokubo, High Chief Government Tompolo, Egberipapa, General Africa, General Joshua and many others.<br /> <br /> “These are the kind of people that can negotiate for our people. They know the plights of the Niger Delta people because they live in the same environment with them. They are not based abroad. They come down to the communities to know the feelings of the people. Such people should represent us.”<br /> <br /> He (General Playboy), however, noted that their position did not mean that they were disrespectful to the elders in the region, insisting that they (elders) were not needed at the meeting with the Federal Government.

Latest-News Niger Delta elders’ meeting with FG will not stop bombing – Militants

Niger Delta militants have described Tuesday’s meeting with the Federal Government by some stakeholders in the region as an exercise that will not put an end to the attacks on oil facilities. The agitators stated that none of the stakeholders chosen…

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Residents panic as Fulani herdsmen battle Delta community again

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_c7dDZ6Vhb6ZRWoHwvvwBr4odzwx_6eib0kD_OR5M0fkjUy7D9xvghuSJZw8SIxOGJYmI9zczzv_MPQSTIeN4aZqG11hDWw4BnSUZPAuH_JNZJLxDMMfKuC8SEhf2Q0xWvu9wr0_HyTk/s1600/herdsmen2+fulani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_c7dDZ6Vhb6ZRWoHwvvwBr4odzwx_6eib0kD_OR5M0fkjUy7D9xvghuSJZw8SIxOGJYmI9zczzv_MPQSTIeN4aZqG11hDWw4BnSUZPAuH_JNZJLxDMMfKuC8SEhf2Q0xWvu9wr0_HyTk/s1600/herdsmen2+fulani.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> There is apprehension in Umunor community, Ossissa Kingdom in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State following an exchange of gun fire between suspected Fulani herdsmen and youths from the area late Monday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Although, it was not clear if there was any casualty between both parties, it was learnt that the exchange of gun shots followed a failed attempt by some suspected herdsmen to invade the community.<br /> <br /> Sources in the community told our correspondent on Tuesday that many residents are fleeing the area to neighbouring villages for safety.<br /> <br /> It was learnt that if not for the intervention of security agencies, the situation would have escalated into a full blown crisis.<br /> <br /> A security source who confirmed the development to our correspondent said a security post has been stationed in the area following the intervention of the council chairman and the police area commander who visited the village on Tuesday morning.<br /> <br /> “We don’t know if any casualty was recorded during Monday’s incident but there was a heavy exchange of gun fire between herdsmen and residents of Umunor community. Our men have been drafted there to maintain the peace.<br /> <br /> “Ndokwa East council chairman in company with the Police Area Commander in the area visited the community today (Tuesday) to ascertain the situation in the area. Both parties were told to halt further hostilities,” the source told our correspondent.<br /> <br /> The council chairman, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah, when contacted on the telephone confirmed Monday’s shooting in the area but said security men had been deployed in the area to curtail further hostilities between both parties.<br /> <br /> Chukwurah, who also confirmed visiting Umunor and other villages said, “The people want the herdsmen to leave their land. Many of them deserted their homes while some slept at the palace of the traditional ruler in the area.<br /> <br /> “They are complaining they can’t go to their farms any longer because of fear of being attacked. As a result, they have no food to eat. Farming is the major occupation of my people.”<br /> <br />

Latest-News Residents panic as Fulani herdsmen battle Delta community again

There is apprehension in Umunor community, Ossissa Kingdom in the Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State following an exchange of gun fire between suspected Fulani herdsmen and youths from the area late Monday. Although, it was not clear i…

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Nigeria produced 2.1m barrels today - Kachikwu

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPTkrrwLYzhyphenhyphenlXxXhP7UD22QSaxRfcRZ8IVvJuR-GMTN8Y5uP3r83ISYGqhmd6sJ2r1xlZmDht6Dm_bfRysmLz1kEVykPwGvCKVnWL_IyQsdbFdHfPRXRoWSJVlEdhT8T2RarYkgEbBnF/s1600/Emmanuel+Kachikwu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPTkrrwLYzhyphenhyphenlXxXhP7UD22QSaxRfcRZ8IVvJuR-GMTN8Y5uP3r83ISYGqhmd6sJ2r1xlZmDht6Dm_bfRysmLz1kEVykPwGvCKVnWL_IyQsdbFdHfPRXRoWSJVlEdhT8T2RarYkgEbBnF/s640/Emmanuel+Kachikwu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Nigeria’s oil production is nearly back to normal following a sharp drop earlier this year due to rebels attacking pipelines, the oil minister said Tuesday.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The reality is that as of today and this morning, we are at 2.1 million barrels production. That’s substantial,” Minister of State for Petroleum Emmanuel Kachikwu said in the nation’s capital of Abuja.<br /> <br /> Nigeria normally produces around 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd), but output dropped to a low of 1.4 bpd this year due to rebels attacks.<br /> <br /> Addressing the press after a meeting between Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and representatives from the oil-producing Niger delta region, Kachikwu said “a lot of behind the scene engagements” were paying off.<br /> <br /> “Part of the expectations by 2017 is to target zero shutdowns as a result of militancy,” Kachikwu said, describing the talks as “fairly good, fairly civilised dialogue”.<br /> <br /> The meeting was attended by Edwin Clark, a veteran leader who spoke on behalf of some of the militant groups in the country’s restive southern swamplands, including the Niger Delta Avengers.<br /> <br /> Clark made 16 demands to the Nigerian government, including revamping an amnesty programme for ex-militants, reducing the military presence in the region and cleaning up pollution.<br /> <br /> The demands borrow heavily from the Avengers, who demand a greater share of oil revenue and also want the government to finish construction of a university.<br /> <br /> Without peace in the Niger delta, which produces the bulk of Nigeria’s oil, Buhari will struggle get the funds needed to kick-start the Nigerian economy out of its worst slowdown in years.<br /> <br /> But analysts point out that his government can only meet so many of the demands.<br /> <br /> “I think it’s the beginning of the discussion,” Dolapo Oni, energy analyst at Ecobank, told AFP.<br /> <br /> “We’ve seen the demands and we know not all of them can be granted, but as much that can be done I think Buhari will do,” Oni said.<br /> <br /> Then there is the issue of rival militant groups threatening any agreement.<br /> <br /> On Sunday, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate group claimed an attack on a gas pipeline, saying it will “never support” the talks and declaring “this is not ending soon.”<br /> <br /> AFP

