Nigerian Eye

Lagos-Ibadan Rail: LASG to close Adejobi Street in Agege Sunday

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsuH7g3YkHSYLGSOLIQzm2xf0CvY7BMjLesYSzWETeCpQiIgUE03pJXncGAGoYlRZ0n9D5paiCI0AzAJgvel91vvlmytmfvpckOOPfCXmgNaEGxC0UJdTcVlPSlSbx4RD28V-oWzJbx8/s1600/Lagos-Ibadan-rail-project-640x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsuH7g3YkHSYLGSOLIQzm2xf0CvY7BMjLesYSzWETeCpQiIgUE03pJXncGAGoYlRZ0n9D5paiCI0AzAJgvel91vvlmytmfvpckOOPfCXmgNaEGxC0UJdTcVlPSlSbx4RD28V-oWzJbx8/s400/Lagos-Ibadan-rail-project-640x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Lagos State Government says it will close down the Adejobi Street in Agege area on Sunday to facilitate the completion of the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail line. 
 
The Public Affairs Unit of the state Ministry of Transportation said in a statement that Adejobi Sreet would be closed done between Sunday and Tuesday. 
 
The statement said that the closure was in line with the Nigerian Railway Modernisation Project (Lagos-Ibadan section) with extension to Lagos Port at Apapa. 
 
“The Lagos State Government will be closing down Adejobi Street around Agege axis on Sunday, Feb. 16, till Tuesday,  Feb.18 from 8:00p.m to 6:00a.m daily for the level crossing construction. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
“Alternative routes have been provided for road users to utilise during the course of the construction. 
 
“Motorists plying Adejobi, Agege axis will be diverted to Fagba Crossing, Toyin Crossing and Ashade Underpass to access their desired destinations. 
 
“Road users are advised to comply with the traffic directions to minimise inconvenience in movement. 
 
“The closure has been slated at this time to ensure there is smooth and uninterrupted flow of work on the rail tracks,” it added. 
 
According to it, the Lagos State Government appeals to residents of the state, especially motorists that ply the corridor to bear the pains. 
 
It added that the project was aimed at achieving a seamless multi-modal transport system that would meet the transportation needs of a larger population.

Latest-News Lagos-Ibadan Rail: LASG to close Adejobi Street in Agege Sunday

Lagos State Government says it will close down the Adejobi Street in Agege area on Sunday to facilitate the completion of the ongoing cons...

Acting can never be my full-time career- Tope Alabi

11:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLXLJVX3IvZWBlIlvTebS9cvbqa5enytmbLN-zvV0_-jM-05AspZA8FIgrC6uR9WhuYL07m1C87RV-N5wkqjkCn1ww5Tu40-_eraDNegCJA2IpZ468qjn1WZXM07elayzyLrUixtmk1U/s1600/Tope-Alabi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="679" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLXLJVX3IvZWBlIlvTebS9cvbqa5enytmbLN-zvV0_-jM-05AspZA8FIgrC6uR9WhuYL07m1C87RV-N5wkqjkCn1ww5Tu40-_eraDNegCJA2IpZ468qjn1WZXM07elayzyLrUixtmk1U/s400/Tope-Alabi.png" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Inspirational gospel singer, Tope Alabi has stated that though she is currently producing a movie, ‘The Weight’, it wouldn’t inhibit her music career. 
 
According to her: “Acting can never be my full-time career. It is just going to be once in a while. Music is my main career and that is the only thing I can do full time. Shooting a movie can’t stop my ministration. My music career is till Jesus comes”, she told Punch. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Speaking on her roles in the movie production and what inspired the project, Alabi said, “I am producing and acting (in the movie). I played the role of a lady called Wuraola. On the inspiration behind the movie, whatever a child of God does must be inspired by the Holy Spirit. I felt God wanted me to shoot a Christian movie to win more souls to Christ because souls are perishing due to lack of knowledge. When God started giving me stories, I realised that it was a move for me to shoot a movie. The story is inspired by the Holy Spirit. He wants everybody to drop all their loads, so that he would give them rest.”

Latest-News Acting can never be my full-time career- Tope Alabi

Inspirational gospel singer, Tope Alabi has stated that though she is currently producing a movie, ‘The Weight’, it wouldn’t inhibit her...

Buhari refused to interfere with the judgment of the Supreme Court in Bayelsa state – Presidency

11:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News Buhari refused to interfere with the judgment of the Supreme Court in Bayelsa state – Presidency

Hope Uzodinma calls Army Chief, Buratai ‘strategic military leader’

11:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News Hope Uzodinma calls Army Chief, Buratai ‘strategic military leader’

NNPC announces 2020 recruitment

11:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News NNPC announces 2020 recruitment

‘Let’s look inwards’ — Keyamo commends Supreme Court, blames APC for Bayelsa loss

11:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News ‘Let’s look inwards’ — Keyamo commends Supreme Court, blames APC for Bayelsa loss

Why I beat up another monarch at peace meeting -Oluwo of Iwo defends his action

11:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News Why I beat up another monarch at peace meeting -Oluwo of Iwo defends his action

REVEALED: The horrifying confessions of a notorious kidnap gang who raped victims

10:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-D7a1TlhGEvKBtybk8xmv_uEv97htXbVIMr7rJyb-wfkjTYqhX4v6kP8go7uGFJN1qac3IvbyxXalE1FDMGFYf4IHRmwfTzpFx9BOujG5NKamCnsnpoNO-DVHfg2AMMl9T-xuS_JRYNz/s1600/kidnap2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-D7a1TlhGEvKBtybk8xmv_uEv97htXbVIMr7rJyb-wfkjTYqhX4v6kP8go7uGFJN1qac3IvbyxXalE1FDMGFYf4IHRmwfTzpFx9BOujG5NKamCnsnpoNO-DVHfg2AMMl9T-xuS_JRYNz/s400/kidnap2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
 
A suspected armed robbery and kidnap gang, who specialised in raping female victims and kidnapping of rich lawyers as well reverend fathers who keep church money in Enugu, Imo and Abia states, has been smashed by the operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team(IRT). 
 
A source revealed that the public complaints on the incessant kidnap and robbing of residents in the three states with impunity made the IGP to direct the commander of IRT, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari, to smash the gang. 
 
When Abba kyari’s special squad swung into action, 16 members of the notorious kidnapping gang, who unleashed terror on residents of these states, were arrested like fowls. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The source also revealed that during the week, five cars and 10 mobile phones belonging to different persons, kidnapped by members of this gang as well as one Ak47 rifle, one pump action gun, five locally made pistols and cartridges, were recovered from the suspects. 
 
The source further revealed that members of these gang, who specialised in rapping their female victims and whose operating camps were located in Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, were rounded up after IGP Adamu received countless complaints about their activities. 
 
Sources at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, also disclosed that the Abba Kyari-led IRToperatives were deployed in Aba town. The dreaded operatives moved in following discreet intelligence reports, to track down and dismantle the kidnapping network of members of this gang. A three-week operation was launched by the IRT operatives, which resulted in the arrest of 16 members of the dangerous gang. 
 
The names of the suspects arrested are: Nwazuoke Ijima, a.k.a XX, Maduabuchukwu Amamba, a.k.a commander; Eze Chikwe a.k.a Afo; Chinoso Amadi; Chimeremueze Benson, a.k.a Atuma; Ugochukwu Uzoma; Ifeanyi Sylvanus a.k.a.Pigeon; David Nweke a.k.a Rugged; Ikechukwu Erondu; Abraham Nna; Chijioke Azuka; Ugochukwu Obi, a.k.a Muchocho; Iwejo Chibuna; Ohasonu Sunday;Nwachukwu Stanley and Godswill Ihemere. a.k.a Ojaba, including their gang leaders, were all rounded up. 
 
The suspects confessed to several kidnappings, including that of a Reverend Father, who reportedly paid N400,000 for his release. 
 
One of the gang leaders, Maduabuchi Amamba, a.k.a. commander, 30-year-old and a native of Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, in his confession, said: “I’m not married, but I have a fiencee who had a child for me. I am a kidnapper and I started early last year and it was my friends, known as SS, Muchocho, Ojaba and Stephen who lured me into crime. 
 
“I met these boys at Umugbede area of Osisioma area of Aba,where we were smoking Indian hemp and cocaine. I started taking cocaine when I met my friends. 
 
“However, before I met these my friends, I was a vigilante man working at Nkpor area of Anambra State. I did that for about one year. It was my friend, Chiemeka, that introduced me into this business. My father was sick and there was no money to treat him. Then, Chiemka a.k.a Niggar, took me to the joint where I met my other friends. 
 
In Januray 2019, we went for a robbery at Amafife area of Osisioma, where we robbed a woman coming back from her shop and we snatched her bag. 
 
“Niggar said he had been monitoring the woman for a long time. We were four that went for the robbery and we found N35000. We went with two pump action guns, which I was using as a vigilante operative in Nkpor. I took 75,000 as my share. 
 
Later, we kidnapped the daughter of Chisom Ugbenna, a 32- year- old doctor and intellectual giant. The woman resides at Imaculate area of Aba. It was someone residing in the area, known as Chucks, who brought information about the woman. We kidnapped her when she was trying to drive into her compound in a Toyota Highlander jeep. We were five in number that went for the operation and we took the woman to Ojaba’s house at Amokpoife in Osisoma area. The person who brought the job for us said that the woman was so rich that she could afford to pay N20million. Then, I called her husband and demanded N20million but surprisingly, the husband said he would pay only N500,000, but he ended paying N2million before his wife was released . 
 
“It was Ifeanyi, watching over the woman; who raped her. I was not initially aware that Ifeanyi raped the woman he was the one looking after the woman at the camp, but after the ransom was paid, I got information about what he did. I asked him and he confessed that he actually slept with the woman four times. 
 
“I became annoyed with him for what he did. So, I deducted 40,000 from his money as a punishment; I gave him just N120,000. We then sold the woman’s vehicle to one Sunny, who resides in Imo State, for N400,000. I got the sum of N280,000 from the whole operation. We then kidnapped a lawyer in January 2020 on Obingwa road in Aba and we took him to Ekaru area of Osisioma. 
 
“We stopped the man along the way while he was driving; we blocked him with our own vehicle. He spent three days with us in our camp. I slept with him for just one night. I left the camp and went home because I got news that my father was dead. 
 
“I later learnt it was Godswill that was beating the victim. I negotiated for the ransom and I demanded the sum of N1.5million because I needed money urgently for my fathers burial. Unfortunately, the man paid us the sum of N200,000 and I got N34,000 as my share. 
 
My friends later took the lawyer’s car and sold it. I was aware that the man’s car was sold at the time we kidnapped him. It was after our arrest that I learnt that. I also attempted to kidnap a man driving a Toyota Avalon at Obingwa area of Aba but the man sighted us and ran away. We left with his car and I sold it to Mr Sunny for N200,000. We later kidnapped a man at Opkulumuobo, driving a Lexus 330. We traced the man to his house. The time was 9:00pm; we followed him to his gate; we kidnapped him and took away his vehicle. 
 
We also sold the man’s vehicle for N300, 000 but the man ran way from our camp. We later discovered that it was the people that worked with with us who allowed the man to escape . 
 
“However before then, ‘SS’ had seized my rifles and ran away with it away but I got another friend, Onye, and he gave me a rifle I was using. I called ‘SS’ and I asked about my rifle; he asked me to come back but, unfortunately when I went to him, I was arrested by the police.” 
 
Another suspect, Nwazuoke Ejima, also a native of Osisioma Local Government Area of Abia State, said: “I am 33 years of age. I am from Umuoyeringwa in Osisioma area of Aba. I have only primary school education because I have no father. My father died while I was still very young and my mother is just a farmer. I learned panel betting, but my master chased me away because I couldn’t pa y him. I went back to the village and there was a man called Fabian who taught me how to become a kidnapper in 2017. 
 
