Ondo 2020: Agboola’s candidacy boosted as Mimiko’s ZLP pulls massive rally

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE7CxZ71USF07fG2P2D8tfQECtlD7LxfQMWBMBDdAnBHbg8Y6-Mn0OLixiObCfklx6zoOD0o3xgmbm3yFgc27tynWQ0o8brwU_YXj4vk8BHiNj_hAYvci-3a9dGHF8GMyaQhFWatZF5w/s610/76713285-C477-48F9-94B6-4B8240A3BC45.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="610" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE7CxZ71USF07fG2P2D8tfQECtlD7LxfQMWBMBDdAnBHbg8Y6-Mn0OLixiObCfklx6zoOD0o3xgmbm3yFgc27tynWQ0o8brwU_YXj4vk8BHiNj_hAYvci-3a9dGHF8GMyaQhFWatZF5w/w400-h268/76713285-C477-48F9-94B6-4B8240A3BC45.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p><b>Ondo State Deputy Governor and the Governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Agboola Ajayi and Engr Gboye Adegbenro, his running mate, on Saturday flagged their campaign for the 2020 Ondo governorship election today, Saturday, September 19, 2020.</b></p> <p>The rally which is streamed live on various online channels and radio stations in Ondo state is the first grand rally of Ajayi and Adegbenro, a former Commissioner for Works in the state, as ZLP candidates.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The immediate past Governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko who is also the national leader of the ZLP will be leading the party’s campaign that will be based on issues ranging from the restoration of socio-democratic programmes – free health care, abiye safe motherhood, quality and affordable education in the primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, among many other life-enriching programmes of the past government.</p>

Latest-News Ondo 2020: Agboola’s candidacy boosted as Mimiko’s ZLP pulls massive rally

Ondo State Deputy Governor and the Governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Agboola Ajayi and Engr Gboye Adegbenro, his ru...

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N21.580m pension scam: Police arrest 3 Bauchi pensions board staff

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tSFelSFbTSUQ9TIEkl51oJT7FxlcZbNhW_rsBbc6meHBX94cfyJuDrWJLxZldvhLVp3H0iDW_Z8iXKUwrXGRNh6kfqwDGO2JqbIlTz7-peLUhZ3S9uqrkc8_6qAsSWdqPi6H2VRZ1PM/s414/4B859A2A-09B1-4C37-BC2E-867DFB313FB4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tSFelSFbTSUQ9TIEkl51oJT7FxlcZbNhW_rsBbc6meHBX94cfyJuDrWJLxZldvhLVp3H0iDW_Z8iXKUwrXGRNh6kfqwDGO2JqbIlTz7-peLUhZ3S9uqrkc8_6qAsSWdqPi6H2VRZ1PM/w400-h224/4B859A2A-09B1-4C37-BC2E-867DFB313FB4.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>The Bauchi State Police Command on Saturday has arrested three staff members of the Bauchi State Local Government Pension Board for their involvement in a pension scam in the state running into millions of naira.</b></p> <p>This was revealed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mohammad Wakili, in a press statement signed on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police and made available to newsmen in Bauchi.</p> <p>The arrest of the suspects, according to Wakili, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), followed a complaint received from the office of the state governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.</p> <p>The suspects, Mohammed B. Mohammed, an auditor; Musa Bappayo, a computer operator and Samaila Musa, according to the police spokesman, upon interrogations confessed to having fraudulently inserted about seven illegal names into the pension records.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>On the 12th of September 2020 at about 1300hrs, a letter of complaint from the office of Executive Governor Bauchi State signed by Musa Mohammed Kirfi, PhD. PPS to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State against the following suspects, Mohammed B. Mohammed Auditor of the board, Musa Bappayo computer operator of the board and Samaila Musa, all staff of Local Government Pension Board was received through the office of the commissioner of police for discrete investigation.</p> <p>“When interrogated, the above-mentioned persons confessed to have inserted about seven (7) illegal beneficiaries’ names into the pensions records fraudulently,” the PPRO informed.</p> <p>The police spokesman stated that Samaila Musa (38), a resident of Federal Low Cost, Bauchi, inserted the names of Mohammed Namamu, also known as Muhamadun Faiza and Abubakar Muazu.</p> <p>None of the two beneficiaries whose names were inserted by Musa, DSP Wakili stated, are civil servants in the state, adding that they “receive sixty-five thousand (N65,000) and eighty-five thousand (N85,000) per month for the period of eighteen (18) month which accumulated to two million seven hundred thousand (N2, 700,000)”.</p> <p>According to the PPRO, “Yasir Sulaiman 37yrs of Bayan airport has two candidates, whom he received (N320,000) per month for the period of (23) months which accumulated to seven million, three hundred and sixty thousand (N7, 360,000).</p> <p>“Garba Bala ‘m’ aged 39yrs of Tirwun Bauchi who introduced two candidates and received N300,000 per month for thirty-six (36) months which accumulated to ten million eight hundred thousand (N10, 800,000).</p> <p>“Umar Mohammed Madara ‘m’ aged 49yrs of Ibrahim Bako, Bauchi, has one candidate, who received one hundred and twenty thousand (N120,000) per month for the period of six (6) month which accumulated to seven hundred and twenty thousand (N720,000).”</p> <p>The police spokesman stated that all suspects have been arrested and an investigation is in progress, adding that effort is on top gear to arrest the other fleeing suspects.</p>

Latest-News N21.580m pension scam: Police arrest 3 Bauchi pensions board staff

The Bauchi State Police Command on Saturday has arrested three staff members of the Bauchi State Local Government Pension Board for their ...

