EXPOSED: Things you should know about Rev King and his death sentence

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEUlep0zyo7CVqigYzkQ3AT6DsYHeJmXSe6Jk-GZsExus_CqHSwL5qUpJ-qlL8NTtspry1LsMhv2AQnps1g1W7PdwXJMGiawe2nZyJwU9uy8-IVhqpXTDSJl-soBlEkAPtUole1eCtYc/s1600/rev+king+hNG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEUlep0zyo7CVqigYzkQ3AT6DsYHeJmXSe6Jk-GZsExus_CqHSwL5qUpJ-qlL8NTtspry1LsMhv2AQnps1g1W7PdwXJMGiawe2nZyJwU9uy8-IVhqpXTDSJl-soBlEkAPtUole1eCtYc/s400/rev+king+hNG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Yesterday, The Supreme Court has okayed the convicted General-Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a.k.a Rev. King to die by hanging. In a unanimous judgment Friday afternoon, a seven-man panel of Justices ‎of the apex court led by Justice Walter Onnoghen, upheld the death sentence that was earlier handed to Ezeugo by the Lagos State High Court.<br /> <br /> However below are some facts we want you to know about Rev King.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b><br /></b> <b>Full Name:</b> Chukwuemeka Ezeugo<br /> <br /> <b>Aliases:</b> Reverend King;His Holiness<br /> <br /> <b>Designation:</b> General Overseer, Christian Praying Assembly (CPA) Worldwide, Canal View Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos.<br /> <br /> <b>Education:</b> Premier Primary School, Onitsha; read Psychology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State<br /> <br /> <b>Date first arraigned in court:</b> September 26, 2006<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>Trial judge:</b> Justice Joseph Oyewole of Lagos High Court<br /> <br /> <b>Charges:</b> Six- count charge of attempted murder and murder<br /> <br /> <b>Verdict of High Court on January 11,2007:</b> 20 years imprisonment for attempted murder and death by hanging for murder.<br /> <br /> <b>Verdict of Court of Appeal on February 1,2013:</b> High Court judgment affirmed by Justices Fatima Akinbami, Amina Augie and Ibrahim Saulawa.<br /> <br /> <b>Verdict of Supreme Court on February 26,2016:</b> Death sentence upheld.<br /> <br /> <b>King’s defence</b><br /> <br /> *”I was arrested by heavily armed policemen who alleged that I poured fuel on some members of my church and set them ablaze. It was a very surprising thing to me and I was stunned when they came for me.”<br /> <br /> *”In any case, why must I pour fuel on my worshippers? That day in question, 20 members of my church wedded and after that, I proceeded to my house. We were all feeling very happy. In my residence that evening, I heard shouts of Daddy. The screams came from one of my daughters (his female followers), Kelechi. I was wearing shorts and I ran down from upstairs.<br /> <br /> *”I saw flames of fire on my daughter, Ann. When I came down, one man was helping to douse the fire on her, while some other people were there. I helped in drawing her to the tap, but the tap was not running. I was also praying while trying to save her. Fortunately, the fire went off.”<br /> <br /> *”We then took her to the nearest hospital where she started receiving treatment.”<br /> <br /> *”I am a preacher. I know that the spirit of witchcraft is against the Almighty God. If somebody is a liar, he is bewitching God. I don’t condone lie. Dr. King does not condone sin. I flog a lot. I have canes. If husband and wife mess up by having misunderstanding, I have to settle them.”<br /> <br /> *”But the person that is at fault must be flogged. If the person refuses to be flogged, I will send him out of the church.”<br /> <br /> <b>I served Rev Emeka King while naked</b><br /> <br /> – Witness<br /> <br /> A prosecution witness in the case against King, Susan Chizobar Onuorah, told the High Court that she was always stark naked whenever she wanted to serve him.<br /> <br /> Led in evidence by the then Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, the witness said: “When I came to live with the accused (Rev. King), he told me that I would be his permanent maid and that I would agree not to marry.<br /> <br /> “He said anytime I wanted to serve him, I must be stark naked which I did. No pants, no bra, I would be completely nude before him and I did this not once, not twice, but for several years.<br /> <br /> “He also ordered me not to tell any member of my family where I was living. He gave me a ring which I always put on to indicate that I am his permanent maid and all this he made me to put into writing. I am a member of the Lord’s Army and we bully people, putting fear into them and molesting them.<br /> <br /> “He is a very violent person; he would beat us mercilessly, and as a result, we always have wounds on our bodies. He called himself god, the owner of the universe and could do anything. We know this is not so, but out of fear, we could not challenge him.<br /> <br /> “On the 22nd of July 2006, the day of the fire incident, a sister named Kelechi came to call me from the Boys’ Quarters of the accused’s house where we were staying. She said the accused wanted to see me.<br /> <br /> “When I got to him, he did not even allow me to kneel down as we usually did when talking to him before he started beating me with stick, rod and anything he could find. I started crying, shouting and begging him not to kill me.<br /> <br /> “It was then I noticed others who were there: Cosy, Chiejile, Jessica, Ann, Vivian and Kelechi. He accused me that I lied to him that Chiejile did not sleep with me, whereas Chiejile had confessed to him that he slept with me. But Chiejile never did. He only said that so that the accused would not kill him.<br /> <br /> “He said he would kill all of us. He then asked Kelechi to go and bring fuel and matches, but when she brought them, he told her that the petrol was not enough and that she should go and bring more which was brought in a very large plastic container.<br /> <br /> “He then marched us out of the room, saying he did not want to burn his rug and chairs. While we were outside his room, but within the church compound, Kelechi poured petrol on us on his orders and he struck the first match which did not catch fire.<br /> <br /> “When he struck the second match, we were all engulfed in fire, but I did not know how I managed to escape from there and I ran back to our apartment. When I noticed that Ann had been taken to the hospital, I ran out in my night gown and I never came back to the church.<br /> <br /> “I came out of the place by the grace of God. I am free now; I am no longer under the spell of the accused person.”<br /> <br /> Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria not to make haste in carrying out the death sentence passed on Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, the General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly, by the Supreme Court on Friday.<br /> Leader of the group, Chief Udo Udeogaranya, made the appeal after the Supreme Court threw out Rev King’s appeal against the death sentence passed on him in 2007 by a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Joseph Oyewole.<br /> <br /> <b>Don’t kill Rev King, Igbo group begs FG</b><br /> <br /> According to Udeogaranya, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government should “commute the sentence and grant him pardon as Nigeria stands to gain nothing by shedding blood.<br /> “This plea is premised on the ground that many Nigerians still hold Rev. Ezeugo as their spiritual leader even in various prisons and that the initial trial in Lagos as purportedly put forward by his lawyer Mr. Olalekan Ojo and published by national dailies was a miscarriage of justice in which the lawyer made certain points that demanded a second thought.<br /> <br /> “Ojo argued that his client did not commit the crime and was not at the scene of the incident. He insisted that the deceased, Ann Uzoh, had in two statements she made after the incident and before her death, stated that she got burnt in a generator accident and that the cleric was not responsible for her injuries.<br /> <br /> “Ojo said the Investigating Police Officer, IPO, had tendered statements which stated that Ezeugo was not responsible for the burns that led to Uzoh’s death. He alleged that the trial Judge refused to admit in evidence, the statements he said exonerated Ezeugo of the crime.<br /> <br /> “The lawyer further contended had those ‘vital exhibits’ been admitted rather than expunged by the trial judge, they would have operated to cast serious doubt on the case of the prosecution. He maintained that Justice Oyewole’s refusal to admit the exhibits in evidence ‘occasioned a great miscarriage of justice’ against his client.”

Latest-News EXPOSED: Things you should know about Rev King and his death sentence

Yesterday, The Supreme Court has okayed the convicted General-Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a.k.a Rev. K...

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CBN targets N200 per dollar parallel market rate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJlrrxrwn_-nMN1SgrMiNEOZM9S5_nE0f01RiITMN0OxX8ROxjO0yxZU2dfPt2Jo5iWBkUYFyfVHM2XzLrpcAdUheJGthSe_IG7BqZITOVsnheQsf5Kh4OHpqor_2vCmKoicfJpEU8aY/s1600/emefiele-CBN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJlrrxrwn_-nMN1SgrMiNEOZM9S5_nE0f01RiITMN0OxX8ROxjO0yxZU2dfPt2Jo5iWBkUYFyfVHM2XzLrpcAdUheJGthSe_IG7BqZITOVsnheQsf5Kh4OHpqor_2vCmKoicfJpEU8aY/s400/emefiele-CBN.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is targeting a N200 to dollar exchange rate in the parallel market.<br /> <br /> The naira which yesterday traded at N330 to dollar in the parallel market is expected to appreciate speedily, as the impact of the CBN’s measures to stabilise the currency volatility in the parallel market begin to materialise.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a> President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) said the N330 rate in the parallel market is an improvement from last week’s rate when the naira exchanged for N391 to dollar.<br /> <br /> The strident calls by the IMF and some foreign interest for Nigeria to devalue its currency and the artificial spike in Forex rate created by Bureau De Change operators appears to have tanked. This has been linked to a complex and integrated currency management approaches deployed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).<br /> <br /> According to a top source in the apex Bank, “The aim of CBN is to ensure that the divergence between the official and parallel rate does not exceed N3, so we are looking at a parallel market rate of N200/$ because the downward trend in the pressure on the naira will be sustained.<br /> <br /> “The CBN has the capacity to sustain the downward pressure and will deploy further currency management initiatives, while capitalising on fiscal policies of the federal government to remain in support of non-devaluation of the Naira. The current stand of the federal government on Nigeria’s legal tender is Non-Devaluation. It will be unwise for anybody to be hoarding dollars because we can assure you that naira appreciation is going to trend upwards going forward.”<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> So far, the CBN in a bid to manage the pressure on supply has deployed over $11.7billion to support Agricultural Sector, SMEs, manufacturers and others. This has reduced patronage of black market by end-users and has forced rent seekers to dump the greenback thereby creating a dollar-glut in the black-market.<br /> <br /> The source noted that it has been observed that most of the imports that were draining forex resources have since found local substitutes with attendant savings in forex and shortage of demand for the greenback, which was fuelling the pressure, this is also coming on the heels of the CBN instruction to commercial banks to publish allocation of forex to end-users. This has in recent times ensured that the real sector of the economy and genuine users for education and medicals have been able to access Forex at official rate.<br /> <br /> Industry analysts have also described the development as a game changer for majority of local manufacturers in Nigeria. The manufacturers acknowledged that the impact of CBN policy on forex since, its inception has more than doubled their productive capacity, with attendant benefits in terms of expansion to meet increasingly higher demands for their products and services.<br /> <br /> The Analysts said, “Conveniently, since the CBN foreign exchange policy came into existence, production capacity by local manufacturers has increased from 50 per cent to 70 per cent. This has impacted on their propensity to increase exports with higher volumes which is expected to also earn Nigeria commensurate higher foreign exchange earnings.”<br /> <br /> Speaking further, the analysts are of the opinion that the policy has helped the local manufacturers to realise the urgent need to expand because of increasing demands for their products.

