VIDEOS: Nigerian Muslim lady narrates how she was sent home from work in US for wearing hijab

Latest-News VIDEOS: Nigerian Muslim lady narrates how she was sent home from work in US for wearing hijab

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Gov. Obaseki makes revelations on APC crisis, fights with Oshiomhole

Latest-News Gov. Obaseki makes revelations on APC crisis, fights with Oshiomhole

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Students, parents protest national ID racketeering, extortion in Lagos

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc97IfGHigQojXDiltBQlcTdy-nhE-BZEGrg3i0XEF55bD9rw_zqhhqcxmHf4eT7YophoORT-0uWkrQz808Nm5p-eK8djcwIwPK2N_82oWxNkgGnvStxR8t4o5pWGv7tqpTDjmJv2b34/s1600/NIMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="750" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc97IfGHigQojXDiltBQlcTdy-nhE-BZEGrg3i0XEF55bD9rw_zqhhqcxmHf4eT7YophoORT-0uWkrQz808Nm5p-eK8djcwIwPK2N_82oWxNkgGnvStxR8t4o5pWGv7tqpTDjmJv2b34/s400/NIMC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Parents and students on Friday decried the alleged extortion of money from those seeking to enrol on the National Identity Number in the Alimosho Local Government Area and Igando Ikotun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.<br /> <br /> They claimed some officials of the National Identity Management Commission in the areas had been demanding bribes ranging from N2,000 to N10,000 for enrollment.<br /> <br /> It was reported that the NIMC dismissed six of its workers for extortion.<br /> <br /> It was learnt that the enrolment process became cumbersome after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board announced in September that the NIN would be compulsory for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Investigations by Saturday PUNCH  on Friday revealed that some parents who also wanted to obtain their national ID cards had spent more than one week trying to complete the process without success.<br /> <br /> A parent, Mr Gabriel Ugbesia, who went to the registration centre on the premises of Alimosho LGA, claimed he parted with  N7, 000 to get his daughter registered.<br /> <br /> He said, “I could not do mine because I could not afford to pay N14,000 for the two of us. My daughter needed it to complete her registration process in the university.<br /> <br /> “I had to give a  bribe after I had been frustrated for over one week. This country is getting worse by the day. Some people come to this centre as early as 4am and there would have been more than 50 people  already on the list.”<br /> <br /> A student at the same centre, Kemi Audu, said, “I got here around 6am today and there were 147 names on the list.<br /> <br /> “Someone told me not to bother about the list because they do not work with it. They said they would only attend to 50 people in a day, and from my findings, they only attend to those who give bribes.<br /> <br /> “This is highly frustrating and I believe that it was caused by the Federal Government’s decision to make the national ID compulsory. Some will even give you fake forms that are being sold for N2,000.”<br /> <br /> Another parent, Mrs Winifred Mark, said she faced difficulties at the NIMC centre on the premises of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Ikeja.<br /> <br /> Mark said, “I have tried it in Ikorodu and Ikeja. They collect between N5,000 and N7,000. I also went to Alimosho Local Government Area, the situation was worse. The names on the list as of  6.15am were about  250  and I was told by one of the council workers that the list was just for formality.<br /> <br /> “They should not have attached JAMB to this thing. Even in Ikeja where they have eight machines, they still have issues.”<br /> <br /> A council worker, who spoke on condition of  anonymity, said, “It is done for N5,000 and it is because of you, any person that cannot pay N7,000 or N10,000 I do not get myself involved.

Latest-News Students, parents protest national ID racketeering, extortion in Lagos

Parents and students on Friday decried the alleged extortion of money from those seeking to enrol on the National Identity Number in the Alimosho Local Government Area and Igando Ikotun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. They claimed som…

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Obaseki makes revelations on APC crisis, battles with Oshiomhole

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJJAz-eq2w5OSrvDK-Gy2bI-_MQBAKm7K4q4dwi8mBk4Cv6yUepyJ3Uo9dLlRjRIb7uDv_PqbwEJAUGHc5GYggFi9om0WqoJQH1lRy-td3cOHz1saSLeG0LliRrb4Wya38EMYHauQtY8/s1600/Godwin-Obaseki.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJJAz-eq2w5OSrvDK-Gy2bI-_MQBAKm7K4q4dwi8mBk4Cv6yUepyJ3Uo9dLlRjRIb7uDv_PqbwEJAUGHc5GYggFi9om0WqoJQH1lRy-td3cOHz1saSLeG0LliRrb4Wya38EMYHauQtY8/s400/Godwin-Obaseki.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has linked the seeming unending political battle in the state to his administration’s fight against warlords and non-state actors, who hitherto controlled resources to the detriment of Edo people.<br /> <br /> Obaseki at a meeting with Benin Elders Forum in Benin City, the Edo State capital, reassured that his administration would remain committed and focused in delivering the dividends of democracy to Edo people through his reforms and developmental projects.<br /> <br /> He said, “You are all witnesses to what is happening and I am sure that you will ask what exactly is going on. When the change occurred in 2016, I had no doubt in my mind to jump into the train to continue the reforms which we had started, but what I didn’t realise is that the rot was so deep and fundamental; it was not just a rot in physical expression but it was becoming cultural.<br /> <br /> “You come into Edo and you cannot drive through the city, because we had warlords that had taken possession of everywhere. In fact, when we had to clear Lagos Street, we found out that people had erected stores and shops on the street. It then became clear that there was a lot more work to do.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The governor continued, “I just could not understand why Oredo Local Government Area, for instance, could not earn more than five million naira as taxes monthly, meanwhile, there were non-state actors who were celebrating having billions in their private bank accounts at the expense of government. Once I came in, these non-state actors began to almost physically threaten the state and I had no choice than to dislodge them in good faith.<br /> <br /> “I thought this was something we had all agreed to do; I thought we were happy that now we can drive through Oba Market; I thought we were all comfortable with the sanity in the city. But today what do we have? A fightback from these characters and they are getting support from sources you can’t believe. How can you have a city and it is only those who refused to go to school and have turned themselves into thugs and touts that want to dominate our polity? How can we have progress?”<br /> <br /> Governor Obaseki, who said his administration will not relent in transforming the economic fortunes of Edo people, said, “In all the things I am hearing, nobody has been able to tell me what exactly the policy issues are. Is it that ensuring you build infrastructure at the right price is not the right thing to do? Or building roads is not the right thing to do? Or is trying to get more resources of the state to work for the people not the right thing to do? Is paying teachers and strengthening the education sector, not the right thing to do? Nobody has told me in all what we have done today that there are some policies that we have, that are wrong.<br /> <br /> “If we must develop, we must begin to grow the yam seed rather than eat it. We are four million people today, in another ten to twenty years, there will about ten million people. So, what’s the plan for the future? We will continue in our developmental strides as long as they impact on the lives of the ordinary Edo people".

Latest-News Obaseki makes revelations on APC crisis, battles with Oshiomhole

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has linked the seeming unending political battle in the state to his administration’s fight against warlords and non-state actors, who hitherto controlled resources to the detriment of Edo people. Obaseki at a…

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Fani-Kayode sends message to Southern Kaduna people

Latest-News Fani-Kayode sends message to Southern Kaduna people

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US strikes again as new air raid on Hashd commander kills 6 medics instead

Latest-News US strikes again as new air raid on Hashd commander kills 6 medics instead

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World War III: France, Germany declare position on General Soleimani’s killing by US

Latest-News World War III: France, Germany declare position on General Soleimani’s killing by US

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Iranian general to be buried on Tuesday

Latest-News Iranian general to be buried on Tuesday

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We won’t rush withdrawal of military from troubled spots -Buhari

Latest-News We won’t rush withdrawal of military from troubled spots -Buhari

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Our focus should be on rebuilding the party — not elections -Atiku to PDP

Latest-News Our focus should be on rebuilding the party — not elections -Atiku to PDP

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I’m filing for Nigerian citizenship… Trump is putting our lives in danger -Cardi B

Latest-News I’m filing for Nigerian citizenship… Trump is putting our lives in danger -Cardi B

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‘We must reject vindictive politics’ — Gbemi Saraki tackles Kwara gov over demolition of ‘Ile Arugbo

Latest-News ‘We must reject vindictive politics’ — Gbemi Saraki tackles Kwara gov over demolition of ‘Ile Arugbo

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UK jails Nigerian stowaways who threatened to kill sailors

Latest-News UK jails Nigerian stowaways who threatened to kill sailors

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Siblings shot dead in fresh Boko Haram attack at Chibok

Latest-News Siblings shot dead in fresh Boko Haram attack at Chibok

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Lagos vigilante shoots pedestrian dead

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnRha_rzxdNJBQ8HtiEvNsdT5KanBxLYGbmx55vScGO7yfP9Z65s77OtLZ8NkiLe3Q70DZSjitFOH-MX7qSjX6kOFRbt-0iIGwGButG4y4Hzu_Fw_jikvYRKjnTLh8yALM8XGTGfUWPU/s1600/vigil-750x400.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="750" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnRha_rzxdNJBQ8HtiEvNsdT5KanBxLYGbmx55vScGO7yfP9Z65s77OtLZ8NkiLe3Q70DZSjitFOH-MX7qSjX6kOFRbt-0iIGwGButG4y4Hzu_Fw_jikvYRKjnTLh8yALM8XGTGfUWPU/s400/vigil-750x400.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The police in Lagos have detained a local security guard, Sikiru Omotayo, for allegedly shooting dead a passerby he suspected to be a thief.<br /> <br /> Omotayo, who was said to be one of the vigilantes at Alaba International Market, allegedly shot at the victim on the suspicion that he wanted to burgle a shop.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the bullet hit the victim, whose identity had yet-to-be identified, in the chest and he died on the spot.<br /> <br /> The incidence was reported at the Ojo Police Station by a shop owner at the electronic section of the market and Omotayo was arrested.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A source  said : “I am also a trader at the market. It was when I resumed work from Christmas break that I learnt about the incident. Everybody blamed the guard because he could have handled the situation differently. Even if he had a strong suspicion that the man was a thief and there was no means to stop him other than shooting, he should have shot him in the leg. The man (Omotayo) has been arrested.”<br /> <br /> The police spokesperson in the state, DSP Bala Elkana, said the command had began investigation into the “murder case.”<br /> <br /> “The man said he received a phone call that one Sikiru Omotayo of Madu Street, Jakande Ajangbadi, who is a security guard in a section of the market, shot and killed somebody suspected to be a thief.<br /> <br /> “A police team visited the scene, took photographs and removed the corpse. Nothing incriminating was found on the deceased. The suspect was arrested and detained while one single-barrelled pump action with five live cartridges was recovered from him.”<br /> <br /> Elkana said the corpse had been deposited at the Badagry General Hospital morgue for autopsy while the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation.