Latest-News Nigeria produced 2.1m barrels today - Kachikwu

Nigeria’s oil production is nearly back to normal following a sharp drop earlier this year due to rebels attacking pipelines, the oil minister said Tuesday. “The reality is that as of today and this morning, we are at 2.1 million barrels production.…

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Naira extends gain against dollar

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PiLwaXLQPNylvbCYcti9Y71XAC7dCT_661LYpcBzc9in2ZIfJ8yu67XlwQqKMXt_cZq_dhYJf-lH0Pu1VIamblh5ADrDitRS26ZG52hbbtv_w9tTIAascliNnqluWh-Leg8siwRYZMeC/s640/naira_notes.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <br /> The Naira on Tuesday extended its gains against the dollar across the Forex market.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The nation currency gained N4.06 at the interbank market to close at N304.75, from N308.81 posted on Monday.<br /> <br /> At the Bureau De Change window, the naira was sold at N385 to a dollar, CBN controlled rate, while Pound Sterling and Euro traded at N565 and N504 respectively.<br /> <br /> Naira gained three points at the parallel market to close at N465 to a dollar against N468 posted on Monday.<br /> <br /> Also, Pound Sterling and Euro closed at N560 and N510 respectively.<br /> <br /> Traders at the market said that liquidity at the market was being boosted by the weekly sale of Forex by Travelex and First Bank of Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Travelex, a licensed International Money Transfer Operator, had been selling the proceeds of Diaspora remittances to BDCs for over a month.<br /> <br /> Travelex and FBN have been working hard to ensure that liquidity challenges in the North and some other South-South states was reduced by selling Forex in these areas.<br /> <br /> (NAN)

Latest-News Naira extends gain against dollar

The Naira on Tuesday extended its gains against the dollar across the Forex market. The nation currency gained N4.06 at the interbank market to close at N304.75, from N308.81 posted on Monday. At the Bureau De Change window, the naira was sold at N3…

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Ado Den Haag Defender Rejects Super Eagles Call-Up

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Tyronne Ebuehi" height="480" src="http://thesheet.ng/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Tyronne-Ebuehi.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Ado Den Haag's Nigerian defender Tyronne Ebuehi has rejected a chance to feature for the Super Eagles in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria on 12 November.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The 20-year-old full-back was a surprise inclusion in the Nigeria squad but he told his club's website adodenhaag.nl on Monday that the time was not right for him to represent his country as he hopes to settle fully into ADO Den Haag's squad.<br /> <div> <div><br /></div> <div>Ebuehi has featured in seven of ADO Den Haag's 11 games this season, scoring once and getting one yellow card.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>"I see it as a great honour that I am recognised in my homeland," he said.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>"But at this moment ADO Den Haag requires my full attention, especially now that I have settled in the team.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>"Therefore, it seems to me that now does not seem the right time to travel to Nigeria for the match.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>"I want to focus completely on the club, but I certainly do not rule out that I will honour a possible next call."</div> </div> </div>

Latest-News Ado Den Haag Defender Rejects Super Eagles Call-Up

Ado Den Haag's Nigerian defender Tyronne Ebuehi has rejected a chance to feature for the Super Eagles in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria on 12 November. The 20-year-old full-back was a surprise inclusion in the Nigeria squad but he…

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NFF Leadership Struggle: Supreme Court Strikes Out Chris Giwa’s Motions

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Chris Giwa" src="https://i.onthe.io/vllkyt1k87u53024vg.bb734e23.jpg" /></div> <br /> The Supreme Court on Monday in Abuja struck out two motions brought by Chris Giwa and his group.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Hearing on the motions began on September 9.<br /> <br /> Ademola Olajire, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) spokesman, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.<br /> <br /> Olajire said the motion by Giwa sought to stay the execution of the ruling of the Court of Appeal barring Oba Maduabuchi from appearing before it on behalf of Giwa and his group.<br /> <br /> He also sought to stay the execution of the judgment of the same court vacating the orders of the Federal High Court relisting the case and restoring the orders.<br /> <br /> Giwa, proprietor of Giwa FC of Jos, has been in court against Nigeria football federation in the past 28 months.<br /> <br /> He had also lost at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.<br /> <br /> It would be recalled that on Monday, July 25, 2016,the Court of Appeal, Jos Judicial Division, had thrown out Giwa’s case, vacating the order of the Federal High Court of the same division that re-listed the case and restored earlier orders.</div>

Latest-News NFF Leadership Struggle: Supreme Court Strikes Out Chris Giwa’s Motions

The Supreme Court on Monday in Abuja struck out two motions brought by Chris Giwa and his group. Hearing on the motions began on September 9. Ademola Olajire, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) spokesman, made this known in a statement made avail…

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Mata: My family and loved ones feared Mourinho would sell me off again

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Juan Mata with Jose Mourinho at manchester United" height="400" src="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2016/07/22/103853665_Juan-Mata-SPORT-xlarge_trans++CMJ_zn7EtYlFWLURomGWs4NLJ0v2OtQS1lbIJ0rrLSw.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Former Chelsea midfielder, Juan Mata has admitted that his family and loved ones feared that Jose Mourinho could ease him out of Manchester United again.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> While pointing out that they now work together at the Old Trafford, he confessed that he feared there would be a repeat of his Stamford Bridge exit when the new boss came to the club.<br /> <br /> Mourinho had dispelled such fear by insisting that the Spaniard is part of his plan at the club early in the season.<br /> <br /> On the second spell of the Portuguese manager at the Stanford Bridge, Mata was moved to Manchester United.<br /> <br /> The attacking midfielder revealed that in the first few days of the former Madrid boss at his new club, those closest to him feared a repeat of that situation.<br /> <br /> He told reporters, “The manager didn’t sit down with me, no.<br /> <br /> “I do feel an important part of this team. Since I came to Manchester United, we had ups and downs but I always felt an important player under any manager, and I feel important now. But we didn’t have any conversations.<br /> <br /> “It is difficult to control everything that goes out and your friends and family are ringing to know what is going on but I always told them the same thing – ‘Listen, I am the one that knows what is going on, and I know that nothing is going on.”<br /> <br /> The Spain International further insisted that he had a healthy relationship with Mourinho, whose United team are back in action on Thursday against Fenerbahce in the Europa League.<br /> <br /> He said, “When the manager came in, I was always thinking the same as I always have – I am going to give my best, I believe in myself and I think this can work out.<br /> <br /> “It is a professional relationship (I have with Mourinho). That is it. That is why, when so many things were said about was going to happen when the new manager arrive, in my mind I had it clear.”</div>