Latest-News CBN targets N200 per dollar parallel market rate

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is targeting a N200 to dollar exchange rate in the parallel market. The naira which yesterday traded ...

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Don’t kill Rev King, Igbo group begs FG

<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDT0udYI3e3Ow_1bisXhaRGw-z4jLnR0vrTU4HyT9Rg1hjLm57jcilXQOxz3kbHkc9Qjl2-U5h1ZjjS9q0lndjT3YnLAtKYh1i_jmCdjLhk0NNKqBSZusKN7SXd-jthgZtZjOC9XHJyU/s1600/Rev-King-480x336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDT0udYI3e3Ow_1bisXhaRGw-z4jLnR0vrTU4HyT9Rg1hjLm57jcilXQOxz3kbHkc9Qjl2-U5h1ZjjS9q0lndjT3YnLAtKYh1i_jmCdjLhk0NNKqBSZusKN7SXd-jthgZtZjOC9XHJyU/s400/Rev-King-480x336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria not to make haste in carrying out the death sentence passed on Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, the General Overseer of Christian Praying Assembly, by the Supreme Court on Friday.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leader of the group, Chief Udo Udeogaranya, made the appeal after the Supreme Court threw out Rev King’s appeal against the death sentence passed on him in 2007 by a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Joseph Oyewole.</span></div> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Udeogaranya, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government should “commute the sentence and grant him pardon as Nigeria stands to gain nothing by shedding blood.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“This plea is premised on the ground that many Nigerians still hold Rev. Ezeugo as their spiritual leader even in various prisons and that the initial trial in Lagos as purportedly put forward by his lawyer Mr. Olalekan Ojo and published by national dailies was a miscarriage of justice in which the lawyer made certain points that demanded a second thought.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Ojo argued that his client did not commit the crime and was not at the scene of the incident. He insisted that the deceased, Ann Uzoh, had in two statements she made after the incident and before her death, stated that she got burnt in a generator accident and that the cleric was not responsible for her injuries.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Ojo said the Investigating Police Officer, IPO, had tendered statements which stated that Ezeugo was not responsible for the burns that led to Uzoh’s death. He alleged that the trial Judge refused to admit in evidence, the statements he said exonerated Ezeugo of the crime.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“The lawyer further contended had those ‘vital exhibits’ been admitted rather than expunged by the trial judge, they would have operated to cast serious doubt on the case of the prosecution. He maintained that Justice Oyewole’s refusal to admit the exhibits in evidence ‘occasioned a great miscarriage of justice’ against his client.”</span></div>

Latest-News Don’t kill Rev King, Igbo group begs FG

Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria not to make haste in carrying out the death sen...

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We’ll beat Egypt, pick 2017 AFCON ticket, Siasia assures

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlnHhSPaum5dDAe3r4yH1cf61xBRKbgRH3MrjtEfJi-z9Jso884sGGn4aXwUfc7cfbAtEtuUU1F_905GzUqCXWTj_dbIMPfw6vy18Xb8e9jY1lGisc9uvENKaZOgpw_cYaCiHEHTEZFQ/s1600/Samson-Siasia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlnHhSPaum5dDAe3r4yH1cf61xBRKbgRH3MrjtEfJi-z9Jso884sGGn4aXwUfc7cfbAtEtuUU1F_905GzUqCXWTj_dbIMPfw6vy18Xb8e9jY1lGisc9uvENKaZOgpw_cYaCiHEHTEZFQ/s400/Samson-Siasia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Super Eagles’ Interim Head Coach Samson Siasia on Friday assured that the consortium of coaches put together for the team would secure a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ticket.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Siasia gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Abuja shortly after the Technical and Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), announced his appointment.</span></div> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He said the experience of the coaches, who include 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Emmanuel Amuneke, as well as Salisu Yusuf and Alloy Agu, would see the team through.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NAN reports that both Yusuf, as Assistant Coach 2, and Alloy Agu, as Goalkeepers Trainer, had served under Sunday Oliseh who quit earlier on Friday.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“It is an emergency assignment. If they (the NFF) say we should do the rescue job, we have to do it for the sake of Nigeria.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“We will go for the best legs. I mean players with commitment, to ensure that we qualify ahead of Egypt.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“We will look at the players we believe can help the team, including Vincent Enyeama and Emmanuel Emenike who retired from the team last year.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“The coaching crew will sit down and make up the list, and the Egyptians must fall as far as we are now in charge,” Siasia said.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NAN reports that a consortium of coaches, led by Siasia, was appointed on Friday by the NFF on interim basis following the resignation of Sunday Oliseh earlier in the day.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Siasia will work with Yusuf, Amuneke and Agu for the upcoming 2017 AFCON qualifiers against Egypt next month.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NAN recalls that Siasia steered the Nigerian under-20 team to the African title in 2005 and led the team to the runner-up spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in The Netherlands the same year.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He also led the under-23 team to the silver medal in the men’s football event of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two months ago, he had led Nigeria to win the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal which ensured the country’s qualification for this year’s Olympics in Rio, Brazil.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As Super Eagles players, Siasia and Amuneke both scored as Nigeria achieved an impressive debut at the FIFA World Cup in the U.S. in 1994.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amuneke scored against Bulgaria and Italy, while Siasia scored against Argentina.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amuneke also scored the two goals as Nigeria edged Zambia to win the AFCON for the first time on away soil in Tunisia in 1994.</span></div> <div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; line-height: 16.8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He also scored the winner as Nigeria defeated Argentina to win Africa’s first Olympics football gold in the U.S. two years later.</span></div>

Latest-News We’ll beat Egypt, pick 2017 AFCON ticket, Siasia assures

Super Eagles’ Interim Head Coach Samson Siasia on Friday assured that the consortium of coaches put together for the team would secure a 2...

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'Oliseh ran Eagles’ camp like a dictator'

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0abgpLdQa-65F5qXq_eWLbqe6S1v2eYw-KA5P2h5nYb5Xahit6laOjxINAo6qz2mHN4grR0V6FFBCd5z14KGY4vWOJkkS5uRTK8QT0EG-6CfFHRtt0xxCkpew4TpWZiGbr-8lE7tCzk/s1600/oliseh+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0abgpLdQa-65F5qXq_eWLbqe6S1v2eYw-KA5P2h5nYb5Xahit6laOjxINAo6qz2mHN4grR0V6FFBCd5z14KGY4vWOJkkS5uRTK8QT0EG-6CfFHRtt0xxCkpew4TpWZiGbr-8lE7tCzk/s400/oliseh+e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Hours after chief coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh tendered his resignation letter to his employer, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, revelations have begun to come out on how he ran the camp of the senior national team when he was in charge.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Assistant Director (Media) in the Communications Department of the NFF, Ademola Olajire revealed Friday night during an interview on African Independent Television, AIT that Oliseh ran Eagles’ camp like a despot and he was an unrepentant arrogant person.<br /> <br /> Olajire said that his despotic action led to the untimely retirement of former Eagles’ captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama as well as striker Emmanuel Emenike.<br /> <br /> Olajire told Nigerians that the erstwhile coach’s attitude forced the two players to their early retirement despite their importance in the national team.<br /> <br /> “We all saw what Emenike did for his English club last weekend. The player is still in good scoring form.<br /> <br /> “I’m happy that Samson Siasia and other coaches have been mandated to reach out to the best of our players anywhere they may be around the world for the matches against Egypt next month,” he said.<br /> <br /> Olajire said that everybody in the NFF was taken with surprise by Oliseh’s action who was just being paid his salary arrears running to N20 million.<br /> <br /> “We have to move on as a nation. That was why we chose coaches who were winners for this country in the past and we believe that they will deliver.<br /> “We are aware of the difficult the games against Egypt pose for us, but we will be ready,” Olajire said.<br /> <br /> Nigeria will host the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna on 25 March in the first leg of Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series and four days later, they will play the second leg in Cairo.<br /> <br /> The NFF’s Media Officer also noted that the recalling of Siasia to the Eagles was to show to the world that there is no permanent enemy in football.<br /> <br /> On 4 November, 2010, Siasia was named as the national team coach to succeed Swedish Lars Lagerbäck. He was fired on 28 October, 2011 for failing to take the Super Eagles to the 2012 African Nations Cup which was hosted in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Latest-News 'Oliseh ran Eagles’ camp like a dictator'

Hours after chief coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh tendered his resignation letter to his employer, Nigeria Football Federa...

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Naira depreciates against the dollar

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbWPGjYDJj5fysAlNlUgd2ZR5f1a_GBJ7m_cwfBq7gv19-fgZ3yTxG-XunVBmyeN4d4_MyrplwZJAN8BmDMC4LGZtqS3-KOywYj46L0CC_Kup05k7l63pcqmbC3buJ81rJJ0D3FqqJIQ/s1600/Naira-and-dollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbWPGjYDJj5fysAlNlUgd2ZR5f1a_GBJ7m_cwfBq7gv19-fgZ3yTxG-XunVBmyeN4d4_MyrplwZJAN8BmDMC4LGZtqS3-KOywYj46L0CC_Kup05k7l63pcqmbC3buJ81rJJ0D3FqqJIQ/s640/Naira-and-dollar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Naira on Friday depreciated against the dollar at the parallel market closing at N320.<br /> <br /> The Naira lost N10 to a dollar from N310 exchanged on Thursday.<br /> <br /> At the official market, the Nigerian currency closed at N197 to the dollar.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> However, the Naira to the Pounds in the same market traded at N435 as against the N450 traded a day before.<br /> <br /> The Naira gained N15 to the Pounds.<br /> <br /> It also appreciated by N10 against the Euro, exchanging at N360 from the N370 sold on Thursday.<br /> Traders in the parallel market were optimistic that the Naira would gain further by next week.

Latest-News Naira depreciates against the dollar

The Naira on Friday depreciated against the dollar at the parallel market closing at N320. The Naira lost N10 to a dollar from N310 exc...

