LAGOS 2019: I will beat Sanwo-olu flat — Agbaje boasts

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy7Pfqq0Tu-gNvWqZb1BjhCSpenxzuueLlOSrB7XZCWD-LYbtofo_KZKNZp7yTeAV0uS3VkJKOyw5SUXiVGDu3XGfqDcYJbTLzcFWHY5oNkB1by3rlbb5gmCnZkXAEOh5RQRLsxgY7Qsd/s640/Sanwo-olu+Agbaje+Nigerianeye.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> The People’s Democratic Party(PDP) Governorship Candidate in Lagos, State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, says he will beat All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, flat in the 2019 election.<br /> <br /> Agbaje expressed the confidence while addressing his supporters at the formal declaration of his ambition in Lagos.<br /> <br /> He said 2019 would be a year of victory for him, after two failed attempts.<br /> <br /> Lagos is a stronghold of the APC and though over 40 candidates from different parties are eying the state’s governorship seat in 2019, APC’s Sanwo-olu and PDP’s Agbaje are believed to be major contenders.<br /> <br /> Agbaje promised to shock the APC and its candidate in the election.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “I will beat the APC in 2019; mark my words, I will not only beat them, I will beat them flat. I am sure of winning because Lagosians are behind me.<br /> <br /> “The support we were given in 2015 is still there, intact. We will expand on it in 2019. I am in the race because I am passionate about Lagos.<br /> <br /> “I hear them calling me their customer because of my past attempts, but I tell them,the customer is King. By next year, we shall know the results. But I can assure you once again that I will beat them flat,” he said.<br /> <br /> The governorship candidate said the APC had failed the state in all the ramifications, calling on residents to vote out the party for lack of progress.<br /> <br /> He said he had the capacity, the experience and sincerity to deliver the Lagos of everybody’s dream, if elected.<br /> <br /> Agbaje said he had a robust plan to provide jobs for the teeming youths ,who in turn would drive the prosperity of the State.<br /> <br /> He added that he would improve security in all parts of the state to safeguard lives and properties.<br /> <br /> Agbaje said the problem of gridlock was becoming unbearable, promising to implement actions to ease movement of vehicles and pedestrians.<br /> <br /> He said he would improve essential services like health, education and accelerate infrastructural development of all parts of the state.<br /> <br /> Asked if the gale of defection of prominent PDP members would not affect his chances, he said the exit of a few individuals would not stop his victory.<br /> <br /> He said the party was not in anyway affected by the defection, adding that party members were more determined than ever to liberate the state from APC.<br /> <br /> “It is normal for people to change parties, but the question is, what is the impact? When Obanikoro left, did anybody go with him?<br /> <br /> “When Salvador left, our former Chairman, he left alone. The people are still in the party. Chief Bode George is here, so are all the great party men.<br /> <br /> “So, we are winning in 2019. No doubt about that. The people are tired and they want a change in PDP,” he said. (NAN)

Latest-News LAGOS 2019: I will beat Sanwo-olu flat — Agbaje boasts

The People’s Democratic Party(PDP) Governorship Candidate in Lagos, State, Mr Jimi Agbaje, says he will beat All Progressives Congress (AP...

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Anenih buried in his home-town

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="400" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNunsV0vqmz9VTZqKhthxtPd3XSqnDIguDVa37tpH-FmAwKWDikgZaHdbFlRu2CHdGlcva3Tifj62hyphenhyphenXHufCMViVPQm1EJnO7YZCAH0MJnbb33n2HqRBaK8zGWW2gD5ftOFZAAFXikTA9L/s400/Tony-Anenih.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Anthony Anenih, the Iyasele of Esanland, has been buried.<br /> <br /> Late Anenih was interred at his mansoluem in his country home residence at Uromi, Esan North East local government area.<br /> The interment was witnessed by family members and few friends.<br /> <br /> A funeral mass held at the St Anthony Catholic Church, Uromi, was well attended by dignitaries and many residents of Uromi.<br /> Commercial motor-cyclist known as Okada performed gyration in the street of Uromi.<br /> <br /> Candidates of various political parties for next year’s general election stormed the venue with their campaign vehicles.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In his homily, Bishop of the Uromi Diocese, Rev. Father Donatus Ogun, warned political parties against engaging in campaign of calumny.<br /> <br /> Bishop Ogun who wondered who would fit into the shoes of Anenih in Esanland in terms providing the needed Leadership.<br /> <br /> He described the late‎ Chief Anenih as good a Christian and man of his word, who spoke of his conviction irrespective of political affiliation.<br /> “He was called Mr. Fix it not because he could solve all problems, but because he believed any problem can be solved if people are ready to shift ground.<br /> <br /> “He was a man of integrity who lived by his words. As a Catholic, consistency was‎ exceptional to him. He was outstanding politician and mentor, who kept his promises, who believed in giving others opportunity to be,” he said.<br /> <br /> Bishop Ogun said it would be difficult to find replacement for Chief Anenih in Esan land, saying that anyone to replace him must start with the generosity of himself, Anenih was generous with hs person, time and resources, adding “he was generous to a fault”.<br /> <br /> He warned Nigerians and politicians not to make promises they cannot fulfill ‎because God will demand account from them.<br /> <br /> Speaking on political campaigns for 2019 general election, the Catholic Bishop urged politicians to do their campaign based on issues.<br /> “Nigerians are tired of hearing rubbish, give us something fresh when we go to bed. If you‎ are hiring a campaign manager, tell us what you want to do to improve our lives,” he said.<br /> <br /> Dignitaries at the event included, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his wife, Betsy, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, President Mohammadu Buhari represented by Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Chief James Ibori, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, former President Good luck Jonathan, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor Seriake Dickson, Senator Matthew Urhoghide and Prince Joe Okojie.<br /> <br /> Others were Alhaji Atiku Abubakar represented by his running mate, former Governor Peter Obi,. Chief Dan Orbih amongst others.

Latest-News Anenih buried in his home-town

Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Anthony Anenih, the Iyasele of Esanland, has been buried. Late Anenih was interre...

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T.B. Joshua prophesied death of former US President George HW Bush

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv3Dv9RSYfd68lAktmpz_QqpO-0XivQnnsQNKz6lwUXU5ZmpAYws9DBNPANzXtQQNxhe2TfW7cVy8GsyEiHOqmyfUsOdhb3CX9iRKxV6sAAn4_5yUfm2Z_NOpxwrUp0P87nR_UBNZpzja/s1600/TB-Joshua.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKv3Dv9RSYfd68lAktmpz_QqpO-0XivQnnsQNKz6lwUXU5ZmpAYws9DBNPANzXtQQNxhe2TfW7cVy8GsyEiHOqmyfUsOdhb3CX9iRKxV6sAAn4_5yUfm2Z_NOpxwrUp0P87nR_UBNZpzja/s320/TB-Joshua.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> As the news of the death of former American President George HW Bush reverberates around the world, a YouTube video has emerged showing his passing was foretold weeks earlier by famed Nigerian Prophet T.B. Joshua.<br /> <br /> Speaking on Sunday 21st October 2018, Joshua – who has gained a reputation for accurate prophetic pronouncements – told congregants he was “seeing death” of an ex-president, adding “this one is very close”.<br /> <br /> “A president who is very sick outside this country – I am seeing death. They will try to revive him but no way. He has been an ex before now,” the Nigerian cleric stated in a broadcast televised live via the Christian television network Emmanuel TV.<br /> <br /> “Let the will of God be done,” Joshua concluded his message.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In the early hours of Saturday 1st December 2018, news was announced that the 41st President of America, George HW Bush, died at the ripe old age of 94.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3rqOMLTZG_HY_iZoZNyjSPb_dtrGzUk3e5YM6vwPG8eO5WM6CFHctJpWJZs0eT9ScoXkg62kBOXA8j6W2im4fWIWMaNZl1QtWt2GKo4tK9PyVIXBfhE9CEEe_nTq4IkR1In3u1B4wugR/s1600/George-H-W-Bush.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3rqOMLTZG_HY_iZoZNyjSPb_dtrGzUk3e5YM6vwPG8eO5WM6CFHctJpWJZs0eT9ScoXkg62kBOXA8j6W2im4fWIWMaNZl1QtWt2GKo4tK9PyVIXBfhE9CEEe_nTq4IkR1In3u1B4wugR/s400/George-H-W-Bush.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Tributes have poured in from around the world for the Republican stalwart who navigated America through a tricky period of history, defined by the end of the Cold War.<br /> <br /> US flags are flying half-mast in tribute to Bush, whose wife of 73 years Barbara died earlier this year.<br /> <br /> In confirmation of Joshua’s prophecy, Bush’s health has been failing in recent years with the onset of a form of Parkinson’s disease, leaving him dependent on a wheelchair.<br /> <br /> This is not the first high-profile passing Joshua has prophesied. The video of his revelation relating to the death of US pop legend Michael Jackson went viral in 2009.<br /> <br /> Joshua’s channel Emmanuel TV recently became the first Christian ministry channel to surpass one million YouTube subscribers.</div>

Latest-News T.B. Joshua prophesied death of former US President George HW Bush

As the news of the death of former American President George HW Bush reverberates around the world, a YouTube video has emerged showing hi...

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BREAKING: Super Falcons beat South Africa on penalties to retain AWCON title

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPqJRqjD4hMm_qt_IRIt6sTNPFdIK3Kp2dxtMJ8szMKJ05Vj3ZuKiITRbrHOr-J2Gds3Gddzk7nZQ4LJNiE8cKnKms-oOl3l7wPyH8WkeVef_p5IhOGHC0QbTO7OuJ9w8c_VC7TCHKUr5/s1600/27798625.295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPqJRqjD4hMm_qt_IRIt6sTNPFdIK3Kp2dxtMJ8szMKJ05Vj3ZuKiITRbrHOr-J2Gds3Gddzk7nZQ4LJNiE8cKnKms-oOl3l7wPyH8WkeVef_p5IhOGHC0QbTO7OuJ9w8c_VC7TCHKUr5/s1600/27798625.295.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> The Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated the Banyana Banyana of South Africa on penalties to successfully defend their Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) title in Ghana of Saturday.<br /> <br /> Both sides had played in the the group phase of the competition, with South Africa coming out on top and have stayed unbeaten on their way to the final.<br /> <br /> The South Africans were gunning for their first AWCON title in history, but their efforts proved abortive throughout the thrilling encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium, as Nigeria won 4-3 in the shootouts.<br /> <br /> The triumph means the Falcons have won the title a total of 9 times, and a third title consecutively.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> More to follow…</div>

Latest-News BREAKING: Super Falcons beat South Africa on penalties to retain AWCON title

The Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated the Banyana Banyana of South Africa on penalties to successfully defend their Africa Cup of Nations...