“He was the first person who was kidnapped in Isialangwa. I followed them with my bike and we kept the man at Egbede village at Osisioma. I didn’t know how much that was paid as ransom but I was given N20,000. 
 
“The second operation was around Umuahia Expressway. It was in the nigh; they kidnapped a man and I was given N5000 for my role. However, I stopped working with him because he wasn’t giving me good money .Then I had no choice than to leave him and find my way. 
 
“Later, I got a locally made pistol and showed Fabian. He said what I had was a toy. He then brought his own, which was an AK 47 rifle. We then kidnapped a man at Isialangwa and I was given N40,000. I then bought a pump action for N400,000. I became very angry with him. I left and formed my own gang. It was Ojaba that helped me form the gang. He called me after he was released from the prisons, but he didn’t tell me how he got my number but he told me that he had two people who had two pump action guns; I met him and two others at Amakife. 
 
“I also met commander and Nigge and gave them the job at Imaculate. We kidnapped a woman and we took away her car. We dropped the woman at Amakife. The woman paid N2million and we sold her vehicle. One of us slept with the woman. 
 
“I got a total of N390,000 because I cheated my gang members. We also kidnapped a man at Isialangwa, who is a lawyer. We kidnapped another man at Ariaria Junction. We took the man to my village in Amakifie and kept him in the bush. The man paid N500,000. I collected the money and ran away with it. I used the money to buy a pump action gun for N480,000. 
 
“I used my pump action gun and that of commander to kidnap a man, who was coming out from his shop at Opkurumogbo. I later I heard that the man ran away. We also kidnapped a Reverend Father, Obinnna; Mushosho, Sky and I; we kidnapped the reverend father at Umuka area of Abia State and took him to Nekaro village. He spent four days with us and we took N400,000 from the man’s family. While we wanted to sell the father’s vehicle, we had an agument in the vehicle, because the father’s phone was missing and we we were looking for it. In the process, we had an accident with his vehicle and Obinna left his phone in the vehicle, while we were trying to escape. 
 
“On January1, 2020, we went to kidnap a man at Ariaria road. I went with one Chinonso and Victor, and we went with a pump action gun, a pistol and a double barrel gun. We blocked the man with a car; we kidnapped a man and a woman; they were carrying three people. They kidnapped the first person with a lexus and used his vehicle to kidnap the man and the woman driving an Infinity vehicle. We abandoned the car and took the three of them to Umuokiri and kept them in an abandoned building. 
 
“We then left all the victims with my boys but in the morning, I learned that SARS came, attacked and killed two of his boys and they rescued the victims. The next day, I started calling one Chinonso. I didn’t know he had been arrested and I wanted us to go for another job. 
 
“I was at Toyimas junction when the police came to arrest me. I gave them my gun and I promised that I will not do it again. I know that the people I have are bad criminals.” 
 
Suspect Eze Chikwe, a 35-year-old member of the gang and also a native of Umumba area of Osisioma town, said: “I have just a child . I am a truck driver and I attended only primary school. It was my friend, Federal and Ik, looking for money to bury his father. Then I brought out my late father’s gun; then we kidnapped a man. I was given N50,000 and that was all I have done with gang. I met them at Omuma where they were doing oil bunkering. Then, we became friends They asked me to go, that when ever they needed me, they will call me but last week, Ik called me and when I came, I was arrested.” 
 
Suspect Ugochwuo Obi, aged 24 aka Muchocho, a native of Umuigwe village also in Osisioma town, on his part, said: “I attended primary and secondary schools and I went into trading . 
 
“Later, I bought a bike and met one of my friends from Lagos, Eberechi, who is over 40 years. I used to move around town and some times, he used to carry his gun, which he would conceal in a bag of rice. I used to take him to friends and when they returned. they will give me N20,000. He later had problem with his gang and he said I should join his gang. We kidnapped a man at Ideku area. It was Eberechi and I that took the man; we blocked him and took him. We took the man away and he paid us N600,000. I got N100,000. Three months later, we kidnapped a man at Umuimo junction in Osisioma and he paid us N3000,000 but we went to Ikakpara in Opkokoro to rest. My third job was with ‘SS’. We kidnapped a man not knowing he was a reverend father and he paid N400,000. We picked another man from Umuimo and he paid us N400, 000.” 
 
Suspect Obinna Alozie, aged 27 from Ossioma Ngwa LGA in his confession, said: “I attended only primary school and learned how to fix tiles. It was in October, 2019 that my brother, Ojaba, who was living with us, that brought a kidnapped woman to our house to keep, that lured us into this kidnap job.The lady spent four days in our house and I was given the sum of N70,000.”

Latest-News REVEALED: The horrifying confessions of a notorious kidnap gang who raped victims

A suspected armed robbery and kidnap gang, who specialised in raping female victims and kidnapping of rich lawyers as well reverend father...

China records over 5000 coronavirus cases within 24 hours

10:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News China records over 5000 coronavirus cases within 24 hours

Arsenal want Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze

10:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="788" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHY0avCUSKurkZEQebkA_xpo_Q4lPUfaU3OmeYeXyqmvv5nBwXmK8JWdBcVbEyoN9IdV_7SoK3XcfEGi6VhKKo8K9b6ZfXfxqSVLBQGtbGqC-8D9arZXMUtVNOxVDHjKvtPiJOa1ceSr_/s640/chukwueze.jpg" width="640" /></div>
 
Santi Cazorla has revealed discussions have taken place with former club Arsenal over his Villarreal team-mates Pau Torres and Samuel Chukwueze, with Mikel Arteta preparing for a big summer in the transfer market. 
 
Torres, 23, and Chukwueze, 20, have attracted interest from a host of European clubs, and Arsenal have sought to get a jump on their rivals by talking with Cazorla, who spent six years with the Gunners. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Arteta is keen on bolstering his squad for next season, with a centre half particularly high up on his shopping list. Spaniard Torres has been at the heart of Villareal’s defence this season, making 22 appearances in all competitions. 
 
Meanwhile, Chukwueze has been identified as an option on the wing with the Nigerian star netting four goals and four assists in 26 appearances this season. 
 
Cazorla, 35, said that North London chiefs feel the pair are ready-made for the Premier League. 
 
“They ask me about them and think they can make the jump to the Premiership tomorrow. It’s good that great teams are interested in young players from Villarreal, but for the moment I tell them to leave them alone here. 
 
“They still have to take steps forward. They both have a great personality, and their feet are on the ground. 
 
“In Pau’s case he hears constant talk of [Manchester] City or Barcelona, but he is aware that he has to keep growing as a player and that in the future we will see where he can go.” 
 
Cazorla has also clarified his long term future, with the 35-year-old entering the twilight of his career. Since returning to Villarreal, the Spaniard has been in magnificent form, earning himself a recall to the Spanish national team. 
 
“I never plan anything long-term, let alone at 35 years of age. I will finish the season and see what my body tells me because every day I wake up the sensations are different. 
 
“I always said that I was returning here to play at my best level and when I see that I am not at 80% I will step aside and give way to younger players.”

Latest-News Arsenal want Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze

Santi Cazorla has revealed discussions have taken place with former club Arsenal over his Villarreal team-mates Pau Torres and Samuel Chuk...

South-West monarchs demand Oluwo’s suspension for allegedly attacking another traditional ruler

09:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uq_k65C3naXrAGMlt16Mx9dPLFnDoAtUSYN4gLKEi03-ZfISFjxT6vnrEAPOEXpRDZ6Zo-fnkM4ROJ_DGgrBTPpWDrHi8Ib9f0Y5qwCVIOf9-O6Atz3qY7iPkiw47IOkHv9uRoKkbCD3/s1600/Oba+Abdulrasheed+Akanbi+olowu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="700" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uq_k65C3naXrAGMlt16Mx9dPLFnDoAtUSYN4gLKEi03-ZfISFjxT6vnrEAPOEXpRDZ6Zo-fnkM4ROJ_DGgrBTPpWDrHi8Ib9f0Y5qwCVIOf9-O6Atz3qY7iPkiw47IOkHv9uRoKkbCD3/s320/Oba+Abdulrasheed+Akanbi+olowu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
 
Some royal fathers from Osun West Senatorial District on Friday demanded the suspension of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi. 
 
They accused Oba Akanbi of attacking another monarch, Oba Dhikrullahi Olaniran, the Agbowu of Ogbagbaa at a meeting. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues at the Trauma Centre of Osun State General Hospital, Asubiaro, the Olu of Ileogbo, Oba Habeeb Adetoyese, said Oba Akanbi attacked the said monarch at a meeting held at Zone XI Command of Nigeria Police Force, Osogbo. 
 
Oba Adetoyese, who was flanked by Onigege of Igege, Oba Kazeem Oyediran, and Onifin of Ikonifin, Oba Solomon Ojo, told newsmen they were invited to a meeting in the AIG’s office following a petition against them by the Oluwo of Iwo, who had accused them of selling land in his domain. 
 
He said, “In October last year, the Oluwo wrote a petition against us to the Assistant Inspector General of Police that royal fathers were threatening his life and selling his land. 
 
“Then AIG Oyebade warned that he would not condone any form of trouble from our area. He directed that we should have a meeting and resolve the issue. We also saw the governor and he gave same instruction. A peace meeting was fixed for Iwo Local Government Area secretariat. That day, he (Oluwo) disrupted the meeting. He came with thugs. 
 
“When government observed that the first meeting did not yield good result, another meeting was fixed for 9am today (Friday). Letters were sent, inviting us to the meeting. 
 
At the meeting today, we were asked to introduce ourselves and we all did. When Oluwo was asked to talk, he accused me of selling his land. He raised same allegation against Agbowu of Ogbagbaa, Onigege of Gege. I told the meeting that I did not sell Iwo land. 
 
“The Commissioner (for Local Government) told us that since the matter had to do with land, he could not intervene. He advised that parties should approach the court to decide on the matter or meet the governor. 
 
“AIG was still speaking to us on the position of the commissioner on the matter, when Oluwo started shouting that there would be chaos. 
 
“He suddenly left his seat and pounced on Agbowu. He punched him several times and it was the AIG that rescued him from Oluwo. We were all shocked that a king would behave in that manner. When Agbowu was feeling dizzy, we had to rush him down here in Asubiaro Hospital. He sustained injury on his cheeks. We are demanding that the Osun State governor should immediately suspend Oluwo to prevent reoccurrence of such an incident.” 
 
Commenting on the matter, the counsel for Agbowu, Babajide Siyanbola, said the monarch had briefed him and that appropriate legal action would be taken against Oluwo. 
 
When contacted Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Akanbi, said he only defended himself when Agbowu of Ogbagbaa, Oba Dirkrullahi Olaniran, wanted to attack him. 
 
The monarch confirmed he was invited to the peace meeting. 
 
He said, “At the peace meeting held at the AIG’s office, Agbowu of Ogbaagbaa interrupted me while making my speech and called me unprintable names, pointing his staff of office at me while attempting to stick the staff in my eyes, which was heavily rejected with force which Agbowu could not withstand. 
 
“How could a constable openly insult commissioner of police and make attempt to beat the CP? Can any monarch try such with the Ooni, Alaafin,” Oluwo queried.

Latest-News South-West monarchs demand Oluwo’s suspension for allegedly attacking another traditional ruler

Some royal fathers from Osun West Senatorial District on Friday demanded the suspension of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi. Th...

10 reasons couples should have s3x regularly

09:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEInFuopO7hSTnl_Dx84s1kjIqd8CBI6e2I8IYAghMH5fen4QMRkCjOfFB52Z3iZFTD27LEAFYSYgjoIzjIANtqg9_ot6jX9vthda8DgOo4t3WvStcoMD82yrxA_inf_2_oWPe1-T9uww/s1600/love2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEInFuopO7hSTnl_Dx84s1kjIqd8CBI6e2I8IYAghMH5fen4QMRkCjOfFB52Z3iZFTD27LEAFYSYgjoIzjIANtqg9_ot6jX9vthda8DgOo4t3WvStcoMD82yrxA_inf_2_oWPe1-T9uww/s400/love2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
S3x is undeniably pleasurable. However, s3x-related issues are among common reasons for disagreements among couples. Some partners don’t view s3x as vital hence their failure to value its benefits to their wellbeing. Experts have noted that couples should handle s3x matter well so they don’t become knotty in the bedroom. 
 
