Nigerian Eye

Ighalo nets hat-trick as Super Eagles thrash Libya 4-0

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Super Eagles , on Saturday , trashed Libya , 4 - 0 in the first leg of their African Nations Cup qualifiers.<br />
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At the Akwa Ibom International Stadium venue of the match , Jude Ighalo scored a hat trick and Samuel Kalu scored the fourth goal as the match hit the 90 th minute to make it four goals.<br />
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Nigeria needed to win this match as the Super Eagles lost their opening fixture of the qualifiers at home to the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 2 – 0 , and then defeated Seychelles 3 - 0 away from home.<br />
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After this encounter , the Super Eagles will travel to meet the Knights of Libya for the return leg on Monday.<br />
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Latest-News Ighalo nets hat-trick as Super Eagles thrash Libya 4-0

Super Eagles , on Saturday , trashed Libya , 4 - 0 in the first leg of their African Nations Cup qualifiers. At the Akwa Ibom Internati...

PHOTO: Atiku hosts Davido, his girlfriend

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Latest-News PHOTO: Atiku hosts Davido, his girlfriend

Live Commentary: Nigeria vs Libya

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<div dir="ltr">Good afternoon and welcome to <b><i>Nigerianeye's</i></b> live update for the 2019 AFCON qualifying game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Libya in Uyo.</div>
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Latest-News Live Commentary: Nigeria vs Libya

Good afternoon and welcome to Nigerianeye's live update for the 2019 AFCON qualifying game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and L...

South East leaders react to Atiku’s choice of Peter Obi as running mate

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Atiku’s wife speaks on general 2019 elections

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BREAKING: Buhari bans 50 high profile Nigerians from leaving the country

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Latest-News BREAKING: Buhari bans 50 high profile Nigerians from leaving the country

Fayose presents handover note

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The outgoing Governor of Ekiti Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on Friday presented a handover note to the state’s Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka.<br />
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This was just as the Governor told the embattled Speaker, Hon Kola Oluwawole to accept his impeachment in good faith, saying it is a price of leadership.<br />
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The handing over took place during the valedictory session of the State Executive Council meeting at the new Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti yesterday.<br />
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He also inaugurated the new Speaker’s lodge, named Rt. Hon Kola Oluwawole’s residence.<br />
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He told the former Speaker to accept his impeachment in good faith, saying “If<br />
I were you, in the interest of Ekiti, I will tell them to carry on. Everything works for good.”<br />
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At the event which was witnessed by some traditional rulers, the outgoing governor thanked the people of the state for the opportunity to serve.<br />
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He urged them to extend same cooperation to the incoming administration in the interest of the development of the state.<br />
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Fayose said, “What has a beginning must have an end. It is not the number of years spent but the quantity and quality of achievements.<br />
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“I thank the people of the state for their cooperation and urge them to extend same to the incoming administration. There should never be a vacuum; our priority must be Ekiti in but discharge of our duties.<br />
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“I’m a man who came, saw and conquered. I can’t finish all, I have done my best. History will be kind on me as a man who has given his best to the people. I will remember all for your support, I bear no grudges against anyone.”<br />
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Fayose said he would be available to answer any question on his administration.<br />
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The Commissioner for Finance, Toyin Ojo and that of Works, Mrs. Funmi Ogun, who spoke at the event thanked Fayose for the opportunity to serve.</div>

Latest-News Fayose presents handover note

The outgoing Governor of Ekiti Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on Friday presented a handover note to the state’s Head of Service, Dr. Gbe...

Super Eagles will win FIFA World Cup one day — Pinnick

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The President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has expressed the hope that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will one day win the FIFA World Cup<br />
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Super Eagles win “best fashion team” Award in Russia<br />
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Pinnick expressed the hope on Friday in Uyo after playing in the maiden novelty match between SWAN Selected team and Akwa Ibom Sports Arena team.<br />
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The NFF president said he decided to honour the invitation to play in the match having in mind that if he failed to do so it could be taken as if he got hamstring injury or simply refused to participate.<br />
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Pinnick, who played in the colours of SWAN Selected side throughout the second half of the match, described sports journalists as critical elements in Nigerian football reportage.<br />
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“We believe in working together. It has been an amazing support from sports journalists. One day we will win the World Cup.<br />
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Also, Paul Bassey, the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Udom Emmanuel on sports, congratulated SWAN Selected on their victory over the Akwa Ibom team.<br />
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“Football knows no home turf. If you are a good team and on a good pitch, you can win anywhere.<br />
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Sarri: I don’t know why West Ham lost four matches<br />
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“What you do today is exemplary, I wish we had started it earlier than now<br />
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“I promise that whenever we have a home game and we are on a training pitch and there is flood light, we will always do it again and again.’’<br />
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He said that sports writing remains his “ medium’’ which he could return to at the end of his assignment<br />
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the match played under flood light Friday night at the Training Pitch, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, SWAN Selected defeated their host s3-1.<br />
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NAN reports that the sports journalists led 2-0 in the first half of the novelty match before the homers which had Nse Essien, a state legislator representing Onna State Constituency, reduced the tally.<br />
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The SWAN Selected added the third goal to lift the maiden trophy.<br />
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The match was organised ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier (Match Day 3) between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya. </div>

Latest-News Super Eagles will win FIFA World Cup one day — Pinnick

The President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has expressed the hope that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will one day wi...

FG delegation meets Leah Sharibu’s mother

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Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the next two decades look bright for Africa if the continent can remain focus on good governance.<br />
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According to a statement on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Vice President said this in a lecture titled“The Challenges of Human Development in 21st Century Africa” which he delivered at the Oxford University, United Kingdom, on Friday.<br />
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Osinbajo said human capital development must be a priority of public policy of governments across Africa to effectively tackle poverty and improve long-term development on the continent.<br />
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“All over Africa, the political will to better the lot of our restive populations is evident, innovative ideas are also in abundance; if we keep our focus, especially on good governance, the next two decades may truly be the African decades,” he said.<br />
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Osinbajo highlighted ongoing efforts of the Nigerian government and the progress it has made in improving the country’s Human Capital Development indices and investment climate, as well as the impact of the National Social Investment Programmes.<br />
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He said while non-governmental and philanthropic organisations help to bridge development gaps through various interventions, governments have a major moral duty to ensure human capital development is its major priority as tackling poverty will boost growth and development across different sectors.<br />
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“Governments are also best placed to deploy the public policy tools required to bring about synergy between growth objectives and social needs,” he said, while calling on African governments to prioritise investments in its people.<br />
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He said the present administration’s N-SIP was among its far-reaching policies in this regard, noting that it will continue to make policies and initiatives to improve human capital development in Nigeria.<br />
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The Vice President noted that a major plank of the Federal Government’s approach to empowerment “is to improve financial inclusion.”<br />
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“Our Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme is an important tool for financially empowering small businesses, artisans, market women, petty traders, and table top traders,” he said.<br />
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Highlighting the nationwide impact of the N-SIPs, the Vice President noted that 349,000 new bank accounts have been opened, while almost half a million small businesses in Nigeria have accessed the loan under the MarketMoni scheme – a short tenor interest-free credit of between N50,000 and N300,000 for small businesses under the auspices of their cooperative societies as a risk management device.<br />
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Also, by the end of this year, he said two million petty traders nationwide are expected to benefit from the TraderMoni, which provides them collateral and interest-free N10,000 loans.<br />
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Osinbajo said out of the targeted one million, so far, almost 300,000 households have benefited from the N-SIP’s Conditional Cash Transfer scheme, in which the poorest and most vulnerable households in the country are given N5,000 monthly.<br />
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He said the administration’s Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme was an important tool for financially empowering small businesses, artisans, market women, petty traders, and table top traders.<br />
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The Vice President also noted that the Home-Grown School Feeding programme provides a meal a free balanced meal to over 9.2 million children in public primary schools in 25 states every day, and has helped to tackle malnutrition and improve school enrollment.<br />
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He said, “The programme, by using local produce, livestock and poultry supports local agriculture, provides jobs for 95,440 cooks resident in the various communities in which the schools are located.”<br />
Osinbajo further said the N-Power programme, which has provided jobs for 500,000 young Nigerian graduates in the last two years, has a target of skilling 10 million Nigerians by 2023.<br />
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He said, “As the proportion of working age group of 15-59 years will continue to increase steadily over the next years, Nigeria has the advantage of “demographic dividend‟. Harnessing the demographic dividend through appropriate skill development efforts provides an opportunity to achieve inclusion and productivity within the country.<br />
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“Over the past two years, through the N-Power Programme, the largest post-tertiary employment programme in Africa, we have been able to offer skills development programmes digitally to over 500,000 young citizens between the ages of 18 and 35. We have set a target of skilling 10 million Nigerians by 2023.”</div>

