Antonio Conte blasts Jose Mourinho - 'You are just a little man with low profile'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="620" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aJxzAnfRdPi1awBJJHiiYhMakRnPAujwSsKEteIhWY3tHKZ_S0Osxujo5WIkpWQXxr0G6nr9TFO6kt_9ApcP5T_sEF0NCz89wqpRxNUTekvD7ihWqn7N3SHJ5y5w7hvzfJNVYkjAtphz/s400/conte+mourinho+3.jpg" width="400" /></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has called Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho "a little man" as the pair continued to trade insults.</b><br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> On Friday, Mourinho said he would "never be suspended for match-fixing", appearing to talk about Conte.<br /> <br /> The Italian received a four-month suspension while at Juventus in 2012-13 for failing to report match-fixing at his previous club Siena.<br /> <br /> In 2016, Conte was cleared by a court of any wrongdoing in the matter.<br /> <br /> "I think when there are these types of comments, comments where you try to offend the person and don't know the truth, then you are a little man," Conte told BBC Sport on Saturday after his side's 0-0 draw at Norwich City in the FA Cup third round.<br /> <br /> In numerous interviews to the media on Saturday, Conte repeatedly called Mourinho "a little man".<br /> <br /> He told BBC Radio 5 live: "When is the game against United? We can meet in a room. To try and explain about these comments. I don't know if he is ready to meet me in a room, just me and him.<br /> <br /> "I'm not surprised [at the comments]. He has to know before he speaks because he is suffering from amnesia."<br /> <br /> Antonio Conte continued to talk about former Chelsea boss Mourinho in the post-match news conference and explained further what had happened in Italy.<br /> <br /> "It's true I was banned for four months by the sporting justice for failure to report," Conte, 48, said. "Then I asked for a retrial by court and then they declared it nonsense.<br /> <br /> "Before you make these kind of comments you must pay great attention, because you show you are a little man.<br /> <br /> "In the past he was a little man in many circumstances, he's a little man in the present and for sure he will be a little man in the future. I consider him a little man and I consider him a man with a very low profile."<br /> <br /> Conte also criticised 54-year-old Mourinho, who wore a shirt with the initials 'CR' at a Manchester United news conference in February 2017, in support of another former Chelsea manager, Claudio Ranieri, who had just been sacked by Leicester City.<br /> <br /> "I remember with Ranieri when he [Mourinho] offended him for his English," added Conte. "And then when Ranieri was sacked he put on a shirt for Ranieri. You are fake, you are fake.<br /> <br /> "I think in this last period he's suffering a bit of amnesia. When you become older there is this type of risk. Also for me and for you.<br /> <br /> "If you want to fight this person, you try to kill this person. And then after two years you try to help this person because maybe it's good for you, for your profile."<br /> <br /> (BBC)

Latest-News Antonio Conte blasts Jose Mourinho - 'You are just a little man with low profile'

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has called Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho "a little man" as the pair continued to trade insul...

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SHOCKING: Man keeps daughter as sex slave for 22 years, fathers her eight children

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-_SIPXPK_en4sjkloZnaXOwZjI0R6gROsZd3_wpGMHrm21BGAtKC4q5Uz1g2nKM_dG76mg04I_UmFXnUiP2L9BsjCjCO6Uuw1wvbreW4HvDWWNzRuFfCCqo4l3vTcV5snySUarib3Lr-/s1600/ASAS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="634" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-_SIPXPK_en4sjkloZnaXOwZjI0R6gROsZd3_wpGMHrm21BGAtKC4q5Uz1g2nKM_dG76mg04I_UmFXnUiP2L9BsjCjCO6Uuw1wvbreW4HvDWWNzRuFfCCqo4l3vTcV5snySUarib3Lr-/s640/ASAS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> A man, who fathered eight children with his own daughter after repeatedly raping her during a 22-year reign of terror, has been jailed for 12 years and eight months, Daily Mail UK, reports.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Argentinian Domingo Bulacio, 57, showed no sign of emotion as he was sentenced for multiple sex crimes after a trial at a court in the northern city of Santiago del Estero.<br /> <br /> Relatives of the serial rapist were among the 50 witnesses who gave evidence at the hearing.<br /> <br /> Bulacio, known by the nickname Vernacho, had been in custody since his arrest after 45 days on the run.<br /> <br /> He fled his home in Villa Balnearia, an hour’s drive from Santiago del Estero, after his victim, named locally as Antonia, went to authorities seeking help and claiming her dad had turned her into his sex slave when she was just 11 after kicking out her mother.<br /> <br /> DNA tests confirmed the children were his. Six of the eight children born from the sex crimes spent time living at a charity boarding school but are now said to be back with their mum at the rundown family home.<br /> <br /> She said: “From the moment my mum left home, I became my father’s wife.<br /> <br /> “He would hit me and used to chase me round the house with a lump of wood when he saw me chatting to a neighbour or simply wanted to abuse me.<br /> <br /> “He threatened me constantly and I always feared for my life. He told me he would kill me if I said anything.<br /> <br /> “I’m scared for my life and the life of my children because I’m receiving threats from my father’s relatives to withdraw my complaint against him. They’re not at all concerned about what’s happened.<br /> <br /> “I want him to rot in jail. I want justice to be done.”

Latest-News SHOCKING: Man keeps daughter as sex slave for 22 years, fathers her eight children

A man, who fathered eight children with his own daughter after repeatedly raping her during a 22-year reign of terror, has been jailed for ...

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No plan to increase fuel price – NNPC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryhHE8GO1Yi3RvfbVwsn7Yg4kO3nx3f5I8FUGYv0RLn062GqSirDBxzPzLArlCW0AQ66FfECT74MplY0rnBm0X2zn6bgk6dBlin7PB_thbb-ROmdzZ9fOeV5IrDiUgi3wYv6hG1sQaL2g/s1600/fuel+pump2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryhHE8GO1Yi3RvfbVwsn7Yg4kO3nx3f5I8FUGYv0RLn062GqSirDBxzPzLArlCW0AQ66FfECT74MplY0rnBm0X2zn6bgk6dBlin7PB_thbb-ROmdzZ9fOeV5IrDiUgi3wYv6hG1sQaL2g/s1600/fuel+pump2.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) has once again said it has no plan to increase price of premium motor spirit, (PMS) otherwise known as petrol in country.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> NNPC in a statement by Ndu Ughamadu, Group General Manager Public Affairs Division, said the pump price of petrol remains N143 per litre in NNPC Retail outlets and N145 in other fuel stations, while maintaining PMS ex-depot price of N133.28k per litre to marketers.<br /> <br /> “In the last few weeks, the corporation has increased its daily truck-outs of PMS per day to ensure petrol sufficiency across the states of the federation” .<br /> “Motorists and other consumers of petroleum products are assured that NNPC has a robust sufficiency of petroleum products to cater for their daily consumption” .<br /> <br /> “Marketers are hereby cautioned against hoarding or diversion, as law enforcement agencies have been enjoined to deal appropriately with defaulters”.<br /> <br /> “Again, NNPC affirms that it has no intension, whatsoever, to execute any increase in the pump price of petrol, as such the price of PMS stands at N143 per litre in NNPC Retail outlets and N145 per litre in other fuel stations” .

Latest-News No plan to increase fuel price – NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) has once again said it has no plan to increase price of premium motor spirit, (PMS) ot...

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Stoke City sack Mark Hughes

<b><br /></b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRby3XCNOweZ3ujERH6rhlV6WOvqwXP7V_fWWQSHAQTiM2_801jT9nw1WScOR5NRsmGN2jF2WK4XW7Tp030MBpnrkGn5gAOLjGOjs227j5y-GwHjkYpmIeHa7vgmZrsF0cNfeHG0QrUdRS/s400/mark-hughes.jpg" width="400" /></div> <b><br /></b><b>Mark Hughes has been sacked as manager of Stoke City, just hours after the club's FA Cup third-round exit at the hands of League Two Coventry City.</b><br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A run of five defeats in seven Premier League games also contributed to Hughes' departure and he leaves with the club in the relegation zone.<br /> <br /> Hughes, 54, had been in charge of the Potters for four and a half years.<br /> <br /> Stoke, who play Manchester United on 15 January, say they will "look to appoint a new manager as soon as possible".<br /> <br /> A section of Stoke fans called for him to leave and held up banners throughout the 2-1 defeat at the Ricoh Arena.<br /> <br /> After the game, the Welshman said he did not think the defeat changed the situation regarding his future and said it "might be a blessing" for the rest of the season.<br /> <br /> Hughes, a former Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham and QPR boss, succeeded Tony Pulis at Stoke in May 2013 and was the fourth longest-serving manager at a Premier League club.<br /> <br /> He guided Stoke to three straight ninth-placed finishes, dropping to 13th last season.

Latest-News Stoke City sack Mark Hughes

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BREAKING: Barcelona, Liverpool agree £142million deal for Philippe Coutinho

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZGZz9h4mI8z83LBH1rF15my1o2JC7_2XuXtqMlGM3me8Qae_cJTYOY70l3qcRMsAXuqg8h0k7ksMzdaUtRfRZ1lp69EekQK_HIfpCYUU_a9gow1oDS92aVoFCdgTMV2dFGTwT9c6w7Y/s1600/Philippe+Coutinho+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="965" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZGZz9h4mI8z83LBH1rF15my1o2JC7_2XuXtqMlGM3me8Qae_cJTYOY70l3qcRMsAXuqg8h0k7ksMzdaUtRfRZ1lp69EekQK_HIfpCYUU_a9gow1oDS92aVoFCdgTMV2dFGTwT9c6w7Y/s320/Philippe+Coutinho+b.jpg" width="257" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> Barcelona have agreed the signing of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool for a fee that could reach £142m. Barcelona expect the Brazil international to fly out in time to be at their match with Levante on Sunday afternoon. The 25-year-old did not join his Liverpool team-mates as they flew to Dubai on Saturday and has been adamant that he did not wish to play again for the Anfield club.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Barcelona have put together a package worth a basic fee of £106m, plus a further £36m in variables, of which £26m should be easily met. After the £105m basic, an additional £17m would be payable for the first 100 games Coutinho plays for Barcelona, £4.4m per 25 games. A further £4.4m would be paid for Champions League qualification in the first two seasons with a £4.4m bonus for winning the competition. Coutinho has agreed a five-and-a-half-year deal worth £12.1m a season.<br /> <br /> Liverpool had refused to countenance a sale in the summer, going so far as to release a statement insisting that he would not depart, and Barça’s private confidence that they would back down proved to be unfounded, even though they did not finally give up until the last day of the summer transfer window. After the window closed, the club’s sporting director, Albert Soler, publicly claimed that at the last minute Liverpool had offered to sell for £177m but that they had that refused to meet such figure as an act of financial responsibility. That statement was met with a denial from Anfield.<br /> <br /> Barcelona had not given up on Coutinho but there was an internal debate about the extent to which they could afford to meet a fee which they believed would be in the region of £124m. Some on the board feared that not only was the fee high, having spent over £88m of the £196m they had received for Neymar on Ousame Dembélé, it might also deny opportunities to squad members such as Denis Suárez. While there was little doubt that in the medium to long term he was a priority, Coutinho would also be unable to play in the Champions League this season.<br /> <br /> Coutinho remained determined to depart and Liverpool’s posture had changed. That shift became apparent in the public remarks from Anfield, as well as the private information Barcelona had, as they worked with the Brazilian’s camp. Liverpool team-mates had soon come to assume that he was going to leave. On Saturday night, members of the Barcelona squad believed that Coutinho will join them.<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News BREAKING: Barcelona, Liverpool agree £142million deal for Philippe Coutinho

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Coutinho set to join Barcelona – report

