Nigerian Eye

We have begun investigation into alleged N1.34 Trillion stolen money — ICPC boss

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has begun the processes of investigation that would help the Federal Government trace and recover the N1.34 trillion allegedly stolen by government officials. 
 
The move, it said, followed the revelation by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammad, that 55 Nigerians stole over N1.34 trillion from public coffers between 2006 and 2013. 
 
Speaking on a TV Programme in Abuja, the Chairman of ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta, said the alleged stolen money could be traced. 
 
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Nta said ICPC was analyzing intelligence reports on the issue and would go into action at the conclusion of its analysis with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book. 
 
He said, “Some of these revelations have put to fore the issues bedeviling the country and giving us bad names. What has now been put in the open, we have to sift it and that is what we have been doing. 
 
“That money must come from somewhere; if it was appropriated by government through the National Assembly, it is going to be traced. If it comes from the bank, it makes life easier for everybody.” 
 
The Chairman further spoke on new strategies being put in place by the Commission to stop the looting of public funds by civil servants and political office holders. 
 
The ICPC boss, who also spoke on the independence of the ICPC, stressed that he had never experienced any interference or received directives from government on any investigation. 
 
Nta said, “From written reports of my predecessors, I can say that there has never been government interference. No government has ever directed me to go after anybody. The past government did not do that and the new government has not done that.”

Latest-News We have begun investigation into alleged N1.34 Trillion stolen money — ICPC boss

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has begun the processes of investigation that would help the Federal Government trace and recover the N1.34 trillion allegedly stolen by government officials. The…

Arik Air reschedules Lagos-New York flight over winter storm

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Following weather advice received from JFK International Airport New York, Arik Air said yesterday it is rescheduling its Lagos – New York flight tentatively for today. 
 
The flight was earlier scheduled for Friday January , 22, 2016. 
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The 48-hour postponement, according to Ola Banji, the airline’s spokesman, is intended to allow the dangerous winter storm (Jonas) and snow condition to clear before the flight’s entry into the United States airspace. 
 
Arik Air, he said, regrets any inconvenience caused by the postponement affirming that the safety of passengers is of upper-most to the airline. 
 
Meanwhile, major airlines anticipating a major snowstorm have canceled at least 3,014 flights . 
 
According to flight tracking site FlightAware many airlines have reported cancellations . 
 
They include: American Airlines (789 flights canceled); Southwest (492); ExpressJet (194); Republic (171); United (166); Delta (147); Mesa (111) and JetBlue (88) among others. 
 
Airports reporting cancellations include Charlotte-Douglas International (396 canceled flights); Washington Reagan National (181); Baltimore-Washington International (167); Washington Dulles International (158); Raleigh-Durham International (123); New York LaGuardia (118); Hartsfield-Jackson International-Atlanta (112) and Chicago O’Hare International (107) among others. 
 
The US National Weather Service is forecasting the storm “will impact a large portion of the East Coast from the southern Appalachians through the Mid-Atlantic states from Friday into the weekend. 
 
“Snowfall totals may exceed two feet in portions of these areas, including the Baltimore and Washington DC metropolitan areas.” 
 
In advance of the storm, several airlines offered ticket-holders for flights the opportunity to change flights without penalty. 
 
In American Airlines’ case, passengers making flight changes will have the ticket-reissue charge waived for one ticket change. 
 
Southwest Airlines had previously announced it will cancel almost 400 flights systemwide . 
 
Delta Air Lines preemptively canceled 120 flights in the Southeast region and is expected to cancel more for the Washington DC and New York region as the storm progresses.

Latest-News Arik Air reschedules Lagos-New York flight over winter storm

Following weather advice received from JFK International Airport New York, Arik Air said yesterday it is rescheduling its Lagos – New York flight tentatively for today. The flight was earlier scheduled for Friday January , 22, 2016. The 48-hour post…

Prostitute absconds with customer’s N3.5 million

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 A commercial sex worker in Asaba, Delta State (name withheld) has absconded with her customer’s N3.5m in a hotel. 
 
It was gathered that the businessman (name withheld), who is a politician in Asaba, lodged into the hotel on Friday night around Abraka Road. 
 
Sources in the hotel said the businessman lodged into the hotel with the name; Fredrick Thomas, a businessman in Port-Harcourt. 
 
An employee of the hotel revealed “The customer cried out the following day. We asked him was wrong and he told us that a woman he brought into the hotel a day before disappeared with his brief case containing N3.5m and vital documents. We checked the lodging booklet and discovered that he came into the hotel alone.’’ 
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It was further learnt that the businessman had approached one of the workers in the hotel to help him arrange for a sex worker, an assignment the worker turned down, saying it was against the rules of the hotel. 
 
It was also gathered that the businessman later went out of the hotel to bargain with a prostitute at Summit Junction who he brought into his room in the hotel. 
 
The victim who reluctantly spoke to newsmen said, “I slept off after a round of sex. I can only recall that I slept off to wake the next day and discovered that my brief case containing N3.5m and other valuable items had disappeared. The sex worker was also nowhere to be found.’’

Latest-News Prostitute absconds with customer’s N3.5 million

A commercial sex worker in Asaba, Delta State (name withheld) has absconded with her customer’s N3.5m in a hotel. It was gathered that the businessman (name withheld), who is a politician in Asaba, lodged into the hotel on Friday night around Abraka…

'Military rescue operation dangerous for Chibok girls'

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President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged not to facilitate the rescue of the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls being held captive by Boko Haram through military operation. 
 
A former Director at the Military Defence Headquarters, Brigadier-General Ayodele Ojo (retd.), advised the President to release Boko Haram members in exchange for the schoolgirls rather than use military operations to rescue them. 
 
President Buhari, in a recent meeting with parents of the girls, said the nation was anxious to have the abductees back and later urged the military to use the right strategy from the ground forces to rescue the pupils. 
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“I had a meeting with the mothers and fathers of the Chibok girls. The nation is anxiously waiting for you to provide intelligence on their whereabouts and then, the ground forces developing the strategy and tactics to recover them,” Buhari had said penultimate Friday, during a live chat with the commanders and troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, shortly after the wreath-laying ceremony of the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in Abuja. 
 
However, Ojo revealed that such military efforts by the Federal Government troops could jeopardise the girls’ safety. 
 
“I personally will not canvass for a military rescue operation. Such operation is fraught with danger, no matter how meticulously or painstakingly planned. Take, for instance, the United States’ military attempt in 1980 at a rescue operation of its 52 diplomats held hostage in Iran. 
 
“Despite the planning that went into it, the rescue operation not only failed, but it resulted in the death of eight American soldiers and the destruction of two of its military aircraft. 
 
“Having this (botched US rescue operation) at the back of our minds and relating it to getting the Chibok girls back alive, the best option is to negotiate for their release. In doing so, the government should consider the possibility of swapping. Fortunately the President is not averse to negotiations,” Ojo said. 
 
The ex-general suggested that, for the sake of the schoolgirls, the Federal Government should look at the possibility of acceding to Boko Haram’s demand by releasing their bomb experts to them in order to have the Chibok girls back home alive. 
 
He noted that the US government once swapped five top Taliban commanders in exchange for the release of its soldier, Bowe Bergdahl. 
 
Ojo added, “The Jordanian government was also prepared to swap its pilot, Lt. Muath al-Kasasbeh, captured by the Islamic State with Sajida al-Rishawi, a failed suicide bomber in the Jordanian government custody since 2005, whose release ISIS had demanded for. 
 
“Please note that the failed suicide bomber had been in Jordanian custody for nine good years. Yet, they were prepared to swap her for their pilot. I am, therefore, pleading with the Federal Government to swap the Boko Haram bomb experts with the Chibok girls.”

Latest-News 'Military rescue operation dangerous for Chibok girls'

President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged not to facilitate the rescue of the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls being held captive by Boko Haram through military operation. A former Director at the Military Defence Headquarters, Brigadier-General…

I want to return to APC - Osoba

23:45 Unknown 0

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The leader of the Social Democratic Party and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has said he has yet to return to the All Progressives Party. 
 
He, however, said talks are ongoing to ensure his reconciliation with the APC. 
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Osoba defected from the APC in the build up to the 2015 general elections and co-founded the SDP. 
 
The former APC chieftain spoke against the background of his current noticeable hobnobbing with chieftains of the ruling party. 
 
Osoba on Saturday told our correspondent on the telephone that talks were in top gear between him and the top echelon of the APC on what he called “an amicable reconciliation.” 
 
When asked if he had returned to the APC, Osoba replied, “No, no. But there is an ongoing discussion between us but there is no final decision yet. I believe that the good cause of the Yoruba and the nation will give us the grace to come to an amicable reconciliation.” 
 