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Atiku finally gets US visa, jets out of Nigeria

Latest-News Atiku finally gets US visa, jets out of Nigeria

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WATCH VIDEO: Jimi Agbaje alleges destruction of campaign billboards

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="540" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2Mjl6SoLxjrTFnOvgTSGptGn7RIQBKbuGZEThT_naDGE1WZfi3EJAXxNjwev9rY9pz5rz_jpfVB0O2Ns9i9o_8HyN_3lT4GAl8H8GU-jCqZEMJUMTT8uha3iUMSocKoppHhvN1z-A4bO/s640/Mr.-Jimi-Agbaje.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <br /> The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, on Saturday, alleged that his campaign billboards were vandalised overnight.<br /> <br /> On his verified Twitter handle, Agbaje said, “Early this morning, our boards were vandalized and removed just as campaign commenced. Some of our deployment staff were also threatened with violence and warned to desist.”<br /> <br /> WATCH VIDEO BELOW...<br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Early this morning our boards were vandalized and removed just as campaign commenced. Some of our deployment staff were also threatened with violence and warned to desist. <a href="https://t.co/Ub7RPo6tq4">pic.twitter.com/Ub7RPo6tq4</a></div> — Jimi Agbaje (@jimiagbaje) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimiagbaje/status/1068774250704707584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><br /> <br /> <br /> “Fellow Lagosians, we must stand against this sort of tyranny. This is no ordinary election. This is a fight for freedom. A fight for Democracy. A fight for Lagos. We will not be silent and we will not be oppressed or suppressed into a corner. This time around, Democracy must win.”<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> His running mate, Yemisi Busari also shared the same video and said, “It has come to our notice that some of our campaign boards that were stationed on third mainland bridge were destroyed overnight. I must say this is very disappointing to see. This is not Freedom. This is not Democracy. This is not the Lagos the people want to identify with.”<br /> <br /> December 1 the official start of the governorship campaign ahead of the 2019 election.

Latest-News WATCH VIDEO: Jimi Agbaje alleges destruction of campaign billboards

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, on Saturday, alleged that his campaign billboards...

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I’ll remain in APC to fight injustice, candidates’ imposition – Marafa

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrXobO_CTm8-ZijCnFBnBBm7ZdRtbXdGzAYH-SZPkU8QkISDlOtZbRPoiHieWsWd2myRm-hQsc2qjX9TrVr-jAYmHC5k9Anbj6nXC-JbftVGIUO256T4EddAp0SHKekTP0BKW8MHNM4YT/s1600/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrXobO_CTm8-ZijCnFBnBBm7ZdRtbXdGzAYH-SZPkU8QkISDlOtZbRPoiHieWsWd2myRm-hQsc2qjX9TrVr-jAYmHC5k9Anbj6nXC-JbftVGIUO256T4EddAp0SHKekTP0BKW8MHNM4YT/s320/APC-LOGO-17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The All Progressives Congress member representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Kabir Marafa, has vowed not to defect to another party in order to contest next year’s governorship election.<br /> <br /> Marafa, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), said he would remain in the party and fight injustice and imposition of candidates by some leaders of the APC.<br /> <br /> The INEC deadline for the substitution of governorship candidates ended on Saturday, making it impossible for Marafa to participate in next year’s governorship poll on the platform of the APC.<br /> <br /> The Independent National Electoral Commission had banned the APC from submitting candidates for the governorship, national and state assembly elections from Zamfara State, following its inability to conduct primaries there.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> While Governor Abdul’aziz Yari favoured an indirect primary to elect his successor, Marafa, a leading governorship aspirant in the state, insisted on the direct process.<br /> <br /> The development led to series of litigations which prevented INEC from recognising any candidate of the APC from the state, for the 2019 polls.<br /> <br /> Marafa, who was rumoured to have been considering defection in order to actualise his dream, however, explained in a statement on Saturday that he would remain in the APC.<br /> <br /> He said, “I will remain in the APC to support and lead President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election campaign in Zamfara State and to ensure that Governor Abdul’aziz Yari fails woefully in his attempts to impose somebody as candidates of the party in the state.<br /> <br /> “I am going to remain in the APC to ensure that we end all forms of injustice and imposition of candidates. We won’t rest until leaders who engage in such undemocratic acts and their cohorts are effectively retired from politics.”<br /> <br /> Marafa, while thanking the people of the state for their maximum support and cooperation with him, said his decision to remain in the APC, despite all pressures was in appreciation of their tremendous support and in their best interest.

Latest-News I’ll remain in APC to fight injustice, candidates’ imposition – Marafa

The All Progressives Congress member representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Kabir Marafa, has...

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Fasehun’s death, great loss to Yoruba race – Adams

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReo6g0_jSbGLdhFfmOSc1cD9F7IW_0XJnBijk1J0J9ruc1sRNFuNXMa-287SAk3vrJPh_J6bpYEqJZSrEKc3JP_taw3UVAorYxfZfAdHlYXoBiy72m3inJsa7k8aubWW0Sad_ifhoEdUx/s1600/gani-adams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReo6g0_jSbGLdhFfmOSc1cD9F7IW_0XJnBijk1J0J9ruc1sRNFuNXMa-287SAk3vrJPh_J6bpYEqJZSrEKc3JP_taw3UVAorYxfZfAdHlYXoBiy72m3inJsa7k8aubWW0Sad_ifhoEdUx/s320/gani-adams.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief (Dr) Gani Adams, has described the death of Dr Fredrick Fasehun as a great loss to the Yoruba race.<br /> <br /> Adams also said the death was a great loss to Nigeria and the world at large, pointing out that Faseun left behind a worthy legacy.<br /> <br /> Fasehun died in Lagos in the early hours of Saturday. He was 83 years old.<br /> <br /> Adams in a condolence letter copied to commiserate with the family of the founding father of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), pointed out that he received the news of the death with shock and disbelief.<br /> <br /> “It was with shock that I received the sad news of the passing of our Papa and founding father of OPC which occurred today, December 1, 2018.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “This, no doubt, is a moment of great grief for the entire family of OPC, Yoruba nation, Nigeria and the world at large.<br /> <br /> “But it is also clear that the deep sense of loss over the demise of our beloved leader is shared by many like me.<br /> <br /> “I hasten, therefore, to address this statement to commiserate with the immediate family over this painful bereavement,” Adams said.<br /> <br /> The Aare Ona Kakanfo added that, the deceased in his life time made outstanding contributions to the progress of the nation in many capacities, and no doubt left behind a worthy legacy through his careers as a renowned medical doctors and politician among other achievements.<br /> <br /> He emphasized that the late Fasehun was one of the good doctors trained in China as an acupuncturist.<br /> <br /> “A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 90s, I see him as a father, and I passed through him for a period of five years.<br /> <br /> “Baba deserves all respect because he acquitted himself so diligently, and will also be remembered as a distinguished leader in all ramifications, and one that was greatly admired by the general public and his peers as a straight forward and complete gentleman,” he said.<br /> <br /> Adams pointed that the deceased deserved all the tributes having had the privilege of close association with him as a leader, father and confidant for many years, adding that he can affirm his democrat lifestyle nature.<br /> <br /> “He demonstrated wisdom, honesty and good leadership, established friendship, harmony and accommodation across board. He was as a community leader and a prominent patriot, which was no doubt a testimony to be reference to.<br /> <br /> “Baba exhibited very good leadership qualities, wisdom and wealth of experience which indeed he put to use in the discharge of his responsibility, as well as upholding the institution’s tradition of excellence, while alive,” said Adams.<br /> <br /> According to him, Fasehun will also be remembered for his invaluable contributions to building a better society.<br /> <br /> “I extend on behalf of my family, the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) our sincere condolences on the transition of our beloved leader and father and pray that the Almighty God grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.<br /> <br /> “Until his death, Fasehun was the Founding father and Spiritual Leader of the Oodua People’s Congress.<br /> <br /> “This was based on the peace resolutions perfected by the former Governor of Ogun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel on March 7th, 2005, which led to my emergence as the National Coordinator of the OPC,” Adams added.<br /> <br /> NAN

Latest-News Fasehun’s death, great loss to Yoruba race – Adams

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief (Dr) Gani Adams, has described the death of Dr Fredrick Fasehun as a great loss to the Yoruba ra...

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Pastor Abiara warns Nigerians of danger ahead

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="400" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Wy6dj3VxmAXBsjwy2xlyu9Z0yTviYMgGJ-9cpHl4E9U0EmBNkMoTUaLBhnrcKL7y32AUbo2VNGb7IZ8UE7FmZ3kC0sW5s1xKDRdREvHiJb9KS_ZxJwlSKLDFTEly_jwez-oYKjZSchC1/s400/Samuel-Abiara.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> The General Overseer, Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala Itura, Ibadan, Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara has alerted all Nigerians that there are dangers ahead of the forthcoming 2019 general elections if something is not urgently done.<br /> <br /> The cleric however said God had told him that there will be peace in Nigeria if the people can push aside their tribal and religious sentiments and pray for the country.<br /> <br /> Pastor Abiara gave the warning on Saturday while addressing an international press conference to herald the church annual Jesus Festival International with the theme “And God said” where notable pastors are expected to pray for the unity and peace of the country and every danger ahead.<br /> <br /> The festival which will commence on Monday 3rd December will round off with a thanksgiving service on Sunday 9th December, which also doubles as the 76th birthday of the cleric.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Notable clerics from within and outside the country billed to minister and pray at the weeklong festival include, Pastor William Kumuyi (Deeper Life Ministries), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo (KICC) and Pastor Isaac Abiara (CAC Agbala-Itura, USA).<br /> <br /> Others are, President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, Archbishop Joseph Akinfenwa (Anglican Bishop), Prophet Esther Ajayi, CAC General Evangelist, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji and Baba Abiara, the host.<br /> <br /> Abiara who is the immediate past General Evangelist of the CAC said one of the objective of the event is to bring ministers of God all over the world together to pray for Nigeria because the country needs it ahead of the 2019 elections.<br /> <br /> He said one of the dangers ahead is the unresolved minimum wage, pleading with the government to positively consider approving the proposed N 30, 000 even if would be to cut down some huge government expenses in the interest of the people.<br /> <br /> He said “Nigeria needs fervent prayers at this time, particularly towards the forthcoming general elections so that peace of God will reign before, during and after the elections.<br /> <br /> “I cease this opportunity to call on all people of the world, particularly the politicians, people in government, business men and women, students, artisans, judges, lawyers and all professionals they should come within this week so that we can all raise our voice in prayer to God for the peace, progress and prosperity of our country.<br /> <br /> “There are many clerics and denominations praying for the country and that is why there is still peace in this nation. Prayer has been the saving grace upholding the country.<br /> <br /> “God told me that there will be peace for Nigeria if we pray. If we pray for Nigeria, the future is good and there won’t be any problem, if we pray irrespective of religion of denomination.<br /> <br /> “We don’t need to listen to the prophets of doom concerning the country. I call on other prophets and other servants of God even if they see anything negative, we must not speak evil but pray for the peace and unity of the nation.<br /> <br /> “There is danger ahead but with prayers we know all will be resolved especially among the politicians.”<br /> <br /> The cleric also enjoined the people to shun hate speech and be ready to exercise their franchise.<br /> <br /> “Nigerians need to shun hate speeches in our efforts and campaigns especially the politicians. Hate speech must be an abomination. Politicians must speak in peace.<br /> <br /> “Nigerians must go out to vote for people of their choices. You must not allow yourself or your children to be used as tool of violence and hooliganism. It is dangerous.<br /> <br /> “Parents must warn their children not to be used for violence. Nigerians must not sell their vote because it has longer repercussions.<br /> <br /> “Government must do the needful to ensure that workers salary issue is resolved. The demand for N30, 000 must be favourably considered by government because it is one of the dangers ahead. This is an issue that can cause problem and rancour if not handled well.”