Latest-News Lagos vigilante shoots pedestrian dead

The police in Lagos have detained a local security guard, Sikiru Omotayo, for allegedly shooting dead a passerby he suspected to be a thief. Omotayo, who was said to be one of the vigilantes at Alaba International Market, allegedly shot at the victi…

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I don’t have issues with secular music- Mike Abdul

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwF3w3sbtpG5_D_zvW0f-ejm_mhDkj1_NdSCws7CZqsH7NvC1mVMjLzSr-xExipAc-GOTL9X3e9MJEF8yI6Hzqmo_8Yxs8-311qkv6vp0nZ20SZSeVwUFEp3-3eH1Du4GJ5zadyFlPNRE/s1600/Mike-Abdul.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwF3w3sbtpG5_D_zvW0f-ejm_mhDkj1_NdSCws7CZqsH7NvC1mVMjLzSr-xExipAc-GOTL9X3e9MJEF8yI6Hzqmo_8Yxs8-311qkv6vp0nZ20SZSeVwUFEp3-3eH1Du4GJ5zadyFlPNRE/s400/Mike-Abdul.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Sensational gospel singer, Mike Abdul has stated that he doesn’t have issues with secular music. Abdul also added that gospel music will always be segregated.<br /> <br /> In an encounter with Independentng Mike Abdul said: “I don’t have issues with secular music, because naturally, as people, as much as we want to know about God, we also want to know about love and the gospel artiste is not going to sing about those things. But the secular artiste will sing about them. So naturally, people will give more time and more of their days to listening to those other things.<br /> <br /> “They want to know about money and wealth, and that is what the secular artiste is doing. People also want to be entertained, and the secular artistes will entertain them. That means people will definitely run there more than they would come to the gospel artiste. I think the gospel artiste should understand this and know that he chose it for himself. I don’t think we should seek recognition beyond what the people can give. We cannot force people to recognise us as much as we want them to”.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Asked why gospel music doesn’t get mainstream attention, the ‘Mo rire’ crooner said: “Gospel music will always be segregated because when people go to church on Sundays, from Monday that they resume work, they may not get back to church things until the following Sunday. This is without forgetting that on Friday, some would go to clubs, and they really don’t need you coming into their faces all the time with something they do on Sundays. Sundays have been set aside for that. That is the way people are, so that will definitely affect gospel artistes because that means their music is somehow designed in people’s minds for Sunday. So they have Monday to Saturday to listen to secular music and enjoy it”.

Latest-News I don’t have issues with secular music- Mike Abdul

Sensational gospel singer, Mike Abdul has stated that he doesn’t have issues with secular music. Abdul also added that gospel music will always be segregated. In an encounter with Independentng Mike Abdul said: “I don’t have issues with secular musi…

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Failed visa application: Bovi slams Twitter influencer

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd_YwQ7i5rAYFa98cSER5iCJ74XlqJylhMtGA1j2hmZJC-UWsv1LL9D2nh2PxTjf0QwbSvemeXtAFxonFkX4TAKdh2teEoQohPbeCesNbe4qhEV6MIst0ErRAwviQd3JarlKhhlMfiyE/s1600/bovi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhd_YwQ7i5rAYFa98cSER5iCJ74XlqJylhMtGA1j2hmZJC-UWsv1LL9D2nh2PxTjf0QwbSvemeXtAFxonFkX4TAKdh2teEoQohPbeCesNbe4qhEV6MIst0ErRAwviQd3JarlKhhlMfiyE/s400/bovi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Nigerian comic and actor, Bovi has fired back at popular social media influencer, Tweetoracle for not comprehending a joke he shared about titans being responsible for his failed visa application.<br /> <br /> It all began after Bovi was asked what he would do if he wakes up as the President of Nigeria and he joked that he would “declare Marlians and Titans as terrorist organization.”<br /> <br /> Marlians are fans of Naira Marley, while Titans are fans of Big Brother Naija reality TV star, Tacha.<br /> <br /> After Bovi’s joke on Instagram, he returned to Twitter to make another joke about his visa application being rejected and he blamed Titans for it.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He tweeted: “The US embassy rejected my visa application this morning. These Titans are everywhere!”<br /> <br /> A Twitter influencer, who is also a fan of Tacha, reacted asking Bovi what Titans have got to do with his unsuccessful visa application. He went on to accuse Bovi of seeking attention with Tacha’s name.<br /> <br /> However, Bovi fired back at him, saying he has tunnel vision.

Latest-News Failed visa application: Bovi slams Twitter influencer

Nigerian comic and actor, Bovi has fired back at popular social media influencer, Tweetoracle for not comprehending a joke he shared about titans being responsible for his failed visa application. It all began after Bovi was asked what he would do i…

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Nigerians must stop going abroad for medical treatment - Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-PUQ_gX6k7ktq3ZC0DHgZQVVX1qrF2JmsE2wA6MGvMHK2qUZOTvcmTN_tQNwEuwJerwxY2mVllEIeqJYi3xZF7aLHVrElA5NenYFbDKLvg0EFipFxwN4kOg-8xlrE4mOaw_iUiJdmEXA/s1600/buhari+nn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-PUQ_gX6k7ktq3ZC0DHgZQVVX1qrF2JmsE2wA6MGvMHK2qUZOTvcmTN_tQNwEuwJerwxY2mVllEIeqJYi3xZF7aLHVrElA5NenYFbDKLvg0EFipFxwN4kOg-8xlrE4mOaw_iUiJdmEXA/s640/buhari+nn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, said Nigerians should not continue going abroad for medical treatment.<br /> <br /> “Nigerians have suffered so much going abroad for medical treatment. This is not good for us and it must stop, because we can’t afford it again,” he said.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The President, who himself had travelled to the United Kingdom for treatment on several occasions, stated this at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, during the inauguration and handover of completed projects to the management of the hospital.<br /> <br /> He explained that the project was executed to check flooding and gully erosion in the hospital.<br /> <br /> The President, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, lamented the devastating effects of flooding in the South-East geo-political zone, saying the intervention project would bring relief to the hospital, the state and its neighbours.<br /> <br /> He said the siting of the project in Ebonyi State signalled an end to the era in the country where some parts of the Nigeria were neglected as a result of corruption and favouritism. He stressed that the location of the project in major teaching hospitals across the country showed that no part of the country would be neglected again.<br /> <br /> He said, “We have paid very serious attention to the health of our people and will continue to do so. The projects you celebrate their completion today were seriously affecting the workings of this teaching hospital. But today, we can say their completion have started helping to improve on the performance and welfare of both the staff and patients of this hospital.<br /> <br /> “I wish to use this medium to congratulate the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, and his team in the Ecological Fund Office; the project contractor, Messrs Amayaro Nigeria Limited, as well as the project consultant, Messrs Kanode and Associates Limited, for their commitment to ensuring timely and speedy completion of the project.”

Latest-News Nigerians must stop going abroad for medical treatment - Buhari

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, said Nigerians should not continue going abroad for medical treatment. “Nigerians have suffered so much going abroad for medical treatment. This is not good for us and it must stop, because we can’t af…

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Unknown gunmen abduct three in Kwara, demand N50 million

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="412" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRLVsWzd7TspqABsjD-Vs67DDZahqgZszsHmHYj503vfskP3SDwjuT0xdyGsClFkGAbjB81sZOOdlwnvidDKCwaNUgfM62ih6tUp_jLQ07OXy9Ia8LLApgyOkMIBkuI40WO-nuvl-GEx4/s400/gunmen.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> Gunmen kidnapped three indigenes of Obbo-Aiyegunle in the Ekiti local Government Area of Kwara State on New Year’s Eve.<br /> <br /> According to the former chairman of the council, Chief Ezekiel Gbadeyan, two men and a woman travelling home for New Year were abducted by the hoodlums along Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle road.<br /> <br /> According to sources, the fourth person escaped with serious injuries.<br /> <br /> It was learnt on Friday that the trio’s abductors had allegedly demanded N50m from their families for their release.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Gbadeyan lamented a spate of kidnappings in the area.<br /> <br /> He said, “That was the fourth in the last few weeks but hunters have always been preventing innocent souls from being kidnapped.<br /> <br /> “The hunters have been our saving grace from the menace of these herders in the area.<br /> <br /> “These pathetic occurrences are due to the sorry state of our road as vehicles cannot move freely. Therefore, we are appealing to the state government to assist us in rehabilitating the road.<br /> <br /> “Also, the road that links Obbo-Aiyegunle in Kwara to Ekiti State is also awful. We use this medium to urge the authorities concerned to come to our rescue.”<br /> <br /> Spokesman for the police in the state Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident.<br /> <br /> “We are working seriously to ensure the release of the victims from captivity,” he said.

Latest-News Unknown gunmen abduct three in Kwara, demand N50 million

Gunmen kidnapped three indigenes of Obbo-Aiyegunle in the Ekiti local Government Area of Kwara State on New Year’s Eve. According to the former chairman of the council, Chief Ezekiel Gbadeyan, two men and a woman travelling home for New Year were ab…

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REVEALED: How Ooni of Ife got stuck inside a lift in Lagos hotel

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="412" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4mwTiCU8Brdb8F6BzMsiHXXq8NmHMrmmYq2EP-P78Nvnw3GmfhKrPz09IROxKjKMbOtXOGmmggfYr5oVlRGmFGOpR7rwpXGF-n1CZhE9Vpbgdvinr41sFuajoy72AwS1HEquhzfdmGqW/s400/Ooni-ife.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> There was anxiety on Thursday night as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, got stuck inside a lift at a popular hotel on Victoria Island in the Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the Ooni was at the hotel to watch Queen Moremi. The Musical Reloaded; a stage play produced by the House of Oduduwa Production. The monarch attended an earlier production staged in April, last year.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The latest production ran from December 24, 2019 to January 2, 2020 and shown between 3pm and 7pm. But Oba Ogunwusi chose to watch the last show and on arrival at the hotel, he was ushered into the lift together with his entourage.<br /> <br /> One of our correspondents gathered that the monarch’s entourage numbered about 20 but only some of them were with the monarch when he was trapped in the lift.<br /> <br /> It was reliably learnt that there were apprehension and drama at the hotel lobby as one of the foremost traditional rulers in Africa was stuck for about 20 minutes in the lift.<br /> <br /> A video that went viral on social media on Friday showed some of his aides and admirers shouting at officials of the hotel in anger and frustration to quickly rectify the faulty lift.<br /> <br /> Some of them were heard saying, “He (Ooni) is there, he is stuck. We have been calling them and they keep saying they are working on it. What is that?<br /> <br /> “He has been inside the lift now for 15 minutes and he is stuck. This is a bad thing for your hotel and you call this a Five-star hotel.”<br /> <br /> At a point, some of the agitated aides of the Ooni were seen peeping and looking at the monarch and his other aides inside the faulty lift from one of the floors.<br /> <br /> Oba Ogunwusi was seen in the same video using the staircase after coming out of the faulty lift. He later addressed the audience at the stageplay although what he said could not be heard due to the poor audio quality of the video.<br /> <br /> The Director of Public Affairs of the Ooni’s Palace, Mr Moses Olafare, when contacted confirmed the incident.<br /> <br /> Olafare said the lift developed a fault and Oba Ogunwusi was inside it for about 20 minutes. He, however, added that the monarch was unruffled throughout the period.<br /> <br /> He said, “It is true, kabiyesi was stuck in the lift for about 20 minutes. That incident made people there to be apprehensive and there was drama there.<br /> <br /> “The lift developed a technical fault when the Ooni was inside but the fault was rectified eventually by the technical department of the hotel and he came out.<br /> <br /> “The hotel management tendered profuse apologies. Kabiyesi cracked jokes with the management of the hotel and asked them to improve on their facilities if they wanted to remain relevant in the Nigerian hospitality market.<br /> <br /> “Kabiyesi calmed those who were already panicked. He asked them with a broad smile, ‘why are you panicking? Everybody became calm after that.<br /> <br /> “He watched the play after that. It is not that he just went there to watch the play. The play, Moremi Musical Reloaded, is part of his projects. It is one of the projects of Moremi Ajasoro which he does every year.<br /> <br /> “He is on his way back to Ife now (on Friday). It was not something very serious. The lift was faulty and some people were suspecting a foul play. They thought it was deliberately done to harm kabiyesi but that was not the case, it was a technical fault. The lift was said to have developed a similar fault on Thursday morning and it was the second time that kabiyesi was trapped inside. But there is no cause for alarm, kabiyesi is okay.”<br /> <br /> In 2017, Oba Ogunwusi erected a statue in honour of Queen Moremi in his palace. The courageous Moremi, who lived in Ile-Ife in the 12th century, was married to Oranmiyan (heir to Oduduwa believed to be founder of Yoruba race).