The ex-governor told our correspondent that the split between him and the other progressives prior to the 2015 general election was nothing personal. 
 
He said the issues which led to his departure from the APC were being discussed and addressed in the ongoing talks. 
 
Osoba noted that he had been a progressive and remained one; which was why he had not crossed to the conservatives. 
 
He said, “They (his grievances) are part of what we are discussing. We are discussing the implementation of our constitution. It has been a major issue and we are discussing it. 
 
“There was nothing personal about the whole thing. There was nothing personal amongst us. It was only issues affecting progressivism. I am still a progressive; that is why I won’t go to the conservative rank under any circumstance.” 
 
The SDP chieftain, however, declined comments on the N100m allegedly given to the National Chairman of the SDP, Chief Olu Falae, by a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Tony Anenih, which was alleged to be part of the $2.1bn arms procurement fund diverted by former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, (retd.). 
 
On what will be the fate of the SDP should his current talks with the APC become successful, Osoba said, “The SDP remains, because the party has elective members at all levels of legislation in the country. There are state assembly members and members of the House of Representatives. 
 
“Virtually by law, the SDP remains a party. The Independent National Electoral Commission cannot deregister the SDP. But I don’t want to comment further on that.” 
 
The ex-Ogun governor debunked insinuations that his supposed return to the APC fold was in preparation for the 2019 general election, saying it was too early to make such prediction and move. 
 
He said, “The government is less than one year old and none of us is God. One must not predict tomorrow not to talk of predicting 2019.”

Latest-News I want to return to APC - Osoba

The leader of the Social Democratic Party and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has said he has yet to return to the All Progressives Party. He, however, said talks are ongoing to ensure his reconciliation with the APC. Osoba defe…

Nigerians set to pay more tax

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 Due to the economic crisis plaguing Nigeria amid falling global oil prices, the Federal Government is considering changes to the nation’s tax regime in a bid to shore up dwindling revenue. 
 
There are indications that the government will increase Value Added Tax, as recently suggested by the International Monetary Fund, whose Managing Director, Ms. Christine Lagarde, visited the country early this month. 
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Economic and financial experts have, however, said the move to increase VAT would put further pressure on Nigerians, as it would cause increase in the prices of goods and services, among other implications. 
 
VAT is a consumption tax payable on the goods and service consumed by any person, whether government agencies, business organisations or individuals. It is currently levied at the rate of five per cent in the country. 
 
The sharp drop in crude oil revenues, which provide 95 per cent of the country’s foreign earnings, has led to significant depletion of the nation’s foreign reserves. 
 
Oil prices have fallen in the last few days to their lowest levels since 2003, trading about $10 lower than the oil price benchmark of $38 proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari for this year’s budget. Oil prices staged a rebound on Friday, trading around $32 per barrel on Saturday. 
 
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has said the Federal Government plans to borrow up to $5bn from multiple sources, including the Eurobond market, to plug its budget deficit. 
 
Buhari had in December presented a total budget size of N6.08tn, with a deficit of N2.22tn to be financed by both domestic and foreign borrowings of N1.84tn. 
 
He put the revenue projection for the year at N3.86tn, adding that over the medium-term, the government expected to increase revenues and reduce overheads, to bring the fiscal deficit down to 1.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product by 2018. 
 
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who said changes to taxation were being considered, told CNBC in a television interview, “We are looking at increasing our tax coverage. 
 
He added, “VAT, for instance — we have been doing just about 20 per cent coverage. We think that just by increasing coverage, we could do much more, and so we could earn more in terms of local resources,” he said. 
 
Increasing VAT from 5 per cent, among the world’s lowest VAT rates, and broadening the tax base were among suggestions put forward by the IMF boss during her visit. 
 
During her visit, Lagarde also said the IMF did not support foreign exchange restrictions. 
 
The Central Bank of Nigeria, whose monetary policy committee will meet on Monday and Tuesday, imposed forex restrictions last year aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves and there have been calls from investors for these to be eased. 
 
“We know that the central bank will just have to do the right thing at this time. The central bank has told us, and it was announced even in the president’s budget speech, that they intend to take a flexible approach and deploy whatever tools are necessary to ensure that we stay competitive,” Osinbajo had said. 
 
A Professor of Financial Economics at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Leo Ukpong, described the move to increase taxes as ill-timed, saying any increase in VAT would lead to declines in consumption and investment in the country. 
 
He said, “It is not that it is bad to increase taxes; what is bad is increasing it at the wrong time. When the economy is going through recession; when we are not producing; when unemployment is high, that is not the time to raise any tax. In fact, the opposite is the case: it is a time you cut taxes so that you can stimulate consumption and investment. 
 
“Increase in VAT is going to destroy the economy more. Consumption of goods and services will drop because you’re taking money away from people, and investment will drop. Overall, it is going to have negative effects on the economy, households and businesses.” 
 
The Head, Investment Research, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Mr. Ayodeji Ebo, said the government should explore all avenues to ensure compliance as well as improve on its collection mechanism before considering increase in tax rates. 
 
He said, “Raising VAT will lead to increase in the price of goods and services; cost of production will go up as well as cost of goods. It is going to be telling on Nigerians in the interim. However, if this fund is channelled to proper use, the multiplier effects will cushion the impact of VAT on Nigerians 
 
“If we are able to get good roads, rail and power supply, these are some of the things that form the larger part of the cost of production — it is going to be a short-term pain to get a long-term gain.” 
 
Professor Sheriffdeen Tella of the Department of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University, said the government might want to consider increasing taxes in some areas and expand the tax net in some other areas to capture more people and organisations. 
 
He said, “There are a lot of people and organisations that are not paying tax, particularly in the informal sector. The government has to work out a way to capture the informal sector taxes. 
 
“It is not as if they want to impose taxes generally. Let us look at VAT, for example; there are some assets that can be regarded as luxury items. They can increase the tax regime on those assets. People hardly pay tax on wealth in this country. They need to capture those people (the wealthy).” 
 
According to Tella, government needs to raise funds to be able to execute projects and tax is a major thing in increasing internal revenue. 
 
“I think it is not tax changes that will further affect the common man. They can also reduce the tax paid by some levels of income-earners,” he added. 
 
A Partner and Head, Tax Regulatory and People Services, KPMG Nigeria, Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, said, “Given that oil is what it is today, tax is crucial in raising money, and the one that they have talked about is VAT, especially so that they want to increase the rate. The problem is that VAT, as we operate it in Nigeria, is a sale tax. 
 
“Increasing VAT, to my mind, is fine, to the extent that it is together with making companies have recoverable input VAT.” 
 
According to Lagarde, the new reality of low oil prices and low oil revenues means that the fiscal challenge facing government is no longer about how to divide the proceeds of Nigeria’s oil wealth, but what needs to be done so that Nigeria can deliver to its people the public services they deserve. 
 
She said, “This means that hard decisions will need to be taken on revenue, expenditure, debt, and investment going forward. My policy refrain is this: Act with resolve — by stepping up revenue mobilisation.”

Latest-News Nigerians set to pay more tax

Due to the economic crisis plaguing Nigeria amid falling global oil prices, the Federal Government is considering changes to the nation’s tax regime in a bid to shore up dwindling revenue. There are indications that the government will increase Valu…

Top civil servants sacked for fraud

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Some top officials of the civil service have been dismissed by the federal government for extorting money from 400 applicants and offering them employment illegally. 
 
The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, made the disclosure on Saturday in Lagos during a meeting with some selected on-air-personalities. 
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The meeting was part of the minister’s five-day consultations with critical stakeholders in the media industry. 
 
Mohammed said the affected officers were on Grade Level 17 in one of the parastatals in the ministry. 
 
He said the officers had included the names of the applicants in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel System before the fraud was discovered. 
 
Mohammed said, “The first scandal I met in one of the parastatals when I assumed office was the illegal employment of 400 people. 
 
“This scandal started with very senior officers up to level 17 in that department. They sent out letters and text messages asking people to apply for jobs for a fee of N400, 000 and they were given letters of employment. 
 
“They did not stop there. They invited these people to go and be captured on the IPPIS and they even took cameras to hotels to get them captured. At the end of the day, the bubble burst. 
 
“One of the victims told these officials: ‘you cannot take my money and still disengage me. I have a valid letter. That is how we got to know that there is a dedicated account these people pay to. 
 
“Of course, we dismissed these officials and we even handed them over to the police.” 
 
The minister said the incident showed how faulty the IPPIS was and how it had been compromised by unscrupulous elements. He also said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was doing all it could to make the IPPIS tamper-proof and guide it from people who might want to load ghost workers on it. 
 