Couples can learn from the 10 benefits of regular s3x below to ignite their s3x lives. 
 
S3x makes you hate your job less 
 
Researchers have linked loving one’s job to having a good s3x life. They said that good s3x life can make one enjoy one’s less. The research published in the Journal of Management stated that good s3x would not only stop one from hating one’s job, but also make one love one’s job more. 
 
Oregon State University researchers asked 159 married employees to complete two surveys every day for two weeks. The participants noted how many times they had s3x between the end of their work shift and the next morning. Then, in the afternoon, they answered questions about how happy and engaged they felt at their jobs. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
People who had sex the night before work were more likely to immerse themselves at their jobs and enjoy their time in the office the next day than those who didn’t make time for s3x, the researchers found. 
 
The researcher said, “ This might happen because s3x produces a significant ‘morning positive effect.’ Meaning all of the good feelings associated with s3x mainly stemming from feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine carried over and produced a nice mood boost the next day, too.” 
 
S3x lowers your cancer risk 
 
According to a study from the Boston University of Public Health, frequent ejaculation lowers prostate cancer risk in men, Health24.com stated. 
 
Researchers surveyed nearly 32,000 men about their ejaculation frequency and followed them up for 18 years. They found that men between age 20 and 29 were 19 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer if they ejaculated 21 times or more each month compared to guys who didn’t ejaculate as often. 
 
The benefit was even greater for older men; men 40 to 49 who met the same ejaculation standards saw a two-per cent reduction in their prostate cancer risk. 
 
The study authors said frequent ejaculation might play a part in clearing out any cancer-causing infections that could develop within one’s prostate. It boosts the immune system and lowers the risk of prostate and breast cancer. 
 
S3x helps you sleep better 
 
Suffering from insomnia? Don’t overwork yourself. S3x increases one’s heart rate which then helps the body to relax. Feel-good hormones are released during s3x, in turn, promoting better sleep and rest. This is one of the major benefits of s3x in marriage. 
 
S3x has also been linked to good sleep by some medical experts. One of such is a men’s health sleep advisor, Dr Chirstopher Winter, who said orgasm helped one to sleep better. 
 
He said, “S3x primes you for the perfect snooze by making you feel super relaxed, thanks to oxytocin’s stress-reducing effects. But oxytocin isn’t the only hormone that floods your system after orgasm. Your body also releases a hormone called prolactin, which suppresses dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps you feel awake. 
 
“Also, if you are having s3x in the dark, your body will think it’s time for bed. So that sparks the release of melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy and tells your body it’s time to rest. The combination of those three hormones makes you sleep in no time.” 
 
Frequent s3x may protect your heart 
 
After following more than 100 men for an average of 16 years, researchers found that men who had s3x two to three times per week had a significantly lower rate of cardiovascular disease than men who only had s3x a few times a month or less, according to a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology. 
 
There are some theories as to why that could be, according to the researchers. For one, s3x contributes to the physical activity needed to protect one’s heart, Healthline.com stated. 
 
The American Heart Association recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, so regular outdoor exercise should be done in addition to what one does in the bedroom. Besides, it noted that if one was having frequent sex, one would more likely to be in an intimate relationship. 
 
The researchers, however, put a caveat to this, saying if a person had cardiovascular problems in the past, such person should probably wait to have sex until their heart issues returned to normal. 
 
“Talk to your doctor before you do the deed, especially if you are on medication,’’ the researcher added. 
 
A supportive partner makes for a happier heart– physically and emotionally by easing your stress levels. That’s a win for your ticker. Too much stress can cause a heart attack or stroke by increasing the amount of inflammation in your body, a research from Harvard Medical School found. 
 
S3x helps your male organ perform better 
 
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine stated that having sex keeps manhood strong. It stated that men don’t have to use the weapon often to notice the benefits. 
 
In a five-year Finnish survey of nearly 1,000 men aged 55 to 75 years old, those who had s3x once a week were half as likely to develop erectile dysfunction than men who did less often. 
 
Supporting this study, a medical doctor, Juha Koskimäki, said, “An erection delivers crucial amounts of oxygen to your male organ. Low oxygen levels can cause scar tissue to develop, which can make it difficult to get hard. But if you’re going through a dry spell, remember that other factors you’re in control of – like smoking and inactivity also raise your erectile dysfunction.’’ 
 
S3x makes you happier 
 
It’s normal to be excited and happy after orgasm but that’s not all to it. There are also scientific reasons why one experiences bliss after having great s3x. 
 
Scientists explained that the body is flooded with oxytocin, a stress-reducing hormone a few minutes after one climaxes. “This makes one feel relaxed, happy, and closer to one’s partner afterward,’’ the scientist added. 
 
A s3x researcher at Indiana University, Dr Debby Herbenick, said, “Since your oxytocin levels stabilise 10 minutes after you orgasm, try cuddling post-coitus to keep the good vibes going. Oxytocin can be released not only during intercourse but also during close touching.” 
 
Also, a lead researcher of a Canadian study on how sex makes one happier, Dr Robin Milhausen, said, “Not cuddling is the biggest mistake you make in bed, the woman is more likely to find the experience pleasurable if you spend six to 10 minutes cuddling with her afterward. She also gets a rush of oxytocin after orgasming, which makes her crave more affection. Simply playing with her hair, rubbing her back or resting her head on your chest can help her get that.” 
 S3x makes you look younger 
 
A clinical neuropsychologist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Dr David Weeks, said his extensive research had found older men and women with an active love lives looked five to seven years younger than their actual age. 
 
He said, “But you don’t have to be at it every night to enjoy youth-enhancing effects. In fact, during my 10-year study, I found the quality was as important as quantity, with the anti-ageing benefits stronger if the s3x was classed as loving.” 
 
S3x might relieve your headache 
 
An orgasm might act as a natural pain-reliever, according to a 2013 German study. Your brain is bombarded with endorphins; neurotransmitters that produce a feeling of pleasure and pain relief-during s3x, so researchers wanted to find out if having sex while one’s head was aching might ease the pain. 
 
As published in Health24.com, they surveyed nearly 300 people with migraines and more than 60 with cluster headaches who had s3x during an episode and found that 60 per cent of migraine sufferers and 37 per cent with cluster headaches said they felt better afterward. 
 
S3x makes your relationship better 
 
It is often believed that s3x makes relationships last longer but there’s more to mentioning it on the surface. A study from the University of Toronto Mississauga said having s3x once a week kept lovers happy. 
 
The research stated that having s3x more than once wouldn’t make one happier so s3x once in a week is what one needed to make one relationship more lively, healthier and better. 
 
Also, a study published in the Association for Psychological Science, said all the happy feelings experienced after s3x could last up to 48 hours for couples, which keeps their bond going strong long after the completion of the session. 
 S3x burns kilojoules 
 
A biostatistician at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, David Allison, found that the average person burnt a mere 21 calories during average s3x session. He discovered that s3x lasted six minutes on average, noting that the energy output equated to a paltry 20 or so calories, about the same as walking. 
 
However, if done with enough gusto, s3x could still count as ‘significant exercise’, the Quebec researchers said, reporting in the journal Plos One. 
 
“The level of intensity that is exerted from s3xual activity could be higher than that of walking at (4.8km/h) but less than that of jogging at (8km/h),” the researchers wrote in the study. 
 
The researchers, from the University of Quebec at Montreal, looked at 21 heterosexual couples aged between 18 and 35. The average recorded session lasted 24.7 minutes – the shortest being 10 and the longest 57 minutes. During four sex sessions at home, couples wore a SenseWear armband that tracked their energy expenditure. They also answered questions on how tired they were afterwards, how much effort they put in and how much they enjoyed it. 
 
Participants previously underwent a half-hour treadmill test so the researches could measure how many calories they burned during exertion-and then compared the readings from the armband worn during s3x. Men, for example, burned 9.2 calories per minute on the treadmill – but 4.2 in the bedroom. For women, this fell to 7.1 calories while jogging.

Latest-News 10 reasons couples should have s3x regularly

S3x is undeniably pleasurable. However, s3x-related issues are among common reasons for disagreements among couples. Some partners don’t v...

Tension in Bayelsa state, police impose curfew

09:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="481" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzLTNhjrEI_4UE05wMIakC2VdWbzPY1uKxV0Ve5OtUx8It-nEMl1KS87XZ2rIMBp3tPzZ4kpsrcWm8Tb3Fhr_tc5HfvMHGjNEw31_azg8mv_N5CeK4_mw4bsy2TMaGoiTsPG8KUZepS11/s640/Bayelsa+map+2.png" width="640" /></div>
 The Bayelsa State Police Command on Friday imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the state following an outbreak of protests and violence in different parts of the state. 
 
The state Commissioner of Police, Uche Anozia, announced the curfew at a press conference in Yenagoa, the state capital, shortly before the swearing-in of Senator Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party as the governor of the state and Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as his deputy, by the state Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, at the Government House. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
There had been severe tension in the state since the Supreme Court on Thursday annulled the victory of the APC candidate in the November 16, 2019 governorship election, Mr David Lyon, and his running mate, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo. 
 
While Lyon was already rehearsing for the inauguration scheduled for Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that the APC ought not to have participated in the election because Degi-Eremienyo, his running mate in the election, forged his certificates. 
 
A five-man panel of the apex court, headed by Justice Mary Peter-Odili, ordered that INEC should withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Lyon and his running mate and declare as winner of the election the candidate with the highest number of lawful votes cast with the requisite constitutional spread. 
 
Sequel to the court order in the lead judgement delivered by Justice Ejembi Eko, the commission on Friday declared Diri as the winner of the election. 
 
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, while addressing a news conference at its headquarters, said by virtue of the Supreme Court judgement, the total number of votes cast in the election was 146,999, out of which the candidate of the PDP scored 143,172 with geographical spread. 
 
But as early as Thursday evening, shortly after the ruling of the apex court, there were protests against the judgment in some parts of the state, including Yenogoa, and it continued until Friday morning. 
 
The protesters, who were believed to be supporters of the APC, took to the streets setting bonfires on major roads in the state. 
 
The angry APC supporters, comprising women and youths, blocked different areas of the Mbiama-Yenagoa Road, burning tyres and traffic control stands in sight. 
 
They said the verdict of the apex court was unacceptable, insisting that it was either Lyon or no other person. The National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, had also posited that no one would be sworn in on Friday, arguing that no other candidate had the constitutional spread to be governor. 
 
Journalists who monitored the incident observed some tyres in flames while some were waiting to be set on fire. These occurred amidst expectations that INEC would issue a certificate of return to Diri as a prelude to his inauguration. 
 
It was also gathered that the demonstrations started on Thursday night in different parts of Yenagoa as youths with APC flags blocked major roads and made bonfires. 
 
The Yenizue-Gene area of Yenagoa which houses the state secretariat of the APC was cordoned off by the police soon after the protests intensified towards the area, while policemen barricaded the area with patrol vans even as burnt tyres billowed with smokes. 
 
The incident caused panic among residents and motorists, most of whom parked their vehicles and tricycles. 
 
Commercial activities were also affected as businesses shut down for fear of being looted. 
 
At the Ekeki Motor Park, some shops in the Seriake Dickson Shopping Mall were vandalised and looted. And as of Friday evening, APC supporters were still on the rampage, moving from one major road to another in the state capital. 
 
In his response to the unrest, however, the police commissioner, who briefed journalists alongside the heads of other security agencies, said the curfew would start on Friday and end on Sunday, between 8pm and 6am each day. 
 
He said the decision followed the violent protests that rocked the state capital on Friday morning, adding that eight persons were arrested in connection with the demonstrations. 
 