Latest-News REVEALED: How Ooni of Ife got stuck inside a lift in Lagos hotel

There was anxiety on Thursday night as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, got stuck inside a lift at a popular hotel on Victoria Island in the Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. It was gathered that the Ooni was at the hotel to watch …

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Fences under bridges demolished by FG

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="539" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oTfpuw46PCS8suf-dtB4RFXN69W_PSg0Pa4TisuKSmXMIi9O3qmMGQqCtwbWKGRKJVjiAmEqTrJYPu6hJ0VizU3m9td37lC2U54L-7WvPdEnQo8jXtna56rubwQyY9btlNPqEwL2lZOF/s400/traffic+in+Lagos.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> The Federal Government on Friday began the demolition of illegal fences under some bridges in Lagos.<br /> <br /> A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who monitored the exercise, reported that the demolition began with a fence of about 250 metres built under the descent of the Apongbon Bridge on the CMS-bound carriageway on Lagos Island.<br /> <br /> The fence, which was still under construction, had been raised by seven to eight coaches on various sections.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Some officials wearing the tags of Toll Royalty Car Park Technologies challenged the process but were told by the engineer supervising the team to visit the Federal Ministry of Works.<br /> <br /> A senior engineer in the ministry, Mrs Musiliat Aloba, who led a team of engineers and security operatives during the demolition, said she was acting on instruction to ensure that under the bridges were visible.<br /> <br /> “I am not directed to speak to anyone; please come to the Federal Ministry of Works,’’ she said.<br /> <br /> The team went further to demolish fences concealing about 300 metres under the Obalende/Apongbon Flyover Bridge on the CMS-bound carriageway.<br /> <br /> The team also demolished another set of fences metres away under the same Obalende/Apongbon Flyover Bridge.<br /> <br /> The officials were challenged as they moved to demolish the fences under the CMS Bridge, which was nearing completion on some sections.<br /> <br /> Some workmen on site who tried to resist the demolition argued that it was a legal project.<br /> <br /> Aloba explained her assignment insisting that “nothing must block under the bridges.’’<br /> <br /> “When you conceal the bridge, nobody can see what happens under. The Federal Government has lost so much money due to burnt bridges,’’ she explained.<br /> <br /> The extension of the fences being constructed to link the CMS Bus Stop foot bridge was also demolished.

Latest-News Fences under bridges demolished by FG

The Federal Government on Friday began the demolition of illegal fences under some bridges in Lagos. A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who monitored the exercise, reported that the demolition began with a fence of about 250 metres built under …

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I want to contest 2023 presidency against Tinubu – Bode George

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="470" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_bD3aZWpjoZZT-lO1zl1J89b273J3m9K3hpdYExIbtQmDSjD9KWxKIhWGl5XgLdPIcnZ_ZhWoztQPbYUULcd26qRypMFFWsBVzIp_A-tYIbcC3_1kw5ggGPcPJyxQU2j3-oYX5qdnDuc/s400/bode+george+tinubu.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has said he will love to contest against the All Progressives Congress chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at the presidential poll in 2023.<br /> <br /> George said this during a telephone interview with newsmen on Friday.<br /> <br /> The PDP chieftain said Nigeria’s future looked bleak as the APC had failed to deliver on its promises.<br /> <br /> “I was approached by many people to contest especially now that Bola Tinubu is said to be planning to contest. I have not said yes or no since 2023 is still far. But yes, I will like to contest against Bola Tinubu in 2023,” he added.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The retired naval officer, however, lamented that the PDP had failed to play its role as the main opposition party since 2015.<br /> <br /> He, therefore, stated that he was not sure if he would be contesting on the platform of the PDP, that is, if or when he would be contesting.<br /> <br /> “The PDP has not lived up to its potential. The APC is also not serious. The APC is (made up of) a bunch of opportunists. Everything is just going bad in the country,” George said.<br /> <br /> When asked what would be his primary concern as President, George said he would love to unite the country and ensure economic prosperity for the people.<br /> <br /> The former military administrator of Ondo State said the high level of poverty as well as the religious and tribal divisions had brought the nation to its knees, and so his campaign would centre on unity and prosperity.<br /> <br /> George added, “The thrust of my campaign will be to unite the country, which is now deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines and that is counter-productive.<br /> <br /> “Nigeria had set targets for itself that in 2020, we would be in the top 20 economies in the world but the Vision 20:2020 has since been abandoned.”<br /> <br /> The PDP chieftain said the race for the Presidency in 2023 should not be about the wealthiest candidate but those who sincerely had good plans for the nation.<br /> <br /> There have been rumours about Tinubu’s plan to contest the Presidency in 2023.<br /> <br /> Last month, Abdullahi Umar Farouk, a senior legislative aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said Tinubu would succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 in recognition of his contribution to the development of the country’s democracy. Farouk, who is a three-time member of the House of Representatives from Kebbi State, stated this at the inauguration of the national executive committee of the Tinubu Media Team, TMT2023.<br /> <br /> Earlier on Friday, Special Adviser to George, Mr Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu, had said the former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP would run for President in 2023.<br /> <br /> Shodipe-Dosunmu, in an interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja, said a decision had yet to be taken on the party which George would join to contest.<br /> <br /> He said he had the authority of George to announce his presidential ambition. George was a one-time PDP Vice-Chairman in the South-West, and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South). He indicated interest to contest the national chairmanship of the party at its convention on December 1, 2017, but Mr Uche Secondus emerged as the winner.<br /> <br /> Shodipe-Dosunmu said George was responding to calls by people he called the ‘grandmasters of Nigerian politics’.<br /> <br /> He said, “It is correct that Chief Bode George wants to contest the 2023 presidency. Chief George is a former Governor of Ondo State. He is an experienced person. He is totally detribalised. He is uninterested in sectarian leanings. He is more than qualified, given his profession, competence and experience.<br /> <br /> “The grandmasters of Nigerian politics from all over are the ones that said, ‘This is the man that we want now. He is a detribalised person, a non-sectarian person, and a fulfilled person. He has accepted the call by the grandmasters.’”<br /> <br /> Shodipe-Dosunmu, who is Director-General of Pathfinder Consortium, said the group was formed to seek support for and campaign for the candidacy of George.

Latest-News I want to contest 2023 presidency against Tinubu – Bode George

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has said he will love to contest against the All Progressives Congress chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at the presidential poll in 2023. George said this during a …

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President Buhari condemns killing of 19 people in Kogi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1uiD8y-4FBw4m-iU7uiLK35L_-vGqxdTg4S8eCpO2W2Ybmq6d7nRS05Z9FY5NPY8bT1TUB3Ts0g2J2cc0ePFm5RJHmGRSGvkliFC1k2WLXb4qRj0-Zlgcd9-4fpN5cwDHL0vY2n1Rknh/s400/buhari+looks+outside+tired+sad.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday condemned the murder of 19 people by unknown gunmen in the Tawari community of Kogi Local Government Area, Kogi State.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a>The President, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja, advised the communities involved in the conflict to avoid revenge killings and taking the law into their hands so as to restore sanity in the affected areas.<br /> <br /> He said: “There is no excuse or justification for killing innocent people by anybody or group, and for whatever motive. “The killings and revenge killings will only aggravate the cycle of violence, creating neither safety nor security for any side.<br /> <br /> “People should avoid taking the law into their own hands because doing so could make a bad situation worse and undermine the government’s efforts to tackle security challenges.<br /> <br /> “I am gravely worried about frequency and temptation of using violence to settle disputes instead of following lawful and amicable means to avoid needless destruction of lives and property.” (NAN)

Latest-News President Buhari condemns killing of 19 people in Kogi

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday condemned the murder of 19 people by unknown gunmen in the Tawari community of Kogi Local Government Area, Kogi State. The President, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, …

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Iran talks tough, vows to avenge U.S. for killing General Soleimani

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aOZcJdQfeNgHr9D6rQNzYpgemVwENYPlsi7hdX5U9OiQU2mvryEQzraMTc6tqXmdeA2dQwW5swkQ6TtAUhC6SVFqcyqqN_m5Ie6sfr4L6dGWRPT6TIw1xGyjc5LT_A3gfPiGQ38CUhA/s1600/GEN.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="690" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aOZcJdQfeNgHr9D6rQNzYpgemVwENYPlsi7hdX5U9OiQU2mvryEQzraMTc6tqXmdeA2dQwW5swkQ6TtAUhC6SVFqcyqqN_m5Ie6sfr4L6dGWRPT6TIw1xGyjc5LT_A3gfPiGQ38CUhA/s400/GEN.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Iran may have drawn the battle with the United States of America (USA) after the U.S claimed responsibility for the killing of Iraq’s powerful Shiite Hashd Shaabi militia deputy leader, Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, and high-ranking Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.<br /> <br /> President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan Rouhani has reacted, saying Iran would retaliate after both the Shiite Hashd Shaabi militia deputy leader and the high-ranking Iranian General were killed in an attack near Baghdad airport.<br /> <br /> “The flag of General Soleimani in defense of the country’s territorial integrity and the fight against terrorism and extremism in the region will be raised, and the path of resistance to US excesses will continue. The great nation of Iran will take revenge for this heinous crime,” President of Iran tweeted.<br /> <br /> The Iran-backed Hashd Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), said they were killed in a U.S. strike targeting their vehicle on the Baghdad International Airport road.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Soleimani is the Commander of Iran’s Quds Force, a unit in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRCG).<br /> <br /> Their deaths are the latest escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran, coming after thousands of supporters of the Shiite militia broke into the U.S. embassy compound in central Baghdad on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> Protesters set fire to one of the gates of walls around the embassy buildings and camped outside until the next day.<br /> <br /> The two days of protests were triggered by U.S. strikes in Iraq and Syria on Sunday that targeted the Kataib Hezbollah militia group.<br /> <br /> The U.S. airstrikes killed at least 25 militiamen.<br /> <br /> Kataib Hezbollah, a part of the Hashd Shaabi umbrella group, had been blamed for an attack last week that killed a US citizen.<br /> <br /> Loud explosions were heard near the airport early Friday, which Iraqi security said was three Katyusha rockets falling down in the vicinity killing several people and leaving two vehicles burnt.<br /> <br /> Shortly after, the militia said five of its members were killed in the attack, including Mohammed Reda al-Jaberi, who was the group’s head of the public relations and protocol officer.<br /> <br /> The U.S. killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a “defensive action,” the Pentagon says.<br /> <br /> “At the direction of the President, the U.S. military has taken decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad by killing Qassem Soleimani,” the Pentagon statement says.<br /> <br /> The Pentagon says Soleimani was “actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.”<br /> <br /> “General Soleimani also approved the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad that took place this week,” the statement continues.<br /> <br /> The U.S. also held Soleimani and his Quds Force responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and said he “orchestrated” a rocket attack on Dec. 27, which killed an American.