He described on-air personalities as “very important” in the media industry and urged them to leverage on their platforms to educate the people on government’s policies. The minister said the current war against corruption was a war of survival for the nation and urged all Nigerians to give it the necessary support.

Latest-News Top civil servants sacked for fraud

Some top officials of the civil service have been dismissed by the federal government for extorting money from 400 applicants and offering them employment illegally. The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, made the disclosure on S…

Democracy cannot survive without rule of law – Ekweremadu

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The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has said that no democracy in the world could survive without strict adherence to the rule of law. 
 
This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu and issued to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja. 
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According to the statement, Ekweremadu made the remark at a dinner organised by the International Law Institute (ILI), Washington DC, for its alumni in Nigeria. 
 
He noted that no country could experience meaningful development without the rule of law. 
 
He said: “Democracy becomes gravely imperilled if the powers of the judiciary to enforce compliance with the rule of law are subjected to legal, extra-legal, and sociological limitations. 
 
“Our task as an emerging democracy is to continue to build a society where government agencies as well as individuals and private entities must be subjected to and accountable under the law. 
 
“We must ensure that the process by which laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, fair and efficient. 
 
“We must ensure that justice is delivered according to established laws, timeously, competently, ethically and independently. 
 
“I hold the opinion and fervently so that the principle of the rule of law is at the heart of the survival of democracy. 
 
“A democracy without the rule of law is like salt that has lost its saltiness.’’ 
 
The Senator noted that the World Bank had indicated that economic growth, political modernisation, protection of human rights and other worthy objectives, were hinged on the rule of law. 
 
He expressed concern that developing nations, which were in dire need of development, lacked the rule of law to a large extent. 
 
He attributed the situation to lack of strong democratic institutions, lack of independence of the judiciary and political instability. 
 
Ekweremadu assured that the National Assembly would continue to partner ILI to build the capacity of its members and parliamentary staff. 
 
The statement quoted Kim Phan, the Executive Director of ILI, as expressing happiness with the growth of democracy in Nigeria. 
 
She also expressed joy with the opportunity the institute had to be part of the country’s success story. 
 
She said that the institute was committed to the growth of democracy and development of Nigeria.

Latest-News Democracy cannot survive without rule of law – Ekweremadu

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has said that no democracy in the world could survive without strict adherence to the rule of law. This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu and iss…

Man dies of Lassa fever in Lagos

18:44 Unknown 0

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A 51-year-old man has died of Lassa fever at the Mainland Hospital in Yaba, Lagos. 
 
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed that the patient who was initially admitted at Divine Medical Centre, Ikoyi, may have contacted the disease after attending a wedding ceremony in Edo State in December. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
According to the commissioner, the patient died on January 18 before the result of the laboratory test that confirmed him positive of Lassa fever was received at the Infectious Diseases hospital in Yaba. 
 
Idris noted that another 36 -year -old lady, a native of Kogi State, who had tested positive to the disease was currently on admission at the Mainland hospital while the health ministry had begun tracing 438 contacts related to the three index cases that were recorded in the state. 
 
He stated, “Lagos State has three confirmed cases out of the 14 suspected cases of Lassa fever. Two of them are responding well to treatment while one of them died. 
 
Eight samples tested negative while we are awaiting results for the remaining three suspected cases. 
 
“The Ministry has listed 447 contacts of the confirmed cases and 438 of the contacts are currently being monitored. 
 
We have made available drugs and other materials at our designated facilities; and isolation centres have been prepared to manage suspected and confirmed cases.” 
 
The commissioner called on residents and health workers to adhere to infection control measures in their environment and hospitals to prevent an outbreak in the state.

Latest-News Man dies of Lassa fever in Lagos

A 51-year-old man has died of Lassa fever at the Mainland Hospital in Yaba, Lagos. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed that the patient who was initially admitted at Divine Medical Centre, Ikoyi, may have contacted the disea…

English Premier League results

18:44 Unknown 0

Latest-News English Premier League results

…

Leicester City 3-0 Stoke City: The Foxes top the English Premier League

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Danny Drinkwater's first Premier League goal and second-half strikes from Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa sent Leicester City back to the top of the table in a convincing 3-0 win over Stoke City. 
 
Leicester went into Saturday's contest at the King Power Stadium level on points with Arsenal, who play Chelsea on Sunday, and second only on goal difference. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
And Claudio Ranieri's side – who had won just one of their past five top-flight games – were ahead at half-time when Drinkwater showed great technique to fire low into the bottom left-hand corner, albeit with the help of a Marc Wilson deflection. 
 
The game was put beyond all doubt in the 66th minute when Vardy brilliantly rounded Jack Butland to score his first goal since December 14, before substitute Ulloa added gloss in the closing stages. 
 
It was a deserved three points for Leicester, who are refusing to wilt in their unlikely tilt for the title and the win puts pressure on Arsenal against rivals Chelsea. 
 
Stoke have earned plaudits for their style of play this season, but Mark Hughes' men failed to hit their stride and slipped to ninth. 
 
Leicester named the same XI that drew at Aston Villa last weekend and Vardy had the first sight of goal with a sweetly struck first-time shot from Marc Albrighton's left-wing centre that Butland could only parry. 
 
Xherdan Shaqiri returned from his injury-enforced three-match absence in one of two Stoke changes and the winger's dangerous cross from the right drew an excellent defensive header from Danny Simpson, with Mame Biram Diouf ready to pounce. 
 
Stoke were then dealt a blow on the half-hour mark when captain Ryan Shawcross limped off to be replaced by Wilson. 
 
Leicester finished the half well and the hosts moved ahead in the 41st minute. 
 
A corner from the right was only cleared as far as Drinkwater 20 yards from goal and his excellent half-volley deflected off Wilson into the net for his first goal since April 2014. 
 
Leicester will feel they should have made more of a lightning counter-attack led by Riyad Mahrez 10 minutes after the break, the winger's attempted pass to Shinji Okazaki was weak, though, and Stoke scrambled clear. 
 
It almost proved costly as at the other end Glen Johnson's pinpoint cross was met by the unmarked Joselu, who wastefully headed straight at Kasper Schmeichel. 
 
And Stoke were made to rue that miss in the 66th minute. 
 
Vardy gave chase to Drinkwater's superb throughball and the England striker kept his composure to round Butland and slot home his 16th Premier League goal of the season. 
 
Robert Huth's sliced free-kick will no doubt have raised a few wry smiles from his former Stoke team-mates, but Leicester added a third with three minutes remaining. 
 
Mahrez jinked into the area and his miscued shot was prodded in by the sliding Ulloa as Leicester earned a potentially priceless three points ahead of a difficult period where they play Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in consecutive games.

Latest-News Leicester City 3-0 Stoke City: The Foxes top the English Premier League

Danny Drinkwater's first Premier League goal and second-half strikes from Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa sent Leicester City back to the top of the table in a convincing 3-0 win over Stoke City. Leicester went into Saturday's contest at the King Pow…

VIDEO: Watch Odion Ighalo's stunning goal against Newcastle United

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The Nigerian striker scored his 14th premier league goal of the season to inspire a 2-1 vixtory for his club, Watford 
 
Watch his goal below.... 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x3o159s" width="480"></iframe> 
 
 
Video Credits: DailyMotion

Latest-News VIDEO: Watch Odion Ighalo's stunning goal against Newcastle United

The Nigerian striker scored his 14th premier league goal of the season to inspire a 2-1 vixtory for his club, Watford Watch his goal below.... Video Credits: DailyMotion …

Odion Ighalo inspires 2-1 Newcastle United victory

17:44 Unknown 0

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 Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo inspired Watford to break a run of four straight Premier League defeats to record a 2-1 home win over Newcastle United on Saturday. 
 
After a poor first period Watford took the lead 44 seconds into the second half. Troy Deeney lofted a through-ball in behind for Ighalo, who hit his seventh goal in seven games at Vicarage Road. 
 
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Cathcart soon put the hosts in control with the second goal, thrashing home a loose ball in the penalty area, to put Watford on track for a third win against Newcastle this season in all competitions. 
 
Jamaal Lascelles gave Newcastle a route back into the match with a 71st-minute header, but Watford held on to secure their first ever Premier League double. 
 
The three points lifts Watford back into the top half of the Premier League, while Newcastle remain in the relegation zone after their fourth straight defeat away from home. 
 
Steve McClaren switched to a back three due to Newcastle's defensive injury crisis and handed a first Premier League start to newcomer Henri Saivet, while Watford made one change, with Juan Carlos Paredes replacing Allan Nyom at right-back. 
 
Rolando Aarons was making his first appearance since September and he had the first sight of goal on four minutes, flashing a drive well wide after good work by Moussa Sissoko. 
 