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Aggrieved youth beat up politician’s wife in Edo

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Edo Decides 2020: Bamgbose reports Tinubu, Oshiomhole to US over Wike’s incarceration

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Edo Decides: APC, PDP youths clash over alleged money-sharing (VIDEO)

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School resumption: Lagos releases 2020/2021 calendar

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PHOTO NEWS: School building collapses in Lagos

<p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsVrZQmFc-kGRBj_njxeSKSl5kXgypPiPDkTsJsOv4jm3elgJnMXkDuCmxCINrNKhDJrLePwigccFlLEhsZW0gur09WON59wQBszyb0MCR2LR7JS-Bvr4EQWuA4Z4YbfmWWJW7zrbIxU/s480/3E917FC4-A80F-4894-AC39-5DFFE0DD4802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsVrZQmFc-kGRBj_njxeSKSl5kXgypPiPDkTsJsOv4jm3elgJnMXkDuCmxCINrNKhDJrLePwigccFlLEhsZW0gur09WON59wQBszyb0MCR2LR7JS-Bvr4EQWuA4Z4YbfmWWJW7zrbIxU/w400-h200/3E917FC4-A80F-4894-AC39-5DFFE0DD4802.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p>A school building collapsed on Saturday in Lagos State.</p> <p>It was gathered that the building collapsed at Ejigbo area of Lagos.</p> <p>As of the time of filing this report, details of the incident are sketchy</p> <p>SEE PHOTOS:</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84oSwtlcRO6DqOv5Xm6Dr-ZrZ4u3Ae-M3UHxqCVQcd9eqi2Sk_Qn9Vdv6VMBdqqizXrqqACItEYu8KJeaV6y15P3GH2RVuh4IyU1AOFY1fD1fUJPdCAqHmBFhblnTAwwk1ACkat3fNFg/s480/89867E45-D151-4065-83FF-A94939CF5DDB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84oSwtlcRO6DqOv5Xm6Dr-ZrZ4u3Ae-M3UHxqCVQcd9eqi2Sk_Qn9Vdv6VMBdqqizXrqqACItEYu8KJeaV6y15P3GH2RVuh4IyU1AOFY1fD1fUJPdCAqHmBFhblnTAwwk1ACkat3fNFg/w400-h200/89867E45-D151-4065-83FF-A94939CF5DDB.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eZiZcvSbTYxRuYxhFB_txlHiOLQFRXjom-LZ1_8a5hRD2G5HaTNroO53xw1TMov9AAGI3dtUbp-mNGmFt5RagGMgjl3ohJJg8ctTr13Qv4mHic-6zGA8Igz_qQBRrk24-dy_lnFFt-o/s480/93023B81-6626-4170-91F3-651B854FBB06.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eZiZcvSbTYxRuYxhFB_txlHiOLQFRXjom-LZ1_8a5hRD2G5HaTNroO53xw1TMov9AAGI3dtUbp-mNGmFt5RagGMgjl3ohJJg8ctTr13Qv4mHic-6zGA8Igz_qQBRrk24-dy_lnFFt-o/w400-h200/93023B81-6626-4170-91F3-651B854FBB06.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG16Uf-_uzf1Y4f50mH73RuV891cOK_MSfbbqTEDkOAyYfIqojbbqPLQn6k83pKHDx8KZoo7lZ-bX5nIeMCo0pTbdPrz9F_cVlBCR1EDemZmsw1ZpEjTO5kvsVv8Hr3OAAA5HOttJuf2g/s480/E3DBC6F1-FBF3-430D-A1D5-239AC3E4AD07.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG16Uf-_uzf1Y4f50mH73RuV891cOK_MSfbbqTEDkOAyYfIqojbbqPLQn6k83pKHDx8KZoo7lZ-bX5nIeMCo0pTbdPrz9F_cVlBCR1EDemZmsw1ZpEjTO5kvsVv8Hr3OAAA5HOttJuf2g/w400-h200/E3DBC6F1-FBF3-430D-A1D5-239AC3E4AD07.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYdO-jk0TQpmZcXgjEWaycEATf75UvYwXcHscl2oiplMOequBEO8kvnJxhDftbmYwpivxDQEb9QGNf71xBdPso4SnbcWf75LM1vSkGQKmrP_tYXOxhXmW8VQ1ny651ZdDLRGe_OXMWDY/s480/F154D7A6-276E-42D7-ADF2-369A6CB84C9C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYdO-jk0TQpmZcXgjEWaycEATf75UvYwXcHscl2oiplMOequBEO8kvnJxhDftbmYwpivxDQEb9QGNf71xBdPso4SnbcWf75LM1vSkGQKmrP_tYXOxhXmW8VQ1ny651ZdDLRGe_OXMWDY/w400-h200/F154D7A6-276E-42D7-ADF2-369A6CB84C9C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><br /></p>

Latest-News PHOTO NEWS: School building collapses in Lagos

  A school building collapsed on Saturday in Lagos State. It was gathered that the building collapsed at Ejigbo area of Lagos. As of th...