Latest-News Mata: My family and loved ones feared Mourinho would sell me off again

Former Chelsea midfielder, Juan Mata has admitted that his family and loved ones feared that Jose Mourinho could ease him out of Manchester United again. While pointing out that they now work together at the Old Trafford, he confessed that he feared…

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Ekweremadu, Gowon advocate development of Sports to enhance Nigeria’s unity

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu" height="386" src="http://static.pulse.ng/img/incoming/origs3740226/3609728872-w900-h600/Ike-Ekweremadu.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) have stated that the country would be more united if leaders paid adequate attention to the development of the sports sector.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Gowon, while addressing those who converged for the unveiling and lighting of the Unity Torch for the Legends Wrestle for National Unity Festival, put together in remembrance of Nigeria’s past heroes at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, stressed the importance of sports to the nation’s unity.<br /> <br /> The event that will hold in Enugu on December 9 and 10 will welcome over 20 wrestlers from across the world featuring in different contests.<br /> <br /> Gowon, whose tenure as the country’s head of state started the National Sports Festival, called on every Nigerian to support the Legends Wrestle For National Unity Festival, adding that it would help cement the country’s unity.<br /> <br /> Also speaking, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, pointed out that there was the need to develop school sports in the country.<br /> <br /> According to him, “We believe that if we are able to develop sports, we would be able to create jobs to ensure that some people who do not have formal education and those who do not have the opportunity of achieving much in education can also gain prominence just as their counterparts in Europe, America and the rest if the world.<br /> <br /> “You do not need a university degree to be a good sports person… what you need is a good skill and a conducive environment.”<br /> <br /> Ekweremadu disclosed that Enugu was chosen as host city for the event because Enugu is unique in many respects: "As the center of the South East of Nigeria, Enugu is known for peace and also for tourism because of most of all home movies are produced in Enugu. We believe that Enugu can also pioneer the issue of unity in Nigeria."<br /> <br /> “Today, we are talking about arms struggle all over the place and we need to change the narrative; in doing that, we need to use sports, which we believe is one thing that is common to every Nigerian. We believe that if we bring people to Enugu through sports, it would be a way for us to network at a different level instead of a conflict level.”</div>

Latest-News Ekweremadu, Gowon advocate development of Sports to enhance Nigeria’s unity

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) have stated that the country would be more united if leaders paid adequate attention to the development of the sports sector. Gowon, while addressing those who…

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Falcons coach owed eight months salary by NFF

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Florence Omagbemi" height="277" src="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_Nigeria/10/ac/florence-omagbemi-nigeria-women-coach-2016_lmeg4ykfpszo1eugd9s0xifrm.jpg?t=-248892813&w=620&h=430" width="400" /></div> <br /> With less than one month to the kick off of this year’s African Women’s Cup of Nations in Cameroon, it has emerged that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is owing the head coach, Florence Omagbemi.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The former international, who featured in four FIFA Women’s World Cups herself, not been paid in eight months.<br /> <br /> However, the NFF insists that she is calm about the situation and it will be resolve before the Falcons fly out to Cameroon for the tournament.<br /> <br /> “It’s been a challenging year for the federation financially but we’re working hard to resolve this before the team depart for Cameroon,” NFF official Chris Green told BBC Sport on Monday.<br /> <br /> “Omagbemi has been very calm about it and it has to be sorted out as soon as possible.”<br /> <br /> The championship takes place from November 19 to December 3 and the Falcons are in Group B with Mali, Ghana and Kenya.<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News Falcons coach owed eight months salary by NFF

With less than one month to the kick off of this year’s African Women’s Cup of Nations in Cameroon, it has emerged that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is owing the head coach, Florence Omagbemi. The former international, who featured in four…

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Rio Olympics workers threaten to sue LOC over late payments

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Rio Olympics workers" height="432" src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/world/2016/10/31/hundreds-of-workers-threaten-to-sue-rio-olympics-over-late-payments/rio-late-paymentsjpg.jpg.size.custom.crop.1086x734.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Hundreds of workers who worked to ensure the success of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil are still being owed and are planning to sue the Local Organising Committee, LOC, to get their money.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> About 100 freelance contractors, who served as stadium announcers, show producers and DJs, and several hundred others who worked for the Olympics News Service, which produced written summaries about the sports and athletes at the Olympics and subsequent Paralympics are seeking ways to obtain their wages.<br /> <br /> A South African freelance show producer, Rocky Bester, told The Associated Press, “I’m working with a legal firm that is already representing someone involved with Rio 2016, so they have a pretty good handle what is going on.”<br /> <br /> Bester, who is the spokesman for the 100 contractors, noted that he has never experienced such problem at previous Olympics, adding that Rio was his seventh.<br /> <br /> He said all he has received from Rio organisers are silence and excuses.<br /> <br /> He said, “We’ve had robust conversations at other Olympics about payments, but it’s always been an open conversation.<br /> <br /> “What is happening here is that no one is talking back. We’re sitting in the dark. We’re mushrooms at the moment.”<br /> <br /> He termed it a “basic lack of respect.”<br /> <br /> However, the Rio Olympics officials have blamed the delayed payments on their own sponsors, the Rio City Hall and the International Olympic, Committee, IOC.<br /> <br /> Rio spokesman, Mario Andrada said, “We are paying, but not all the money we need to have for payments has been received.<br /> <br /> “We are struggling a bit in making the ends meet.”<br /> <br /> Bester added, “The guys who are suffering are the youngsters.<br /> <br /> “It’s their first Olympic Games, it’s a prestigious thing. The last thing that is going to enter their head is they are not going to get paid.”<br /> <br /> According to Bester, some contractors were asked to buy their own air tickets, and many have not been reimbursed.<br /> <br /> The Organising Committee spokesman, Andrada, said several “first-class international” sponsors owe organisers, but he declined to name them.<br /> <br /> He further explained that some of the payment delays were due to a month-long strike at Brazilian banks, which ended October 7.<br /> <br /> He added that organisers were slow to pay bills, which created a “herd movement with creditors putting pressure on us.”<br /> <br /> Andrada estimated that Rio organisers owed creditors “in the area of 100 million Brazilian reals” ($32 million), and added that, “Everybody will be paid.<br /> <br /> “The trouble is the delay. We will pay the money.”</div>