Anozia said, “Following the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment with respect to the Bayelsa State governorship election, which was made public on February 13, 2020, angry protesters stormed the streets of Yenagoa. 
 
“The police command is hereby imposing a dusk-to-dawn curfew for three days; from Friday, February 14, 2020 to Sunday, February 16, 2020, from the hours of 8pm to 6am.” 
 
He advised members of the public to stay indoors as security operatives would be out to arrest and prosecute anyone who violated the curfew. 
 
During the violent protests, the private residences of Diri and his predecessor, Seriake Dickson, in Yenagoa were attacked while some vehicles were vandalised at both locations. 
 
Dickson had at the last State Executive Council meeting of his administration in the Government House on Friday called on the APC leaders to restrain their supporters from causing violence in the state. 
 
He described the Supreme Court judgment which brought in Diri as his successor as “no victor, no vanquished.” 
 Buhari, party govs’ chair in emergency closed-door meeting 
 
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the Supreme Court ruling, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Governors’ Forum, Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, met at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday. Atiku-Bagudu is also the Governor of Kebbi State. 
 
The closed-door meeting also had the Chairman of the APC Campaign Committee for the Bayelsa State governorship poll and Governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Badaru, in attendance. 
 
It was unclear what the President and the two governors discussed, but sources at the Villa told newsmn that the turn of events in Bayelsa was “definitely on the table.” 
 
“The meeting coming today after the development in Bayelsa is for a special reason, to look into the issues that happened in Bayelsa,” a source in the villa said. 
 
Investigations indicated that the National Chairman of the APC, Oshiomhole, might also visit the Villa soon for a similar meeting with the President. 
 
It is worthy of note that after INEC announced Lyon as the winner last year, Oshiomhole, Atiku-Bagudu and Badaru had brought Lyon to the Villa for introduction to the President. 
 
The two governors, however, declined to speak with State House Correspondents after meeting with the President. They simply waived reporters aside and hurried out of the Villa. 
 APC rejects INEC’s interpretation of Supreme Court judgment 
 
Meanwhile, the APC on Friday rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Supreme Court judgment, saying the declaration of the PDP’s candidate by INEC was illegal, even as he affirmed the party’s confidence in the judiciary. 
 
The party’s national chairman at a press conference in Abuja said, “The votes scored by the PDP and their candidate only met the requirements in five local governments and they need six local governments. The PDP candidate did not satisfy this requirement but INEC has now chosen to appropriate judicial powers to interpret laws that it was neither competent to do nor have the mandate to do.”

Latest-News Tension in Bayelsa state, police impose curfew

The Bayelsa State Police Command on Friday imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the state following an outbreak of protests and violence in dif...

FG to engage private sector on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway tolling

09:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CKgTJTelsFFgH3TBD6_Vb0eHPci6Ib5QB017ahQqL53f_oRk0iDgJ6FajRTXy2hE3F8YKGDVMz8wbrF1gUymyPMwHu8s2CRuNCioX9GiFCUi-GLfXICw5msjHLLcvo-Ot2QLAoW8XV0/s1600/fashola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CKgTJTelsFFgH3TBD6_Vb0eHPci6Ib5QB017ahQqL53f_oRk0iDgJ6FajRTXy2hE3F8YKGDVMz8wbrF1gUymyPMwHu8s2CRuNCioX9GiFCUi-GLfXICw5msjHLLcvo-Ot2QLAoW8XV0/s400/fashola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
 
The Federal Government has said it will engage the private sector on tolling of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the reconstruction is completed. 
 
The government also stated that there were also plans to install machines to weigh tonnes of good conveyed by trailers and tankers. 
 
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had last year announced plans to ensure the return of tollgates which were abolished in 2003 by the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. 
 
The Director of Highways, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr Funsho Adebiyi, during a tour of road projects by the Senate Committee on Works led by its Chairman, Adamu Aliero, on Friday, said the Federal Government was considering a public-private partnership for the tollgates. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mr Adedamola Kuti, said the road had been expanded to include toll plazas, underpasses, flyovers among other new designs to accommodate the high vehicular movement on the road. 
 
“When the road is completed, it will be a new road and people will pay. But it will happen when the entire project is completed,” he said. 
 
Aliero, while commending the contractors for the quality of work done so far, said the 2020 budget had been approved and a reasonable amount of funds had been earmarked for road, rail and power projects. 
 
“We are happy that some of the funds will soon be released and will be used to fund road construction,” he said. 
 
He said the Senate would continue to support public-private partnership and would work on legislation to further enhance the PPP model on road, rail and power projects. 
 
According to Aliero, the Federal Government will no longer depend only on budgetary allocation to fund infrastructure projects. 
 
He said, “Look at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the project is not suffering because of funds because the government has made provision for it through sovereign wealth funds unlike other projects that are being undertaken by the Federal Government through budgetary allocation. 
 
“The money is already there, all the contractor needs to do is to submit the certificate and he will be paid. 
 
The road is also going to get additional funding from the recently recovered Abacha loot. This will certainly accelerate the completion of the road.”

Latest-News FG to engage private sector on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway tolling

The Federal Government has said it will engage the private sector on tolling of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when the reconstruction is co...

Nigeria examines two feared Coronavirus cases

09:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="690" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzD3EvIMzaw69ykGGbDjpuOTFtXV_8fGHOtd4qTtuipj23_cwdKxvIAROh2mBB4n9Xo3jU0ahBaN9r5pOqXp4MO_xfQXkc2GRwbEiHaUoIpkzH6M-gzGe_oSKUCtNzNZYn2zy6RANLFmZ/s400/ebola-virus-guinea-border.si.jpg" width="400" /></div>
 
The Federal Government has said that two cases of coronavirus are undergoing tests in the country. 
 
This came just as the Kano State Government said it had placed 75 residents with symptoms of Lassa Fever under watch 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
While giving update on the coronavirus in Abuja on Friday, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, said “Last night (Thursday night), we had two cases and tests are going on at the moment. As soon as they are completed, it will be announced. If a person returns to the country, say within 20 or 30 days, there is no point wasting reagents to test such a person. 
 
“For other diseases, we usually advise people to go to the hospitals to get tested, but for suspected cases of coronavirus, patients are advised to simply put a call through to us, we will come to the patient because going to the hospital can amplify the disease if it is found to be positive.” 
 
In Kano, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, confirmed that of the 393 Lassa fever follow-up contacts in the state, 318 had been discharged, while 75 were still under watch. 
 
During the outbreak of the dreaded disease, Tsanyawa, disclosed that three patients were admitted and discharged, adding that, while one was from Jigawa, the rest two were from Kano. 
 
While saying that the state was in firm control of the disease, Tsanyawa attributed the feat to the collaborative effort and support of all major stakeholders, in the fight against the dreaded disease. 
 
Meawhile, Egypt’s health ministry on Friday announced the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Africa. 
 
The sufferer was not Egyptian, the ministry said in a statement, without specifying the nationality. 
 
“The ministry has taken preventative measures and is monitoring the patient, who is stable,” the health ministry spokesman, Khaled Megahed, said. 
 
Egyptian authorities had notified the World Health Organisation and the patient had been placed in isolation in hospital. 
 
The death toll from the epidemic virus has neared 1,400 cases, almost exclusively in China where it was first identified. 
 
Deep trade links with China and often overstretched health-care systems have raised concerns about the capacity of African countries to respond to an outbreak.

Latest-News Nigeria examines two feared Coronavirus cases

The Federal Government has said that two cases of coronavirus are undergoing tests in the country. This came just as the Kano State Gove...

Man City respond to UEFA ban

08:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtN16OW9eY8rRra5p2m84oWSfmS7PxpilUTMA7DiSat9OrkiZqNwY-4Wm1HX0rKpe7v3hqAXFqx14nNdBDWOdqpnXOOwQ-TSvuVKk75p9tF6JAzZRug_CXMhB7NP5qVdeb0mL9ItK4wc/s1600/Pep-Guardiola-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtN16OW9eY8rRra5p2m84oWSfmS7PxpilUTMA7DiSat9OrkiZqNwY-4Wm1HX0rKpe7v3hqAXFqx14nNdBDWOdqpnXOOwQ-TSvuVKk75p9tF6JAzZRug_CXMhB7NP5qVdeb0mL9ItK4wc/s400/Pep-Guardiola-.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Manchester City said they would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after being hit with a two-season ban from European competition on Friday. 
 
UEFA, European football’s governing body, imposed the punishment on the English giants for breaches of their financial fair play rules. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Manchester City said in a statement they were “disappointed but not surprised” by the outcome of a “prejudicial process” and would now seek an “impartial judgment” by commencing CAS proceedings at “the earliest opportunity”.

Latest-News Man City respond to UEFA ban

Manchester City said they would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after being hit with a two-season ban from European competi...

DG of National Broadcasting Commission suspended

08:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMR_Q0XBZSGF2UaPrjPSYhkH1mxneLwDNJPTBFKhbH0cwOSKoyOsaKonrKMDNC20tCrAe6aPj19ApSchbSk_EP799ifuF5TnptmuTkPMqcGSGRnQDNA3KxnT9sCIcM-fHnxDKtJgAQQXq/s400/NBC-Ishaq-Modibbo-Kawu-e1540312889750.jpeg" width="400" /></div>
 
The Presidency has suspended the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mallam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, sources revealed. 
 
Sources in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said Modibbo reportedly got the suspension letter within the week but had been battling to have it reversed. 
 
“I have confirmed from the relevant department, it is true that the DG of NBC, Mallam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, was ordered to be suspended by the President (Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) following series of petitions and allegations against him,” a source in the SGF office stated. 
 
Yet, another source said he was asked to “step aside” following investigation of the petitions against him. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The suspension came many months after an ongoing prosecution of Kawu by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other-Related Offences Commission for alleged corruption. 
 
Consequently, the Director (Broadcast Monitoring), Armstrong Idachaba, was said to have been directed to act pending the outcome of the case. 
 
When newsmen visited the NBC on Friday, the issue was being discussed in hushed tones among staff members. 
 
But when contacted, the spokesperson for NBC, Ekanem Antia, told our correspondent that he would not speak on the issue as according to him, he did not have details of the allegation. 
 
“I am not aware (of it), as we speak now. I don’t have any document on my table to confirm (it). But we will issue a statement if at all it is true. The office is still working; we are all in the office. Everybody is in their department,” he said. 
 
Several calls later put across to him didn’t go through as his telephone line indicated that it was switched off. 
 
Last year, a civil rights organisation under the aegis of Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, said it had made a fresh discovery of 16 illegal slots of radio licences approved by the NBC DG. 
 
The organisation had alleged that while six slots were for his private company, Word, Sound and Vision Multimedia Limited, another 10 were approved for companies which did not apply or were not on the list approved by Buhari. 
 
The chairman of CACOBAG, Alhaji Toyin Raheem, who raised the issue in a statement issued in Abuja, claimed that a former SGF was one of the 10 beneficiaries of the radio licences recently doled out by NBC. 
 
The CSO asked the Presidency to direct anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and ICPC to investigate its findings. 
 
But Antia had said the allegations were not new as the same group had petitioned ICPC. 
 
The ICPC had urged the Federal Government to suspend Kawu and 32 other public officers/civil servants undergoing corruption trial at the time. 
 
The commission had arraigned Kawu and two others, Dipo Onifade and Lucky Omoluwa, on alleged N2.5bn fraud. 
 
They are being prosecuted on 12 counts for allegedly conspiring with one another to use the position of Kawu to confer a corrupt advantage on Omoluwa, his friend and associate, for which they pleaded not guilty and were granted bail. 
 
The anti-graft agency also charged Kawu for allegedly deceiving Mohammed to sign the deal. 
 
The embattled NBC boss allegedly asked Mohammed to approve payment of N2.5bn to Pinnacle Communications Limited owned by Omoluwa as “Seed Grant” under the Digital Switch-Over Programme of the Federal Government. 
 
The suspended DG has however denied the allegations.