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AirFrance-KLM replaces planes on Nigerian routes

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwllcfnC-kEQzbsj3ix2s34CrKu3bq61sYjacl1F7aqwVXdCqkGUE30aZeQ63u2pypnesnhrnMeVJxWuJHF-i0Ma-gAPTufo_sWYSrHC2oCXE1WbyvOiJ7OFCfzY8rDDCbpNifzXhjbg/s1600/plane+in+air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwllcfnC-kEQzbsj3ix2s34CrKu3bq61sYjacl1F7aqwVXdCqkGUE30aZeQ63u2pypnesnhrnMeVJxWuJHF-i0Ma-gAPTufo_sWYSrHC2oCXE1WbyvOiJ7OFCfzY8rDDCbpNifzXhjbg/s400/plane+in+air.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Europe-based mega carrier, AirFrance-KLM, says it will change its planes servicing the Lagos-Paris and Lagos-Amsterdam routes effective March 27, 2016.<br /> <br /> The airline said the development was part of the plans to meet its customers’ needs and improve services on the Nigerian routes.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The General Manager, AirFrance-KLM, Mr. Jean-Raoul Tauzin, stated these when the carrier hosted its customers to a dinner in Lagos recently.<br /> <br /> He said, “From March 27, 2016, we will be having the Boeing 777-200 on KLM’s Lagos-Amsterdam route. This aircraft is fitted with the new KLM cabins, full-flat seats in the World Business Class and extra legroom in the economy class. This means more comfort for our customers irrespective of the class they fly in. A new in-flight entertainment system is also available in the two cabins.<br /> <br /> “On Air France’s Lagos-Paris route, we will also be changing our aircraft starting March 27, 2016. We will operate the Airbus 340-300 from March 27, till May 4, then the Boeing 777-200 for five months before having the A340-300 back again in October. Both aircrafts are spacious, offering more legroom and overall comfort.”<br /> <br /> The dinner was meant to thank all the carrier’s customers for their continued patronage and support over the past years.<br /> <br /> Tauzin said the forum also afforded the management of the airline to get feedback on areas to improve its services from the customers.<br /> <br /> In his welcome address, he said, “Thank you all for your continued patronage and support for both Air France and KLM: Through the good and the bad times you have been with us and trust us to take care of your safety and comfort on ground as well as on board our flights.<br /> <br /> “You have grown from being our esteemed clients to being esteemed members of our “BLUE” family. The success of our company would not have been possible without the support of you our customers so I say once again thank you”<br /> <br /> The dinner had in attendance over 150 guests including Chief Jonathan Olopade who is one of the airline’s pioneer customers in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Olopade has been flying KLM and Air France for more than 50 years.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Tauzin stated that the joint carrier had taken delivery of its second Boeing 787 Dreamliner recently.<br /> <br /> The aircraft will serve Abu Dhabi and Bahrain routes, while it will also be deployed to the Dubai and Rio de Janeiro routes during the winter season.<br /> <br /> The AirFrance-KLM boss noted that the carrier had opened new routes with some being operated with in conjunction with its SkyTeam partners.

Latest-News AirFrance-KLM replaces planes on Nigerian routes

Europe-based mega carrier, AirFrance-KLM, says it will change its planes servicing the Lagos-Paris and Lagos-Amsterdam routes effective M...

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FG confirms MTN’s N50 Billion lodgement as part payment

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFC1CzZSh6ouHgEZJqT24zZUif5_iSsbYJsUFnILng60RZQ5W3czI1ta92jCQX33GjNDKjWssxwA2KnkdsYAJ5INHxhnlzWVwcE94OkE9v2zVhjIVnXoo9zCKFz2ITVgp6r_V9_1mFpE/s1600/MTN-NCC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBFC1CzZSh6ouHgEZJqT24zZUif5_iSsbYJsUFnILng60RZQ5W3czI1ta92jCQX33GjNDKjWssxwA2KnkdsYAJ5INHxhnlzWVwcE94OkE9v2zVhjIVnXoo9zCKFz2ITVgp6r_V9_1mFpE/s400/MTN-NCC.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Federal Government has confirmed the payment of N50 billion by Mtn as part payment of the N1.04 trillion fine by the Nigerian Communications Commission.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a>Confirming this to newsmen on Friday, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Communications, Mr. Victor Oluwadamilare, said the payment by telecom company was made with a precursor for an out of court settlement over the matter.<br /> <br /> Oluwadamilare, who had on Wednesday told newsmen that the development had not been made official as it was still under federal government’s scrutiny, said the development was in line with promised by MTN to amicably resolve the issue with NCC.<br /> <br /> The Nigerian telecom operator, MTN Nigeria had on Wednesday announced the payment of $250 million as part of the N1.04 trillion fine imposed on it by industry regulator. It will be recalled that the NCC had in October 2015, slammed a fine of N1.04 trillion on MTN for its failure to deactivate over 500,000 unregistered subscribers after series of warning had were issued by the regulator to terminate them.<br /> <br /> The company was originally given a fine of $5.2 billion in October, 2015, and after weeks of lobbying by the telecom company, the fine was reduced by 25 percent ($3.9 billion). MTN Group went to court to challenge the legality of NCC to impose such a huge fine on it but failed to argue its case to logical conclusion.<br /> <br /> Not satisfied, the telecom company also went further to hire a former U.S. attorney general to help challenge the propriety of the fine. The former U.S. law enforcement officer, Eric Holder is said to have pleaded with Nigerian officials last month on behalf of the telecoms company without any fruitful outcome. After hearing the case, the presiding judge in January gave the two parties a two month period to settle out of court .<br /> <br />  However, effort to confirm the development from MTN spokesperson did not yield result. A judge in Lagos also had last month gave both parties until March 18 to reach a settlement, after MTN had asked the court to arbitrate over the dispute, saying the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had no legal grounds to order the fine.<br /> <br /> It was also gathered that MTN on Wednesday resolved to withdraw its court challenge in an effort to reach an amicable settlement and make a payment of $250 million towards a possible settlement.

Latest-News FG confirms MTN’s N50 Billion lodgement as part payment

The Federal Government has confirmed the payment of N50 billion by Mtn as part payment of the N1.04 trillion fine by the Nigerian Communi...

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Mimiko has failed Ondo people, says APC guber aspirant

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvDyUo6sif1KWUMVXw9-v19GG3FWOjAs-ZpV2a5Q9-bNv3wkY3n8-iS9gEG6ij9pXNKLcDxJCnFU-AwHhk1nOufurVWou0Tz_V8PjhWUUMfoEt3kgj3sBpVQ99M9-nFXTg3RcspVdusc/s1600/Olusegun-Mimiko+ondo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvDyUo6sif1KWUMVXw9-v19GG3FWOjAs-ZpV2a5Q9-bNv3wkY3n8-iS9gEG6ij9pXNKLcDxJCnFU-AwHhk1nOufurVWou0Tz_V8PjhWUUMfoEt3kgj3sBpVQ99M9-nFXTg3RcspVdusc/s640/Olusegun-Mimiko+ondo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Ahead of the November date for the governorship election in Ondo State, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akin Akingbade, has declared that the state is in dire need of a governor who would be pragmatic enough to deal with the challenges facing the masses in reasonable and logical ways.<br /> <br /> Akingbade, who spoke with newsmen shortly after meeting some prominent leaders of his party in Akure, the state capital, lamented that the economic woes confronting the state were as a result of mismanagement o the state funds by the Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s administration.<br /> <br /> Akingbade wondered why Mimiko based the financing of the state N118billion 2016 budget on oil money despite the challenges facing the sector.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The idea of relying on oil for financing the budget would only push the state into more debt, because when oil money is not enough, the government would resort to loans to finance some of its projects. Don’t forget that the state is still servicing a debt of about $52million.”<br /> <br /> The governorship hopeful noted that the state should start thinking of diversifying the economy by focusing on the agricultural sector, saying the sector remains the only way of survival for the state.<br /> <br /> “Ondo State should stop relying on oil. Let us have a government that is not oil-based at all. You know that before oil came, Ondo State was into agriculture.<br /> <br /> “In 1976, former President Olusegun Obasanjo started a programme called Operation Feed the Nation. During that time, there was so much food in the country.<br /> <br /> “Why can’t we start a similar programme in Ondo State? We are supposed to be the food basket of the nation. We have so many products that can be showcased. We have farm produce like cashew, yam, cassava, cocoa-yam and several others. It is unfortunate that we are living in the midst of plenty, but at the same time we are suffering.”

Latest-News Mimiko has failed Ondo people, says APC guber aspirant

Ahead of the November date for the governorship election in Ondo State, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Co...