Watford could have taken the lead on 16 minutes but Rob Elliot pulled off a smart double save. Troy Deeney saw his shot turned away and Etienne Capoue should have put away the rebound, but his effort was also blocked by Elliot. 
 
Heurelho Gomes then kept out Aleksandar Mitrovic's shot with his legs as Newcastle sought their first goal in four away Premier League matches. 
 
Watford were marginally on top but their final ball was poor, with little quality in the attacking third from either side. 
 
Nevertheless, the hosts took the lead within a minute of the restart, Ighalo scoring for the first time in five matches. 
 
Deeney found his strike partner with a perfect chipped through-ball and Ighalo raced clear before shimmying past Elliot and slotting into the empty net for his 14th goal of the season. 
 
Cathcart lashed in from close range after Ighalo held off his man in the box to double the lead after 58 minutes. 
 
Yoan Gouffran and Ayoze Perez both put headers well wide from good positions as Newcastle looked for a way back into the match. 
 
Lascelles gave his side a lifeline on 71 minutes, powerfully heading home Jonjo Shelvey's corner to mark his first Premier League start in style. 
 
Mitrovic and Emmanuel Riviere both planted headers narrowly wide while Elliot saved from Ighalo and Etienne Capoue blazed over the crossbar with five minutes to go as Watford sought a vital third goal, but the one-goal cushion proved enough for Quique Sanchez Flores' men.

Latest-News Odion Ighalo inspires 2-1 Newcastle United victory

Nigerian striker, Odion Ighalo inspired Watford to break a run of four straight Premier League defeats to record a 2-1 home win over Newcastle United on Saturday. After a poor first period Watford took the lead 44 seconds into the second half. Troy …

Manchester United 0-1 Southampton: Austin stuns Old Trafford with late winner

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Southampton beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford for the second season in a row after Charlie Austin scored an 87th minute winner on his debut. 
 
Austin returned to the Premier League this week as Saints pounced for the former QPR man, and he came off the bench to stun the home support and pile more pressure on United boss Louis van Gaal. 
 
The home faithful did not hold back their displeasure as their side failed to score before half-time for an 11th consecutive home game and Juan Mata's half-time introduction brought no more than sporadic flickers of life in attack. 
 
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Southampton carried a set-piece threat before Austin entered the fray in place of Sadio Mane in the 79th minute and his decisive goal owed something to an over-eager challenge from returning United substitute Adnan Januzaj. 
 
Making his comeback after a fruitless loan stint at Borussia Dortmund, Januzaj brought down Austin and the former Burnley striker planted a fine header beyond David de Gea from James Ward-Prowse's right-wing delivery. 
 
United slip five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, while Southampton move up to eighth, having claimed three consecutive Premier League wins for the first time this season. 
 
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson made his first Premier League start at left wing-back after Ashley Young sustained a groin injury, with Van Gaal switching to 3-5-2 to match his opponents' shape. 
 
Two goals in the 3-0 win over West Brom were not enough to keep Ward-Prowse in the Southampton XI, as the midfielder joined Austin on the bench as Jordy Clasie and Dusan Tadic earned starts. 
 
Mane had the best sight of goal in a poor first half in the 37th minute, but his touch and footing deserted him in the United area after playing a neat one-two with Tadic. 
 
That let-off did not quell discontent in the stands - the now familiar lament of "attack, attack, attack" ringing out - and Jesse Lingard's deflected stoppage-time effort spinning wide could not prevent half-time jeers. 
 
Van Gaal responded by sending on Mata in place of the ineffective Marouane Fellaini in an attempt to spark some creativity. 
 
Mata and Wayne Rooney combined in the desired fashion after 54 minutes, although Anthony Martial could not get a shot off and Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster gratefully grasped the ball. 
 
Van Gaal defensive injury woes worsened when Matteo Darmian came off worse in a 58th-minute collision with Shane Long – the Republic of Ireland striker heading a subsequent corner wide under pressure from the Italian's replacement, Paddy McNair. 
 
A goalless draw seemed inevitable before Austin's accurate finish thrillingly grabbed the bragging rights for Koeman over his old rival Van Gaal after just eight minutes on the field. 
 
Another Southampton sub, Oriol Romeu drew a sharp save from De Gea as the visitors threatened further misery before Januzaj failed to atone for his error by fizzing an injury-time shot wide. 
 
The final whistle brought further ire for Van Gaal, as a second-successive 1-0 home defeat to old foe Koeman concluded the latest chapter of an increasingly unpopular tenure. 
 
(Goal.com)

Latest-News Manchester United 0-1 Southampton: Austin stuns Old Trafford with late winner

Southampton beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford for the second season in a row after Charlie Austin scored an 87th minute winner on his debut. Austin returned to the Premier League this week as Saints pounced for the former QPR man, and he ca…

Buhari’s budget best ever in Nigeria’s history – Wammako

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A former governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wammako, has scored President Muhammadu Buhari’s proposed 2016 budget high, saying it is the best ever in the history of Nigeria. 
 
Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Mr. Wammako said the proposed 2016 budget was the first in the history of civil rule in the country to give 30 percent allocation to capital projects. 
 
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“No civilian administration came nearer to 30 percent allocation to capital projects. This is really commendable. 
 
“Past administrations mainly allocated everything to the recurrent vote. We must commend President Buhari for this populist-orientated budget, which will address infrastructure deficit in the country,” he said. 
 
Mr. Wammako, who is currently a senator, noted that the thematic area of the budget is the issue of diversifying the economy, against the previous mono-economy budgeting. 
 
He argued that Nigeria’s first generation universities and other institutions in the country were not built with oil money, saying the country had been yearning for a leader who would take away his focus from oil revenues to diversify the economy. 
 
“We are happy that we have a president who courageously seeks to address the issue of economic diversification. 
 
 
“Remember, our old universities such as Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, were not built with oil money. So it is obvious Nigeria can survive without oil revenues. 
 
“The three major areas I highlighted – agriculture, solid minerals and tourism – will take Nigeria out of its problems when harnessed. We will forget about oil completely. 
 
“The budget also gives a major check to address the educational challenges in Nigeria, including teacher quality, school enrolment and retention, training and retraining, among other issues. 
“It will surely restore the glory of public schools and address literacy issues in this country. It may not be easy, but with good planning, these targets can be attained. 
 
“In the over N6 trillion budget, only less than N1 trillion that is expected to come from oil sector. This means that we are looking inward, including sourcing for loan, which is part of governance. 
“No government can survive without loan. America is the biggest debtor in whole world, just as it is the biggest economy in the whole world. 
 
“Previously Nigeria took loan and misused it. But this time it is going to be used for the betterment of the people. 
 
“Last year, $1 billion loan was collected, but what happened? The loan itself and our existing money, totalling $2.1 billion, were all stolen. 
 
“If this money was invested in our economy, the story would have been different. The economy would have been more productive and buoyant. 
 
“By and large, the budget addressed all the major challenges affecting Nigeria. I appeal to Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation to support this budget as it gives hope to Nigerians. Instead of calling it ‘a budget of change’, I will prefer to call it a ‘budget of hope’,” the former governor added.

Latest-News Buhari’s budget best ever in Nigeria’s history – Wammako

A former governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu Wammako, has scored President Muhammadu Buhari’s proposed 2016 budget high, saying it is the best ever in the history of Nigeria. Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Mr. Wammako said the proposed 2016 b…

Norwich 4-5 Liverpool: Late Lallana strike snatches victory in Nine-goal thriller

16:30 Unknown 0

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Adam Lallana struck in the 95th minute to ensure Liverpool edged a nine-goal thriller by beating Norwich City 5-4 at Carrow Road. 
 
Liverpool appeared to be on course to win 4-3 when James Milner put them ahead 15 minutes from time, only for Sebastien Bassong to equalise with a superb 20-yard drive two minutes into injury time. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
However, substitute Lallana - who had earlier set up Roberto Firmino to draw Liverpool level at 3-3 - had other ideas, as his perfectly controlled left-footed volley bounced into the ground and over Declan Rudd to settle an incredible game and spark delirious Liverpool celebrations. 
 
Liverpool's day started well as Firmino opened the scoring in the 18th minute after a crisp passing move, but their defensive frailties allowed Norwich back in. 
 
After Dieumerci Mbokani had levelled things up after 28 minutes, Steven Naismith put the hosts ahead as he scored another debut goal against Liverpool - having also achieved the feat for Everton. 
 
A needless foul on Naismith from Alberto Moreno allowed Wes Hoolahan to give the hosts a two-goal cushion, but Henderson, Firmino and Milner turned the game on its head. 
 
Yet there was more drama to come, as Bassong found Simon Mignolet's bottom-left corner with a sweet strike, before Lallana reacted quickest to some pinball in the Norwich area to snatch all three points for Jurgen Klopp's team. 
 