Latest-News DG of National Broadcasting Commission suspended

The Presidency has suspended the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mallam Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, sources revealed. ...

I will vote Tuface if he runs for president- Mercy Johnson

08:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictsg8rSxkHAfW5vR_LlvcITa_aKunyEtEYuYUZn-VGsMfOZwn-7ystIOcnRqX3rEuIH1kTA4u1NQPCJZygeDP7M0H1Hbz5szdddxTMqPqy135DGovfyE9eBD2caI7qHIlaQGsUDQ4o9k/s1600/2baba-Tuface-617x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="617" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictsg8rSxkHAfW5vR_LlvcITa_aKunyEtEYuYUZn-VGsMfOZwn-7ystIOcnRqX3rEuIH1kTA4u1NQPCJZygeDP7M0H1Hbz5szdddxTMqPqy135DGovfyE9eBD2caI7qHIlaQGsUDQ4o9k/s400/2baba-Tuface-617x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Nigerian actress, Mercy Johnson has declared that she will vote Innocent Idibia, Afropop singer better known as Tuface, if he runs for president. 
 
Johnson made this known in a chat with Goldmyne — weeks after her new movie ‘Legend of Inikpi‘ had hit the cinema. 
 
Recounting the latter’s encounter with Prince Okojie, her husband, the versatile actress described the singer as one who has a “contagious personality” that rubs off on people with whom he associates. 
 
“He’s an example of what we should be like, even after tasting wealth. He’s somebody everyone should emulate when it comes to humility and humanity. Every time I meet him, I pick something,” she said. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
“My husband was impressed when he met him, that thing that has you nod your head and say ‘that’s a legit example.’ He’s going to change lots of things that people would be forced to emulate him. 
 
“He has this contagious personality that, when you see him, you ask yourself how he remains humble after achieving so much, such wealth, such personality, such talents.” 
 
Recall that Tuface in 2018 had declared his interest in running for a political office, although he neither specified what political platform he would opt for nor what level he would be pursuing.

Latest-News I will vote Tuface if he runs for president- Mercy Johnson

Nigerian actress, Mercy Johnson has declared that she will vote Innocent Idibia, Afropop singer better known as Tuface, if he runs for pre...

Pastor flogs son to death over alleged witchcraft

08:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29OaiE9aGLEFM3B_dwhrEXN8KIrSSXGE-BKV4fVHDi6bqtD82nhbiN110prBxoB0a24wwYhYnu_qKEnDpWUDYnDnAwyDgS16JZ6vGlUOUMCjP6L8eb2OIK8q6kkkJJmehu3jgUgk25ACd/s1600/Prison+jail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29OaiE9aGLEFM3B_dwhrEXN8KIrSSXGE-BKV4fVHDi6bqtD82nhbiN110prBxoB0a24wwYhYnu_qKEnDpWUDYnDnAwyDgS16JZ6vGlUOUMCjP6L8eb2OIK8q6kkkJJmehu3jgUgk25ACd/s320/Prison+jail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
 
 
A pastor, Amos Kosini and his wife are on the run after the self-acclaimed cleric allegedly flogged his son, Faithful, to death over allegation of witchcraft. 
 
It was learnt that two other children of his church member, Paradise, and Godspower, also sustained severe injuries in the hands of the cleric and now in a critical condition at a hospital. Kosini was alleged to have used a wire to inflict injuries on the children. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The incident, according to sources, occurred at Ogirisen community of Elume, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State while Kosini was conducting deliverance sessions on the children for allegedly possessing ‘evil spirits.’ 
 
The children were said to have been camped at his self-contained apartment in the agrarian community. 
 
As the news of the incident filtered in, Kosini alongside his wife, reportedly absconded from the community in the dead of night apparently to avert an imminent attack from angry residents 
 
Aged five years, Faithful reportedly died of the injuries inflicted on him by Kosini on Thursday, February 6, 2020. 
 
Among the five children tortured by the cleric while conducting ‘spiritual deliverance’ are four females and a male – Paradise, Wonderful, Winner and Goodness. 
 
Gloom pervaded every nook and cranny of the community when our correspondent visited. A community youth leader who simply identified himself as Francis, said, “The incident happened last week Thursday. He (Kosini) tortured his son to death for being a wizard and possessing evil spirits. People are sad since the incident happened because we trusted him. He killed his own son in the name of deliverance.” 
 
When newsmen visited the community hospital where the children were receiving treatment, a worker who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident. 
 
“Wonderful lost so much blood when she was rushed to this place. We did all we could do to revive her and she is now gradually responding to treatment,” the official said. 
 
When contacted on the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa, said the incident had yet been reported to the police.

Latest-News Pastor flogs son to death over alleged witchcraft

A pastor, Amos Kosini and his wife are on the run after the self-acclaimed cleric allegedly flogged his son, Faithful, to death over alle...

NERC picks new date to implement increased electricity tariffs

08:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUM-uPNgWVeep6nZR5jWpAD9tUED8cLWqN_GWra3KwUmi4cz6gdDSYm1j8nf2CcdoUklsK3oJ68195mHEht5-HiG0taJBdxPRLBqgNL62Lb8VyiVHLGQXIA30aq-FvlehLs0MyEsunPEM/s1600/nerc+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1280" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUM-uPNgWVeep6nZR5jWpAD9tUED8cLWqN_GWra3KwUmi4cz6gdDSYm1j8nf2CcdoUklsK3oJ68195mHEht5-HiG0taJBdxPRLBqgNL62Lb8VyiVHLGQXIA30aq-FvlehLs0MyEsunPEM/s400/nerc+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has insisted on starting the implementation of the new electricity tariff increases on April 1. 
 
The NERC dropped the hint that the Power Sector Review Programme (PSRP) has proposed the elimination of tariff support in the electricity market by the end of 2021, except for the less-privileged customers who would continue to be supported under the Consumer Assistance Fund or any other intervention. 
 
It made this known in a document titled ‘Consultation paper on the proposed extra-ordinary tariff review of the MYTO -2015 Tariff Order for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) in Abuja yesterday. 
 
It would be recalled that the National Assembly had prevailed on the commission to suspend the implementation of the new tariffs. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
According to the document, “with the gradual withdrawal of the FGN intervention on tariff support, it is planned that tariffs would gradually be increased to allow the utilities to, in line with the provisions of the EPSRA, recover their efficient cost of operation and a reasonable return on investment while freeing up the subsidy funds for government’s utilisation in other critical sectors of the economy. 
 
“However, the proposed rate increase would only be on the basis of a full understanding of the Performance Improvement Plans being proposed by the companies, with sanctions for failure to deliver on the said plans. 
 
“Noting that the core investors in DisCos are under contractual obligations to reduce the loss levels in the industry, it is expected that tariffs would eventually come down as a result of the efficiency gains and increased energy throughput. 
 
“In order to mitigate the impact of rate shock on consumers, it is proposed that the gradual increase shall commence on April 1, 2020.” 
 
The commission said that the entire market participants in the NESI recorded a total of N1.7trillion tariff-related between 2015 and 2019.

Latest-News NERC picks new date to implement increased electricity tariffs

The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has insisted on starting the implementation of the new electricity tariff increases o...

Egypt’s Zamalek win African Super Cup

08:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZL4SKi4lZ-UwD3I_LigZvYJEOh2D8PMxd1W6CirX9Q4hPagJ_QJiXSr2Pek8blAsl8XJ6V1ABfBAYWKAyk3SCJe0rWLSPkkaaAO-6Wyki4SQOBcWeQWpjTUvHFrBtKIqLCHSpXGYcis/s1600/C6C4FF02-8B55-4893-B38D-57BE8AD04BC2-750x430.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEj6ZL4SKi4lZ-UwD3I_LigZvYJEOh2D8PMxd1W6CirX9Q4hPagJ_QJiXSr2Pek8blAsl8XJ6V1ABfBAYWKAyk3SCJe0rWLSPkkaaAO-6Wyki4SQOBcWeQWpjTUvHFrBtKIqLCHSpXGYcis/s400/C6C4FF02-8B55-4893-B38D-57BE8AD04BC2-750x430.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Egyptian giants Zamalek won the African Super Cup by beating Esperance of Tunisia 3-1 on Friday to lift the trophy for the fourth time. 
 
Achraf Bencharki scored twice for Zamalek, who had taken an early lead through Youssef Obama. 
 
Esperance, who won last season’s African Champions League, equalised with Abdelraouf Benguit’s penalty before Bencharki struck for the 2018-19 African Confederation Cup winners. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The result is a major boost for Zamalek who face Esperance again in a fortnight in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Latest-News Egypt’s Zamalek win African Super Cup

Egyptian giants Zamalek won the African Super Cup by beating Esperance of Tunisia 3-1 on Friday to lift the trophy for the fourth time. ...

The Victor Olaiya that I know – Sanwo-Olu

08:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhcmkKs8W_xr9bQ8IsJk_sme4UoPiPLcJVIpkAeKBgyQLt2wP4rdgQR0UooCwKR1NslruJIrdX_kSw4to3wBenO91woCWhiZn7hnBTF_s8cyoGeCd6nzFYKibhpGl11z8gd2hwnY4ZDU/s1600/SIR-VICTOR-OLAIYA-min-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/AVvXsEiKhcmkKs8W_xr9bQ8IsJk_sme4UoPiPLcJVIpkAeKBgyQLt2wP4rdgQR0UooCwKR1NslruJIrdX_kSw4to3wBenO91woCWhiZn7hnBTF_s8cyoGeCd6nzFYKibhpGl11z8gd2hwnY4ZDU/s400/SIR-VICTOR-OLAIYA-min-750x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the late Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya as a legendary entertainer and trumpeter who quit the stage after dominating the highlife genre of music for about seven decades. 
 
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, averred that until Dr. Olaiya passed on Wednesday at 89 years, the love for his style cut across ages, with youths applauding the remix of his “Baby Jowo (Baby Mi Da)” album with songster 2Face Idibia. 
 
He described the music icon as a great Nigerian who has undoubtedly carved a niche for himself, having played alongside world-class musicians, such as the late Bobby Benson, Afrobeat Legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and jazz great Louis Armstrong. 
 
Commiserating with Nigerian artistes, entertainers and musicians who have continued to eulogise their hero, describing him as “The Evil Genius of Highlife” and “One of the Last Men Standing”, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the late Victor Olaiya left a legacy – The Stadium Hotel – which attests to his passion for music and business acumen. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The Governor affirmed that the deceased octogenarian stood tall among equals and prayed God to be with his family. He urged his mourning fans to take heart because as an artiste of great repute, Olaiya will live on through his music.

Latest-News The Victor Olaiya that I know – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the late Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya as a legendary entertainer and trumpeter who qui...

Nigeria is stuck with leaders who can’t move the country forward-Yul Edochie

08:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk-TjC1CmhZ0jKW5jgMwK-Uzba_zOmLB6XkpDuU-cK2eOjOE8p52AdI8B4Umnu4I-rtEjQ6dGFvVgR87mF5FfPerO_nrTMQQ-Up4C44uie2c-55TcOd8blMuJidqqxtIgHjIt2xq-7RI/s1600/yul-edochie-604x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="604" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk-TjC1CmhZ0jKW5jgMwK-Uzba_zOmLB6XkpDuU-cK2eOjOE8p52AdI8B4Umnu4I-rtEjQ6dGFvVgR87mF5FfPerO_nrTMQQ-Up4C44uie2c-55TcOd8blMuJidqqxtIgHjIt2xq-7RI/s400/yul-edochie-604x430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Nigerian actor, Yul Edochie has shared his opinion on the claims made by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola that Nollywood movies could be fuelling kidnapping and ritual killings given the number of people the police have arrested with human skulls and other body parts in recent times. 
 
According to the Anambra State-born actor, filmmakers would not stop making ritual movies because it is all about entertainment. 
 
