Nigerian Eye

NNPC to flood market with petroleum products to ease fuel scarcity

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="470" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCrzfKXSG24puEMw3Hm9K_NHrxcAYe4HEeZikkJPIyWAbDXvaNNmT5nKIlqMbqxjnLQqwp-BOWp0Es4I6RmqKiHRVHg2vYlqwuAFOv4hzoBNy8QjqIRUTPvMBQj5fcBofVRlXJwWpCZR9/s400/NNPC-Mega-station-in-Edo.jpg" width="400" /></div>
 
 
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it is intensifying efforts to flood the market with petrol and other products to ease scarcity pervading the country. Many motorists and travellers had been groaning in pains in the last few days over the persistent fuel scarcity across the country. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The NNPC spokesman, Mr Ndu Ughamadu, said on Saturday in a statement in Abuja that already, six major marketers: Total, Forte Oil, Oando Plc, MRS, 11 Plc and NIPCO Plc, were loading products round the clock from their various depots in Lagos for onward trucking to other parts of the country. ”The supplies are mostly from cargoes of PMS imported by NNPC which are daily berthing, and immediately being made to discharge their products to stem the supply hiccups. 
 
”The imported products are also being supplemented by supplies from the local refineries. ”NNPC assures Nigerians to remain calm and not to engage in panic buying as the end of the challenge is nigh. 
 
”Marketers are strongly advised against hoarding as security agencies, working with industry regulators, will mete out appropriate sanctions to defaulters,” Ughamadu said. 
 
The NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr Maikanti Baru, had earlier in the week, said that the corporation’s one billion litres of PMS cargo imports had started to arrive. He said that supplies to various parts of the country had been doubled to 80 million litres per day since the current hiccup in the supply chain was noticed few days back.

Latest-News NNPC to flood market with petroleum products to ease fuel scarcity

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it is intensifying efforts to flood the market with petrol and other products to ...

‘Madman’ caught with N100 million cheque, ATM cards in Kwara

22:09 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisutbIiHCUKG7M-0a1-AMr3YU5alkKvi9WZWxArNfKzAg8psIJjHSmWJtK7_nBO44sB1RybtBv7ssUgpyUrAolt44dKS0flIk8NhyphenhyphenLIfQiFAN1bUkKjMoYsYjEHteyJaYabHTre3hBGErc/s1600/Prison+jail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisutbIiHCUKG7M-0a1-AMr3YU5alkKvi9WZWxArNfKzAg8psIJjHSmWJtK7_nBO44sB1RybtBv7ssUgpyUrAolt44dKS0flIk8NhyphenhyphenLIfQiFAN1bUkKjMoYsYjEHteyJaYabHTre3hBGErc/s400/Prison+jail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
A middle-aged man who pretended to be mentally ill has been apprehended in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. 
 
It was learnt that the man, whose name could not be ascertained, as of the time of filing this report, was apprehended near the state Ministry of Environment and Forestry along the Ahmadu Bello Way in Ilorin 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Sources said when he was searched, a cheque of N100m, pictures he allegedly took with top politicians in Nigeria, four automated teller machine cards, male and female condoms, Valium injections and Infinix Hot 5 phone were found on him. 
 
The sources said the man, who would have been lynched by a mob, was rescued by another man dressed in a native attire. 
 
An eye-witness who pleaded anonymity, said she got there when people caught the fake madman. She said she witnessed how the man was searched. 
 
According to her, she ran away when it seemed the mob might lynch the suspect. 
 
The picture of the man and a brief description of what transpired when he was apprehended quickly spread through the social media. 
 
But the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ajayi Okasanmi, said he could not confirm the discovery of the fake madman, adding that all he saw was a picture of the purported man circulating on the social media.

Latest-News ‘Madman’ caught with N100 million cheque, ATM cards in Kwara

A middle-aged man who pretended to be mentally ill has been apprehended in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. It was learnt that the man,...

FG not contemplating hike in petrol pump price – SGF

22:09 Unknown 0

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is not contemplating any form of hike in the pump price of petroleum products. 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Uoh4swBkthOajLVgu2NnVn736hThCIP4mQ6r5gfLbuKv4aE2j47cGSOOU20USpDjF7vcwRofkkMarx2GDGLThlj5aVzig8DBi6UaSviAH2aZbPcbf3hYc7ptsVx7DjEK2M6N1LVgh05/s1600/%2528SGF%2529+Boss+Mustapha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="700" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07Uoh4swBkthOajLVgu2NnVn736hThCIP4mQ6r5gfLbuKv4aE2j47cGSOOU20USpDjF7vcwRofkkMarx2GDGLThlj5aVzig8DBi6UaSviAH2aZbPcbf3hYc7ptsVx7DjEK2M6N1LVgh05/s320/%2528SGF%2529+Boss+Mustapha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
 
Mustapha disclosed this on Saturday at the handing over ceremony of the mantle of leadership as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of National Inland Waterways Authority at the authority’s headquarters in Lokoja. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
He said that the fuel scarcity being experienced in the country over the last two weeks was being addressed by relevant agencies of government adding that the long queues would ease off soon. 
 
The SGF attributed the scarcity to greed on the part of the marketers who created artificial shortfall to make profits. 
 
Mustapha lamented the attitude of some Nigerians who derive pleasure from seeing others suffer by inflicting pains on the people adding that it was unfair and ungodly for marketers to take advantage of the rush by the people to celebrate Christmas and New year. 
 
“I can assure the people that a day or two after the yuletide, the queue will ease out. The marketers created the scarcity but we have engaged all the relevant stakeholders and we are confident that it will soon normalise. 
 
“We are not thinking about increase in the pump price. We have not discussed it and we will not increase the price” he said, adding that panic buying was unwarranted as there was much product available.

Latest-News FG not contemplating hike in petrol pump price – SGF

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is not contemplating an...

Police IG orders stop-and-search nationwide

22:09 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNM8SQjen2td4UAt8w9SLwJuJr-en-azlKSYUHNxnwHIf7kwkPcvrxEuO9sXo_TobpQuJ79qYr5TUlhplrP0ez51MwjBfLxze3yqyHhHaSLMkKCo0Go083p0sFrAEpUyFItTgtsb98Xs6/s1600/police-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="789" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNM8SQjen2td4UAt8w9SLwJuJr-en-azlKSYUHNxnwHIf7kwkPcvrxEuO9sXo_TobpQuJ79qYr5TUlhplrP0ez51MwjBfLxze3yqyHhHaSLMkKCo0Go083p0sFrAEpUyFItTgtsb98Xs6/s320/police-logo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
 
 
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris has directed immediate commencement of stop-and-search operations during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
A statement by the Force spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood in Abuja on Saturday, said Idris directed all State Police Commands across the country to beef up security at flashpoints, black spots and vulnerable points on major roads and highways across the country. 
 
He warned that in order to ensure the free flow of traffic and ease movement of travellers, the operation should not be located at areas susceptible to traffic gridlock or vehicular hold-ups. 
 
“The Police teams on traffic control and observation patrols have been deployed to such points and sections to manage traffic and carry out Police observation duties,” he said. 
 
Moshood said that Idris further directed all Commissioners of Police to supervise police personnel deployed to these stop and search points to make sure that they are not turned to roadblocks. 
 
“Members of the public should promptly report any roadblock seen mounted anywhere in the country to the IGP X-Squad,” he said. 
 
He said that all personnel of the force deployed for the Stop-and-Search operations were under strict instructions to be polite and civil in carrying out their duties. 
 
NAN

Latest-News Police IG orders stop-and-search nationwide

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris has directed immediate commencement of stop-and-search operations during the Christmas ...

REVEALED: Reason for Ronaldo’s Poor La Liga Form

22:09 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFslFJGfhjeHyRUB059_zPHBlRNdLlIuukUTyTcmdNZAiN-BMcH2QFkhaOKDSY7QJX6_dZ3Tyn6f5Ka1Lw5nadSrMdXUQ5mFbWaEHc7tlPR_5u7akh05Ke6nJq-RRHmmtdD1qtkE5rc5g6/s1600/ronaldo+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="700" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFslFJGfhjeHyRUB059_zPHBlRNdLlIuukUTyTcmdNZAiN-BMcH2QFkhaOKDSY7QJX6_dZ3Tyn6f5Ka1Lw5nadSrMdXUQ5mFbWaEHc7tlPR_5u7akh05Ke6nJq-RRHmmtdD1qtkE5rc5g6/s400/ronaldo+s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Age is catching up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid says Craig Burley. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
That is according to pundit and former Chelsea and Scotland midfielder Craig Burley. 
 
Ronaldo has scored just four goals in La Liga this season in 11 appearances. 
 
He has recovered his form slightly in recent weeks, netting five in his last five in all competitions. 
 
But he failed to have a positive influence on the first El Clasico of the season today, as Barcelona ran out 3-0 winners. 
 
Following Saturday’s El Clasico 2-0 defeate at Benarbeu Burley was asked the reason behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s struggles. 
 
ESPN presenter Kevin Negandhi said: “Real quick, you mentioned he wasn’t sharp, he hasn’t been sharp. What’s wrong with Ronaldo?” 
 
Burley believes the answer is simple, saying age is catching up with the 32-year-old. 
 
“Something that comes to us all Kevin,” Burley 
 
“It’s called age. It slows us all down, it catches up. 
 
“Mother Nature, you can never beat it.” 
 
Real Madrid are now 14 points behind Barcelona in La Liga but do have a game in hand on Ernesto Valverde’s side.

Latest-News REVEALED: Reason for Ronaldo’s Poor La Liga Form

Age is catching up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid says Craig Burley. That is according to pundit and former Chelsea and Scotlan...

Medview apologises to passengers over flight delays

22:09 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5eWtH0lXxXXufqNd61kxgaYHeyPz7h3kwo2-b97UmvU0qDxW5tIr2AgG6FtggD-vRulnm2-AdVyONRCHZICYmxWHtXEJ_IzyyPCdJFobuXvWBsEqIizfBhQeseWUg3o2afVp3A5nVeLP/s1600/medview-airline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5eWtH0lXxXXufqNd61kxgaYHeyPz7h3kwo2-b97UmvU0qDxW5tIr2AgG6FtggD-vRulnm2-AdVyONRCHZICYmxWHtXEJ_IzyyPCdJFobuXvWBsEqIizfBhQeseWUg3o2afVp3A5nVeLP/s400/medview-airline.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Medview Airline on Saturday apologised to its passengers following flights delay and rescheduling experienced in the week. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The Medview Media Consultant, Mr. Obuke Oyibotha, said in a statement that the regretted the inconveniences caused passengers as a result of the delays and flight rescheduling. 
 
“We share your pains for our inability at the material time to fly you to your destinations at the appointed time,’’ he said. 
 
Oyibhota, however, attributed the delays to adverse weather conditions and unscheduled aircraft maintenance, which were critical to flight operations. 
 
He added: “The safety of passengers and crew come first before any other considerations, and in such situations, delays and rescheduling becomes inevitable. 
 
“We have put the necessary logistics in place to meet our obligations to esteemed passengers, who have over the years, kept faith with us.” 
 
NAN

Latest-News Medview apologises to passengers over flight delays

Medview Airline on Saturday apologised to its passengers following flights delay and rescheduling experienced in the week. The Medview...

Better days ahead for Nigeria – Buhari

22:09 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5Xc_gbuaV3G-cjnrw6kVB6leIrukh93O4SrKcukGrbyKL_6idxdTDXFTXkpX4oNujUFuDqU4RnQg1f3soWURYfxEdlf-g_W6-YsZGtBLZWq1oGwgkp7pVSMQBLF-HsJHCho77cK9doiZ/s1600/buhari+back+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="276" data-original-width="450" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5Xc_gbuaV3G-cjnrw6kVB6leIrukh93O4SrKcukGrbyKL_6idxdTDXFTXkpX4oNujUFuDqU4RnQg1f3soWURYfxEdlf-g_W6-YsZGtBLZWq1oGwgkp7pVSMQBLF-HsJHCho77cK9doiZ/s400/buhari+back+smile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday felicitated with Nigerians, particularly the Christian community, on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration and reassured that “better days lie ahead for us as a nation.’’ 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The President, who stated this in a Christmas message released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in Abuja, said his administration had redouble efforts to surmount the challenges facing the country. 
 