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Nigeria today! The Naira, the Dollar and the heat in our houses - Leke Ademo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMii0utSZfMEMO6h-b_c_LP44xG3zxmgp6gN1NrIMoNLACZYOYOhSOWwj5mhGqt4tXl3dXaqSUPEntGgjb4Gdnnoj8Tff3JfeyFDOM8AvH8APScERGcCI_kTWRQdhdMchun4DN1nh0MlY/s1600/naira+dollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMii0utSZfMEMO6h-b_c_LP44xG3zxmgp6gN1NrIMoNLACZYOYOhSOWwj5mhGqt4tXl3dXaqSUPEntGgjb4Gdnnoj8Tff3JfeyFDOM8AvH8APScERGcCI_kTWRQdhdMchun4DN1nh0MlY/s400/naira+dollar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> I grew up in Nigeria at a time when Nigeria was still in its early developmental stage, certain areas seem to have been on a decline.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a> It didn’t start today, it has been declining for years, but we did little about it until it became part of us. It is not just the naira, what about the heat in our houses? Lack of a maintenance culture has contributed to the situation we find ourselves presently.<br /> <br />  I grew up believing in a Nigeria that would someday become a global power. I read about the heroes of our past, I read the Nigerian history from the time Tubman Dashwood Goldie started selling palm oil to the time when the British took over the affairs of governance. Nigerians fought for self-governance, it was granted but many years down the line, many things have declined. Some even say we were not prepared; they justify their claim with our poor management culture. We need a strong reorientation!<br /> <br /> We must believe in our nation. So many things that cannot be done in developed countries are seen as normal here which should not be so. We purchase foreign goods when we have ‘good’ substitutes. For people who have experienced poverty for a long time, there is almost nothing you can tell them that would make them listen to you as you give them reasons for them not to purchase foreign goods especially when they have just stumbled on wealth – their lifelong heart desire!<br /> <br /> Just before you think that I am against foreign goods, I am not; I am for excellence and development. We have to understand that our Country needs to build its maintenance culture. We saw the naira gradually going down when it was exchanging to the dollar at N160, we didn’t do much about it then, even with the electricity situation, we saw it gradually declining, yet we invested more in generators. Now even the costs of generators have gone high.<br /> <br /> We need to take this seriously and find lasting solutions to it. Just before you think I am in support of our substandard locally produced goods (which is the excuse some people have to buy foreign goods), during my youth service program in Oyo State, a friend of mine bought a ‘kongo’ (the locally measuring container for the sale of rice) of locally planted rice for me.<br /> <br />  I was excited to eat it because I was patronising Nigeria, but that changed after cooking it because I began to eat stones. Since that day I decided that I wasn’t going to eat it again.<br /> <br /> That is not to say that Nigerian rice is not good. What I would suggest the government agencies in charge should ensure that it is only quality goods to be sold. This can be achieved the way NAFDAC under Dora Akunyili ensured that only quality food and drugs were sold. Most people prefer buying foreign goods because of the quality.<br /> <br /> <br /> Our government have a major part to play in this. We can invest again in agriculture and other natural resources that we have competitive advantage over other countries. In my development class of my final year, these are the things we examined. Every country must look inwards and look for the things that they have competitive advantage over other countries and begin to export.<br /> <br /> Nigeria has a lot. I recently did a study on Dubai were I read about how a desert place like Dubai can become a global tourist attraction with edifices like the Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, etc which helps to boost the Gross Domestic Income and also have effect on the per capita income because the average person would have a job to do. That’s their competitive advantage. Nigeria is a country with resources that can give us that competitive advantage in various sectors, but we have been developmentally lazy.<br /> <br /> We need to learn from other countries that have similar developmental metrics like Nigeria. China is one of them. China looked inwards. Have you ever wondered why Nigerian students travel abroad and graduate with distinctions while they were only average students in their home country? The government needs to create the enabling environment for this to thrive. A young Chinese boy can create an ICT gadget for you. It is not because he is smarter than the average Nigerian; it’s just that they have the enabling environment for it to thrive.<br /> <br /> Today, ICT has changed the way we do a lot of things and it has the capacity to employ thousands of people in Nigeria within the few years. If government can take the bull by the horn and invest in ICT Nigeria would soon become a global a first world country. Social Media which is an offshoot of ICT, has great potentials as well, it is also generating income for many in the country right now, but it can be better.<br /> <br /> I believe the government is sincere with this, I wish I had a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, I would pour out my heart to him on how we can maximise the talents we have in Nigeria. Some of what our students are learning are outdated.<br /> <br />  We need to be more practical with what we do. We have to build ICT centres where our students can do practical things.<br /> <br /> We have to look inwards to make use of the researches that many of our graduates have done. If we are sincere with this our ‘so much talk’ on how to move Nigeria forward, we must look inwards. We have the talents already; we need the enabling environment to maximise it. What is it that our counterparts abroad have?<br /> <br /> It’s basically the enabling environment! We are so bothered about goods that we forget that people are much more important. Facebook, Twitter, Google, Microsoft, etc, we have today all started because there was the enabling environment for those entrepreneurs to grow. Today those ideas that were in single individuals have become corporations that add on a large scale to the GDP of the countries they are part of. We need to develop our people!<br /> <br /> Tai Solarin was of the opinion that we need to give up our love for foreign products and look inwards. Indians tried in their fight for their progress as well; today their manufacturing industry is thriving. They decided to wear their own home-made clothes; even Russians were proud of Russian-made cars. What are we proud of in Nigeria? Today we have made in Nigeria cars from Innoson motors. We need to support them and other innovative companies and individuals.<br /> <br /> I read about Unilag graduate who, in conjunction with his colleagues invented a car. All the resources might be imported, but gradually, as more research is done, we would be able to manufacture everything here. That’s what some developed countries did.<br /> <br /> <br /> Today, as the issues of the naira is trending, the heat many are experiencing as a result of the weather is also an issue we need to look into. We have little to do about the issue of the weather, but we have certain pragmatic steps to take about the electricity situation in our houses. It is only those that can afford to put on their generators or inverters all through the night that are enjoying this season before the rains come again.<br /> <br /> The heat people face is nothing to ‘write abroad about’. It’s serious! This may not be much of an issue if the distribution companies that are supposed to see to the electricity distribution in the country and doing their jobs the way Nigerians want.<br /> <br />  We have heard of several reasons why there is no steady electricity in most parts of the country. The annoying thing is that despite the fact that there is no electricity supply, the DISCOs as they are called still continue the bad habits of the then NEPA to bring electricity incoherent electricity bills. They don’t read the metres and they bring annoying bills.<br /> <br /> I suggest that the government makes it mandatory for the DISCOs to release prepaid metres to citizens of Nigeria at affordable prices; this would help in solving this issue of overcharging. That’s however just a part to it, we need to find lasting solutions to the issue of electricity generation and supply. The government should also set up systems where we can examine other means of generating electricity at cheaper rates for national consumption.<br /> <br /> The minister involved with power, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola is someone that has a track record of achievement. I believe he should look into it, because when we have stable electricity, we would have more businesses thriving and more foreigners would invest in our country, more Nigerians would have access to creative ways to innovate.<br /> <br /> The Nigeria of my dreams is such that the naira is doing well in the international market, electricity is stable and development is the order of the day because the enabling environment for businesses to thrive exists!<br /> <br /> This is my Nigeria!<br /> All the best!<br /> <br /> <b><i>Leke Ademo is a Content Developer and Social Media Manager by Profession; a Sociologist and Research Consultant by training and a Teen passionate Inspirational Speaker and Writer. He can be reached on ademoadeleke@gmail.com or @lekeademo on twitter and +2348077454779.</i></b><br /> <br />

Latest-News Nigeria today! The Naira, the Dollar and the heat in our houses - Leke Ademo

I grew up in Nigeria at a time when Nigeria was still in its early developmental stage, certain areas seem to have been on a decline. ...

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PDP raises alarm over fake online registration portal

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinAFmaZO4IipQBQzmcpN42yc_rSebgOVviRH0FN69d_5ONCD0QLQpYtGRwrPauuzYE_JVwFV3-H2k2NSC8DmD-4eBTJe61jobs2UOezYEHrLiI5KgpG8MP_7W89Mmar7zFa4Rz5XokUY/s1600/PDP-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinAFmaZO4IipQBQzmcpN42yc_rSebgOVviRH0FN69d_5ONCD0QLQpYtGRwrPauuzYE_JVwFV3-H2k2NSC8DmD-4eBTJe61jobs2UOezYEHrLiI5KgpG8MP_7W89Mmar7zFa4Rz5XokUY/s400/PDP-logo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, alerted members of the party and the general public of a fake online registration portal- www.pdpmembership.org/register, stating that the portal neither belongs to the party or is the party associated with it.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a> In a statement signed by Richard Ihediwa, special assistant to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP raised alarm that the brains behind the fake portal have been requesting Nigerians to register as members of the party through an electronically guided form.<br /> <br />  The statement read: “The PDP states categorically that this online portal does not belong to it, neither is it associated to the party. The fake registration portal has nothing to do with it at any level and in anyway whatsoever.<br /> <br /> “For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP has not commenced its proposed online registration of members and will adequately and officially inform the public through its relevant organs once it is ready for such.<br /> <br /> “We therefore caution all PDP members, teeming supporters and the general public to take note and not patronize this fake online registration portal ostensibly set up by fraudsters to dupe the unsuspecting public.<br /> <br /> “Already, the leadership of our great party is contacting relevant security agencies for a comprehensive investigation to unravel those behind this criminal act.”

Latest-News PDP raises alarm over fake online registration portal

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, alerted members of the party and the general public of a fake o...

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Why I am still in detention − Dasuki

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM3BCcbMgGgsPT2322_ptbruk6KKKCkK4X4GSRQFFxO2-m1c7csHZrKoL2OOwR-jiLbtCHyYcUtvznvpnOOxJRe81I31k6tuUPZ7S24IPZEsgnU3in-cJAnGNlf9vEWTyW2IQqG6E_KY/s1600/Dasuki-e1429031827635-890x395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVM3BCcbMgGgsPT2322_ptbruk6KKKCkK4X4GSRQFFxO2-m1c7csHZrKoL2OOwR-jiLbtCHyYcUtvznvpnOOxJRe81I31k6tuUPZ7S24IPZEsgnU3in-cJAnGNlf9vEWTyW2IQqG6E_KY/s640/Dasuki-e1429031827635-890x395.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), has attributed his continued detention by the Department of State Service without any fresh charges preferred against him to President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive.<br /> <br /> Dasuki, who is facing three separate sets of criminal charges before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, and the Federal High Court in Abuja, stated this in an affidavit which his lawyers filed in support of his application seeking to be discharged from further trial.<br /> <br /> The former NSA urged the court in his application to discharge him and prohibit the Federal Government from further prosecuting him on the grounds that his re-arrest by the Department of State Service after the court granted him bail was tantamount to Federal Government’s alleged act of assault on the court.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Arguing the application before Justice Peter Affen of the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja on Friday, his lead counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), said the DSS had re-arrested Dasuki on December 29, 2015 shortly after he was released from prison on fulfilling the bail conditions imposed on him by the court.<br /> <br /> Daudu said that it became obvious that the DSS was acting Buhari’s script when the President barely 24 hours after Dasuki was re-arrested said on the television that the ex-NSA did not deserve to be released on bail.<br /> <br /> The SAN said, “It is a fact that on December 29, Dasuki perfected his bail conditions and was released from Kuje prison in Abuja but was immediately re-arrested and taken to an unknown destination. Up till now, they have not filed fresh charges against him.<br /> <br /> “It is equally a fact that on December 30, 2015, about 24 hours after he was remanded, President Muhammadu Buhari came on the television in the name of presidential media chat and told the whole world that people like Nnamdi Kanu and Dasuki will not be allowed to go on bail even if they are granted bail because they would run away.<br /> <br /> “It has now been established beyond reasonable doubt that the Department of State Service acted the script of President Buhari and up till now he has not been allowed access to his lawyer despite the fact that three separate sets of charges have been filed against him.<br /> <br /> Many Nigerian newspapers came out with the information about President Buhari’s position on Dasuki and up till now those newspapers have not been refuted.”<br /> <br /> The ex-NSA filed the application before Justice Affen with respect to the 22 counts of N13bn fraud filed against him and others including a former Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, and a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda.<br /> <br /> Others charged along with them, are a former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, the ex-governor’s son, Sagir Attahiru, and a firm, Dalhatu Investment.

Latest-News Why I am still in detention − Dasuki

The immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), has attributed his continued detention by the Department of State...

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Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo rejects multi-billion new VP residence

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG4yDGoetivyfl-NuGTb_NDOytxV17Csr4Xa1m_1xWqHAo3ZddVTOeXp8z9s1qv5zKL43VkofDfvyBRu8RHdxVgKvPne3ctkOb804zpYvhT2zGdaIcjbCzpzP5FwDg4UNTgXrlMhXdvA/s1600/Osinbajo-504x269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKG4yDGoetivyfl-NuGTb_NDOytxV17Csr4Xa1m_1xWqHAo3ZddVTOeXp8z9s1qv5zKL43VkofDfvyBRu8RHdxVgKvPne3ctkOb804zpYvhT2zGdaIcjbCzpzP5FwDg4UNTgXrlMhXdvA/s400/Osinbajo-504x269.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday that the building of a new residence for the nation’s number 2 is a waste of public funds.<br /> <br /> The VP’s current residence – Aguda House – according to him is sufficient and up to standard.<br /> <br /> Interacting with Pastors and Leaders Retreat of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos,Osinbajo described the N6 billion already spent on the project as a misapplication of fund although he said that with the level of construction already done, government would have to complete it and find a different use for it.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “There is no need for a new Vice President’s house; it is a kind of waste; we are now in a situation where we cannot abandon it; it has to be completed and used for a different thing,” he said.<br /> <br /> On the controversial State House Medical Centre, Osunbajo said it is for the use of all Nigerians hence the need to equip it with all the medical facilities available.<br /> <br /> He also said the education sector lacked not only standards but adequacy of institutions which led to Nigerians sponsoring their children abroad for tertiary education.<br /> <br /> He explained that while 1.8 million Nigerians sit for university entrance examination yearly, only about 300,000 are offered admission due to dearth of universities.<br /> <br /> He said the government was planning to convert many of the existing universities into centres of excellence and support the private sector in the running of universities to enable more Nigerians to have access to tertiary education.<br /> <br /> He said infrastructure development was key in the administration which informed the voting of 30 per cent of the 2016 appropriation to capital projects.<br /> <br /> Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the leader of the Church, asked Christians to continue to pray for the administration as Nigeria had a great future.<br /> <br /> He said the present administration would lead the people to a more prosperous and secure nation.<br /> <br /> Osinbajo had earlier in the day preached at the burial service for his childhood friend, Bola Omotesho, at the Olive Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Banana Island, Lagos.<br /> <br /> He urged Nigerians to lead good lives to rest in peace as there was actually no peaceful rest for a bad soul in spite of the earthly prayers offered for the soul.