Latest-News Iran talks tough, vows to avenge U.S. for killing General Soleimani

Iran may have drawn the battle with the United States of America (USA) after the U.S claimed responsibility for the killing of Iraq’s powerful Shiite Hashd Shaabi militia deputy leader, Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes, and high-ranking Iranian General Qassem …

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Enugu airport will be ready before Easter

Latest-News Enugu airport will be ready before Easter

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Iran’s top military commander killed in Trump-ordered airstrike

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Saraki reacts to demolition of father’s Ilorin house

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Fire guts part of David Mark’s residence in Benue

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‘I can’t lie to God’ — Obasanjo speaks on his journey so far

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PDP behind rumours of Buhari’s third term bid -Oshiomhole

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Boko Haram attacks Michika in Adamawa

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Eagles can’t afford to miss 2022 World Cup -Pinnick

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5kkciHjVYGo-9zu0-SggMb7q-60a_2XycijhJfvbo9lYH32TEFjuQu3k4WfwoWp3IKvlrbfjYvIHhQC5bFxG5e41HDq3pyXpJTRvEzotrK5vQ9pSSMCNnsUDrZLiIHZ_fD42KvCS54Q/s1600/amaju.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="788" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5kkciHjVYGo-9zu0-SggMb7q-60a_2XycijhJfvbo9lYH32TEFjuQu3k4WfwoWp3IKvlrbfjYvIHhQC5bFxG5e41HDq3pyXpJTRvEzotrK5vQ9pSSMCNnsUDrZLiIHZ_fD42KvCS54Q/s400/amaju.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, has stated that it will be suicidal for the Super Eagles not to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.<br /> <br /> Pinnick in an interview on Channels TV’s Sports This Morning called on Nigerians to come together and help bring about tranquility to the federation and ignore all distractions which engulfed the NFF last year.<br /> <br /> The federation has been rocked with crisis with several members of the NFF executive board under investigation for corruption.<br /> <br /> Pinnick also attributed those issues to political move which he believed were meant to destroy the country’s football.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “I want to appeal to Nigerians because this year is a very critical year for Nigeria football,” Pinnick said in an interview on Channels TV.<br /> <br /> “Nigeria cannot afford not to go to the World Cup, it will be suicidal because we are used to going to the World  Cup. It is going to be very bad.<br /> <br /> “So, this constant distraction, petition and the rest, I want to appeal to Nigerians because they know that these are politics and it’s not what they think.<br /> <br /> “It is purely destructive and annihilating. The assumption is if we cannot have, then let us destroy it.”<br /> <br /> The Eagles of Nigeria are in Pot 1 for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers ahead of the main draws on January 21,  2020, in Cairo, Egypt.

Latest-News Eagles can’t afford to miss 2022 World Cup -Pinnick

Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, has stated that it will be suicidal for the Super Eagles not to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Pinnick in an interview on Channels TV’s Sports This Morning called on Nigerians to come together a…

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Stringent Visa rules: Nigerians snub US, seek ‘greener pastures’ elsewhere

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGCY6GAw0BTfPlMk1e_-PlQKjvZiZGiMZfSXUel-2KjxcUz3KcF_0HwN69O7Czbjz98sRuYts5_ZhEts3ifgnTEVE9BHETixrHTMCMHgAl7ton2G4lHzG8oym13Tw7f0Kj7Rwm2V6d6o/s1600/buhari-trump-2-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="714" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTGCY6GAw0BTfPlMk1e_-PlQKjvZiZGiMZfSXUel-2KjxcUz3KcF_0HwN69O7Czbjz98sRuYts5_ZhEts3ifgnTEVE9BHETixrHTMCMHgAl7ton2G4lHzG8oym13Tw7f0Kj7Rwm2V6d6o/s400/buhari-trump-2-1.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Data from the US travel and tourism office shows a 21 per cent drop in the number of Nigerians travelling to the country, the largest global drop-off in visitors to the US.<br /> <br /> As of 2019 October, 34,000 fewer Nigerians travelled to the US compared to the previous year. After a sustained period of growth between 2011 and 2015, the number of Nigerian visitors to the US started to plateau in 2016 until the big drop-off last year.<br /> <br /> The dip in Nigerian visitors to the US followed a string of visa clampdown measures by the Trump administration.<br /> <br /> After indefinitely suspending its visa interview waiver for Nigerian applicants (the waiver allowed frequent travellers renew their visa without going through in-person interviews each time), the Trump administration also raised visa application fees for Nigerians by including additional “reciprocity fees” ranging from $80 to $303 depending on the class of visa. And even though the Nigerian government immediately slashed visa application fees for American applicants in a bid to get the US to reverse its price increase, the reciprocity fees remain in place.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The measures followed reports that the Trump administration was looking to impose visa restrictions on countries whose citizens have a track record of overstaying beyond the validity of their short-term US visas. As it turns out, Nigerians were the highest ranked African country for US visa overstays in 2018.<br /> <br /> Even though official data confirms the effects of the measures, there were already warning signs the administration’s policies were having an adverse impact on potential travellers. The policies also spawned fear-fuelled rumours among locals as well: mid-last year, the United States embassy in Nigeria was forced to deny a widespread rumour that it had placed a ban on issuing student visas to Nigerians.<br /> <br /> Despite the Trump administration’s policies, the US remains a popular destination for Nigerian students seeking foreign degrees as the economic impact of spending by Nigerian students studying in the United States reached $514 million over the past academic year.<br /> <br /> The second largest drop was for visitors from Venezuela (17.7%). The South American country is in the midst of an economic and political crisis which has seen more than four million people flee the country and the US is restricting entry to Venezuelan migrants.<br /> <br /> Argentina followed with 15.6 per cent drop and Sweden, 11.1 per cent.

Latest-News Stringent Visa rules: Nigerians snub US, seek ‘greener pastures’ elsewhere

Data from the US travel and tourism office shows a 21 per cent drop in the number of Nigerians travelling to the country, the largest global drop-off in visitors to the US. As of 2019 October, 34,000 fewer Nigerians travelled to the US compared to t…

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EFCC Chairman, Magu reacts to video of Fayose dancing salsa on cruise ship while on ‘medical trip’ abroad

Latest-News EFCC Chairman, Magu reacts to video of Fayose dancing salsa on cruise ship while on ‘medical trip’ abroad

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I’m one of the reasons thousands of Buhari’s media trolls were employed -Kperogi

Latest-News I’m one of the reasons thousands of Buhari’s media trolls were employed -Kperogi

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Industrial court nullifies pension payments to Tinubu, Saraki, others

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PHOTO: See face of Ernest Ewim, mastermind of botched Abuja bank robbery

Latest-News PHOTO: See face of Ernest Ewim, mastermind of botched Abuja bank robbery

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Liverpool go a year unbeaten in Premier League

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL6AIzwSe6qUA0XVjhGW0XmxawxyT9LMoXYIS0n5vSCzRlSmfF0nDjWgbAk7fGLG6btsIabgASod2yRW9KQwIs3qbfn2VdukKG08LeyRE6ApHtOlPNESDlr_OGlOQa0cVV3KrBtLPQoQ/s1600/Liverpool-eye-record-breaking-kit-deal-with-New-Balance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="286" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL6AIzwSe6qUA0XVjhGW0XmxawxyT9LMoXYIS0n5vSCzRlSmfF0nDjWgbAk7fGLG6btsIabgASod2yRW9KQwIs3qbfn2VdukKG08LeyRE6ApHtOlPNESDlr_OGlOQa0cVV3KrBtLPQoQ/s400/Liverpool-eye-record-breaking-kit-deal-with-New-Balance.jpg" width="338" /></a></div> Liverpool maintain 13-point lead at the top of premier league and go a year unbeaten as they beat Sheffield United at Anfield on Thursday.<br /> <br /> A slice of good fortune enabled the Reds to take an early lead – George Baldock’s slip allowing Andy Robertson to set up Mohamed Salah for a simple close-range finish in just the fourth minute.<br /> <br /> But there was nothing fortuitous about their win, which Sadio Mane sealed, finishing at the second attempt after being played in by Salah.<br /> <br /> It maintains the Reds’ 13-point advantage at the top of the division after nearest rivals Leicester and Manchester City both won on New Year’s Day.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Jurgen Klopp’s side have dropped just two points from a possible 60 this season, BBC reports.<br /> <br /> For Chris Wilder’s side, this was a second successive defeat, but they remain firmly in credit from the first half of their league campaign and sit eighth in the table, just two points off fifth.