He said: “I am deeply convinced that better days lie ahead for us as a nation as we make progress on all the major fronts where we have set our energies to surmount the challenges.’’ 
 
According to him, the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ is an important opportunity for all citizens to show love to one another and encourage unity by spending quality time with friends, families and the less-privileged. 
 
He also enjoined the citizens to draw inspiration from the exemplary lifestyle and teachings of Jesus Christ, who constantly stood for what is right, true and honest. 
 
“The Holy Book describes Christmas as a festival of peace, joy, healing, hope and fulfillment. It kindles great expectations in the heart, irrespective of the challenges of the moment. 
 
“As we celebrate this yuletide season, let us devote some time to pray and appreciate the sacrifices of members of our armed services to keep our nation safe and secure. 
 
“By the same token, and keeping with the spirit of the season, our gallant troops serving in the frontlines in the fight against insurgency; those wounded, lying in the hospital, as well as civilians who have suffered the brunt of evil and wicked elements these past years, deserve our fervent goodwill and sustained prayers.” 
 
Buhari maintained that the personal fortitude of these individuals would continue to inspire the nation to victory “as we turn the tide against the enemy and annihilate those who work against the unity of our nation. 
 
“In this season of hope, let us remember to provide refuge to those who cannot enjoy Christmas at home with their families, or have been driven from their homes by insurgency or violence, particularly the Internally Displaced Persons.’’ 
 
On illegal migration, the President frowned at the activities of trans-border syndicates who had been luring youths to modern slavery. 
 
NAN

Latest-News Better days ahead for Nigeria – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday felicitated with Nigerians, particularly the Christian community, on the occasion of this year’s C...

DPR Shuts 6 Stations, Arrests 4 Persons For Hoarding Petrol

17:44 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeEilmpmbpw2IgjfXhHvmdXNazDwzwjovgUdekYFcNPWrhml9v64XDSm1oxWeuGiYqfu2x5_hjQNI8O6KdnolD9PbNdHTBHxwjgOJpLtwXIqpLhTPQgv0ac2PjhyTnXqJ4tVnh_jmnqWC/s1600/Fuel-dispenser+auto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeEilmpmbpw2IgjfXhHvmdXNazDwzwjovgUdekYFcNPWrhml9v64XDSm1oxWeuGiYqfu2x5_hjQNI8O6KdnolD9PbNdHTBHxwjgOJpLtwXIqpLhTPQgv0ac2PjhyTnXqJ4tVnh_jmnqWC/s320/Fuel-dispenser+auto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
 
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Ogun, on Saturday, sealed off six petrol stations and arrested four persons in the state. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The DPR made the arrests for fuel hoarding, under-dispensing, sabotage, obstruction of justice and installation of commercial gas cylinders without approval. 
 
All the affected petrol stations were found to have more than enough of the commodity but refused to sell it to the public. 
 
Some buyers, who spoke accused the station owners of selling fuel at night above the pump price of N145. 
 
“They only sell at night and they sell for N200 per litre,” one of the buyers in Ota, Ogun, who pleaded anonymity, said. 
 
A mild drama, however, ensued at one of the filling stations along Ilaro expressway, as the attendants and the manager fled upon sighting the DPR officials and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). 
 
The DPR Head of Operations, Mr Kasali Akinade, led the surveillance team to the stations. 
 
Akinade said that the exercise became necessary after receiving the information that some filling stations were hoarding, under-dispensing and selling above the pump price. 
 
“We are aware that some filling stations are either hoarding or selling above the pump price; as high as N180 or N200 per litre, which is against the government price policy of N145. 
 
“When we see any filling station, either hoarding or not selling, what we do is to order them to start selling at the approved pump price,” he said. 
 
Kasali, who decried the artificial scarcity created by the filling stations, added that the arrests made were due to the uncooperative attitude of those arrested. 
 
“Normally in a situation like this, we didn’t want to make any arrest, but just to ask them to sell, however, some of them were not willing to cooperate with us. 
 
“When we asked them to start selling, they put off the engine; that is, the electric generator, which is against government policy. 
 
‘‘This country is blessed with petroleum and the good people of Nigeria are not supposed to be denied the use of the resources. 
 
Meanwhile, the Zonal Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Mr Kareem Olarenwaju, explained that those arrested were caught hoarding fuel and selling above pump price. 
 
He said, “four were arrested for their role in hoarding fuel and some were also guilty of breach of peace; one of them obstructed us for a long time”. 
 
Olarenwaju revealed that those arrested would be made to face the full wrath of the law. 
 
‘‘They may be made to pay normal fine to the DPR, otherwise, they will be charged to court,” he said. 
 
Other filling stations visited that were hitherto not selling fuel prior to the DPR’s arrival, were forced to sell at the official pump price.

Latest-News DPR Shuts 6 Stations, Arrests 4 Persons For Hoarding Petrol

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Ogun, on Saturday, sealed off six petrol stations and arrested four persons in the state. ...

Gunman Kills 4, Injures 8 During Christmas Carol In Kaduna

17:44 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="412" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLiE7X6M6Ugl0GFaDrFwIs7OplVhy__bz6TmPRMQrorn3XNTgpaBy_53qWq0nceuHE9oTvbYAFUFfNUYpijroan-Vdty1xw8zCLA8xyLOfw1vd7pxoKi9aIovHRCZVw56eg_Q80Wr-vcl/s400/gunmen.jpg" width="400" /></div>
 
Four persons were killed and eight others injured in an attack by a lone gunman in Kaduna State. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The killings occurred on Friday night around the Nindem village axis in Godogodo district, Jemaa Local Government Area of the state. 
 
Spokesman for Operation Safe Haven, Colonel IK Ekpeyong, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the gunman invaded Godogodo village as the residents were holding a carol at the community square at about 9 pm shooting sporadically, and in the process, killed four persons and injured eight others, Channels Television reports. 
 
He disclosed that the bodies had been deposited in a mortuary while the eight wounded persons were taken to the Kafanchan general hospital for treatment. 
 
He also added that some people suspected to be masterminds of the attack have been arrested for further interrogation, while more troops have been deployed to the area to avert a fresh attack or reprisal.

Latest-News Gunman Kills 4, Injures 8 During Christmas Carol In Kaduna

Four persons were killed and eight others injured in an attack by a lone gunman in Kaduna State. The killings occurred on Friday night...

Bolaji Abdullahi vows to sue Fayose’s aide over alleged character assassination

14:49 Unknown 0

Latest-News Bolaji Abdullahi vows to sue Fayose’s aide over alleged character assassination

Everton take point against Chelsea as Sam Allardyce extends unbeaten start

14:39 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUndqtociNY6dHfvlGKL5UUYeToN7JMV1OaAsg1zaJmzIZcZWWNHDhfnirz13-ncsgqYXDzN-RmfJxttpPbE51qKqHY7Tbqge7J04c7UBOrW9E5w6NoDujoHQfribSIYJDzq1hGFgdf3c/s1600/eve+0-0+che.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUndqtociNY6dHfvlGKL5UUYeToN7JMV1OaAsg1zaJmzIZcZWWNHDhfnirz13-ncsgqYXDzN-RmfJxttpPbE51qKqHY7Tbqge7J04c7UBOrW9E5w6NoDujoHQfribSIYJDzq1hGFgdf3c/s400/eve+0-0+che.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Chelsea missed the opportunity to consolidate their place in the Premier League top four after being held to a goalless draw by Everton at Goodison Park. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Antonio Conte's side had the better of the chances but the good form of Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and two goalline clearances by Phil Jagielka ensured Sam Allardyce's men took a point and continued his unbeaten start at the club. 
 
Since his appointment was announced Everton have won four games and drawn two, a run of results that has seen them shoot up the table. 
 
Chelsea, meanwhile, are third, two points behind Manchester United in second place and four ahead of Liverpool in fourth. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit: ESPN</div>

Latest-News Everton take point against Chelsea as Sam Allardyce extends unbeaten start

Chelsea missed the opportunity to consolidate their place in the Premier League top four after being held to a goalless draw by Everton at...

Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi score as Barcelona beat 10-man Real Madrid

14:04 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZkwZ1kuClaI08-f59k7gawN5E7t_DW4OA53mZEoZaWpJoKh2LFFzDVqRF-hBdgAEhJiKRwGGxsa5FcDEB5UE2Q0Z4USQjnUiAr-pCnqK4PSOK_JuxW2W75ZQ8GDXfPw_02amplmfSLY/s1600/Rm+0-3+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZkwZ1kuClaI08-f59k7gawN5E7t_DW4OA53mZEoZaWpJoKh2LFFzDVqRF-hBdgAEhJiKRwGGxsa5FcDEB5UE2Q0Z4USQjnUiAr-pCnqK4PSOK_JuxW2W75ZQ8GDXfPw_02amplmfSLY/s640/Rm+0-3+bar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Barcelona moved nine points clear at the top of La Liga after beating Real Madrid 3-0 at the Bernabeu. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Luis Suarez scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute, converting a Sergi Roberto pass from close range after Ivan Rakitic had taken advantage of a huge gap in the Madrid midfield. 
 
Less than 10 minutes later a goalmouth scramble saw Dani Carvajal sent off for handball in the penalty area before Lionel Messi converted the subsequent penalty. 
 
In added time substitute Aleix Vidal added a third to round off the victory with a low strike that crept over the goal line after Keylor Navas failed to hold it. 
 
Ahead of the winter break Valencia can reduce Barca's lead at the top to eight points should they beat Villarreal later in the day. 
 
Madrid, meanwhile, sit back in fourth and 14 points behind the league leaders.</div>

Latest-News Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi score as Barcelona beat 10-man Real Madrid

Barcelona moved nine points clear at the top of La Liga after beating Real Madrid 3-0 at the Bernabeu. Luis Suarez scored the decisive ...

$1bn not enough to fight Boko Haram -Ndume

13:59 Unknown 0

Latest-News $1bn not enough to fight Boko Haram -Ndume

The many troubles of David Mark

13:19 Unknown 0

Latest-News The many troubles of David Mark

IG bans SARS from conducting stop and search operations

13:14 Unknown 0

Latest-News IG bans SARS from conducting stop and search operations

2018 “ll be better than 2017 for Nigeria ― Adeboye

13:04 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsDhNNWQa4uzYHfnCEAvqeJazX18bBOg6f17axktLUR2n0L4B-bMJGH8n_JAjNxZju9pfu6SdluFtkqf0J-MeW_1WnRVv0Ea3uZgHmcV4ZjB20hZpSF0Og54JbTxq1fHmwhxcX3jHPg8/s1600/Pastor_E_A_Adeboye.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsDhNNWQa4uzYHfnCEAvqeJazX18bBOg6f17axktLUR2n0L4B-bMJGH8n_JAjNxZju9pfu6SdluFtkqf0J-MeW_1WnRVv0Ea3uZgHmcV4ZjB20hZpSF0Og54JbTxq1fHmwhxcX3jHPg8/s320/Pastor_E_A_Adeboye.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on Saturday in Osogbo declared that the coming year, 2018 would be far better than the outgoing 2017 for the country. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
He made this known during Christmas visitation and “Let’s Go A Fishing” programme organised by his church in Osogbo, capital of Osun State. 
 
Adeboye maintained that despite the hardship faced by the people, the year 2018 would be better, just as he implored the citizens not to lose hope in the future of Nigeria. 
 
Adeboye, who arrived Osogbo City Stadium, venue of the programme around 8.45 am said Jesus Christ died for everybody, saying it was imperative for everybody to love Jesus, who he described as the solution to the myriad of challenges, confronting the world. 
 
Making reference to the book of John, Chapter 3, Verse 16, he charged Nigerians and Osun people to love Jesus Christ, noting that solution to socio-economic problems in the nation, Africa and the global community lies in Jesus. 
 