Latest-News Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo rejects multi-billion new VP residence

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday that the building of a new residence for the nation’s number 2 is a waste of public funds. ...

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Anti-social media bill won’t be passed – Saraki

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR-bvO5am6DtfT4ujFE4XjfuxQc9OwkDQnRS46fNue1osmun3JYq4gGq5kZM1N5Ma51umJwG8vtxaEQM9qczNFovcDoczywiYd3_ufn4R25fKHb8u5zaBr0kMACNt5UdLiRh96S_L_FY/s1600/Senator-Bukola-Saraki-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR-bvO5am6DtfT4ujFE4XjfuxQc9OwkDQnRS46fNue1osmun3JYq4gGq5kZM1N5Ma51umJwG8vtxaEQM9qczNFovcDoczywiYd3_ufn4R25fKHb8u5zaBr0kMACNt5UdLiRh96S_L_FY/s400/Senator-Bukola-Saraki-copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Senate President, Bukola Saraki, declared in Lagos today that section 4 of the Anti-frivolous petition Bill now popularly known as ‘Anti-Social Media law’ would not see the light of day at the Senate.<br /> <br /> Saraki stated this while delivering the keynote address at the StateCraft Masterclass series at Social Media Week, held in Lagos.<br /> <br /> Saraki, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on New Media, Mr. Bankole Omishore, emphasised the growing influence of social media users in Nigeria’s political environment.<br /> <br /> He then encouraged the audience to continue to contribute to the development of Nigeria through their dialogue and debate on social media.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The senate president said, “Without the involvement of social media, there is no way that we would have moved from a non-performing government because now everything is out in the open unlike years ago.”<br /> <br /> Saraki commended the online community, which he described as the real ‘Chairmen of INEC,’ for sourcing election results from polling stations during the general elections, and ensured that the manipulation of vote counts.<br /> <br /> He said, “Though we had the numbers. It is really thanks to social media that votes counted because you shared the results as they happened.”<br /> <br /> The Frivolous Petitions Bill, sponsored by the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, passed second reading on the floor of both chambers of the National Assembly in December last year while the Senate had fixed March this year for the public hearing.<br /> <br /> The senate president called for continued cooperation and conversation between the government and the public via social media, and noted that the recent National Assembly Interactive session with Civil Society Organisations was a huge success.

Latest-News Anti-social media bill won’t be passed – Saraki

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, declared in Lagos today that section 4 of the Anti-frivolous petition Bill now popularly known as ‘Anti-...

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I didn’t collect N4 Billon bribe – DSS DG

<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/AVvXsEjrFYlUyNiT3QAW7YVEpm_WexOzstP-bK15oOmL_BRIqY1igAgb0p8z6v4rwdZHlnES210nR7dAAhewquB0RQ9_4rFse286GjG_wmPSbMlQlshBfkuFDv0glyya_pfCFctNZmcONOXwfrE/s1600/Lawal-Musa-+Daura+dss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFYlUyNiT3QAW7YVEpm_WexOzstP-bK15oOmL_BRIqY1igAgb0p8z6v4rwdZHlnES210nR7dAAhewquB0RQ9_4rFse286GjG_wmPSbMlQlshBfkuFDv0glyya_pfCFctNZmcONOXwfrE/s400/Lawal-Musa-+Daura+dss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura, has denied the allegation that he collected N4bn from the Peoples Democratic Party’s governors of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Abia and Taraba states to influence the judgment of the Supreme Court in their favour in the recently decided electoral cases by the apex court.<br /> <br /> He said this while the service paraded three suspects at the DSS headquarters in Abuja today.<br /> <br /> The suspects were said to have made the allegation during a telephone conversation.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The suspects, Usman Ahmed Danmallam and Nura Shehu Lawal Giwa (aka Marafan Zazzau) were arrested on February 17, 2016 at Unguwar Sarki in Kaduna North Local Government of Kaduna State, while Hussaini Monguno (aka Colonel) was arrested in Abuja.<br /> <br /> While parading the suspects in Abuja, an operative of the Service, Mr. Abdullahi Garba, said the suspects were also meant to misinform the President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian public that the DSS DG had acquired choice properties in Maitama and Asokoro areas of Abuja.

Latest-News I didn’t collect N4 Billon bribe – DSS DG

The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura, has denied the allegation that he collected N4bn from the People...

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Ex-EFCC boss Lamorde keeps mum over Senate’s arrest order

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB3PTJbEEDjD5qDZZGvJKdbnjox6VpiO6CSaWrs2bpea17cjQbA1gyQUFvp9TmuxPJqgs1EmNlRibvJyKFvF2qqGceuPbXpTR4tJ8M3GPn6VVIfJmDxNs2jkhOx3JgGyMY81otZBsnuc/s1600/Ibrahim-Lamorde-e1440546119216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQB3PTJbEEDjD5qDZZGvJKdbnjox6VpiO6CSaWrs2bpea17cjQbA1gyQUFvp9TmuxPJqgs1EmNlRibvJyKFvF2qqGceuPbXpTR4tJ8M3GPn6VVIfJmDxNs2jkhOx3JgGyMY81otZBsnuc/s400/Ibrahim-Lamorde-e1440546119216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The immediate past Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Lamurde is not in the mood to talk ,at least publicly,about the warrant of arrest issued against him by the Senate.<br /> <br /> He rebuffed attempts yesterday by reporters to get him to respond to the Senate’s action.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Senate wants Lamurde to come and defend himself about a petition alleging that about N1trillion kept in the custody of the EFCC during his tenure was tampered with.<br /> <br /> The former boss of the anti-graft agency was sighted yesterday at the National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos to commence a one year research course.<br /> <br /> He is one the 67 top public servants and private sector executives nominated for the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 38 at the end of which successful participants will earn mni (member Nigerian Institute).<br /> <br /> As reporters kept pestering Lamurde,a police officer,with questions on the development,he said: “Please, I’m here for a course. I’m here for pure academic research work. I will not discuss any other thing. “I will need to take permission from my sponsors, the Nigeria Police Force, before I comment on anything outside this course.”<br /> <br /> The course participants are drawn from the military, para-military organisations, the Police Force, Labour, civil service and the academic.<br /> <br /> All the participants arrived NIPSS two weeks before the inauguration of the SEC yesterday by the Vice President Profesor Yemi Osinbanjo.<br /> <br /> Lamurde’s predecessor, Nuhu Ribadu was also sent to the institute immediately he was removed as EFCC boss.

Latest-News Ex-EFCC boss Lamorde keeps mum over Senate’s arrest order

The immediate past Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Lamurde is not in the mood to talk ,at least pub...

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Meet new FIFA president, Gianni Infantino

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3QC8M8TwNI5cKb1fv-sMh6gcK39m_C0YbnbEIcGxtVSsSG8hXXqGfV5z1Nd3Je_wBIfeEKYDMX9fn2vqnqtpzHF8wgNhBVT8tyjwvlbW0MINM0KFakdBMAE7wATXw22qQ1kf4QhtpvY/s1600/infantino+fifa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3QC8M8TwNI5cKb1fv-sMh6gcK39m_C0YbnbEIcGxtVSsSG8hXXqGfV5z1Nd3Je_wBIfeEKYDMX9fn2vqnqtpzHF8wgNhBVT8tyjwvlbW0MINM0KFakdBMAE7wATXw22qQ1kf4QhtpvY/s640/infantino+fifa.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> FIFA have announced Gianni Infantino as the successor to Sepp Blatter, as the new president of world football’s governing body.<br /> <br /> Infantino saw off President of the Asian Football Confederation Sheikh Salman, former FIFA executive Jerome Champagne of France and Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Following a second round of voting, needing 104 votes to win, Infantino polled 115 and was named FIFA president until 2019 – the second successive Swiss president.<br /> <u><b><br /></b></u><u><b>Profile</b></u><br /> <br /> Full name: Gianni Infantino<br /> <br /> Age: 45<br /> <br /> From: Switzerland, but also holds Italian nationality<br /> <br /> Current roles: General secretary of UEFA<br /> <br /> Background<br /> <br /> Infantino was born in Brig, Switzerland but has Italian origins.<br /> <br /> He did not have a footballing background as a youngster and continued his education to the University of Friborg (Switzerland), where he studied law.<br /> <br /> Impressively, Infantino fluently speaks Italian, French, German, English and Spanish.<br /> <br /> Before joining FIFA, he was working as the general secretary of the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) at the University of Neuchatel and had worked as an advisor to football bodies in Italy, Spain and Switzerland.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b><br /></b><b>Roles in football</b><br /> <br /> Infantino has held the position of general secretary at UEFA, the European games’ governing body, since October 2009 after initially joining as a lawyer in 2000.<br /> <br /> His role has seen him help strengthen the national and international game across Europe, as well as try to increase the credibility and respect of UEFA throughout the rest of the world.<br /> <br /> He is at the helm of UEFA’s administration and has tried to create a sustainable future for the game, including the introduction of Financial Fair Play, which he championed.<br /> <br /> Infantino has also increased the participation numbers in Euro 2016 from 16 to 24 teams and spearheaded the campaign to have Euro 2020 hosted across 13 countries.<br /> <br /> FIFA presidency campaign<br /> <br /> Infantino was considered the second favourite for FIFA presidency before voting took place.<br /> <br /> But he was always confident that he would come out on top after UEFA’s executive committee confirmed their unanimous support for the Swiss-Italian. He also secured the support of Central America.<br /> <br /> “I am very honoured for the support I received. I am also much more responsible now than I was before these meetings,” he said after gaining the support of Europe’s nations.<br /> <br /> “With such a big endorsement you have to take these proceedings very professionally, very openly. I am very confident from what I hear and what I’ve heard from the 54 members.”<br /> <br /> To the average football fan, the most significant change that is likely under Infantino’s presidency is that the FIFA World Cup would become a 40-team tournament, as opposed to the traditional 32.

Latest-News Meet new FIFA president, Gianni Infantino

FIFA have announced Gianni Infantino as the successor to Sepp Blatter, as the new president of world football’s governing body. Infanti...