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkP2UIYNNCRtQOeX6CnjADsP224a2BHVO1RBTtvykBIbIKjI3EDvzIOlHFQP5-MxNO99OrxGRR3hGmOU9ipBDry8C4-0udX1hTyA6agLth_VtbfKwZveDfK_oSoeUvMhtMq16U4EDSYU/s1600/Philippe+Coutinho.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkP2UIYNNCRtQOeX6CnjADsP224a2BHVO1RBTtvykBIbIKjI3EDvzIOlHFQP5-MxNO99OrxGRR3hGmOU9ipBDry8C4-0udX1hTyA6agLth_VtbfKwZveDfK_oSoeUvMhtMq16U4EDSYU/s400/Philippe+Coutinho.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Barcelona and Liverpool have agreed a deal in principle for Philippe Coutinho to move to the Spanish giants for 120 million euros ($144 million) with add-ons worth another 40 million euros, a report said Saturday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Barcelona-based Sport newspaper said Coutinho would join Barca this month on a deal for five seasons, although it said the details of the deal were still to be finalised.<br /> <br /> “The club reached a deal in principle yesterday evening with Liverpool on the final amount of the deal,” Sport reported.<br /> <br /> Another newspaper, Mundo Deportivo, said Liverpool were demanding 160 million euros for 25-year-old Coutinho, but that the sum would be made up of the transfer fee and other “variables”.<br /> <br /> Coutinho’s departure would be a blow to Liverpool as he is just rounding into top form, scoring six goals in the last seven games of 2017.<br /> <br /> Crucially though, acquiring the playmaker would allow Barcelona to move on from the bitter experience of losing his Brazil teammate Neymar last summer to Qatar-backed Paris Saint-Germain for a world record 222 million euros.<br /> <br /> Coutinho’s age is also highly attractive to Barca, whose three main stars, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta are all in their thirties. Iniesta, at 33, has shown signs of fatigue this season.<br /> <br /> Another report said Coutinho could arrive in Barcelona later Saturday and could be a spectator at Barcelona’s game against Levante at the Camp Nou on Sunday.<br /> <br /> French sport daily L’Equipe reported on Saturday that Liverpool were lining up Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez to replace Coutinho, although other reports have indicated that the Merseyside club would prefer to sign Thomas Lemar from Monaco.<br /> <br /> Coutinho played no role in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over city rivals Everton in the FA Cup on Friday. Liverpool’s winner was scored by Virgil Van Dijk, the Dutch defender signed last week from Southampton for £75 million ($101.7 million, 84.5 million euros).<br /> <br /></div>

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2019: We’ll vote for Buhari because of Ngige – Anambra community

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDPzNok_PTPp1qLT2i_wuVbPHz2KE8rZ3ObD8J9_fWdJiibZXanRvmaX5szRvguwV7vDrUCi0BfmkiQfPK_H_orqr-kW2hmRLoBae-wBT4kFg7CbWeQvtfUoELwIRgvS7EnAGJcfn1C4/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDPzNok_PTPp1qLT2i_wuVbPHz2KE8rZ3ObD8J9_fWdJiibZXanRvmaX5szRvguwV7vDrUCi0BfmkiQfPK_H_orqr-kW2hmRLoBae-wBT4kFg7CbWeQvtfUoELwIRgvS7EnAGJcfn1C4/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Ifitedunu community in Dunokofia Local Government Area of Anambra State  has resolved  to give 100 percent of their votes to President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general elections.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The community pledged to purchase Buhari’s  reelection nomination form.<br /> <br /> It said it would do this because of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, who had shown demonstrable interest in the community right from his days as the governor of the State from 2003 and 2006.<br /> <br /> The traditional ruler of the community and the president general of the town, Igwe Emeka Ilounoh and Samuel Nweke, respectively stated this in their separate speeches when the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige  performed the groundbreaking for the construction of the Federal Specialist Skills Acquisition centre in  Ifitedunu.<br /> <br /> They stated that the major road to the community was constructed by Dr Ngige when he was governor of the state.<br /> <br /> “2019 will be payback time for this our great son and friend , Dr Chris Ngige, for all he had done for us as a governor, senator and minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria. We will give President Muhammadu Buhari 100 per cent of our votes in the election because of Dr Ngige.”<br /> <br /> The community commended the Federal Government for remembering them  in the distribution of its infrastructure while thanking Ngige for facilitating the project.<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News 2019: We’ll vote for Buhari because of Ngige – Anambra community

Ifitedunu community in Dunokofia Local Government Area of Anambra State  has resolved  to give 100 percent of their votes to President Muh...

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Kahn does not like me – Okocha

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjlXPDxK5AxrAih8dBuOdMlqmJSWQs9KA-fTJKIaxmOLiXONUPQmhRT4b0n_83QQkO2vOLOLM87qnT43eBWg7L05YoTehQKTTyJPOxWU4VOQvMm2dUTbs0BIBepq6I-mW8Ab3hUTWMpo/s1600/okocha+kahn.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjlXPDxK5AxrAih8dBuOdMlqmJSWQs9KA-fTJKIaxmOLiXONUPQmhRT4b0n_83QQkO2vOLOLM87qnT43eBWg7L05YoTehQKTTyJPOxWU4VOQvMm2dUTbs0BIBepq6I-mW8Ab3hUTWMpo/s320/okocha+kahn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Nigerian legend, Austin Okocha has revealed that former Germany goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn is still unhappy with him 23 years after he scored a wonder goal against the revered shot stopper.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Okocha disclosed this at an interactive media briefing tagged ‘Bundesliga Legend Tour with Jay-Jay Okocha’.<br /> <br /> Karlsruhe keeper Kahn had come out of his line to thwart an Eintracht Frankfurt attack during a Bundesliga game in 1993, but Okocha turned him inside with his dribbles, with the German tumbling down inside the box.<br /> <br /> But the Nigerian was not done yet as he dribbled past more Karlsruhe defenders, going past some of them twice, before slotting in past Kahn, who had enough time to recover but couldn’t stop Okocha.<br /> <br /> Okocha, speaking about the incident said he was just doing his job then.<br /> <br /> “Kahn doesn’t like me, he has taken it personal. I was just doing my job, I didn’t have the intention to hold the ball too long but he was at the receiving end.<br /> <br /> “I am grateful to God for that because people can still identify me with something in Germany,” he said.</div>

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1050 Boko Haram insurgents surrender

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5paTznVPSi9-gbzx8M5VVybxxKHTycys_3kWzLZ5S-d-axkSageLPB61JKf_WYXwdxX28l8v-i68zTUxgeXFQNwuf0-4VGBM1KXj5DyB9-YtUuP23_D2dZMCUWmUjfC5m1DVdwkzk0nM/s1600/boko+haram.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5paTznVPSi9-gbzx8M5VVybxxKHTycys_3kWzLZ5S-d-axkSageLPB61JKf_WYXwdxX28l8v-i68zTUxgeXFQNwuf0-4VGBM1KXj5DyB9-YtUuP23_D2dZMCUWmUjfC5m1DVdwkzk0nM/s320/boko+haram.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Nigerian Army on Saturday said 1, 050 insurgents had surrendered to troops in Lake Chad and Monguno general area of operations, as it also warned that many of them are on the run.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The army urged abutting communities to watch out for the fleeing Boko Haram insurgents as their enclaves in Lake Chad region come under intense onslaught.<br /> <br /> Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Maiduguri.<br /> <br /> Nwachukwu disclosed that 250 fighters of the Al Barnawi-led faction of the insurgents had surrendered to Nigerian Army, sequel to artillery and aerial bombardments by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole of their enclaves in Lake Chad basin.<br /> <br /> He added that 700 insurgents also surrendered to troops at Monguno in an ongoing clearance operation.<br /> <br /> Nwachukwu explained that Mamman Nur, another factional leader of the insurgents sustained fatal injuries and one of his wives killed in the operation, while many of the insurgents who escaped, surrendered to Niger Defence Forces.<br /> <br /> The army spokesman noted that some of the insurgents fleeing from the ongoing offensive were senior and junior commanders of the Al Barnawi faction.<br /> <br /> “The insurgents are attempting to melt into communities in and around Kano, Geidam and Gashua axis unnoticed. One of such fleeing commanders is Bana Bafui.<br /> <br /> “Members of the general public, particularly in Kano, Geidam, Gashua, Hadejia and northern part of Jigawa State are therefore enjoined to be vigilant, watch out for strange faces in their communities and report same to security agencies”.<br /> <br /> Nwachukwu called on the insurgents to surrender, adding that the Federal Government has provided a window through the Operation SAFE CORRIDOR to encourage the insurgents’ voluntary surrender.<br /> <br /> He revealed that about 300 insurgents were currently undergoing de-radicalization process for possible integration into the society.<br /> <br /> “We call on Boko Haram insurgents to abandon the futile struggle; take advantage of the Safe Corridor programme and surrender to troops in any location nearest to them.<br /> <br /> “We guarantee their safety and incorporation into the programme for de-radicalization and rehabilitation”. </div>

Latest-News 1050 Boko Haram insurgents surrender

The Nigerian Army on Saturday said 1, 050 insurgents had surrendered to troops in Lake Chad and Monguno general area of operations, as it ...

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Thugs set Ughelli DSIEC office on fire

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXFT47cGosjB3410HQ_ly6vm0ZBspkY6RxU5V0fMiN5wp_QWgk5Xip3YdJmyLA4_7L0Oc9LeIRUaOEsWpNPN294bD-oLl4f6EZD67rgImtSr4ZqUx1X2B4ZZJaonjScfn4lCrzdzRG8g/s1600/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXFT47cGosjB3410HQ_ly6vm0ZBspkY6RxU5V0fMiN5wp_QWgk5Xip3YdJmyLA4_7L0Oc9LeIRUaOEsWpNPN294bD-oLl4f6EZD67rgImtSr4ZqUx1X2B4ZZJaonjScfn4lCrzdzRG8g/s400/fire.jpg" /></a></div> Hoodlums have set the Ughelli office of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission ablaze moments before the commencement of the local government election in the State.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The incident it was gathered occurred in the early hours of Saturday. The building housing sensitive materials for the exercise was razed by arms’ wielding youths. The youths were said to have defied security operatives.<br /> <br /> Our correspondent was told by credible sources that the youths had earlier protested the none inclusion of result sheets in the voting materials before the incident.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that many persons were injured in the incident but no life was lost as the hoodlums shot indiscriminately.<br /> <br /> Ughelli north is where both the Delta State 2015 governorship candidate of the APC,  Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor, and the senator representing Delta Central, Chief Ovie Omo-Agege also of the APC come from.<br /> <br /> However,  electoral materials have not been seen in the various polling units visited in Warri South and Uvwie local government areas at 10:5am.<br /> <br /> Electoral materials were being distributed when our correspondent visited two other DSIEC offices.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile,  the Chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Uvwie LG, Engr. Ufuoma Okenini, has raised the alarm that APC members were under threat by political thugs suspected to members of PDP.</div>

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2019: APC restates commitment to peaceful, credible elections in Ebonyi