Latest-News Pastor Abiara warns Nigerians of danger ahead

The General Overseer, Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala Itura, Ibadan, Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara has alerted all Nigerians that there are...

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I’ll compensate farmers affected by flooding – Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpdZXsZOTsugXrbAkqtn7IavUkOmdr_s6DiBrP8FoqQKLmzZLok9_XNUKdP45soH_FALcbM98PXharRUEIqKzbs4SZ8ieqYz3LjRUDGsqTLMchb4LnL-ug5qYP0xF3dAAtnWXL_gHILkL/s1600/buhari+side.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="400" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpdZXsZOTsugXrbAkqtn7IavUkOmdr_s6DiBrP8FoqQKLmzZLok9_XNUKdP45soH_FALcbM98PXharRUEIqKzbs4SZ8ieqYz3LjRUDGsqTLMchb4LnL-ug5qYP0xF3dAAtnWXL_gHILkL/s320/buhari+side.png" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that his administration will compensate farmers adversely affected by the excessive rains experienced in the country this year.<br /> <br /> This was contained in his message to Farmers’ Day 2018 held Saturday at Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, which was organized by Nigeria AGIP Oil Company for farmers in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Imo States.<br /> <br /> The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said “Two weeks ago, the National Food Security Council met and we approved a compensation package for all flood impacted farmers and fishermen.<br /> <br /> “I want to assure all flood affected farmers and fishermen that you will be helped. This government is with you in your time of need. As I speak to you now, the modalities for this compensation programme are being finalized and very soon, we shall start implementation.”<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> President Buhari commended the theme for the Farmers’ Day, which is, Youths, Agents of Agricultural Development in the Niger Delta, noting that farming is the bedrock of the Nigerian economy.<br /> <br /> “Our future economic prosperity hinges to a large extent on how we modernize and expand our agriculture,” he added.<br /> <br /> Underscoring the place of youths in developing agriculture, President Buhari said “Youths account for some 62% of our population. This group, full of energy and drive, are the catalyst that will steer Nigeria in the direction that will make us realize our full potential.<br /> <br /> “For many years, our God-given resources have been abandoned, under-utilized or mismanaged. This is very apparent in the field of agriculture. In the past three years, we aggressively pushed the agricultural agenda with special emphasis on youth empowerment.<br /> <br /> “Across many value chains, we are supporting meaningful projects in partnership with private sector players. This is the only way Nigeria can feed itself in a sustainable manner. We are working very hard to enable the youths actively participate in this agricultural revolution, and I take this opportunity to congratulate you all on responding positively to this call.”<br /> <br /> The President urged youths to stay focused, stressing that active participation is a patriotic duty, whose success will create millions of jobs for many generations to come.<br /> <br /> “We cannot afford to remain a mono-product economy, relying only on oil as our mainstay. We cannot continue feeding ourselves with imported food when God has blessed us with all the bountiful resources we need to feed ourselves,” he said.<br /> <br /> Thanking farmers across the country for their resourcefulness, President Buhari disclosed that the country was on course towards food self-sufficiency, adding that the importation of rice, maize, and other grains had significantly reduced.<br /> <br /> He also said that the Federal Government was working to revive the River Basin Authorities, in order to plan for lean times.<br /> <br /> On the excessive flooding, President Buhari waxed philosophical: “Floods are a natural phenomenon that man cannot control. I want to appeal to you all not to be dispirited, but to rise to the challenges.”<br /> <br /> He then reiterated the pledge that compensation would be paid soon to farmers that suffered reverses.

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Live Commentary: Nigeria 0-0 South Africa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGbhMO6Kq8-LBD_q25kIGfqjI2j200bI3qza6OCvNXJCTzDNaD2mHwmBpf_8cBOr5SIiyXaJ5FoxIBI6CE6SkkFhrnW-v7nt98V0UybT_E4HTDUmP-Oi3euPf_vGHdyefZU-yiC2fDzFw/s1600/27798625.295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGbhMO6Kq8-LBD_q25kIGfqjI2j200bI3qza6OCvNXJCTzDNaD2mHwmBpf_8cBOr5SIiyXaJ5FoxIBI6CE6SkkFhrnW-v7nt98V0UybT_E4HTDUmP-Oi3euPf_vGHdyefZU-yiC2fDzFw/s1600/27798625.295.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> Hello, good afternoon and welcome to <b><i>Nigerianeye's</i></b> coverage of the closing ceremony and the grand finale of the 2018 Women’s AFCON staged in Ghana.<br /> <br /> After two weeks of grueling and exciting football, South Africa’s Bayana Bayana and the Super Falcons of Nigeria go toe to toe to see who will be crowned Queens of African football.<br /> <br /> Banyana Banyana of South Africa coach, Desiree Ellis, believes her team can beat the Super Falcons again to lift their first ever Africa Women Cup of Nations.<br /> <br /> The South African coach said with a good team and good planning, they will prove to be the banana peel that will cause the defending champions to slip in the tournament.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In their opening group B game, Nigeria dominated the South Africans, but couldn’t find the punch, until Thembi Kgatlana scored and put the game beyond the reach of the Falcons.<br /> <br /> “We will work together as a team and plan again. And hope to execute the plan because that’s all it is about. We have never won the Women’s AFCON and we are going to give it a shot and see what happens,” said Ellis.</div>

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We’re rebuilding Ayefele’s music house on compassionate ground, says Ajimobi

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH3eWa8Z1IPp2jhLQYP2YCuIN-wFah-Z4b9qWx-yeLTtUbBF7lDgB1_iDIaZydee88Plhb7Z54Ni92vJGfw3zN_gucDlwvmhNfoJ3HN9tNuUiXs4CZwDSXOEtSr5n_Pw1FTk77_zZ48y1/s1600/Ayefele-ajimobi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="412" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH3eWa8Z1IPp2jhLQYP2YCuIN-wFah-Z4b9qWx-yeLTtUbBF7lDgB1_iDIaZydee88Plhb7Z54Ni92vJGfw3zN_gucDlwvmhNfoJ3HN9tNuUiXs4CZwDSXOEtSr5n_Pw1FTk77_zZ48y1/s320/Ayefele-ajimobi.png" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The Oyo State Government has said the ongoing reconstruction of the façade of the Music House, owned by the Gospel Musician, Mr. Yinka Ayefele, which was partially demolished in August, this year was done on compassionate ground.<br /> <br /> The governor said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji.<br /> <br /> According to him, the government said its intervention was informed by the acknowledgment of contravention of the state building code by the management of the Music House and the personal appeal by Ayefele to the Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.<br /> <br /> Tunji also explained that the appeal by various stakeholders to the state government, as well as the preparedness of the owner of the building to rectify the contraventions, which would involve the reduction of the frontage fence line by 1.5m, among others, informed the intervention by the governor.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He added that the parking lots at the tail end of the building close to the entrance of Lagelu Estate had also been reduced by 10.9m to allow visibility.<br /> <br /> Similarly, he said that the current frontage of the building was being remodeled to become the back of the building, while the current back of the building had been converted to the frontage.<br /> <br /> In line with the recommendation of the joint committee of the state government and the Music House management, he said that an entrance was being reconstructed from the rear of the building to the staircase housing the ram for the exclusive use of Ayefele.<br /> <br /> He added, “There is also the recession of the current façade on the frontage of the building by 2.9m. The new fence will be grill fence to ensure visibility, while a staircase will be built at the basement to access the studio.<br /> <br /> “The structural elements in the building will also be strengthened, while the two projections at both ends (stair halls) of the current frontage will be retained.”<br /> <br /> Tunji said that the clarification by the government, as well as newspaper reports credited to Ayefele on Sunday where he thanked Ajimobi and stated that the governor had “through this magnanimity helped us to right our wrong and we shall be eternally grateful to him” should lay the matter to rest.<br /> <br /> He advised those seeking to rubbish the political capital built by the governor in the past seven years through purposeful governance and unprecedented achievements to look elsewhere.<br /> <br /> Tunji added, “Following Mr Ayefele’s admittance of breach of procedures in the construction of the building and his subsequent apologies, as well as intervention of well-meaning members of the public, the governor agreed to temper justice with mercy.<br /> <br /> “The governor’s approval on the reconciliation of the issue was communicated to Mr Ayefele on October 19, 2018, where His Excellency also approved the assistance on the reconciliation agreed upon on compassionate grounds, as he earlier promised publicly.”<br /> <br /> “It is necessary to put it on records that the governor or the state government was not out to witch-hunt the popular musician or anybody, but had acted to safeguard members of the public who daily ply the roads contiguous to the Music House.”</div>

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Courtois names world’s top-three goalkeepers, snubs David de Gea

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HQ3AojWsptwgynBGARpipHgygrQiFFuhP6VWuUChGNP7v4vZdtb8WvdKolWUF0MAD4Icy0-ml0UwgotYSkmc7tWp-FgCxig86clA_caVE3vzqq3VGQZZ_Hzz7LohCMIIpXnuU26WYCK6/s1600/Thibaut+Courtois2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HQ3AojWsptwgynBGARpipHgygrQiFFuhP6VWuUChGNP7v4vZdtb8WvdKolWUF0MAD4Icy0-ml0UwgotYSkmc7tWp-FgCxig86clA_caVE3vzqq3VGQZZ_Hzz7LohCMIIpXnuU26WYCK6/s320/Thibaut+Courtois2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Real Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois has named the three best shot stoppers in the world, snubbing Man United start, David de Gea.<br /> <br /> The former Chelsea goalkeeper secured a transfer to European champions, Real Madrid this summer, but modestly left himself off his list of the top-three glovesmen.<br /> <br /> Courtois said that Liverpool’s mega-money summer signing Alisson Becker, Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Barcelona No. 1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen are the three best shot stoppers in the world.<br /> <br /> “They are all great goalkeepers, but I do not know who is the best,” Metro UK quoted him as saying.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “I could not go for one.<br /> <br /> “It depends on the defence and also on the whole team, I think I have already shown that I am at a high level.”</div>

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Klopp reveals why Manchester City are dominating Premier League