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We have paid Oliseh’s salaries – NFF

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySHth0raowXyUdVaGzjSFWhKr0DRgV20_6PdrMlUgHOf0wpPB1oSqIzSHqZhwLnmG-DxWDqIcPqBXs3Q3sE38cW3cosbdRZCiqITlmvS5yUDw8UX20WpG3wmB94OJoXDTfsdhSKtDylw/s1600/sunday-oliseh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySHth0raowXyUdVaGzjSFWhKr0DRgV20_6PdrMlUgHOf0wpPB1oSqIzSHqZhwLnmG-DxWDqIcPqBXs3Q3sE38cW3cosbdRZCiqITlmvS5yUDw8UX20WpG3wmB94OJoXDTfsdhSKtDylw/s400/sunday-oliseh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Nigeria Football Federation on Friday said all the outstanding salaries of former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, have been paid.<br /> <br /> Oliseh quit as Eagles coach on Friday morning.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Contrary to claims by Oliseh that he was being owed wages and did not receive support from the NFF, top officials confirmed that he was this week paid the sum of N20 million, being salaries for three months (December 2015, January 2016 and February 2016) and half-year rent for July-December 2015. He was signed on July 2015,” africanFootball.com quoted the federation as saying in a statement on Friday.<br /> <br /> “The only money he is owed is the bonus for the World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in Port Harcourt in November 2015, which the NFF had promised to pay players and officials on resumption of camping for the matches against Egypt.”

Latest-News We have paid Oliseh’s salaries – NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation on Friday said all the outstanding salaries of former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, have been paid. ...

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Emenike pays tribute to Oliseh

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2Zmq5xr1g1a_u02hBU8JESTy6gTCTXA8w2AUhWMCmpzMolaUZyKIvIVAMoUguE7ihcXJbJRtAzlW6mhOeDs6RPLrAXNIlUGuMt4h3nCDAjl5oSUtCcn5qZ530Bh0pLvNlFsmgH2bUwA/s1600/emenike+west+ham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2Zmq5xr1g1a_u02hBU8JESTy6gTCTXA8w2AUhWMCmpzMolaUZyKIvIVAMoUguE7ihcXJbJRtAzlW6mhOeDs6RPLrAXNIlUGuMt4h3nCDAjl5oSUtCcn5qZ530Bh0pLvNlFsmgH2bUwA/s400/emenike+west+ham.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> West Ham striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has paid tribute to Sunday Oliseh following his resignation as Super Eagles coach on Friday morning.<br /> <br /> Emenike quit the Super Eagles last October after reports emerged that he won’t be invited for the World Cup qualifiers with Swaziland because of his goal drought.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Coach you have done well and tried your best, wish you good luck anytime and any day. God bless,” allnigeriasoccer.com quoted the on loan Fenerbahce striker as saying on his Twitter handle.

Latest-News Emenike pays tribute to Oliseh

West Ham striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has paid tribute to Sunday Oliseh following his resignation as Super Eagles coach on Friday morning. ...

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My trial is persecution – Saraki

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmusgz999VqwsMjOfPNfeLFbIbyR0oy2EtVA_wKL_qIltUWDMAuDEy4V24jIgqeI66iV5Yh7MwWKeKqtaQimYEeX9yXoXfgUBdw8yEY7_1H39PURvYQe0llukdGpeNw5dMneFufms8dY/s1600/saraki+tired.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmusgz999VqwsMjOfPNfeLFbIbyR0oy2EtVA_wKL_qIltUWDMAuDEy4V24jIgqeI66iV5Yh7MwWKeKqtaQimYEeX9yXoXfgUBdw8yEY7_1H39PURvYQe0llukdGpeNw5dMneFufms8dY/s400/saraki+tired.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has said that he would not resign from his position, despite his ongoing false asset declaration trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).<br /> <br /> According to Saraki, the trial is an act of persecution and not an actual fight against corruption.<br /> <br /> Saraki said this on Friday at Landmark Events Centre in Lagos during a social media week event organised by State- Craft Inc. the theme was; ‘Did You Say Change? Game Changers of the 2015 Nigerian elections.’<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He stated that his trial was the handiwork of powerful people who were unhappy with his emergence as Senate President.<br /> <br /> The Senate President said that when he got into office as a civil servant 13 years ago; he filled the asset declaration form which is a must for all public servants to fill once they enter office.<br /> <br /> In his words, “We are public servants and you must fill your asset declaration form when you get in office and I did mine 13 years ago.<br /> <br /> “The charges have nothing to do with corruption or money being stolen anywhere. I will have my day in court to prove my innocence of the charge pending against me because it is not about corruption.<br /> <br /> “I don’t understand how the same organisation that cleared my asset declaration to be proper in 2004, 2009 and 2011 can now say that my record is faulted,” he said.<br /> <br /> Among personalities present at the event were, Senator Dino Melaye; Senator Sabi Abdulahi and Senator Foster Ogola.

Latest-News My trial is persecution – Saraki

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has said that he would not resign from his position, despite his ongoing false asset declaration tria...

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REVEALED: Why Olisa Metuh tore his statement – EFCC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJLx3_P09XTdrsHyC_2X0DNfSPHxZmtgr5CW7fRMl4_itoNskvzN38o9_c8XNUOllFrevvsD_YXPvYBeigmsTubzM7DeHq98Xdc0r5sbx2pPCxSpw-stNZ9USwpXlD16o_bs05Bkr_7Q/s1600/oli8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJLx3_P09XTdrsHyC_2X0DNfSPHxZmtgr5CW7fRMl4_itoNskvzN38o9_c8XNUOllFrevvsD_YXPvYBeigmsTubzM7DeHq98Xdc0r5sbx2pPCxSpw-stNZ9USwpXlD16o_bs05Bkr_7Q/s640/oli8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday demonstrated how the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, tore the statement he made to his investigators and gave reasons why he attempted to destroy the statement.<br /> <br /> The EFCC, at the commencement of Metuh’s trial before Justice Ishaq Bello of the High Court of the Federeal Capital Territory (FCT), said Metuh tore the statement on realizing that he had implicated himself by admitting that he received money from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The EFCC spokesman is standing trial on a three-count charge for allegedly destroying his statement and obstruction of investigation.<br /> <br /> The first prosecution witness, Junaid Said, who was led in evidence by prosecution lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir, said he took statement from Metuh, who, he said, later tore a sheet of the four-sheet statement.<br /> <br /> “My Lord, when he concluded writing his statement which was on four sheets of the EFCC statement form, I collected the statement and read over it. I then handed the statement over to my superiors – Musa and Wetkas. When I was handing over the statement, the defendant said he was surprised that he had written that much and that he felt he had given too much information.<br /> <br /> “Because of the comment, I was worried I gave him the statement sheets one after the other for endorsement. He endorsed the first and second sheet, but he tore the third sheet. The third sheet was where the defendant (Metuh) disclosed that he received the money for PDP political activities, settle his personal needs and made reference to former President Goodluck Jonathan,” the witness told the court.

Latest-News REVEALED: Why Olisa Metuh tore his statement – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday demonstrated how the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa ...

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Nigerian registered helicopter crashes in Benin Republic

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWCHcQ194EHC38qtbQjwxDn4Cr4ivDdeCcqH4b0EmIIV2v_cWEcwhMdi2GHdS145byi8RuNHA1kHWmEu6UGcl3HjzUBTTPhVwDZaTiJX7rZFcp1Ua8h7GwsAk3DHliCX0oxPj4UjSXRI/s1600/helicopter+crash1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWCHcQ194EHC38qtbQjwxDn4Cr4ivDdeCcqH4b0EmIIV2v_cWEcwhMdi2GHdS145byi8RuNHA1kHWmEu6UGcl3HjzUBTTPhVwDZaTiJX7rZFcp1Ua8h7GwsAk3DHliCX0oxPj4UjSXRI/s400/helicopter+crash1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> A Nigerian registered helicopter with number 5N-BQH owned by a yet to be named politician from the Niger Delta crashed in Benin Republic on Thursday, but no life was lost in the incident.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the helicopter, an airworthiness aircraft meant for private use, was contracted for commercial purposes by a presidential candidate in Benin Republic who wanted to use it for election campaigns before it crashed.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A source at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who confirmed the accident, said the helicopter’s tail rotor clicked on an object and the pilot lost control of it.<br /> <br /> “I can confirm that the helicopter was involved in an accident and it is beyond our jurisdiction because it happened outside Nigeria.<br /> <br />  But we are monitoring things, although I do not have much details yet. But the accident investigation body from that country will have to find out the cause of the accident and the extent of damage done to the aircraft,” the NCAA source said.

Latest-News Nigerian registered helicopter crashes in Benin Republic

A Nigerian registered helicopter with number 5N-BQH owned by a yet to be named politician from the Niger Delta crashed in Benin Republic ...

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Ohaneze Ndigbo begins talks with Presidency on the release of Radio Biafra founder, Nnamdi Kanu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirn6ylZO0aT5r7Jgi50DGsQQLMhcgEDb9IICS0j21stpf7qrkOHkcGdyFkSmg1Vsd7xQckMwZgrH7RmRF7o3mvbkRfxe9TROfu9LdDBpgjGPdCb_h2aEiLqoI3bcjjDsInRA9FeArbpXc/s1600/Biafra-5+kanu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirn6ylZO0aT5r7Jgi50DGsQQLMhcgEDb9IICS0j21stpf7qrkOHkcGdyFkSmg1Vsd7xQckMwZgrH7RmRF7o3mvbkRfxe9TROfu9LdDBpgjGPdCb_h2aEiLqoI3bcjjDsInRA9FeArbpXc/s400/Biafra-5+kanu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Pan Igbo social- cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, on Friday said it has started talks with the Presidency to ensure the release of Radio Biafra founder, Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.<br /> <br /> The body also said its leadership will commence discussions with the notable traditional rulers in the country for the same purpose.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Although the group did not give details of its discussions and Presidency officials it met “for security reasons,” it noted that those consulted assured its representatives that something positive would come out of the consultations very soon.<br /> <br /> Ohaneze told journalists in Abuja on Friday that discussions were already at advanced stage between its leaders and top officials in the Presidency.<br /> <br /> The modus operandi, it said, was to employ political solution to the problem.<br /> <br /> The National President of the group youth wing, Mazi Okechukwu Iziguzoro, who spoke at a news briefing, said notable traditional rulers like the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and the monarch of the Bornu Kingdom, had been consulted on the issue.<br /> <br /> Iziguzoro noted that Igbo leaders assured the Presidency and the royal fathers that they were prepared to prevail on Kanu to discontinue the operation of Radio Biafra if he is released.

Latest-News Ohaneze Ndigbo begins talks with Presidency on the release of Radio Biafra founder, Nnamdi Kanu

The Pan Igbo social- cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, on Friday said it has started talks with the Presidency to ensure the release ...