He, however, expressed happiness for being in his home state, Osun. He offered special prayer for the State, assuring that God would remember past sacrifices of the people of Nigeria, just as he encouraged all to move much more closer to God, with a view to get more favours and mercy from the Almighty. 
 </div>

Latest-News 2018 “ll be better than 2017 for Nigeria ― Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on Saturday in Osogbo declar...

Fuel scarcity: Nigerians blast APC, call for Buhari’s resignation

11:34 Unknown 0

Latest-News Fuel scarcity: Nigerians blast APC, call for Buhari’s resignation

Why SARS operatives must undergo mental test – IGP

11:34 Unknown 0

Latest-News Why SARS operatives must undergo mental test – IGP

Innoson withdraws ex parte application against GTBank, EFCC

11:24 Unknown 0

Latest-News Innoson withdraws ex parte application against GTBank, EFCC

Adekunle Gold opens up on dating Simi, asking Adesua out

11:24 Unknown 0

Latest-News Adekunle Gold opens up on dating Simi, asking Adesua out

Live Commentary (El Clasico): Real Madrid vs Barcelona

11:14 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkDWZwDwiErd21IwWC7rl3GXAm-cuArXqb8GNOvmc5i9o1SXEi7YbMo3Pv0qZvNn5TRmIRfn3ZfNCNcuRGixZR8pgG8qmlUyvnVhB17r8MCj_qPGuAGvA7jjGUgIEEi2goC77y0kDBFA/s1600/Real-Madrid-vs-Barcelona-1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkDWZwDwiErd21IwWC7rl3GXAm-cuArXqb8GNOvmc5i9o1SXEi7YbMo3Pv0qZvNn5TRmIRfn3ZfNCNcuRGixZR8pgG8qmlUyvnVhB17r8MCj_qPGuAGvA7jjGUgIEEi2goC77y0kDBFA/s400/Real-Madrid-vs-Barcelona-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Hello and welcome to Nigerianeye's live text coverage of the final El Clasico of 2017 as Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Bernabeu. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The hosts come into this match knowing that realistically only victory will do if they are to keep their title defence alive, having fallen 11 points behind Barca in the La Liga table. 
 
Unbeaten Barca, meanwhile, could all but kill off the champions' hopes this afternoon whilst also extending their six-point lead over second-place Atletico Madrid. 
 
Make sure you don't miss a moment of the action courtesy of our minute-by-minute updates below. 
 
 </div>

Latest-News Live Commentary (El Clasico): Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Hello and welcome to Nigerianeye's live text coverage of the final El Clasico of 2017 as Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Bernabeu. ...

Ohanaeze demands apology from EFCC over Innoson ordeal

11:09 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTAlTC091b-VecYMC2vgGMbsl_vDcjSy22ZTszMrX5U_pK3UPYrBj3Z1OhyRy-kCB2AcyR5nWFrzrA_MZUEaVXbdaDgNdaV8_7e8IRl02R7g-YEXgw1W38sWV13IzG4JZ8iJ5C6jVpnI/s1600/Ohaneze+Ndigbo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTAlTC091b-VecYMC2vgGMbsl_vDcjSy22ZTszMrX5U_pK3UPYrBj3Z1OhyRy-kCB2AcyR5nWFrzrA_MZUEaVXbdaDgNdaV8_7e8IRl02R7g-YEXgw1W38sWV13IzG4JZ8iJ5C6jVpnI/s320/Ohaneze+Ndigbo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has demanded an apology from the E‎conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the agency’s humiliation of the Chairman of Innoson Group of Companies, Chief Innocent Chukwuma and family. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Ohanaeze also asked the federal government and its agencies to desist from situations that would suggest it is witch-hunting a particular ethnic group in Nigeria. 
 
In condemning the EFCC action which it described as barbaric, the apex Igbo body urged the federal government to bring those involved in the show of shame to book. 
 
Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it strongly feels that entrepreneurs like Chief Chukwuma should be encouraged and not ridiculed in the manner he was treated by the EFCC. 
 
In statement by the President of Enugu state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Chiedozie Ogbonnia said‎ “We wish to affirm that the Igbo are genuine and committed partners in the Nigerian project and government must avoid situations that would suggest it is witch-hunting a particular ethnic group. 
 
“We demand, therefore, a public apology from the EFCC to Chief Chukwuma and indeed ‎Nigerians.” 
 
Ogbonnia said the EFCC exhibited show of brutality, shame and absolute display of lawlessness against the automobile manufacturer. 
 
The statement reads in part: “The illegal arrest of Chief Chukwuma even in the face of weighty and incriminating evidence against a bank, is condemnable in all its ramifications. 
 
“Even more condemnable is the application of brute force by the operatives against the wife of Chief Chukwuma who was not the target of the operatives. That the operatives could display such brutality against a woman indicates the level of bestiality in the Nigerian society. 
 
“Chief Innocent Chukwuma is a genuine entrepreneur who has, through a dint of hard work, built up a business empire that has offered employment to thousands on Nigerian youths. 
 
“The barbarity displayed by the operatives of the EFCC against Chief Chukwuma has reinforced the assumption that he was singled out for humiliation for no other reason than his capacity to succeed in a system that has limited Igbo enterprise for decades. 
 
“It has also cast a dark and damnable pall over the pretensions of the government at fighting corruption, which many Nigerians perceive as manifestly selective.”</div>

Latest-News Ohanaeze demands apology from EFCC over Innoson ordeal

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has demanded an apology from the E‎conomic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the agency’s humiliation of the Chai...

PHOTO: Woman Goes Under A Trailer, Begs To Be Crushed After Her Goods Were Seized

11:04 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBrZad_RiCT3KygKUcex9xlmd0_NhooMbxhYFROEaGU88IjB6JmgbUgmy-P9I7PnBkHvMhZaWPHdnWYxUTy24P5xu6Mjjv0lp2a7-MUgBnbtyzn3qRX7R23H7tlLhQo3Hw1MeHFUZOhM/s1600/ph.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBrZad_RiCT3KygKUcex9xlmd0_NhooMbxhYFROEaGU88IjB6JmgbUgmy-P9I7PnBkHvMhZaWPHdnWYxUTy24P5xu6Mjjv0lp2a7-MUgBnbtyzn3qRX7R23H7tlLhQo3Hw1MeHFUZOhM/s320/ph.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
A mild drama happened today in Calabar in front of the Oando filling station when the Cross River State Commissioner for Environment led a team of enforcement officers to confiscate items sold by petty traders. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
According to reports, when the commissioner and his men seized the goods from the traders and dumped them inside the trailer to drive away, a woman went beneath the trailer and asked the driver to crush her after her N5,000 business was taken away from her. 
 
It took efforts of the individuals around to calm the woman down and remove her from under the trailer.</div>

Latest-News PHOTO: Woman Goes Under A Trailer, Begs To Be Crushed After Her Goods Were Seized

A mild drama happened today in Calabar in front of the Oando filling station when the Cross River State Commissioner for Environment led a...

IG bars SARS from providing security for VIPs

11:04 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnri84k5oM8ixayeQqE13JJlBmRf5G-H4KLHikEblRY4Qdr8SHhrd3A9WZhgo8O4KFaIPjMVGLNOEG6CerVq1GBwdha_SvDwYxAlgNUO84QwjSQrG2IJCfQKS91LlBOzMetfMXEOsD5Q/s1600/Ibrahim+Idris.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnri84k5oM8ixayeQqE13JJlBmRf5G-H4KLHikEblRY4Qdr8SHhrd3A9WZhgo8O4KFaIPjMVGLNOEG6CerVq1GBwdha_SvDwYxAlgNUO84QwjSQrG2IJCfQKS91LlBOzMetfMXEOsD5Q/s320/Ibrahim+Idris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has barred operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, from providing security protection for Very Important Persons. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
He also asked them to stop conducting ‘stop-and-search on roads, involvement in civil matters including land disputes, personal disputes, debt collection and other civil issues. 
 
Idris, who spoke during a meeting with SARS commanders at the Force Headquarters, Abuja on Friday, said the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership was worried by the clamour  by some Nigerians that the unit be scrapped. 
 
The IG directed that all operatives of the squad must henceforth appear in official uniform  clearly marked for identification. 
 
He said they could only conduct stop-and-search operation on roads when necessary, adding that such operation must be with the permission of Commissioner of SARS or Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations in the commands they are answerable to. 
 
Any operation conducted by the operatives, according to the police boss, must be in a “non-discriminatory, proportional, fair and accountable manner.” 
 
The measures, he said,were as a result of the police administration’s response  to the yearnings and demands of modern policing. 
 
“In demonstration of good faith to the aspiration of the Nigerian populace, I have given mandate to the IGP’s Monitoring Units and ‘X’ Squad and other oversight units of the Force to monitor the activities of the SARS operatives, while in the same vein, citizens are encouraged to avail the police ways to improve SARS operations across the nation, “he added. 
 
Other measures which the police leadership has taken to reform the SARS, according to the IG, were the designation of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of operations to lead the unit as its strategic commander and  appointment of a Commissioner of Police as a field Commander of all activities related to SARS. 
 
Idris disclosed that SARS operations in each state command would be under the Commissioner of Police through the Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners of Police in charge of operations. 
 
As part of the reform, the police boss hinted that psychometric test, training and continuous assessment of operatives would  be deployed  to determine the suitability or otherwise of their role in keeping with acceptable standard operating procedures. 
 
He also said the unit would be confined to its established role of preventing, confronting and solving cases related to armed robbery and generally protecting the public from armed robbery and other violent crimes. 
 </div>

Latest-News IG bars SARS from providing security for VIPs

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has barred operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, from providing security protectio...

Pray APC government out, Secondus urges Nigerians at Christmas.

10:59 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdzLITJvxRW1tulAni1gtkutYu7qEGAzs_zhPmoNUV9a8evto9AhyphenhyphenINXmKGvTtXGyZtRlNdnHxLetp3H4CL4oH5-tY0PgIHUjdUwVvzrgvUoBqLGTPJGQRHFXU8TgrrhLBVaLnFvAsg0/s1600/Uche+Secondus.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdzLITJvxRW1tulAni1gtkutYu7qEGAzs_zhPmoNUV9a8evto9AhyphenhyphenINXmKGvTtXGyZtRlNdnHxLetp3H4CL4oH5-tY0PgIHUjdUwVvzrgvUoBqLGTPJGQRHFXU8TgrrhLBVaLnFvAsg0/s400/Uche+Secondus.jpg" /></a></div>
The National Chairman of the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Christmas to offer special prayers for an end to the government of the All Progressive Congress, adding that it is obvious that the party and its leaders are not moving the country forward. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Secondus said in a Christmas message to Nigerians that the hardship Nigerians are going through in the last 30 months of the APC administration shows clearly that it was a mistake voting them in. 
 
He said, “The fact that Nigerians cannot see fuel to travel home to see their loved ones during this Christmas even after fuel prize jumped from N87 per liter under PDP administration to N145 under APC shows clearly that they have nothing to offer. 
 
“As Christmas is the marking of the coming of the messiah by christendom, this is the best time to seek God’s intervention to send a leader who would save this country as APC administration has failed the people woefully.” 
 
Secondus said that never in the history of Nigeria has there been this level of disaffection among the people with the government clearly unable to offer solution. 
 
He said, “This Yuletide time is therefore ripe for Nigerians to bury their political, ethnic and religious differences and go on their knees to ask God to save this country from the hands of the APC misrule and clear lack of direction. 
 
“This is the third Christmas Nigerians are marking under the APC government and the indignation in their faces across board shows it all that the people are sad and disappointed.” 
 
Notwithstanding the alleged frustrations, the PDP chairman admonished all Nigerians to use the Christmas period to reflect deeply on the future of democracy in this country and try and use this season to show love to one another and build on those things that unite than divide the country.</div>

Latest-News Pray APC government out, Secondus urges Nigerians at Christmas.

The National Chairman of the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, has called on Nigerians to use the occ...