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Edo Decides: Voters scramble for cash as APC leaders allegedly share money

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BREAKING: Violence breaks out as Obaseki arrives polling unit

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#EdoDecides2020: Voters lament as card readers fail

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3f2MLawxuW_4XP9sQxHNaaWgIviw0lhQjXOpwE7X7P5AuX8u2KYmjCzJxdOUYmZphGwJq1IWUhvI8lv5I8C525U8cLVVY39cqVgWjbVB4OMIHEG8WHzvxrWrc8wuaLTSoudUw3yN4Cg/s414/DA80F5D8-2206-4569-AAE0-4B3070605116.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="414" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3f2MLawxuW_4XP9sQxHNaaWgIviw0lhQjXOpwE7X7P5AuX8u2KYmjCzJxdOUYmZphGwJq1IWUhvI8lv5I8C525U8cLVVY39cqVgWjbVB4OMIHEG8WHzvxrWrc8wuaLTSoudUw3yN4Cg/w400-h225/DA80F5D8-2206-4569-AAE0-4B3070605116.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Currently, in Ward 1, Unit 9 at Ugbogbo quarter, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, LGA, electorate are eagerly waiting to cast their votes.</b></p> <p>The voters are bitterly complaining as the card readers in this unit have not functioned for once.</p> <p>Some of the voters who spoke with newsmen said they have pushed their complaints to the appropriate quarters.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>As at the time of filing this report, voters are still waiting patiently to cast their votes.</p>

Latest-News #EdoDecides2020: Voters lament as card readers fail

Currently, in Ward 1, Unit 9 at Ugbogbo quarter, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, LGA, electorate are eagerly waiting to cast their vot...

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#EdoDecides2020: Voters shun social distancing as election commences

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw99gTbJ-UBHT1g9B5j4Iu9xryo8gk-2jrN0Y_xuxEI1w04pzfh-237a9kjk_GiamgD_h-0GxiX1QbOsqNStaaWKHptUSXqCjRk4x1Xhi9jdnitiRzSufpI1rseJRqVodtFzLk61wPdIo/s1080/B2AB001E-6165-4C9E-B312-C24A291D5834.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw99gTbJ-UBHT1g9B5j4Iu9xryo8gk-2jrN0Y_xuxEI1w04pzfh-237a9kjk_GiamgD_h-0GxiX1QbOsqNStaaWKHptUSXqCjRk4x1Xhi9jdnitiRzSufpI1rseJRqVodtFzLk61wPdIo/w400-h300/B2AB001E-6165-4C9E-B312-C24A291D5834.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p><b>The governorship election in Edo State begins peacefully with impressive voters’ turnout in most wards across the state.</b></p> <p>However, there was no social distancing at Oba Market polling unit, Oredo LGA as voters get ready to cast their votes.</p> <p>Although the situation does not suggest the likelihood of violence, there is a massive security presence in cities, towns, and villages.</p> <p>There is compliance with restriction movement across the state.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Major streets, especially in Benin, don’t witness the usual traffic as the residents move to their respective polling stations for accreditation.</p> <p>Also reports from other areas of Edo, such as Uzzebba, Igueben, Auchi, Ososo, Ekpoma, Jattu, and Ughoton, among other towns and villages, say there is impressive turnout and orderly situation.</p>

Latest-News #EdoDecides2020: Voters shun social distancing as election commences

The governorship election in Edo State begins peacefully with impressive voters’ turnout in most wards across the state. However, ther...

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#EdoDecides2020: APC candidate, Ize-Iyamu votes, vows to win

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCXCCh9PBW1HEvi-Tlu3XFgn8cmg1NaqputmwJblssfx2S8aqaXs3i23EabVso2Y3zXc5505pX_lZUga0LPVKi6oVXGg_JDuSLkn9v_pOVnZRA4rbNxR8G0CTp9Djd0FQ0k8QC4_uvgmr/s1600/Ize-iyamu2+edo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCXCCh9PBW1HEvi-Tlu3XFgn8cmg1NaqputmwJblssfx2S8aqaXs3i23EabVso2Y3zXc5505pX_lZUga0LPVKi6oVXGg_JDuSLkn9v_pOVnZRA4rbNxR8G0CTp9Djd0FQ0k8QC4_uvgmr/s320/Ize-iyamu2+edo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has just cast his vote<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He voted at exactly 9:30am at polling unit 26, ward 5 in Iguododo community, Orionhwon Local Government Area<br /> <br /> He expressed the confidence that he would win the poll if the peaceful situation at his unit was the same everywhere.

Latest-News #EdoDecides2020: APC candidate, Ize-Iyamu votes, vows to win

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Osimhen speaks on facing Cristiano Ronaldo in Serie A

<p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZDekIqkB8WNjeQeBEtVib03S2y1xtLZuI2AeCYvxfAispgYGd70IACiHUu_Xq_xfDXnGGGWedVJb4veSyAaAhHLH-cvvSGnGu5d1R5ZMJotbFZpMvDSBW2sbcSRvUrXR5LmIxZURHAM/s414/F8C3EF13-D805-469F-950B-D5190FB54576.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="414" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZDekIqkB8WNjeQeBEtVib03S2y1xtLZuI2AeCYvxfAispgYGd70IACiHUu_Xq_xfDXnGGGWedVJb4veSyAaAhHLH-cvvSGnGu5d1R5ZMJotbFZpMvDSBW2sbcSRvUrXR5LmIxZURHAM/w400-h285/F8C3EF13-D805-469F-950B-D5190FB54576.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>New Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has said he cannot wait to play against Juventus star, Cristiano Ronaldo, in his debut Serie A campaign.</b></p> <p>Osimhen has moved to Italy, after one impressive season with Lille, where he scored 13 times in 27 league games.</p> <p>The Super Eagles front man says he is now ready for another experience against “one of the greatest players on earth”.</p> <p>Napoli are away to Parma for their opening league outing on Sunday, but the 21-year-old also has his sights set on the trip to Allianz Stadium on October 4.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“I’m really looking forward to a new career here in Serie A. Playing against the likes of Christian Ronaldo is something one can eagerly wait for,” Osimhen told the CAF website.</p> <p>“While at Lille, I had the opportunity of playing against some of the best players in the world like Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and it would definitely be a whole great experience to play against Ronaldo, who is one of the greatest players on earth. So, I’m looking forward to facing him soon.”</p>