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Why we invaded Dino Melaye’s house – Police

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Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that it sent a detachment of officers to the house of Sen. Dino Melaye at Aiyetoro-Gbede in Kogi State on Oct. 11 to effect his arrest.<br />
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In a statement in Lokoja, the command said it took the action in connection with the July 19 shooting of one of its operatives, Sgt. Danjuma Salihu by thugs suspected to be loyal to the senator.<br />
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The statement signed by the command’s spokesman, DSP William Aya, said that the clarification followed the allegation Melaye on his twitter page of Oct. 12 that the ADC to Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi led some officers to his house to assassinate him.<br />
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“The ADC has nothing to do with this case. The Command wish to state unequivocally that the statement is not only a figment of the imagination of Sen. Melaye who has mastered the art of political gimmickry, but totally false, malicious and highly mischievous.<br />
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“The Commissioner of Police sent Police Officers to his country home for arrest, unfortunately we did not get him at home,” the statement said.<br />
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It accused Melaye, who is representing Kogi West senatorial district of mobilising thugs to attack its personnel on routine duty along Mopa–Aiyetoro-Gbede on July 19 without any provocation.<br />
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“The thugs shot and injured Force No. 432913 Sgt. Danjuma Saliu who is currently receiving treatment at Veda Crest Hospital, Abuja,” the statement said.<br />
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Aya said Melaye was invited officially through letter No. AR:3000/KGS/X/VOL.43/670 dated 23/7/2018 to come and answer the charges on him but refused to show up or give reason for not honoring the invitation.<br />
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“The Senator is wanted by the Kogi State Police Command for criminal conspiracy, attempted culpable homicide and unlawful possession of firearms,” the statement explained.<br />
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It then appealed to Melaye to report to the command headquarters in Lokoja to answer the allegations against him and stop joining issues with people who have nothing to do with the case at hand. </div>

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2019: Alao-Akala picks Prof. Olaiya as running mate

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Former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, the governorship candidate of African Democratic Party in Oyo State, has picked Professor Abideen Olaiya, as his running mate for the 2019 governorship election.<br />
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This information was contained in a statement signed by Mr Abraham Ojo, Alao-Akala’s Chief Press Secretary and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday.<br />
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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Olaiya, an Associate Professor of Crop Eco-physiology, was a governorship aspirant of Accord Party in the state before his appointment.<br />
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Alao-Akala said the renowned scholar was picked after due consultations with stalwarts and key stakeholders of ADP in the state.<br />
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Olaiya, an indigene of Ibadan, holds a doctorate degree in Agronomy from the University of Ibadan and lectures at the Federal University of  Agriculture, Abeokuta.</div>

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Monaco name Thierry Henry as new coach

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Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry was on Saturday named as Monaco coach, the struggling Ligue 1 club announced.<br />
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The 41-year-old French World Cup winner, who had been working as an assistant coach for the Belgian national team since 2016, signed a contract with Monaco until June 2021.<br />
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The former striker will be joined by Joao Carlos Valado Tralhao, under-23 coach at Benfica, and Patrick Kwame Ampadu, coach at the Arsenal Academy.<br />
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Henry replaces Leonardo Jardim, who was sacked in midweek following a string of poor results that left Monaco languishing in 18th in France’s Ligue 1.<br />
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Henry knows Monaco well having graduated from their youth system and making his professional debut for the Principality club in 1994.<br />
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He notably scored seven goals in the 1997-8 Champions League as the Monaco team of the time, then coached by Arsene Wenger, reached the semi-finals, where they lost to Juventus.<br />
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“First of all, I thank AS Monaco for giving me the opportunity to coach the team of this club which is so special to me,” Henry said.<br />
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“I am very happy to come back to AS Monaco and extremely determined to meet the challenges ahead. I can not wait to meet the players to start working together.”<br />
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After spending five seasons as a player with Monaco, Henry went on to play for Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona and the New York Red Bulls.<br />
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He scored 51 goals in 123 appearances for France, winning not only the 1998 World Cup but also Euro 2000.<br />
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Monaco chief executive officer Vadim Vasilyev, said Henry could “count on our trust and all our support to bring a new dynamic to the team and carry out the mission”.<br />
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“His knowledge of football, his passion for the game, his high standards and his commitment to our colours make his nomination a reality.<br />
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“Thierry is both aware of the task ahead and eager to start his new job.”</div>

Latest-News Monaco name Thierry Henry as new coach

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Peter Obi finally speaks on being Atiku’s running mate, reveals next line of action

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South-west on standby as Igbo leaders protest Obi’s choice as Atiku’s running mate

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Kukah speaks on presence during Obasanjo’s endorsement of Atiku

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Buhari’s hand too weak to sign African free trade agreement -Obasanjo

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Rohr reveals Super Eagles starting XI for 2019 AFCON qualifier

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<div dir="ltr">Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has named his starting XI for Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.<br /></div>
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Francis Uzoho starts in goal and in front of him will be Shehu Abdullahi, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Jamilu Collins in defence.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo are the two holding midfielders, while Iwobi plays behind Isaac Success, who has displaced Odion Ighalo in the team.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">Success will be flanked by stand-in skipper, Ahmed Musa and Samuel Kalu.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">The game is scheduled to kick off 4pm Nigerian time, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">Super Eagles starting XI vs Libya: Uzoho; Abdullah, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Collins; Ndidi, Etebo, Iwobi; Musa, Success, Kalu.<br /></div>
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Nigeria vs Libya: Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel approves Ticket Prices' Slash for Fans

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<br />
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has approved the slashing of ticket prices for football fans wishing to watch live the 2019 AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Libya in Uyo on Saturday.<br />
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This was made known by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr Paul Bassey, yesterday in an interaction with sports journalists in the state saying the sports loving governor has directed that the gate fees for competition be slashed by 50 per cent.<br />
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With this latest development, fans will now have to pay as low as N500.00 to watch the crucial game from the popular stands as against N1,000 earlier fixed while those wishing to see the game from the VIP stands would now pay a token of N1,000 as against the initial N2,000.00 price tag.<br />
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According to Bassey, the aim of this governor’s gesture is to encourage many fans to watch the match live and to cheer the Super Eagles to victory.<br />
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Bassey said: “Football fans around the world usually pay huge amounts of money as gate fees to watch international games of this standard, but here in Akwa Ibom, His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel has graciously subsidized the ticket price to N500 for the popular stands tickets and N1, 000 for the VIP ticket holders.<br />
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“Governor Emmanuel is a passionate sports lover and he has demonstrated it in the huge investments he has made in sports development in the state.<br />
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“His gesture of subsidizing the prices of tickets for the match is to ensure that more fans turn up to watch the game live while supporting the senior national team to victory on Saturday,” observed the veteran sports journalist who also doubles as Chairman of the state owned Akwa United FC.<br />
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Libya is top of the group with four points, same as South Africa but with superior goal difference, Nigeria are third and would need to win on Saturday to have any realm chance of making it to AFCON 2019 in Cameroon.<br />
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Court summons Orji Kalu to testify on Nnamdi Kanu’s whereabouts