Latest-News Rio Olympics workers threaten to sue LOC over late payments

Hundreds of workers who worked to ensure the success of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil are still being owed and are planning to sue the Local Organising Committee, LOC, to get their money. About 100 freelance contractors, who served as stadiu…

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Sultan of Sokoto has worked for Nigeria’s unity – Gov Okorocha

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbkmywpz9X2ZZz7glSEx4toELNzLCDGLwQmad0F2MQatBvR0JijQY65LJoHramCXdd2WB3Kub2fP9sj2icTRvLtBSQn9gtp4Eug-OhsMG3RiR6m5T1F0qwYarZNKXutLo003ZBzjT4e8/s1600/Rochas-Okorocha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbkmywpz9X2ZZz7glSEx4toELNzLCDGLwQmad0F2MQatBvR0JijQY65LJoHramCXdd2WB3Kub2fP9sj2icTRvLtBSQn9gtp4Eug-OhsMG3RiR6m5T1F0qwYarZNKXutLo003ZBzjT4e8/s400/Rochas-Okorocha.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, has said that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has relentlessly worked for the unity of Nigeria.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Okorocha stated this Yesterday in Owerri through his Chief Press Secretary,CPS, Mr Sam Onwuemedor, on the Sultan’s 10th anniversary ceremony on the throne.<br /> <br /> According to the release, “the story of the Unity of this great nation will not be complete without the noble name of the Sultan being prominently mentioned. He has diligently preached peace among Nigerians and religiously pursued the Unity of this country.”<br /> <br /> “As the Sultan celebrates this legendary event, the prayer of Nigerians of goodwill should be that the Almighty God would continue to keep him and grant him more inspiring anniversaries in the years ahead.”<br /> <br /> However, he commended the people of Sokoto State, for their unflinching support to their Sultan and prayed that such support would not wither.  <br /> <div><br /></div>

Latest-News Sultan of Sokoto has worked for Nigeria’s unity – Gov Okorocha

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, has said that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has relentlessly worked for the unity of Nigeria. Okorocha stated this Yesterday in Owerri through his Chief Press Secretary,CPS,…

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Barcelona match is a final for us - Guardiola

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Pep Guardiola" height="480" src="http://youssrirahman.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2-format433.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola says Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Spanish giants Barcelona could be described as a “cup final” for Manchester City, acknowledging that his side would have to play “almost perfectly” to beat his former steeds.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The former Barcelona manager watched as his new team were demolished 4-0 at the Nou Camp a fortnight ago, leaving them on just four points from their first three games of Group C and in risk of missing out on the knockout stage qualification.<br /> <br /> The former Bayern Munich gaffer noted that a positive result on Tuesday would leave his team in a strong position to go through.<br /> <br /> He told a press conference ahead of the Barcelona clash, “It’s not a final for them, it is a final for us.<br /> <br /> “It’s just three games left now. We dropped two points in Glasgow against Celtic. So we will try, we will try it again.<br /> <br /> “I’ve never thought we could not win, I have never entered a match thinking we can’t win.<br /> <br /> “We have to play almost perfectly to win, but if not we congratulate them and set our minds on the game against Celtic and in Monchengladbach in a few weeks.”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, even if the Citizens lose against Barcelona on Tuesday, they would still progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League with wins from their final two group matches against Borussia Monchengladbach and Celtic.</div>

Latest-News Barcelona match is a final for us - Guardiola

Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola says Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Spanish giants Barcelona could be described as a “cup final” for Manchester City, acknowledging that his side would have to play “almost perfectly” to beat his for…

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Miraslav Klose retires from active football

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Miroslav Klose" src="http://img.khelnama.com/sites/default/files/styles/content_full_width/public/previewimage/news/2013/May/klose.jpg" /></div> <br /> German legend and all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals, Miroslav Klose has retired from active football after a long and successful career.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Klose, who is Germany’s all-time top-scorer, resigned after leaving Italian club, Lazio, at the end of the 2015-16 campaign at the expiration of his contract.<br /> <br /> He was over the past few months contacted by clubs from Major League Soccer, MLS and former club Kaiserslautern but opted to retire instead and take up a position with Germany’s national team.<br /> <br /> The 38-year-old will be joining German coach, Joachim Low’s back room staff, understudying the coach and sporting director Hansi Flick with an eye on a future coaching career.<br /> <br /> He told the DFB website, “I enjoyed my biggest successes with the national team. It was a great time and unforgettable for me. That’s why I am happy to return to the DFB.<br /> <br /> “Over the past few months, the idea of staying on the pitch in another position, as a coach, got into my mind. I already enjoyed developing tactics, preparing for games and reading the game during my playing days.<br /> <br /> “I am grateful to Jogi Low and Hansi Flick that they are offering me this opportunity.”<br /> <br /> Klose, who began his professional football career with his home side, Homburg, also laced his boots for Kaiserslautern, Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich and Lazio.<br /> <br /> He won two Bundesliga titles and two DFB-Pokals with Bayern Munich, also winning the Bundesliga top-scorer award in 2005-06.<br /> <br /> Klose made 137 appearances for Germany – with only Lothar Matthaus winning more caps – and scored an impressive 71 goals to become his country’s all-time top goal scorer.<br /> <br /> In 2014, he won the World Cup with Germany, but the team finished as a runner-up in 2002.<br /> <br /> Klose also has the record of the all-time top scorer at World Cup finals, with 16 goals in four tournaments.</div>