Latest-News Osimhen speaks on facing Cristiano Ronaldo in Serie A

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Edo 2020: Armed security personnel take over INEC office

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI__GIwibqUht1vTq0CBiDSGX_HCRgfvjwLIuUG1KbmqALZS6C7G5mxFmNsPtfEqLcvdxfjfzGHoI6D0sk8k-ZnRWsKZTnuT1vyrmnH9NwPZn8fTZyaf-CJ_A_NoVd9IgU7Hj1NMsDXhU/s579/9994E53B-E61C-491F-A2AD-D95BD5F7B88A.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="579" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI__GIwibqUht1vTq0CBiDSGX_HCRgfvjwLIuUG1KbmqALZS6C7G5mxFmNsPtfEqLcvdxfjfzGHoI6D0sk8k-ZnRWsKZTnuT1vyrmnH9NwPZn8fTZyaf-CJ_A_NoVd9IgU7Hj1NMsDXhU/w400-h275/9994E53B-E61C-491F-A2AD-D95BD5F7B88A.png" width="400" /></a></div> <p><br /></p> <p><b>As the much anticipated Edo Gubernatorial Elections takes place today, there is heavy presence of security personnel at the Benin City office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along Ramat Park.</b></p> <p>The electoral adjudicator had moved back to its permanent office after vacating the premises to a rented apartment along Sapele Road as a result of flooding. </p> <p>Two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were stationed before and after the office while traffic is being diverted to follow one lane.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Gun-wielding policeman and soldiers were sighted at the premises.</p>

Latest-News Edo 2020: Armed security personnel take over INEC office

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FG announces N75bn support for 1.7 million Nigerians, businesses from Sept 21

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aSq0sF1IpDjmEu4fAw3vpeK_tJiajYS-6Vu3dIL0zdi1I2FEYPsI9lUFP79kDS9EePieJXlZ8lSxUQTJUAfZMfkzzd7mzC6waT37qO5dZJp1AvpIr0J0jgk7X3k9K3apPONzvMexlk0/s414/B9525FD5-6245-4137-8BC1-A61DBBBA55F2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="414" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aSq0sF1IpDjmEu4fAw3vpeK_tJiajYS-6Vu3dIL0zdi1I2FEYPsI9lUFP79kDS9EePieJXlZ8lSxUQTJUAfZMfkzzd7mzC6waT37qO5dZJp1AvpIr0J0jgk7X3k9K3apPONzvMexlk0/w400-h310/B9525FD5-6245-4137-8BC1-A61DBBBA55F2.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Mariam Katagum, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, has confirmed that the federal government will provide financial support for 1.7 million business entities and individuals.</b></p> <p>The programme will commence September 21 and last for three months.</p> <p>Katagum said it was part of efforts to support Nigerians to survive the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p>NAN reports that she spoke in Lagos on Friday.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“The government, through the Economic Sustainability Committee, had announced specific programmes aimed at cushioning the impact of COVID-19 on MSME businesses. These include the N75 billion MSME Survival Fund and Guaranteed Off-take Schemes.</p> <p>“The project, which will run for an initial period of three months, is targeting 1.7million entities and individuals and has provisions for 45 per cent female-owned businesses and five per cent for those with special needs.</p> <p>“The registration portal for the schemes is set to open on Monday 21st September, 2020 and I urge you all to take full advantage of the schemes,” the minister said.</p> <p>The official added that the fund and schemes were at the core of the N2.3 trillion stimulus package also known as the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP).</p> <p>Katagum announced that the commissioning of shared facilities would provide succor and relief for the teeming micro businesses in need of space and infrastructural support.</p>

Latest-News FG announces N75bn support for 1.7 million Nigerians, businesses from Sept 21

Mariam Katagum, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, has confirmed that the federal government will provide financial sup...

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Two pastors arrested for raping corps member in Rivers State