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oraAjpjsxhOvx12bAf5nM7O4nnWWLOExopegHeyCP4S48gONYEB9Txr5XEgwt_jE8zX1JVt3Y7-_R6pOmApe2RPsiZzAFxZPM41o6scQbhbHVeIitfLgLYMKksCwo6KkFiAP8x0d0CB3/s1600/jk2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oraAjpjsxhOvx12bAf5nM7O4nnWWLOExopegHeyCP4S48gONYEB9Txr5XEgwt_jE8zX1JVt3Y7-_R6pOmApe2RPsiZzAFxZPM41o6scQbhbHVeIitfLgLYMKksCwo6KkFiAP8x0d0CB3/s320/jk2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has said that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are doing very well in the Premier League because other teams are giving the Citizens too much respect.<br /> <br /> City won the Premier League last season with a record 100 points from 38 games.<br /> <br /> Guardiola’s side currently top the English top-flight league table this term, two points ahead of second place, Liverpool.<br /> <br /> But Klopp is not happy with the way other teams approaches their title rivals, City.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Speaking ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Everton on Sunday, Klopp told Sky Sports: “A lot of teams saw that we were good at that and realised they were overplaying.<br /> <br /> “If the team gives us the opportunity to do it we will still be there with the counter-press. But very often it is not possible.<br /> <br /> ‘A lot of teams also play counter-attack against us. They don’t have the same respect for us that they have for Man City, for example.<br /> <br /> “Against City, you watch it and wonder what they are doing. A week later they play us and they are thinking, right, let’s try.<br /> <br /> “City deserve that but it makes a big difference because we have to be 100% concentrated all the time.”</div>

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AFCON 2019: CAF strips Cameroon of hosting rights

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFkJgbE_QDBSrTsVK3WNvSer6tROcYcxn2kHK-meWSDLLprIiN3ZJR9gPD1wuttS_T4FzRRM0SF8K9k4noWCO5HkwwoGTmJu2lMEGYrL7UXGz3yaYPCOGABs_QPSqDezM_0_ypdccfdTX/s1600/Caf-logo-.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFkJgbE_QDBSrTsVK3WNvSer6tROcYcxn2kHK-meWSDLLprIiN3ZJR9gPD1wuttS_T4FzRRM0SF8K9k4noWCO5HkwwoGTmJu2lMEGYrL7UXGz3yaYPCOGABs_QPSqDezM_0_ypdccfdTX/s320/Caf-logo-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped Cameroon of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations hosting rights, because of concerns about the country’s security and infrastructure.<br /> <br /> According to a statement on CAF’s website, the decision was taken at Friday’s Exceptional General Meeting in Accra.<br /> <br /> The confederation’s executive committee has now opted to re-open bidding for the tournament, which is due to kick off in June 2019.<br /> <br /> While Cameroon bid to host a 16-team tournament, they have been unable to convince CAF that they have the infrastructure to host an expanded event.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> CAF President, Ahmed Ahmed, reportedly told journalists that any countries interested in putting themselves forward as potential hosts, have 21 days to present their candidacy.</div>

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My next 4-yrs will be significant, says President Buhari

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxxTLoqne4o8_mWA0Bnv8miIPisqO1CwOrGNWIaE0ZI99o1oDUCK72HaNfMoxsIn7Gn3v-gMpLGGweDzmiEtRezajoHivbhAqeOAEQwTj59JntYPzB7zGXvwrdtAC7sYR7Y4QMyen4hhM/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxxTLoqne4o8_mWA0Bnv8miIPisqO1CwOrGNWIaE0ZI99o1oDUCK72HaNfMoxsIn7Gn3v-gMpLGGweDzmiEtRezajoHivbhAqeOAEQwTj59JntYPzB7zGXvwrdtAC7sYR7Y4QMyen4hhM/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that given opportunity for another four years will be quite significant for the country.<br /> <br /> The President has also appealed to politicians to go about the campaigns decently and peacefully, saying that there is no other country for the people apart from Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Speaking at the flagging off of his 2019 Presidential campaign tagged, “Next Level, the APC Road Map,” at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Buhari said the choice Nigerians will make in the elections would help to shape the economy.<br /> <br /> According to him, “The next four years will be quite significant for our country. Nigeria is faced with a choice to keep building a new Nigeria-making a break from its tainted past which favoured an opportunistic few.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Our choices will shape us-our economic security and our future prosperity. Nigeria, more than ever before needs a stable and people-focussed government to move the agenda for our country forward. Join us on this journey to the Next Level of a prosperous, strong and stable Nigeria!”<br /> <br /> He said four years ago, we promised Nigerians real change in what we do and how we do it. Nigerians sent a clear message in the last election and our platform offered a new ambitious plan for a secure, prosperous and corruption-free country.<br /> <br /> “We have worked hard to fulfill our promises and while the road may have been difficult, over the last three and half years, we have laid the foundations for a strong, stable and prosperous country for the majority of our people.<br /> <br /> “Foundational work is not often visible, neither is it glamorous but it is vital to achieving the kind of country we desire. Judging by the prior depth of decay, deterioration and despair that Nigeria had sunken into, we are certain that these past few years have put us in good stead to trudge on the Next Level of building an even and stronger nation for our people.<br /> <br /> “First things had to come first. We were a nation at war – but we delivered on our commitment to secure the territorial integrity of our nation in the face of a raging insurgency that devastated many parts of the North East.<br /> <br /> “We liberated 17 local government areas from the grip of insurgency. Brokering and sustaining peace in the Niger Delta has also been crucial to stabilising the polity. Despite the difficult circumstances presented by weak oil prices and reduced oil production, we delivered on our commitment to make public investments to spur economic growth, job creation, and broad based prosperity.<br /> <br /> “Agriculture continues to expand our economic base, as do our investments in deficient infrastructure across the length and breadth of this nation.<br /> <br /> “We implemented a responsible and transparent fiscal plan for the challenging economic times that saw us.”<br /> <br /> He said that even as his administration lays the foundation for a stable and prosperous nation, there was still much to do.<br /> <br /> He said, “The next level of effort focuses on job creation across sectors. From an enlargement of the N-Power programme to investing in technology and creative sector jobs to agriculture and revolutionising access to credit for entrepreneurs and artisans, there is scope for over 15 million new jobs.<br /> <br /> “We believe that our people who are still in poverty have a direct way out and up through our expanded National Social Investment Programme.<br /> <br /> “We know that, to succeed, moral integrity and conscience must continue to form the dominant character of our nation and its leadership. Corruption is an existential threat to Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “Despite the gains we have made in closing the gates, we know that there is still much ground to cover to stop systemic corruption. We are committed to deepening the work we started this first time such that the nation’s assets and resources continue to be organised and utilised to do good for the majority of our people.<br /> <br /> Speaking at the occasion, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha said the gathering offered a unique opportunity to receive first hand the success story of the administration.<br /> <br /> He said, “We came in when Nigerians clamored for change and the rest of the world look up to our nation for direction. We came in when hope was lost. A leader with distinct integrity was needed for our nation. The journey has been tortuous but we have weathered the storm. The<br /> administration has given good governance its proper meaning.<br /> <br /> “On October 6, I sat all night watching the event in Port Harcourt, I thought we might have a contest.. your re-election next year has become more obvious.”<br /> <br /> He also said that results of the three House of Representatives bye-elections in three states were eloquent testimony of the achievements of the government.<br /> <br /> He said, the winnings yesterday (Saturday), show a pattern that 2019 will take<br /> APC won House of Reps seats in Bauchi, Katsina, but the one that is sweetest is the one in Kwara.”</div>

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BREAKING: OPC founder, Fasehun is dead

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesRPf_lvrCBgwV-qyeayzfsSMABNduXtQAQy5f5ylovRMzVwtKh4g-HLd6X-I1SA7sTpAh1JP9WD5STxwCUX79MXMTVbfGi0_WsqCCsDEtKFJVLeh9Th7obPR22FL40GLJBN2_Bia5mm2/s1600/Frederick+Fasehun.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesRPf_lvrCBgwV-qyeayzfsSMABNduXtQAQy5f5ylovRMzVwtKh4g-HLd6X-I1SA7sTpAh1JP9WD5STxwCUX79MXMTVbfGi0_WsqCCsDEtKFJVLeh9Th7obPR22FL40GLJBN2_Bia5mm2/s320/Frederick+Fasehun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The founder of Odua Peoples Congress, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has died.<br /> <br /> Fasehun, it was learnt, died in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.<br /> <br /> The octogenarian, it was learnt, was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital on Tuesday where he remained until his demise.<br /> <br /> Confirming his death to our correspondent on the telephone, Fasehun’s spokesman, Mr. Adeoye Jolaosho, said the late OPC founder was confirmed dead after a brief illness.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “It is true, baba died last night at the ICU in LASUTH, Ikeja,” he said.<br /> <br /> Fasehun was born in Ondo Town, Ondo State in 1938.<br /> <br /> He was a medical doctor and hotel owner and was responsible for the recent revival of the Unity Party of Nigeria, a party formed by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the 1970s.<br /> <br /> He studied science at Blackburn College and furthered his education at Aberdeen University College of Medicine. He also studied at the Liverpool Postgraduate School after which he had a Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons, according to Wikipedia.<br /> <br /> In 1976, he studied acupuncture in China under a joint World Health Organization and United Nations Development Scholarship Program.<br /> <br /> In 1977, he set up an Acupuncture Unit at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. He resigned in 1978 and immediately set up the Besthope Hospital and Acupuncture Centre in Lagos. The Acupuncture Centre once earned a reputation as Africa’s first for the Chinese medical practice.<br /> <br /> The OPC is a Yoruba-based organization formed to actualise the annulled mandate of Chief MKO Abiola, who won the presidential election of 12 June 1993 but was barred from office.<br /> <br /> Fasehun was imprisoned for 19 months from December 1996 to June 1998 during the military rule of Sani Abacha.</div>

Latest-News BREAKING: OPC founder, Fasehun is dead

The founder of Odua Peoples Congress, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has died. Fasehun, it was learnt, died in the early hours of Saturday at th...

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Okocha is the best African player ever - Rio Ferdinand

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-z4eqGr3q42WVHDCQVOBql85q4JK81Sfmb5CPsVcRP8-fR0T5fKqyvFFXEHFPDOgaqRjJ8t6I4GpzvTbaLzmarV4eqdtG5PXBMsqwf7aXDsyhU0quRmbFc7yMVVTWRHiyTn5xjZjor0A/s1600/Okocha.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-z4eqGr3q42WVHDCQVOBql85q4JK81Sfmb5CPsVcRP8-fR0T5fKqyvFFXEHFPDOgaqRjJ8t6I4GpzvTbaLzmarV4eqdtG5PXBMsqwf7aXDsyhU0quRmbFc7yMVVTWRHiyTn5xjZjor0A/s320/Okocha.jpg" width="310" /></a></div> Former Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has poured encomiums on former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, branding him one of Africa’s best footballer ever to have played the beautiful game.<br /> <br /> Rio who is on a visit to Nigeria courtesy Guinness, said Okocha was one player he grew up to adore as one of the greatest African players who influenced a lot of black youths in the diaspora to take to football.<br /> <br /> Speaking at a question and answer session at the Oba Akran, Ikeja headquarters of Guinness Nigeria yesterday, the former defender said, “We used to watch Jay Jay Okocha’s videos and everyone wanted to play like him. It was great he played in the Premier League after making his name with Eintracht Frankfurt and PSG. Nigerian players of that era, Okocha, Oliseh, Kanu had a lot of influence on black players around the world.”<br /> <br /> He also praised Didier Drogba as the best African striker to have played in the Premier League. “Drogba scored winners against us when we were playing and Samuel Eto too was very good.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He extolled the qualities in Guinness and what the organisation stood for. “Guinness is bold, strong and stands out as a unique brand with a distinct character.”<br /> <br /> Commenting on Rio Ferdinand’s visit to Nigeria, the Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Baker Magunda remarked, “Guinness is a bold beer for extraordinary people and we are delighted to be working with Rio Ferdinand, a player who has constantly demonstrated bold creativity, imagination and confidence on the field.”</div>

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Former Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has poured encomiums on former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, branding him on...