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUqugiQsZrkUQXNHsUaiExZtUkLrzu2QVMCx3GxR5Ho0N33FW2HuPyMFNdFHMszJrgaII0msd6kB3e_bPsdgRaXZfMmhKGkX2Zzynkueij9P5OI0fl0DwY2uFp5CIWHiuwWeQjvdmckM/s1600/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUqugiQsZrkUQXNHsUaiExZtUkLrzu2QVMCx3GxR5Ho0N33FW2HuPyMFNdFHMszJrgaII0msd6kB3e_bPsdgRaXZfMmhKGkX2Zzynkueij9P5OI0fl0DwY2uFp5CIWHiuwWeQjvdmckM/s320/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday restated its commitment to peaceful and credible 2019 general elections in Ebonyi.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The state’s Chairman of the party, Mr Eze Nwachukwu, who gave the assurance while addressing journalists in Abakaliki, therefore, appealed to groups and individuals preaching violence and war ahead of the elections to have a rethink.<br /> Nwachukwu insisted that APC would abide by extant laws, rules and regulations guiding peaceful conduct of elections in the country.<br /> <br /> He said that the party had at a stakeholders meeting on Friday, reviewed its preparedness for the forthcoming general elections and seen the need to make its position known especially in view of unsavoury comments allegedly made by some politicians in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).<br /> <br /> The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state governor, David Umahi, had said that he was ready for the political intrigues that would herald the battle for elective positions in the state ahead of the 2019 general elections.<br /> <br /> He said this on Monday while addressing stakeholders of Afikpo North and Ezza South, who paid him a Christmas visit at his country home in Uburu.<br /> <br /> In his remarks, he vowed to ensure the re-election of the state and federal lawmakers from Afikpo North and Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.<br /> <br /> Umahi had said that there was no vacancy in the state House of Assembly and National Assembly positions in both councils, and that those aspiring for the positions should wait for 2023.<br /> <br /> “I am a man of war and ready to war in ensuring that the present occupiers of the positions are re-elected in 2019.<br /> <br /> “We all came together on the platform of divine mandate and would complete the mandates together.<br /> <br /> “When we all finish our tenures, I will force the present occupiers to vacate the seats to ensure that other aspirants realise their ambitions,’’ Umahi said.<br /> <br /> Nwachukwu described the governor’s threat as an indication of acceptance of defeat.<br /> <br /> “Gov. Umahi, while addressing stakeholders of Afikpo North and Ezza South, who paid him a Christmas visit at his country home in Uburu, declared himself as a man of war and ready to fight for his re-election in 2019.<br /> <br /> “For us in APC, such comments are un-dignifying and unwarranted especially coming from a man occupying the exalted office of Governor.<br /> <br /> “Election is neither a war nor a do-or-die affair. It is a free contest that is only decided by the electorate through the ballot hence it is not an act or war.<br /> <br /> “Our questions then are: who is fighting who and who is warring against, who since it must take two to fight or to get involved in a war,’’ Nwachukwu said.<br /> <br /> “The Governor knows that he has been technically defeated and that is why he wants to threaten and intimidate.’’<br /> <br /> Nwachukwu stated that as the largest opposition party in the state, APC believes that power resides with the people and that such power is exercised through their free franchise.<br /> <br /> He said that the party would rather seek the votes of the people than preach war.<br /> <br /> “For us in the opposition, ours is to mobilize the electorate, canvass for their votes and support and to urge them to actively participate in the electoral process through sustained sensitisation.<br /> <br /> “We are letting residents know that we are ready and set to take over power not by hook or crook, but by the laid down legal procedure that enhances peaceful and credible elections.<br /> <br /> “We in APC subscribe to the laws of the land and this includes those laws and guidelines regulating conduct of behaviour during elections because in Nigeria there are laws guiding actions and behaviour and our actions,” Nwachukwu added.<br /> <br /> He, therefore, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be vigilant and to apply strict sanctions against any political party or candidate for the elections that violates the electoral law or INEC guidelines. </div>

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Akwa Ibom jailbreak: 28 inmates still at large – CG

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZdW0_l_JrTQfiZIlZoN9lxrwSyNqbaE1OJVrJSZq-K51o_OOKQBlGvetH5wxf8J5l9nmdpWIpRlL8I_o4qcsfrTRLKgZwwYlxegKtDV4G83OCHXN_E-Fop3ilgBYVH1VHw_ZDsEKnGM/s1600/Jail+sentence.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZdW0_l_JrTQfiZIlZoN9lxrwSyNqbaE1OJVrJSZq-K51o_OOKQBlGvetH5wxf8J5l9nmdpWIpRlL8I_o4qcsfrTRLKgZwwYlxegKtDV4G83OCHXN_E-Fop3ilgBYVH1VHw_ZDsEKnGM/s320/Jail+sentence.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Controller General of Nigeria Prisons Service Mr Jaffaru Ahmed, has disclosed that 28 inmates of Ikot Ekpene Prisons that escaped during jailbreak on Dec. 27, 2017 were still at large.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ahmed disclosed this to newsmen after an inspection of facilities in Ikot Ekpene Prisons on Friday.<br /> <br /> The controller general, who described the facilities in Ikot Ekpene Prisons as well fortified, attributed the jailbreak to lapses on the part of prison staff.<br /> <br /> “About 40 inmates found their way out of Ikot Ekpene Prisons in a broad daylight around 11.45am.<br /> <br /> “They took on the lapses that they saw, perhaps they have been planning it for a very long time and actualised it on December 27, 2017 when they saw the opportunity.<br /> <br /> “The 28 that are at large are very hardened criminals; some of them are kidnappers awaiting trials, some are facing capital offences and therefore it is something to worry about,” Ahmed said.<br /> <br /> He lamented that those still at large were supposed to be in custody to allow the other members of the society to live in peace.<br /> <br /> He assured Akwa Ibom people and the entire nation that the fleeing inmates would soon be recaptured to face their trials.<br /> <br /> He added that any staff found wanting would have to face the full wrath of the law.<br /> <br /> The controller general debunked insinuations from some quarters that the jailbreak was due to infringement on the fundamental rights of the inmates.<br /> <br /></div>

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The Controller General of Nigeria Prisons Service Mr Jaffaru Ahmed, has disclosed that 28 inmates of Ikot Ekpene Prisons that escaped duri...

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Group berates IGP, calls for his sack over comment on Benue herdsmen attack

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5zNNVAJ05la7Hkua5-fvlmAyhTU7UvSoN-RPGURLUJGlGAdcrtQCPVdxpXuFhDzXDBuwEtDso0uknlXHjmY5knJ4SIYKqqZYd8I8eiydYPJN00haVG_eWo02KMDQSvrahIQSu9nZi-0/s1600/Ibrahim+Idris.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5zNNVAJ05la7Hkua5-fvlmAyhTU7UvSoN-RPGURLUJGlGAdcrtQCPVdxpXuFhDzXDBuwEtDso0uknlXHjmY5knJ4SIYKqqZYd8I8eiydYPJN00haVG_eWo02KMDQSvrahIQSu9nZi-0/s320/Ibrahim+Idris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> A non governmental organization known as Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI) has described as irresponsible, unprofessional and misleading, the statement credited to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, yesterday suggesting that the recent massacre in Benue State was a communal clashes and not a herdsmen attack as widely believed.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The group said the statement was unbecoming of the number 1 law enforcer of the most powerful African nation and therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter urgency, relieve him of his position in order to avoid further embarrassment for the country.<br /> Executive Director of (GOPRI), Mr Melvin Ejeh stated this in Jos while addressing a coalition of youth groups across the North Central states.<br /> <br /> Ejeh wondered why a senior police officer of his position and calibre could make such unprofessional, reckless and unguarded statement without waiting for results of a full investigation.<br /> <br /> “We were shocked when we heard the statement emanating from the IGP himself and wondered what the future holds for the country with Idris as our IGP. This is an indication of the biased route the investigation into the unprovoked killings will take.<br /> <br /> “The statement is capable of causing serious breach of peace and a threat to National security if nothing is done by the Commander in Chief. The people of Benue State and the entire middle belt might regard this statement as the presidency’s official position.<br /> <br /> “While we as a group are not trying to conclude that the attackers were Fulani herdsmen since investigations are still on going and because we are respecters of laws and due process, we find the statement of the IGP as too sudden, hasty and disturbing, suggesting that investigations into the gruesome murder of innocent Nigerians in Benue state can never be fair under Idris kpotun as IGP. The IGP should bury his head in shame now that the leader of Miyetti Allah cattle Breeders in Benue State admitted openly that the Fulani attacks on the state were in retaliation for alleged stealing of their cows.<br /> <br /> Garus Gololo told BBC News Pidgin that over 1000 of their cows were stolen at Nengere when their owners were relocating to Taraba through Nasarawa State.<br /> <br /> Gololo said the herdsmen were only defending themselves from thieves.<br /> <br /> “It is on this note that we are unanimously calling on President Mahammedu Buhari to sack this ‘serial goof ‘ and have him replaced with a more competent and objective professional officer”, he said.</div>

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Prominent lawyer dies few days after celebrating SAN induction

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyykthO6GcfG7Ztmmh-58Fj1wHhWordXI3aKyuE-G8AOmOKLrNDbVeAqlEOZSfLg_uYuIwvrVCRoeaR45m_U_SZIpq6QV2JKTpl7J9ByTQ661lcgUaejMXMsygn8bBLTNn0rFcLlCk8Z4/s1600/Late-Egele-500x470+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyykthO6GcfG7Ztmmh-58Fj1wHhWordXI3aKyuE-G8AOmOKLrNDbVeAqlEOZSfLg_uYuIwvrVCRoeaR45m_U_SZIpq6QV2JKTpl7J9ByTQ661lcgUaejMXMsygn8bBLTNn0rFcLlCk8Z4/s320/Late-Egele-500x470+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Bayelsa State, was yesterday thrown into mourning following the sudden death of a newly-inducted Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Francis Egele.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Egele, an illustrious son of the state, who hailed from Okoroba in Ogbia Local Government Area, reportedly breathed his last on Friday morning.<br /> <br /> The prominent lawyer was said to have died in his late 50s.<br /> <br /> The lawyer held a Thanksgiving in Yenagoa, last Sunday, to appreciate God for joining the ranks of SANs last year.<br /> <br /> Sources said he developed complications arising from High Blood Pressure and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where he died later.<br /> <br /> Egele, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Bayelsa, in October last year, urged the state government to appoint new judges in order to quicken dispensation of justice in the state.

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APC denies alleged decamp of 5000 members in Sapele

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QsbE5HGADFV_bDgu7luyHfyIJn4lSFX3rFpYX3Zq2dwpIsxTS8wIQ1g07QwQ4wfFfWYGv8r3512dDzG0Kv9INHSiu79HSz819S0bsDBN_qFF9JtQ_wyPCJpH_0MUm0CIG8Yx1FI7wk8/s1600/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QsbE5HGADFV_bDgu7luyHfyIJn4lSFX3rFpYX3Zq2dwpIsxTS8wIQ1g07QwQ4wfFfWYGv8r3512dDzG0Kv9INHSiu79HSz819S0bsDBN_qFF9JtQ_wyPCJpH_0MUm0CIG8Yx1FI7wk8/s320/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has denied alleged decamping of 5000 of its members along with a former member of the party, Chief Felix Anirah, in Sapele, to the People’s Democratic Party.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Chief Anirah who contested the Sapele constituency seat at the Delta State House of Assembly in 2015, under the platform of APC formerly dumped the party on Thursday for the PDP, alleging that he decamped with over 5000 members of APC.<br /> <br /> However, in swift response yesterday, the state Acting Chairman of APC, Chief Cyril Ogodo,  debunked the claim, saying,”The claim by Chief Anirah that he decamped to PDP with over 5000 of our members is laughable and a blatant lie. He contested for Delta State House of Assembly in 2015 and got less than 3000 votes out of all the APC members in Sapele LGA. So from where did he get 5000 members to decamp along with to PDP?”</div>

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George Weah invites Wenger to inauguration