Latest-News Miraslav Klose retires from active football

German legend and all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals, Miroslav Klose has retired from active football after a long and successful career. Klose, who is Germany’s all-time top-scorer, resigned after leaving Italian club, Lazio, at the end of…

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"Messi should not be Argentina captain, he is timid"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Argentina captain Lionel Messi" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02933/Lionel_Messi_2933674b.jpg" /></div> <br /> Former Argentina international and a two-time World Cup winner, Daniel Passarella has stated that Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi, is too timid and withdrawn to be the national team skipper.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He added that the 29-year-old lacks the traits of a strong leader, hence should be replaced as national team captain by central defender, Ramiro Funes Mori.<br /> <br /> Passarella, who captained Argentina to their first World Cup title in 1978 and was part of the squad that won the trophy again in Mexico eight years later, maintained that Messi is not the right man to lead Argentina.<br /> <br /> Since winning the Copa America in 1993, the South American giants are without a senior international trophy, with Argentina being defeated four times in the final on four occasions.<br /> <br /> Messi retired from international football after the penalty shootout defeat to Chile in the Copa America Centenario earlier this year, but new coach, Edgardo Bauza recalled and handed him the armband.<br /> <br /> But Passarella, while questioning that decision, claimed that centre-back Ramiro Funes Mori is better suited to the role.<br /> <br /> He told Chilean publication, El Mercurio, “Not giving the captaincy of Argentina to Messi would take a weight off of him.<br /> <br /> “I think Argentina already have a great leader, which is Ramiro Funes Mori. He should be the captain.<br /> <br /> “The leader of the group is something different to the way you play and the talent of each player.<br /> <br /> “I admire Messi, but I think his personality, his way of being, is withdrawn and timid.”</div>

Latest-News "Messi should not be Argentina captain, he is timid"

Former Argentina international and a two-time World Cup winner, Daniel Passarella has stated that Barcelona forward, Lionel Messi, is too timid and withdrawn to be the national team skipper. He added that the 29-year-old lacks the traits of a strong…

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DISCOs slam Dangote's call for reversal of power assets privatisation

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9_Xxwwvr9WqHEWLck9lofRYlzqfN2klfB5IpeNgEpwXCU0O2G0abYn28I6On_8TQHa9Z-30DzTYNUe9raHHZUTUc61E9NOyQWOL4uJ8qhyj3wWLChTqVKEeQGszDdwU16xVlqImdm08/s1600/Dangote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9_Xxwwvr9WqHEWLck9lofRYlzqfN2klfB5IpeNgEpwXCU0O2G0abYn28I6On_8TQHa9Z-30DzTYNUe9raHHZUTUc61E9NOyQWOL4uJ8qhyj3wWLChTqVKEeQGszDdwU16xVlqImdm08/s400/Dangote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Power distribution companies have expressed shock over the call by Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the reversal of the privatisation of the nation’s power assets.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, an umbrella body of the Discos, said its attention had been drawn to a number of statements credited to Dangote from a speech he delivered at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State.<br /> <br /> ANED, at a press conference on Tuesday in Lagos, refuted what it described as “the inaccuracies of Alhaji Dangote’s assertions,” saying, “These assertions are all the more troubling, given his pre-eminence in the private sector, his role and history of being a major beneficiary of previous government privatisations and the clearly uninformed conclusions that have been credited to him.”<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The Executive Director, ANED, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, said anyone who had followed the privatisation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry would recognise that the sector had been bedevilled by a number of challenges that would make the most hardened risk-seeking investor to run in the opposite direction.<br /> <br /> He said, “In fairness, we note that Alhaji Dangote’s company did put in a bid during the privatisation, but his bid was delivered late, after the bid deadline, and was rejected,” he said, adding that the privatisation exercise was universally deemed to be one of the fairest and transparent exercise of its kind.<br /> <br /> On the issue of the lack of injection of adequate capital by the investors, he said, “With a tariff that does not allow for a complete cost recovery, no lender will be willing to provide the required financing for the sector.<br /> <br /> “An additional assertion by Alhaji Dangote is that the investors ‘went in without even understanding what they were doing…’ It would be difficult for anyone to suggest that people, seasoned and successful investors, who committed $2.3bn of their money, 30 per cent or $690m of which is equity, did so without knowing what they were doing.<br /> <br /> While noting that the inefficiencies, corruption and limited information associated with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria was still a challenge, Oduntan said the bigger challenges included the devaluation of the naira, inflation, gas pipeline vandalism, limited gas supply, regulatory uncertainty, lack of respect for contract sanctity and government policy inconsistency.<br /> <br /> He said, “Alhaji Aliko Dangote is an astute businessman, a beneficiary of multiple privatisation efforts, (Onigbolu Cement Company, Ukpilla Cement Company, Savannah Sugar, Port Terminal Apapa, Benue Cement Company, etc.) and various other government largesse, we are therefore astonished by his recommendation that the privatisation be reversed.”<br /> <br /> Oduntan said any such plan by the government risked subjecting the nation to becoming an investment pariah.<br /> <br /> He said, “In these dire economic times, in which we are seeking Foreign Direct Investment, do we really want to send a message to the investment community, both local and international, that the Federal Government of Nigeria does not respect its contract nor is it interested in building an enabling environment for private investment?<br /> <br /> “Furthermore, is the government prepared to, in these very difficult economic times, refund over $5bn to the investors as well as deal with the consequences of any resultant litigation and world-wide condemnation?”<br /> <br /> ANED said the reversal of the privatisation would not solve the current challenges of the sector.<br /> <br /> “As a matter of fact, we believe that the FGN’s application of some of the favourable terms that Alhaji Dangote and his companies have, historically, befitted from – import and tax waivers, favourable terms of access to foreign exchange, FGN credit guarantees, etc., would go a long way towards addressing the challenges that NESI is currently facing.”