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Expect gains of Buhari’s trips in few months – Oyegun

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQUzsF0zHcH1Va5Tv71oXxaneGUc0BZu6Tt1cxZfaR1uIXz02yN6OQrvBg_5mm46MHv2zqUAmAxM6hZLZgRSo7ODMKPiSCutf6cJaKa5WmCTPbh7u7IsbsfWc7KFHSC0YcFOjG1vP8Hk/s1600/John-Odigie-Oyegun-apc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQUzsF0zHcH1Va5Tv71oXxaneGUc0BZu6Tt1cxZfaR1uIXz02yN6OQrvBg_5mm46MHv2zqUAmAxM6hZLZgRSo7ODMKPiSCutf6cJaKa5WmCTPbh7u7IsbsfWc7KFHSC0YcFOjG1vP8Hk/s400/John-Odigie-Oyegun-apc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, has assured Nigerians that the frequent foreign trips of President Muhammadu Buhari will begin to yield positive results within the next couple of months<br /> <br /> Oyegun, who spoke with journalists in Abuja on Friday, dismissed claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the recent arrest of the former acting National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, was aimed at gagging the opposition.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said those who helped themselves with public fund should be made to account for it irrespective of party affiliation.<br /> <br /> The APC chairman added that those criticizing the President’s frequent trips are not being fair to him, saying he remains the “best salesman” for the country in the international community.<br /> <br /> He said:”I don’t think anybody can give you a date. But let me assure you that it will be very very soon. I have no doubt at all. The President knows what our national issues are, he knows that a lot of it has international connotations. Some nations in the world are fighting to become the most highly industrialized. China wants cheap oil because it’s a manufacturing hub, India wants cheap oil and a lot of other countries want cheap oil which of course is contrary to our own interest.<br /> <br /> “We want good prices for oil so that we can carry on with our own national development plans. So that is only the tip of the iceberg of what Mr. President is doing, trying to talk to those who have an impact in rearranging the international economic realities to change some of the current dynamics making oil prices to collapse in such a precipitate manner.<br /> <br /> “I want to plead with the press. We cannot totally on our own solve our problems because the world is a global village. Everybody now knows that, everybody trumpets it and since we are in a bit of a bind now, thanks to forces that are not totally within our control. We must talk to others, who would have a role to play in helping you out of your present issues and problems.”

Latest-News Expect gains of Buhari’s trips in few months – Oyegun

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, has assured Nigerians that the frequent foreign tr...

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Nigerians react to Oliseh’s sudden resignation as Super Eagles coach

<br /> <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/AVvXsEgNiv4q5qc532UZXN8IjTdMN-96ZuMuYnKRrfPNCfCWD-7__2iJrG7r6N2cwKmkz7TgKAkea53kB-azpg7pwk7H_IM9ZNdviXOSaM5-BMzPCoDlCzmOYdMypuMHta30tTOEj322CVLoz7M/s1600/oliseh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiv4q5qc532UZXN8IjTdMN-96ZuMuYnKRrfPNCfCWD-7__2iJrG7r6N2cwKmkz7TgKAkea53kB-azpg7pwk7H_IM9ZNdviXOSaM5-BMzPCoDlCzmOYdMypuMHta30tTOEj322CVLoz7M/s400/oliseh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Following the resignation of Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh, in the wee hours of Friday, Nigerians have taken to social media to express their mixed feelings. Oliseh who took to his verified Twitter handle, @SundayOOliseh to announce his resignation, barely eight months as Chief Coach of the country’s national team. cited sabotage on the part of his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as reasons behind his exit.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> See reactions below:<br /> <br /> <div class="storify"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="no" height="750" src="//storify.com/TemiBamgbose/sundayooliseh-s-resignation-he-should-have-waited-/embed" width="100%"></iframe><script src="//storify.com/TemiBamgbose/sundayooliseh-s-resignation-he-should-have-waited-.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><noscript>[<a href="//storify.com/TemiBamgbose/sundayooliseh-s-resignation-he-should-have-waited-" target="_blank">View the story "@SundayOOliseh's resignation: "He should have waited till... Sunday" and other tweets" on Storify</a>]</noscript></div>

Latest-News Nigerians react to Oliseh’s sudden resignation as Super Eagles coach

Following the resignation of Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Oliseh, in the wee hours of Friday, Nigerians have taken to social...

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UK ‘ready to repatriate’ looted Nigerian funds

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdZ-Tz4ktYcYk2yz2BquPf8cPDcJ8qeXJNnnupv1yiM1GrOW3Qj_V7K31Bdmr2PpM_MGel-tiSVEjmIpolpLklVKjWB9FK4h4ZXCEZADf-1vZcGpIAXtVaxixgEcUN4_-kENXRMO7ILg/s1600/Nigeria-UK.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdZ-Tz4ktYcYk2yz2BquPf8cPDcJ8qeXJNnnupv1yiM1GrOW3Qj_V7K31Bdmr2PpM_MGel-tiSVEjmIpolpLklVKjWB9FK4h4ZXCEZADf-1vZcGpIAXtVaxixgEcUN4_-kENXRMO7ILg/s640/Nigeria-UK.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> United Kingdom is prepared to repatriate looted Nigerian funds in its banks, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, has said.<br /> <br /> The British government, according to Arkwright has no intention of holding onto the money.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The High Commissioner told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the looted funds belong to Nigerians and should be returned to the country.<br /> <br /> But he drew attention to the legal requirements which Nigeria must meet in order to have the money back.<br /> <br /> He said: “clearly, there are legal requirements that we have to meet. We are working with the Nigerian government to see what we can do to return those funds.<br /> <br /> “They (money) will be returned, there is absolutely no doubt about it.”<br /> <br /> He however did not say how much will be returned to the federal government.<br /> <br /> Arkwright explained that everything was being done to fast-track the repatriation process.<br /> <br /> He added: “The Prime Minister’s anti-corruption summit will be held in May, we are hoping that President Muhammadu Buhari will attend that anti-corruption summit in London.<br /> <br /> “We expect that there will be some further news on how we can accelerate that process of repatriating the funds.<br /> <br /> “I think we have no intention of holding onto this money, despite some of the reports in the press.”<br /> <br /> The envoy, however, said there was the need to extract the commitment of the federal government that the money would be judiciously spent when repatriated.<br /> <br /> “We need to make sure that the money is well spent when it returns to Nigeria. We need to make sure that we can do that in a proper way, which is fully in compliance with the British law,” he added.

Latest-News UK ‘ready to repatriate’ looted Nigerian funds

United Kingdom is prepared to repatriate looted Nigerian funds in its banks, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright...

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Supreme Court okays Rev King to die by hanging

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklkSGFGfzxYvxSviQ8c8mT01AACaBgG6wnjZvNaIWtTSzBPHJcwWp4OzZSDLXESlrMIC8_fL-bVcVUE1XrUcRmh76mggCPcLfQI9e7DCyUSz1OicJ6oCE-0ocK4Rg0NxI4XeYhO96QlU/s1600/Reverend-King.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklkSGFGfzxYvxSviQ8c8mT01AACaBgG6wnjZvNaIWtTSzBPHJcwWp4OzZSDLXESlrMIC8_fL-bVcVUE1XrUcRmh76mggCPcLfQI9e7DCyUSz1OicJ6oCE-0ocK4Rg0NxI4XeYhO96QlU/s400/Reverend-King.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Supreme Court has okayed the convicted General-Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a.k.a Rev. King to die by hanging. In a unanimous judgment Friday afternoon, a seven-man panel of Justices ‎of the apex court led by Justice Walter Onnoghen, upheld the death sentence that was earlier handed to Ezeugo by the Lagos State High Court.<br /> <br /> Consequently, the court in its lead verdict that was delivered by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, dismissed the appeal the convicted clergy lodged before it.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Justice Ngwuta who noted that “the ‎facts of the case could have been lifted from horror film”, resolved all the 12 issues Ezeugo raised in his appeal.” “This appeal has no merit. The judgement of the court of appeal is hereby affirmed.<br /> <br /> The prison sentence that was earlier handed to the appellant is no longer relevant in view of the death sentence passed on him”, Justice Ngwuta held. It will be recalled that Ezeugo was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging on January 11, 2007, for the alleged murder of his church member, Ann Uzoh.<br /> <br /> He was arraigned on September 26, 2006 on a six-count charge of attempted murder and murder. The charge against him was at the instance of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions. During the trial, the prosecution had argued that the convict poured petrol on the diseased, Uzor and five others. Uzoh died on August 2, 2006, exactly 11 days after the incident.<br /> <br /> In her judgment, trial Justice Joseph Oyewole who is now a Justice of the Court of Appeal at Calabar, said there was sufficient evidence linking the accused person to the commission of the crime.<br /> <br /> Consequently, Justice Oyewole convicted and sentenced Ezeugo to 20 years imprisonment for the attempted murder and death by hanging for the offence of murder. Dissatisfied with the judgment, Ezeugo took the case before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal.<br /> <br />  The condemned clergy, in his notice of appeal dated January 16, 2007, prayed the appellate court to set aside the judgment. Aside 16 grounds of appeal he raised through his lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, he was subsequently granted leave to argue additional 16 grounds based an amended notice of appeal he filed on June 15, 2008. Ojo argued that his client did not commit the crime and was not at the scene of the incident.<br /> <br /> He insisted that the deceased, Uzoh, had in two statements she made after the incident and before her death, stated that she got burnt in a generator accident and that the cleric was not responsible for her injuries. Ojo said the Investigating Police Officer, IPO, had tendered statements which stated that Ezeugo was not responsible for the burns that led to Uzoh’s death.<br /> <br />  He alleged that the trial Judge refused to admit in evidence, the statements he said exonerated Ezeugo of the crime. The lawyer further contended had those “vital exhibits” been admitted rather than expunged by the trial judge, they would have operated to cast serious doubt on the case of the prosecution.<br /> <br /> He maintained that Justice Oyewole’s refusal to admit the exhibits in evidence “occasioned a great miscarriage of justice” against his client.<br /> <br />  Meanwhile, after due consideration of the case, a three-man panel of justices of the appellate court, in a lead judgment that was delivered by Justice Fatimo Akinbami, dismissed Ezeugo’s appeal and upheld the high court verdict. The other members of the appellate court panel that equally concurred with the lower court’s verdict were Justices Amina Augie and Ibrahim Saulawa.<br /> <br /> Determined to save his life, Rev Ezeugo lodged an appeal before the Supreme Court. His appeal was challenged by the Lagos state government which through its Attorney General, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem and Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Idowu Alakija, urged the apex court to dismiss it and uphold the concurrent verdicts of the two lower courts.

Latest-News Supreme Court okays Rev King to die by hanging

The Supreme Court has okayed the convicted General-Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a.k.a Rev. King to die ...