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQUOr27KqkBnVolF_0_xvY1Qk51T2gyKHHMG3g0TPH347LuoeADTWWJq7mOxRqcD6__Vjm40kcJarCrujjtB_oxSFi4CUyeKvO8RtPACJBhzysYuIy0fwGx5VJb9TIAXjLVUZA6uu-5E/s670/C493A273-A1B1-49CA-A391-EB69C1A052AD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="670" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQUOr27KqkBnVolF_0_xvY1Qk51T2gyKHHMG3g0TPH347LuoeADTWWJq7mOxRqcD6__Vjm40kcJarCrujjtB_oxSFi4CUyeKvO8RtPACJBhzysYuIy0fwGx5VJb9TIAXjLVUZA6uu-5E/w400-h266/C493A273-A1B1-49CA-A391-EB69C1A052AD.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>The Police in Rivers State have arrested two pastors for allegedly raping a 27-year old member of the National Youths Service Corps.</b></p> <p>The corps member is observing her primary assignment at the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.</p> <p>The pastors, identified as Austin Emmanuel and Peter Davies, are currently being detained at the State Criminal and Investigation and Intelligence Department, Port Harcourt.</p> <p>Emmanuel reportedly invited  the victim to his house for an indoor birthday party and in the course of the celebration, he was later joined by Davies.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>It was gathered that the suspects offered to pray for the victim and in the middle of the prayer, they applied a-yet-to-be-identified liquid on her face which made her unconscious.</p> <p>Speaking with journalists, the corps member said she experienced pains in her private parts after regaining consciousness.</p> <p>She said, “Actually, it was after I regained consciousness that I was feeling pain in my vagina. I told my mum and she reported to the police and they said that they should take me to doctors without borders for checkup. I found out that I was fingered according to the report and saw bruises seen all over my body.”</p> <p>Meanwhile, parents of the victim, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Bonko called on the Rivers State Police Command not to allow the accused persons go scot free to serve as a deterrent to other persons.</p> <p>The father of the girl said he had approached the International Federation of Women Lawyers in the state to ensure the prosecution of the case.</p> <p>“When I saw her, she was not in her senses. I started asking questions. Then they told me that they have arrested the suspects. I saw the suspects and they told me what happened.</p> <p>“We took her to a psychiatric hospital. They tested her and did everything. Wherever we went, the NYSC followed us on the matter. An NYSC official reported the issue to the headquarters. If we allow this matter to die, they will do the same thing to other female corps members. That is why I decided to come to FIDA,” he explained.</p> <p>The state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, said the matter was under investigation.</p> <p>“Yes, we refer to this issue, but the matter has not reached my desk. I believe it is still under investigation,” Mukan stated</p>

Latest-News Two pastors arrested for raping corps member in Rivers State

The Police in Rivers State have arrested two pastors for allegedly raping a 27-year old member of the National Youths Service Corps. The ...

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#BBNaija 2020: I can’t stay one week without you – Nengi tells Ozo

<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UIthJcJsoSGcIYLZ4Wr_8VwFBHVWfS33hyydsfAkVRzoX05wOyuPrUYEzBSA1O6vpv1NhQGdTpqjCAY8dM3jIQCiWikQJnnL8k85EcJXBDwKizEFNy2sfwH1FSeoEjCOoQr5JrVBB88/s400/BBAEA3CE-44EF-4833-A726-2C8508D716FB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="394" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UIthJcJsoSGcIYLZ4Wr_8VwFBHVWfS33hyydsfAkVRzoX05wOyuPrUYEzBSA1O6vpv1NhQGdTpqjCAY8dM3jIQCiWikQJnnL8k85EcJXBDwKizEFNy2sfwH1FSeoEjCOoQr5JrVBB88/w394-h400/BBAEA3CE-44EF-4833-A726-2C8508D716FB.jpeg" width="394" /></a></p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p><b>Big Brother Naija housemate, Nengi has told her fellow housemate and friend, Ozo that she cannot take her mind off Sunday’s eviction.</b></p> <p>Nengi while having a conversation with Ozo after their mini Jacuzzi party on Friday night told him that “One week in Biggy’s house without him is like a death sentence.”</p> <p>According to her, she would literally die because she won’t have anyone to be talking to since he is the only best friend she has in the house.</p> <p>“I just know that the both of us would make it to the finale.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“ I really want us to be in this house till the final day because one week in this house without you, I will die.</p> <p>“I will literally die. What am I going to do? Who will I be talking to?</p> <p>“ I really need you here,” she said.</p> <p>Ozo affirmed that he would also want them to be in the show to the final.</p> <p>He, however, told her that it’s not only about what she would be doing if he gets evicted, but who she would be bullying.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <br />

Latest-News #BBNaija 2020: I can’t stay one week without you – Nengi tells Ozo

Big Brother Naija housemate, Nengi has told her fellow housemate and friend, Ozo that she cannot take her mind off Sunday’s eviction. Nen...

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LIVE UPDATES: Edo Governorship Election 2020

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQefSjpTTvPSD9EKCrCW6yq6rhPllJtxTN4Kc02bQ0XzubEcxlIdzQrkzq2h9o7oo236-mmcdYXRGwVBuhCSjCJk9H2ScdjGByHCObfOEiYvqYBQLagTE8sOXk1RTj0hAewwYx8w8uFyTu/s640/Osagie+Ize-Iyamu+and+Godwin+Obaseki.jpg" width="640" /></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">We officially welcome you to the NigerianEye LIVE COVERAGE of The 2020 Edo Governorship Election - <b><span style="color: red;">(Please continue to refresh this page for LIVE updates from Edo state)</span></b></span><br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> <span style="font-weight: 700;">7:34AM - <span style="color: red;">Obaseki or Ize-Iyamu?</span></span><br /> <br /> The battle of who emerges governor of the State is clearly between incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.<br /> <br /> Pastor Ize-Iyamu has the backing of the former Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who is the immediate past National Chairman of the APC.<br /> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> <b>7:25AM - <span style="color: red;">It's time for Edo to decide</span><br /></b><br /> <b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>1,726,738 are eligible to vote in today’s election out of 2,210,534 registered voters<br /> <br /> INEC says there are 483,796 ineligible voters who have not collected their PVCs.<br /> <br /> Edo has 18 local government areas, with 192 wards and 2,627 polling units.<br /> <br /> A further breakdown of the registered voters shows that the male accounts for 1,159,325 (representing 52 per cent) while 1,051,209 (48 percent) are female.<br /> <br /> Similarly, from the total registered voters, the youth (18-35 years) account for 50 per cent (1,105,338); middle aged (36-50 years) account for 29.1 per cent (643,551); and the elderly (51-70 years) has 15.99 per cent (353,508).<br /> <br /> Eligible voters classified as the old (70 years and above) account for 4.89 per cent (108,137).<br /> <br /> Further distribution of registered voters in the three senatorial districts of the state shows that Edo South has the highest figure of 1,281,414: the North with 564,122 while Central Senatorial District has 364,998.<br /> <br /> Edo South has seven council areas; the North has six while the Central has five.<br /> <br /> According to the number of collected PVCs, Oredo zone has 240,197; Ikpoba-Okha is 214,882; Egor has 158,817; Etsako West has 128,188 and Akoko Edo with 115,343.<br /> <br /> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Latest-News LIVE UPDATES: Edo Governorship Election 2020

We officially welcome you to the NigerianEye LIVE COVERAGE of The 2020 Edo Governorship Election - (Please continue to refresh this page ...