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has summoned a former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, to appear on November 14, 2018, to testify on the whereabouts of the missing leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.<br />
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The request to summon the former governor to appear in court was filed by Kanu’s lawyer, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor.<br />
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The subpoena, which bore the Federal High Court’s stamp and dated October 11, 2018, was signed by the “judge” and a copy of the subpoena was made available to journalists by Ejiofor on Friday.<br />
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The matter is before Justice Binta Nyako.<br />
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It read, “You are commanded in the name of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to attend before this court on the 14th day of November, 2018, at 9 o’clock in the forenoon, … to give evidence on behalf of the defendant, with regards to your knowledge on the whereabouts of the defendant.<br />
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“As contained in your interview granted the press/media on 18th September, 2018, after your visit to the former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, retd, in Minna, and the interview was widely reported both in print and online media.”<br />
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Ejiofor said in a statement that Kalu was being summoned because of his recent “outburst” about Kanu’s whereabouts.<br />
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He said, “Following the recent outburst by Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, wherein he announced to the world during a private visit to the former Head of State’s residence (Ibrahim Babangida) that he knows the whereabouts of my client (Nnamdi Kanu), and obvious misleading political points scored vide the said unguarded expression, we have formally caused the Federal High Court seized of the substantive matter to subpoena Orji Uzor Kalu to appear before His Lordship Hon. Justice B. M Nyako on the 14th day of November 2018 to give account of what he knows about the whereabouts of my client (Nnamdi Kanu).”<br />
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Kanu was being prosecuted on charges of treasonable felony alongside some alleged IPOB members before he went missing in 2017, after soldiers invaded his home in Afara-Ukwu, Abia State, during the ‘Operation Python Dance’ by the military to quell the agitation for the realisation of Biafra Republic in the South-East in September 2017.<br />
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While Kanu’s lawyer had continuously insisted that the IPOB leader was in military’s custody, Kalu had reportedly said he (Kanu) had escaped to the United Kingdom after the military operation.<br />
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This informed the Kanu’s legal team to have the former governor summoned to testify on what he knows about the IPOB leader’s whereabouts.

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<br />
ubilations erupted in various parts of Anambra State on Friday as a former governor of the state, Peter Obi, was named the Vice Presidential candidate to Abubakar Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party for the 2019 general election.<br />
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Most pubs in Awka, the state capital, were agog as if the Super Eagles had won a major competition.<br />
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Speaking with newsmen, a legal practitioner who was caught in the joyous mood said, “Peter Obi is a man who has a date with destiny.<br />
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“I’m not surprised that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar picked him to assist him to run the affairs of this country if he wins the presidency.<br />
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“That’s a confirmation of the good works Obi did here as governor. It’s a confirmation that Obi is ordained for greatness.<br />
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“It is a right choice. Nigeria will be great for it because Obi has a robust background of the private sector and tall achievements in governance.”<br />
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Also, speaking, a governorship candidate on the platform of PDP, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, said, “Atiku made the right choice in Peter Obi.<br />
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“Nigerians’ prayer is answered. His Excellency Atiku Abubakar has made the right choice in picking Peter Obi as his running make.<br />
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“Atiku has just exhibited the ability to make hard-headed decision required of purposeful leaders.<br />
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“Let’s get Nigeria working again. God bless Atiku. God bless Peter Obi and God bless Nigeria,” Obaze said.<br />
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A public affairs analyst, Aaron Muorah, expressed his joy thus, “With his solid educational and business background, he is second to none. Congratulations to Peter Obi.”

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If elected, my cabinet will be ready before Buhari vacates Aso Rock - Atiku

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Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he will not waste time in choosing his cabinet members if elected Nigeria’s president.<br />
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Writing via his Twitter handle on Thursday, Atiku said his cabinet will be ready before President Muhammadu Buhari vacates offices.<br />
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Atiku is seeking to displace Buhari under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).<br />
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His comment is apparently a direct shot at the president who took six months before unveiling his cabinet after he was elected in 2015.<br />
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According to Atiku, the country needs a decisive leader “to get Nigeria working Again.”<br />
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He wrote: “If Nigerians elect me as their President, I will NOT take 6 months before naming my cabinet. My cabinet will be ready before May 29, 2019, if by the grace of God, you elect me. Our country needs a decisive leader. #LetsGetNigeriaWorkingAgain.”<br />
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If Nigerians elect me as their President, I will NOT take 6 months before naming my cabinet. My cabinet will be ready before May 29, 2019, if by the grace of God, you elect me. Our country needs a decisive leader to Get Nigeria Working Again. #LetsGetNigeriaWorkingAgain<br />
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Economic experts had said Bubari’s delay in choosing his cabinet affected the nation’s economy as well as the smooth running of government.<br />
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But the president had defended his decision, saying his government received the hand over notes from the outgoing government “only four days before taking over”.<br />
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“Impatience is not a virtue. Order is more vital than speed. Careful and deliberate decisions after consultations get far better results. And better results for our country is what the APC government for change is all about,” he had said at the time.<br />
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Lanre Issa-Onilu emerges new spokesman of APC

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Lanre Issa-Onilu is the new national publicity secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).<br />
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Issa-Onilu’s appointment was ratified at the party’s national working committee (NWC) in Abuja on Friday.<br />
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He ran for the position at the party’s elective convention that held in June but lost to Bolaji Abdullahi. Abdullahi later resigned from the position and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).<br />
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They are both from Kwara state.<br />
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The new spokesman was said to have been backed by President Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the party, at the convention but however he lost, coming second.<br />
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Yekini Nabena was appointed acting national publicity secretary after Abdullahi resigned on August 1.<br />
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Issa-Onilu has worked as journalist for 15 years and is a specialist in strategic public communications planning.<br />
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The new spokesman is a graduate of mass communication from the University of Lagos and holds a master’s in integrated marketing communications from West Virginia University, US.<br />
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He was an assistant editor of Sunday ThisDay. Before he joined ThisDay, he was news editor at the Comet Newspapers.<br />
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Issa-Onilu is a corporate member of the International Communications Conference (ICC) at the Baruch College Ssate university of New York, US. He is also an associate member of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and an associate member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).<br />
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He has written many papers on crisis communication and public communication among other topics.<br />
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Obasanjo is currently lobbying US to lift travel ban on Atiku - APC

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commenced moves to make the United States government withdraw its alleged travel ban on PDP presidential candidate and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.<br />
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In a statement signed by the Acting National Publicity Secretary of APC, Yekini Nabena, the party said it has credible information that Obasanjo has started lobbying the US government to issue Atiku an entry visa.<br />
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The statement reads: “We have come across credible reports that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has made moves to secure United States entry visa for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, whose candidacy he endorsed on Thursday.<br />
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“It is learnt that that the former president, who during and after leaving office insisted on Atiku’s unsuitability to govern Nigeria based on his knowledge of the latter’s extensive corrupt practices while he served as Vice President, is lobbying US authorities to withdraw the ban reportedly placed on Atiku from entering the United States following a 2005 $500,000 bribery scandal that involved Atiku, his fourth wife Jennifer and former United States Congressman, William Jefferson.<br />
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“Recall that the former president while in office had deployed enormous resources of the country on a global dragnet coordinated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in getting Atiku prosecuted for corrupt enrichment and money laundering.<br />
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“A report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Senator Carl Levin reported that Atiku used offshore companies to siphon millions of dollars to his fourth wife in the United States, Jennifer, while still the vice president of Nigeria between 2000 and 2008.<br />
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“The report further stated that then President Bush had on the strength of his report, barred Atiku and other corrupt politically exposed persons from being issued visa to the United States, a reason for which he has been unable to travel to the United States till date.<br />
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“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s intervention in Alh.Abubakar Atiku’s ban from the United States of America is evidence of Obasanjo’s legendary hypocrisy and self-serving interest in national affairs.”