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We’ll not interfere in your election, Britain tells Nigeria

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59s9Hm0XhhxXpnl3yQH8FYdqvOsjlwWT-nPTyDCzPD7smCHTnq8I2TTUTXvjc-ENciuQYBys3f-K-7PdEDSnk3-0C8U0w7oJT_BntOm-Wk3P87_T0W2JNFRH2qPz_Fgd0YGM_qgLAYbHH/s1600/Nigerian+National+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi59s9Hm0XhhxXpnl3yQH8FYdqvOsjlwWT-nPTyDCzPD7smCHTnq8I2TTUTXvjc-ENciuQYBys3f-K-7PdEDSnk3-0C8U0w7oJT_BntOm-Wk3P87_T0W2JNFRH2qPz_Fgd0YGM_qgLAYbHH/s320/Nigerian+National+flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The British Government has said it would not interfere in Nigeria’s 2019 general election. Britain, however, urged the Nigerian Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure that free, fair, credible and violent free election is conducted.<br /> <br /> The Deputy British High Commissioner, Harriet Thompson, stated this in Umuahia when she led a delegation from the British High Commissioner, Abuja, to interact with the Abia State Police Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike.<br /> <br /> It stated that it would engage the INEC, on allegations against them by parties to ensure that the election is free and credible.<br /> <br /> According to her, “British Government is desirous of seeing Nigeria conduct credible elections. We are working closely with INEC. We will take them up on any allegation them. It is critical for INEC to provide an enabling environment for a free and fair election.’’<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a></div>

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Buhari, Obaseki, Ibori, others bid Anenih farewell

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiKFvSGH9lm0VycsOEYzP60MYbUkYLymAsEqkx2hlbDuoieC_P63b58_wEyhZJoI_suQ5ZWbWJ6G05Ixr60FsHeO-xxqFweh3c8otLDb7wvqigPmMbb8stbEsCcofrhXGL_1HBA8n4YR8/s1600/buhari2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiKFvSGH9lm0VycsOEYzP60MYbUkYLymAsEqkx2hlbDuoieC_P63b58_wEyhZJoI_suQ5ZWbWJ6G05Ixr60FsHeO-xxqFweh3c8otLDb7wvqigPmMbb8stbEsCcofrhXGL_1HBA8n4YR8/s320/buhari2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Tributes poured in yesterday as the remains of the late  Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Tony Anenih arrived in Benin City for a requiem mass.<br /> <br /> In his tribute after a requiem mass at the University of Benin Sports Complex, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire described the late Anenih as a politician of “uncommon calibre, a worthy son of Edo land and pride of Esanland.’’<br /> <br /> On his part, Governor Godwin Obaseki said: “He was not known to be nepotistic. He looked beyond ethnic divides to get talents. His legacy is for us to close ranks and work together for the development of our country and Edo state”<br /> <br /> Ex-Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Ogiadomhen, said Anenih was a nationalist.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A former governor of Delta State, Cheif  James Ibori described him as  a good and courageous man who “stood at difficult times to say what he believed in.”<br /> <br /> Similarly, former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion said Anenih was a household name across the country,“he was always on national assignments building consensus.”<br /> <br /> The state Chairman of PDP, Cheif  Dan Orbih, said he would keep the party alive in the state as a way of honouring Anenih.<br /> <br /> Catholic Arch Bishop of Benin Diocese, Bishop Augustine Akubueze urged leaders in the country to use their time to enhance national growth.<br /> <br /> Akubueze advised the people to vote for competent leaders.<br /> <br /> He said the late Anenih used his time to impact on so many lives hence the array of personalities at the requiem and commendation service held in his honour.<br /> <br /> Akubeze charged political leaders to change the melody in Nigeria and sing a new song by ensuring that only competent people rule the country.<br /> <br /> He urged politicians to realise that they were first Nigerians before being members of political parties.</div>

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Lagos 2019: Remember us when you become governor — Fulani Monarch urges Sanwo-Olu

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJxKgU6k4Tx6d0-TN5zaQheIra8eZyOGC1wDPhH_od113gIsLsjqI4DQoDfT8jtVYxDCbbpbNF1ms0OhEsPIog8SfeCbG-6TA5xnFVptlGyUBotdlE2LpG3OjrnOXNwwvoDffYUH-pj7r/s1600/Babajide+Sanwoolu.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJxKgU6k4Tx6d0-TN5zaQheIra8eZyOGC1wDPhH_od113gIsLsjqI4DQoDfT8jtVYxDCbbpbNF1ms0OhEsPIog8SfeCbG-6TA5xnFVptlGyUBotdlE2LpG3OjrnOXNwwvoDffYUH-pj7r/s320/Babajide+Sanwoolu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Sarkin Fulani of Lagos State, Alhaji Mohammed Bambado has urged the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to remember the Arewa community in Lagos State if God assists him to become governor next year. The Fulani monarch made the request while welcoming Sanwo-Olu, who paid a courtesy visit to his palace in Surulere for royal blessings towards the next February general elections.<br /> <br /> According to Bambado, many a time, various candidates visited the palace with a lot of promises but at the end, the Arewa Community was forgotten after they have been able to achieve their aims.<br /> <br /> However, the monarch sai that, “with Babajide Sanwo-Olu and people around him, the Arewa Community will see changes and to achieve that, the Arewa Community should be part of the Government, not minding being minority but we are an important stakeholders and we contribute to the economic development of Lagos State.”<br /> <br /> In his response, Mr Sanwo-Olu commended the leadership of Alhaji Bambado the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos for the peaceful atmosphere in his domain and the firm control of his subjects.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a></div>

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We’ve identified those behind false death toll on Metele attack – Army

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVti5uZuntmuMcAlkv_6emHMKrV9n-_cVZjeDu0DXBBqmcyfIhdhzbkRichditNngy2cAxCl43OliiJFeKBc7XuJdDPapOMumv756IQKJ8X71vTK2VZfii8I2ND_lR0f_tZvCZ426R1Ew/s1600/Nigerian+army.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVti5uZuntmuMcAlkv_6emHMKrV9n-_cVZjeDu0DXBBqmcyfIhdhzbkRichditNngy2cAxCl43OliiJFeKBc7XuJdDPapOMumv756IQKJ8X71vTK2VZfii8I2ND_lR0f_tZvCZ426R1Ew/s400/Nigerian+army.jpg" /></a></div> The Nigerian Army said it has identified some persons who released false death toll on Metele attack, saying it was pressing legal action against them.<br /> <br /> The army also said information at its disposal showed that the identified persons were working closely with terrorists not only to destabilize democracy in particular but the entire country in general.<br /> <br /> It, however, said no amount of mischief or pressure from any quarter would circumvent the journey to a peaceful, free and fair general elections in Nigeria and asked for continued support, encouragement and understanding of well-meaning Nigerians as it intensifies the fight against insurgency and terrorism in the country.<br /> <br /> A late night statement, Friday, by the army through its spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman, said:” We have however identified the few unpatriotic harbingers of the fake news on the attack at Metele and would take appropriate legal actions against them.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The statement captioned:”Leave Nigerian Army out of politics and fake news,read in full:”The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern the deliberate and concerted efforts to mislead the public by some people through misinformation. Thus creating erraneous impression of the Nigerian Army through inaccurate and false publication of casualty figures on the unfortunate attacks on some of its locations in the North East.<br /> <br /> “The latest of this worrisome development was the attack on our troops location at Metele, Borno State, in which some persons and media outlets continued to circulate various wrong acounts and inaccurate casuality figures of own troops without efforts to verify from the military.<br /> <br /> “This is coming at the heels of our release of 28th November 2018 in which we gave accurate details of the attacks and casualty figures in a bid to set the records straight and inform the public true account of things. We also promised to continuously carry the public along through accurate and timely information dissemination on operations and other activities of the Nigerian Army in the release.<br /> <br /> “However it was observed that the trend continued unabated. Most of these inaccurate, false reports and fake news were aimed at denigrating the leadership of the Nigerian Army.<br /> Regrettably, the rate at which some mischievous persons ignorantly attack the Armed Forces of Nigeria, especially the Nigerian Army is very alarming and unfortunate. This is deliberate attempt to demoralise the Nigerian Army which would have devastating consequences on troops’ will to discharge their constitutional duties especially in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, thus affecting national security.<br /> <br /> “We would like to warn all those mischief makers to keep the Nigerian Army out of their politics and mischief. Journalists and media platforms should be professional and accurate in their reportage. The achievements of the Nigerian Army within the last three years are glaringly obvious, therefore, whatever recent temporary setbacks we experienced in the course of the fight against terrorism and insurgency should not be the yardstick for condemning these laudable three and half years’ accomplishments.<br /> <br /> “We have however identified the few unpatriotic harbingers of the fake news on the attack at Metele and would take appropriate legal actions against them.<br /> <br /> “This is to ensure that the Nigerian Army is insulated from propaganda and ulterior motives of destabilising the country.<br /> <br /> “The Nigerian Army is quite aware that the perpetrators through these acts are covertly supporting terrorists and their activities in Nigeria with a long term objective. We are also aware that they want to use insecurity to scuttle and subvert the democratic process in the country.<br /> <br /> “Consequently, we would like to state unequivocally that no amount of mischief or pressure would circumvent the journey to a peaceful, free and fair general elections in Nigeria. We therefore need the continued support, encouragement and understanding of well meaning Nigerians as we deal decisively with the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hibernating at the fringes of our borders with contiguous countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic.<br /> <br /> “We are committed to the defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria. We hasten to state that we will continue to be professional in our assigned roles and remain apolitical at all times. Once more we warn mischief makers and proponents of misinformation and fake news to desist from the such practice and join other well meaning, law abiding Nigerians to support our Army to countering terrorism and insurgency in the country.”</div>

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President Buhari thanks Ireland for helping Nigeria during civil war