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHm3HDrgvcJcqXymSDyXEiUtdCA5RuRONgG3IpKfkc450CUyBMedie3PftNzOB8l1lcFkEoNVqyREAVyjTY0Bp_yhG6IU2QDdMsC8eP6Jv06x2fJEAyyenn1NiPdHaMf3nVyOd0AleLuo/s1600/gw.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHm3HDrgvcJcqXymSDyXEiUtdCA5RuRONgG3IpKfkc450CUyBMedie3PftNzOB8l1lcFkEoNVqyREAVyjTY0Bp_yhG6IU2QDdMsC8eP6Jv06x2fJEAyyenn1NiPdHaMf3nVyOd0AleLuo/s320/gw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that he has been invited by the new Liberia president George Weah to his inauguration later this month.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Wenger was Weah’s manager at French side Monaco between 1988 and 1992 but he is not sure he will able to attend.<br /> <br /> “I have been invited by George to come to the day where he will be the President,” he said.<br /> <br /> “I believe I will be busy but if I am suspended (for his comments on referees) I will have time to go.”<br /> <br /> Wenger is facing a Football Association disciplinary hearing for various comments he made about referees in recent weeks.<br /> <br /> The Arsenal boss admits he still finds it hard to believe what Weah has achieved.<br /> <br /> “The life of this guy is a real film. It is unbelievable. It can make a fantastic film,” said an excited Wenger.<br /> <br /> “I remember when I saw him the first time at Monaco, coming in a bit lost, not knowing anybody, not being rated by anybody as a player and becoming the best player in the world in 1995 and today becoming the president of his country.<br /> <br /> Wenger also recalled the passion and love Weah had for Liberia.<br /> <br /> “I went with George during the period when there was war in Liberia and I have seen how much he suffered for his country,” Wenger added.<br /> <br /> “That was the thing which was continuous in his country, the love for his country and for his people. Today when I look back I see him crying when war was on in Liberia so it’s a happy story.<br /> <br /> “I wish he has a happy presidency and I would like to say this guy is an example for everybody who plays football today.”<br /> <br /> Weah won a presidential run off poll last month beating Joseph Boakai with more than 60% of the vote.<br /> <br /> He will succeed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president.</div>

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2019: Kogi votes for Buhari ‘ll dwarf votes from Katsina – Bello

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mMh9GL0roIFU551GVQ1jafqUlHkJtOJIKiEkSIZDz2orkgEtC64IEZxJ9U9Zu84KhywF8_14HHkfCXAQav4tx8mUQ7wENUwWO1cEXSnP-YpChjrgK-PPHy6GkY_7Wd8shGVbZBqSswo/s1600/Yahaya-Bello.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mMh9GL0roIFU551GVQ1jafqUlHkJtOJIKiEkSIZDz2orkgEtC64IEZxJ9U9Zu84KhywF8_14HHkfCXAQav4tx8mUQ7wENUwWO1cEXSnP-YpChjrgK-PPHy6GkY_7Wd8shGVbZBqSswo/s320/Yahaya-Bello.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Friday, said that the people of Kogi State will massively vote for President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 election, enthusing that the votes that will come from the state for the President will overwhelmingly dwarf votes for him from his home state, Katsina.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Governor had also debunked allegations that he gave N2 million and Jeep to masquerade, wondering how a sane person could give money to masquerade which he described as spirit representing the ancestors.<br /> <br /> This is as the State Government has now put in place a policy that workers in the state employ will be paid based on man hour put in place to avoid cheating from any angle.<br /> <br /> He stated this in an interview with State House correspondents after observing Friday Juma’at at the State House Mosque, Abuja.<br /> <br /> He said that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has been receiving decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and other Political parties in Kogi State, stressing that it was an evidence of acceptance of the party.<br /> <br /> When asked on his thoughts about President Buhari as the 2019 presidential election was fast approaching, he said, “I am sure you are following us as we are receiving decampees from PDP and all other political parties. And any time we hold any decamping rally in any local government you will see the mammoth crowd that turns out.<br /> <br /> “So Kogi State has already endorsed President Buhari for second term, we are just waiting for the time to come. You are going to see the votes that will come out of Kogi State, it will dwarf that of Katsina State I can assure you.”<br /> <br /> The governor also said that the state was up to date in terms of payment of workers salaries, adding that he borrowed N10 billion to add to what the President released to the governors from the Paris Club Refunds.<br /> <br /> He said, “In Kogi State today, we are up to date as far as salary is concerned. In the month of December like Mr. President magnanimously assisted us with another tranche of Paris Club Refund, our own figure was N1.2 billion and some other change on top.<br /> <br /> “We didn’t just stop at that, we borrowed up to N10 billion and we added November/December allocation to our figures and we were able to clear four months at a stretch before Christmas and some left over were cleared before this January in Kogi State.<br /> <br /> “As you all know, the salary was very bogus and according to the figure we had, we were able to distribute it among these months. So, glory to God as far as Kogi State is concerned.<br /> <br /> “Moving forward, from this January, we have decided that we are going to make use of our clock-in device for every civil servants in Kogi state both at local and state levels. So that as you come to work and clock-in, that is exactly how your salary will end generated.<br /> <br /> “It is online, it is automated so nobody is going to cheat anybody. That is how we are going to go in the state. So, Kogi state civil servants, pensioners are all happy with this administration. Thanks to God and Mr. President for this magnanimity.”<br /> <br /> On kidnapping in Kogi<br /> <br /> “In Kogi State today we have done tremendous work as far as security generally is concerned.<br /> <br /> “In the months of November, December and this January, there has not been any single case of armed robbery, kidnapping, even mere stealing. One attempt was made, as I speak the DSS (Department of State Services) in collaboration with Army and Police have apprehended a particular gang that attempted to snatch a vehicle from a citizen.<br /> <br /> “The security operatives are collaborating with us, we are spending a lot on security. So collaboration between the security agencies and understanding by the people, they are giving us a lot of information and we are treating them with utmost secrecy and we are working harmoniously.<br /> <br /> Herdsmen apprehending criminals<br /> <br /> “Let me digress, the Fulanis in Kogi State are equally collaborating with us. Even the criminal elements amongst them are the ones even apprehending them and handing them over to the security agencies. So we are living very harmoniously with the Fulani herdsmen, farmers and the citizens.<br /> <br /> “Travelers are safe, day and night because anywhere you go, you see security operatives and we have even vigilantes, hunters that are equally assisting us in our farms and so many other deserted areas. So Kogi is very safe.”<br /> <br /> On the allegation that he gave masquerades N2 million and vehicle each, he said, “I think I am just hearing that for the first time. But let me just tell you that in Kogi State, first we promote culture, two we don’t give millions to masquerades.<br /> <br /> “In our culture, Masquerades are ancestors, I don’t know how a masquerade will go and spend money? Is it in the grave? They are suppose to be spirits and I don’t know how masquerades will spend money. There is nothing of that nature at all.”</div>

Latest-News 2019: Kogi votes for Buhari ‘ll dwarf votes from Katsina – Bello

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Friday, said that the people of Kogi State will massively vote for President Muhammadu Buhari in the ...

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Aisha Buhari thanks Nigerians for prayers toward son’s recovery

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlHAf2mFUtzmnp6U9_KdutkJyS2y4kQ1Ncjdchz9KYfgIGd44pJVYxoinh7VeOLZGaocFawsSoScAXrRIQW5FZvXxuI2jl72idS5sbkTQjuP1LsZvmQHR6MbUfIP5g4osPsIZfG6tjGw/s1600/Aisha+buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlHAf2mFUtzmnp6U9_KdutkJyS2y4kQ1Ncjdchz9KYfgIGd44pJVYxoinh7VeOLZGaocFawsSoScAXrRIQW5FZvXxuI2jl72idS5sbkTQjuP1LsZvmQHR6MbUfIP5g4osPsIZfG6tjGw/s320/Aisha+buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for praying for her and her only son Yusuf, who recently was involved in a motorbike accident in the Gwanripa area of the Federal Capital Territory.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Aisha Buhari in a statement on Friday expressed appreciation to the medical team and Nigerians for their prayers toward her Yusuf Buhari’s recovery.<br /> The statement reads ‘On behalf of my family, I will like to thank well-meaning Nigerians for their prayers in the past week.<br /> <br /> ‘Special thanks to the team of doctors and specialists who have worked tirelessly to ensure that my son Yusuf remains stable, most especially Nurse Eze Doris Eberechukwu of Nisa Premier; the medical team chaired by the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole;<br /> <br /> ‘Also the team of neurosurgeons, Prof. Temitayo Sokunbi; Prof. B.B. Shehu; Dr. Biodun Ogunbo and Assistant Prof. M.Raji Mahmud; the team of orthopaedic surgeons, Dr. Felix Ogedengbe and Dr. Akinola; the intensivists, Dr. Simon Esangbedo; the Personal Physician to the President, Dr. Suhayb Sanusi; my personal physician, Dr. M. Kamal and the nurses have all ensured that he remains stable while receiving treatment.<br /> <br /> ‘Also many thanks to Dr. Jaf Momoh CMD of National Hospital Abuja and his team for their continuous support.’</div>

Latest-News Aisha Buhari thanks Nigerians for prayers toward son’s recovery

Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for praying for her and her only son Yusuf, who recently was...

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CAN declares January 7th day of nationwide prayer against Fulani herdsmen

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-Bfc8UW73hqnqoTY8AW9Vyntn_l9Ip9xsqFiET-8dug5bB7M5lf3dUIX2fQjTwrgPztIQAOiqlw0Ob_rhGwgyP1DBRohdy-Ao8PblVcrMHsT0237UpkJ7brtTTTAfLDpwb5ylbh471A/s1600/CAN-LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-Bfc8UW73hqnqoTY8AW9Vyntn_l9Ip9xsqFiET-8dug5bB7M5lf3dUIX2fQjTwrgPztIQAOiqlw0Ob_rhGwgyP1DBRohdy-Ao8PblVcrMHsT0237UpkJ7brtTTTAfLDpwb5ylbh471A/s320/CAN-LOGO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised another alarm over what it said are the risks posed to the unity of the country by activities of armed Fulani herdsmen, urging the federal government to exercise necessary power that will clampdown on the killer herdsmen and their promoters.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> To this end, CAN declared January 7th as a day of nationwide prayers for victory over the activities of armed Fulani herdsmen.<br /> <br /> CAN President, Rev Samson Olasupo Ayokunle in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Pastor Bayo Oladeji, noted that in recent times, armed Fulani herdsmen all over the federation have continuously killed innocent farmers with impunity.<br /> <br /> He also warned that the situation could degenerate into a civil war, if the bloody killings by herdsmen are not treated as a matter of national importance.<br /> <br /> Ayokunle, said though the government has taken battle to several groups that threatened the peace, unity, and security of the nation, it has not demonstrated any concerted effort to nip the ignoble activities of the armed Fulani herdsmen in a bud.<br /> <br /> CAN further appealed to the international community to not only speak up against the activities of the killer herdsmen but also come to the aid of victims by providing relief for many in the hospitals and those that are displaced as a result of the attacks.<br /> <br /> He said: “We in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) are forced to make this press release on the continuous inhuman and wicked activities of the Fulani Herdsmen all over the Federation who are going from community to community killing innocent farmers with impunity.<br /> <br /> “They have killed more people than the Boko Haram sect and almost displaced more people than them. We are now reaching a breaking point in our patience and toleration of this wicked impunity before degenerating to a civil war.<br /> <br /> “While the government has taken the battle to Boko Haram terrorists, the Indigenous People of Biafra, the Badoo boys, the Niger Delta Avengers and other groups, the government has not shown any serious willingness to checkmate the murderous Fulani Herdsmen. This to us is a betrayal of the confidence reposed in this government by Nigerians when they voted them into power.<br /> <br /> “Similarly, the government has failed to uphold the constitution which they swore to uphold because they have failed in protecting Nigerians from the attacks of Fulani Herdsmen in the affected areas. If they continue to allow Fulani herdsmen to be having a field day in killing people like this, is it not the Fulanis alone that would remain that they would be governing? God forbid.<br /> <br /> “We need to know why the intelligence units of all security apparatus we have in this country has not been able to discover the sources of supply of ammunition to Fulani herdsmen living virtually in the bush.<br /> <br /> “The Customs and the Immigration services together with the Police have case to answer. Who are the suppliers of these weapons? If the murderous herdsmen are foreigners, as it is being claimed in some quarters, why did we allow dangerous foreigners into our country to come and kill us? Our government has a case to answer too.<br /> <br /> “We are therefore tasking the government of the day; the Executive, the Senate, the House of Representatives and all security agencies to rise up to their responsibilities and we equally call on all stake holders in this nation together for a solemn assembly that would address all these things and come out with lasting solution to these senseless attacks.<br /> <br /> “The international community cannot afford to be watching us without lending a voice to our cries to our government to checkmate the murderous Fulani herdsmen who appear not to care about the future of this nation.<br /> <br /> “We urge all churches to set aside time this coming Sunday, January 7, to pray for Nigeria and for victory over the wicked killings of Fulani Herdsmen.<br /> <br /> “Our nation can never be great in a state of insecurity and war as we are presently experiencing it. This government owes the entire Nigerians the responsibility of competent action, not just action by words of mouth.”</div>