After three league games without a win, Liverpool initially lacked intensity, but they broke the deadlock through Firmino, the Brazilian sliding a left-footed finish in off the post after patient build-up down the Liverpool left 
 
But Norwich were level just before the half hour when Liverpool failed to clear their lines from a corner. The ball eventually dropped to Mbokani, who produced a powerful backheel from close range to beat Mignolet. 
 
And the hosts went into the break ahead as debutant Naismith struck, the former Everton man firing low beyond Mignolet after an exchange with Hoolahan. 
 
Liverpool's day went from bad to worse eight minutes after the break when Moreno brought down Naismith inside the penalty area, the Spanish full-back making two clumsy challenges on Norwich's new signing. 
 
Hoolahan made no mistake from 12 yards to put Norwich 3-1 ahead, but their two-goal advantage was short-lived as Liverpool skipper Henderson pulled one back 96 seconds later. 
 
A right-wing cross from Nathaniel Clyne was flicked by Firmino onto his captain, Henderson expertly sweeping the ball past Rudd. 
 
Liverpool were level in the 63rd minute when Firmino calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Rudd for his second of the afternoon, and Milner then capitalised on a dreadful backpass from Russell Martin to race clear and put the visitors ahead. 
 
Bassong thought he had earned a share of the spoils when he rifled home Cameron Jerome's knockdown, but Lallana was on hand to settle a breathless encounter at the death 
 
(Goal.com)

Latest-News Norwich 4-5 Liverpool: Late Lallana strike snatches victory in Nine-goal thriller

Adam Lallana struck in the 95th minute to ensure Liverpool edged a nine-goal thriller by beating Norwich City 5-4 at Carrow Road. Liverpool appeared to be on course to win 4-3 when James Milner put them ahead 15 minutes from time, only for Sebastien…

APC elders warn Tompolo - 'Surrender to EFCC now'

16:30 Unknown 0

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Elders in Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress have advised that a repented Niger Delta militant, Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), should surrender himself for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over N13bn fraud. 
 
They also demanded an apology from the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Timi Frank, over his comments against the party leadership in the State “in his own interest.” 
 
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It can be recalled that Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Abuja had granted an order compelling him to answer an amended 40 counts of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering levelled against him and a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi. 
 
But shortly after the court order, militants attacked oil installations, fuelling speculations that his ‘boys’ were responsible. 
 
However, Tompolo in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, accused the candidate of the APC in the Bayelsa State governorship election, Timipre Sylva, of trying to link him to the renewed vandalism of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region, saying he (Sylva) was the one responsible. 
 
But a member of the Bayelsa APC Elders, Chief Arerebo Bodi, at a reception organised in his honour on Saturday in Abuja, said it was important for Tompolo to honour the request of the EFCC, rather than blame Sylva and other APC leaders in the State.

Latest-News APC elders warn Tompolo - 'Surrender to EFCC now'

Elders in Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress have advised that a repented Niger Delta militant, Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), should surrender himself for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ove…

Buhari concerned about low ranking of Nigeria universities

13:29 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi651O6TJG1bie7-FtfHnEh_FVfkPUxu85SriPg530UYZz4rHAjb1vmjnmo3j570JfVWYM0e2FYWRx7U8QcQhvAJY7RD6E1AlRv4jfnK5YBbBcv5RRRrn0ewifBVrTWGUhlNAfx9Qzb8X2x/s1600/President-Muhammadu-Buhari1-490x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi651O6TJG1bie7-FtfHnEh_FVfkPUxu85SriPg530UYZz4rHAjb1vmjnmo3j570JfVWYM0e2FYWRx7U8QcQhvAJY7RD6E1AlRv4jfnK5YBbBcv5RRRrn0ewifBVrTWGUhlNAfx9Qzb8X2x/s400/President-Muhammadu-Buhari1-490x336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
 
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern over low ranking of the country’s universities. The president expressed the concern on Saturday in Bauchi at the 19th to 22nd convocation ceremony of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. 
 
Represented by Prof. Julius Okojie, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, he said that “it is worrisome that no Nigerian university is quoted among the top 100 universities in the world. 
 
“We rank below a thousand, if we do not aspire to be among the world class universities, we cannot boast of robust system capable of making the country among the top economies of the world. 
 
“We have abundance of talents who excel elsewhere but appear incapacitated at home. This is unacceptable. Whatever makes our abundant talents fail at home and excel abroad must be identified and neutralised for our benefit and that of our future generation,” Buhari said. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
He blamed incessant strikes by teachers as “major bottlenecks to progress of the country’s university system”. 
 
“The repercussions of strike usually retard the smooth running of academic activities with heavy negative consequences”. 
The president called on the state governments to support and encourage universities situated in their states because they were responsible for harnessing local talents and promotion of local innovations. He observed that the Treasury Single Account policy was meant to enhance accountability, transparency and revenue. 
 
“The seemingly challenges especially in tertiary institutions should be seen as a teething problem that will gradually vanish as the policy takes roots. “MDAs should, therefore, exhibit patience and understanding, bearing in mind that Nigerians shall surely reap from the fruits of the policy,” he said. 
 
Oba Rufus Aladesanmi, Chancellor of the institution, urged the graduating students to explore ways of self employment. 
 
Aladesanmi further urged them to contribute to the technological and economic development of the country. He observed that in spite of large number of students that applies for admission, few were being admitted due to few facilities. 
 
The chancellor called on stakeholders to urgently find both short and long term solutions to the problem. Prof. Saminu Ibrahim, Vice-Chancellor of the institution, said that the institution was graduating 8,127 students for its 19th and 22nd convocation. 
 
He explained that the figure included 845 diplomas, 5,577 first degrees, 1,620 post-graduate diplomas and Masters and 85 students as Doctors of Philosophy (Ph.D). Ibrahim further explained that out of the 5,577 first degree graduates, 32 obtained First Class, 1,203 Second Class (Upper Division) 2,702 Second Class (Lower Division), 1,481 Third Class and 136 Pass. 
 
On achievements made by the institution, Ibrahim said that 40 academic staff members had obtained PhD. degrees worldwide while many others were pursuing their Masters degrees. He said that the institution was constructing six news hostels and renovating the existing ones as parts of students’ welfare package.

Latest-News Buhari concerned about low ranking of Nigeria universities

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concern over low ranking of the country’s universities. The president expressed the concern on Saturday in Bauchi at the 19th to 22nd convocation ceremony of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Represe…

Chicken Republic Mocks Olisa Metuh In New Advert

13:14 Unknown 0

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Popular fast food brand, Chicken Republic have capitalized on the Olisa Metuh corruption saga, and released a new advert ostensibly to mock the detained spokesperson of the People’s Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh 
 
The advert has been interpreted in a thousand and one ways by readers and observers. 
 
The advert has generated different reactions from Nigerians with some of the opinion that the ad ridicules Metuh and his political party but others think its ingenuity by Chicken Republic. 
 
It can be recalled that the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh who is currently on trial for his role in the diversion of $2.1 billion arms funds, was recently reported to have attempted to eat a statement he had earlier written for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 
 
He was on Friday, January 22, arraigned for destruction of evidence, and while the trial is yet to commence, popular fast-food company, Chicken Republic has taken advantage of the purported event. 
 
Chicken Republic released a caricature advert online where the company delivers food to a jailed Metuh, asking him to eat their food instead of his words- an obvious swipe at him for allegedly tearing up his statement. 
 
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Latest-News Chicken Republic Mocks Olisa Metuh In New Advert

Popular fast food brand, Chicken Republic have capitalized on the Olisa Metuh corruption saga, and released a new advert ostensibly to mock the detained spokesperson of the People’s Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh The advert has been interpreted in a …

With Mourinho gone, Arsenal to assert supremacy over Chelsea

12:44 Unknown 0

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With Jose Mourinho gone and Chelsea languishing, Premier League leaders Arsenal have an opportunity to assert their supremacy over their London rivals in Sunday’s encounter at the Emirates Stadium. 
 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger managed just one win against his former Chelsea counterpart Mourinho in 15 attempts, and that came in this season’s Community Shield. 
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Mourinho took special delight in goading Wenger, who he famously labelled a “specialist in failure”, but the Portuguese is now out of the picture following his December sacking and with Chelsea 19 points off the pace in 14th place, Arsenal have a chance to hammer home their advantage. 
 
“Even if Chelsea are not in the best position, look at their squad,” said Wenger, whose side lead Leicester City on goal difference. 
 
“It’s a big game because of the quality of the players on the pitch. It has a big importance to us as well. We play at the Emirates and we know how important it will be to win this game.” 
 