Latest-News DISCOs slam Dangote's call for reversal of power assets privatisation

Power distribution companies have expressed shock over the call by Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the reversal of the privatisation of the nation’s power assets. The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, an umbrella body of the Discos, said it…

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José Mourinho charged again by FA

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for jose mourinho" height="336" src="http://i3.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article7036759.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/Jose-Mourinho.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Manchester United  manager Jose Mourinho has been charged for the second time in quick succession by the Football Association after he was sent to the stands during Manchester United's draw with Burnley.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The former Chelsea boss is already facing punishment for comments made regarding referee Anthony Taylor ahead of United's clash with Liverpool.<br /> <br /> And now he could be hit with a stadium ban following his altercation with referee Mark Clattenburg on Saturday, in which he is alleged to have used "abusive and/or insulting words".<br /> <br /> The former Chelsea boss has been given until 18.00GMT on Friday to respond to the charge.<br /> <br /> The deadline to respond to Mourinho's first charge passed on Monday without him making an appeal - at least not publicly.<br /> <br /> The Portuguese's anger against Burnley is thought to have been prompted by Clattenburg's decision not to award a penalty for a Jon Flanagan trip on Matteo Darmian.</div>

Latest-News José Mourinho charged again by FA

Manchester United  manager Jose Mourinho has been charged for the second time in quick succession by the Football Association after he was sent to the stands during Manchester United's draw with Burnley. The former Chelsea boss is already facing pun…

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Babaganaru Appointed As Wikki Tourists Coach

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Mohammed Baba Ganaru" src="http://www.informationng.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MOhammed-Babaganaru1-290x195.jpg" /></div> <br /> Nigeria Professional Football League club Wikki Tourists have confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Babaganaru as their new head coach.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Babaganaru will be assisted by former Flamingoes head coach, Bala Nkiyu.<br /> <br /> The post of Wikki Tourists head coach became vacant following the exit of Abdu Maikaba who dumped the club to link up with another NPFL side, Akwa United.<br /> <br /> Babaganaru himself left Kano Pillars at the end of last season following their disappointing campaign in the NPFL.<br /> <br /> He has previously worked with another northern side, Nasarawa United.<br /> <br /> The Tourists finished in the third position in the Nigerian top flight last season and will campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time next year.</div>

Latest-News Babaganaru Appointed As Wikki Tourists Coach

Nigeria Professional Football League club Wikki Tourists have confirmed the appointment of Mohammed Babaganaru as their new head coach. Babaganaru will be assisted by former Flamingoes head coach, Bala Nkiyu. The post of Wikki Tourists head coach be…

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Algeria Coach Wary Of Nigerian EPL Stars

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for George Leekens" src="http://completesports.fgbuh7x1njztvj.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/George-Leekens-ser%C3%A1-o-t%C3%A9cnico-da-Tun%C3%ADsia-na-Copa-Africana-de-Na%C3%A7%C3%B5es-2015.jpg" /></div> <br /> New Algeria coach Georges Leekens has admitted that he is in awe of Nigeria’s forward line ahead of the 12 November World Cup qualifier in Uyo.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Belgian Leekens, who returned to the Algeria post last week following the exit of Miloslav Rajevac, is however confident he will lead the Fennecs to Russia 2018 by topping the qualifying group that also has Cameroon and Zambia.<br /> <br /> “Have you seen Nigeria’s attack? Sometimes they can be world class,” Leekens said at his first press conference in Algiers on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> The former Belgium, Tunisia and Anderlecht coach was referring to the Super Eagles attack that includes Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester’s Ahmed Musa, Watford's  Odion Ighalo, Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi and Olympiacos’ Brown Ideye, most of whom are in excellent form going into the key clash.<br /> <br /> However, Leekens has a formidable forward line of his own, having named Leicester pair Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani in a squad of 18 for the match.<br /> <br /> “I’m releasing a list of 18 players who play abroad. Then we’ll complete it,” he explained.<br /> <br /> “I don’t want to hear local players, overseas-based players. There are only Algerian players.”<br /> <br /> Leekens, 67, promised that his “emotional” return after 12 years will deliver a Russia 2018 ticket for Russia.<br /> <br /> “It’s very emotional to be at head of the national team for the second time,” he said.<br /> <br /> “My wife jumped with joy when she found out we were coming to Algeria.<br /> <br /> “I have nothing left to prove in Belgium. But I have something to prove to you Algerians. I never had problems here.<br /> <br /> “If I don’t know Algeria, the players, people, culture… I don’t do this in ten days.”<br /> <br /> “The last time I was here we qualified for 2004 AFCON. I had to leave for personal reasons.<br /> <br /> “You played a friendly against Tunisia a few years ago. Supporters chanted my name and it touched me.<br /> <br /> “We’re going to re-find the pride you had when you played against Germany (at Brazil 2014).<br /> <br /> “I am ambitious. I could have gone to Qatar for money.<br /> <br /> “We have a good team. Motivated players, motivated staff, and we’ll do everything to be efficient.<br /> <br /> “Let’s go to Russia together. I’m not a magician, but I’ll give it all.”<br /> <br /> Leekens is confident his team will give Nigeria a tough time with quick movement and direct play, the “Algerian way”.<br /> <br /> “I’ll ask my players to play the Algerian way,” he added. “They will play that way. (Not just with technique, but with heart).<br /> <br /> “I don’t like dribbling for dribbling’s sake. I like vertical play.<br /> <br /> “Everyone has to defend. Everyone must run 10m. That’s not a lot. Playing without the ball is important.”<br /> <br /> When asked if he had thought of losing to Nigeria, Leekens replied: “I never think of losing, in general.”<br /> <br /> Nigeria top Group B of African qualifying with three points, while both Algeria and Cameroon have one each, with Zambia pointless.</div>

Latest-News Algeria Coach Wary Of Nigerian EPL Stars

New Algeria coach Georges Leekens has admitted that he is in awe of Nigeria’s forward line ahead of the 12 November World Cup qualifier in Uyo. Belgian Leekens, who returned to the Algeria post last week following the exit of Miloslav Rajevac, is ho…