Latest-News CAN declares January 7th day of nationwide prayer against Fulani herdsmen

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FG reviews pricing template for petrol, insists on N145/litre

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL3zrMhHg2tY2ddCal1jCCgff5J77Satjx_loOWFg4Rn5yNUwtE-I0EEBoE9F0FUf-jvPHERlv4Hx-fvJ5kwmhjddOPRdkatwDbFUovMbRAfgkpxkbZ8ouOsJAuyiPYrmYzHZJWoNUV0/s1600/Fuel-dispencer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL3zrMhHg2tY2ddCal1jCCgff5J77Satjx_loOWFg4Rn5yNUwtE-I0EEBoE9F0FUf-jvPHERlv4Hx-fvJ5kwmhjddOPRdkatwDbFUovMbRAfgkpxkbZ8ouOsJAuyiPYrmYzHZJWoNUV0/s320/Fuel-dispencer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Federal Government on Friday said it had commenced a review of the pricing template for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol. It noted, however, that the price of the product would remain unchanged.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the review became necessary following the various pricing concerns surrounding the actual cost of a litre of PMS.<br /> <br /> This is coming as President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the Federal Executive Council, had directed the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation not to allow the price of petrol to go beyond N145/litre.<br /> <br /> Kachikwu, who spoke to journalists during the ongoing oil sector stakeholders meeting at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja, also insisted that the pump price of petrol was N145/litre and stated that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency was working on a new pricing template for PMS.<br /> <br /> The minister, however, did not explain how the PPPRA would review the template and keep the cost of the commodity at N145/litre, considering the fact that the landing cost of PMS was currently around N171/litre.<br /> <br /> Kachikwu, who only allowed and responded to two questions from journalists, noted that the aspects of the template that had to do with logistics, profit margins for operators, among others, were being reviewed in the pricing template by the PPPRA.<br /> <br /> The minister said, “PPPRA obviously develops the templates and helps us to monitor importation into the country. The template has always been an issue because as prices change in the international market, some of these templates get question mark.<br /> <br /> “There are two lines as regards this template; there is the actual cost of landing the product, on the template, and there are other ancillary charges that deal with logistics, profit margins for the operators and all of that.<br /> <br /> “As part of this committee’s work, we are also reviewing that template to see whether there are things we need to do to help us ensure that we can accommodate sales at the N145/litre window. So, that is also going to be looked into. The PPPRA is working on that and is heading a special committee on it.”<br /> <br /> However, marketers wondered how the template would be reviewed to retain the cost of petrol at N145/litre, considering the price of the commodity in the international market.<br /> <br /> An oil marketer who pleaded not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter and was part of the stakeholders meeting, said, “We are all in this together and we are watching and working with them on some of these things, but the truth is that I wonder how we can achieve a target of N145/litre for PMS when the template is reviewed.”<br /> <br /> He added, “Marketers have asked for incentives, which include suitable forex (foreign exchange) rates, as well as tax holidays and we hope government will act accordingly in order to enable us to begin importation. If this happens, then, hopefully the template will work and petrol price might stay at N145/litre.”<br /> <br /> When asked whether independent marketers were now free to sell petrol beyond the regulated rate set by the government, Kachikwu replied, “There isn’t a multiple price fixing environment where people can work outside the umbrella of what has been fixed.<br /> <br /> “What we approved is a modulation of between N135/litre and N145/litre. I’m aware that as of this morning, some people sold at N143, while most of the stations sold at N145. But some recalcitrant individuals sold above that and that is where the law will go after them. So there isn’t an authorisation to sell outside the N135/N145 bracket. Nobody is free to set a price above that.”<br /> <br /> Kachikwu said rumours about the actual cost of petrol had increased the difficulties encountered by the NNPC in terms of controlling the cost of the commodity.<br /> <br /> He said, “There was a statement credited to me that said that price might be increased to N180. No such statement was made; no such plan is intended. I need to clarify this because sometimes some of these rumour mongers all add to the difficulties NNPC had in terms of being able to control price speculation.<br /> <br /> “The President’s mandate on this issue is very specific: we are not increasing price from N145. The essence of our meeting (on Thursday) and the essence of the committee meeting still going on, which began few days ago, is to find mechanisms to ensure that fuel queues do not come back to Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “It is to also ensure that the product is available at every time for Nigerians; that private marketers who had pulled out from participation, that we deal with their problems so that they can participate effectively in the supply of petroleum products in the country, all within the parameters of N145 per litre pump price.”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has told the Federal Government to forget about hiking the price of fuel from the “already exorbitant” N145 per litre, saying such would not only be criminal, but inhuman and completely unacceptable.<br /> <br /> The party said investigations had shown that the Federal Government had been lying to Nigerians on oil-related issues while using the NNPC to bandy about figures with the intention to arrive at government’s predetermined agenda to increase the price of fuel.<br /> <br /> The PDP further alleged that the lingering fuel crisis and its attendant black market costs were only a ploy by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to justify their intended hike of the price.<br /> <br /> PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said the APC-led government had completely become numb to the sufferings of Nigerians to the extent that it no longer cared about imposing more hardship on the people.<br /> <br /> He said instead of making the people suffer more, the Federal Government should come out clear on sleaze in the oil sector under its watch, particularly the shady oil subsidy payouts and illegal lifting of N1.1tn worth of crude using unregistered companies.<br /> <br /> Recalling that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had in December informed Nigerians that the NNPC had been paying subsidy on fuel, Ologbondiyan said the Federal Government had refused to tell Nigerians the beneficiaries, the amount involved and who authorised the payment because of the inherent corruption in the deal.<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News FG reviews pricing template for petrol, insists on N145/litre

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Udom Emmanuel is on course to become the best governor in Nigeria – PDP

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzRXQsBYss5yPR7YQcL4rQfFRcmfQ5qFb8_uW6TOgOS9C_wW2kQ0UWpCUpGw054GWAlrWvNDlkKrmxW27dU1ra-PaG_lazxG0bHbgFeUuO_WzIfx2hktQHhPPpwZHHzk9e75oW1-WLys/s1600/pdp-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzRXQsBYss5yPR7YQcL4rQfFRcmfQ5qFb8_uW6TOgOS9C_wW2kQ0UWpCUpGw054GWAlrWvNDlkKrmxW27dU1ra-PaG_lazxG0bHbgFeUuO_WzIfx2hktQHhPPpwZHHzk9e75oW1-WLys/s320/pdp-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The National legal adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem says Udom Emmanuel is on course to become the best governor in Nigeria.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Enoidem stated this in a chat with journalists after a breakfast meeting of Stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District with the governor at the governor’s Lodge Uyo.<br /> <br /> Have you read Trendiee Today? Click here to read<br /> <br /> Enoidem said the projects, ideas, passion and love of Udom Emmanuel for the people of Akwa Ibom is overwhelming and thanked Senate minority leader, Godswill Akpabio for the role he played to pave way for Udom to become an answered prayer to Akwa Ibom People.<br /> <br /> He recalled when Godwill Akpabio was asked what his greatest legacy would be after eight years as a governor and Akpabio said he wants to be remembered as the governor who produced the best governor in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “In the dying days of 2015, when a journalist asked Governor Akpabio what he will like to be remembered for after eight years as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. He said that he wants to be remembered as the Governor who produced the best Governor in Nigeria” He said<br /> <br /> Enoidem said with what they have seen on ground, Udom Emmanuel is right and is on course to become the best Governor in the history of Nigeria after Godswill Akpabio.<br /> <br /> “Today on the account of what the Governor has enumerated in the meeting a while ago, it is very obvious that he is on course. The Governor is meeting the target of becoming the best Governor in the history of Nigeria after Godswill Akpabio.<br /> <br /> “Every event that has unfolded since May 29, 2015 has demonstrated the fact that it was a wise choice and it was in line with the prayers of Akwa Ibom people that after Godswill Akpabio we should be able to have another Governor who will be focused, sincere, dedicated to Akwa Ibom project like Udom Gabriel Emmanuel is doing presently.<br /> <br /> He commended Senator Godswill Akpabio for effective representation in the National Assembly and assured Akpabio that Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district will queue behind him to return him back to the senate come 2019.<br /> <br /> “I want to thank the Senate Minority Leader for very eminent representation in the National Assembly. We want to tell him that come 2019, he will return to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to continue to represent us and the State.” He added</div>

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The National legal adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem says Udom Emmanuel is on course to become the...

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Aids weight loss, lowers blood pressure… six benefits of cashew nut

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Dickson pays salary arrears owed workers during 2016 recession