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PDP cries out - "Our governors being harassed in Edo state"

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhAohY8yy_Xmq7Jl8qZS2l0OW2RDY7YIQMulkbgPKt2FEsfVkqBH8jrBiIGIoeuqt3zi_esIAqKKxZ8o76qTuDz6moXf52zEQ-yaeLQeYtItZAzy5TQr4HLwIc5cMBJ1JeueXAELuREdk/s1600/PDP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhAohY8yy_Xmq7Jl8qZS2l0OW2RDY7YIQMulkbgPKt2FEsfVkqBH8jrBiIGIoeuqt3zi_esIAqKKxZ8o76qTuDz6moXf52zEQ-yaeLQeYtItZAzy5TQr4HLwIc5cMBJ1JeueXAELuREdk/s320/PDP.jpg" width="317" /></a></div> <br /> The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that men of the Nigeria Police have surrounded the premises of Westend Hotel, Benin City, accommodating governors elected under the platform of the party.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, at a news conference in Abuja on Friday called on Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu to order his officers to vacate the premises of the hotel where the governors were accommodated ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.<br /> <br /> Mr Secondus alleged that police officers had surrendered the Westend hotel, harassing PDP governors who were currently accommodated in hotel to support PDP Candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki<br /> <br /> “Our governors have been harassed in Westend hotel. The security men few minutes ago surrounded our governors and have been harrasing them. The lives of our governors are in danger.<br /> <br /> “We call on the IGP to ask the police officers to leave the premises of the hotel because their lives are in danger,” Mr Secondus said.<br /> <br /> He said PDP members and leaders in Edo were law abiding and had not broken any law.<br /> <br /> He alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC), governors were also in the Benin to support the candidate of their party, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in tomorrow’s election.<br /> <br /> “If APC governors are in Benin, the PDP governors should be in the state as well. Our governors would remain in Benin, no one can intimidate us.<br /> <br /> “We are bringing this to the attention of the international community.<br /> <br /> “Elections must be free. Elections must be allowed to hold. You cannot allow APC governors in Edo and say our governors should not be in the state.<br /> <br /> (NAN)

Latest-News PDP cries out - "Our governors being harassed in Edo state"

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that men of the Nigeria Police have surrounded the premises of Westend Hotel, Benin City, a...

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FBI uncovers fresh evidence against suspected internet fraudster, Hushpuppi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="720" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen6T3tGNkjl5SnDPFKC-Z82gWfvwnfb1vftN66zmSbh2NntfPS0WPKalsGqo98OMe8DgLWPIt4sAlT3YxqvzgmNCcXtoV-QQUpkHDJ6I27ZZHXjx7w0_wo9JbZLcOEmxQGPkRNVxrZKLm/s640/hushpuppi+arrest+2.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> The tide seems to be rising in the United States against suspected internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi,after the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) unveiled how he allegedly laundered unemployment benefits of Americans.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Abbas was arrested in Dubai last June and immediately flown to the US to face a four-count charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracies, international money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.<br /> <br /> The Nigerian pleaded not guilty to the charges during his initial court appearance in Chicago in July.<br /> <br /> He has since been transferred to California with October 13 set for his trial.<br /> <br /> The FBI, in an affidavit filed on September 14, with the United States District Court, Central District of California, alleged that Hushpuppi using his email address, registered on a website whizzlog.com (“Whizzlog”) which is a marketplace for buying US Bank Logs to perpetrate fraud.<br /> <br /> The FBI said it found in Abbas’ email address “registration contamination from Whizz Log.”<br /> <br /> Also found therein were “numerous confirmations and receipts of bank logs he purchased.”<br /> <br /> One of the messages cited by the agency read “Your order was successful. You have purchased (the “Financial Institution”) bank log with a balance of $9,839.44. Purchase Price: $955. The bank log details are in your account. Login to your Whizz Log account to view.”<br /> <br /> He allegedly bought a “bank log with a balance of over S9,000 for as low as $900.”<br /> <br /> If convicted of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, Abbas would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

Latest-News FBI uncovers fresh evidence against suspected internet fraudster, Hushpuppi

The tide seems to be rising in the United States against suspected internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi,after the F...