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REVEALED: Why Atiku picked Peter Obi as running mate for 2019 election

01:49 Unknown 0

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The Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, Otunba Gbenga Daniel yesterday gave reasons why former Anambra State governor, Mr. Peter Obi, was picked as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.<br />
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In a statement last night, Daniel said Mr. Obi’s choice was largely influenced by his youthfulness, vast knowledge of global and local economics as well as being a financial expert, all experience which Nigeria is in great need of at this point in time.<br />
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“This ticket will be able to steer our nation back on the path of progress, economic prosperity and unity,” Daniel said.<br />
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In line with its pre-primary election zoning formula, Atiku yesterday picked ex-Governor Peter Obi as his running mate for the 2019 presidential election.<br />
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With the development, the party has returned to the winning formula of the defunct National Party of Nigeria from 1979 to 1983 in which ex-President Shehu Shagari paired with the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme.<br />
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PDP’s zoning of the VP slot to the South East was allegedly designed to woo the Igbo who had been complaining of marginalization.<br />
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Since the conclusion of PDP presidential primaries, party leaders have narrowed the choice of vice presidential candidate to the South-West and the South-East.<br />
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But Atiku and the party leadership have opted for the South-East in order to address “the marginalization of the zone.”<br />
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Already, the PDP has given a copy of the nomination form to Obi to fill with the ex-governor having audience with Atiku at about 5 pm yesterday.<br />
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It was also gathered that a South-South governor may be appointed as the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Organisation of the PDP.<br />
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Investigation conducted by our correspondent revealed that the PDP leadership had presented some guidelines to Atiku on how to pick his running mate.<br />
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A top source said: “Earlier on Monday, the PDP presented guidelines to Atiku and eventually, it was agreed that ex-Governor Peter Obi fits into the criteria set out.<br />
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“The concession of the slot to the South-East was also in line with the wish of Atiku.<br />
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“In its power sharing formula, the PDP had conceded the VP slot to the South-East and reneging on the agreement would have been fatal for the party in 2019.<br />
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“Apart from being a prudent leader, Obi has rich experience in the private and public sectors which will help him manage the nation’s economy as the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC).<br />
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“The banking sector, which is the mainstay of the nation’s economy, will have a new lease of life with Obi in charge.<br />
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“More importantly, the marginalization of the Igbo was one of the issues which PDP had promised to address.<br />
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“Since Ekwueme lost the presidential primaries to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Igbo have not had a fair share of power at the centre.”<br />
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Responding to a question, the source added: “The nomination of Obi will foster the nation’s unity and create a sense of belonging for all tribes.<br />
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“It is like a return to the winning formula of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) between 1979 and 1983. The ultimate objective of PDP is the preservation of the nation’s unity.<br />
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“More permutations by the PDP will emerge in the next few weeks. We want to make the election of the PDP a fait accompli with interplay of dynamics.”<br />
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At press time, it was gathered that a South-South governor could be appointed as the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Organization of PDP for 2019 poll.<br />
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It was learnt that the said governor is on the verge of completing his second term, a development which has narrowed the choice to Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State.<br />
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But consultations were still ongoing last night on the campaign structure.<br />
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A reliable source said: “The thinking in PDP over the DG of the 2019 campaign is to pick a governor from the South-South who is almost completing his second term.<br />
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“The idea of the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki being the DG is out of place because he leads the National Assembly, which is a strategic arm of government. He has a lot at hand; we do not want to distract him or any of the serving governors.<br />
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“I think the DG might be a PDP governor who is almost completing his second term in office.”<br />
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Although the source was not forthcoming, it was learnt that the Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, might be appointed the DG.<br />
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“Dickson played a key role in mobilising support and perfecting strategies which earned Atiku the presidential mandate, “a member of the National Working Committee of PDP added.

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Federer fires to join Djokovic in Shanghai semi-finals

17:29 Unknown 0

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Roger Federer blazed into the Shanghai Masters semi-finals with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Kei Nishikori as the Swiss great’s title defence belatedly caught fire on Friday.<br />
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The 20-time Grand Slam champion and top seed will meet 13th seed Borna Coric on Saturday after the Croatian defeated unseeded Australian Matthew Ebden 7-5, 6-4.<br />
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The other semi-final tees up Novak Djokovic against young German star Alexander Zverev, just the second time they will have met.<br />
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The 37-year-old Federer was forced to battle through the first two matches of his title defence, first to Daniil Medvedev and then Roberto Bautista Agut.<br />
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He put Nishikori under the cosh immediately, breaking the eighth seed in the first game of both sets, though the Japanese did well to recover and force the second-set tie break.<br />
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Djokovic said that he was relishing facing “top player” Zverev after the 14-time Grand Slam champion beat Kevin Anderson 7-6 (7/1), 6-3.<br />
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Djokovic saved set point in the opener before taking control of the tie break and the second set to dump out the South African seventh seed.<br />
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The 31-year-old from Serbia is in blistering form, winning Wimbledon, the Cincinnati Masters and US Open in recent months, after having elbow surgery in February.<br />
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The second seed is desperate to grab injured Rafael Nadal’s year-end number one ranking.<br />
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Djokovic and Zverev met on clay in the final of the Rome Masters in May last year, the 21-year-old German winning 6-4, 6-3.<br />
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Djokovic, who endured a turbulent last season with injury and off-court issues, said they were “both different players” now.<br />
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“I wasn’t — I feel like — playing as well as I’m playing today,” he warned.<br />
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“But also he has improved a lot and he has established himself as a top player.<br />
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“It’s going to be definitely a close match.”<br />
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Touted as a potential future multiple Grand Slam winner, fourth seed Zverev eased past Kyle Edmund to reach his first Shanghai semi-final.<br />
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The 6-4, 6-4 victory over the 11th-seeded Briton seals Zverev’s place in the season-ending ATP Finals in London next month, which bring together the top eight men.<br />
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The top four players in the world — Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro — had already qualified for London. Zverev is ranked fifth.<br />
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Zverev, now under the tutelage of Ivan Lendl, said he is pleased with his overall progress, even if a maiden Grand Slam remains elusive.<br />
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“I think every year you feel more mature. Every year you spend on tour, you feel kind of different,” he said.<br />
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“Last year was the first time I kind of broke through to the top 10 and was a top-five player.<br />
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“It’s always easier to get there — but then staying there is always the tougher part.”</div>

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2019: I’ll reward you all, Atiku tells PDP Presidential aspirants