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaR4kPT_oCmGW0tMbwtiH8q9SO6ayPdosZBj7ULA_4YaHBYxH6pSbFbVWGGlMWwjGvBypiRnrD-554jJpWhHUu4o_CN1McOFgMuMcf0VCvwVG_w1e2neoA6xyFw2GOsROFk8djt-dHvms/s1600/Seriake+Dickson.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaR4kPT_oCmGW0tMbwtiH8q9SO6ayPdosZBj7ULA_4YaHBYxH6pSbFbVWGGlMWwjGvBypiRnrD-554jJpWhHUu4o_CN1McOFgMuMcf0VCvwVG_w1e2neoA6xyFw2GOsROFk8djt-dHvms/s320/Seriake+Dickson.jpeg" width="319" /></a></div> Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has authoriSed the release of funds from the Paris Club Debt Refund to pay one and half months’ salary arrears owed workers during the peak of the biting recession in the country in 2016.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Governor, in a bid to promote transparency called a consultative meeting of top government officials and Labour leaders and their representatives to keep them abreast with modalities of the judicious distribution of the Paris Club Fund received in December 2017.<br /> <br /> Contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, Dickson averred that the state government received a total of N14.8 billion from the Federal Government.<br /> <br /> The breakdown shows the state received N13.5 billion while the local government councils received N1.37 billion.<br /> <br /> According to the statement, N5.6 billion of the Fund is being spent to defray the one and a half months salary arrears out of the four and half months owed workers in the state in 2016.<br /> <br /> Dickson explained that the outstanding salaries arrears were a balance of half salaries he paid for seven months during the recession in 2016 which came to a total of three and a half months.<br /> <br /> The governor appreciated the work force for displaying understanding during the biting economic recession of 2016 which affected the resources of the state in an adverse way.<br /> <br /> According to him, while most of the older states in the country have lower wage bills, Bayelsa State’s Wage Bill was over N6 billion (State and LGAs) because of the detrimental activities of some fraudulent characters.<br /> <br /> The Governor lamented that the state was among those highest wage bill in the country in spite of its low Internally Generated Revenue base which he put at N500 million per month on the average.<br /> <br /> He added that the recurrent burden on the state had become too high as Civil Servants in Bayelsa earn almost twice the income of their counterparts in other states of the Federation.<br /> <br /> He explained that the government was making sustained efforts to also clean up the payroll mess to reduce the abominable wage bill.<br /> <br /> Dickson submitted that he had always taken the issue of payment of salaries as a priority as shown by the fact that the state under his leadership did not owe workers throughout his first tenure.<br /> <br /> The Governor also warned that he would not tolerate any complaint of inability of the Councils’ Chairmen to pay their workforce as at when due as from January, 2018.<br /> <br /> He emphasised that local government enjoys financial autonomy in the state since the inception of his administration, noting that the state had not deducted any money from local government funds.<br /> <br /> Dickson who said that he would not fund the councils with monies from the state government urged the leadership of the councils to have a sizeable workforce that they have the capacity to manage and maintain.<br /> <br /> According to him, the state could only come in to support the primary school education system.<br /> <br /> “This January, I would not want to hear that Councils’ Chairmen are not able to pay salaries. I will not also augment your salaries with state money.<br /> <br /> You are also at liberty to fire those that are not working. You employ them and you also have the power to fire them over gross misconducts and fraud’’<br /> <br /> Dickson lamented that Bayelsa State’s Wage Bill was over N6 billion (State and LGAs) because of the detrimental activities of some fraudulent people, while older states in the country have a wage bill of N2 billion.<br /> <br /> He lamented that the state had the highest wage bill in spite of its low Internally Generated Revenue base which he said was N500M per month on the average.<br /> <br /> The Commissioner for Finance, Maxwell Ebibai, who was directed to give a statement of the total amount of money received from the Paris Club Fund, said that the state received a total of N14.8 billion out of which N1.37 billion was for the local governments and N13.5 billion for the states government.<br /> <br /> Ebibai, reiterated that N5.6 billion of the Fund is being spent to pay the one and a half months salary arrears owed workers in the state.</div>

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Despite persistent killings, IGP says Nigeria is secure

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Benue massacre caused by communal crisis – IGP

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_Wh66wbaqWCr-vtA-d70SKLxr6onGhp27BV0RlsfVoeQK16iqXxPdrxROsCHHHc0HpGARhI2HgG8Qo6T6u3drBtAySL8dEW5cGjzszZYxPImtI6Ay36ZkTHgFKb7CkC28P9n4G4u_pg/s1600/Ibrahim+Idris.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_Wh66wbaqWCr-vtA-d70SKLxr6onGhp27BV0RlsfVoeQK16iqXxPdrxROsCHHHc0HpGARhI2HgG8Qo6T6u3drBtAySL8dEW5cGjzszZYxPImtI6Ay36ZkTHgFKb7CkC28P9n4G4u_pg/s320/Ibrahim+Idris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, Friday said that communal crisis was responsible for the gruesome murder of over 30 persons in Guma and Logo local government areas of Benue State.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> IGP Idris said that he has directed a Deputy Inspector General, DIG, the Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG, in-charge of Zone Four, Makurdi and the Benue State Commissioner of Police Police to get to the root of the crisis.<br /> The Police boss disclosed this to State House correspondents after over one hour meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at Presidential Villa, Abuja.<br /> <br /> Though the IGP refused to mention the communities involved in the alleged communal clash, he said that Fulani herdsmen were part of the community.<br /> <br /> According to him, “Obviously it is communal crisis, herdsmen are part of the community. They are Nigerians and are part of the community are they not?<br /> <br /> He said he was at the State House to meet with the President on how to have effective policing in the country even as he said that the allegation that there was breakdown of law and order in the country was not true, rather enthusing that Nigeria is secured.<br /> <br /> On the reason for his meeting with the President, Idris said, “You know any time we meet Mr. President you know the area of discussion is how to have effective security of the Nation.”<br /> <br /> Fielding question on what he was doing about Benue following the alleged attacks of two council areas of the state by the herdsmen, he said, “You know I deployed my DIG there yesterday (Thursday) and you know we have different stages of police.<br /> <br /> “You have the AIG in Benue, Commissioner of Police in Benue and all of them are putting their heads together to see how we address this issue of community problems in Benue.”<br /> <br /> The IGP who debunked the allegation that the country was under siege as a result of insecurity, said, “Obviously I think Nigeria is well secured you have to be frank with us.”<br /> <br /> When asked the reason why herdsmen killings were escalating in parts of the country, he replied, “Like I said, you know we have different levels of Police in this country. We have the Commissioner of Police in Benue, the AIG of Police in Benue.<br /> <br /> “Yesterday (Thursday) I deployed my DIG operations there and definitely we are doing all we can to see we maintain law and order in all parts of the country.”<br /> <br /> On the accusation that Police has been reactionary rather than proactive to stop the killings, the Police boss said, “Let’s use the example of Benue, you know most of these states where you have several languages, you know is an issue of communal misunderstanding.<br /> <br /> “I think what we should be praying for is for Nigerians to learn to live in peace with one another, I think is very important.”<br /> <br /> He said every time the security operatives meet the President he always give them a charge, adding, “He said that we should go and take care and ensure that we tighten our security.”<br /> <br /> The IGP said there were so many measures he was putting in place like in Benue State where he was going to deploy more units to support the efforts the Police were making in the state to ensure they have adequate protection to the men and communities members.<br /> <br /> Assuring that the Benue murder will not repeat itself, he refused to answer the question on whether the country was under policed but said the force was not overwhelmed.<br /> <br /> On whether the arrest of an online publisher by SARS was on his orders because he published something against you, he said, “Anyway I don’t need to send anybody but whenever you commit an offense it is our duty to ensure that we respond.”</div>

Latest-News Benue massacre caused by communal crisis – IGP

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, Friday said that communal crisis was responsible for the gruesome murder of over 30 p...

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FRSC redeploys 109 personnel

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgOv_OrxmSFWuHm2_E6VVpIdTtw8fz2zF4kAv61vhfDD5yEgNTvIlg-UpkF8bzryv1mvfttQKkFi1envrGsMgh1NOqeeZ6bvTWYHwe0T9jW9ieu50iDyHooyC2ZPlzL7s9LKmLo51M4c/s1600/frsc-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgOv_OrxmSFWuHm2_E6VVpIdTtw8fz2zF4kAv61vhfDD5yEgNTvIlg-UpkF8bzryv1mvfttQKkFi1envrGsMgh1NOqeeZ6bvTWYHwe0T9jW9ieu50iDyHooyC2ZPlzL7s9LKmLo51M4c/s400/frsc-logo.jpg" /></a></div> The Federal Road Safety Corps, has redeployed 109 personnel as part of efforts to enhance its operational efficiency, the Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem has said.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Kazeem in a statement on Friday in Abuja,  quoted the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, as saying the shakeup was aimed at actualising the 2018 strategic goals of the FRSC.<br /> <br /> The redeployment exercise is coming barely five days after the promotion of 1,925 officers and marshals of the corps, some of whom were affected by the shakeup.<br /> <br />  Deputy Corps Marshal Abubakar Ringim, who was the Zonal Commanding Officer of Zone RS3HQ, Yola is now in charge of Special Duties and Partnership at the National Headquarters, Abuja.<br /> <br /> Assistant Corps Marshal Victor Nwokolo, formerly Head of Section, Special Marshals, is now the Head of Section, Command and Strategy Administration, while  ACM Kayode Olagunju, who was the Head, Policy Research and Statistics, will proceed on a course at the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic  Studies, Kuru, Jos.<br /> <br /> Kazeem said ACM Stephen Maitizumahs, formerly in charge of Administration and Training, is now the Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone 3, Yola.<br /> <br /> ACM Kayode Fanola, formerly on a course at NIPSS, takes over from Olagunju as Head of Policy, Research and Statistics at the headquarters.<br /> <br /> The FRSC spokesman said, “ACM  Godwin Ogagaoghene, former ACM Personnel at the headquarters, is now the Zonal Commanding Officer, Abuja.<br /> <br /> “ACM Shehu Zaki, former Zonal Commanding Officer,  Lagos is now the Zonal Commanding Officer,  Bauchi; Assistant Corps Marshal Jonas Agwu, formerly in charge of Zone RS4 Jos, is now Assistant Corps Marshal  Motor Vehicle Administration at the National headquarters.”<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News FRSC redeploys 109 personnel

The Federal Road Safety Corps, has redeployed 109 personnel as part of efforts to enhance its operational efficiency, the Corps Public Edu...

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Support Buhari to succeed! Lawmaker tells constituency

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXamQ19yf0CeNhesHNjdAiPg7lqX6HFuoCIvpoAW99jXoJ5hbzpBXj0iOZ6escTnVAhvaM1KShWErdsRf4v_tsrRM_A2z9NrHilOpkqtATLxoUiux0MtJlXjiZoLD4CQ5_9GrKH8Kd_w/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXamQ19yf0CeNhesHNjdAiPg7lqX6HFuoCIvpoAW99jXoJ5hbzpBXj0iOZ6escTnVAhvaM1KShWErdsRf4v_tsrRM_A2z9NrHilOpkqtATLxoUiux0MtJlXjiZoLD4CQ5_9GrKH8Kd_w/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Alhaji Hashimu Jibrin-Gurku, representing Karu/Gitata constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has appealed to people of the state to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Tanko Al-Makura to succeed.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Jibrin-Gurku made the call on Friday while speaking with newsmen in Karu Local Government Area of the state.<br /> <br /> He stressed the need for the support to enable them succeed in the delivery more dividends of democracy to the citizens.<br /> <br /> According to him, sustained prayers by adherents of the two major religions in the country will definitely assist the President, Al-Makura, other elected and appointed leaders to achieve growth and speedy development of the country.<br /> “Praying and supporting our leaders will bring more good things and will also bring peace, unity and national development.<br /> <br /> “President Buhari and Al-Makura have done a lot by initiating policies and projects that had impacted positively on the lives of the people of the state and the country as a whole,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> <br /> Jibrin-Gurku also lauded Buhari and Al-Makura for doing well in the areas of infrastructure development, youth empowerment, security, fight against corruption, peace promotion among others.<br /> <br /> The lawmaker also promised his constituency of a robust and quality representation, and solicited for their support and cooperation to enable him succeed.<br /> <br /> “Everybody in my constituency can testify to what I have done towards improving the standard of living of the people and the state at large.<br /> <br /> “I will continue in that direction as it is good to always show love, affection and to extend hand of friendship to the needy and other people in the society so as to better their standard of living,” he said.<br /> <br /> The lawmaker advised Nigerians to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities, shun negative tendencies and to live in peace with one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News Support Buhari to succeed! Lawmaker tells constituency

Alhaji Hashimu Jibrin-Gurku, representing Karu/Gitata constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has appealed to people of the ...