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Infantino elected new Fifa president

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcNr-PfPex9OrQh8fxsrkY8SnwhzSY_Jnjo5-4MNTwFFJYsg22zU_OjWokG5ou4tZffZzNB1UD0KQ36wm9vPFiExy7Egh78eYWkkHz8fSr3WQPisnH5eTB75xzKSXYIdMSKKXl573X4I/s1600/fifa+-Gianni-+Infantino.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcNr-PfPex9OrQh8fxsrkY8SnwhzSY_Jnjo5-4MNTwFFJYsg22zU_OjWokG5ou4tZffZzNB1UD0KQ36wm9vPFiExy7Egh78eYWkkHz8fSr3WQPisnH5eTB75xzKSXYIdMSKKXl573X4I/s640/fifa+-Gianni-+Infantino.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Gianni Infantino has won Fifa's election for a new president, succeeding the disgraced Sepp Blatter.<br /> <br /> Uefa's general secretary secured 115 votes in the second round of polls, beating off favourite Salman Bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa into second while Prince Ali bin Hussein finished third.<br /> <br /> Infantino succeeds the dethroned Sepp Blatter, who was suspended from all football activities for eight years - later reduced to six - along with ex-Uefa president Michel Platini for corruption.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> "Dear friends, I cannot express my feelings in this moment," he said in his acceptance speech.<br /> <br /> "I told you I went through a journey, an exceptional journey, a journey which made me meet many fantastic people, many people who love, live, breathe football every day.<br /> <br /> "We will restore the image and respect of Fifa. People will applaud us, applaud you for what we will do.<br /> <br /> "Everyone has to be proud of what we will do at Fifa. I want to thank you all, all 209 and the other candidates. Tokyo [Sexwale] decided four can win, one cannot win. We had a great competition, a great sign of democracy in Fifa.<br /> <br /> <br /> "I want to be president of all 209 [member federations]. I have travelled the globe and I will continue to do this. I want to work with all of you together in order to restore and rebuild a new Fifa where we can put again football at the centre of the stage."

Latest-News Infantino elected new Fifa president

Gianni Infantino has won Fifa's election for a new president, succeeding the disgraced Sepp Blatter. Uefa's general secretary se...

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Siasia appointed new Super Eagles coach after Oliseh's dramatic resignation

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj-f1_e_P-9pubu5AN1VbH7O5XsyMLiB8jm3-I_bBdhkWi_BNlQ_vjAnOiPxbC-_N9BrOYe0zw-XDnHfo0ChSjlePkAguDA4m_MI1J5crLA7D4QCKQy0U3F6vNRFZC4cvdNaxN87TTgU/s400/oliseh-and-Siasia1.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) on Friday appointed Samson Siasia as new head coach of the Super Eagles.<br /> <br /> The NFF made the announcement at the end of the federation’s technical committee meeting on Friday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> Siasia’s appointment followed the resignation of Sunday Oliseh as Eagles coach on Friday morning.<br /> <br /> A statement on NFF website said Siasia will be assisted by Salisu Yusuf and Emmanuel Amuneke.<br /> <b><br /></b><a href="http://www.nigerianeye.com/2016/02/nigeria-coach-sunday-oliseh-announces.html"><b>It can be recalled that Sunday Oliseh announced a sensational resignation from the Super Eagles job via Twitter early on Friday morning.</b></a>

Latest-News Siasia appointed new Super Eagles coach after Oliseh's dramatic resignation

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) on Friday appointed Samson Siasia as new head coach of the Super Eagles. The NFF made the announ...

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Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh announces resignation

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkKlDNgyovwFgnzUrKeJHEQJc5g_adCgwzUVev82QZMDxlYcoFYmOpD4Un4iUsUUVjpytlv3jpX3jmoCKI553peXETFVSr8AUjUffpZAOTA-zZWQeHrPnYWcmuAtb63kZj7I5VrWv8Jw/s1600/Super-Eagles-coach-Sunday-Oliseh-360x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkKlDNgyovwFgnzUrKeJHEQJc5g_adCgwzUVev82QZMDxlYcoFYmOpD4Un4iUsUUVjpytlv3jpX3jmoCKI553peXETFVSr8AUjUffpZAOTA-zZWQeHrPnYWcmuAtb63kZj7I5VrWv8Jw/s400/Super-Eagles-coach-Sunday-Oliseh-360x225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh announced a sensational resignation from the Super Eagles job via Twitter early on Friday morning.</b><br /> <br /> This comes less than 30 days before the Eagles play two crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Egypt.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> After having a running battle with the Nigeria Football Federation, critics, media and fans following the Super Eagles early elimination from the African Nations Championship last month, Oliseh went on a YouTube rant that divided the football community earlier in February.<br /> <br /> But no one expected him to throw in the towel and quit the job this early even though he looked to be unprepared for the big job following on his antecedents.<br /> <br /> However, Oliseh caught everyone by surprise as he announced via social media that he was leaving early Friday, a day after he spoke via video about his struggles as well as hopes for the team at a Social Media Week event in Lagos.<br /> <br /> “I feel fortunate, blessed and eternally grateful for having had the honour to Play,Captain & Coach this great Nation of ours,Nigeria,” Oliseh began his tweets.<br /> <br /> “Due to contract violations, lack of support, unpaid wages, benefits to my players, Asst. Coaches & myself, I resign as Super Eagles Chief Coach,” thus ended his brief spell in a turbulent Nigeria job.<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">I feel fortunate, blessed and eternally grateful for having had the honour to Play,Captain & Coach this great Nation of ours,Nigeria.</div> — Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) <a href="https://twitter.com/SundayOOliseh/status/703028591232204800">February 26, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Due to Contract violations ,lack of Support,Unpaid wages,Benefits to my players,Asst.Coaches & myself, I resign as Super Eagles Chief Coach</div> — Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) <a href="https://twitter.com/SundayOOliseh/status/703028890608992256">February 26, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> In a letter the 41-year-old wrote to the NFF subsequently, he gave a few more details:<br /> <br /> “Due to incessant Violations of our signed agreement (Contract) I am hereby informing you of my decision to terminate our working collaboration signed in July 2015.<br /> <br /> “The most important objective is for the Super Eagles Of Nigeria to qualify to the next AFCON and the World Cup 2018.<br /> <br /> “Since so little help is being rendered me in getting the players to give their best and very vital conditions and advantages to the team play are also being sacrificed coupled with non-redress of the aforementioned despite my several e-mails and others, seeking your aid to effectively carry out my duties were ignored.<br /> <br /> “These unconducive working conditions that my coaching crew and myself have to live with, your contractual violations and the interest of the nation necessitates that I tender my resignation and recourse to the termination of our working agreement,” he concluded.<br /> <br /> With top officials of the NFF attending the Fifa Elections in Zurich, it is not yet known who they will select as coach ahead of next month’s qualifiers.<br /> <br /> Oliseh was a former captain of the Nigerian national team and won the 1994 Afcon as well as Olympic gold in 1996.<br /> <br /> He was appointed replacement for Stephen Keshi in July 2015 despite not having coached a top team previously.

Latest-News Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh announces resignation

Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh announced a sensational resignation from the Super Eagles job via Twitter early on Friday morning. This com...

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Diezani’s cousin arrested for ‘illegal’ crude oil deals

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY6gXEdmZou7C8kvCGYlHnbuPHBO6NnlO04ja7ZrdqDFP2k5Det7q7iyuhnZWOBzCSOlpIFsgNTf19LRD4ZX06YYtO4fBZaTEYbo4Sl_TLoY6wmcJ9wlkWxA9b9Rp-fi6LpLg-262dXE/s1600/diezani+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY6gXEdmZou7C8kvCGYlHnbuPHBO6NnlO04ja7ZrdqDFP2k5Det7q7iyuhnZWOBzCSOlpIFsgNTf19LRD4ZX06YYtO4fBZaTEYbo4Sl_TLoY6wmcJ9wlkWxA9b9Rp-fi6LpLg-262dXE/s640/diezani+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is detaining Mr. Donald Chidi Amamgbo. A cousin of the immediate past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, for allegedly using four firms to illegally lift crude oil.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The crude oil and natural gas involved are said to be worth billions of dollars.<br /> <br /> The arrest of Amamgbo is rated as a major breakthrough for the EFCC in its ongoing probe of the ex-Minister.<br /> <br /> The suspect, who was arrested in Lagos, was branded as a “front” for the ex-Minister.<br /> <br /> According to a source close to the investigation, the EFCC discovered that Amamgbo used four companies to lift oil and gas in billions of dollars. He is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the four firms.<br /> <br /> The companies are Mezcor Oil and Gas Limited, Tridax Oil and Gas Limited, Lynear Energy Limited and Bulk Strategic Reserve Limited.<br /> <br /> The office of Mezcir Oil and Gas Limited at No.5 , Sannar Street, off Yalinga Street off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II Abuja, has been sealed.<br /> <br /> “During the search, documents, which include payments for purchase of houses and vehicles were recovered,” the source said.<br /> <br /> Another source said: “We are not giving up on other accomplices of the ex-minister who were used to plunder the nation’s oil industry.”<br /> <br /> The embattled Minister has had her movement restricted to London since last October.<br /> <br /> The International Corruption Unit (ICU) of the National Crime Agency (NCA) on October 2 arrested Mrs Alison-Madueke and four others.<br /> <br /> The identities of the others remain unknown.<br /> <br /> But all the suspects are being investigated for alleged bribery and money laundering.

Latest-News Diezani’s cousin arrested for ‘illegal’ crude oil deals

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is detaining Mr. Donald Chidi Amamgbo. A cousin of the immediate past Minister of Pe...

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$2.1bn arms probe: Olisa Metuh knows fate March 9

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpy2TE3vkAEtbaeLblBwa2RCzdy-zSXQVFZfGMjanKtNA9QMbD8Ns9wHls4SDpT2YhJ-OrQ88LK8nnvCk1Rb9lWDfSDS6PFmQ-tr_9xwe5BVpBDI0kPELCmkJ3-t8Kij9vFFdn-x1uaE/s1600/metuh+olisa+handuffs.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpy2TE3vkAEtbaeLblBwa2RCzdy-zSXQVFZfGMjanKtNA9QMbD8Ns9wHls4SDpT2YhJ-OrQ88LK8nnvCk1Rb9lWDfSDS6PFmQ-tr_9xwe5BVpBDI0kPELCmkJ3-t8Kij9vFFdn-x1uaE/s400/metuh+olisa+handuffs.gif" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has slated March 9 to determine whether or not the National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, has a criminal case to answer over alleged role he played in the alleged illegal diversion of funds meant for the procurement of arms.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Justice Okon fixed the date after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Metuh, who is answering to a seven-count money laundering charge, adopted their briefs of arguments on the no-case-submission filed by the defendant.<br /> <br /> While adjourning the matter, yesterday, Justice Okon said he would on the next date either deliver ruling or judgement on the case. He said: “If the no-case-submission succeeds, this court will deliver judgement by striking out the charge and discharging the defendant.<br /> <br /> “However, in the event that the application fails, this court will deliver ruling by directing the defendant to immediately proceed with his defence. This case is, therefore, adjourned to March 9 for either ruling or judgement as the case may be.”

Latest-News $2.1bn arms probe: Olisa Metuh knows fate March 9

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has slated March 9 to determine whether or not the National Publicity Secre...

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