17:14 Unknown 0

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Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar has promised to reward the 11 aspirants who contested the sole ticket with him, if he is elected President of Nigeria in the 2019 general elections.<br />
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Atiku who stated this in Abuja at a meeting with members of the PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, charged them and other leaders of the party to rally behind him in his quest to make life better for Nigerians.<br />
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According to him, the sense of togetherness amongst the 12 who contested the party’s primaries in Port Harcourt recently, is an indication that the party is well positioned to take over power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2019.<br />
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“I can assure you that I am prepared to work with and reward all of you if we unite together to achieve success. I must commend the sense of patriotism displayed by my fellow contestants. From the very day I delivered my acceptance speech, we have been working together. I believe it is our duty to provide that sense of unity and leadership to the rest of party members,” Atiku said even as he gave a brief account of what transpired behind closed doors in his Thursday’s meeting with former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.<br />
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“I visited my former boss in Abeokuta where we exchanged pleasantries. I may not say whether he is a PDP member or not, but he is with us body and spirit. Even before he delivered his statement, we retired to his private room where he gave me his statement to go through and possibly edit. He said he will launch my campaign to the presidency with the statement. That is vintage Olusegun Obasanjo for you,” he added.<br />
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Also speaking, Chairman of the BoT, Senator Walid Jibrin, congratulated  Atiku and urged him to rally round  other contestants in the presidential primaries in order for them to work together for victory in 2019.<br />
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He counseled him to engage youths, women and BoT members in his campaign train, adding that the board would not disappoint in any responsibility assigned to it.<br />
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He said: “As our presidential candidate, you will beat other presidential candidates, especially the APC that is already going down the drain and I wish you God’s guidance and protection throughout the campaign and success as you eventually enter the Villa in 2019.<br />
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He added that consultations were going on for the Vice President to be selected from a zone that will attract more votes for the party.<br />
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“Consultations are ongoing in order for the Presidential candidate to select a formidable Vice. With the Presidential candidate and the campaign team putting their heads together, soon, the VP will be announced.<br />
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“The strategy is that wherever the Vice President will come from will translate to additional votes for the party. It is not all about appointing a Vice President that will not add value to the party and that will guide those who will take decisions in due course,” Jibrin said.<br />
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For Uche Secondus, national chairman of the PDP, what would have amounted to a post-convention crisis has been nipped in the bud.<br />
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In his words, Atiku met with the Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike shortly after the convention; a development not unconnected with the governor’s seeming unhappiness with the outcome of the primary election.<br />
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He said: “Immediately after the convention, the Presidential candidate and I visited the host governor and a few issues were resolved almost immediately because we had to carry the momentum from the venue.<br />
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On Monday, I called a meeting of all the former aspirants and they all came and we discussed heartily. They have already started implementing what we discussed by visiting critical stakeholders, governors and dignitaries.”<br />
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Highlighting the reasons the PDP tasted defeat in the last election, Secondus said the “party was complacent in 2015, which led to our losing the election,” even as he charged members of the BoT to win their various polling units in order to earn their rewards.<br />
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“Now, every BoT member must deliver his or her unit, ward or constituency. This was lacking in the last election. We must build a consensus and arrangement that ensures you will be rewarded and recognized  when you deliver. We cannot play the type of Abuja politics that made us lose in 2015.”<br />
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INEC, he added, will neither rig when they see the faces of the nationalists members at the polling units, nor would security operatives intimidate them.<br />
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“Our task now is to focus and remain focused. Our target is to win all the polling units in the country and we will be able to do that, with the strategies in place. A popular candidate has emerged. He is grounded in Nigeria. What is left for us to do is to take the message home.<br />
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“The current government is vicious. They are framing up and coming up with lies and propaganda, but we are happy that we are in complete control of the National Assembly.<br />
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“We must sustain that so that the international community will be aware that the PDP is ready to take over the government and do what we know how to do best: which is to provide good leadership for Nigerians. Of course, the APC know how to be in opposition and they will go back to their former position. However, we can’t do it alone. We must have everyone on board. We must move fast immediately when INEC releases the timetable for campaigns.”<br />
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On his part, a visibly elated Senate President , Bukola Saraki called on President Buhari to quit “now now,” to pave way for the assumption of office by Atiku without further delay.<br />
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He said: “Buhari must go, now, now, now! His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, should come in now, now, now!<br />
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“To hear the Presidential candidate spoke of rewarding members shows we now have a politician as an incoming president. It gives us the tonic to go out to the field and perform. I can assure you, on behalf of the BOT members that we will give you our total support.<br />
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“The meeting with former contestants in the convention, gubernatorial aspirants and stakeholders is sending a strong message across the country that we are united. Just one thing is  remaining which  to remove the President.<br />
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Present at the well-attended meeting were prominent BoT members including Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, erstwhile Kaduna state governor, Ahmed Makarfi, former Katsina state governor, Ibrahim Shema, ex-Aviation Minister, Kema Chikwe, and former Imo state governor, Achike Udenwa.<br />
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Others were former Minister of Police Affairs, Waziri Maina, ex-Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina and former Niger state governor, Babangida Aliyu amongst others.</div>

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2019: APC Assembly candidate in Delta promises to deliver votes to Buhari

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House of Assembly candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Warri North local government area, Delta State, Mr David Atie has promised to deliver his constituency to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 general election.<br />
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Atie who won the primary election for his constituency, reiterated that the local government was a strong hold of the APC with the defection of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.<br />
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Noting that a huge deficit had been created due to years of poor representation, he promised his constituents of quality representation.<br />
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While frowning at alleged attempt by some disgruntled elements to disrupt the primary, he said the election was peaceful free and fair.<br />
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“The All Progressives Congress has an established procedure for electing  candidates and has followed it religiously and methodically to a conclusive end, which led to my emergence as the flagbearer of the party for Warri North,’’ he said.</div>

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2019 presidency: Why Atiku, PDP must give Vice President slot to South-East – Arewa youths

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Ekiti court refuses motion stopping Fayemi from dissolving LGs

16:19 Unknown 0

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An Ekiti State High Court on Friday refused to grant a motion seeking to restrain the Governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, from dissolving the 16 local government councils.<br />
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The application was filed by the state’s Association of Local Governments of Nigeria led by the Chairman of Ifelodun/Irepodun Local Government, Dapo Olagunju.<br />
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In his ruling, Justice Abiodun Adesodun described the application as “unmeritorious, preemptive and speculative,” as there was no compelling fact in the application to warrant the granting of the order.<br />
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The judge subsequently adjourned the substantive matter till October 22.<br />
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The LG bosses filed the case through their lawyer, Obafemi Adewale, while Tajudeen Akingbolu and Adeoye Aribasoye appeared for Fayemi.<br />
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Fayemi had challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the application on the grounds that the matter was speculative.<br />
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All the Local Government chairmen are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, while Fayemi is of the All Progressives Congress.<br />
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The Governor-elect is to assume office on Tuesday, October 16, when the tenure of the incumbent, Governor Ayodele Fayose, comes to an end.</div>

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Ramsey finally decides on his Arsenal future

16:16 Unknown 0

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Arsenal midfielder, Aaron Ramsey has said that he will not push for a move away from Emirates during the transfer window in January, disclosing that he is bent on seeing the end of his contract which expires at the end of the season at the club.<br />
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Ramsey is set to leave the Emirates after a decade of service in north London. The 27-year-old had been close to agreeing on a new deal but Arsenal recently withdrew their offer amid input from head coach Unai Emery.<br />
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The Welshman’s impending exit has drawn interest from other clubs, particularly among Serie A’s elite sides, while Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all believed to be monitoring his situation.<br />
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However, Ramsey has now announced that he intends to stay with the club until the end of the season.<br />
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“Will I stay for the rest of the season? Of course, yeah,” Metro UK quoted him as saying.<br />
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“I am contracted to Arsenal and I am going to do my best now this season to try and achieve something special.<br />
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“Everything has been going great with the club. We thought we were in a position where we had agreed a deal but that’s no longer the case.<br />
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“So I just have to carry on playing my football and do my best for Arsenal this season and I’ll leave the rest with the club now.<br />
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“That’s a decision that they have made and things happen in football and you just have to get on with it and carry on playing the best I can.<br />
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“That’s all I am concentrating on, giving my best for Arsenal.”</div>

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BREAKING: Atiku picks Peter Obi as running mate

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APC presidential aspirants’ coalition against Buhari collapses