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2McsV4o_3r016eAWbUsqzzTgzhvFok5uwnqL1j_QBMbPOFJEG6qafCwrDKWc4k-BVc4h0oB7cpa4yJ3fJ7hpQWa8GXR80cVjT1GsEQV23yeMcD-6H9KfAVNRMiLUbZwNk0dFvWOm8fhnm/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2McsV4o_3r016eAWbUsqzzTgzhvFok5uwnqL1j_QBMbPOFJEG6qafCwrDKWc4k-BVc4h0oB7cpa4yJ3fJ7hpQWa8GXR80cVjT1GsEQV23yeMcD-6H9KfAVNRMiLUbZwNk0dFvWOm8fhnm/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Republic of Ireland and its people for standing by Nigeria during her difficult moments.<br /> <br /> The president, who spoke when he received the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland, Mr Sean Hoy, cited Ireland’s support during the Civil War, and the current efforts to rebuild the devastation in the North-Eastern parts of the country.<br /> <br /> The Ambassador was on a farewell visit to the State House, Abuja.<br /> <br /> The President noted in particular, the work of Irish doctors and priests in their humanitarian support for Nigerian communities at all times.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Nigeria and the Irish Republic enjoy excellent bilateral relations marked especially by the work of Irish medical teams and missionaries during the civil war, and the ongoing efforts in dealing with the humanitarian situation in the North-East.<br /> <br /> “We appreciate what your country is doing for us,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> President Buhari also thanked the outgoing ambassador for enhancing the relationship between both countries.<br /> <br /> In his remarks, Hoy said he was leaving Nigeria to his next post, Brazil, with mixed feelings considering the enormous goodwill he enjoyed in Nigeria, and the improvements in the relations between the two nations.<br /> <br /> He promised the continued assistance of his country to the efforts in rebuilding the North-East, stressing that, “It concerns all of us. We will continue to support you.”</div>

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FG deploys drones to fight Boko Haram

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Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush Dies is dead

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8XpPFpK2Pj5Q5CcJrRBaIcc6wX1nwaRMHzboCXl2mFz4pirKdQX8P5Q3O7wKvhXlfkRq5IsGFOdlDZ3pAjLLoQ5GZmiLi2zSrd62Yddh2-CNp5hMFcOIZdis57dttRU5poZvQv8tbR2d/s1600/George-H-W-Bush.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8XpPFpK2Pj5Q5CcJrRBaIcc6wX1nwaRMHzboCXl2mFz4pirKdQX8P5Q3O7wKvhXlfkRq5IsGFOdlDZ3pAjLLoQ5GZmiLi2zSrd62Yddh2-CNp5hMFcOIZdis57dttRU5poZvQv8tbR2d/s400/George-H-W-Bush.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Former US president George H.W. Bush, who helped steer America through the end of the Cold War, died Friday at age 94, his family announced.<br /> <br /> Tributes quickly poured in for the former US leader, a decorated war pilot, and onetime CIA chief who also saw his son George follow in his footsteps to the Oval Office.<br /> <br /> Bush’s passing comes just months after the death in April of his wife and revered first lady Barbara Bush — his “most beloved woman in the world” — to whom he was married for 73 years.<br /> <br /> “Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died,” former president George W. Bush said in a statement released on Twitter by a family spokesman.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for,” he said.<br /> <br /> “The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”<br /> <br /> Bush is survived by his five children and 17 grandchildren.<br /> <br /> Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, a family spokesman said. Bush is expected to lie in state in the US Capitol.<br /> <br /> President Donald Trump, who was in Argentina attending a G20 summit of world leaders, hailed Bush’s “sound judgment, common sense, and unflappable leadership.”<br /> <br /> “Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service,” Trump said in a statement.<br /> <br /> “As president, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed.”<br /> <br /> ‘New world order’<br /> Bush — who was born on June 12, 1924, in Milton, Massachusetts into a wealthy New England political dynasty — put his inevitable political career on hold to join the US Navy during World War II.<br /> <br /> He flew 58 combat missions and was shot down over the Pacific by Japanese anti-aircraft fire.<br /> <br /> After a brief career in the oil industry, he entered politics, serving in the US House of Representatives and as chief of the Central Intelligence Agency before being elected Ronald Reagan’s vice president.<br /> <br /> As he accepted the Republican Party’s nomination for president in 1988, Bush pleaded for a “kinder, gentler nation.”<br /> <br /> He went on to easily defeat Democrat Michael Dukakis that November.<br /> <br /> Bush was a foreign policy stalwart who declared a “new world order” in 1990 and drove Iraq from Kuwait in a matter of weeks with a lightning air and ground assault — and the backing of a coalition of 32 nations.<br /> <br /> But he suffered the ignominy of being a one-term president, denied a second term over a weak economy when he lost the 1992 election to upstart Democrat Bill Clinton.<br /> <br /> In his post-presidency, Bush turned to philanthropy — he joined forces with Bill Clinton to raise funds for victims of the 2004 Asian tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.<br /> <br /> He worked with Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama and son George to raise money for hurricane victims in Texas in 2017.<br /> <br /> In 2011, Obama awarded Bush the highest US civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.<br /> <br /> “America has lost a patriot and humble servant in George Herbert Walker Bush. While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude,” Obama and his wife Michelle said in a statement.<br /> <br /> “After seventy-three years of marriage, George and Barbara Bush are together again now, two points of light that never dimmed, two points of light that ignited countless others with their example.”</div>

Latest-News Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush Dies is dead

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President Buhari worried about crisis in Imo APC, says Ganduje

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2BawY-BTh75fMD79hxO5kGgxIss4lSuX6xqpgc7MX0mTlGxU1srsYUkmQ3bsZlmXVO-jBDCaPB2GolS7R3zGO2xVo8SvO6im5EaI4np3VjYv8pWQ6e5a9oRwtdCMgp-QdGqsMfVaPidD/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2BawY-BTh75fMD79hxO5kGgxIss4lSuX6xqpgc7MX0mTlGxU1srsYUkmQ3bsZlmXVO-jBDCaPB2GolS7R3zGO2xVo8SvO6im5EaI4np3VjYv8pWQ6e5a9oRwtdCMgp-QdGqsMfVaPidD/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, on Friday, asked the All Progressives Congress factions in Imo state to settle their differences to ensure the victory of the party in 2019.<br /> <br /> Ganduje said that President Muhammadu Buhari was deeply worried and concerned about the level of crisis which had affected the ruling party in the state.<br /> <br /> The Kano State governor, who spoke in Owerri when his team met supporters of the APC governorship candidate in the state, Senator Hope Uzodinma, as part of ongoing efforts to reconcile the factions in the state, noted that “Imo State is very dear to President Muhammadu Buhari.”<br /> <br /> Asking the factions to call a truce, Ganduje said that the party could not afford to go into the general elections in the state as a divided party.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ganduje said, “We are here for dialogue. We are here for peace. We are worried. But we are concerned and determined.<br /> <br /> “We are here to see that those who are aggrieved are brought back to the party.<br /> <br /> “After this meeting, we are going to meet with all the aspirants, of both sides. This is just to meet with members of the APC. The main meeting will be with the aspirants in the night.<br /> <br /> “There could be some aggrieved members of the House of Representatives, senators and other members of the party. But we are pleading to all the members of the APC to come together and win the election.<br /> <br /> “We are here to see you people so that we can discuss heart to heart and put the pieces together. All hope is not lost.<br /> <br /> “Election is coming and you have to unite and make adequate arrangements for the election because the President is worried. He directed us to come for reconciliation. He wants all of you to be united.<br /> <br /> “I am happy that all of you are for (President Muhammadu) Buhari. You look determined. You must do a lot of planning. You must sit down locally and win the election.”<br /> <br /> Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, who was part of the delegation, added, “You have heard from the chairman and Senator Godswill Akpabio, my own is going to be an addendum. You are not going to have an isolated election.”<br /> <br /> Senator Godswill Akpabio said the crisis in Imo State APC could be resolved if the factions would put the interest of the party first.<br /> <br /> He said, “This is a serious business. Whether you are factionalised or not, the victory of the APC in Imo State is assured. Even though we have not seen Hope (Uzodinma), I can see hope in your faces.”<br /> <br /> Ganduje and his team had on Thursday held a meeting with the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and his supporters as part of the ongoing efforts to reconcile the APC members in the state.</div>

Latest-News President Buhari worried about crisis in Imo APC, says Ganduje

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, on Friday, asked the All Progressives Congress factions in Imo state to settle their differences...

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Boko Haram attacks military base again, 1 dead, 7 injured

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="663" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_QOZBvIbi2QRgIxy6GoJ5p8bqdNV1FeQ45U3I2n5MVgCk1ikXSWQTKDTb512asX_cdbswi8Y3cvMUeFFgpuLpUlRSRdnVZX8YKJhRQTP7x9WSYDUhA1xnJD8GIxDi4RP7XzrYKXpMxHQ/s400/Boko-Haram+%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> Boko Haram militants attacked an army base in northeast Nigeria, killing one soldier, military sources told AFP on Friday, a day after regional leaders urged more international support to fight the jihadists.<br /> <br /> Fighters with the Islamic State West Africa Province came in trucks fitted with anti-aircraft guns and attacked the base in Arege village near the fishing town of Baga on the shores of Lake Chad.<br /> <br /> The base came under attack before dawn, prompting clashes, a military source revealed.<br /> <br /> “The attack was successfully repelled but unfortunately a soldier was killed and seven others were injured,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the incident.<br /> <br /> The same base came under attack on Wednesday, but the militants failed to overrun it “and suffered heavy casualties,” a military statement said on Twitter.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The jihadists have in recent months intensified their attacks on military bases in the northeast, with the most audacious taking place on November 18, when military sources said at least 43 soldiers were killed at a base in Metele near the border with Niger.<br /> <br /> Troops who survived said over 100 of their colleagues were killed, but after a long period of silence, the military on Wednesday gave an official figure of 23 deaths.<br /> <br /> The latest attack came a day after President Muhammadu Buhari went to N’Djamena to meet top leaders from Chad, Niger and Cameroon to discuss how to deal with the surge in violence.<br /> <br /> Buhari is under pressure to show his administration is winning the fight against Boko Haram ahead of a presidential election in February at which he will seek a second term in office.<br /> <br /> “The heads of state and government expressed their deep concern with regards to the upsurge of attacks and expressed the crucial need to change their modus operandi in the fight against Boko Haram,” a joint statement said after the talks.<br /> <br /> The nine-year conflict has killed about 27,000 people and displaced 1.8 million from their homes in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the European Union and the Economic Community of West African States have expressed concerns over the increase in attacks by terrorist groups in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> They said the spate of attacks posed a great challenge to the forthcoming 2019 general elections.<br /> <br /> The two organisations made the observation in a communiqué issued at the end of 22nd ECOWAS-EU political meeting in Abuja on Friday.<br /> <br /> The meeting was at the ministerial level of the EU and ECOWAS.<br /> <br /> It was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Mustapha Suleiman, and Secretary of State of Finance Republic of Austria, Hebert Fuchs, who is the chair of the Council of the EU.<br /> <br /> Sulaiman represented the chair of ECOWAS Council of Ministers while Fuchs spoke on behalf of the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.<br /> <br /> The communiqué read in part, “The participants exchanged views on the security and humanitarian situation in the north-east Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “Both sides commended the progress made in the fight against Boko Haram but noted with concern the recent increase in attacks by terrorist groups.”<br /> <br /> “Referring to its support provided to the Multinational Joint Task Force, the EU expressed its commitment to support the countries of the Lake Chad Basin in addressing the multiple remaining challenges in this region through a comprehensive approach,” it stated.<br /> <br /> The participants noted the challenging general security environment ahead of the February 2019 elections in Nigeria.