Fuel scarcity: Fayemi denies asking Buhari to increase product to N250 per litre

10:59 Unknown 0

Latest-News Fuel scarcity: Fayemi denies asking Buhari to increase product to N250 per litre

Fayose signs N98.6bn 2018 budget

10:39 Unknown 0

Latest-News Fayose signs N98.6bn 2018 budget

What I want lawyers to do for Nigeria – Buhari

10:39 Unknown 0

Latest-News What I want lawyers to do for Nigeria – Buhari

Rohr Excited By England Friendly, Wants More Russia 2018 Build-Up Games

10:34 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2H72231qhuNatiQbeBaJdjD6k9cCMxP_58t9muHpcHlNn24mU3ywGhxklqoOcS5M_nWRATXIFMS1CpC8I7P9Xy6hg49XqlVosBf4zoapU27XxpKIa4WEMR-sZXK9H2jT7yM2ma19_nPQ/s1600/Gernot+Rhr2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2H72231qhuNatiQbeBaJdjD6k9cCMxP_58t9muHpcHlNn24mU3ywGhxklqoOcS5M_nWRATXIFMS1CpC8I7P9Xy6hg49XqlVosBf4zoapU27XxpKIa4WEMR-sZXK9H2jT7yM2ma19_nPQ/s320/Gernot+Rhr2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr believes that the proposed international friendly match against the Three Lions of England next year will help his players to prepare well for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The match is slated for Wembley Stadium on June 2. 
 
Media Officer of the Super Eagles Toyin Ibitoye told Completesportsnigeria.com that the target of the coach is to play as many international friendly matches as possible with top teams in the world before the Russia 2018. 
 
Ibitoye said securing the match against England was very exciting to the former OG Nice of France manager who is expected to return to Nigeria after the African Nations Championship in Morocco in January and February. 
 
“Rohr was excited when he was told that the friendly match against England has been finalised because his dream has always been playing tough teams before the World Cup so that it can help him to know the areas he needs to work on before going to Russia”, Ibitoye told Completesportsnigeria.com. 
 
“You know normally, coaches use friendly matches to know the strength and the weaknesses of their teams, so Rohr believes that the match against a team like England will be tough and it will help him as well.” 
 
The Super Eagles, who defeated Zambia 1-0 to seal their World Cup slot, will also play Poland in another friendly match as the Nigeria Football Federation search for more international build-up games. 
 
Nigeria will face Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in the first round of the FIFA World Cup. 
 </div>

Latest-News Rohr Excited By England Friendly, Wants More Russia 2018 Build-Up Games

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr believes that the proposed international friendly match against the Three Lions of England next year will h...

Davido Opens Up On Rift With Wizkid, Friends’ Death

10:29 Unknown 0

Latest-News Davido Opens Up On Rift With Wizkid, Friends’ Death

What IGP should do over Ganduje, Kwankwaso feud – Reps

10:19 Unknown 0

Latest-News What IGP should do over Ganduje, Kwankwaso feud – Reps

PENGASSAN reveals those hoarding fuel, gives reasons

10:09 Unknown 0

Latest-News PENGASSAN reveals those hoarding fuel, gives reasons

Aguero set to leave Man City as relationship with Guardiola deteriorates

09:59 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-MbZ6ATvqt5wes_MwVbVkAOys_3a9E_oovjTP2SdhxzuNsFatC1abhCGL2DminiEXBxklz3XO4jPrviya6LZ7NulWTaJEuPw9l2g64xRdE0KK6mPzotrzoky5tYlsGGqBqvRUv8SoD4/s1600/aguero2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-MbZ6ATvqt5wes_MwVbVkAOys_3a9E_oovjTP2SdhxzuNsFatC1abhCGL2DminiEXBxklz3XO4jPrviya6LZ7NulWTaJEuPw9l2g64xRdE0KK6mPzotrzoky5tYlsGGqBqvRUv8SoD4/s320/aguero2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero, is set to quit the club next summer, with the striker becoming increasingly disillusioned with his treatment by Pep Guardiola. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Aguero is City’s all-time leading scorer and could be on his way when the season ends, after spending seven years at the Etihad. 
 
The Argentine did not hide his anger at being subbed after 55 minutes of City’s 4-1 win over Tottenham last weekend, throwing his gloves to the ground. 
 
The 29-year-old was also dropped for the Manchester Derby three weeks ago and never came off the bench at Old Trafford. 
 
Guardiola is adamant he has no problem with Aguero and City’s hierarchy insist the forward remains central to their plans and will be at the club next season. 
 
 </div>

Latest-News Aguero set to leave Man City as relationship with Guardiola deteriorates

Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero, is set to quit the club next summer, with the striker becoming increasingly disillusioned with his...

Lukaku unhappy after Ibrahimovic tells him to play wide

09:59 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihlCJYKj6PKYbJGhaijE-kCS6XMvUbiOLlzeELSd5lBhO1Kuabvn1mRg0z0glH8gOaYt221MhEc6m00Mn4_ZlrZK9_fvaZdaSYAL1dNkSUEWEEqXfyUBcWDk75nSCHu8IFX7i4oKiyEE/s1600/Romelu+Lukaku+man+u.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihlCJYKj6PKYbJGhaijE-kCS6XMvUbiOLlzeELSd5lBhO1Kuabvn1mRg0z0glH8gOaYt221MhEc6m00Mn4_ZlrZK9_fvaZdaSYAL1dNkSUEWEEqXfyUBcWDk75nSCHu8IFX7i4oKiyEE/s320/Romelu+Lukaku+man+u.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Romelu Lukaku is unhappy at Manchester United and feels he’s being undermined by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Lukakau did not celebrate his last two goals for the Red Devils and MirrorSport claims that his issues with Ibrahimovic are behind it. 
 
The Belgium international was signed from Everton last summer for £75million, to effectively replace Ibrahimovic as the club’s source of goals upfront. 
 
But Lukaku feels Ibrahimovic has refused to accept his status as the club’s No 9, since returning from a serious knee injury that had kept him out since April. 
 
Lukaku still starts the big games for United, but has complained that Ibrahimovic has tried to take over his central striking role when he has come on as a substitute, telling him to move out wide. 
 
He is also not pleased that manager Jose Mourinho, have not spoken to the Swede about this behaviour. 
 
Lukaku has managed four goals in 10 games since Ibrahimovic returned, compared to scoring 11 in his first 10 matches. 
 </div>

Latest-News Lukaku unhappy after Ibrahimovic tells him to play wide

Romelu Lukaku is unhappy at Manchester United and feels he’s being undermined by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Lukakau did not celebrate his last...

I wasn’t bluffing about beating Freeze — Majek Fashek’s manager

09:54 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYjZI8G_21fmyYYh9JXpuDtmNHkPaFkvrSUTs3gEaoFXuBD_S_TRgN_iQE028EQRXZXfHYGYwuk6ViRQgEuWnV53LHKmRlEPUsXuyUh4ZlsJVJi0752RJFjrqQ96ICqtSrZHBX0kwaNE/s1600/freeze.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYjZI8G_21fmyYYh9JXpuDtmNHkPaFkvrSUTs3gEaoFXuBD_S_TRgN_iQE028EQRXZXfHYGYwuk6ViRQgEuWnV53LHKmRlEPUsXuyUh4ZlsJVJi0752RJFjrqQ96ICqtSrZHBX0kwaNE/s320/freeze.png" width="320" /></a></div>
For berating reggae maestro, Majek Fashek with reckless abandon on Tuesday, for performing at Commonwealth of Zion Assembly’s Christmas Concert, popular radio presenter, Ifedayo Olarinde, also known as ‘Daddy Freeze, incurred the wrath of Majek’s manager, Omenka Uzoma Day, who threatened  to deal with him if he ever dares to repeat such a statement. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
In a chat with Showtime, Uzoma said Majek performing in a church is not out of place, but rather a welcome development. 
 
“Music is supposed to preach love and peace; don’t you like the idea of Majek going to sing in a church? Even politicians go to church because it is a place of hope where they can meet people for encouragement. I’m not fighting for pastors but for Majek, “he said 
 
Uzoma added, “In life people have ups and downs but Majek survived it all; we all know what happened to Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, and Majek Fashek is in that class. He is the only Nigerian artiste that has made it to the billboard in America; in the whole of Africa no artiste has achieved that.” 
 
According to Uzoma, Majek is too peaceful for anyone to court his anger by making such derogatory remarks. “Majek is too much of a humble and peace loving person that will never make trouble for Daddy Freeze to belittle him without doing proper research. That’s why I said I’ll beat him and conduct deliverance on him because he talks like a kid. So, the idea of beating him and conducting deliverance on him is meant to teach him how to talk.” 
 
Confirming that  he wasn’t bluffing, Majek’s manager said “ I wasn’t kidding, I will beat him because he wags his mouth anyhow for cheap publicity. People have called me from England that he’s like that, these are the things he does to make sure his name is everywhere; but he should go and be doing it where he’s from because he looks like people from Niger Republic. He can’t be allowed to continue talking like that; even Jesus Christ in the Bible flogged people who were trading in the church. I don’t have a problem with him but if he dares open his mouth to talk about Majek again for cheap publicity I will beat him. I’m not making an empty threat, I’ll beat him.”</div>

Latest-News I wasn’t bluffing about beating Freeze — Majek Fashek’s manager

For berating reggae maestro, Majek Fashek with reckless abandon on Tuesday, for performing at Commonwealth of Zion Assembly’s Christmas Co...

Police declare oil dealer wanted over Badoo killings

09:54 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNambwQjZBr4gIhHsAaJKmPa9czylqJ-5wg9ZtCH0qy4cToPePNd-SEv9qhphEDcIZ5BDSPEY-CGL_h_T5WVg2LbugdtrMINycvt7cs6_Pt42wIMqRFISZazQ4Qjixv16o71J-K56pNk/s1600/Nigeria+Police.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNambwQjZBr4gIhHsAaJKmPa9czylqJ-5wg9ZtCH0qy4cToPePNd-SEv9qhphEDcIZ5BDSPEY-CGL_h_T5WVg2LbugdtrMINycvt7cs6_Pt42wIMqRFISZazQ4Qjixv16o71J-K56pNk/s320/Nigeria+Police.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The police in Lagos have said that a popular oil marketer, identified as Alhaji Alaka Abayomi Kamal, is the prime suspect in the Badoo cult killings in Ikorodu and Epe areas of the state. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The state command has now declared him wanted, indicating in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Chike Oti, on Friday that the 51-year-old suspect was on the run. 
 
Kamal, the owner of Alaka Petroleum, “is wanted in connection with series of well-orchestrated killings and nefarious activities of the Badoo cult group,” the statement said. 
 
The cult was known for its modus operandi of smashing the heads of its victims with mortars, pestles or large stones. In a killing spree, that created panic in the state few months ago, children, men and women were murdered by suspected members of the group. 
 
Kamal was declared wanted in a Special Police Gazette Bulletin issued under the authority of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, with reference number CR 07/2017. 
 
Oti said that Kamal, who had earlier been arrested and released on bail, has reportedly frustrated many attempts to re-arrest him. 
 
He was declared wanted after the police obtained a warrant of arrest from a magistrate’s court in the state. 
 
The Special Police Gazette Bulletin carrying the suspect’s photograph said,“The above-named person (Alhaji Alaka Abayomi Kamal) is hereby declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force on CRO Form “5” issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Intelligence and Intelligence Department, Musiliu Smith Street, Yaba, Lagos. 
 
“He is five feet, eight inches tall, dark in complexion, stout in stature with no tribal marks. He speaks Yoruba and English. He is Yoruba by tribe and 51 years of age.” 
 
According to the police, Kamal lives at the PSSDC Magodo Estate in Shangisha, Lagos. 
 
He is described as someone with brown eyes, oval face, small head with a low forehead with “a good set of teeth and always wore a white kaftan. 
 
“If seen, he should be arrested and handed over to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Musiliu Street, Yaba, Lagos or any nearest Police Station or call 08068169076 and 08125151772,” the police said. 
 
It would be recalled that a combined team of various security agencies had discovered and  demolished a Badoo shrine allegedly belonging to Alaka in Agbowa area of Ikorodu in September, an operation that was led by Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal. 
 </div>

Latest-News Police declare oil dealer wanted over Badoo killings

The police in Lagos have said that a popular oil marketer, identified as Alhaji Alaka Abayomi Kamal, is the prime suspect in the Badoo cul...