15:34 Unknown 0

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The Coalition of All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential aspirants against President Muhammadu Buhari’s as the sole presidential candidate and eventually the party’s standard bearer for 2019 presidential elections has buckled, as the leading light of the struggle, Alhaji Mumakai Unagha from Delta State, yesterday, threw his weight behind Buhari.<br />
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Unagha, whose group few days ago, called for the resignation of the national chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for allegedly fomenting crisis in the party, has turned around to congratulate Buhari.<br />
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“On behalf of my humble self, I congratulate you on your emergence as the flag bearer to fly the party’s ticket in the 2019 general elections.<br />
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“Your victory during the primary election was not surprising, but because of your tireless effort to salvage the downtrodden economy you inherited from the 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP misrule.<br />
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“As a rare leader with long history of proven integrity, I am convinced that your Excellency will no doubt salvage the nation ravaged by corruption. My humble self and my teeming supporters have, therefore, pledged our total loyalty and support on your emergence.<br />
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“The task of national building you started must be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians and I offer myself in that direction,” he said.</div>

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15:34 Unknown 0

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Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar will take full advantage of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed by the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, by engaging its members in the prosecution of his 2019 electioneering campaign.<br />
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Atiku who recently pipped 11 other aspirants to the PDP ticket in Port Harcourt, is aware of an existing agreement among 38 political parties in the CUPP which will likely make them support a sole candidate against President Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2019 elections.<br />
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Findings revealed that in exchange for the support, Atiku will meet with bigwigs in the CUPP to reveal his plans for the parties in the event of his success at the polls.<br />
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A member of the Atiku Presidential Nomination Council told Vanguard on Thursday that the former Vice President is set to co-opt some members of the coalition into his campaign organization, which membership is currently being put together.<br />
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He said: “The victory of His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar at the Port Harcourt convention is a demonstration of his popularity across the country and indeed the world. But we are not even celebrating yet because the work ahead is enormous. To this extent, our Presidential flag bearer is reaching out to our brothers and sisters in the CUPP to discuss the possibility of working together.<br />
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“He (Atiku) is aware that the signing of an MoU by the parties does not guarantee anything. So, in a meeting with them next week, His Excellency will discuss the need of forging a common front starting from the soon-to-be- constituted Presidential campaign organization.<br />
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“The reason this is being done is to make concerned parties realize the importance of ousting the APC in 2019 and now that they have made the singular mistake of fielding an unpopular candidate who in in the past three and a half years, has left the country in deep mess, all hands must be on deck to ensure victory for the only man who has what it takes to send Buhari back to Daura.”<br />
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d also gathered that it was for the sole purpose of drumming support for Atiku that many stakeholders of the CUPP, including the national chairman of the Reformed All Progressives Congress, R-APC, Alhaji Buba Galadima flew to Port Harcourt last week for the PDP national convention.<br />
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In the weeks ahead, representatives of the grand coalition would continue to meet with Atiku’s camp in a bid to fashion out strategies that will lead to the election of the erstwhile Vice President in next year’s election.<br />
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The source also added that the move to ensure victory for Atiku was what informed Thursday’s endorsement of the Waziri Adamawa by prominent leaders in the land including former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and top religious leaders such as the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah and ace Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gunmi among others.</div>

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Whoever Obasanjo endorses becomes Nigeria’s president – Fani-Kayode

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VIDEO: Aircraft goes up in flames at Lagos airport

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Orji Kalu to appear in court over Nnamdi Kanu’s whereabouts

15:24 Unknown 0

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A former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu, will on November 14, 2018, appear in Federal High court Abuja,before His Lordship Hon. Justice B. M Nyako, to say what he knows about the missing leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.<br />
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The lawyer to IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, told newsmen on Friday in Owerri.<br />
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Recall, Vanguard had reported that IPOB, had threatened to sue the former governor, over a statement credited to him that he (Kalu) said IPOB, leader was in London.<br />
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Just last year, September 14, IPOB leader dissappered after the operation python dance by the Nigeria Army in the Southeast zone. Kanu’s home at Afaraukwu in Abia state, was said to have been attacked after which his whereabout remained unknown.<br />
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Since then, reactions and counter reactions have trailed his disappearance between the federal government and the IPOB leadeship.<br />
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But the lawyer to IPOB, Ejiofor, told Vanguard that, “Following the recent outburst by Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, wherein he announced to the world during a private visit to the former Head of State’s residence (Ibrahim Babangida) that he knows the whereabouts of My client (Nnamdi Kanu).<br />
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“And obvious misleading political points scored vide the said unguarded expression, we have formally caused the federal High Court seized of the Substantive matter to subpoenaed Orji Uzor Kalu to appear before His Lordship Hon. Justice B M Nyako.<br />
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“On the 14th day of November 2018 to give account of what he know about the whereabouts of my client (Nnamdi Kanu)<br />
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“The court has acting upon this request formally subpoenaed Dr Orji Uzor Kalu to appear before the court on the above stated date to testify on oath as to what he know.<br />
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“Orji Uzor Kalu will be in a position to narrate to the court on the aforementioned date the role he played in the abduction of my client in his home on the 14th day of September 2017 by the Nigeria Soldiers. The World will be looking forward to this long awaited date.”</div>

Latest-News Orji Kalu to appear in court over Nnamdi Kanu’s whereabouts

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Rescue Leah Sharibu before Boko Haram’s deadline expires, NCAN begs Buhari

15:24 Unknown 0

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The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Yakubu Pam, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to do everything within his powers to rescue Leah Sharibu before the deadline that was given by the Boko Haram insurgents for negotiations expires.<br />
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He also appealed to the insurgents to release Sharibu and other captives, stating that their families are in agony.<br />
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Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Friday, in company with other NCAN members, Pam expressed the fear that the abducted Dapchi schoolgirl might be executed as threatened by Boko Haram.<br />
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“We have heard what the abductors have said, we are here together as religious leaders and traditional rulers to appeal to the conscience of the abductors of these innocent girls.<br />
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“We heard next week is the deadline to execute the girls but we don’t know, but we are here to make an appeal to them and we pray that God speaks to their heart so that they can release these innocent girls,” Pam pleaded.<br />
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The NCAN expressed hope that the federal government would negotiate with the insurgents for the release of all victims in Boko Haram captivity.<br />
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“We are hoping that government will do everything in her powers to release her(Sharibu) because she is still being held only on account of her refusal to renounce her faith,” Pam added.<br />
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The Imam, Apo legislative quarters mosque, Sheik Mohammed Khalid, wondered why Sharibu was being held on account of her faith, describing the situation as unfortunate.<br />
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He said, “We are appealing to them to release those in their captivity especially, Leah Sharibu, We are worried about her in particular because she was abducted with other children, but why should she be left behind, that’s our problem.”</div>

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We are committed to accountability - Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said his administration remained committed to accountability in the country.<br />
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He said the enforcement of the Treasury Single Account was not optional for growth.<br />
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According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President spoke while receiving executives of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria led by Alhaji Shehu Ladan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.<br />
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Buhari said insistence on the financial structure required much sacrifice and focus on the part of the government as accountability was no longer optional.<br />
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The President said, “One of the cardinal objectives of this administration is that people and all government institutions must give account for what comes in and goes out.<br />
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“We did not introduce TSA, but we enforced it.<br />
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“TSA makes a lot of sense that you must have to give account for whatever comes in and goes out in government finance; that’s accountability.<br />
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Buhari urged accountants to remain focused and support the government in the ongoing fight against corruption.<br />
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He said although they might not be liked by many people because of their professional ethics, the sacrifice was necessary for the country to grow.<br />
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In his remarks, Ladan commended the President for the achievements in ensuring an inclusive and strong economy by plugging leakages and making youth empowerment and infrastructure top priority.<br />
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“This government has instilled fiscal discipline by plugging leakages,” the President of ANAN was quoted as saying.<br />
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He added that Nigeria’s image in the comity of nations had also improved significantly, attracting more Foreign Direct Investments.<br />
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The ANAN President noted that the President’s assent to the Not-Too-Young-To- Run bill further encouraged youth participation in governance.<br />
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He said the fight against terrorism was commendable as the Boko Haram insurgents had been degraded, extolling the administration’s effort in getting the economy out of recession, and repositioning it for diversity through agriculture.<br />
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“Your second term, Mr. President, will bring more succour to Nigerians,” he added.</div>