Arsenal have already beaten Manchester City, Manchester United and surprise contenders Leicester this season and victory over Chelsea would further enhance their title credentials. 
 
It would also bring a satisfying conclusion to a run of matches against teams who have tended to give Arsenal problems during the Wenger era. 
 
At Anfield, the scene of a season-defining 5-1 drubbing in February 2014, they secured a 3-3 draw that would have been a 3-2 victory had Joe Allen not equalised for Liverpool in the final minute. 
 
Last time out at Stoke City, a sensitive Arsenal destination ever since the gruesome broken leg sustained by Aaron Ramsey there in 2010, Wenger’s men recorded a 0-0 draw that kept them top of the standings. 
 
Arsenal have not been able to put distance between themselves and the chasing pack, but with Liverpool having gone 2-0 up against them and with United, City and Chelsea having all lost at Stoke since early November, they were not results to be sniffed at. 
 
– ‘We can’t be patient’ – 
 
Chelsea continue to occupy a special place in Arsenal’s nightmares and won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the teams’ last meeting in September despite picking up just 11 points from their first 12 games. 
 
The last encounter at the Emirates, meanwhile, saw Mourinho’s side ignore the home fans’ chants of “Boring, boring Chelsea!” to grind out a 0-0 win that kept them on course for last season’s title. 
 
Nine months on, it is Arsenal who are in pole position in the title race and they have been emboldened by the news that key attacking players Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez could both return from injury. 
 
Ozil is expected to start after sitting out the trip to Stoke with a minor foot problem, while Wenger is hopeful that Sanchez will play some part after nearly two months out with a hamstring injury. 
 
Chelsea’s interim manager Guus Hiddink also had positive news on the injury front, revealing on Friday that Eden Hazard could feature after missing three games due to a groin problem. 
 
Diego Costa is fit, too, despite bruising his shin in the 3-3 draw with Everton and can expect a choice reception after goading Gabriel into kicking him in September’s fixture, which saw the Brazilian sent off. 
 
Last weekend’s madcap draw with Everton, in which John Terry equalised from an offside position eight minutes into added time, extended Chelsea’s unbeaten run under Hiddink to six matches. 
 
But with Chelsea having drawn four of their five league games under the Dutchman, he is eager for them to start putting victories on the board. 
 
“We want full results,” Hiddink said. “We can’t be patient, saying we’ll get better in four weeks. No. We have to perform now. 
 
“We’d like a result at the Emirates. Everyone in this club has to be realistic about where we are in points, compared to the relegation zone and Europe. We are not panicking, though, and looking too far forward.”

Latest-News With Mourinho gone, Arsenal to assert supremacy over Chelsea

With Jose Mourinho gone and Chelsea languishing, Premier League leaders Arsenal have an opportunity to assert their supremacy over their London rivals in Sunday’s encounter at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger managed just one win …

Nigeria must do more for Chibok girls, others— UN

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UN human rights experts on Friday urged Nigeria to increase its efforts to help women and children after they have been freed from captivity by Boko Haram in the country’s conflict-riven northeast. 
 
After a five-day visit to the region, three special rapporteurs said there was an “urgent and pressing need for effective measures to address stigma, ostracism and rejection of women and children” as a result of their captivity. 
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Boko Haram has used the kidnap of women and young girls as well as the forced conscription of men and boys as a tactic throughout the conflict, which is now in its seventh year. 
 
The most high-profile abduction was of more than 200 girls from their school in the northeastern town of Chibok in April 2014, which caused global outrage. 
 
But human rights groups have said thousands of others have been seized in recent years, forced into marriage with Islamist fighters and subject to physical and psychological abuse. 
 
A Nigerian military fight-back throughout last year saw hundreds of victims freed from captivity and given trauma counselling at camps for displaced persons. 
 
But despite their experience, there are fears they will be shunned when they return to their homes in the conservative, mainly Muslim region. 
 
“Efforts at community cohesion, peace-building and reconciliation must start now and accelerate as people begin to return from displacement,” the UN team said in a statement. 
 
Access to a “just and effective remedy” in the courts was also “paramount to their recovery and reintegration”, they added. 
 
The three experts, who specialise in child welfare issues, contemporary slavery and healthcare, said they recognised Nigeria’s efforts to find and free those abducted. 
 
But they said “the lack of information on the steps taken to find abducted persons, including the Chibok girls, and document cases of kidnappings and abductions remains a source of major concern” 
 
Other measures required included rebuilding education and healthcare facilities in an area where schools have been used as camps for the displaced and hospitals bombed or set on fire. 
 
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari last month said Boko Haram had been “technically” defeated as a result of the counter-insurgency, despite continued suicide and bomb attacks. 
 
At least 17,000 people have been killed since 2009 and more than 2.6 million made homeless by the fighting.

Latest-News Nigeria must do more for Chibok girls, others— UN

UN human rights experts on Friday urged Nigeria to increase its efforts to help women and children after they have been freed from captivity by Boko Haram in the country’s conflict-riven northeast. After a five-day visit to the region, three special…

Chelsea steward sacked after calling midfield star Cesc Fabregas a ‘snake’

11:14 Unknown 0

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A steward was sacked by Chelsea for calling former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas a ‘snake’. 
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="573" id="molvideoplayer" scrolling="no" src="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/embed/video/1246321.html" title="MailOnline Embed Player" width="698" name="molvideoplayer"></iframe> 
 
A video of the Stamford Bridge incident, which took place earlier this season, emerged online on Friday and Chelsea confirmed action had been taken against the steward. 
 
‘You’re a snake, you’re Arsenal, what happened to you?’ the steward says to the Spain midfielder in the eight-second video, which has been widely shared on social network sites. 
 
The altercation was shared by ArsenalFanTV regular Moh Haider, who claimed he was given permission to share the incident by the steward in question. 
 
 
 
He tweeted a preview of the video before promising to share the full incident if it reached 1,000 re-tweets. 
 
The tweet promptly reached that mark within a matter of hours and has spread like wildfire on the social media site. 
 
The Spanish World Cup-winner is due to come up against his old club on Sunday, making the timing of the video that bit spicier. 
 
The 28-year-old made 503 appearances for the Gunners after joining their academy from Barcelona as a 15-year-old in 2003. 
 
He was the club skipper before re-joining his boyhood club in the summer of 2011.

Latest-News Chelsea steward sacked after calling midfield star Cesc Fabregas a ‘snake’

A steward was sacked by Chelsea for calling former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas a ‘snake’. A video of the Stamford Bridge incident, which took place earlier this season, emerged online on Friday and Chelsea confirmed action had been taken against t…

Nigeria launches special military operation to tackle pipeline vandalism

10:47 Unknown 0

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 The Federal Government has launched a special military operation code-named operation AWATSU against pipeline vandals in the country. 
 
The operatives of the special task force have also arrested 25 members of the gang of vandals operating at the Arepo in Ogun State and parts of Lagos State. 
 
The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, said that the operatives also seized 50 vehicles belonging to the vandals in the ongoing operation in Lagos. 
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He said that the military was taking proactive steps to curtail the activities of the vandals in the Lagos axis. 
 
Last year, the military took a decision after a meeting between the leadership of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation to maintain a presence at the Arepo area following the killing of four policemen and 11 officials of the Department of State Services by suspected vandals. 
 
Abubakar said that the arrests and the seizures made by the military were responsible for the recent call by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, for the establishment of special courts to try vandals in the country. 
 
He also stressed that the military had done adequate deployment to ensure the protection of the nation’s pipelines in the country. 
 
He said, “You see, we are taking proactive measures. As I speak to you, there is an operation called ‘Operation AWATSU.’ We are doing enough in that place, if you follow what has been happening, there has been serious arrests and seizures. 
 
“Just of recent, about 25 persons were arrested with 50 vehicles in Lagos. This operation is ongoing until we sanitise the whole general area and I believe we will do that because this is a very important axis that cannot be neglected, and whoever is doing this kind of thing is not a true Nigerian. 
 
“And some of them were arrested and we will continue to do that. That is why the chief of Naval Staff canvassed for a special court to try such persons, so as to serve as a deterrent to others and that is the position of the Armed Forces.” 
 
The Defence spokesperson urged the people of the host communities to the pipelines to cooperate with security operatives in protecting them.

Latest-News Nigeria launches special military operation to tackle pipeline vandalism

The Federal Government has launched a special military operation code-named operation AWATSU against pipeline vandals in the country. The operatives of the special task force have also arrested 25 members of the gang of vandals operating at the Arep…

Thousands return to Borno after Boko Haram ouster

10:29 Unknown 0

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Thousands of Nigerian refugees, who fled to neighbouring Cameroon in 2014 to escape Boko Harm militants, have returned to the liberated northeastern town of Gamboru only to find their homes and their livelihoods destroyed, residents and officials told AFP Friday. 
 