Latest-News Liverpool go a year unbeaten in Premier League

Liverpool maintain 13-point lead at the top of premier league and go a year unbeaten as they beat Sheffield United at Anfield on Thursday. A slice of good fortune enabled the Reds to take an early lead – George Baldock’s slip allowing Andy Robertson…

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PDP BoT chair Jibrin declares threat to life

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUgqeoL4kw-4y3IEaIaEHQB_n3QdRW3QryLRUWdQc7REHyo4FtBrUDMl4Tvtgjcvrm1QunQ_AMhVtVsdQ3dmItto0x6rVnL2jK0S-Gtwf7YgrLvLuaZkuaoZRfUGRV_kZbjBYOewsdYM/s1600/Senator_Walid_Jibrin-600x375-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUgqeoL4kw-4y3IEaIaEHQB_n3QdRW3QryLRUWdQc7REHyo4FtBrUDMl4Tvtgjcvrm1QunQ_AMhVtVsdQ3dmItto0x6rVnL2jK0S-Gtwf7YgrLvLuaZkuaoZRfUGRV_kZbjBYOewsdYM/s400/Senator_Walid_Jibrin-600x375-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jibrin, has raised the alarm over threats to his life.<br /> <br /> The PDP chieftain feared that his remarks that the party will not zone its presidential ticket in 2023 might have pitted him against some forces.<br /> <br /> He has petitioned the Director-General of Department of State Service (DSS) and Inspector-General (IG) of Police,<br /> <br /> Sen. Jibrin recently stated that the party will give room for interested aspirants from all parts of the country to contest for the presidential primaries for the 2023 elections, which elicited various reaction including threats of demonstration against him and harassment.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said: “I have received call from some people threatening my life over my coming out not to mention that the presidency of this country be zoned to the Northeast. They were saying that I am a traitor, that I should have come out to say that it is only Atiku Abubakar, that because I said that Atiku was already overthrown by the Supreme Court. They said for that, I should say Atiku is the man.<br /> <br /> “That I won’t do because I am a leader. I have to make a lot of consultations; the National Working Committee (NWC) have to make a lot of consultations; our governors have to make a lot of consultations; then the NEC had to take a decision. And they should not forget the party has a constitution and a guideline which says that there must be primary for whoever wants to contest.<br /> <br /> “We have not even discussed about zoning. So, why are some people so concerned about the presidential ticket being zoned to a particular zone?<br /> <br /> “About three people went to Wadata Plaza and demanded to see the Chief Security Officer, Munir Yerima. When they were there, Yerima rang me, asking where I was and I said I’m in Kaduna, then he said some people want to talk to me and I said let me talk to them on phone.<br /> <br /> “He said they are intermediary between me and some party people that they said I have gone astray and if I don’t recant, they would hold a major demonstration against me and they would arrange bandits to deal with me wherever I go.<br /> <br /> “So, I told the man to go and do whatever he wants to do that I’m equal to the task. Then I realised it’s not only a major demonstration but they may be planning to assassinate me.<br /> <br /> “I have written to the DG DSS and the police IG to ensure that the matter is seriously handled as people can’t stand on their own. I’m an elder statesman in the party and in Northern Nigeria. I’m a Fulani… who have tried to stop the threats of militant Fulani in my local government and in my state.<br /> <br /> “I’m a very religious person who cannot even kill a rat or an ant, yet people are trying to harass me, to assassinate me. I want the police to give me protection and stop this harassment. They said the people are from Kano, Sokoto, Adamawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Jigawa states.<br /> <br /> “It’s a gang from these Northern states who are planning against me. Let’s see if the security agencies would allow this to happen. I would do all expected of me, I’m not shaken.<br /> <br /> “Our party has not finished arrangements towards 2023, all we are doing now is reconciliation to ensure that our party are together, we have concluded arrangements to hold congresses. Soon the NWC would convene a NEC meeting and convention to ratify the arrangements.”<br /> <br /> He said as the BoT chairman of the party he is leader of members from every part of the country, wondering “If the Igbo ask me about the party’s choice for president in 2023, how do I explain to them? There are people agitating for the Southwest; so we have to bring people together to agree on what people want. So, they should leave me alone”.

Latest-News PDP BoT chair Jibrin declares threat to life

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Walid Jibrin, has raised the alarm over threats to his life. The PDP chieftain feared that his remarks that the party will not zone its presidential ticket in 2023 might…

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Demolition of Saraki’s property is wickedness – PDP

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF0tdqNxF5k7YFj5lxJWV-da5ErHxgN8agGt_hwCxS7o13WB0FUGAA5BhcyfMzc2VLqkK7HZ8aO34I7g6q4TjU9E0qkRpvwKoujbeKm1rhISNulVCQ_g4rVWHMYrdJvXEiB5iJDmDaRp3/s1600/saraki+fresh.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="395" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF0tdqNxF5k7YFj5lxJWV-da5ErHxgN8agGt_hwCxS7o13WB0FUGAA5BhcyfMzc2VLqkK7HZ8aO34I7g6q4TjU9E0qkRpvwKoujbeKm1rhISNulVCQ_g4rVWHMYrdJvXEiB5iJDmDaRp3/s320/saraki+fresh.png" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Thursday’s demolition of a property belonging to former Senate President Bukola Saraki by Kwara state government, describing it as vindictive and wicked.<br /> <br /> It also regards the demolition as a recipe for crisis in the state.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In a press release signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said “it is clear that the action of the state government is borne out of hatred and political intolerance, in furtherance of the larger plot by the APC and its administration to intimidate, suppress, hound, crush and silence opposition and dissenting voices in our country, in the bid to foist a siege mentality on the citizenry.<br /> <br /> “The PDP dismisses the reasons being spewed by the APC administration for this New Year dastardly act as baseless, false and incongruous, as they fail to add up, to justify the ferocious invasion, harassment of citizens and demolition of the said property.<br /> <br /> “The demolition is a complete subversion of rule of law as the matter is already in court. The APC-led Kwara state government could not wait for the outcome of the court process apparently because it knows that it is pursuing an illegal agenda.<br /> <br /> “Nigerians know how the APC and its government have been hounding, harassing and dragging Senator Saraki around over trumped-up charges, for daring to be among compatriots at the forefront of the quest to rescue our nation from misrule and strangleholds of the APC and its cabal.”<br /> <br /> The party, therefore, cautioned “the APC, its administration, and in this particular case, the Kwara state government, against crossing the boundaries and stretching the forbearance of the people, which is already causing a tension that could trigger serious unrest in our country.<br /> <br /> “It is also instructive to note that in the years the PDP governed Kwara state, there was no case of government demolishing the property of opposition members or supporters under any guise whatsoever.<br /> <br /> “Our party therefore stands with Senator Saraki and cautions the Kwara state government to henceforth steer clear of the property.”

Latest-News Demolition of Saraki’s property is wickedness – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Thursday’s demolition of a property belonging to former Senate President Bukola Saraki by Kwara state government, describing it as vindictive and wicked. It also regards the demolition as a recipe for…

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American rapper, Ludacris becomes a citizen of Gabon

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1024" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3IXJKWAR2tyNUDxz57jIsdNHLcZl2IORR-OfFNyvMTdbwV-3F3AJX_2Rwi-wsvBnrWmxyXIr5vePVA4RW4HdybVJVe5y_QDEg1-fL2kR2jC-Z5PYOcCwwTs-luWinJk6vPJmoqzrYozE/s640/luda.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <br /> American rapper, Christopher Brian Bridges popularly known as Ludacris, is now a citizen of Gabon, a country along the Atlantic coast of Central Africa.<br /> <br /> Ludacris along with his wife, Eudoxie and his entire family were granted the Gabonese citizenship status on January 2nd, 2020 during his on-going African trip.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Before their trip to Gabon, Ludacris and his wife Eudoxie Mbouguiengue visited Ghana for the Year of Return Activities. They visited places like the Cape Coast Castle where African natives were enslaved about 400 years ago.<br /> <br /> <br /> He took to his official Instagram page to share the news of his Gabonese citizenship status saying, “starting my New Year off with dual Citizenship! AFRICA I’M OFFICIAL!! Momma & Kids Too. The Best Gift of the Decade Award goes to @eudoxie”.<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B61FClppPsh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"> <div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B61FClppPsh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"></a><br /> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B61FClppPsh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"> <g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"> <g> <path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path> </g> </g> </g> </svg></a></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B61FClppPsh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;"></div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;"></div> </div> </div> <br /> <div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B61FClppPsh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Starting My New Year off with Dual Citizenship! 🇬🇦 AFRICA IM OFFICIAL!! Momma & Kids Too. The Best Gift of the Decade 🥇Award goes to @eudoxie ✊🏽 #thebridges</a></div> <div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by @ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ludacris/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank">ludacris</a> on <time datetime="2020-01-02T19:52:18+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 2, 2020 at 11:52am PST</time></div> </div> </blockquote> <script async="async" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Latest-News American rapper, Ludacris becomes a citizen of Gabon

American rapper, Christopher Brian Bridges popularly known as Ludacris, is now a citizen of Gabon, a country along the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. Ludacris along with his wife, Eudoxie and his entire family were granted the Gabonese citizenshi…

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Gombe lawmaker who had 20 aides, appoints 60 more aides

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4utAnnjl65KZt98n_Q79akm-tyQNgthDhzP2R7oviXPvNPgAXlQXU2hxWtgq8e652II-DVu4FqitUJFHLxbjAsrtoMybDp-_H-9jAaVUMqVY1oxz2j7aoYMojH335G8J0THqz16_aVXLI/s1600/simon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4utAnnjl65KZt98n_Q79akm-tyQNgthDhzP2R7oviXPvNPgAXlQXU2hxWtgq8e652II-DVu4FqitUJFHLxbjAsrtoMybDp-_H-9jAaVUMqVY1oxz2j7aoYMojH335G8J0THqz16_aVXLI/s320/simon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The member representing the Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Karu Elisha, has appointed 60 ward assistants in addition to the 20 already in his employment.<br /> <br /> Elisha, who is the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights, presented letters of appointment to the 60 beneficiaries at an event recently.<br /> <br /> His Chief of Staff, Mr Langs Layelmenson, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to him, out of the total number of 80 political appointees, five legislative aides will be paid by the government, while the others will be paid directly by the lawmaker.<br /> <br /> Layelmenson said, “Three persons were picked per ward; a woman, a youth and an adult, totalling 60; and there are also student and community liaison officers.<br /> <br /> “This will make room for a smooth flow of information. These people were screened by the party before the eventual announcement of their names. This has never been done in the history of Gombe State.”<br /> <br /> He advised the appointees to be worthy ambassadors of the All Progressives Congress and what the lawmaker stood for.<br /> <br /> The lawmaker’s representative quoted his boss as saying, “They are my nose and eyes in the communities; they should be able to report the challenges of the people by creating enabling environment to listen.<br /> <br /> “It is my expectation that they will inform the constituents about my roles, responsibilities and projects that I am working on. We are going to welcome ideas that will empower our people,” he added.<br /> <br /> The Head of Operations, Kaltungo/Shongom liaison office in Abuja, Mr Ulam Umar, who also spoke on the development said, “Karu Elisha knows that he was sent there to represent a certain group of people.<br /> <br /> “Even though he is considered a leader, he intends to make many leaders out of them in his constituency by making them focal persons. By inaugurating ward assistants, he will know what exactly the challenges of the people are.”