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Nigeria records 221 new cases of COVD-19

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t3pZLFvsvpN5vbmgIDA4NbQw7glajaHoi0OE6U9LMIt0L1zZv2AvbMyMcIOoztrJk4OgrZf72yB8gzSDNIOg0ggqix9tBFun6RvX3ffPz6oJySQ-TmqsLStbAn7g-ZFMD_H9641a3fKK/s400/covid-19+coronavirus+nigeria.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> Nigeria on Friday recorded 221 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections in the country to 56,956, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).<br /> <br /> Only one death was reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths from the virus to 1,094.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Three out of every five deaths from the virus in Nigeria are in people over 50 years old, the agency said, indicating the impact of the virus on the elderly.<br /> <br /> The new cases, according to the NCDC, were found in the following 18 states:<br /> <br /> Lagos-59<br /> Abia-46<br /> FCT-22<br /> Gombe-20<br /> Plateau-17<br /> Rivers-11<br /> Bauchi-7<br /> Benue-6<br /> Ekiti-6<br /> Imo-6<br /> Kaduna-4<br /> Kwara-4<br /> Ondo-4<br /> Ogun-3<br /> Osun-3<br /> Bayelsa-1<br /> Edo-1<br /> Kano-1<br /> <br /> <br /> Lagos, Nigeria’s coronavirus epicentre, with over 18,000 infections, led in Thursday’s tally with 59 new cases.<br /> <br /> The NCDC in its daily update on its verified Twitter handle, @NCDCgov, stated that out of the over 56,000 infections so far, 48,305 persons have recovered and have been discharged.

Latest-News Nigeria records 221 new cases of COVD-19

Nigeria on Friday recorded 221 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections in the country to 56,956, according to the Nigeria Centre...

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Edo guber: Without thugs, APC will be beaten silly, says Wike

Latest-News Edo guber: Without thugs, APC will be beaten silly, says Wike

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Soldier fighting Boko Haram commits suicide, leaves letter for wife

Latest-News Soldier fighting Boko Haram commits suicide, leaves letter for wife

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BREAKING: FG backtracks, apologises for asking all bank, other account holders to re-register

Latest-News BREAKING: FG backtracks, apologises for asking all bank, other account holders to re-register

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Edo Poll: I Told God Not To Give Me Power If It Will Cost The Blood Of Anyone, Obaseki Says

Latest-News Edo Poll: I Told God Not To Give Me Power If It Will Cost The Blood Of Anyone, Obaseki Says

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#BBNaija 2020: You’re a sore loser – Trikytee blasts Dorathy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKskDa6Wd3GYgdbk89qa1LfE2wT7NCDzCIxA9afa5M4CVfFOZtDwDZQ0Uj_2HGJHW3H7t-uD410q9pLlzVAqxCTTTE_DwCtIqPW4_x838fQW8eGJwofU27yJVHXjYIjP5XuWCOdODxpQ/s414/5CCD5B61-5364-48F6-9340-B96ED128362F.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKskDa6Wd3GYgdbk89qa1LfE2wT7NCDzCIxA9afa5M4CVfFOZtDwDZQ0Uj_2HGJHW3H7t-uD410q9pLlzVAqxCTTTE_DwCtIqPW4_x838fQW8eGJwofU27yJVHXjYIjP5XuWCOdODxpQ/w400-h224/5CCD5B61-5364-48F6-9340-B96ED128362F.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Big Brother Naija, BBNaija housemate, Trikytee on Thursday night got into an argument with Dorathy.</b></p> <p>It all started after Trikytee disagreed with Dorathy over their Indomie task which had Neo emerge as the winner.</p> <p>The housemates are to share four million Naira as consolidation prize, with Neo having the biggest share.</p> <p>However, Dorathy who was not happy about the outcome of the task, complained that Neo failed to feed her the toppings of the meal during the Indomie ‘Guess the recipe’ Task.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>As she voiced her displeasure in the room, Trikytee called Dorathy a sore loser and expressed disappointment at her.</p> <p>Trikytee said: “Everyone still got money so why are you angry, if anyone is angry they should try cooking and see if they would make that amount of money easily.</p> <p>“I’m not like you, you are a sore loser.”</p> <p>Dorathy didn’t take this kindly as she confronted Trikytee and cautioned him not to insult her again.</p> <p>“You know I didn’t come here insulting you so you don’t have the right to call me a sore loser. Respect yourself,” Dorathy added.</p>

Latest-News #BBNaija 2020: You’re a sore loser – Trikytee blasts Dorathy

Big Brother Naija, BBNaija housemate, Trikytee on Thursday night got into an argument with Dorathy. It all started after Trikytee disagre...

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Why FG ordered Nigerians to submit Self-Certification Forms – Tax expert, Oyedele