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I borrowed N10bn to clear salary - Kogi governor

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvmvUKGH7tuZJjd1GYMvN9knGOA_2y3CPNl1HYZLeSpJ4u051MjQSUUKXW51Zas5S-Bv6H4DcekafUqMLeewb3jj1dHm5hAUhq-_NLu-IH4DZNjJV4-yHs0zLWgiStNh5kqHHHhi7mNo/s1600/Yahaya-Bello.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvmvUKGH7tuZJjd1GYMvN9knGOA_2y3CPNl1HYZLeSpJ4u051MjQSUUKXW51Zas5S-Bv6H4DcekafUqMLeewb3jj1dHm5hAUhq-_NLu-IH4DZNjJV4-yHs0zLWgiStNh5kqHHHhi7mNo/s320/Yahaya-Bello.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Friday disclosed that his administration resorted to borrowing N10bn before it could clear four-month salary areas before the last Christmas.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said the loan was added to the over N1.2bn that accrued to the state from Paris Club refund as well as the state’s November and December allocation before the feat could be achieved.<br /> <br /> The governor spoke in an interview with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.<br /> <br /> He said, “In Kogi State today, we are up to date as far as salary is concerned. In December, Mr. President magnanimously assisted us with another tranche of Paris Club refund. Our own figure was N1.2bn and some other change on top.<br /> <br /> “We didn’t just stop at that, we borrowed up to N10bn and we added November/December allocation to our figures and we were able to clear four months at a stretch before Christmas and some leftover were cleared before this January in Kogi State.<br /> <br /> “As you all know the salary was very bogus and according to the figure we had we were able to distribute it among these months. So glory to God as far as Kogi State is concerned.”<br /> <br /> From January however, the governor said workers in the state would be earning salaries based on the number of times they are present at work.<br /> <br /> “Moving forward from this January, we have decided that we are going to make use of our clock-in device for every civil servant in Kogi State-both at local and state levels.<br /> <br /> “So, as you come to work and clock-in, that is exactly how your salary will be generated. It is online, it is automated so nobody is going to cheat anybody.<br /> <br /> “That is how we are going to go in the state. So, Kogi State civil servants and pensioners are all happy with this administration. Thanks to God and Mr. President for this magnanimity,” he said.<br /> <br /> The governor also claimed that his administration had worked so hard on the security situation in the state to the point that no case of kidnapping or armed robbery has so far been recorded in November, December and January.<br /> <br /> “The security operatives are collaborating with us, we are spending a lot on security.<br /> <br /> “So collaboration between the security agencies and understanding by the people, they are giving us a lot of information and we are treating them with utmost secrecy and we are working harmoniously together.<br /> <br /> “The Fulanis in Kogi State are equally collaborating with us. Even the criminal elements amongst them, they are the ones even apprehending them and handing them over to the security agencies. So we are living very harmoniously with the Fulani herdsmen, farmers and the citizens.<br /> <br /> “Travelers are safe day and night because anywhere you go, you see security operatives and we have even vigilantes, hunters that are equally assisting us in our farms and so many other deserted areas. So Kogi is very safe,” he claimed.<br /> <br /> On the 2019 general elections, Bello recalled that his state has already endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for second term.<br /> <br /> He boasted that the state would return a number of votes that will dwarf that of the President’s home state, Katsina.</div>

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Shocking: Messi could leave Barcelona for free

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQYtIwiaKEDYv0NP2dGzijPKruehD1qZVATZJHdhAS5X3RpCq1XwS-1HBvRAXbWpHWdJxTmBDdcqlk2JTP9H8OZeudv5CtelwCAmf_TkvLSiKoGZVo2B0yf9dTMpnjEbzK1484zWt7gU/s1600/Lionel+Messi+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQYtIwiaKEDYv0NP2dGzijPKruehD1qZVATZJHdhAS5X3RpCq1XwS-1HBvRAXbWpHWdJxTmBDdcqlk2JTP9H8OZeudv5CtelwCAmf_TkvLSiKoGZVo2B0yf9dTMpnjEbzK1484zWt7gU/s320/Lionel+Messi+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Lionel Messi has included a clause in his contract which would allow him to leave Barcelona on a free if Catalonia gains independence, according to reports.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Messi finally signed a new lucrative contract in November to make him the world’s highest-paid footballer.<br /> <br /> His new deal will see him play at the Nou Camp through to 2021 and with a reported £623million release clause it is highly unlikely anybody will be able to prise him away from the La Liga side.<br /> <br /> However, Messi took a long time before committing his long-term future at Barcelona.<br /> <br /> According to UK Express, there are reports that the Argentina international wanted assurances he would be able to leave on a free if Catalonia achieved independence.<br /> <br /></div>

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Lionel Messi has included a clause in his contract which would allow him to leave Barcelona on a free if Catalonia gains independence, acc...

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Police arraign six herdsmen over Benue killings

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1_Rcl68dsLiByZSDEjUSdZD4tW28ViWr-m6olxWnTgQmxzg4pNtLghHg3RsdP6MllgVB_Vx-5BU-6Q3zNr5pER9Jw0TC_UWWBI6PhHwup7lIO03KwGgjI8DeoCiLbiCwXgqdD2eZqU4/s1600/fulani+herdsmen.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1_Rcl68dsLiByZSDEjUSdZD4tW28ViWr-m6olxWnTgQmxzg4pNtLghHg3RsdP6MllgVB_Vx-5BU-6Q3zNr5pER9Jw0TC_UWWBI6PhHwup7lIO03KwGgjI8DeoCiLbiCwXgqdD2eZqU4/s320/fulani+herdsmen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Six herdsmen have, Friday, been arraigned before Magistrate, Isaac Ajim at the Chief Magistrate Court 1 sitting in Makurdi by the Benue State Police for their alleged involvement in the killing of 19 farmers in Akor village of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Recall that over 20 persons, including a pregnant woman were butchered on January 2, 2018, in a fresh attack carried out by the herdsmen.<br /> <br /> Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state had equally confirmed the killings, while condemning it.<br /> <br /> Many Nigerians had and still condemns the killings and have called on the security agencies to bring the culprits to book.<br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari had, yesterday, while condemning the attack, ordered that the culprits be fished out and brought to book.<br /> <br /> The Benue State University Teaching Hospital had received those injured during the attack, who are now receiving treatment at the hospital.<br /> <br /> The hospital also, reportedly, received 11 bodies and nine injured victims out of which three died while being treated.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, another Fulani herdsman who allegedly violated the Open Grazing Prohibition Law is also being arraigned before the same magistrate.<br /> <br /> The suspect, Ibrahim Adamu, was arrested by the police on December 28, 2017, while he was grazing openly with about 70 cows along Naka road in Makurdi.</div>

Latest-News Police arraign six herdsmen over Benue killings

Six herdsmen have, Friday, been arraigned before Magistrate, Isaac Ajim at the Chief Magistrate Court 1 sitting in Makurdi by the Benue St...

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Petrol drops to N145 in Osogbo

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_LyiW_HkUB6rtrNDcOxM_cnYXvIQyXZg8WyZ9dRQU1KrNltqBog6xIiAxUxO2ITGpdKUqSYzZ450UWq04snqhn3uGJPZZ-ySXslW2G2JDbqjJmvL-TPNnW6I3ZLAmenH2NBiW8Qqo-4/s1600/Fuel-dispencer.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_LyiW_HkUB6rtrNDcOxM_cnYXvIQyXZg8WyZ9dRQU1KrNltqBog6xIiAxUxO2ITGpdKUqSYzZ450UWq04snqhn3uGJPZZ-ySXslW2G2JDbqjJmvL-TPNnW6I3ZLAmenH2NBiW8Qqo-4/s320/Fuel-dispencer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Motorists in Osogbo on Friday besieged filling stations within the metropolis which were  dispensing  petrol  at the approved N145 pump price.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Newsmen report that the large turnout of motorists at the filling stations was informed  by the availability of the product.<br /> <br /> Newsmen also report  that most of the fuel stations with the product  had their gates shut  to control the chaotic situation occasioned by  long queues.<br /> <br /> A commercial driver, Lamidi Ajadi, told newsmen that he rushed to the  particular filling station after being informed of the availability of  petrol.<br /> <br /> "The last fuel I bought was from the NNPC Mega station at Ring Road, but they have run out of fuel and that is why I came to buy here.<br /> <br /> "I have been on the queue for more than one hour,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> Another motorist, Mr Wale Smith,  said he had to leave the  office to fill the tank of his car.<br /> <br /> “Though the queue is long, there is an assurance of getting petrol,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> An Independent Marketer, Alhaji Abiola Ahmed, told newsmen he received his consignment on Thursday  and had been dispensing since then.<br /> <br /> Ahmed, however, said he had to shut his  gate to regulate the traffic flow into the station and within the area, adding that many motorists were impatient and unruly.<br /> <br /> He also confirmed that the product was being sold at the regulated N145 per litre.<br /> <br /> Newsmen also report that the long queues disrupted vehicular movement on the  Gbogan-Ibadan Road, Workers’ Drive, Okefia and  Lameko-Ring Road, all in Osogbo.<br /> <br /> Newsmen recall that the price of the product had risen to as high as N250 per litre in Osogbo and its environs before the latest development.</div>

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President Buhari meets IGP over Benue, Rivers, Kaduna killings

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TgHBWnZVnpYjbx-QxyGrVjbpGvWcdHMVY3VTYXloh_Po0X5e3Pr9C5S6DWgsoYJ716Eh9rP9mQylP9lSX9uTfK6-sPKoysMkMs9auExPZIs9cfpulZtPBEqnjy3e8rqaVc391yBd6eo/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TgHBWnZVnpYjbx-QxyGrVjbpGvWcdHMVY3VTYXloh_Po0X5e3Pr9C5S6DWgsoYJ716Eh9rP9mQylP9lSX9uTfK6-sPKoysMkMs9auExPZIs9cfpulZtPBEqnjy3e8rqaVc391yBd6eo/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, over the security situation across the country particularly the killings recorded in Benue, Rivers and Kaduna states.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> At the end of the meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Idris confirmed to State House correspondents that the meeting centred on how to effectively secure the country.<br /> <br /> He said the President gave him a directive to tighten up the nation’s security.<br /> <br /> “Every time we meet with the President, he gives a charge. He said that we should go and take care and ensure that we tighten our security,” Idris said.<br /> <br /> On Benue crisis, the police boss said he would deploy more units to support the efforts policemen are making in the state to ensure adequate protection for the people.<br /> <br /> He said senior police officers deployed in the state were putting their heads together to see how they can address the crisis which he described as “community problems.”<br /> <br /> Despite the killings in Benue, Rivers and Kaduna States, however, Idris said the country was “well secured.”<br /> <br /> “Let’s use the example of Benue, you know most of these states where you have several languages, you know is an issue of communal misunderstanding.<br /> <br /> “I think what we should be praying for is for Nigerians to learn to live in peace with one another. I think is very important,” he added.<br /> <br /> While assuring Nigerians that there will not be a repeat of the crisis, he also debunked insinuations that the country is under-policed.<br /> <br /> When asked if his men were overwhelmed, Idris replied, “We cannot be overwhelmed.”<br /> <br /> He added, “Obviously, it (Benue crisis) is a communal crisis. Herdsmen are part of the community. They are Nigerians and are part of the community. Are they not?”<br /> <br /> On the arrest of an online publisher, the police boss said, “I don’t need to send anybody but whenever you commit an offence it is our duty to ensure that we respond.”<br /> <br /></div>

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Serena Williams pulls out of Australian Open

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_W1IMErUxePdoIy135OUHvG8cUdWasVAWu7ZNVEHnBiir7R1UkgT-qRf7sQiklag3k9jc1E9M0ivS22XKl-UA1vrasXZGpWlS_HBwN0y3dRwfHCGA_6RXs-r_CWRjFnyIe8urJckyTY/s1600/serena-williams-sad.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_W1IMErUxePdoIy135OUHvG8cUdWasVAWu7ZNVEHnBiir7R1UkgT-qRf7sQiklag3k9jc1E9M0ivS22XKl-UA1vrasXZGpWlS_HBwN0y3dRwfHCGA_6RXs-r_CWRjFnyIe8urJckyTY/s320/serena-williams-sad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Tennis star Serena Williams pulled out of this year’s Australian Open on Friday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The mother of one said she needed more time to be ready to defend her title after regaining full fitness. This came after she gave birth to her first child in September.<br /> <br /> The 36-year-old was eight weeks pregnant last year when she triumphed for a seventh time at Melbourne Park to claim an Open-era record 23rd Grand Slam title.<br /> <br /> “My coach and team always said ‘only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way’.<br /> <br /> “I can compete – but I don’t want to just compete, I want to do far better than that and to do so, I will need a little more time,” Williams said in a statement.<br /> <br /> Williams noted that she was disappointed to withdraw but looked forward to returning in the future.<br /> <br /> “After competing in Abu Dhabi I realised that although I am super close, I‘m not where I personally want to be,” Williams added.<br /> <br /> “With that being said, and even though I am disappointed about it, I’ve decided not to compete in the Australian Open this year.”<br /> <br /> Tournament director Craig Tiley called Williams’ efforts to try and be ready for a title defence at the Australian Open “Herculean” and said she transcended the sport.<br /> <br /> “It was never going to be good enough for her to just compete, she wants to give herself the best chance to win.<br /> <br /> “I’ve been in constant contact with Serena and her team and know this is why she has pushed it and pushed it until the eleventh hour to make her final decision,” Tiley said.<br /> <br /> Williams is the latest tennis star to withdraw from the year’s opening Grand Slam, which will be played from Jan. 15 to Jan. 28.<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News Serena Williams pulls out of Australian Open

Tennis star Serena Williams pulled out of this year’s Australian Open on Friday. The mother of one said she needed more time to be read...