“Sadly, at the moment Nigeria is stuck with a crop of leaders who can’t move this country forward, rather they look for who to blame for their inefficiency. America has been producing action movies with plenty of gun violence since I was born. Have you ever seen any American leader blaming entertainers for crime in their country? That’s because it’s all about entertainment and it ends there. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
“Our government should focus on providing jobs for the youths, spread wealth, improve the economy and security and crime rate will reduce. It’s very simple. They should stop looking for who to blame and do the jobs they were voted in to do or resign for others to try. Next thing, you’ll see them thinking of how to ban Nollywood and render more people jobless,” he said.

Latest-News Nigeria is stuck with leaders who can’t move the country forward-Yul Edochie

Nigerian actor, Yul Edochie has shared his opinion on the claims made by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola that Noll...

Soldiers razed Yobe, Borno villages — and claimed it was a rescue operation -Amnesty International

13:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News Soldiers razed Yobe, Borno villages — and claimed it was a rescue operation -Amnesty International

Coronavirus: FG has abandoned us, Nigerians in Wuhan cry

12:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjki6mzdWMsEkMcBqDrAdxXEa9oYyVP4Va7MKT-1nCXUn-wYxq-a1zF03mLypp1G4Qm6ovqKtMIvlpfST_vB7iV3hd7GUaEUzMC_qOBQ_1tuRdqniWcxAmnXjZ7VqxK34rwU5eeHUPXOHc/s1600/Coronavirus-748x430j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="748" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjki6mzdWMsEkMcBqDrAdxXEa9oYyVP4Va7MKT-1nCXUn-wYxq-a1zF03mLypp1G4Qm6ovqKtMIvlpfST_vB7iV3hd7GUaEUzMC_qOBQ_1tuRdqniWcxAmnXjZ7VqxK34rwU5eeHUPXOHc/s400/Coronavirus-748x430j.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Nigerian students in Wuhan, China have lamented their alleged abandonment by the Federal Government as other nationals are evacuated. 
 
CNN reports that since the Chinese city went into lockdown three weeks ago, a Nigerian student, Victor Vincent, has watched as other international students on his campus have returned home. 
 
According to 26-year-old Vincent, last week, it was the turn of a group of pupils from Myanmar who lived in the apartment above. 
 
The China University of Geosciences student said, “They knocked on my door to say goodbye. And give me their fresh vegetables, because they wouldn’t be needing them.” 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Vincent is reportedly one of around 50 Nigerian students living in Wuhan, the epicenter of the global coronavirus outbreak, who say they have been “abandoned” by the Nigerian government and whose repeated pleas for evacuation and medical supplies are “largely ignored by government officials.” 
 
The report also noted that the students, along with over a dozen other Nigerian teachers and businesspeople living in Hubei province, had repeatedly written and called Nigerian government officials requesting assistance. 
 
According to them, “very little” has been forthcoming from the Federal Government. 
 
With the virus death toll now topping 1,000, several countries, including the United States, the UK, and Japan, are working to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan but Nigeria is yet to take such a step, CNN stated. 
 
Vincent, who is an executive of the Nigerian Students in Wuhan Association, said the group had asked the government for evacuation and medical supplies, such as masks, goggles, gloves, and disinfectants. 
 
The report said there was “a glimmer of hope” last Thursday when Vincent, who is also the student association’s financial secretary, received a grant of 20,000 Chinese yuan ($2,870) from the Nigerian ambassador to China. 
 
According to Vincent, who has been studying in Wuhan since September 2018, the money was provided to “assist us in procuring foodstuffs and medical supplies”. 
 
He added, “Other than that, the situation remains the same. We still have no clear indication of when we are getting evacuation, where we will be quarantined or even if that will happen at all. 
 
“As each day passes, the chances of evacuation slip by. It’s the total lack of support and sense of abandonment by your country.” 
 
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Nwonye, told newsmen that he had not received official communication from the Nigerian missions in China on the matter. 
 
Nwonye said, “There is no official communication to that effect that has got to me, even from the mission there. So, I haven’t seen any official communication from there. We will get to our mission either in Beijing or Shanghai.”

Latest-News Coronavirus: FG has abandoned us, Nigerians in Wuhan cry

Nigerian students in Wuhan, China have lamented their alleged abandonment by the Federal Government as other nationals are evacuated. CN...

N700m fraud: Judge threatens to revoke bail condition for Ize-Iyamu, others

12:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTnXev2kixPs4YCK5YvXo08QE-YhAlTPty1_MGWaOrIfoeeKF-En83Ttlt0pJl24LKbxZXfbknkc9coK56lXLn3_akTGZWWSja9D9G_fOdr319llcTiIJQ7X31w4bmv8eIqq6ugC69Vw/s1600/Osagie-Ize-iyamu-750x430.png" 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/AVvXsEjbTnXev2kixPs4YCK5YvXo08QE-YhAlTPty1_MGWaOrIfoeeKF-En83Ttlt0pJl24LKbxZXfbknkc9coK56lXLn3_akTGZWWSja9D9G_fOdr319llcTiIJQ7X31w4bmv8eIqq6ugC69Vw/s400/Osagie-Ize-iyamu-750x430.png" width="400" /></a></div>
 
A Judge in the Federal High in Benin City, Justice M G Umar, has threatened to revoke the bail condition granted to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Dan Orbih and three others if they were to play any antics to delay commencement of trial. 
 
Pastor Ize-Iyamu and others were arraigned on an eight-count charge of conspiracy with themselves to commit money laundering to the tune of N700 million, an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended which is punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act. 
 
The EFCC alleged that the defendants received the sum of N700 Million prior to the 2015 general elections, from former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke. 
 
Other defendants in the case are Former Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, a former member representing Esan South East and Esan North East federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Tony Azigbemi, and one Efe Erimuoghae Anthony. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Justice Umar had issued the threat after listening to arguments of defendants seeking a six months adjournment because of ill health of Mr. Efe Anthony. 
 
Mr Anthony had asked for the long till June for him to be able to stand for trial. 
 
He reminded the Court that they have always been present and drew attention to three consecutive times they were in court and the court did not sit. 
 
Lead Counsel to first defendant ,Mr Kingsley Obamojie , that of the Second defendant ,Professor Osas Izebhiuwa and that of the third and fourth defendants ,Mr Paschal Ogbome pleaded with the court to grant the application as the Anthony needed to be a bit healthy to appear in court for his defense. 
 
Ugbome urged the court to be fair to all parties and pointed out the whereas it was inevitable for humans to be indispensable , they had actually striven very hard to ensure that the hearing commenced in earnest . 
 
But the Prosecution Counsel, Mr L P Aso, said the defendants were unreasonable in their application for sixmonths adjournment. 
 
Aso argued that the language of the application attempted to frustrate the prosecution through unwarranted delay. 
 
Justice Umar who threatened to revoke the bail condition adjourned sitting to March 2nd for hearing and maintained that he would not tolerate any form of delay in the prosecution. 
 
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had said the accused were alleged to have made cash payment of N60,650,000 to one Henry Tenebe of Estako West Local Government Area and N61,647,000 to one Momoh Andrew Ojo of Akoko-Edo without going through a financial institution. 
 
In count five, six and seven, they were alleged to have made cash payment of N83,473,000, N125,993,000 and N105,000,000 to Deacon Ezekiel Egharevba, Thomas Aroko and Scott Osagiede without going through a financial institution.

Latest-News N700m fraud: Judge threatens to revoke bail condition for Ize-Iyamu, others

A Judge in the Federal High in Benin City, Justice M G Umar, has threatened to revoke the bail condition granted to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyam...

BREAKING: INEC declares PDP’s Duoye Diri as Bayelsa governor-elect

11:38 Unknown 0

Latest-News BREAKING: INEC declares PDP’s Duoye Diri as Bayelsa governor-elect

FULL TEXT: The supreme court judgment that sacked Lyon as Bayelsa governor-elect

11:38 Unknown 0

Latest-News FULL TEXT: The supreme court judgment that sacked Lyon as Bayelsa governor-elect

Police break silence on Kaduna market attack, confirm 7 died

11:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFsCAxRi8RHfGcWgp_alx9FyVllVV6WbwoPoiemkNk1yRBvbrh5vkr36768UH_-iShe8_xst9ZKZQ0puvGxCj9ekj2aCtinvPVQ99B9lcFEGrL4w0sTr7KxKAlllMwGR111bAPwDwhzw/s1600/nigeria+polllicee.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="436" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFsCAxRi8RHfGcWgp_alx9FyVllVV6WbwoPoiemkNk1yRBvbrh5vkr36768UH_-iShe8_xst9ZKZQ0puvGxCj9ekj2aCtinvPVQ99B9lcFEGrL4w0sTr7KxKAlllMwGR111bAPwDwhzw/s400/nigeria+polllicee.webp" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that seven persons were killed and five others injured in Maro village, a border community between Kajuru and Kachia Local Government Area of the state. 
 
There was palpable tension in Kaduna States after some armed men, suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists attacked a market, sources confirmed after President Muhammadu Buhari visited Maiduguri, capital city of Borno. 
 
Confirming the incidence days after, the Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalige in a statement said the attack occurred on Wednesday at about 7:15pm. 
 
“The armed men entered the village market in a vehicle and started shooting sporadically and in the process shot some people. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
“On receipt of the information, DPO Kajuru and Kachia immediately mobilised patrol teams to the area to restore normalcy, but unfortunately seven persons were found dead and five were injured.” 
 
According to Jalige, both the dead and injured victims were evacuated by the police to Kachia general hospital. 
 
“The dead bodies have been deposited in the mortuary while the injured ones are currently receiving treatment at the same hospital,” he stated. 
 
Jalige said normalcy had since been restored in the area while investigation and manhunt of the fleeing bandits was ongoing. 
 
He assured that perpetrators of the barbaric act would be caught and made to face justice. 
 
Jalige added that the command was deeply saddened by the incident and had already beefed up security in the area to ensure no further break down of law and order. 
 
“The command calls on the general public to promptly report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest security agencies with a view to proactively prevent re-occurrence of such dastardly acts against law abiding citizens of the state, ” he said.

Latest-News Police break silence on Kaduna market attack, confirm 7 died

Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that seven persons were killed and five others injured in Maro village, a border community betwe...

Supreme Court judgement has vindicated me – Dickson

11:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ_o7JPMchoTfj8b0483rT-XWsOcI_nyQ2u7IT8BhFiJq1Ps4jovTbjMqIpltPfQgCbn82W1k1kQJd-GiYDZOPuaSv1KEE5f5O0-7XtpQNUq2mNjbdt0tXvfmsOWBucIMSX_Dc8ux5Yw/s1600/sariake.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/AVvXsEgvQ_o7JPMchoTfj8b0483rT-XWsOcI_nyQ2u7IT8BhFiJq1Ps4jovTbjMqIpltPfQgCbn82W1k1kQJd-GiYDZOPuaSv1KEE5f5O0-7XtpQNUq2mNjbdt0tXvfmsOWBucIMSX_Dc8ux5Yw/s400/sariake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Outgoing Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson has said the Supreme Court judgment which knocked out APC and returned gubernatorial victory to his party, the People’s Democratic Party was a clear evidence of the restoration government finishing well and strong. 
 
He made the remark Thursday at a live media chat held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, saying he had confidence on Governor elect Senator Douye Diri to do his best and out-perform him in virtually all sectors adding that he had done a lot of work. 
 
On state funds said to have been withheld by the federal government, he disclosed that about 45 to 48 billion naira due to the state was still being withheld by the federal government. 
 
He, however, assured that the consultants, in collaboration with federal authorities, were working round the clock to ensure its release soon. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
On why he delayed the commissioning of so many projects to the last days of his administration, he said he had made it clear that he would be working till the very last day. 
 
He said he was not afraid of intimidation from anyone and hoped to finish well and strong, adding that the judgment of the Supreme Court was a clear vindication of finishing well and strong. 
 
Governor Dickson, however, expressed mild displeasure at the conduct of some of his appointees who he said joined some mischievous elements in a failed attempt to protest saying they are the ones that would eventually benefit and come back to have appointments in the next government. 
 