Over the past three days more than 15,000 Nigerians have crossed the 300-metre (yard) river bridge that forms the border with Cameroon, following calls by military and local leaders‎ for residents to return, an official in Gamboru said. 
 
“More are coming in everyday,” he added. 
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Boko Haram fighters seized Gamboru in violence-wracked Borno state in August 2014, forcing thousands to flee across the border to the town of Fotokol on the other bank of the river in northern Cameroon. 
 
Chadian forces reclaimed Gamboru in February last year, after intense fighting that left hundreds of insurgents dead, as part of a regional military coalition put together to crush the Islamist group which has become a threat to regional security. 
 
“We found a looted and burnt out town which is shadow of its former self,” said Abacha Mari, one of those who returned to Gamboru on Wednesday. 
 
“More than nine-tenths of the buildings in the town have been damaged by fire while ‎the rest have been washed away by the rains,” he added. 
 
“Everything was looted and the streets are barely recognisable.” 
 
– ‘Nobody found anything ‘ – 
 
Gamboru has been repeatedly targeted in the Boko Haram insurrection which has cost the lives of 17,000 people in Nigeria and made over 2.5 million homeless since 2009. 
 
Although Boko Haram were forced out of Gamboru 11 months ago, the refugees say there are only now beginning to feel confident enough to return because the Nigerian army has sent a large contingent to the town. 
 
The return of the refugees is being coordinated by Cameroonian soldiers‎ and local officials in Gamboru, the returning residents said. 
 
The Nigerian refugees and their belongings wer‎e screened at the Cameroonian side of the bridge by soldiers using sniffer dogs to detect explosives before they were allowed cross back into Nigeria where officials were ready to welcome them and provided them with the necessary papers for their return. 
 
Returning residents scoured their empty homes in the vain hope of finding any personal ‎effects neglected by Boko Haram. 
 
“Nobody found anything in their homes which have been looted and burnt,” said ‎returnee Ibrahim Wanzan. 
 
The destruction that they found came as no surprise. Some of the refugees had already visited Gamboru under the protection of Chadian soldiers in February 2015 and described it then as a”ghost town”. 
 
A key source of the locals’ livelihood, the market, has also been destroyed. It formerly attracted traders from neighbouring Chad and Cameroon‎. 
 
“Our main problem is food and how to rebuild our homes,” Wanzan said. 
 
The returned residents have been living on the food they brought from Fotokol and desperately hope to receive aid from the Nigerian government before supplies run out, Mari said. 
 
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA‎) plans to send aid to Gamboru in coming days. 
 
“We are aware of the return of thousands of Gamboru residents from Cameroon and we are ‎working to send relief items to them in the next few days,” a NEMA official told AFP.

Latest-News Thousands return to Borno after Boko Haram ouster

Thousands of Nigerian refugees, who fled to neighbouring Cameroon in 2014 to escape Boko Harm militants, have returned to the liberated northeastern town of Gamboru only to find their homes and their livelihoods destroyed, residents and officials to…

India plane makes emergency landing after bomb call

10:29 Unknown 0

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An Indian passenger plane was forced to make an emergency landing in the country’s western city of Nagpur on Saturday after a hoax bomb threat, GoAir airline said. 
 
The GoAir plane, carrying 150 passengers, was en route from the eastern city of Bhubaneshwar to Mumbai when authorities received an anonymous call that a bomb had been planted aboard. 
 
“Post receiving the bomb threat call, (the aircraft) was diverted to Nagpur,” GoAir said in an emailed statement. 
 
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The passengers were offloaded and airport security searched the aircraft and baggage, the budget airline said. 
 
It said “there was no bomb found on board the aircraft” and passengers “are now being boarded” after the plane was authorised to take off again for Mumbai. 
 
The carrier said local police were investigating the threat. 
 
The emergency landing comes one day after India’s counter-terror police arrested a group of suspected Islamist radicals in a series of nationwide raids. 
 
The National Investigation Agency said on Friday that bomb-making material was also seized in the raids conducted in four different states, amid stepped up security for next week’s Republic Day celebrations. 
 
French President Francois Hollande will be the guest of honour at a Republic Day military parade on Tuesday in the capital New Delhi. 
 
Republic Day marks the anniversary of India’s democratic constitution taking force in 1950.

Latest-News India plane makes emergency landing after bomb call

An Indian passenger plane was forced to make an emergency landing in the country’s western city of Nagpur on Saturday after a hoax bomb threat, GoAir airline said. The GoAir plane, carrying 150 passengers, was en route from the eastern city of Bhuba…

PICTURES: Olisa Metuh appears in court in handcuffs again as he gets fresh N600 million bail for “tearing own statement”

02:45 Unknown 0

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A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, in the sum of N300m with two sureties in like sum. 
 
The total bail sum is N600m‎. 
 
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Metuh is already on remand in Kuje Prison by an order of a Federal High Court in Abuja with respect to charges of money laundering involving N400m, part of money meant for procurement of arms, which he collected from the Office of the National Security Adviser in November 2014. 
 
Justice Ishaq Bello, before whom ‎Metuh was on Thursday arraigned on two counts of destruction of evidence while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for investigation into the money laundering case, granted fresh bail to the PDP spokesperson on Friday. 
 
The judge ordered that the residences of the two sureties to be presented by the accused should be verified by filing of documents in that respect before the court. 
 
The application for bail was not opposed by ‎EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir. 
 
While arguing the bail application orally on Friday, Metuh’s lawyer, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), anchored the application on provisions of sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 as well as sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution. 
 
The judge in his ruling agreed with the defence that the offences the accused was charged with were bailable and he was presumed innocent until proved guilty. 
 
Metuh who was produced in court by prison officials on Friday is still in the process of fulfilling the N400m bail granted him by Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. 
 
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Latest-News PICTURES: Olisa Metuh appears in court in handcuffs again as he gets fresh N600 million bail for “tearing own statement”

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, in the sum of N300m with two sureties in like sum. The total bail sum is N600m‎.…

11 Things Your Wife Needs From You But Doesn’t Want To Ask

02:45 Unknown 0

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The good news is your wife isn’t nagging you about these things. The bad news is that she still needs them, but doesn’t want to ask. In your quest to love, honor and cherish your wife, here are a few ways you can give her the signs of affections she really needs but is too afraid to ask. 
 
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Respect 
 
No matter what, she needs and deserves your respect. You’ll never see eye to eye with your wife on everything, so don’t drive a wedge between you determining who is right or wrong. If you have a disagreement, hear her out respectfully. Your wife wants you to listen to her ideas and give them serious consideration. Dr. Amy Bellows says, “Respect allows you to accept another person’s point of view whole-heartedly.” 
 
Intimacy 
 
It’s true men typically think of intimacy in terms of s*x. Women generally view intimacy as an emotional closeness. Take the time to meet her need for intimacy by steps as simple as enjoying a hobby together. Therapist Fran Fisher offers couple exercises to recharge your emotional intimacy. The good news is, when you work to improve her idea of intimacy, your idea of intimacy will improve as well. It’s a win-win. 
 
Two minutes of undivided attention 
 
While women tend to multitask well, men are often good at focusing on one thing at a time. These qualities complement each other. To make this difference work for your marriage, take time to focus on her when she is talking to you. First, look up from what you are doing, and second, listen. Really listen. Don’t just pretend and nod your head. Focus your attention on her and what she is saying. There likely will be a pop quiz on the information later. 
 
Secret signal 
 
Coaches can communicate with their teams from the sidelines. Take a page from his playbook and come up with a discreet way to say, “I love you” and use it often when you’re in public. 
 
Confidence 
 
Even if you consider your wife to be your equal in every way, she needs you to be strong and confident. Warning: Don’t confuse this as overbearing and brutish. A study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin 
 
showed that men who are confident without being arrogant are more attractive to women. 
 
Shared vision 
 
The adage is opposites attract, but the truth is that common goals keep a relationship strong. Setting and achieving goals keeps both partners engaged in the marriage and helps to see past the immediate obstacles that will inevitably come your way. 
 
A dynamic relationship 
 
The middle years of a relationship can feel like treading water. But, like floating in the ocean, you’re still moving. If you don’t make an effort to grow together, you will find yourself drifting apart. There is no standing still. 
 
Spiritual leadership in your home 
 
Whether religious or agnostic, women are, by nature, more in tune with spiritual matters. This means you have to work at keeping up. If your wife attends a worship service, go with her without complaining. Initiate the invitation to pray together at home. In their book, The Soul-Mate Marriage: The Spiritual Journey of Becoming One, authors David and Lisa Frisbee outline the importance of both partners being spiritually invested in the relationship. 
 