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We’ll dethrone monarchs involved in politics – Wike

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiErmZGHdkZHjK7OYAkFB44lzlqGvGae9TBqTdtF6tQ-BFksokeSY4cbSes5O2em3IDC_XWPti0X2K4xPTk3N5diJf2yo4Umqr8c_86r8Ooh301zRK80VWmC_NADT5C-Q7E6lRh1yGVc/s1600/Nyesom-wike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaiErmZGHdkZHjK7OYAkFB44lzlqGvGae9TBqTdtF6tQ-BFksokeSY4cbSes5O2em3IDC_XWPti0X2K4xPTk3N5diJf2yo4Umqr8c_86r8Ooh301zRK80VWmC_NADT5C-Q7E6lRh1yGVc/s400/Nyesom-wike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that henceforth, the state government will remove traditional rulers directly involved in partisan politics.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> Wike also charged traditional rulers to speak up against the deliberate plot to deny the Rivers people representation at the Senate through the failure to conduct rerun elections in the state.<br /> <br /> The governor, who made this remark in Port Harcourt on Tuesday while declaring open the 104th quarterly general meeting of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, maintained that traditional rulers were expected to serve members of their communities.<br /> <br /> According to him, a traditional ruler, who is an active member of a political party will not function in line with the expectations of all community residents.<br /> <br /> “We have decided to weed out all the traditional rulers that are involved in active politics from the system in the interest of the state and the communities that you are meant to serve,” the governor stressed.<br /> <br /> Wike promised the monarchs that the development drive of his administration would get to the local government areas of the state, saying, “No part of the state will be left behind in our quest to develop our state.”<br /> <br /> On INEC’s failure to conduct the rerun elections in Rivers State, the governor said the nation enjoyed the benefits of the peaceful revenue generation from the oil fields of the state, while it cited insecurity for the “perpetual” postponement of rerun elections.

Latest-News We’ll dethrone monarchs involved in politics – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that henceforth, the state government will remove traditional rulers directly involved in partisan politics. Wike also charged traditional rulers to speak up against the deliberate plot to deny the …

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2018 World Cup Qualifier: Algeria Name Mahrez, Slimani, Brahimi For Super Eagles Clash

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for algeria national team 2016" height="445" src="http://www.albawaba.com/sites/default/files/im/Sport/algeria_squad_2015.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Algeria have named a strong squad for their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying fixture against Nigeria.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Top on the list of the 18 foreign- based stars released by newly appointed head coach of the Fennecs, Georges Leekens, on Tuesday  are Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani.<br /> <br /> Leekens also extended invitation to Bordeaux of France forward, Adam Ounas, who recently pledged his allegiance to the North Africans after representing France at youth level.<br /> <br /> Also included in the list are regulars like Sofiane Feghouli, Yacine Brahimi and Nabil Bentaleb.<br /> <br /> The Belgian trainer is also expected to add five local based to the squad after the Algerian Super Cup clash.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>THE FULL LIST</b><br /> <br /> <b>Goalkeeper </b><br /> <br /> M Bolhi<br /> <br /> <b>Defenders</b><br /> <br /> Mandi, Belkaroui, Cadamuro, Ghoulam, Medjani<br /> <br /> <b>Midfielders</b><br /> <br /> Bentaleb, Guediora, Taider, Abeid, Brahimi, Boudebouz, Feghouli, Ghezzal<br /> <br /> <b>Forwards</b><br /> <br /> Ounas, Mahrez, Slimani, Soudani</div>

Latest-News 2018 World Cup Qualifier: Algeria Name Mahrez, Slimani, Brahimi For Super Eagles Clash

Algeria have named a strong squad for their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying fixture against Nigeria. Top on the list of the 18 foreign- based stars released by newly appointed head coach of the Fennecs, Georges Leekens, on Tuesday  are Leicester Ci…

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Ondo Crisis: Jimoh Ibrahim can never become governor – Gov Fayose

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSeSdTPau5in0_lHdoWhAe4CDMhPwSyNDvhWe58WKoLySSKeJeLSpC7OSw3vTqM-3pHigadUs954coE3nW7eva-3cbgyST9H1CyhcM6K6J39899tAMJauPr82epCIp06T5G6TD4Lnf38/s1600/Fayose-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSeSdTPau5in0_lHdoWhAe4CDMhPwSyNDvhWe58WKoLySSKeJeLSpC7OSw3vTqM-3pHigadUs954coE3nW7eva-3cbgyST9H1CyhcM6K6J39899tAMJauPr82epCIp06T5G6TD4Lnf38/s400/Fayose-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has declared that the factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, will never become governor in Ondo State.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> He described the factional PDP candidate as an agent of destabilisation who allegedly had a mission to cause confusion and distraction to the people of the state.<br /> <br /> He stated this while speaking on Orange FM political programme in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> He said some agents of confusion were allegedly using current crisis in the PDP to cause confusion in the party so as to pave the way for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress to win the November 26, governorship election.<br /> <br /> He said, “I want my people in Ondo State to stand by Jegede, they should not be distracted. I believe justice will prevail. This is a fight against democracy.<br /> <br /> “I don’t know Jimoh Ibrahim, he is not a member of the PDP, he is a spoiler, I don’t know how Jimoh Ibrahim will rule Ondo State. Justice will prevail on Jegede, there will definitely be light at the end of the tunnel. I know it is going to be praises for Jegede and the people of the state at the end of the day.”<br /> <br /> The Ekiti State Governor also denied supporting the governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy, Chief Olusola Oke, against the PDP candidate ahead of the election.<br /> <br /> He admitted that Oke was his personal friend but he (Fayose) could never do anything that would be against his party, the PDP in the election.<br /> <br /> “Oke was a member of the PDP and he is my friend, Akeredolu too is not my enemy but it will be a height of anti-party for me to work for Oke in the election. But all I know is that Jimoh Ibrahim will never be governor of Ondo State.<br /> <br /> “God hates agents of destabilisation and it is very unfortunate that Jimoh Ibrahim is into this,” Fayose stressed.<br /> <br /> He also noted that his criticism against some actions of President Muhammadu Buhari was in good faith and for the betterment of the country.