He wondered why appointees would regard themselves as civil servants, adding that every political appointee must understand that he or she holds such appointment at the pleasure of the government. 
 
He disclosed that at some point his administration was spending almost eight hundred million naira on political appointees’ salaries monthly.

Latest-News Supreme Court judgement has vindicated me – Dickson

Outgoing Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson has said the Supreme Court judgment which knocked out APC and returned gubernato...

‘No Lyon, no governor’ — APC supporters protest s’court judgment in Bayelsa

11:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News ‘No Lyon, no governor’ — APC supporters protest s’court judgment in Bayelsa

David Lyon’s sack: Buhari told not to cancel trip to Bayelsa for swearing-in

11:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News David Lyon’s sack: Buhari told not to cancel trip to Bayelsa for swearing-in

Borno people haven’t lost hope in Buhari -Gov. Zulum

10:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News Borno people haven’t lost hope in Buhari -Gov. Zulum

‘I was wrong’ – Nnamdi Kanu bows, apologises to Abia Police Commissioner, Okon

10:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News ‘I was wrong’ – Nnamdi Kanu bows, apologises to Abia Police Commissioner, Okon

INEC can’t take instructions from you -PDP blasts Oshiomhole over comments on Bayelsa

10:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News INEC can’t take instructions from you -PDP blasts Oshiomhole over comments on Bayelsa

‘We’re improving visibility at Lagos airport’ — FG reacts to diversion of flights to Ghana

10:08 Unknown 0

Latest-News ‘We’re improving visibility at Lagos airport’ — FG reacts to diversion of flights to Ghana

10 ways to have a memorable Valentine at home

09:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBydLXLNQYFQ4XKwNowc2nF1nwHiIpp8SAheKM6afT1wakblTXdzFYaqmOqQW01lor2_CSKAfGR-bmeMrr7l3M3EhKm1RjywNlotDLZ6A1gqVMS_XndDIDuyBXM8LYS2b6XaThDee-CZo/s1600/valen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="738" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBydLXLNQYFQ4XKwNowc2nF1nwHiIpp8SAheKM6afT1wakblTXdzFYaqmOqQW01lor2_CSKAfGR-bmeMrr7l3M3EhKm1RjywNlotDLZ6A1gqVMS_XndDIDuyBXM8LYS2b6XaThDee-CZo/s400/valen.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
Valentine is here again and as usual lovers are already painting the town red. 
 
While it is not a bad idea to go out and catch some fun, however, the fun is no lesser for lovers who might want to stay in doors. 
 
Here are some ten amazing ways to enjoy your Val with your partner in doors: 
 
1. Make lunch together/ Get take outs: 
 
Cooking with your significant other can be a lot of fun any day anytime, as you guys would basically cook with love and fight over who will do what, you also get to bond with each other by tasting the food from time to time as long as you don’t finish it before it is ready and then you finally sit to enjoy your meal. This will work better if you buy your ingredients ahead of time. If you do not want to cook, you can get take-out and eat together at home this beautiful Valentine. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
2. Have a staring contest: 
 
Sit on a couch, facing each other and gaze at yourselves, the first person to blink will do anything the other person asks of him or her. 
 
Couple Sitting on Sofa, Looking at Each Other 
 
3. Have a karaoke night: 
 
If you guys are lucky, you might both have lovely voices or at most one person will likely have a froggy voice but will never stop blasting it to your lovely ears. So pick 5 of your best songs each and sing it to each other by taking turns one after the other. Make sure you’re recording so the best performer gets a prize. 
 
4. Make a bucket list of 15 questions each about yourselves and ask each other: 
 
Want to find out how much your boo knows you, play this interesting game and you’ll be surprised how much you still need to know about yourselves, especially guys who are not the very best people to remember stuff. 
 
5. Play video games: 
 
For ladies who do not know how to play video games, this is the time to ask bae to teach you and both of you can squash that game with all the love you have for each other as you lose and win together. 
 
6. Draw/Paint each other: 
 
Don’t worry if both of you are not artistic, you just need to make a deliberate effort to the best of your abilities and then frame the drawings when you’re done. 
 
7. Have a spa night: 
 
Foot and general body massage, when you get it, you’ll know that there’s got to be a God up there, somewhere that answers prayers, warm bubble baths, with spices, oils, and scented candles will shoot you straight to cloud nine by the time you open your eyes. 
 
8. Make a campfire in the backyard: 
 
When you do this, throw-in a blanket around yourselves, to keep you from cold and mosquitoes and count the stars together, while telling your tales by moonlight of how you met and got to be together till this day. 
 
9. See movies together: 
 
This list would be incomplete without watching romantic films together, so go ahead and check out favorite romantic movies before Valentine and have fun on this precious day. 
 
10. Write a gratitude list: 
 
Make a list of what you are grateful for individually and read it aloud to each other, you can also pray together and thank God for sustaining your relationship. Discussing your future plans shouldn’t be overlooked likewise. You can complete your valentine tete a tete by presenting each other with gifts you both would appreciate. 
 
These are our 10 ideas for a stay at home valentine in case you do not want to go out to the busy streets as the celebration hits us this weekend. If these are helpful let us know in our mentions, while adding your tips as well.

Latest-News 10 ways to have a memorable Valentine at home

Valentine is here again and as usual lovers are already painting the town red. While it is not a bad idea to go out and catch some fun, ...

Kidnapped monarch’s wife dies in captivity after ransom payment

09:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3kVMTH5t3Zz0fbcGN19Lt3QlyQtH6YvRFR-Txx9B0Q9qMIyDitx2p_viWNJaMqHick1jaW3XktQKo0x-N5i29ELKdqymnIiJSJ0Wxqk3Cu5Gsx49gaAqE_dNbwqIZXQUV9EPKM5Owp4/s1600/gunmen-750x430+%25282%2529.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/AVvXsEjI3kVMTH5t3Zz0fbcGN19Lt3QlyQtH6YvRFR-Txx9B0Q9qMIyDitx2p_viWNJaMqHick1jaW3XktQKo0x-N5i29ELKdqymnIiJSJ0Wxqk3Cu5Gsx49gaAqE_dNbwqIZXQUV9EPKM5Owp4/s400/gunmen-750x430+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
The 76-year-old wife of the traditional ruler of Ihitteoha Uratta community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, Ugoeze Comfort Okoro, who was kidnapped late January, has died in captivity. 
 
The family of the deceased confirmed her death. The corpse of the woman was found along a village road in Akabor community in Oguta Local Government Area of the state. 
 
This is also as the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, following valid intelligence report, raided the house of Okey Uche, who is from the same village as the deceased. Incidentally, Uche is currently serving prison term at the Owerri Correctional Centre. He, however, was fingered in the kidnap of the deceased. 
 
Police are working on the theory that Uche masterminded the abduction of Comfort. Uche’s wife, it was alleged, harboured the kidnappers in her house until the police raid that smoked them out of the hideout. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The monarch’s wife was kidnapped in the presence of her husband and other domestic staff on January 26, 2020, barely a month after the monarch and wife celebrated their golden jubilee wedding anniversary. 
 
Prince Paul Okoro, younger brother to His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okoro, who confirmed the incident, said Comfort’s death came after the family had paid the ransom demanded by the kidnappers. 
 
According to him, the body of the woman was found last Sunday afternoon at Akabor Oguta, where the kidnappers dumped it. 
 
He said: “On January 26, 2020, a group of boys stormed the palace here and rounded up the guards and other people at gunpoint. They met the Eze and his wife upstairs about 8:30p.m. The kidnappers collected everybody’s phones, including that of the Eze. They took Ugoeze away. It was after they left that one of the servants came to me, to call the president general of the community. 
 
“We waited for a ransom demand from the kidnapper but none came until three days later when they called her daughter. The daughter is the wife of the member representing Owerri Federal Constituency, Ikenna Elezianya, demanding a ransom for her mother.” 
 
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) could not be reached on the matter. 
 
But a police source said the command had arrested some people in connection with the abduction and death of the monarch’s wife. 
 
The police are also said to be on the trail of other fleeing members of the gang. 
 
Meanwhile, the demolition of the prime suspect’s home in line with the Anti-Kidnapping Law of Imo State may have commenced as our correspondent met parts of his house and shop of his wife destroyed and ransacked.

Latest-News Kidnapped monarch’s wife dies in captivity after ransom payment

The 76-year-old wife of the traditional ruler of Ihitteoha Uratta community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, Ugoeze Com...

Man kills friend over N100 debt in Lagos

09:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq9pdlLZrzcgUamm6ZcmAyORqgI9WDiIw_XN8o-mNBYmTvS1_3vf9l3QcQFJXkDPf37TYcFJ6Qvw6tN7R7zHJagWokIN3LSIabNcMQUU8Lq_CUuxm1BgNXnRChI5OtHsha0QEUMS7ZZ4/s1600/nigeria+polllicee.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="436" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq9pdlLZrzcgUamm6ZcmAyORqgI9WDiIw_XN8o-mNBYmTvS1_3vf9l3QcQFJXkDPf37TYcFJ6Qvw6tN7R7zHJagWokIN3LSIabNcMQUU8Lq_CUuxm1BgNXnRChI5OtHsha0QEUMS7ZZ4/s400/nigeria+polllicee.webp" width="400" /></a></div>
 
A man, identified simply as Emma, has reportedly stabbed his friend, White London, to death in Lagos because of N100. 
 
The incident occurred about 11p.m. on Wednesday at Whitesand area of Badia, a slum in Apapa- Iganmu Local Council Development Area. 
 
White London was said to be indebted to Emma in the sum of N1,100 with a promise to pay back within a week. 
 
But the debtor was only able to give Emma, who is an attendant in a film house/brothel located in the area, N1,000, leaving behind a balance of N100. 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
Emma insisted on collecting the N100 balance immediately, as all appeals for a later date, fell on deaf ears. 
 
A witness said a scuffle ensued in the process, which forced White London to dash for a bottle, broke it and stabbed his creditor on the head. 
 
“Soaked in blood, Emma also picked a bottle and stabbed While London on the neck. The bottle penetrated deep into the neck and we saw some white things inside. Due to the enormity of blood that gushed out uncontrollably, White London died on the spot,” a witness said. 
 
The suspect reportedly attempted to flee, but he was apprehended by some members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), who informed the policemen attached to Badia Division. 
 
The policemen, who visited the scene, evacuated the victim’s body to a public morgue. 
 
At press time, arrangement was being made to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, for further investigation. 
 
Whitesand, the scene of the incident, is a notorious criminals’ den.

Latest-News Man kills friend over N100 debt in Lagos

A man, identified simply as Emma, has reportedly stabbed his friend, White London, to death in Lagos because of N100. The incident occur...