Ike Ekweremadu, Bankole, Katsina-Alu get 21-day eviction notices

09:44 Unknown 0

Latest-News Ike Ekweremadu, Bankole, Katsina-Alu get 21-day eviction notices

Innoson, the Igbo and orphans of the corporate world - Femi Fani-kayode

09:44 Unknown 0

Latest-News Innoson, the Igbo and orphans of the corporate world - Femi Fani-kayode

Digital Switch Over ‘ll create millions of jobs – Lai Mohammed

09:44 Unknown 0

Latest-News Digital Switch Over ‘ll create millions of jobs – Lai Mohammed

Yuletide: Military, Police bans use of ‘knockout’

09:39 Unknown 0

Latest-News Yuletide: Military, Police bans use of ‘knockout’

Fani-Kayode reveals how much Buhari paid to Boko Haram for Chibok girls

09:39 Unknown 0

Latest-News Fani-Kayode reveals how much Buhari paid to Boko Haram for Chibok girls

Fayose condemns FG over persistent fuel scarcity, calls for Buhari’s resignation

09:19 Unknown 0

Latest-News Fayose condemns FG over persistent fuel scarcity, calls for Buhari’s resignation

Aisha blast Buhari over fuel scarcity, failed economy

09:19 Unknown 0

Latest-News Aisha blast Buhari over fuel scarcity, failed economy

Father Christmas suffers heart attack, dies during school party

16:54 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLgbSOqEusncTSiRqmZd7gib1acpdA_nXyIRUvW2dqrKaXRkmwxiBCBE3qIbWl72X3YXl3cVaE16ENcgNXpspM4Jxu1J7EGSJNcz6F5RTNrWYT0ZBFYwJUBM4dOBeUM6OTNvo_VVGOe0/s1600/Father+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLgbSOqEusncTSiRqmZd7gib1acpdA_nXyIRUvW2dqrKaXRkmwxiBCBE3qIbWl72X3YXl3cVaE16ENcgNXpspM4Jxu1J7EGSJNcz6F5RTNrWYT0ZBFYwJUBM4dOBeUM6OTNvo_VVGOe0/s320/Father+Christmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A man dressed in a Father Christmas costume collapsed and died on Friday while handing out presents at a Christmas school party in Southern Italy for pupils aged around 11 to 13. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The Gino Rossi Vairo institute in Agropoli, a seaside town about 100 kilometres south-east of Naples, told dpa that the cause of death was not known. 
 
The ANSA news agency named the victim as Pasquale Pagano, 45. 
 
A local newspaper, InfoCilento it, quoted the mother of one of the pupils as saying that his face turned blue, suggesting that Pagano might have had a heart attack. 
 
“An ambulance was called and they tried everything to save his life but there was nothing they could do for him,’’ the mother, whose name was not published, told the paper.</div>

Latest-News Father Christmas suffers heart attack, dies during school party

A man dressed in a Father Christmas costume collapsed and died on Friday while handing out presents at a Christmas school party in Souther...

Fuel scarcity caused by ‘administrative challenges’ between FG, marketers – DPR

16:54 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW74yuw5yLUcOhTjyJGZ0PI7_vw62OA-_eu9z3nOjCX_f3UzGsDR2_QzU-w44A1O9qUXMU_WjzoO3kH5QUP_icVsbHUDtBwWy58ecKKJE_75Ip7HB5rCOgtCatDzR2QM8otVur76qOZE/s1600/Fuel-dispencer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW74yuw5yLUcOhTjyJGZ0PI7_vw62OA-_eu9z3nOjCX_f3UzGsDR2_QzU-w44A1O9qUXMU_WjzoO3kH5QUP_icVsbHUDtBwWy58ecKKJE_75Ip7HB5rCOgtCatDzR2QM8otVur76qOZE/s320/Fuel-dispencer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Department of Petroleum Resources on Friday has attributed the lingering fuel crisis to what it described as “administrative challenges” between government and marketers. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The DPR said it has taken “some time to be resolved.” 
 
It, however, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was working to ensure that the fuel crisis ends soon, while appealing to Nigerians to remain calm. 
 
It said efforts are being made to restore normalcy. 
 
The Plateau State Operations Manager of DPR, Jeremiah Mashat, made the clarification during a press conference held in Jos. 
 
He said, “There has been a dip in the supply of fuel to the states in the past three weeks. 
 
“A total of 214 trucks have been supplied to the state during this period, and if you divide 214 trucks by 21 days, you will get an average of 10 trucks per day for a state that has 17 local government areas. 
 
“You can see that some local governments may not get the product at all; and that is how critical the situation is. 
 
“The fact is that there have been administrative challenges between government and marketers, taking some time to be resolved. 
 
“Once in a while, government has to reconcile its records with the marketers. And that takes a while. 
 
“But I can assure you that government is working round the clock to get the issues resolved. 
 
“We have sent reports from the state to the minister, and I believe the other states have done same. 
 
“And I can assure you that government is working hard to resolve the crisis; and I believe in a short while, the situation will be brought under control.” 
 
Mashat dismissed the insinuations that the scarcity was artificial to make life difficult for Nigerians during the Christmas period. 
 
“It is not aimed at making life difficult for Nigerians at Christmas; it’s a mere coincidence”, he stated. 
 
“We go around every day to monitor the filling stations to ensure that the product is not sold above N145 per litre. 
 
“We have also put some measures in place to ensure that trucks that leave the depot are tracked till they get to their destinations to ensure that the product is not diverted to wrong destinations,” he stated. 
 
Mashat warned that the punishment for diversion of the product is a fine of N200 for each litre of the quantity of fuel diverted.</div>

Latest-News Fuel scarcity caused by ‘administrative challenges’ between FG, marketers – DPR

The Department of Petroleum Resources on Friday has attributed the lingering fuel crisis to what it described as “administrative challenge...

Innoson Withdraws Suit Filed Against FG

16:44 Unknown 0

Latest-News Innoson Withdraws Suit Filed Against FG

I Saw Unbelievable Things When I Assumed Office -Buhari

16:14 Unknown 0

Latest-News I Saw Unbelievable Things When I Assumed Office -Buhari

We destroy illegal refineries daily – Navy

15:44 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuVFu305XgxRRUQBJLKE8rPWPx360PbxX9OKOPd39PjyCjwkLZkSCRkd-fLraChAhqps9E-Yt5c7zTA5uVblK8oK1a8CIfzOcbdnxD37eURZXo3zbcrJ-iKoXnf5Hxs0Y0e_M0wJVuSA/s1600/Nigerian+Navy.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuVFu305XgxRRUQBJLKE8rPWPx360PbxX9OKOPd39PjyCjwkLZkSCRkd-fLraChAhqps9E-Yt5c7zTA5uVblK8oK1a8CIfzOcbdnxD37eURZXo3zbcrJ-iKoXnf5Hxs0Y0e_M0wJVuSA/s400/Nigerian+Navy.png" /></a></div>
The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Nigerian Navy Calabar, on Friday, said it had destroyed illegal refineries within its area of responsibility. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Rear Adm. Victor Adedipe, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), ENC, disclosed this to newsmen while decorating two senior officers. 
 
Adedipe decorated Capt. Mary Adetola, the fourth female officer in the Nigerian Navy to become a Commodore in the Nursing unit alongside Lt.-Commander Mohammad Zakariya, who was also promoted to Commander. 
 
However, the FOC said that 2017 had been a successful year for the command. 
 
“We have done quite a lot in 2017, whenever these illegal refineries spring up and we discover them; we shut them down on a daily basis. 
 
“We have equally arrested quite a number of criminals at sea who were terrorising ships and other vessels that were traversing our maritime environment. 
 
“We have some challenges; we still have inadequate platforms and logistic challenges. But, within the constraint of what is provided, we will continue to function very well,’’ he said. 
 
The FOC congratulated the newly decorated senior officers and urged them to see their promotion as a call to higher service. 
 
Responding, Commodore Omotola, a matron in the Navy Hospital, Calabar, thanked God for her elevation. 
 
She promised to work hard to justify the confidence on her, assuring that she would continue to discharge her constitutional duties effectively. 
 
“I want to specially thank the almighty God who has made this day a success. My sincere appreciation also goes to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the FOC for finding us worthy of this gracious promotion,’’ she said.</div>

Latest-News We destroy illegal refineries daily – Navy

The Eastern Naval Command (ENC) of the Nigerian Navy Calabar, on Friday, said it had destroyed illegal refineries within its area of respo...

Ethnicity, religions have no place in Nigerian politics – Buhari

15:44 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaz561ioXPQMCB7OM-Sc7bEt46BRzebg3QmKqvwnOYhOuORIkzpuGFKyTPxKvhH32WzN_w8rjkFIQo_V_LoXr_kFeZM-RxbZVj3bEe-8lWmZk1Y2dbhzolFxmozVD4Op8hfA_0iCMORQ/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaz561ioXPQMCB7OM-Sc7bEt46BRzebg3QmKqvwnOYhOuORIkzpuGFKyTPxKvhH32WzN_w8rjkFIQo_V_LoXr_kFeZM-RxbZVj3bEe-8lWmZk1Y2dbhzolFxmozVD4Op8hfA_0iCMORQ/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
President Muhammadu Buhari says after losing in three elections and pursuing cases up to the Supreme Court, he learnt that ethnicity and religion had no place in Nigerian politics, but personal interests prevailed. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The president made his position known when he received the Governance Support Group at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday. 
 
He said: “Some of the things I saw here were unbelievable. I still shudder and wonder how a country can survive under such abuses. 
 
“It is only by an act of God that we survived. 
 
“I want you to maintain your steadfastness. We have gone through the worst of the times. We lost elections three times and I learnt a lot along the way.’’ 
 
Buhari, however, told his supporters that he was not oblivious of the personal risks and investments that brought in the All Progressives Congress-led administration. 
 
He cited the appointment of Mr. Boss Mustapha as Secretary to the Government of the Federation as most deserved because of his steadfastness. 
 
Buhari, therefore, maintained that the long-suffering, commitment and sacrifices of all his supporters over the years will be remembered by posterity. 
 
He urged members of the group and all his supporters to remain steadfast in pursuing the overall good of the nation. 
 
According to him, he remains “eternally grateful’’ for all the personal and collective sacrifices that culminated in winning the 2015 elections, assuring them that all the efforts would never be forgotten. 
 
“I can never forget your sacrifices and I am grateful for all. You never gave up when things were bleak, and we needed to survive. I can’t express my gratitude enough. 
 
“In spite of the environment you found yourself, you kept believing and pushing. Some of you were really exposed to risks. My consolation is that you voluntarily threw in your lot with me. 
 
“Some of you exposed yourself so much, and I knew it. I urge you to still stick to your principled ways of doing things and our country will be the better for it,’’ he said. 
 
The President said the administration had ushered in a new era of accountability and responsibility by auditing and correcting the many wrongs of the past that crippled the economy and created an exclusive class. 
 
He therefore promised to consolidate on the reforms he had initiated for change in the country. 
 
The Chairman of the Group, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, commended the President for the bold initiatives in restoring security, tackling corruption and setting the economy on a more predictable path. 
 
Nwajiuba said the group would continue to support and advise the President on areas that needed more attention. 
 
He said such areas would include engagement with party members and supporters, empowerment of Nigerians and the fight against kidnapping.</div>

Latest-News Ethnicity, religions have no place in Nigerian politics – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says after losing in three elections and pursuing cases up to the Supreme Court, he learnt that ethnicity and r...

Senator rates Buhari high over war against corruption, insecurity

15:39 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54yOUrUeag0XISJfbAfn41kK5TKNYRQfFDhOoso742G4Xr4Bvl5w9hkgF0m5xhYfpjWeqGns09CCkiwEkbpP1uRAouMDkDwbiSyMhtgrH3ANsRJqgnEwqHTz1m7DO8LffgEu9bvfeypg/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54yOUrUeag0XISJfbAfn41kK5TKNYRQfFDhOoso742G4Xr4Bvl5w9hkgF0m5xhYfpjWeqGns09CCkiwEkbpP1uRAouMDkDwbiSyMhtgrH3ANsRJqgnEwqHTz1m7DO8LffgEu9bvfeypg/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, on Friday said the Buhari–led administration had performed excellently in its anti-corruption fight and tackling insurgency. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Boroffice made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. 
 