Latest-News We are committed to accountability - Buhari

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President Buhari meets Kano, Zamfara, Ogun govs

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The President’s Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, disclosed this on his Twitter handle, @BashirAhmaad.<br />
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Ahmad listed the governors who met with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja to include Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara).<br />
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“President Muhammadu Buhari this afternoon, met with Governors of Kano, Ogun and Zamfara States at the Presidential Villa, Abuja,” he wrote.<br />
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Although the president’s aide did not disclose the purpose of the meeting, i5 is believed to be part of ongoing efforts to resolve the post-primaries crises that erupted in the ruling party in some states.<br />
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Presidency answer Atiku's 14 questions, lists Buhari’s ongoing/completed projects across 36 states (FULL LIST)

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2019 presidency: Ohanaeze reveals who they will vote for

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Reps threaten to arrest MDs of Heritage Bank, Aso Savings over undeclared N21bn, $104m

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Obasanjo’s endorsement of Atiku will determine winner of elections – Agbakoba

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Libya players reportedly injected ahead of Saturday’s AFCON clash against Nigeria

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The Libyan National Football Team players were injected with vaccines in Tunisia ahead of their trip to Nigeria to battle Super Eagles in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying game on Saturday.<br />
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The Saturday game is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital and the kick-off time for the match is 4pm.<br />
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According to Libyan newspaper, Al Wasat, the country’s National team manager, Adil Al-Khamisi supervised the vaccination at the health center and Crotone midfielder, Ahmad Benali was among the first four players to be vaccinated.<br />
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Libya are currently on four points in Group E after two games.<br />
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Nigeria, on the other hand, have three points after losing their opening game to South Africa before clinching a comfortable 3-0 victory away against Seychelles.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">The Super Eagles will travel to Tunisia for the return leg slated for Tuesday, October 16, 2018.</blockquote>
</div>

Latest-News Libya players reportedly injected ahead of Saturday’s AFCON clash against Nigeria

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NAF jet destroys Boko Haram training camp in Borno

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The Nigerian Air Force says its Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole has destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorist Training Camp in Malkonory and also destroyed a BHT vehicle near Tumbun Rego in Northern Borno.<br />
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Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the operation was carried out on October 11.<br />
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“The attack on the Training Camp was undertaken October 11, on the heels of credible intelligence reports indicating that several structures, cleverly camouflaged under thick vegetation in the settlement, were being used to harbour and train BHT fighters,” he said.<br />
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Daramola said that a NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform subsequently confirmed features such as training dummies and trenches along with a large number of adult males within the camp.<br />
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“Consequently, the ATF detailed NAF Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the camp in successive strikes resulting in the destruction of many of the structures, which were seen to be engulfed in flames, as well as the neutralisation of several BHTs,” he said.<br />
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The NAF spokesman said that the few surviving BHTs were mopped-up in follow-on attacks.<br />
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“Similarly, following Intelligence reports indicating the presence of BHT vehicles on the move around Matari Village along the Metele-Kangarawa-Tumbun Rego axis on October 9.<br />
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“A NAF ISR platform was detailed to reconnoitre the area and subsequently spotted one of the BHT vehicles, a gun truck, along the road heading towards Tumbun Rego.<br />
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“Accordingly, an Alpha Jet aircraft was scrambled to attack the vehicle, with direct hits recorded on the target, leading to the destruction of the gun truck,” he said.<br />
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The spokesman said that the NAF, working in concert with surface forces, would sustain the momentum of operations with a view to destroying remnants of the BHTs on the fringes of Lake Chad and other areas in Northern Borno.</div>

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2019: Dankwambo congratulates Atiku, pledges support

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Following the emergence of Alhaji Abubakar Atiku as Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), one of the runners-up during the primaries, Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, has congratulated and pledged his support to him.<br />
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Dankwambo declared his support for the party’s presidential candidate in 2019 elections on Friday in his congratulatory message, made available to newsmen in Abuja.<br />
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According to the governor who has been offered Gombe North Senatorial District ticket, God-willing, victory will be delivered to PDP in 2019 presidential election.<br />
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“I assure you of my personal commitment and that of my supporters all over the country in the next presidential race.<br />
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“I have no doubt, that with God on your side, coupled with your wealth of experience and exposure, our party will be victorious in the next election,” he said.<br />
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Dankwambo, a former Accountant-General of the federation, commended Atiku’s doggedness.<br />
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“With gratitude to almighty Allah and profound sense of fraternity, I formally congratulate you on your nomination as our party’s Presidential candidate.<br />
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“As a co-aspirant in the contest, I understand the emotional, physical and financial stress associated with such race.<br />
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“Accept my hearty congratulations on this very important victory,” Dankwambo concluded.<br />
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Prior to the Oct. 6, primary election, Dankwambo pledged to abide with outcome of the process.<br />
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The governor, who hails from same geo-political zone (Northeast) with Atiku, polled 111 votes to come fifth in the keenly contested party primaries in Porthacourt.<br />
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Atiku polled 1,532 votes among 12 aspirants to lead while Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state polled 693 votes to come second.<br />
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Former Vice-President Atiku would contest for the number one office with current President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).<br />
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Alhaji Muhammad Ribadu, the former Senatorial candidate, Gombe North Senatorial District under the PDP relinquished his candidacy to Dankwambo on Thursday.</div>

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Hazard hints his desire to join Real Madrid for Ballon d’Or

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Chelsea star, Eden Hazard, has ruled out the possibility of leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid in January, even as he admitted dreaming of joining the Spanish giants so he can possibly win the Ballon D’Or prize.<br />
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Speaking after Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Southampton on Sunday, Hazard confirmed that joining the European champions remains his “dream” and that he wants to “make it happen”.<br />
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His comments prompted reports in Spain that Madrid could look to test Chelsea’s resolve to keep Hazard in January.<br />
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But in a news conference while on Belgium duty, Hazard confirmed on Thursday that he has no intention of leaving Chelsea in the middle of the season.<br />
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Asked if a move to Madrid in January is a possibility, Hazard replied: “No.”<br />
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Hazard did, however, trigger further speculations about his future with a teasing reply when asked if he needs to play in Spain to win the Ballon d’Or.<br />
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“That’s why I want to go, maybe,” he told ESPN.</div>

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Why Super Eagles won’t miss Victor Moses – Ahmed Musa

09:54 Unknown 0

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Super Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa has said the team will not miss Chelsea star, Victor Moses.<br />
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The Saudi Arabia-based star, however, said that the Super Eagles will miss the influence of captain John Obi Mikel in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier against Libya.<br />
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He said there were players in the squad that can replace the retired Moses.<br />
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Moses recently announced his retirement from the Nigerian senior national team.<br />
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“We will definitely miss the captain. We all understand his importance to the team,” the Al-Nassr star began at a Press Conference yesterday.<br />
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“Victor Moses is no longer available for selection due to his retirement from the national team.<br />
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“We have players who are capable of filling the void. We certainly missed some players against Seychelles but coped.<br />
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“William Troost Ekong missed out of the Seychelles fixture but he is fully back for the Libyan test.<br />
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“We haven’t been to the last two editions of the AFCON.<br />
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“The players are looking forward to qualifying for the competition.<br />
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“We are training ahead of the two games against Libya. There is no point jumping ship. The focus is on the first one on Saturday,” he concluded.</div>

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Nigeria vs Libya: Rohr to hand Iwobi new role in 2019 AFCON qualifier