PDP members who abandoned us should return’ — Diri reacts to s’court victory

09:08 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcNxwkmFb90R_7fbT9EJ_LTI53aXnBobL49WcN1RNwE0NsznLZBUCwWqXuWnuhfU9SQDwovFUkkGuFjTKWInOW5l6ljVkjFz32Z4uyTpTnCKbT6uOmAjGHzRJ7VcFXvYSrjyy-d5OWma0/s1600/17D74096-BC12-426D-9B05-07872D6EFCE8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1242" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcNxwkmFb90R_7fbT9EJ_LTI53aXnBobL49WcN1RNwE0NsznLZBUCwWqXuWnuhfU9SQDwovFUkkGuFjTKWInOW5l6ljVkjFz32Z4uyTpTnCKbT6uOmAjGHzRJ7VcFXvYSrjyy-d5OWma0/s400/17D74096-BC12-426D-9B05-07872D6EFCE8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">Duoye Diri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16 Bayelsa governorship election, has waved the olive branch to former members of his party who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">Diri, who is expected to be sworn in as governor of the state, made the comment following the supreme court sack of David Lyon, his APC rival.</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">According to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Lyon defeated Diri in the march election.</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">He had polled 352,552 votes while the PDP candidate secured 143,172 votes, leaving a margin of 209,382.</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></div>
<a name='more' id="more"></a>The PDP and Diri had sought the disqualification of Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, Lyon’s running mate, over alleged falsification of results. 
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">On Thursday, a panel of judges led by Mary Odili affirmed the verdict of a federal high court which disqualified Degi-Eremienyo from the election for “submitting forged credentials to INEC”.</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">The apex court also said the candidate with the second highest number of votes in the election should be issued a certificate of return.</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">While addressing reporters on Friday, Diri, who polled the second highest votes, pleaded with PDP members who had left the party to return.</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">Asked if his invitation to the opposition party meant he would run an inclusive government, Diri replied in the affirmative.</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">“The members of PDP, who out of one thing or the other got angry and left us to APC, I’m waving the olive branch, please, come back,” Diri said.</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">“We have to build Bayelsa state together. I’m also calling on my brothers in APC they are Bayelsans, we cannot continue to be in disunity.</div>
<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.015em; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;">“Being in APC does not remove you as my brother of Bayelsa state. Whether you are Nembe, Okpia, Sabama, or Southern Ijaw, that is the region that God has brought us together and so, I am extending my olive branch even to those of my brothers and sisters in APC.”</div>

Latest-News PDP members who abandoned us should return’ — Diri reacts to s’court victory

Duoye Diri, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 16 Bayelsa governorship election, has waved the olive branch t...

Drama in Bayelsa state as Supreme Court sacks APC governor-elect, David Lyon

07:38 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ4BauGdSYJhfjeXLMHcyhABNqSDKwQ5dEFZSAbQz0FfexUnDkdJxzA7StaqqU1HTWVJdfLb3B6zMK4lbRGiwgmUzexouIzQwRTVZJnxIV1zDhbp8DWcHWt7P7M04Y07-aowd_QDm7nqH/s400/david+Lyon+Bayelsa+governor+2019.jpg" width="400" /></div>
 
The Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress governorship candidate David Lyon’s hope of assumption of office on Friday (today) as the fifth governor of the state was on Thursday dashed by a judgment of the Supreme Court. 
 
The APC and the Peoples Democratic Party were shocked by the judgment, which created uncertainty in Bayelsa State as both parties disagreed on its interpretation. 
 
In the Supreme Court, there were signs that both parties did not expect any surprise as only a handful of their supporters were in the scanty courtroom when the case was heard and judgment later delivered. 
 
<a name='more' id="more"></a> 
 
The court nullified the election of Lyon and his running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, who were declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission as winners of the November 16, 2019 governorship election in the state. 
 
The judgment was delivered by a five-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili. 
 
The panel, in its unanimous judgment, ordered the candidates of the party with the next highest votes and the required constitutional spread of votes in the results of the governorship election declared by INEC to be sworn in as their replacements. 
 
In what appeared to be a twist of fate, as the apex court was delivering the judgment, Lyon was rounding off preparations for his inauguration. 
 
As part of the preparations, the ex-governor-elect did a rehearsal at the Samson Siasia Stadium, where he was driven round the main field in a motorcade on Thursday. 
 
Also, the outgoing Governor of the state, Henry Dickson, a PDP member, had already concluded arrangements to meet with Lyon very early on Friday (today) with a view to handing over official documents to him at the state Government House. 
 
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, stated that Dickson was preparing to preside over a valedictory meeting of the state executive council when the news about the Supreme Court ruling filtered in. 
 
At exactly 1:15pm on Thursday, the Supreme Court in its judgment in Abuja put paid to the preparations when it nullified the candidacy of Lyon’s deputy, Degi-Eremienyo, on the grounds that he presented false information about his educational qualifications in his Form CF001 submitted to INEC as a candidate for the 2019 election. 
 
Justice Ejembi Eko, who read the judgment, noted that the claims” by Degi-Eremienyo appeared to be “fraudulent”, pointing out to “several names he uses variously chameleonically to suit the changing environment.” 
 
He ruled that Degi-Eremienyo’s disqualification on the basis of submitting false information to INEC had infected the joint ticket with which he and Lyon contested the election and emerged victorious. 
 
He said, “In sum total, the joint ticket of the first and second respondents (Lyon and Degi-Eremienyo) sponsored by the 3rd respondent, APC, was vitiated by the disqualification of the first respondent (Degi-Eremienyo). 
 
“Both candidates disqualified are deemed not to be candidates in the governorship election.” 
 
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Eko, nullified the APC’s victory, restored and affirmed the earlier judgment of Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which disqualified Degi-Eremienyo’s candidacy and nullified the party’s ticket for the poll. 
 
He set aside the December 23, 2019 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja which had contrary to the Federal High Court’s decision validated the former deputy governor-elect’s candidacy. 
 
The appeal ruled upon by the Supreme Court was filed by the PDP, its governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the party, who had alleged in their suit originated at the Federal High Court in Abuja that Degi-Eremienyo presented to INEC, documents of academic qualifications with about nine variations of names different from the name that appeared on his Form CF001 submitted to the electoral commission. 
 
The names on the different documents attached to his Form CF001 were said to be, Biobarakum Degi-Eremienyo, Degi Biobaragha, Degi Biobarakuma, Adegi Biobakunmo, Degi-Eremienyo Wangagha. 
 
He was said to have claimed to have obtained “his First School Leaving Certificate in 1976” and presented to INEC “a First Leaving School Certificate of one Degi Biobaragha other than the one bearing his name Biobaragha Degi-Eremieoyo as shown in his INEC Form CF001”. 
 
He was also said to have claimed to have “obtained his West African Examinations Council General Certificate of Education in 1984” and presented to INEC, “a GCE certificate of one Adegi Bibakuo other than the one bearing his name Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo as shown in his INEC Form CF001.” 
 
The Federal High Court had held that there was no evidence to prove that the documents with different name variations were his. 
 
Upholding the finding on Thursday, the apex court held that the affidavits of correction of names and regularisation of names filed by him were not enough as he ought to have followed the laid down legal procedures. 
 
The Supreme Court also held that “having not approached the authorities which issued the certificates of academic qualifications in 1976 (the first school leaving certificate) and 1984) (the West African School Certificate/GCE), the first respondent’s brandishing of the certificates using affidavit to assert the ownership of the certificates was erroneous.” 
 
It held that “clearly, the lower court erred when it held that the affidavit of correction of names sworn to by the first defendant” had corrected the numerous discrepancies in his names in August. 
 
He said, “Section 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution provides that nobody shall be qualified for an election for the governor of a state if he has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission”, adding that “the word fraud” could mean “fabricating, framing and inventing false identification and making deliberate falsehood”. 
 
He added, “The lower court (Court of Appeal) was wrong that the appellants did not establish that the first respondent in Form CF 001 presented to INEC contained materially false information as to the personal particulars of the first respondent. 
 
“The trial court, on the contrary, was right. On this issue, I also allow the appeal, set aside the judgment of the lower court delivered on 23 December 2019 and I hereby reinstate the judgment of the trial court delivered on November 12, 2019 including all the others made therein.” 
 The Supreme Court ruled that the votes credited to the APC’s candidates were wasted. 
 
It ordered INEC to withdraw the certificates of return issued to Lyon and Degi-Eremienyo as the winners of the poll. 
 
It ordered fresh ones to be issued to the governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the party with the highest votes and met the constitutional spread of votes in the election. 
 
It also ordered the newly declared winners of the election to be sworn in at the appropriate time. 
 No govt in Bayelsa, PDP candidate won’t be sworn in – Oshiomhole 
 
The PDP and the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, clashed over the interpretation of the judgment on Thursday. 
 
Oshiomhole, in an interview with journalists in Abuja, vowed that nobody would be sworn in as Bayelsa State governor on Friday. 
 
But the PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described Oshiomhole’s boast as empty and inconsequential. 
 
Justifying his stand, Oshiomhole said, “It is not a state secret, if, as the Supreme Court has ruled, David Lyon cannot now be sworn; that the person, who has the highest number of votes and the spread, should be sworn in, it simply means from tomorrow there will be no government in Bayelsa State. 
 
“But, as far as we know, the next candidate, as the facts are before the court, who happens to be a PDP candidate, does not have one quarter of the total lawful votes cast in that election in two-thirds of the local government councils in Bayelsa State.” 
 You are ranting, PDP tells Oshiomhole 
 
But the PDP dismissed Oshiomhole’s statement. The party warned Oshiomhole to steer clear of Bayelsa State as his apparent plot to trigger violence in the state had failed. 
 
It advised Oshiomhole to be careful with his utterances and “not to use any forms of venomous garrulity and clear misuse of language to destabilize our nation and truncate our hard earned democracy.” 
 Wike warns APC national chairman 
 
Also, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, berated Oshiomhole, and called on the Federal Government to warn him (Oshiomhole) to stop making inflammatory remarks capable of destabilising the country. 
 
Wike, in an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt, condemned Oshiomhole for saying there would be no swearing-in of the PDP candidate in Bayelsa State. 
 
The governor said, “The Federal Government should warn Oshiomhole to stop making remarks that will destabilise Nigeria. What he is doing in Edo State is not proper and he should not bring it to the rest of the Niger Delta.” 
 Be consistent, Atiku tells S’Court, hails judgment 
 
The 2019 presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, hailed the Supreme Court for its judgment on the November 16 governorship election in Bayelsa State. 
 
Atiku in his personal verified twitter handle @atiku, urged the apex court to be consistent in its judgment. 
 
He also urged justices of the Supreme Court to always deliver just judgment no matter the parties involved. 
 Buhari calls off Yenagoa trip 
 
The Presidency was also shocked by the judgment. It abruptly cancelled a scheduled press conference on Thursday as the news of the Supreme Court’s decision on Bayelsa State governorship poll shook the nation. 
 
This came as it was gathered that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had also put off his scheduled visit to Bayelsa on Friday (today). 
 
He was billed to inaugurate some petroleum industry projects. The presidential media team had earlier in the day fixed 3pm to address the State House Press Corps. 
 
Findings indicated that the agenda was to address sundry issues, including adequate reaction to the booing of the President by Maiduguri residents on Wednesday and the need to have regular engagements with reporters on the activities of the regime. 
 
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, were to conduct the exercise. 
 
But word suddenly came from their offices that the press conference had been cancelled, just as the apex court delivered its judgment. 
 
The spokespersons gave no official explanations, but it was learnt that the cancellation was an immediate reaction to the court’s decision to avoid being put under pressure to comment on the development. 
 
Efforts to get Shehu to comment on whether Buhari would still travel to Bayelsa today got no response. 
 
The President’s advance party had since left Abuja ahead of him before the latest political development in Bayelsa happened on Thursday. 
 Jubilation in Bayelsa 
 
There were jubilations on Thursday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, following the judgment of the apex court. 
 
Supporters of the PDP thronged the Government House in Yenagoa singing and dancing even as they later moved into the Governor’s Lodge where they continued the celebration of the legal victory. 
 
But the ruling generated shock waves among members, supporters and chieftains of the APC. Wrappers and uniforms bearing Lyon’s picture and that of his deputy, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremineyo, had been printed in large quantities with sufficient food and drinks already purchased before their sacking. 
 Lyon’s inauguration podium dismantled 
 
As a result of the ruling, a podium being erected at the Samson Siasia Sport Complex venue of the swearing-in of Lyon was immediately dismantled as soon as news of the judgment broke. 
 
The flags of APC earlier erected at the roundabout in front of the Government House, Yenagoa, were uprooted by PDP supporters. 
 
Also at the APC secretariat, canopies already mounted ahead of Friday’s celebration were dismantled. 
 
It was gathered that the leaders of the APC had booked major hotel accommodation for visiting guests ahead of the ceremony. 
 
Some of the guests were said to have started arriving in the state capital before the nullification of the governor-elect’s election. 
 
A hotel manager in Ekeki area of Yenagoa, who confided in newsmen, said they might refund money to those who booked for rooms but their guests had not checked in while there would be negotiation for rooms that guests had moved in.