He said, in view of the myriad of challenges inherited by the present administration, it deserved the nation’s commendation. 
 
“Judging from the challenges this administration incurred, particularly in terms of insecurity and economic meltdown, I score it 90 per cent. 
 
“Of course it is not easy to fight insurgency within and outside your border. Insurgency in the North East is a serious problem. 
 
“No nation can stabilise with that level of insecurity but the Federal Government is doing its best trying to eliminate them and helping the IDPs to relocate. 
 
“We also have the men in the East and the Avengers in the South-South. So it is a very serious issue. 
 
“It is just like engaging in a civil war yet we have relative peace and we are making progress. I think, personally, the Federal Government has done well,’’ he said. 
 
He urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the Federal Government while it is working to stabilise the economy, noting that with the effort being made, Nigerians’ condition of living would soon improve. 
 
“When PDP was in power, oil was selling for 110 dollars per barrel. By the time the APC government took over, it came down to about 40, 45 dollars per barrel. 
 
“Not only that, we were producing 2.1 million barrels of crude oil per day and because of the activities of the Avengers, it crashed to less than that. 
 
“With that, the revenue, which accrued to Federal Government from oil which constitutes about 90 per cent of our Internally Generated Revenue, crashed and it affected the programmes of government. Nevertheless this government has tried. 
 
“Huge amount of money has been committed to infrastructure development, the rail, the road, power is becoming more and more stable and the N-Power programme which is touching many lives currently,’’ he said. 
 
On performance of the legislature, the lawmaker said the National Assembly had done better than the previous ones in terms of productivity and stability, stressing that it had also performed well in terms of transparency and inclusiveness. 
 
He said, “one thing that was common with the national assembly in the past was that they kept changing leaders every six months but we have not had that experience in the eighth assembly. 
 
“Also for the first time, we were able to publish our budget because people thought there is a mystery about our budget. 
 
“In terms of performance, I think we have done very well. 
 
“In the last assembly, I was able to sponsor only one or two bills but I have now been able to sponsor about six bills and that is almost the same thing with other lawmakers. 
 
“The whole thing has been restructured. You know when a motion is coming in, you know when reports are coming and when bills are coming in.’’ 
 
Boroffice expressed optimism that the eighth national assembly would achieve more before the present administration’s end of tenure in 2019.</div>

Latest-News Senator rates Buhari high over war against corruption, insecurity

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, on Friday said the Buhari–led administration had performed...

What Nnamdi Kanu should have done – Jonathan’s former aide, Omokri

15:14 Unknown 0

Latest-News What Nnamdi Kanu should have done – Jonathan’s former aide, Omokri

BREAKING: Police Declare Badoo Kingpin Alaka Wanted

14:54 Unknown 0

Latest-News BREAKING: Police Declare Badoo Kingpin Alaka Wanted

Why Real Madrid vs Barcelona El Clasico clash kicks off 12pm GMT on Saturday

14:39 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxRncqWxBWVgsxcqaCIR_5zbaPt3HHyvU85OWWErd_gZCwk1Q0wW_z53_L-U_pRCOaIFd6sEJEryo3i7hyphenhyphenhp9NiftrIENjCdztyuWKYHACgwveyhELIi0gUcheLslXgMaAdEuuLPex2c/s1600/messi+ronaldo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxRncqWxBWVgsxcqaCIR_5zbaPt3HHyvU85OWWErd_gZCwk1Q0wW_z53_L-U_pRCOaIFd6sEJEryo3i7hyphenhyphenhp9NiftrIENjCdztyuWKYHACgwveyhELIi0gUcheLslXgMaAdEuuLPex2c/s320/messi+ronaldo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Saturday’s early kick-off for Real Madrid vs Barcelona, is down to La Liga’s drive to build its audience in Asia. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
El Clasico is scheduled for 1pm local time and midday GMT. 
 
But more importantly for the Spanish top flight, kick-off in countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia is 7pm local time. 
 
In contrast, last season’s Clasico on April 23 started at 2.45am in the two countries. 
 
“La Liga is a global entertainment spectacle, last year 2.6 billion people around the world were following La Liga and many of those are in Asia,” the league’s head of global communications Joris Evers said. 
 
“We are keen to give them the opportunity to watch the Clasico without needing to stay up until the middle of the night or set an alarm to wake up very early.” 
 
The decision has been criticized by Barcelona supporters group, Seguiment FCB. 
 
“It is very clear to us that football is undergoing a process of globalisation which benefits clubs economically but forgets about the loyal supporters who go to stadiums. 
 
“The television market has been prioritised with a kickoff time that favours people in faraway places who want to watch it but harms fans who have to travel 600km (from Barcelona to the Spanish capital) to the game are obliged to wake at the crack of dawn to get there on time,” the group’s chairman Carles Ordiales said. 
 </div>

Latest-News Why Real Madrid vs Barcelona El Clasico clash kicks off 12pm GMT on Saturday

Saturday’s early kick-off for Real Madrid vs Barcelona, is down to La Liga’s drive to build its audience in Asia. El Clasico is schedul...

APC: No fuel scarcity… stakeholders just hoarding products

14:34 Unknown 0

Latest-News APC: No fuel scarcity… stakeholders just hoarding products

Four million Nigerians became jobless this year – NBS

14:34 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzka1pktASdXGLFnwq8Pdz6v59M0VL1oCDWOS3nz6n1l9yg4Iuwq1dHMi8om-hW3QqYAQOdqQd5ENX7hlZj_1ejXntc5Ri0lCH7tbmwVkdn5srE_dccj7iFak-kzQUt5r3c6zUyli_1e8/s1600/National+Bureau+of+Statistics.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzka1pktASdXGLFnwq8Pdz6v59M0VL1oCDWOS3nz6n1l9yg4Iuwq1dHMi8om-hW3QqYAQOdqQd5ENX7hlZj_1ejXntc5Ri0lCH7tbmwVkdn5srE_dccj7iFak-kzQUt5r3c6zUyli_1e8/s320/National+Bureau+of+Statistics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Between January and September this year, a total number of 4.07 million Nigerians became unemployed, an analysis of the unemployment report for the third quarter released by the National Bureau of Statistics has revealed. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The bureau in the report, made available to our correspondent on Friday, stated that the number of Nigerians that became unemployed rose from 11.92 million in the first quarter of this year to 13.58 million and 15.99 million in the second and third quarters respectively. 
 
It said between the second quarter and third quarter, the number of economically active or working age population (15 – 64 years of age) increased from 110.3 million  to 111.1 million. 
 
The NBS report said the increasing unemployment and underemployment rates imply that although Nigeria’s economy is officially out of recession, domestic labor market is still fragile and economic growths in the past two quarters in 2017 have not been strong enough to provide employment in Nigeria’s domestic labor market. 
 
It reads in part, “The labor force population increased from 83.9 million in Q2 2017 to 85.1 million in Q3 2017. The total number of people in full-time employment (at least 40 hours a week) declined from 52.7 million in Q2 2017 to 51.1 million in Q3 2017. 
 
“The unemployment rate increased from 14.2 per cent in Q4 2016 to 16.2 per cent in Q2 2017 and 18.8 per cent in Q3 2017. 
 
“The number of people within the labor force who are unemployed or underemployed increased from 13.6 million and 17.7 million respectively in Q2 2017, to 15.9 million and 18.0 million in Q3 2017. 
 
“Total unemployment and underemployment combined increased from 37.2 per cent in the previous quarter to 40 per  cent in Q3 2017.” 
 
It said during the third quarter of this year, 21.2 per cent of women within the labor force that were between the ages of 15 years and 64 years and willing, able, and actively seeking work were unemployed, compared with 16.5 per cent of men within the same period. 
 
The NBS noted in the report that in the third quarter of this year,16.4 per cent of rural and 23.4 per cent of urban dwellers within the labor force were unemployed. It added that the rate of unemployment is increasing at a slightly faster rate for urban dwellers than it was for their rural counterparts. 
 </div>

Latest-News Four million Nigerians became jobless this year – NBS

Between January and September this year, a total number of 4.07 million Nigerians became unemployed, an analysis of the unemployment repor...

Embrace new cost reflective electricity tarrif, Oba of Lagos urges Nigerians

14:29 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_fp1k_MV125qS6Jw9tixvKrBXPFtB9gr404uF6mLHcQSx88GIlVNXYQlTHM3E3epAJJJJCBYrrwd5j1FKTXwl8nuWyQI_pIzTMeBZQXgdN_-q7z4g7iJ6iEmXrfPdb4YO6-gEaa5f1w/s1600/Rilwan+Akiolu.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_fp1k_MV125qS6Jw9tixvKrBXPFtB9gr404uF6mLHcQSx88GIlVNXYQlTHM3E3epAJJJJCBYrrwd5j1FKTXwl8nuWyQI_pIzTMeBZQXgdN_-q7z4g7iJ6iEmXrfPdb4YO6-gEaa5f1w/s400/Rilwan+Akiolu.jpg" /></a></div>
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has advised Nigerians to embrace the new cost reflective tariff for effective and regular electricity supply. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Akiolu gave the advice on Thursday night at an appreciation party and book presentation held in honour of Mr Oladele Amoda, the Managing Director, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, on his retirement from service. 
 
According to the Oba of Lagos, the distribution companies should be allowed to charge what is good for them. 
 
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Amoda will retire as the EKEDC chief executive on Dec.29. 
 
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had in November at the Sixth Presidential Business Forum at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said payment of high electricity tariffs was inevitable for Nigerian electricity users. 
 
According to a statement signed by Laolu Akande, his media aide, Osinbajo said that the government was, however, trying not to increase electricity tariff for now. 
 
“Listening to questions concerning lower tariffs, we must pay higher tariffs, these sorts of things are inevitable,” Osinbajo was quoted as saying by his aide. 
 
The monarch said that new tariff was the only way to enable the sector to be effective and efficient in the delivery of regular electricity supply to all and sundry. 
 
He said that if Nigerians want regular electricity supply, we should be ready to pay for it. 
 
Akiolu, however, accused the personnel of the sector of involving in illegal connections and by-passing of prepaid meters.</div>

Latest-News Embrace new cost reflective electricity tarrif, Oba of Lagos urges Nigerians

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has advised Nigerians to embrace the new cost reflective tariff for effective and regular electricity...

Nigeria survived past abuses only by God’s grace – Buhari

14:29 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XhZVTdJT_woYmMl-MzO8DEjCEH6AzMaigZ1dY1zw9CIjVx7DK43Qzegki8ahkEToISK6JBFRspVQ_QM7UdI_YS9jtk_YCIS4CoAM_WuNO2BXI_BnMDjn_FSesyhAh91rmoC1LqeZ1FY/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XhZVTdJT_woYmMl-MzO8DEjCEH6AzMaigZ1dY1zw9CIjVx7DK43Qzegki8ahkEToISK6JBFRspVQ_QM7UdI_YS9jtk_YCIS4CoAM_WuNO2BXI_BnMDjn_FSesyhAh91rmoC1LqeZ1FY/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said some of the past abuses he saw when he assumed office were unbelievable. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
He said Nigeria survived such past abuses only by an act of God. 
 
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President spoke while receiving his supporters under the aegis of the Governance Support Group at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 
 
“Some of the things I saw here were unbelievable. I still shudder and wonder how a country can survive under such abuses. It is only by an act of God that we survived,” the President told his guests. 
 
He said his administration had ushered in a new era of accountability and responsibility by auditing and correcting the many wrongs of the past that crippled the economy and created an exclusive class. 
 
He promised to consolidate on the reforms he had initiated for change in the country. 
 
Buhari said the long-suffering, commitment and sacrifices of all his supporters over the years would be remembered by posterity. 
 