09:54 Unknown 0

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Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, is set to hand Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi the No.10 role in the Super Eagles’ starting line-up, when they face Libya in a crunch 2019 Africa Cup Of Nations qualifier on Saturday, in the absence of captain Mikel Obi.<br />
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Mikel Obi is not part of the squad, as he is still battling to regain full fitness, after featuring for Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.<br />
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Rohr could also hand Isaac Success his first start in his second appearance for the Super Eagles.<br />
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The Watford star made his debut in a 1-1 draw against Senegal, in an international friendly played in London in 2016.<br />
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The team was split into two groups comprising the possible and the probables on Thursday, CompleteSport reports.<br />
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The possibles in green bips had Francis Uzoho in goal; Shehu Abdullahi, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Jamilu Collins in defence.<br />
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Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo were the two holding midfielders, while Iwobi played behind Isaac Success who led the lines for the team in green.<br />
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Success was flanked in the attack by stand in skipper, Ahmed who played from the left flank, and Samuel Kalu. Musa who suffered a knock during the session still look good to start.<br />
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Ikechukwu Ezenwa was in goal for the group in red bib. He had Ola Aina and Bryan Idowu as full-backs while Kenneth Omeruo and Semi Ajayi were the centre half pairings.<br />
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In midfield, John Ogu, Chidozie Awaziem and Ogenyi Onazi played as midfielders with the trident of Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon and Henry Onyekuru in attack.<br />
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Odion Ighalo replaced Success during the interval in the team in green, with the Watford star moving to join the team in red.<br />
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Monitor disbursement of UBE funds to avoid corruption – Falana

09:49 Unknown 0

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Human right activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has called for a proper monitoring and utilisation of the Universal Basic Education, UBE, fund.<br />
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In a statement titled: ‘Stakeholders Must Monitor Disbursement of N291 Billion Basic Education Fund’, Falana warned that the fund may be diverted by politicians desperately looking for money to buy votes during the forthcoming general election in the country.<br />
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He said: “I have since confirmed that the Federal Government has deducted the sum of N71.2 billion from the Paris Club refund, being the outstanding UBEC counterpart fund owed by the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as at August 2018. We are compelled to call on all concerned stakeholders in the country to monitor the disbursement and utilisation of the fund.<br />
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“Unless these measures are adopted without any further delay, the UBE fund will be diverted or wasted while the future of the 13.2 million out-of-school children will be doomed to the detriment of political stability and development of the country.”<br />
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Nigeria will support ECOWAS on labour, employment — Ngige

09:49 Unknown 0

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Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has pledged Federal Government’s support to the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on implementation of its labour and employment programmes and policies in the region.<br />
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The minister spoke in Abuja when he received the ECOWAS Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender Matters, Dr. Siga Jagni.<br />
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According to him, “the government and people of Nigeria are an integral part of ECOWAS, and we will not shirk our responsibilities.<br />
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“Nigeria will support and adhere to all ECOWAS labour migration and employment policies, and call for proper legalisation of such policies, so people will not be short-changed and unduly harassed when they export their skills in the region.”<br />
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Earlier, Dr. Jagni said her visit was necessitated by the need for the minister’s support on implementation of labour and employment programmes and policies in the region; and also over the December general assembly of the Social Dialogue Forum/Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers in Charge of Labour and Employment, on the theme Strengthening Social Dialogue for the Promotion of Decent Work in the ECOWAS region,” to hold in Abuja.<br />
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In his remarks, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Professor Stephen Ocheni, said Nigeria will continue to play its leading role in the region, particularly in economic development.</div>

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WAEC to publish names, cancel results of examination cheats

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The Nigeria Examinations Committee of the West African Examinations Council has recommended that the names of candidates, schools, candidates, invigilators and supervisors caught aiding and abetting examination malpractice should be published to serve as a deterrent for others.<br />
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The committee, which is the highest decision-making organ of WAEC on examination-related matters in Nigeria, made the recommendation to WAEC, ANCOPSS and all the ministries of education in the 36 states of the federation, in a statement issued at the end of its 66th meeting in Lagos.<br />
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According to the statement, the committee had received reports on cases of irregularity, special and clemency arising from the conduct of the WASSCE for both private candidates and school candidates in 2017 and 2018 during the meeting.<br />
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In the course of considering the various reported cases of malpractice, the committee, after diligent deliberation, approved that the entire results of candidates involved in proven cases, which attract cancellation of entire results, be cancelled, while the subject results of those involved in proven cases be similarly cancelled.<br />
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Although the committee commended WAEC for ensuring that examination cheats did not get away with their nefarious activities by deploying cutting-edge technology and putting in place mechanisms aimed at checking examination malpractice, it observed that the incidence is still on the increase and called on all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in the fight against the social evil.<br />
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The committee also decried the high rate of impersonation during public examinations for candidates in schools. Describing impersonation as a form of examination malpractice, it called on school principals to check the ugly trend and the various ministries of education in the states to look at the calibre and integrity of teachers nominated as supervisors for public examinations.</div>

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Nigerians’ll choose between a clean candidate and a racketeer, says APC

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The All Progressives Congress has said the real choice before Nigerians as they head to the polls in 2019 is a choice between a candidate who passes the integrity test and another who is a “racketeer”,  who is ready to mortgage the nation’s future for personal gain.<br />
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This was contained in a statement signed by the acting National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Yekini Nabena, in Abuja, on Thursday.<br />
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He was reacting to a statement issued by his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Wednesday.<br />
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Ologbondiyan had in the statement alleged that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration was compiling lies and falsehoods which it intended to use to impugn the character of its Presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.<br />
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The PDP spokesperson said, “The PDP is aware of how the intimidated Buhari Presidency has unleashed its officials, spin doctors and hack writers with billions of naira, siphoned from our national treasury, to fabricate lies, spurious allegations and smear campaign against our Presidential candidate.<br />
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“While it is understandable that President Muhammadu Buhari is discomfited and afraid to face a popular candidate in any election due to his incompetence, for which Nigerians earnestly seek his replacement, engaging in a smear campaign, as a means of survival, is completely reprehensible and cowardly.”<br />
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In his response, Nabena said allegations against the APC-led administration as contained in the PDP statement accusing senior officials of the APC-led administration of “deliberate efforts to impugn on the character” of the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar was laughable.<br />
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Nabena said, “The PDP’s assertion particularly coming from its spokesperson is ironic and laughable, given the fact that Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, as an editor with one of the national newspapers,  in fact unearthed the Special Audit/Forensic Investigation of Petroleum Technology Development Fund; which indicted Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, then Vice President, for the mismanagement of the Fund.<br />
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“The PDP spokesperson in his published report disclosed that from 1999 to 2006, Atiku’s approval for the release of $20m from the treasury and subsequent placement in Trans International Bank without appropriation and approval by the Federal Executive Council was illegal and amounted to an abuse of office.<br />
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“There are no lies here. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar grapples with several other corruption indictments. This is a fact and reality he needs to deal with and come clean about.<br />
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The APC insisted that when the choose was to be made, the electorate had the option to chose between a proven and decent presidential candidate “who is putting the people first” and on the other hand, “a racketeer who will readily mortgage” the country’s commonwealth to personal coffers and cronies.<br />
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Meanwhile, Atiku has asked President Buhari to explain to Nigerians those behind the grass-cutting scandal at the Internally Displaced Peoples’ camp in the northern part of the country.<br />
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He also asked the President to tell Nigerians those behind the alleged siphoning of funds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Central Bank of Nigeria under the guise of payment of subsidy.<br />
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Atiku, who spoke through the Head of his Media Campaign Organisation, Mr Segun Sowumi, said, “We don’t want to be involved in talking about trivial issues with the President and his team. We want to talk and debate with them on how to create jobs and how to solve many problems facing the country.<br />
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“We want them to tell Nigerians how the Buhari Presidency has been able to create jobs and how he has succeeded in making states not to be able to pay salaries of their workers.<br />
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“But if he wants to talk about racketeering, they should tell us about the grass-cutting contract, they should tell us about those involved in racketeering at the NNPC, the CBN and so forth.”</div>