Latest-News Boko Haram attacks military base again, 1 dead, 7 injured

Boko Haram militants attacked an army base in northeast Nigeria, killing one soldier, military sources told AFP on Friday, a day after reg...

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Drama as PDP presidential campaign council names eight different spokespersons

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDaDDmrOX41JiDSLG7BzutgT32X4IdGMa_bK9PYcbkj0fYQBXn7921l0qdPN6jKa3q2GWgzl46EVPIWQi_JSXWK2Cjw92STLrsstee1quYETJK0mp0ex_ze0V9SBhMSVEbCtiMVrsx_W3/s1600/dino+melaye+qq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDaDDmrOX41JiDSLG7BzutgT32X4IdGMa_bK9PYcbkj0fYQBXn7921l0qdPN6jKa3q2GWgzl46EVPIWQi_JSXWK2Cjw92STLrsstee1quYETJK0mp0ex_ze0V9SBhMSVEbCtiMVrsx_W3/s320/dino+melaye+qq.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council on Friday named eight persons as its spokespersons.<br /> <br /> A statement by the Director, Media and Publicity of the council, Mr.Kola Ologbondiyan, listed the spokespersons as Buba Galadima, Akin Osuntokun, Osita Chidoka, Senator Dino Melaye, Nnenna Ukeje, Segun Sowunmi, Kazeem Afegbua and Umar Sanni.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the eight names were arrived at after a heated argument among the members of the council, majority of whom were said to have what a source called “vested interests.”<br /> <br /> It was learnt that the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, which was in place before the ex-VP became the candidate of the party, had its preferred candidate for the position.<br /> <br /> Also, the Director-General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Bukola Saraki, was also said to be insisting that some of his loyalists be given some juicy positions in the council.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> At the maiden meeting of the council in Abuja on Friday, it was gathered that the council was unable to reach an amicable decision on the matter.<br /> <br /> However, Saraki told journalists after the meeting that the council would release some names “soon.”<br /> <br /> In the list that was later signed and released by Ologbondiyan, a former Minister of Youths and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi was named as a member of Communication and Strategy unit.<br /> <br /> Also named was a former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke as Deputy Director-General, Operations while former presidential aspirant, Taminu Turaki, (SAN) was named as Deputy Director-General, Administration.<br /> <br /> According to the statement, the other directorates include: Contact and Mobilisation, which is headed by the National Organising Secretary, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd.); Youth, Udeh Okoye; Women, Mariya Waziri; Finance, Abdullahi MaiBasira; Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan.

Latest-News Drama as PDP presidential campaign council names eight different spokespersons

The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council on Friday named eight persons as its spokespersons. A statement by the Direct...

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EFCC arrests Lebanese with $2m cash at Abuja airport

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="447" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQddMhBwWSJueI7UY0Z_KTtZUEdXk4xyp3TRD0ltrFF84aE6wqye9_OV4xcyoOev7Jy4jIXRa3sPi4CMJKLPBJYLcGVb6ArtmfViXcynQWgWDuuBhN-NuEiUsCS-PuC22I4rTPl5OsRHpq/s640/EFCC-arrests-Lebanese.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Lebanese, Abbas Lakis, with $2million cash.<br /> <br /> Lakis, who was picked up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja penultimate Friday, is being investigated for money laundering.<br /> <br /> According to a statement by the Acting Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Tony Orilade, the Lebanese was intercepted following an intelligence report that he had the cash on him.<br /> <br /> The statement said the “intelligence report indicated that the undeclared huge sums of monies were aboard the Egypt Airline bringing him from Kano Airport en route Lebanon.<br /> <br /> The statement said: “At the point of arrest, a thorough search on his luggage uncovered $2,104,936, £163, 740, and €144,680.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “ Other currencies found with Lakis include Riyal 391, CHF 3,420, Lira 435, £109,000, Dirhams 10,135, ¥10,000 and Riyal10, in his possession.<br /> <br /> “He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the EFCC has arraigned one Bello Na’ Allah Yabo, a Deputy Director, Accounts, Ministry of Police Affairs, before Justice A.I. Ogunmoye of the State High Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.<br /> <br /> He was arraigned on a 13-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent diversion of funds and money laundering to the tune of N145,342,063.<br /> <br /> The offence is contrary to Sections 383(1) and 390(5) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2009.<br /> <br /> A statement by EFCC said: “Yabo is facing trial alongside his company, Imrana Ventures, for allegedly using his position as a former Pay Officer, Nigeria Police Force, Ekiti State, in 2015 to divert to his personal use, money meant as the emoluments of police officers in the state. The defendant allegedly concealed the proceeds of crime through his company account domiciled in Unity Bank.”<br /> <br /> ”One of the counts reads: ‘That you, Bello Na’Allah Yabo, a.k.a. Imrana Ventures, between February 3 and 5, 2015, in Ado-Ekiti, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently converted to your use the sum of N21,899,600.00 (Twenty- One Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Six Hundred Naira), property of the Nigeria Police Force.’<br /> <br /> ”The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, George Chia-Yakua, asked for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody.<br /> <br /> ”The defence counsel, Y.C, Maikyau, prayed the court to move an application for bail dated November 14, 2018 on behalf of his client.<br /> <br /> ”However, the prosecution counsel opposed the bail application on the grounds that the defendant had not placed any material before the court to warrant being granted the bail.<br /> <br /> ”He, therefore, prayed the court to reject the defendant’s application for bail in totality.<br /> <br /> Justice Ogunmoye, after listening to both counsels, adjourned the matter to December 6, 2018 for ruling on the bail application and January 22 and 23, 2019 for commencement of trial.<br /> <br /> The defendant was remanded in Federal Prison, Ado- Ekiti.

Latest-News EFCC arrests Lebanese with $2m cash at Abuja airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Lebanese, Abbas Lakis, with $2million cash. Lakis, who was picked up...

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Nigerian Army rolls out new strategies to fight Boko Haram

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="624" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6ymPO_9bmr5pbsPYb7FUF8h1XvHa_Vninj-L8Sny4ddFCt-SlH5VSRwLdRW7zLKyVAaqy319X4_LBbeFWNgQ_RCg_kMPVAPZjxeGfrpU4sEz_CxkDPIw5dwpr0rqbLEviHfWeKT-4MH6/s640/Niger-Republic-soldiers+jtf.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> The Nigerian Army said yesterday that it had put in place new strategies to fight and defeat Boko Haram insurgents in the country.<br /> <br /> The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, at the closing ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri, stated that the conference afforded the participants to deliberate on critical areas, such as leadership, command, responsibilities and doctrine.<br /> <br /> The Army Chief gave a stern warning to operational commanders against leadership failure, just as he urged them to remain committed and focused on their duties.<br /> <br /> Lt. Gen. Buratai, who regretted the recent setbacks suffered by troops in the Theatre Command, charged the troops not to be deterred but rather be determined to ending fighting the war to the finish.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He noted that the Nigerian Army from next year will embark on aggressive training of personnel and ensure more synergy with other security agencies to achieve the desired results.<br /> <br /> Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Chief of Army Staff called on officers and soldiers to remain neutral in discharging their responsibilities.<br /> <br /> Lt. Gen. Buratai said the army hierarchy would neither be distracted nor dragged into partisan politics.<br /> <br /> He said: ”The theme was carefully selected to remind us of our constitutional role as an army operating under democracy, especially as we approach general elections. The Nigerian Army is apolitical and must remain non-partisan in the conduct of the elections”<br /> <br /> The Army Chief said the conference with the theme, “Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria,” was carefully crafted to shun the lures of politicians .<br /> <br /> “It is incumbent on us to maintain peace in our areas of responsibilities and shun the lures of politicians and in appraising our operations, we noted the need to increase our manpower, maintain our role and get less involved in roles for the Nigerian Police,” he added.<br /> <br /> He said: “We deliberated on a lot of salient issues, including the issues of leadership, command responsibilities. I was pleased to listen to thought-provoking deliberations generated during discussion sessions. I believe there is hope for Nigeria with the officers that will take over the army leadership in future.”<br /> <br /> He said there had been clear leadership failure and lack of initiative among senior and junior commanders, stressing that this must be checked and directed operational commanders at all levels to imbibe leadership virtues in coordinating their subordinates.<br /> <br /> “The recent unfortunate incident involving our troops has given me great concern. We have not done enough in providing adequate protection,” Buratai stated.<br /> <br /> While cautioning the commanders, Buratai said: “We must remember our oath to defend the nation at all cost. In this regard, the recent activities of Boko Haram should not deter us. We must end the menace”.

Latest-News Nigerian Army rolls out new strategies to fight Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army said yesterday that it had put in place new strategies to fight and defeat Boko Haram insurgents in the country. The ...

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Lagos traffic robberies: Hoodlums worsen motorists nightmare