Your shower gel 
 
Her sense of smell is keener than yours. There’s a reason shower gel marketed toward teen boys do so well. Hint: It’s because teen girls — and women — like the smell of a just-washed man. 
 
A best friend 
 
Though you may golf with your buddies every now and then, she needs to talk to her best friend everyday. She needs a bestie who listens to her, who opens up to her and who she can talk to everyday. Acknowledge her need for a best friend and give them time together. She also needs you to be the best friend she can trust. You don’t have to abandon all manliness, but taking a few steps to become her best friend will go a long way. 
 
A good laugh every day 
 
Laughing releases endorphins. We love people who make us smile. Express your affection in silly ways. Be playful in your relationship and have fun together. In the words of actress Joanne Woodward, “Sexiness wears thin after awhile and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that is a treat.” 
 
A little indulgence every now and then 
 
Every once in a while, she just needs a break. Take time to give her a little royal treatment. A nice foot massage, dinner out, or a night in reading a good book may be all she needs to rejuvenate her mind and get the rest and relaxation she needs. 
 
(FamilyShare)

Latest-News 11 Things Your Wife Needs From You But Doesn’t Want To Ask

The good news is your wife isn’t nagging you about these things. The bad news is that she still needs them, but doesn’t want to ask. In your quest to love, honor and cherish your wife, here are a few ways you can give her the signs of affections she…

Nigeria looking to increase tax coverage, says Osinbajo

02:45 Unknown 0

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Nigeria’s government is considering changes to the tax regime as part of efforts to overcome the crisis in Africa’s biggest economy brought on by falling oil prices, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said on Friday. 
 
The sharp drop in crude revenues, which provide 95 percent of foreign earnings, has led to the naira hitting record lows on the parallel market as foreign exchange reserves dwindle. Nigeria is Africa’s top oil producer. 
 
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Crude prices have fallen in the last few days to their lowest levels since 2003, at just over $27 a barrel, although they staged a rebound on Friday. The 2016 budget assumes an oil price of $38 per barrel. 
 
Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun has said Nigeria plans to borrow up to $5 billion from multiple sources, including the Eurobond market, to plug its budget deficit and Osinbajo said changes to taxation were also being considered. 
 
“We are looking at increasing our tax coverage,” Osinbajo, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, told CNBC in a television interview. 
 
“VAT, for instance — we have been doing just about 20 percent coverage. We think that just by increasing coverage we could do much more and so we could earn more in terms of local resources,” he said. 
 
Increasing value-added tax from 5 percent, among the world’s lowest VAT rates, and broadening the tax base were among suggestions put forward by International Monetary Fund head Christine Lagarde during a visit to Nigeria this month. 
 
During her visit, Lagarde also said the IMF did not support foreign exchange restrictions. 
The central bank, whose monetary policy committee will meet on Monday and Tuesday, imposed FX restrictions last year aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves and there have been calls from investors for these to be eased. 
 
“We know that the central bank will just have to do the right thing at this time,” said Osinbajo. 
“The central bank has told us, and it was announced even in the president’s budget speech, that they intend to take a flexible approach and deploy whatever tools are necessary to ensure that we stay competitive.” 
 
The naira NGN=D1, which has been hit by the foreign exchange scarcity, fell to a record low of 305 per dollar on the parallel market last week, compared with the official rate of 197. 
 
The slump has prompted speculation that a formal devaluation of the currency may be imminent.

Latest-News Nigeria looking to increase tax coverage, says Osinbajo

Nigeria’s government is considering changes to the tax regime as part of efforts to overcome the crisis in Africa’s biggest economy brought on by falling oil prices, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said on Friday. The sharp drop in crude revenues, whic…

Fayose owns property in Dubai - APC

01:44 Unknown 0

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The All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State has insisted that Governor Ayodele Fayose is one of Nigerians who own property in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. 
 
The governor had on Thursday declared that he had no house in Dubai, challenging anyone with information of any property linked to him to publish the details. 
 
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The governor, who also said he was ready to waive his immunity to be prosecuted if any house is linked to him in Dubai, said he was not a kind of person that would deny his assets. 
 
But the APC in a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said Fayose’s denial that he had no property in Dubai was an afterthought. 
 
Olatunbosun said the party had raised the alarm many times in the last one year on the governor’s frequent trips to Dubai almost every month after receiving the state’s allocation from Abuja, noting that such trips could not be associated with any trade and investment agreement with the Middle-East country. 
 
“We will rather believe in the official statement of the Government of UAE listing Fayose as a property owner than to believe Fayose who we all know is a pathological liar. Only last December, we raised the alarm that Fayose for the umpteenth time again travelled to Dubai with about N250m Ekiti money when he fraudulently collected estacode for 10 aides who never travelled with him. 
 
“It is the height of insensitivity and wickedness on the part of Governor Fayose, who daily deceives Ekiti workers that Ekiti State is broke, to loot the treasury and invest in property in Dubai. 
 
“Not done, Fayose imposed heavy taxes on Ekiti masses thereby making life difficult for them while he currently owes Ekiti civil servants four months’ salaries even though he collects federal allocation to the state every month, yet he is owing pensioners five months’ arrears while he and his wife travel to Dubai almost interchangeably,” Olatunbosun said.

Latest-News Fayose owns property in Dubai - APC

The All Progressives Congress in Ekiti State has insisted that Governor Ayodele Fayose is one of Nigerians who own property in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The governor had on Thursday declared that he had no house in Dubai, challenging anyone w…

Dasukigate: 21 persons, firms got N54.65bn – FG

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Twenty one individuals and companies received N54.65bn from the $2.1bn arms deal scandal currently rocking the country. 
 
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this while speaking with online publishers in Lagos on Friday, according to a statement issued by the ministry in Abuja. 
 
Making comparison, the minister said what 21 individuals and companies received from the arms deal was higher than what the Federal Government budgeted for zonal intervention programmes across the country in 2015 by N2.83bn, adding that corruption was the reason government programmes don’t make the required impact. 
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He said, “The simple reason is that appropriated funds have ended up in the pockets of a few. 
 
“Whereas the sum of N51.83bn was appropriated for 1,278 projects in the Zonal Intervention Projects for 2015, a total of 21 individuals and companies benefited from the Dasukigate to the tune of N54.66bn as we know so far. 
 
‘“The implication, therefore, is that the amount received by 21 individuals and companies is more than the 2015 Zonal Intervention Project budget by N2.83bn! 
 
“Furthermore, the value of what beneficiaries of Dasukigate contributed to development is zero, compared to how the lives of Nigerians would have been transformed, poverty reduced and livelihoods improved by the Zonal Intervention Projects which would have cost N2.83bn less than Dasukigate.” 
 
Mohammed also said it was not necessary to regulate online publications because the publishers are responsible enough to regulate themselves. 
 
He, however, told the publishers to ensure that they maintain credibility. 
 
“If the online publications suffer credibility problems, they stand the risk of losing the confidence of their readers and the advertisers who provide the lifeblood for the publications’ survival,” he said. 
 
He said while the number of online publications was bound to grow in the days ahead, only the credible ones would continue to enjoy patronage, either from the readers or from the advertisers. 
 
The minister said it was in the interest of government that online publications continue to grow in number because the more the number of such publications, the easier it becomes to bridge the information gap between the government and the governed, and the easier it becomes for the government to carry the citizens along in the formulation and implementation of policies that touch on their lives. 
 
He promised that the Federal Government would patronise the online publications through adverts. 
 
Mohammed said, “All we ask for, in return, is that you provide accurate information to the people, and avoid sensationalism and partisanship. 
 
‘’The National Security Awareness Campaign, aimed at rallying the support of Nigerians for the war on terror, is on-going. Also, the National Sensitisation Campaign against Corruption was formally launched in Abuja on Monday, and it is aimed at rallying Nigerians against the cankerworm of corruption which has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. 
 
“We are also preparing to launch a National Re-orientation Campaign, which is tagged ‘Change Begins With Me’, to achieve a paradigm shift in the way we do things.” 
 
Mohammed described the war against corruption as one of the cardinal programmes of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration 
 
He said, “Some have said the government is dwelling too much on the war against corruption to the detriment of other areas of governance. Our response to that is that indeed, there is nothing like dwelling too much on this war, which is a war of survival for our nation. 
 
“The situation is grim, very grim indeed, as far as corruption is concerned. That is why the Federal Government is embarking on this sensitisation campaign. Our approach is not to vilify anyone but to use facts and figures to give Nigerians a sense of the cost of corruption.” 
 
He appealed to online publishers to support the war against corruption by ensuring that Nigerians are well informed about the evils of corruption.

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