Latest-News Gombe lawmaker who had 20 aides, appoints 60 more aides

The member representing the Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Karu Elisha, has appointed 60 ward assistants in addition to the 20 already in his employment. Elisha, who is the Deputy Chairman, House Committee …

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Accountant General queried over non-disclosure of N57 Billion FG grants

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs6XXSEA05BnZn_M7hOdBifXjO4BT_TmQwerqiUxa1hnli1HJ2icbyLwVJJ9Q1oobnf07BrW1bo16G4B1rMGezPrHAl7SplYrZoUdK6llpqD1dBnp8I73BQ7jxBqMBIQXxA3wc2MOfifI/s400/Ahmed-Idris-AGF.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> The Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, has been queried by the Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr. Anthony Ayine, over his failure to disclose details of N57.62bn Federal Government grants and contributions given in 2017.<br /> <br /> The amount was given by the Federal Government as grants and contribution to domestic and foreign governments, public and private owned companies, academic institutions and internationals agencies.<br /> <br /> Ayine in his audit report on the account of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government explained that the breakdown and details of the grants and contributions were not presented to his office for audit.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This, he noted, contravened the provisions of International Public Sector Accounting Standards 24 which deals with presentation of budget information in financial statements.<br /> <br /> A copy of the report, which had already been submitted to the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly was made available to our correspondent in Abuja.<br /> <br /> A number of major weaknesses and lapses in the management of public funds and resources were identified across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies during the annual audit.<br /> <br /> The findings range from irregular expenditures to failure to surrender surplus revenues to the Treasury, all running into billions of naira.<br /> <br /> Also notable was the continuing failures in the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards.<br /> <br /> Overall, the findings were indicative of significant weaknesses in expenditure control, accounting, financial reporting and in the completeness and accuracy of the consolidated financial statements.<br /> <br /> Specifically, Ayine said non-disclosure of details of Federal Government grants and contributions would cast doubt on the authenticity and actual usage of such grants and contributions.<br /> <br /> He specifically noted that incomplete disclosure of budgeted figures might result in extra-budgetary expenditures.<br /> <br /> Ayine in the report stated that while the Accountant General was requested to disclose beneficiaries of grants and contributions for the 2017 year fiscal period, he responded that the list would be made available to the Auditor-General on March 18, 2019.<br /> <br /> However, the Auditor General said that as of the time the audit report was prepared, there was no receipt of the list of beneficiaries from the Accountant-General.<br /> <br /> The report read in part, “The budgetary provision for grants and contribution was not disclosed in the notes to the accounts.<br /> <br /> “The sum of N57,624,929,461.05 was granted by the Federal Government of Nigeria as grants and contribution which represent transfers to domestic and foreign governments, public and private owned companies, academic institutions and internationals for 2017.<br /> <br /> “Non-disclosure of details of Federal Government Grants and Contributions will cast doubt on the authenticity and actual usage of such grants and contributions.”<br /> <br /> The Registrar, Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Eohoi, said the findings of the audit report should be investigated by the Public Account Committee of the National Assembly and necessary action taken against those that committed the infractions.<br /> <br /> He said the collaboration of the Public Accounts Committee, the anti-corruption agencies, and non- governmental organisations was vital in holding government accountable in the management of the country’s resources.<br /> <br /> He said, “We need sound financial control system in the public sector to be able to check many infractions.<br /> <br /> “A financial system that lacks strong internal control mechanism would be prone to abuses and that is what we are seeing in the public sector.”

Latest-News Accountant General queried over non-disclosure of N57 Billion FG grants

The Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, has been queried by the Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr. Anthony Ayine, over his failure to disclose details of N57.62bn Federal Government grants and contributions given in 2017. …

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EFCC obtains 14-day detention order for Shehu Sani

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7N6_CUAshfQO24auQKvTaK_LQ4PQUZuzSfKZsIHLxxlat2NXSeKMcc2PGDxhu3Qs6ZEkFMv0aGTl0lTXW0wCDBS9CZJD02uOgvnam6Y1PM7_gqygCcTvYz2wmTXmXj4Q4ypmgGY7BvGxz/s400/shehu+sani.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reportedly obtained a court order to detain ex-lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, for 14 days to ensure a thorough investigation into his alleged involvement in name-dropping and extortion.<br /> <br /> The development followed new allegations levelled against the ex-lawmaker by the complainant, Alhaji Sani Dauda.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The former lawmaker was arrested on New Year ‘s Eve by the EFCC operatives in Abuja for allegedly extorting $10,000 from Dauda, the Chairman of ASD Motors.<br /> <br /> Sani allegedly promised to pass the money to the acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to assist Dauda to resolve an ongoing case with the anti-graft commission.<br /> <br /> The $10,000 was said to have been recovered from Sani, but his alleged refusal to honour the invitation from the commission led to his arrest on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the complainant visited the EFCC on Thursday where he made a statement in which he alleged that Sani also dropped the name of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko.<br /> <br /> “The complainant claimed that Shehu Sani asked him to bring N4m which would be given to a judge by the CJN to ensure that the case by one Abubakar against the ASD boss did not see the light of the day,” a source stated.<br /> <br /> Dauda also reportedly claimed that he gave the $10,000 to Sani on November 29, 2019, adding that the ex-lawmaker also demanded another N1m for the EFCC officials.<br /> <br /> He accused Sani of ignoring his calls and text messages since November.<br /> <br /> A source stated, “Following the new allegations raised by the complainant against the former senator, we have obtained a court order to keep him in custody for two weeks to enable us to carry out a thorough investigation into the case.”

Latest-News EFCC obtains 14-day detention order for Shehu Sani

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reportedly obtained a court order to detain ex-lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, for 14 days to ensure a thorough investigation into his alleged involvement in name-dropping and extortion. The development…

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Police deny attacks on Abuja-Kaduna train

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1s9m8cxftFeQ-yhxFu8_-nVAtz-_2wLWAmasY02O9oeed_S7AaQllSqPr9IHl_StsYQqixHk3ydIAMF97w1xXy8WcN6Mp3R0kzfbY2F3oyC_rdjolOkbPpdFSe99LsCS7pDDrKStv0eT/s1600/police-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="789" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1s9m8cxftFeQ-yhxFu8_-nVAtz-_2wLWAmasY02O9oeed_S7AaQllSqPr9IHl_StsYQqixHk3ydIAMF97w1xXy8WcN6Mp3R0kzfbY2F3oyC_rdjolOkbPpdFSe99LsCS7pDDrKStv0eT/s400/police-logo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Some bandits on Thursday attacked an Abuja-bound train near Katari village in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the train, which left the Rigasa Train Station, was attacked at Katari, a few kilometres to Abuja at 10am.<br /> <br /> It was learnt that the windows of Coach SP12 attached to the train were shattered.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Coach SP 12 attached to the train from Kaduna was shattered by gunshots.” a source, who was a passenger, told newsmen.<br /> <br /> “There was panic everywhere among the passengers. It was something that nobody could explain but we are trusting in God that something would be done by security operatives to curtail this unfortunate incident,” he said, adding that no life was lost during the incident.<br /> <br /> The Kaduna State Police Command has, however, debunked the claims.<br /> <br /> The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Yakubu Abubakar, said the command was not informed of any attack.<br /> <br /> He said the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation had not reported such incident to them.<br /> <br /> “When I contacted the management of the railway station, I was told that the story was baseless,” he said.<br /> <br /> Contacted, the Nigerian Railway Corporation said the attack was not done by gunmen as no gunshot was fired at any of its coaches.<br /> <br /> It, however, stated that one of the coaches of its Thursday morning Abuja bound train was pelted with stones by unidentified boys in Kaduna, adding that the security personnel on the train debunked claims of gunshot.<br /> <br /> The Managing Director, NRC, Fidet Okhiria, told newsmen that there was no attack on the corporation’s service by gunmen.<br /> <br /> He said, “It is not an attack by gunmen, rather some boys threw stones and it hit one of the coaches.”<br /> <br /> When told that some passengers claimed that one of the coaches received gunshots, Okhiria replied, “There was no gunshot at any of our coaches this morning. If it were gunshots, the glasses would have been shattered and it might lead to a derailment. We are still running our trains as scheduled. If there was a gunshot or something like that we would have stopped.”<br /> <br /> Okhiria insisted that claims of gunshots on one of the coaches were false, adding that the policemen on the train reported that only stones were thrown at the coach.

Latest-News Police deny attacks on Abuja-Kaduna train

Some bandits on Thursday attacked an Abuja-bound train near Katari village in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. It was gathered that the train, which left the Rigasa Train Station, was attacked at Katari, a few kilometres to Abuja a…

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Falana writes Malami, seeks El-Zakzaky’s release

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UO-MC5u8_MnSyL95hK9euYvZgFUEDnuF_nksF6_Kz4A2_yQMw5jRGQ2IghF0kLEKlLiCQE-nEpZ6bN7Qa6klwLlBxNajZJuAGNAembvXNtpEYV3upUKKDVbt9jFPicF7zb0Qdtt0WNgW/s1600/femi-falana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UO-MC5u8_MnSyL95hK9euYvZgFUEDnuF_nksF6_Kz4A2_yQMw5jRGQ2IghF0kLEKlLiCQE-nEpZ6bN7Qa6klwLlBxNajZJuAGNAembvXNtpEYV3upUKKDVbt9jFPicF7zb0Qdtt0WNgW/s400/femi-falana.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), on Thursday, urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), to ensure the release of the detained leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeenat.<br /> <br /> Falana, who made the call in an open letter, said the minister and the Presidency never ceased to justify the detention of the couple, who have been in custody since December 2015.<br /> <br /> Malami had, while explaining why El-Zakzaky and his wife were not released on the Christmas Eve like Dasuki and Sowore, said, “The Federal Government does not interfere with cases being prosecuted by a state government.”<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> But responding in his open letter to Malami on Thursday, Falana stated, “Notwithstanding the pending criminal case in the Kaduna State High Court, your office and the Presidency have not ceased to justify the refusal of the Federal Government to comply with the orders of the Federal High Court and the Kaduna State High Court.”<br /> <br /> Falana recalled how the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, in its judgment on December 2, 2016, awarded the couple N50m damages for their illegal detention, ordered the Department of State Services to release them from custody and provide them with a house since the Nigerian Army had burnt down and demolished their house in Zaria, Kaduna State.<br /> <br /> Falana also reminded the minister that on July 26, 2019, during his screening for reappointment as the Attorney General of the Federation, Malami told the Senate the failure to carry out the court orders by the Buhari regime in respect of El-Zakzaky and others was based on national security.<br /> <br /> Falana recalled, “In justifying the decision of the Federal Government to detain Messrs Sowore and Bakare in defiance of the orders of the Federal High Court, the Department of State Services issued a statement on November 14, 2019, wherein it claimed the duo as well as El-Zakzaky and Dasuki were enjoying themselves in custody as ‘they are allowed access to people and use of other facilities like telephones, gymnasium, TV, newspapers and medical facilities’.”<br /> <br /> He urged the minister to ensure compliance with orders which had been issued by both the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal State High Court in respect of the couple.<br /> <br /> El-Zakzaky and his wife were arrested in December 2015 following a clash between members of his Shi’ite movement and soldiers in the entourage of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, in Zaria, Kaduna State.<br /> <br /> The Army had subsequently transferred the couple to the Department of State Services, until their recent transfer to the prison authorities in Kaduna following an order of the Kaduna State High Court.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Malami, has, in another development, said the regime of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) had the right to detain the Sahara Reporters’ Publisher, Sowore; and a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), despite court orders that granted them bail.<br /> <br /> Malami made the claim while featuring in an NTA programme, titled, ‘Good Morning Nigeria’ on Thursday.<br /> <br /> The minister said the constitution gave the government the right to appeal court orders to the level of the Supreme Court.<br /> <br /> He said during the process of applying for variation of court orders or appealing judgments, the enforcement of court order could be delayed and this ought not to be termed as disobedience to court orders.<br /> <br /> When asked if that was what happened in the cases of Dasuki and Sowore, the AGF said, “There were applications for setting aside orders; there were appeals for stay of execution all through. So, until those matters reach the Supreme Court and it takes the final decision, you are still operating within the ambit and context of rule of law.”<br /> <br /> Malami, who had come under intense criticisms for disobedience to court orders, said, “Perhaps, I need to clear the air on how the rule of law operates within the context of the Nigerian constitution. We have multiple and a plethora of judicial decisions that establish the fact that when you are challenging a court order through a judicial process, the idea of disobedience to that court order does not arise.<br /> <br /> “The misapprehension that set into the system and deliberately put in the public space is the fact that once there is a court order, you must unconditionally comply. You can only be adjudged being in disobedience of a court order when you don’t take advantage of the constitutional powers, rights accorded to you by appealing against the order and perhaps seeking for stay of execution of the order or perhaps you don’t take any steps seeking variation of the court order.”<br /> <br /> It can be recalled that in the case of Sowore, the DSS never stated that its refusal to release him was based on an appeal of his bail granted by the court. Rather, the DSS, through its spokesman, Peter Afunnaya, gave several reasons for about a month, some of which included that his lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, refused to come to take his bail or that the agency would only release him to a surety.<br /> <br /> In another instance, Afunnaya said, “We cannot just release Sowore and ask him to go because he may be knocked down by a vehicle at the gate.”<br /> <br /> Sowore was later released but re-arrested inside the court the following day for reasons unstated.<br /> <br /> Malami stated that the decision to release Dasuki and Sowore recently was not based on any international pressure but the prerogative of mercy.