He urged them to remain steadfast in pursuing the overall good of the nation. 
 
He said he remained “eternally grateful’’ for all the personal and collective sacrifices that culminated in winning the 2015 elections, assuring them that all the efforts would never be forgotten. 
 
“I can never forget your sacrifices and I am grateful for all. You never gave up when things were bleak, and we needed to survive. I can’t express my gratitude enough. 
 
“In spite of the environment you found yourself, you kept believing and pushing. Some of you were really exposed to risks. My consolation is that you voluntarily threw in your lot with me. 
 
“Some of you exposed yourself so much, and I knew it. I urge you to still stick to your principled ways of doing things and our country will be the better for it,”he said.</div>

Latest-News Nigeria survived past abuses only by God’s grace – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said some of the past abuses he saw when he assumed office were unbelievable. He said Nigeria surv...

Buhari should appoint a competent petroleum minister if he cannot perform - PDP

13:04 Unknown 0

Latest-News Buhari should appoint a competent petroleum minister if he cannot perform - PDP

PDP Chieftain, Onuesoke reveals when Tinubu, governors, others will dump APC

12:54 Unknown 0

Latest-News PDP Chieftain, Onuesoke reveals when Tinubu, governors, others will dump APC

Nigeria risks losing American aid over Jerusalem vote

12:54 Unknown 0

Latest-News Nigeria risks losing American aid over Jerusalem vote

Ronaldo back in Real training ahead of El Clasico

12:44 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQUOKQj24IbNkBQgEGsiCbgRzhVXzRKNRzeK591MwzqZwBQOaERz5j_qcfL7_haoOImNScdS-9b9T9X_-DyBERWj33Jr5LPTkTKcMipCVY7Dz2ln5yurPrEz4Ym_ZimMdVANXPSSDpes/s1600/cr.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQUOKQj24IbNkBQgEGsiCbgRzhVXzRKNRzeK591MwzqZwBQOaERz5j_qcfL7_haoOImNScdS-9b9T9X_-DyBERWj33Jr5LPTkTKcMipCVY7Dz2ln5yurPrEz4Ym_ZimMdVANXPSSDpes/s320/cr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to full training on Friday with his Real Madrid teammates to quash fears he could miss Saturday’s huge El Clasico clash  with Barcelona at Real’s Santiago Bernabeu. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The world player of the year received rough treatment as he scored the winner in the Club World Cup final over Brazilians Gremio last weekend, but Ronaldo had insisted he would be fit for the lunchtime visit of league leaders Barca. 
 
Ronaldo didn’t train with the rest of the Madrid squad on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday as a precaution. 
 
Madrid will need Ronaldo in the form he has shown of late having scored five goals in his last four games as the European champions look to claw their way back into the title race. 
 
Zinedine Zidane’s men trail Barca by 11 points  and are in fourth place also behind Atletico Madrid and Valencia, but they do have a game in hand on their rivals. 
 </div>

Latest-News Ronaldo back in Real training ahead of El Clasico

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to full training on Friday with his Real Madrid teammates to quash fears he could miss Saturday’s huge El Clasi...

Fire guts Abuja NAFDAC office

12:19 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjpnQ5u5-Z1GI9icNRceg4jGownihvJG7jCy-3yA27lA9EUOY1TRPXgPBObYmvhsYrN4GhVEO_AlxtEeik52JqjRXucqSlW67QifjrEwL2FZqc8w6yoXk0rdnBc8fy_n7omQXeGGqSTs/s1600/NAFDAC.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjpnQ5u5-Z1GI9icNRceg4jGownihvJG7jCy-3yA27lA9EUOY1TRPXgPBObYmvhsYrN4GhVEO_AlxtEeik52JqjRXucqSlW67QifjrEwL2FZqc8w6yoXk0rdnBc8fy_n7omQXeGGqSTs/s320/NAFDAC.png" width="320" /></a></div>
An early morning fire hit the headquarters of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in Abuja on Friday. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
However, the fire has been curtailed. 
 
The National Emergency Management Agency confirmed that the fire had been extinguished. 
 
The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical fault. 
 </div>

Latest-News Fire guts Abuja NAFDAC office

An early morning fire hit the headquarters of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in Abuja on Friday. Howe...

Okorocha gives Imo workers 18 days Christmas holiday

12:14 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHLIEDSNaEFzBCL5XMFZb3UoFsMkTNjSzL1LzwRXwIcnCVwXEcWKC1picWxI6iKmThnFl1DJ5DcFfWEi-uhCmAAwW1yQ5oo1jTbAVlMAvYgi5gL_R90djsCNO76M5xc69g-PRT_o6ZZ0/s1600/Rochas+Okorocha.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHLIEDSNaEFzBCL5XMFZb3UoFsMkTNjSzL1LzwRXwIcnCVwXEcWKC1picWxI6iKmThnFl1DJ5DcFfWEi-uhCmAAwW1yQ5oo1jTbAVlMAvYgi5gL_R90djsCNO76M5xc69g-PRT_o6ZZ0/s320/Rochas+Okorocha.png" width="320" /></a></div>
The Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has directed that the civil servants in the state to vacate for the Christmas holiday on Friday, December 22, 2017. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
They will resume on Monday, January 8, 2018. 
 
According to a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, workers on essential duties were exempted from this development. 
 
The release also said that government gives workers in the state workforce reasonable time every Christmas to enable them celebrate with their loved ones. 
 
He said, “Government has paid salary to workers in the state up to December to enable them also enjoy the Christmas. This is to wish them a blissful yuletide.” 
 
 </div>

Latest-News Okorocha gives Imo workers 18 days Christmas holiday

The Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has directed that the civil servants in the state to vacate for the Christmas holiday on F...

Okorocha gives Imo workers 18 days Christmas holiday

12:14 Unknown 0

Latest-News Okorocha gives Imo workers 18 days Christmas holiday

The Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has directed that the civil servants in the state to vacate for the Christmas holiday on F...

Okorocha gives Imo workers 18 days Christmas holiday

12:14 Unknown 0

Latest-News Okorocha gives Imo workers 18 days Christmas holiday

The Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has directed that the civil servants in the state to vacate for the Christmas holiday on F...

EFCC denies GTBank’s involvement in Innoson boss arrest + Details of GTBank/Innoson transaction revealed

12:14 Unknown 0

Latest-News EFCC denies GTBank’s involvement in Innoson boss arrest + Details of GTBank/Innoson transaction revealed

Gambia's ex-President, Yahya Jammeh blacklisted by the US

12:14 Unknown 0

Latest-News Gambia's ex-President, Yahya Jammeh blacklisted by the US

Why we’re probing Mark’s purchase of SP’s house - Federal Government

11:44 Unknown 0

Latest-News Why we’re probing Mark’s purchase of SP’s house - Federal Government

Army moves to root out ‘disloyal’ personnel

11:39 Unknown 0

Latest-News Army moves to root out ‘disloyal’ personnel

Reps caucus reveals those behind formation of ‘Fresh PDP’

11:14 Unknown 0

Latest-News Reps caucus reveals those behind formation of ‘Fresh PDP’

El-Rufai lied about Atiku’s contribution to Buhari’s victory in 2015 – Timi Frank

11:14 Unknown 0

Latest-News El-Rufai lied about Atiku’s contribution to Buhari’s victory in 2015 – Timi Frank

Bitcoin plunges as investors suffer reality check

11:14 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ95Lz22MUboJ04CCw9ChP3vECJFcoVlX6p1GUSQkfAT9CR7gpvoPVXYhGTZBAK5Fq71hmpHiJ3bVJkElUrpakjUMKCYD0RGfkvu6jQvlGka8dmekDccwK96PPiL1bNvFLS6l6Mnlm1jE/s1600/bitcoins.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ95Lz22MUboJ04CCw9ChP3vECJFcoVlX6p1GUSQkfAT9CR7gpvoPVXYhGTZBAK5Fq71hmpHiJ3bVJkElUrpakjUMKCYD0RGfkvu6jQvlGka8dmekDccwK96PPiL1bNvFLS6l6Mnlm1jE/s400/bitcoins.jpg" /></a></div>
Bitcoin prices plunged by a quarter on Friday as investors cashed out just before Christmas after the wildly volatile currency’s stratospheric rise in recent weeks. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The precipitous drop comes after a series of warnings by analysts and governments about a bubble that could burst at any moment as investors, many inexperienced, piled into the unit hoping to enjoy some of the eye-watering gains. 
 
The controversial cryptocurrency fell to $12,191 from its Thursday price of $16,563. 
 
It is down almost 40 percent down from its record high of $19,500 seen on Monday, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. 
 
The sell-off has bled through to other cryptocurrencies such as Dash, Litecoin and Ripple, all of which were sent plunging. 
 
Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia Pacific at OANDA, said investors are having a “reality check”. 
 
He added: “At the heart of the matter was a frenzied demand for coins with limited supply has now led to unsophisticated investors holding the bag at the top.” 
 
At its height, Bitcoin had soared almost 30-fold since the start of the year and has moved into the mainstream as two major US exchanges began trading futures in the unit. 
 
And the mania that has swept the Bitcoin universe saw a New York beverage company this week announce it was shifting into cryptocurrency-related investments. 
 
Long Island Iced Tea Corp of Farmingdale, New York — which says it currently produces the soft drink with a proprietary recipe — said on Thursday it was changing its name to “Long Blockchain Corp” and would explore investments in the technology underlying cryptocurrencies. 
 
Shares in the firm rose 180 percent on the tech-rich Nasdaq following the news. 
 
Bitcoin began looking shaky on Wednesday when it took a 15-percent hit following news South Korean exchange Youbit had been hacked, leading the firm to say it will close and start bankruptcy proceedings. South Korea and Japan are home to some of the largest number of traders in the currency. 
 
The Youbit development came a day after US authorities suspended trading in a popular Bitcoin-related stock, citing concerns about market manipulation. 
 
The Crypto Company’s share price had risen 1,700 percent between the end of September and Monday evening before the Securities Exchange Commission intervened to halt trades until January 4. 
 
There have been numerous warnings about a possible blowout in the Bitcoin market. 
 
Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said on Thursday that the price surge of the virtual currency was “abnormal”, while Singapore’s central bank advised investors to “act with extreme caution”. 
 
The vice-president of the European Central Bank has also expressed concern about the relentless rise in the value of Bitcoin and the potential risk accompanying the trend. 
 
US Federal Reserve boss Janet Yellen has said Bitcoin is not money and called on banks to be certain their digital currency transactions adhere to anti-money laundering statutes. 
 </div>

Latest-News Bitcoin plunges as investors suffer reality check

Bitcoin prices plunged by a quarter on Friday as investors cashed out just before Christmas after the wildly volatile currency’s stratosph...

Saraki to lead delegation to Gani Adams’ installation

10:39 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_idV03MtkSZEzkLWmfzxYF5OMhaZpXs1Ovj6EPrNI8yTT7oAF2YgoBFmlqmdK54f1cXIzoBYeuBd7X_tzRuJ-ORrI3JZVSwaisCTqLjRvNYYj4ddTnXfnBpR6QUqlLh_t1iHTbCnOM7Y/s1600/bs4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_idV03MtkSZEzkLWmfzxYF5OMhaZpXs1Ovj6EPrNI8yTT7oAF2YgoBFmlqmdK54f1cXIzoBYeuBd7X_tzRuJ-ORrI3JZVSwaisCTqLjRvNYYj4ddTnXfnBpR6QUqlLh_t1iHTbCnOM7Y/s320/bs4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Thursday received the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate and the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress, Otunba Gani Adams, with a promise that he would lead the Senate delegation to his installation on January 13 2018 by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Senators present at the reception for Adams included Sola Adeyeye, Monsurat Sunmonu, Omotayo Alasoadura, Boroffice Ajayi, Olamilekan Adeola and Clifford Ordia. 
 
Saraki hailed the choice of Adams, saying it was good that younger Nigerians were assuming the mantle of leadership. 
 