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NNPC records N85.5 billion loss on petrol importation, says Kachikwu

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsnH5CTUo9G9OfDSyerRJCxnugnr8pF2nDGWTbckRgR3Gb-ZLVPEcy5QAASxyzwtQ-l9C8ipnfgHce7dctDWSu5_Y1sB1TIQbAU_Wsp19eOIGCKPBRqQ3nuiexa3iiyKJZmqbGI_E93M/s1600/NNPC.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsnH5CTUo9G9OfDSyerRJCxnugnr8pF2nDGWTbckRgR3Gb-ZLVPEcy5QAASxyzwtQ-l9C8ipnfgHce7dctDWSu5_Y1sB1TIQbAU_Wsp19eOIGCKPBRqQ3nuiexa3iiyKJZmqbGI_E93M/s400/NNPC.jpg" /></a></div> The Minister of State For Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu on Thursday said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has incurred a cumulative loss of N85.5 billion in importing petrol and selling at the current retail price of N145 per litre.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Kachikwu said the price was fixed in the first quarter of 2016, when crude oil was selling for $49 and pointed out that with crude price rising to $67 a barrel, the pump price, may no longer be sustainable.<br /> <br /> Kachickwu made the explanation to the National Assembly joint committee on Petroleum Resources ( Downstream).<br /> <br /> According to Kachikwu, the landing cost of PMS which was N133.28 per litre in 2016, is now N171 per litre , which has resulted into stoppage of importation of the product by independent marketers.<br /> <br /> This, he said had made the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC ) to be the 100 per cent importer of the product.<br /> <br /> The minister disclosed further that as a result of the N26 difference per litre between the current landing cost of the product ( N171) and pump price of N145, NNPC which had been singularly importing the product at the volume of 25million litres per day since October last year, has been incurring a daily loss of about N800-N900million, cumulatively reaching N85.5billion today, in just three months.<br /> <br /> According to him, already government has mandated him and along with a committee set up to find ways out of the problem which he said requires emergency of about 18 months before the local refineries are expected to be in good shape.<br /> <br /> He said three solutions are being considered.<br /> <br /> ” One , is for the Central bank of Nigeria ( CBN) to allow the marketers access forex at the rate of N204 to a dollar as against the official rate of N305 to keep the pump price of fuel per litre at N145.<br /> <br /> ” Two , to give room for modulated deregulation where NNPC would be allowed to continue selling at N145 per litre in all its mega stations across the country while the independent marketers should be allowed to sell at whatever price is profitable to them in all their outlets.<br /> <br /> ” Three, to look at the direction of blanket subsidy for all the importers in bridging the gap which would be like going back to a problem that had earlier been solved “, he said .<br /> <br /> He, however, stressed that the final solution to the problem was for the nation to put her refineries in good shape in a way that 80 per cent of local consumption of the product should be provided for locally.<br /> <br /> In his submission , the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Baru Maikanti said the just ended fuel scarcity was caused by combination of factors ranging from diversion of the product from depots by tanker drivers to neighbouring countries where it sold between N300 to N400 per litre to outright hoarding of the product by unscrupulous marketers at home.<br /> <br /> According to him, the NNPC had prior to the scarcity, had 1.9billion litres in reserve, which was emptied as a result of panic buying arising from rumour earlier made on social media about price increase , the one day strike action embarked upon by PENGASSAN, hoarding and diversion by some dubious players in the sector .<br /> <br /> On his part, Director General of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Dantani Ladan, revealed that most of the filling stations in the country were found wanting in hoarding and diversion during the scarcity.<br /> <br /> He said some of the stations’ personnel who were involved in storing of the petroleum project had been arrested.<br /> <br /> While calling on the general public to contact the agency with any useful information on anyone hoarding fuel, he disclosed that, the agency had charged individual marketers to comply with Government pump price.<br /> <br /> “For now NNPC is the sole distributor, individual marketers can help and one marketer has been charged 127 million for going against the rules”<br /> <br /> In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Kabiru Marafa said the various submissions made by all the stakeholders would be looked into.<br /> <br /> He called for an urgent solution to resolve the wide gap existing between the current landing cost and the pump price .</div>

Latest-News NNPC records N85.5 billion loss on petrol importation, says Kachikwu

The Minister of State For Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu on Thursday said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has incu...

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Fuel Scarcity: FG hopes on NASS to okay money for debt payments — BARU

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApX9w58EuLQdK7TzH1pAnH3LjgcE0WZLGjAZB7xeVu4WoszkpQ3f056Nj0Z1f9cDDOJuy3T2cwt4Gj0IQk1gDycY_c2CHddH0BhVUgXs76X8Zqi5ocZN_mdmxpoIve2JdBYEagPTvdWA/s1600/National+Assembly.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApX9w58EuLQdK7TzH1pAnH3LjgcE0WZLGjAZB7xeVu4WoszkpQ3f056Nj0Z1f9cDDOJuy3T2cwt4Gj0IQk1gDycY_c2CHddH0BhVUgXs76X8Zqi5ocZN_mdmxpoIve2JdBYEagPTvdWA/s320/National+Assembly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> There are indications that the National Assembly will soon appropriate funds for the settlement of N800 billion subsidy debts to oil marketers as part of moves to enable them import petroleum products.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This was one of the recommendations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, towards ending the prolonged fuel scarcity to the Joint National Assembly Committees on Petroleum Downstream in Abuja, yesterday.<br /> <br /> Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Maikanti Baru, who made the presentation, stated that the Corporation will solicit the National Assembly in writing to appropriate funds for the settlement of outstanding claims.<br /> <br /> He said the Federal Government has agreed to undertake a review of the pricing template and landing cost of petrol in addition to a number of incentives for oil marketers, petroleum tanker drivers and labour in a bid to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country.<br /> <br /> The incentives were unveiled by Baru, in his presentation to the Joint National Assembly Committees on Petroleum Downstream in Abuja.<br /> <br /> Baru noted that the major complaints and challenges confronting Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, DAPPMA, include complaints of outstanding subsidy payments, insufficient volumes and high landing cost which had brought about low margins.<br /> <br /> Others are freight differentials, especially at the Port Harcourt and Calabar ports and low draft at the port of discharge of petroleum products.<br /> <br /> Subsidy payments<br /> <br /> In response to these challenges, Baru said the Federal Government was banking on the National Assembly to appropriate monies for outstanding debt payment, while the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is to provide foreign exchange guarantees, especially during periods of high foreign exchange demands.<br /> <br /> He also stated that the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, had been directed to “dredge the water channels to address the issue of low draft at the ports, while the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, is to undertake a review of the petroleum products pricing template as well as the landing cost to address the issue of freight differentials, high landing cost and low margins.”<br /> <br /> For Petroleum Tankers Drivers, PTD, Baru said: “The Federal Government and the CBN will guarantee truck loan facility to the National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, to address the challenges of ageing trucks, while the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing will rehabilitate roads across the country to address the complaints of bad roads.<br /> <br /> “The Federal Government is also considering reviewing the duties for spare parts of trucks, to address the transporters’ complaints of high duty on spare parts, put at 35 per cent compared to five per cent.”<br /> <br /> Manpower shortage<br /> <br /> Also, petroleum workers unions’ concerns bothered on manpower shortage, outstanding subsidy payments, while Baru stated that in addition to writing to the National Assembly for appropriation to offset the outstanding claims, the NNPC will conduct a recruitment exercise to inject new manpower.<br /> <br /> The NNPC boss also said the CBN will henceforth, expedite or waive certain requirements for PMS import and downstream facilities, as well as ensure effecting same day payment to beneficiaries upon advice by the NNPC to address marketers’ complaints on long processing time for Letters of Credit (LC) and payment delays.<br /> <br /> Letters of Credit<br /> <br /> In the aspect of high LC charges, Baru stated that the CBN has agreed to remove such charges for petroleum marketers or reduce same to commercial banks’ rate of 0.25 per cent.<br /> <br /> In addition, Baru said the NPA will henceforth, accept evidence of payment to CBN to allow marketers clear petroleum vessels, instead of insisting on receipt of confirmation of payment for port charges.<br /> <br /> “The NPA is also to remain within the provisions of the PPPRA template, instead of the imposition of new charges, such as stevedoring charges,” he added.<br /> <br /> Meantime, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, urged the National Assembly to criminalise the activities of illegal marketers of petroleum products to serve as a deterrent to saboteurs and unscrupulous individuals seeking to profit from crisis in the sector.<br /> <br /> In addition, Kachikwu reiterated the need for the country to address the issues of the refineries and infrastructure deficit, while stating that there is the need to take a critical look at a piping system that would be sufficient to transport refined fuel.<br /> <br /> Fixing refineries<br /> <br /> Kachikwu noted at the hearing that the Federal Government was working assiduously to revamp the country’s refineries to address the lingering fuel crisis.<br /> <br /> The minister, who decried the poor state of the refineries over the years, condemned their inability to produce sufficient fuel for the country.<br /> <br /> According to him, it was shameful that a country after over 35 years, cannot produce sufficient fuel for its citizens.<br /> <br /> “I have said that selling crude is a fairly wrong model which is akin to selling our agricultural products in the wrong way and nobody does that anywhere in the world anymore.<br /> <br /> “Unless we have operational refineries, there will be no permanent solution to the fuel crisis in the country. The gearing up of private refineries and the modular refineries will complement the efforts of the government-owned refineries to ensure there is adequate supply of petroleum products in the country.”<br /> <br /> He said government had mapped out strategies to ensure availability of petrol which will be sold at government regulated price.<br /> <br /> Sympathising with Nigerians for the difficulties experienced during the period of fuel shortages, Kachikwu blamed it on the inability of major oil marketers to import fuel due to price differentials between rise in price of crude oil and the cost in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “Before you have both sides complementing each other because 100 per cent supply is demanding and people took advantage of the situation to perpetrate a lot of diversion. There is always a commercial reaction.<br /> <br /> “The business module of fuel supply in the country is not yet where it should be but within the 18 months period, we are expected to have the refineries working. We are working on how to accept benefits of crude price increase and ensure fuel sells at regulated price”, he said.<br /> <br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News Fuel Scarcity: FG hopes on NASS to okay money for debt payments — BARU

There are indications that the National Assembly will soon appropriate funds for the settlement of N800 billion subsidy debts to oil marke...

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