Latest-News Falana writes Malami, seeks El-Zakzaky’s release

Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), on Thursday, urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), to ensure the release of the detained leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibraheem El-Zakz…

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Heavily-armed gunmen attack Kaduna-Abuja train

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Police arrest ‘mastermind’ of Abuja bank robbery

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‘Free El-Zakzaky to prove Buhari’s new respect for courts’— Falana writes Malami

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We were right to detain Sowore, Dasuki despite court orders -Malami

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FIFA may stop Premier League of using VAR

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZSo3TpGCZlGyuVJlx74iaLHdSWAo0sLGHxSqL7d_DtGePkVRn6w0jkn9LOSCDS0u33F1-UFDoIfIBHJRTtxucsxdD53Xh7aEuvwbZ0jAvbKOLwrkbujLKn3dkZOG99U9V8pQzdkXjzU/s1600/VAR+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="685" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZSo3TpGCZlGyuVJlx74iaLHdSWAo0sLGHxSqL7d_DtGePkVRn6w0jkn9LOSCDS0u33F1-UFDoIfIBHJRTtxucsxdD53Xh7aEuvwbZ0jAvbKOLwrkbujLKn3dkZOG99U9V8pQzdkXjzU/s400/VAR+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Premier League may be told to adopt the International Football Association Board (IFAB)’s VAR protocols, or risk their license being revoked.<br /> <br /> The new technology continued to cause controversy on New Year’s Day, when Aston Villa had a goal ruled out for offside, with Wesley’s heel adjudged to be offside.<br /> <br /> The decision is another in a series of incidents from December, which has annoyed fans and pundits.<br /> <br /> And now, according to former Sky Sports commentator, Richard Keys, FIFA are ready to intervene.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Keys tweeted: “Hearing that FIFA are going to give PL an ultimatum to adopt IFAB VAR protocol.<br /> <br /> “At worst they can take the license away and stop them using it.”<br /> <br /> IFAB’s general secretary, Lukas Brud, said last week that officials on the pitch and monitoring cameras, “should not become “too forensic” over offsides or any other decisions.

Latest-News FIFA may stop Premier League of using VAR

The Premier League may be told to adopt the International Football Association Board (IFAB)’s VAR protocols, or risk their license being revoked. The new technology continued to cause controversy on New Year’s Day, when Aston Villa had a goal ruled …

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2023 Presidency: Coalition of Arewa youths shuns North, backs South South

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Father of two hacks mother-in-law, kills self in Delta

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46fht0rieJUQeSQfDEQgxB0FhuTg9rHUntXJ16ppK3VY5GPbNjlbywkxkyTfeJNkrYGXy2HakgCmBYRaWo0OTGD4VVxrHAIgU-sIRMVU7vszL6YvatxZiakaTCk9a0OF_BGiXfn363BY/s1600/Nigeria-Police-Force-400x240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46fht0rieJUQeSQfDEQgxB0FhuTg9rHUntXJ16ppK3VY5GPbNjlbywkxkyTfeJNkrYGXy2HakgCmBYRaWo0OTGD4VVxrHAIgU-sIRMVU7vszL6YvatxZiakaTCk9a0OF_BGiXfn363BY/s400/Nigeria-Police-Force-400x240.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> An unnamed father of two has reportedly committed suicide after hacking his mother-in-law to death around the Arubaye area of Warri, Warri South L.G.A<br /> <br /> The assailant was having issues with his wife and reportedly stormed the mother-in-law’s residence where he committed the heinous act.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that shortly after the killing of his mother-in-law, the son-in-law allegedly drank a substance believed to be poison and died as a result<br /> <br /> The deceased mother-in-law, whose identity could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, was not in support of the marriage between her daughter and her killer.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The incident occurred few hours into the New Year.<br /> <br /> The deceased’s killer, who did not meet his wife, wreaked cutlass cuts on the mother-in-law and ensured she died before fleeing from the scene of the incident<br /> <br /> However, the daughter whose identity could not also be ascertained was said to have taken to her heels on seeing the husband armed with a cutlass.<br /> <br /> An eyewitness said: “She ran away. But her mother could not run because she had pains on one of her legs.<br /> <br /> “This man faced the poor woman and cut her severally until she died.<br /> <br /> “The neighbours all ran away. They said they were afraid. But the man later took poison and died this morning near Island Clinic. He wore a green native and canvass. But the body has been removed.”<br /> <br /> Sources at the ‘B’ Division at Okumagba Avenue in Warri confirmed the incident, saying the two corpses have been evacuated by the police.<br /> <br /> The source said both corpses have been deposited at the morgue of the Central Hospital, Warri.<br /> <br /> Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr Adeyinka Adeleke, confirmed the incident.<br /> <br /> “It’s true but the man has also killed himself. We are investigating the incident.”

Latest-News Father of two hacks mother-in-law, kills self in Delta

An unnamed father of two has reportedly committed suicide after hacking his mother-in-law to death around the Arubaye area of Warri, Warri South L.G.A The assailant was having issues with his wife and reportedly stormed the mother-in-law’s residence…

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Extortion: Shehu Sani denies accusation, ready to face accuser at EFCC office

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWtdoxS24AGXApoYL9lzyW9Hx2hjMifvY_R8ZQgMypkPePTPlwzN8cLY_4_8MS81m8njg5oW7hBnzyfXyftCWXt-HEfjODPC0MtyE9DZAsciVz6Dyqolj9ixIqfKSbbgY87-lRHrOp84/s1600/shehu-sani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWtdoxS24AGXApoYL9lzyW9Hx2hjMifvY_R8ZQgMypkPePTPlwzN8cLY_4_8MS81m8njg5oW7hBnzyfXyftCWXt-HEfjODPC0MtyE9DZAsciVz6Dyqolj9ixIqfKSbbgY87-lRHrOp84/s400/shehu-sani.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Senator Shehu Sani has told his interrogators at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he did not demand $20,000 (about N7.2million) from businessman Sani Dauda.<br /> <br /> He expressed readiness for a face-to-face interaction with Dauda, who is the Chairman/ CEO of ASD Motors at the trial to prove his innocence.<br /> <br /> Recall that the outspoken lawmaker was arrested by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday saying it acted on a petition from Daura.<br /> <br /> Dauda is expected to appear before EFCC investigator today (Thursday) for interrogation and an encounter with the former senator.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to a report by The Nation, the embattled ex-senator maintained his innocence in a written statement  he made at the EFCC headquarters.<br /> <br /> A top source, who spoke in confidence said: “During interrogation by our detectives and in his written statement,  Sani said he did not collect $20,000 from the   Chairman/ CEO of ASD Motors, Alhaji Sani Dauda.<br /> <br /> “He also said since he does not work with EFCC, he could not have asked for cash to intercede on a case on Dauda’s behalf with the Acting EFCC chairman, Mr.  Ibrahim Magu.<br /> <br /> “Although he admitted knowing the car dealer and commiserating with him over an incident in November 2019, he said he was prepared to protect his integrity before detectives and in court.”<br /> <br /> Asked of the next step, the source said: “The EFCC acted on a petition from the car dealer. We did not create the document.<br /> <br /> “Detectives will engage Dauda on Thursday (today) and the Senator. We have asked him to bring all relevant documents on the transactions between the two parties.<br /> <br /> “We are also screening the contents of telephone messages between the senator and Dauda. We have two parallel claims. It is our job as investigators to sieve the information at our disposal.<br /> <br /> It was also learnt that the EFCC may invite Bureau De Change operators who allegedly served as intermediaries.<br /> <br /> A top source said: “He was said to have collected the $20,000 from the Chairman/ CEO of ASD Motors on the grounds that he is very close to the EFCC boss.<br /> <br /> He added: “There is no doubt that bribe cash exchanged hands between Sen. Sani and the owner of ASD Motors because a refund has been made.<br /> <br /> “The matter started on November 14 when the former senator went to sympathise with the ASD Motors chairman on November 14th over an incident. It was in the process that a discussion ensued on some challenges being faced by the car dealer.<br /> <br /> “They met on November 19th on the cases involving the businessman and the EFCC. About N5million allegedly was given to the Senator, through a bureau De Change operator, to address the case in court.<br /> <br /> “On November 20th, the Senator had audience with the businessnan where he allegedly promised to get in touch with EFCC investigators and prosecutors.<br /> <br /> “He was also alleged to have claimed that the investigators were demanding cash to give to the Acting EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu. It was at this point he the $20,000, was supported.<br /> <br /> “At this stage, the car dealer became suspicious and claimed that he did not have $20,000 but he could afford $10,000 with the balance for payment after the intercession.<br /> <br /> “Despite the offer of $10,000, there was no result as the EFCC was still adamant on the case of the owner of ASD Motors.”