Latest-News Ondo Crisis: Jimoh Ibrahim can never become governor – Gov Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has declared that the factional governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, will never become governor in Ondo State. He described the factional PDP candidate as an agent of des…

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Miss Bayelsa pageant organizer allegedly rapes contestant during photo shoot

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYsN63_aj_UWkOvWamQuHUWCjPNgDRMJvOm6XYr10uRa-0Xof16b5ZTGRVpDTu_sk42sEQKggf9XO_kMF7D9mDBuSQrPnxTHzCldXnsLq_qfxPdJ6HefQus8FQ5FcTlewm81js_3K3wA/s1600/Rape-Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYsN63_aj_UWkOvWamQuHUWCjPNgDRMJvOm6XYr10uRa-0Xof16b5ZTGRVpDTu_sk42sEQKggf9XO_kMF7D9mDBuSQrPnxTHzCldXnsLq_qfxPdJ6HefQus8FQ5FcTlewm81js_3K3wA/s400/Rape-Image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The Police in Bayelsa State on Monday reportedly arrested a Beauty Pageant Organiser, Ambassador Richard Franklin, for allegedly locking up an upcoming teenage model and abusing her sexually.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> Franklin, alleged to be a serial rapist of potential models and beauty contestants and known to police divisions in Yenagoa, the state capital, subjected his victim, Ebi Gesiere, to sexual abuse and torture, Leadership is reporting.<br /> <br /> The victim‎, an indigene of Ammassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state, narrated that on September 25, she secured a form to contest the Miss Bayelsa Teen pageant and the Miss Tourism Pageant.<br /> <br /> Gesiere said, “During the audition, I met the manager of the event, Richard Franklin.<br /> <br /> “Franklin asked me to meet him at the Opili Plaza near the NUJ press centre for a photo shoot.<br /> <br /> “Despite my scheduled church service, I went.<br /> <br /> “On getting to the place, he locked the door and asked me to pull my clothes and put on another for the photo shoot.

Latest-News Miss Bayelsa pageant organizer allegedly rapes contestant during photo shoot

The Police in Bayelsa State on Monday reportedly arrested a Beauty Pageant Organiser, Ambassador Richard Franklin, for allegedly locking up an upcoming teenage model and abusing her sexually. Franklin, alleged to be a serial rapist of potential mode…

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How Lagos hotelier turns job seeker into s.e.x worker

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYbIWToXDEY5bgbTcZqTbkJE7LpGBMbUta9463QPvGhVkiAREqkDwJ9ve6kNk8T21qL6Y_53INzHZ0kVxmzDVEpvfWaY1dhZsv5OodFqD6i5nhIiFMwDtd2gsmLVD4y241DMkgvWIDBM/s1600/Edet-and-obano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYbIWToXDEY5bgbTcZqTbkJE7LpGBMbUta9463QPvGhVkiAREqkDwJ9ve6kNk8T21qL6Y_53INzHZ0kVxmzDVEpvfWaY1dhZsv5OodFqD6i5nhIiFMwDtd2gsmLVD4y241DMkgvWIDBM/s320/Edet-and-obano.jpg" width="320" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Punch</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a hotelier, Victor Obano, for allegedly turning a 23-year-old female job seeker into a commercial sex worker in the Ijegun area of the state.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> The police said Obano, who owned Tisa Hotel, allegedly lured the victim, Elizabeth, from Akwa Ibom, promising her employment in Lagos State.<br /> <br /> Obano allegedly thereafter turned the job seeker into a sex worker in the hotel.<br /> <br /> <br /> It was learnt that Elizabeth, a mother of two, reportedly got tired of being a commercial sex worker, and on October 5, told her elder sister on the telephone what she was going through.<br /> <br /> The sister was said to have informed the police at the Anti-Robbery Squad of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, leading to Obano’s arrest.<br /> <br /> Our correspondent gathered that another accomplice, a commercial sex worker, identified as Grace Edet, who allegedly was Elizabeth’s supervisor, was also picked up by the police.<br /> <br /> Speaking with newsmen at the command headquarters, Ikeja, Obano, who admitted to have brought the victim from Akwa Ibom, said he only assisted her to find a means of livelihood.<br /> <br /> He said, “I am the manager of Tisa Hotel in the Ijegun waterside. I am not a human trafficker. It was only this lady that I brought from the village. I met with her father and he explained her predicament. She is 23 years old. She has two kids and she was living a miserable life. So, I decided to get a job for her.<br /> <br /> “The police arrested me because I seized her phones. They said I did not want her to contact her family members, but I collected her phone because I did not want her to have an affair with several men.<br /> <br /> “It was her elder sister who reported the matter to the police. The victim is with her brother presently. The arrangement was that I would be paying her and she would also hustle in the hotel and send the money to take care of her father.<br /> <br /> “The police should let this matter be settled amicably. It is a family issue.”<br /> <br /> The accomplice, Edet, told our correspondent that Obano had instructed her to train Elizabeth in commercial sex.<br /> <br /> She said, “I have worked in the hotel for some years. I am a commercial sex worker. When the manager came back from Akwa Ibom earlier in the year, he returned with the lady. He handed her over to me, saying I should teach her some tricks of the trade.<br /> <br /> “I did not know the arrangement between them. When I asked the lady why she was brought, she replied that she was asked to hustle at the hotel. So, I do not have any fault in the matter.”<br /> <br /> A police source told our correspondent that Obano allegedly had more girls he used as commercial sex workers in his hotel.<br /> <br /> The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspects, said the command would not tolerate any form of crime, urging the public to always avail the police of credible information.

Latest-News How Lagos hotelier turns job seeker into s.e.x worker

Photo Credit: Punch The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a hotelier, Victor Obano, for allegedly turning a 23-year-old female job seeker into a commercial sex worker in the Ijegun area of the state. The police said Obano, who owned Tisa Hotel…

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