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="300" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIcKjhG_zkF1IgHJOkY3EanY7eXODB018xbrbJHun9PKNsyf5PHEw9O51OQHywi3dIgZHBt_-li98VqOpFxClQ7azipxeWzrSL2QW2aqVR7wJfzDDJj1abc3oWRb0mjpDRMT7Z4y29sow/s400/traffic-robbery.png" width="400" /></div> <br /> As Lagos battles its perennial traffic debacle and the state government continues its search for a permanent solution, Eric Dumo writes about how increased activities by robbers is putting the lives of road users at risk<br /> <br /> Johnson Obot saw the other side of Lagos recently. A private taxi operator, the 38-year-old father of four was raised and bred in Orile, a sprawling area in the city. Though a native of Akwa Ibom State, Obot understands everything about Lagos, including the local Yoruba language, which he speaks flawlessly.<br /> <br /> But the young man, who has lived his entire life in the coastal city, was treated to one of Lagos’ unpalatable recurring features last Friday. While driving along the popular Ikorodu Road – one of the longest expressways in the state – to pick up a passenger that had called for his service at Ojota, Obot on getting to Iyana School/Ile-Ile area, met two young men in traffic. The guys stole from him using a simple trick.<br /> <br /> “As I headed towards Ketu from Mile 12 to connect Ojota where a passenger that had called earlier was waiting for me, I encountered traffic around Kosofe bus stop that morning,” the 38-year-old said as he narrated his bitter encounter during a chat with our correspondent. “On getting to Ile-Ile, a guy waved me down, telling me my vehicle had slightly hit someone’s car.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “While still talking to him through the window of the driver’s side and wondering how I could have hit somebody’s car without knowing about it, one of his accomplices stole my two phones from the front passenger seat. Before I understood what was happening, the two of them had disappeared.<br /> <br /> “They crossed to the other side of the road and left with a waiting motorcycle. There was nothing I could do, I just watched in amazement.”<br /> <br /> A very careful and security-conscious person, according to him, Obot said the incident happened on a day he decided to wind down his window for a few minutes after turning off his car’s air conditioner to conserve petrol and also take in some fresh air. But in Lagos, especially in traffic, that is an expensive thing to do.<br /> <br /> “Of course, I have heard about cases of robbery in Lagos traffic, I thought that era was gone, I never knew it was still happening.<br /> <br /> “In fact, if I had known that this was still happening in places like Ikorodu Road, I would have been more careful. My smartphone is what I use to get bookings from customers, and losing it has affected my work a lot. I am trying to get money to buy a new one,” he said, expressing bitterness.<br /> <br /> While the two guys used a simple trick to steal from Obot in traffic, the one that was applied to ransack Dele Bamgbose’s car in the Mile 2 area of the city, was quite sophisticated. Returning home from church on the afternoon of Sunday, November 11, 2018, together with his wife and two-year-old son, the insurance broker had no inkling of what laid in wait as he took the Mile 2 Bridge to connect the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway enroute Ijesha where he resides. Trying to wriggle his way out of the traffic, the 40-year-old was ordered to pack at a corner of the road by a young man wearing a brown uniform. He thought the man was a law enforcement agent. He was wrong. He still lives with the regret.<br /> <br /> “Even though I have never seen that kind of uniform in my life, I was compelled to park at a corner of the road after the man ordered me to do so because I thought he was a traffic official,” Bamgbose said. “Two other young men in mufti soon jumped into the car, one in the front and another at the back where my wife and son were seated. They immediately flashed their guns. We were all shocked.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> “It was at that moment that I knew we had fallen into the hands of robbers. They collected my phone, wallet, ATM card and wristwatch while my wife’s handbag and jewellery were also taken.<br /> <br /> “They then ordered me to wind up my glass and quietly drive off or else they would kill me and my family.<br /> <br /> “Surprisingly, all these went on with other people driving by and walking past my car. The guys robbed us in a way that nobody could suspect anything terrible was going on.<br /> <br /> “After they went away, I drove off as quickly as I could. The shock could have made me lose control of the wheels if not for God’s grace upon me that day. My wife and I have yet to get over the incident,” he said.<br /> <br /> Two days before Bamgboye’s experience, Betty Iroha, a 27-year-old single bank worker in the Yaba area of Lagos also had her own bitter taste of this growing menace. Encountering traffic around the Onipanu end of Ikorodu Road at about 6.00am that morning on her way to the office, the young lady, who had recently moved from Aba, Abia State, to Lagos upon landing the bank job last February, ran into a gang. With no law enforcement officer to take them on in sight, the hoodlums became wild. Smashing the rear seat window of her car, they made away with her handbag, laptop, mobile phones and shoes. The gang was ready to cause her more harm if not for some other motorists, who mustered the courage to confront them, forcing them to flee the area.<br /> <br /> “Only God knows what those guys could have done to me if the other drivers on the road hadn’t stopped to scare them away,” Iroha, who is happy to be alive and unhurt from that incident, told our correspondent. “In fact, I was lucky not to have been injured by the window they broke. The particles of the broken glass splashed everywhere; I could have been seriously injured.<br /> <br /> “Everything happened very fast. I ran into the traffic at Onipanu and before I got to Fadeyi, I was attacked.<br /> <br /> “At first, I saw two guys walking across the front of my car; I didn’t suspect anything because everybody was going about their businesses.<br /> <br /> “Within the twinkle of an eye, one of the guys used a hammer to smash the rear seat window. Out of shock, I was forced to apply the brake, hitting my chest against the steering wheel. While still trying to gather myself, the guys took everything they found in the back seat, including my shoes and phones.<br /> <br /> “I wished I could disappear at that moment. I was so afraid but was praying in my heart for them not to rape me. It was a very terrible experience for me.”<br /> <br /> Though not an entirely new problem, robberies in Lagos’s endless traffic snarl appears to be gaining momentum these days, especially with Yuletide fast approaching. Places like Marina, CMS – Costain Bridge, Maryland, Gbagada, Idumota – Eko Bridge, Ikoyi Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge are other places notorious for this type of crime. Criminal elements, devising all sorts of strategies and tricks, are inflicting horror and untold pains on their targets. While many of these hoodlums mostly attack motorists, whose car windows are wound down while stuck in traffic, some others have become daring to the extent of going about with tools that aid access into securely locked vehicles. Road users, who have sometimes proved too stubborn for these thieves, have been severely injured – a permanent reminder for such individuals of their gory experiences.<br /> <br /> <br /> Arrested traffic robbers<br /> For example, Jide Abogunde, a businessman based in the Iyana-Ipaja area of the state, is still nursing injuries he suffered two months ago at the hands of robbers while in traffic at Oshodi – a part of the city notorious for all manner of crimes. Heading home after the close of the day’s business at his shop in Anthony Village, the 34-year-old, while struggling to wriggle his way out of the heavy traffic that had built up due to a fallen petrol tanker, fell into the hands of some thieves. But a tough person himself, Abogunde slugged it out with his attackers. By the end of the muscle flexing, the young entrepreneur got three stab wounds in his neck and hand. He is lucky to be alive to tell his story.<br /> <br /> “I still find it hard to believe that I survived that attack,” he began as he recalled his near-death experience during a chat with our correspondent recently. “I am alive today only through the mercies of God.<br /> <br /> “I never knew those guys were with dangerous weapons, otherwise I would never had struggled with them. I thought they were without such things, so I told myself that I was not going to let go without fighting.<br /> <br /> “As the first guy attacked me asked for my phone, I tried to hit him with my car but the other one came from behind him and stabbed me in the neck. He stabbed me two more times in quick succession as I tried to control the car and fend them off. I became weak at that point as I had begun to bleed heavily.<br /> <br /> “The hoodlums eventually took my phone and wallet before running away. The other car owners saw everything but were too scared to come down from their vehicles to help me. It was a military man driving by that rescued and took me to the hospital otherwise I could have died on the road that night.<br /> <br /> “I am still nursing the stab wounds; they have yet to fully heal. My parents have been very worried, they are afraid, they don’t want me to drive in Lagos again,” he said, his eyes reflecting the sort of agony he’s had to deal with since the incident.<br /> <br /> Indeed, the growing spate of traffic robberies is coming despite various measures reportedly adopted by the Lagos State Government and police authorities to tackle the menace. While for sometime it appeared as if the battle had been won, events of recent days have proved otherwise. Worried by the situation, the Lagos State Government on Thursday, November 22, 2018, said it had come up with a viable solution to tackling the traffic problem especially as Yuletide approaches.<br /> <br /> According to the state government, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority will extend its operations from 5:00am to 12:00am daily as parts of the strategy.<br /> <br /> Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Ladi Lawanson, while making the announcement, said after a closed-door strategic session chaired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, it was resolved that there was a need for a new solution to the problem.<br /> <br /> “Without a doubt, Lagosians know have been going through some hardship which has been occasioned by the gridlock we have in the Apapa area.<br /> <br /> “All we are going through now is approval process that is required to activate the solution,” he said.<br /> <br /> Also adding his voice to the argument, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said adopting an innovative approach was the best way to get a solution for the city’s traffic problem.<br /> <br /> “If there is a road you are travelling on and it has four lanes where there is traffic, and you have another four lanes opposite that is empty and moving, why can’t we think through a solution that in the morning or whenever the traffic builds up, let’s create additional two lanes from these four lanes that is empty.<br /> <br /> “All we need to do is to look at how we solve issues around enforcement and management of it. That is, where is the entry point and where is the exit point of the road. So, the solution is, when the road is blocked, extend this one to be six lanes and the other free two lanes to ease the traffic.<br /> <br /> “You can solve all these problems without even building some of those things that can take you one or two years to build.<br /> <br /> “It is not that this will solve all the traffic problems, but we can design quick fixes, which is similar to the model that we use in some of the toll plazas,” he said.<br /> <br /> According to Sociologist, Fidelis Nwafor, the state and federal governments must improve the condition of roads in Lagos to further reduce the rising spate of traffic robberies in the city.<br /> <br /> He said without free-flowing traffic, motorists would be stuck on the road, exposing them to attacks by robbers.<br /> <br /> “Most of our roads have collapsed abysmally and shockingly works have stopped in some of the construction sites, leaving the heavy-duty equipment to block the road.<br /> <br /> “I think that the state of roads in Lagos have to be significantly improved for us to be able to tackle the menace of traffic robberies. If the roads are smooth and we drastically reduce traffic, these attacks will reduce,” he said.<br /> <br /> <br /> A security expert, Donald Akaeze, told newsmen that indeed crime rate around most parts of the world usually soars towards the end of each year especially as Yuletide approaches. He said that in addition to being alert and not indirectly attracting the attention of robbers while in traffic by display valuables carelessly, individuals while seated in vehicles must ensure that they wound up windows to a level that would make it difficult for such miscreants to easily penetrate. Speaking further, Akaeze advised residents to avoid going about with too much cash and expensive valuables when not necessary as according to him, those are the things robbers are looking for at this time of the year.<br /> <br /> “Individuals while seated in vehicles in traffic must find ways to protect themselves. They have to stay alert and ensure that they wind up their car window so that they don’t attract these thieves.<br /> <br /> “I know these guys are still able to break such windows even when they are wound up; in most cases, their first choice is always those not wound up.<br /> <br /> “Also, people should avoid going about with too much cash or expensive items they don’t have much need for at that particular time. These robberies are inevitable on most of our major roads today but we can minimise what we lose if people try not to go out with all their priced possessions all at once.<br /> <br /> “While stuck in traffic, motorists must always make use of all their mirrors to ensure that they have an idea of all that is going around them. That way, they’ll be able to prepare ahead in case of an attack.<br /> <br /> “If eventually they fall into the hands of these hoodlums, people should stay calm because panicking will rather escalate things.<br /> <br /> “It is also necessary for people to have the emergency numbers of the police and other security agencies so that in cases of danger, they can quickly call the attention of these law enforcement officers to it,” he said.<br /> <br /> Spokesperson for the Police in Lagos, CSP Chike Oti, however, said the police had intensified the use of patrols in every corner of the state, especially on major roads to tackle traffic robbery and as Yuletide approaches. According to him, they have made several arrests and would continue to make life difficult for all those trying to cause unrest in the state.<br /> <br /> “We are aware of the massive construction going on all across the state and the influx of people coming into Lagos at this time to either stay with relatives or purchase various items in the markets. This has contributed to the heavy traffic across the city.<br /> <br /> “However, the police is trying to tackle this problem as evident in the number of arrests they have been making in this regard, however, they cannot be everywhere.<br /> <br /> “The command has made contingency plan for this situation and we are dealing with it seriously. The Riders Unit of the Police have been deployed all around the city to tackle banditry during traffic. This has been yielding tremendous results,” he said.<br /> <br /> <b>Culled from Punch Newspaper</b>

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