A statement issued by Adams’ Chief of Staff, Segun Akanni, and obtained by The PUNCH in Jos, said the Senate President expressed optimism that as the generalissimo of his people, Adams would be committed to the promotion of culture and tradition of Yoruba Land. 
 
Saraki was quoted as saying, “I was very delighted and glad when I read it in the news that you have been appointed as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land; your determination and commitment to the promotion of culture and tradition as well as the defence and love you have for the Yoruba race and Nigeria led you to where you are today. 
 
 “You are not a new person to me; I have known you for long, especially when I was the governor of Kwara State; you came to the state for a lot of cultural and people-oriented events; you have distinguished yourself, thank God for your life. I assure you that I will lead the delegation of the members of the Senate to Oyo on your installation day.” 
 
Gani Adams explained that his visit to the Senate President was to introduce himself as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land. 
 
He requested the presence of the Senate President at his installation on January 13 in Oyo. 
 
Adams also hailed the courage of Saraki and praised him for the political wisdom he had used in handling the affairs of the Upper Chamber. 
 
 He said, “We witnessed a lot of activities of different Senate Presidents since 1999; but the way and manner you approach issues are excellent, you have transformed and repackaged the image of the Senate.”</div>

Latest-News Saraki to lead delegation to Gani Adams’ installation

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Thursday received the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate and the National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples...

PDP will stop APC’s misrule in Osun - Omisore

10:39 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOc0njzO5oszA7C4DpI0uXrWnWdA5D2yA8LLkoWegrSfHWxFwDcm28ew0KVsyJGZ_hGd1Gm0QThp6S7OP2lSXlCGqoRJ_E-nuTwu3iPS3g5jXvLBPLiHhrUVjWcbizasQM_FBkk_k5is/s1600/Iyiola+Omisore.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOc0njzO5oszA7C4DpI0uXrWnWdA5D2yA8LLkoWegrSfHWxFwDcm28ew0KVsyJGZ_hGd1Gm0QThp6S7OP2lSXlCGqoRJ_E-nuTwu3iPS3g5jXvLBPLiHhrUVjWcbizasQM_FBkk_k5is/s320/Iyiola+Omisore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A former deputy governor of Osun State, Mr. Iyiola Omisore, has said the Peoples Democratic Party in the state will unite to stop the ruling All Progressives Congress from destroying the state. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Omisore, who said this at the factional secretariat of the PDP in Osogbo on Thursday, stated that the crisis rocking the party would be resolved within the next one month. 
 
Speaking during the distribution of food items to party members, the former deputy governor said he was not interested in fighting any member of the PDP, stressing that all members of the opposition  party should come together to rescue the state from the grip of the APC. 
 
He said, “We will get our acts together to face that monster and destroy it before it destroys Osun. 
 
“After our congress in January, the PDP will come under one umbrella and from that point, we will take off fully. Don’t fight anyone. Let’s preach the message of peace and face our common enemy. 
 
“Let the government resolve all the challenges it has created for the state before we can talk of any local government election. PDP is fully ready anytime to go to poll, but when uncertainties surround a poll, no serious politician will be too interested in such an exercise.” 
 
According to him, the PDP will continue to reach out to the people of the state, especially those in the rural communities, to remind them of the achievements of the party when it was saddled with the responsibility of leadership of the state. 
 </div>

Latest-News PDP will stop APC’s misrule in Osun - Omisore

A former deputy governor of Osun State, Mr. Iyiola Omisore, has said the Peoples Democratic Party in the state will unite to stop the ruli...

PDP will stop APC’s misrule in Osun - Omisore

10:39 Unknown 0

Latest-News PDP will stop APC’s misrule in Osun - Omisore

A former deputy governor of Osun State, Mr. Iyiola Omisore, has said the Peoples Democratic Party in the state will unite to stop the ruli...

Borno cancels holiday to mark Sambisa’s fall

10:34 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Pa-zCmjcyz6PIanCcmIfN7tpMCP81ctAItRyx5J1SsJ7RjJbxAXsMycgTFE7pg2D-7WrsDs35EjMnxKFUtkToDAdwC1djlYwp9XSzNCigJodLP0T5_R7BM5a6GYdsYiqkgDIvVEJSKE/s1600/Kashim+Shettima.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Pa-zCmjcyz6PIanCcmIfN7tpMCP81ctAItRyx5J1SsJ7RjJbxAXsMycgTFE7pg2D-7WrsDs35EjMnxKFUtkToDAdwC1djlYwp9XSzNCigJodLP0T5_R7BM5a6GYdsYiqkgDIvVEJSKE/s320/Kashim+Shettima.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Borno State Government has shelved its plan to declare Friday (today) as a public holiday to mark the capture of Sambisa Forest from the Boko Haram insurgents. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Mohammed Bulama, in a statement issued on Thursday in Maiduguri explained that the holiday was cancelled “on the grounds that since 22ndDecember of this year falls on a Friday which coincidentally dovetails into a four-day work-free period occasioned by the Christmas festivities, a declaration of the day as a public holiday will invariably deny Nigerian workers resident in Borno State, especially those who will observe and celebrate Christmas, the opportunity to withdraw their December salaries from the banks”. 
 
He noted, however, that the holiday would be observed from 2018. 
 
The commissioner recalled that Governor Kashim Shettima had in March, 2017 declared December 22 every year as a public holiday, saying, “The purpose of this declaration is not only to give us a special opportunity to remember the victims of the Boko Haram terrorism as well as the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, members of other security agencies and volunteers who lost their lives in the fight against the insurgents, but also to celebrate the strength and the victory of our gallant Armed Forces.” 
 
Bulama added, “The decision to reconsider the declaration of the public holiday this year is singularly dictated by the desire of the Borno State Government not to impose avoidable and unnecessary hardship on workers and considering the importance of workers’ salaries to the economy of the state, the general citizenry by extension. 
 
“While the government sincerely regrets whatever inconvenience this decision might have caused members of the general public, it wishes to assure Bornolites that this public holiday will be strictly observed from next year, 2018 Insha Allah.”</div>

Latest-News Borno cancels holiday to mark Sambisa’s fall

Borno State Government has shelved its plan to declare Friday (today) as a public holiday to mark the capture of Sambisa Forest from the B...

Innoson’s arrest an insult to Igbos – MASSOB

10:34 Unknown 0

Latest-News Innoson’s arrest an insult to Igbos – MASSOB

PDP Reps celebrate colleague’s defection to APC

10:34 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxEIPGCKQIQhsoDTHFyPsEzspnAh0Y_hxJqUJUgjUtKaOm8869iz3vSkc0a2VPDpp8YW6P3gfJ6m9EeaLUsl4Q50LV0UL2seq6jCSrgIGE7BsrmCKc2mklP3oZilSfgAgwd6PKz3Ht2c/s1600/pdp-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxEIPGCKQIQhsoDTHFyPsEzspnAh0Y_hxJqUJUgjUtKaOm8869iz3vSkc0a2VPDpp8YW6P3gfJ6m9EeaLUsl4Q50LV0UL2seq6jCSrgIGE7BsrmCKc2mklP3oZilSfgAgwd6PKz3Ht2c/s320/pdp-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There was drama on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday when the Peoples Democratic Party members celebrated the defection of one of their colleagues to the All Progressives Congress. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The defector, Mr. Johnson Agbonayinma, hails from Edo State. 
 
Unlike in previous cases where the PDP lawmakers protested against the defection of their members, the lawmakers jubilated as they wished Agbonayinma well. 
 
Agbonayinma became the eighth member of the PDP to defect this year and the second this week. 
 
He described the PDP as “darkness”, where he could no longer belong because he had seen the “light” in the APC. 
 
“The PDP has shut the door against me”, he told the House in his letter read by the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara. 
 
PDP members, including the Minority Whip, Mr. Yakubu Barde; Deputy Minority Leader, Mr. Chukwuka Onyema; Deputy Minority Whip, Mrs. Binta Bello; Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Relations, Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje; and the Chairman, Committee on Public Petitions, Mr. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, danced as they bade Agbonayinma goodbye. 
 
They chorused, “Agbonayinma, bye-bye; Agbonayinma, bye-bye; we wish you luck.” 
 
Onyema raised a point of order to give the position of the caucus on the defection. 
 
He said, “Even though we oppose defection; in the case of Agbonayinma, we are actually happy that he is leaving. 
 
“He is like a tumour. You know when you have cancer and it is cured, you feel happy because it has left you. 
 
“The PDP house will be better without Agbonayinma being with us. So, Agbonayinma, bye-bye.” 
 
The lawmakers danced and sang again amid laughter. 
 
Agbonayinma was a member of the Ali Modu Sheriff-faction of the party before the Supreme Court recognised the then Senator Ahmed Makarfi faction as the authentic leader of the party. 
 
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Phillip Shuaibu, witnessed the defection. 
 
Agbonayinma later addressed journalists in company with the Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the National Assembly. 
 
Agbonayinma said he had observed that in spite of efforts being made to rescue the PDP, it appeared to be set on “dying, dying, and will be dead.” 
 
He cited the recent national convention of the party as another “wasted opportunity to check the reign of impunity in the PDP.” 
 
“PDP is totally factionalised and a house that is divided against itself will not stand. I decided to leave because I couldn’t face the heat in the dark house. 
 
“I left darkness for light. The so-called unity list that produced the current leaders of PDP only brought more disunity to the party.” 
 
On his part, Gbajabiamila said he was elated that Agbonayinma joined the APC, saying he had always known him to be a man with a “progressive mind.” 
 
He added, “If you know Agbonayinma, he is the kind of person that should be in the APC, not in the PDP. I knew that it was only a matter of time he would join the APC.” 
 
Only on Tuesday, a member from Imo State, Mr. Raphael Igbokwe, defected to the APC from the PDP. 
 
His defection cut the numerical strength of the PDP to about 119. Agbonayinma’s exit further brought it down to 118.</div>

Latest-News PDP Reps celebrate colleague’s defection to APC

There was drama on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday when the Peoples Democratic Party members celebrated the defectio...

BREAKING: Osun workers declare strike over half salary

10:24 Unknown 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5leztQaM24_8EQfewrJxagB5R38iOm1w1XENK0C5_Zs2pDw4qxPr1rRAGXoEThG22KTL6NlandRPUMEVGyOu8hxIxL75nVv5TJIyMbJYB0y-4_XaoXz8vIeKuksvBp5bEEpi3hZpr3Mg/s1600/Rauf+Aregbesola.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5leztQaM24_8EQfewrJxagB5R38iOm1w1XENK0C5_Zs2pDw4qxPr1rRAGXoEThG22KTL6NlandRPUMEVGyOu8hxIxL75nVv5TJIyMbJYB0y-4_XaoXz8vIeKuksvBp5bEEpi3hZpr3Mg/s320/Rauf+Aregbesola.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Workers in Osun State have declared their intention to begin an indefinite strike following  the refusal of the state government to revert to paying them  full salary and arrears despite the receipt of the third tranche of N6.3 billion Paris Club loan refund. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The workers under the umbrella of the Osun State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council gave the strike notice  in a statement issued on Friday following an emergency meeting of labour leaders on Thursday. 
 
The notice of strike was signed by the Chairman JPSNC, Bayo Adejumo; Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Tunde Adekomi and the Trade Union Congress Chairman, Bowale Adekola and leaders of various affiliate unions. 
 
The notice read in part, “Consequent upon the refusal of the government of Osun State to accede to the demands of the workers and pensioners as contained in our letter of Tuesday, December 5, 2017, the workers of Osun State will be proceeding on an indefinite strike by 27th December , 2017.” 
 
The labour leaders enjoined the workers to stay at home until they received another directive from them concerning the strike. 
 
The labour leaders had on Tuesday disagreed with Governor Rauf Aregbesola over his insistence on paying November salary with the modulated scheme which makes workers from grade level 08 and above collect between 75 and 50 per cent of their salaries. 
 
The workers had insisted that the state had the financial ability to pay them full salaries, saying  most of them  had been collecting half salaries since September 2015. But the governor in a statement issued by his Commissioner for Information, Mr. Adelani Baderinwa, pleaded that they should exercise more patience till the state was able to revert to paying full salary. 
 </div>