Latest-News Extortion: Shehu Sani denies accusation, ready to face accuser at EFCC office

Senator Shehu Sani has told his interrogators at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he did not demand $20,000 (about N7.2million) from businessman Sani Dauda. He expressed readiness for a face-to-face interaction with Dauda, wh…

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S/West governors to launch regional security outfit, Amotekun on Jan. 9

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRN3PKiDBewih-TnV6bcNRE3pwF6li2_fAskk-xO0EHSENxWqIoRPj5wNCk4GOfGZwrIFTfOG2tbZvbY5xaFYJK0WBZv_KKD_5jUQ05ML9bkWWhDEqfDFE8-5jnApNivOvmvX-S2hzU4/s1600/South-West-governors-and-top-police-officers-750x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="750" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRN3PKiDBewih-TnV6bcNRE3pwF6li2_fAskk-xO0EHSENxWqIoRPj5wNCk4GOfGZwrIFTfOG2tbZvbY5xaFYJK0WBZv_KKD_5jUQ05ML9bkWWhDEqfDFE8-5jnApNivOvmvX-S2hzU4/s400/South-West-governors-and-top-police-officers-750x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The joint Southwest security outfit, Amotekun, will be inaugurated on January 9, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, has confirmed.<br /> <br /> Recall it was earlier reported that the stage was set for the launch of the outfit by the six governors of the region.<br /> <br /> The outfit will take off on January 9 after the endorsement of the reviewed Standard Operating Practice (SOP) the governors of Ondo (Oluwarotimi Akeredolu); Ekiti (Dr. Fayemi); Oyo (Seyi Makinde); Osun (Adegboyega Oyetola); Ogun (Prince Dapo Abiodun) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).<br /> <br /> Fayemi, who made this known in his New Year message, said the outfit would complement the efforts of the regular security agencies.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said: “On January 9, 2020, the Western Nigeria Security Network known as Amotekun shall commence operations in all the six states in our zone<br /> <br /> “Ekiti is very active in this initiative which will go a long way in securing the people and protecting the state.<br /> <br /> “The fact remains, however, that criminality cannot be totally eradicated even as we are working meticulously at reducing it to the barest minimum in Ekiti State, and the evidence is there for all to see and acknowledge that we are making steady progress.<br /> <br /> “Since we are not an Island, we are working with neigbouring states to strengthen our security architecture.”<br /> <br /> The governor urged community leaders and groups not to allow themselves to be used to cause unnecessary tension that could trigger crisis.<br /> <br /> He said: “I have personally kept a close watch on the security situation within and around Ekiti State, and I can assure you that as a government, we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety of lives and property in our dear state.<br /> <br /> “Ekiti remains one of the safest places to live, work and conduct business in Nigeria. Henceforth, I urge our community leaders or groups not to allow themselves to be used to spread fake or unsubstantiated news with a view to setting the residents against themselves or destabilising the peace of the state<br /> <br /> “We must encourage our people to report any strange signal or incident, but we must resist the temptation to resort to self-help at any time.”<br /> <br /> He assured residents that the state will witness rapid improvement on its infrastructure in the New Year with a view to accelerating the economic recovery.<br /> <br /> Dr. Fayemi said his administration is making steady, visible and sustainable progress in all areas as the state is now moving “from potentials to actualisation”.<br /> <br /> Reiterating the resolve of his government to make life more meaningful and comfortable, he said that he would flag off the construction of four major roads that are critical to the industrial and agricultural development of the state by the middle of the month.<br /> <br /> He listed the roads as Oye-Ikun-Otun, Aramoko-Erinjiyan – Ikogosi, Agbado – Isinbode-Omuo and Ilupeju-Ire-Igbemo roads.<br /> <br /> The new road projects are in addition to the on-gong work on the 7.2km new Ado-Iyin road, repairs in Ado township and commencement of the Ado Ekiti ring road, the Ado Ekiti Agro-Airport and repairs of other critical arteries in the state.<br /> <br /> Fayemi said the 2020 budget of deliverables is “eloquent testimonies” to his administration’s deliberate and honest quest at providing good road network and improving the enabling environment for business concers in Ekiti State.<br /> <br /> The governor said: “As a government, we are stepping up our efforts to bridge the huge infrastructural gaps to facilitate industrial development in Ekiti State. As of today, most of the economically viable but hitherto abandoned projects are being brought back to life. I am equally assuring you that all the ongoing and new projects for 2020 will receive adequate attention to ensure delivery within the stipulated time.<br /> <br /> “On Monday, January 13, 2020, I shall flag off four major roads that are critical to industrial + agricultural development – Oye-Ikun-Otun, Aramoko-Erinjiyan – Ikogosi, Agbado – Isinbode-Omuo and Ilupeju-Ire-Igbemo roads. This is in addition to the on-gong work on the Ado New Iyin Road, repairs in Ado township and commencement of the Ado Ekiti Ring Road, the Ado Ekiti Agro-Airport and repairs of other critical arteries in the state.”<br /> <br /> On the vision of his government to grow agribusiness, open farm to market access roads, the governor said the state government with the support of the World Bank-assisted RAAMP initiative would, embark on the construction of 1,000 km of rural roads to aid and enhance agribusiness in the State.<br /> <br /> He said the government plans to explore the untapped natural resources and maximize the potential through the promotion and sustenance of agribusiness and solid mineral development as the mainstay of our economy.<br /> <br /> He added that the administration is on course to lifting Ekiti people out of poverty to the path of prosperity by empowering farmers and entrepreneurs in the agriculture and solid minerals value chain.<br /> <br /> Fayemi said: “Already, Promasidor Nigeria Limited has effectively taken over Ikun Dairy Farm to enhance the maximization of its full potential in a public private partnership.<br /> <br /> “We have also restructured and expanded our rice and cassava programmes through partnership with key private sector players like Dangote Farms, Jumlar Rice Limited and Stallion Rice who are all setting up rice mills in the state in 2020 and a number of cassava mills are also coming up – Promise Point, FMS Farms and Krest Farms are pioneers here.<br /> <br /> “More brownfield and greenfield investments in agribusiness are being planned in palm oil and cocoa sector, and we are sure they will manifest in year 2020.”<br /> <br /> Reviewing the efforts of his administration in 2019, the governor said his government doubled efforts at redefining good governance by restructuring, strengthening and empowering the public service to function more effectively.<br /> <br /> He added that the injection of 3,000 new workers into the public service was not because the income of the State had increased but to ensure efficiency in service delivery.<br /> <br /> His words: “The year 2019 was definitely better than the previous year for our public servants. Their salaries were regular and they could plan their lives in a more productive manner.<br /> <br /> “Over 1000 retired public servants collected their gratuity both in the State and Local Government Service in 2019 as we increased monthly gratuity to N100 million from N10 million in the previous administration.<br /> <br /> “Our ultimate aim is to ensure that all retirees receive their gratuity shortly after retirement. We started paying the new minimum wage in October 2019 and I promise Ekiti kete that this will extend to all categories of workers beyond grade level 6 as soon as the current negotiation on consequential adjustment is completed.”

Latest-News S/West governors to launch regional security outfit, Amotekun on Jan. 9

The joint Southwest security outfit, Amotekun, will be inaugurated on January 9, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, has confirmed. Recall it was earlier reported that the stage was set for the launch of the outfit by the six governors of the region…

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Be rich enough to take care of yourself before proposing love to me - Khloe

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpfuXp08CrRt-7Q_AvQ8Upccp4-Ofhl_be0I63mtMiWuoiA-6LQ2gmBMt00eGGpXcll4pQ6P5yPeBl8rN6WuQJJgcfAdoSl24BgYYo1W0sxhVv3lETFFlELTqpuEcBbckZIakvUW03wk/s1600/Kloe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1024" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpfuXp08CrRt-7Q_AvQ8Upccp4-Ofhl_be0I63mtMiWuoiA-6LQ2gmBMt00eGGpXcll4pQ6P5yPeBl8rN6WuQJJgcfAdoSl24BgYYo1W0sxhVv3lETFFlELTqpuEcBbckZIakvUW03wk/s400/Kloe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Reality TV star, Busayo Abiri a.k.a Khloe has shared one of her resolutions for 2020.<br /> The BBNaija ex-housemate took to her Snapchat page on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, where she talked about several things she would love to achieve in 2020. One thing she mentioned which have heard before was the qualities she desires from a future husband.<br /> <br /> “This is 2020, let me breathe. I would not be taking bullshit from anybody, seriously. This is not like a new year resolution or anything I’m just trying to remind you that baby girl is not taking bullshit from anybody. This year I’m making me a lot of money, I need to buy a house, by a dream can and I need to fly all over the world…<br /> <br /> And to all the guys on this platform that have been asking me out, trying to take to me…now if you want to get serious with me, because you don’t know, I might meet my future husband on this platform, please make sure you are rich enough to take care of yourself before you can take care of me! Yea, period,” she said.<br /> <br /> Recall that back in December 2019, Khloe in a very lengthy post said she cannot marry a broke man.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “So last night at dinner I was having a conversation with the girls and I said I can’t MARRY a broke man that doesn’t have at least 3 cars, 2 houses, and 2 stable businesses …. so it got online and people are insulting me … 1. That’s my wish, not yours. 2. I repeat I’m not bringing a child into this world if my husband and me are not financially stable. 3. It’s me that knows what I went through growing up and I don’t wish that for my children. 4. I have half of these things, so why should I go lower. 5. It’s none of your goddam business what I wish for,” she wrote.

Latest-News Be rich enough to take care of yourself before proposing love to me - Khloe

Reality TV star, Busayo Abiri a.k.a Khloe has shared one of her resolutions for 2020. The BBNaija ex-housemate took to her Snapchat page on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, where she talked about several things she would love to achieve in 2020. One thin…

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Dosu Joseph urges NFF to renew Rohr’s contract

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67DpTq7DpdIBMYmMlDGUjbTX308jNlco7O_zBuWVM7E2A_5i0f8OZ4LOiSKlfKvdgGmJIGSHGGzk9OMaNaZXwV1bQlSLSS2ExArJos3LIkjWWoy4TlTOvGm8n3OrrakXzXzO-GKrGAo8/s1600/Rohrr-750x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="750" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67DpTq7DpdIBMYmMlDGUjbTX308jNlco7O_zBuWVM7E2A_5i0f8OZ4LOiSKlfKvdgGmJIGSHGGzk9OMaNaZXwV1bQlSLSS2ExArJos3LIkjWWoy4TlTOvGm8n3OrrakXzXzO-GKrGAo8/s400/Rohrr-750x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Ex-International goalkeeper, Dosu Joseph, says  Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has done a fantastic job with the national team, as he urged the Nigeria Football Federation to renew contract.<br /> <br /> Dosu, a member of Nigeria’s Atalanta 96 Olympic football team believes that since the coach has been able to take the Super Eagles to Russia as well as qualified the team for the AFCON in Egypt in 2019, he has the qualities that the team needs to succeed.<br /> <br /> “In my own opinion, He (Rohr) has been good for the Eagles, if we want to be honest. He qualified us for the World Cup and at the same time, we were at the AFCON 2019 after missing out two on previous editions.  The boys are doing great things with Rohr in charge.<br /> <br /> On Rohr’s contract issues, he said the manager has been able to prove himself as a good coach and in his own opinion; the Franco-German should be retained in view of his achievements over the years.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Speaking about the present Super Eagles team, he applauded the national team handlers for doing a great job and creating a cohesive environment for the team of youngsters to emerge as a force to reckon with continental and global football.<br /> <br /> “Since Rohr came on board, he continued the process that Keshi and Oliseh began with the Eagles.<br /> <br /> “Take a look at the team now, most of the boys are playing regularly for their club sides.<br /> <br /> “We can’t compare generations to generations. We are all different human beings. Yet, the boys are good.<br /> <br /> “In fact, in terms of playing pattern, individual skills, these present boys are doing very well. I think all they need is just encouragement.<br /> <br /> “Since NFF have a contract with him and I am not privy to it, it is between the two parties if they want to continue or not. But in my own view, Rohr has been doing his duties with the Eagles very well as a coach.”

Latest-News Dosu Joseph urges NFF to renew Rohr’s contract

Ex-International goalkeeper, Dosu Joseph, says  Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has done a fantastic job with the national team, as he urged the Nigeria Football Federation to renew contract. Dosu, a member of Nigeria’s Atalanta 96 Olympic football …

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