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL87inC4VLY66ioNHCAjyVO8_HwIkc2uS0rPKo3_6N0zsA1fwxwhihl_QAu2deS-V_GTGE3DS3cAotGDrMdLBvKg8-HkxgPvcV6nn1Voo4feR7JAfxqzOSOhdwAtROanoJBCu949fFHw/s414/CB0FEB20-4159-441B-A3BF-3678E88BD965.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRL87inC4VLY66ioNHCAjyVO8_HwIkc2uS0rPKo3_6N0zsA1fwxwhihl_QAu2deS-V_GTGE3DS3cAotGDrMdLBvKg8-HkxgPvcV6nn1Voo4feR7JAfxqzOSOhdwAtROanoJBCu949fFHw/w400-h224/CB0FEB20-4159-441B-A3BF-3678E88BD965.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Taiwo Oyedele, Head of Tax and Corporate Advisory Services at PwC Nigeria, has explained the federal government’s directive to Nigerians on Self-Certification Forms.</b></p> <p>On Thursday, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration directed all account holders in banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions to obtain, complete and submit the forms.</p> <p>The agency noted that this would enable institutions to do due diligence procedures in line with the Income Tax Regulations 2019.</p> <p>Consequences include monetary penalty or inability to operate the account.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>In his explanation, Oyedele said the development is in connection with the commencement of automatic exchange of taxpayers information between Nigeria and other countries.</p> <p>He said the information required is to enable reporting financial institutions to determine the tax residency of their customers to know which countries to share your information with.</p> <p>In the case of corporate accounts, the exercise is required to determine the beneficial ownership and control also for reporting purposes, Oyedele tweeted.</p> <p>Observing that many people are angry, he argued that the exchange of information initiative will help the government obtain data from other countries regarding Nigerian residents’ finances.</p> <p>“In exchange, Nigerian government must provide information about persons in Nigeria who are tax residents in other jurisdictions to the relevant countries. The FG could have done a better job of simplifying the process and communicating more effectively.</p> <p>“A simple analogy is like asking everyone to make a self declaration so that the government can determine how many Nigerians have attended a foreign university onsite when a simple information filtering will show that we need not bother 99% of Nigerians about it.</p> <p>“The mere fact that the government is asking Nigerians to provide this declaration is a reflection that the country poorly handles data management. The same reason why many countries were able to easily administer palliatives to their citizens during this pandemic and we couldn’t.</p> <p>“Your bank has an interest in getting this right so you can wait until they reach out to you. Banks have done a similar thing before under the US FATCA and they didn’t ask everyone to make a declaration. I am hopeful that banks will be able to do the same this time around”, he added.</p>

Latest-News Why FG ordered Nigerians to submit Self-Certification Forms – Tax expert, Oyedele

Taiwo Oyedele, Head of Tax and Corporate Advisory Services at PwC Nigeria, has explained the federal government’s directive to Nigerians o...

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Visa ban: Your judgment unjust, unacceptable, Kogi writes US

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT1QxvG3klrR6AYtTXSLcPmlW1rkai5h6nFlD45RYMBMTigRQbX-LAjWYt85Pex6G8k57BhT1kM1NphagkMHK-DcRCOgO_9UrX_4yGhTcAxB2c2XeVv8lDAgMUMt6pT3PTuyZfk5Jg0g/s480/CD1EC011-3766-45C5-BC83-6F7AB01A4057.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="480" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAT1QxvG3klrR6AYtTXSLcPmlW1rkai5h6nFlD45RYMBMTigRQbX-LAjWYt85Pex6G8k57BhT1kM1NphagkMHK-DcRCOgO_9UrX_4yGhTcAxB2c2XeVv8lDAgMUMt6pT3PTuyZfk5Jg0g/w400-h194/CD1EC011-3766-45C5-BC83-6F7AB01A4057.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Kogi State Government has kicked against the recent visa ban imposed on politicians alleged to have rigged the November 2019 election in the state by the United States of America.</b></p> <p>The US Government had on Monday slammed a visa restriction on some individuals for allegedly rigging the November 2019 governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States as well as in the run-up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo governorship polls.</p> <p>But in a letter addressed to the Ambassador of the United States of America signed by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said the US should have created room no matter how slim for a fair hearing.</p> <p>In the letter titled, “Re: Visa Restrictions On Individuals And Inclusion Of The 2019 Kogi State Gubernatorial Elections In US State Department List Of Allegedly Compromised Elections – A Letter Of Protest”, Kogi State Government also urged the US to accord greater empathy, more civility and much less disruption to nascent democracies.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The letter read in part, “The Kogi State Government became aware of a United States Government list of individuals who received US visa restrictions for alleged electoral malpractices via a Press Statement to that effect posted on your Embassy website.</p> <p>“In your own words, the still-unnamed individuals are cited as guilty of ‘acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption that harmed Nigerians and undermined the democratic process.’ They are also alleged to ‘have operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and undermined democratic principles and human rights.</p> <p>“You also noted in the statement that the sanctions are derived from unspecified misconducts by the said individuals which extend from the February/March 2019 General Elections in Nigeria through the off-cycle November 2019 gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Bayelsa to the as yet unheld governorship contests in Edo and Ondo States. Please note that for the purposes of this protest letter we are only interested in the citations to the extent that they are referable to Kogi State and her citizens.</p> <p>“For the most part, we concede that elections in Nigeria are complex affairs which will continue to require improvements for the foreseeable future. The 2019 Kogi State Gubernatorial Election was also not without its challenges. However, it is also crystal clear from critical and composite analyses of the records (official, media, observers, etc) of the November 16, 2020 polls that regrettable incidents were limited to a few polling units, while the overwhelmingly larger portions of the ballot were free, fair and credible.”</p> <p>Governor Bello maintained that in line with Nigerian law, the few political parties and individuals who alleged widespread electoral malpractices had free rein to contest the outcome in court.</p> <p>According to him, they vigorously litigated their claims over a grueling 9-month period, through a 3-step hierarchy of courts, to the inescapable conclusion at the Supreme Court of Nigeria that the said elections satisfactorily complied with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.</p> <p>He continued, “Our concern right now is not the prerogative of the United States of America to impose entry restrictions on anyone, for any or no reason at all, which prerogative remains unfettered, but the room for atrocious misinformation which the timing of your Press Statement and the mention of the Kogi elections therein has created in our state.</p> <p>“For the February and March 2019 General elections, your advisory came out in July 2019, long before the Supreme Court delivered her judgments in the petitions against those elections, including challenges to President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection. The presumption is that in spite of your intervention, the Supreme Court still discovered no merit in the petitions and dismissed them accordingly.</p> <p>“In our case, ie, Kogi State, you made the tactical decision to release the update shortly after the Supreme Court delivered judgments in the 4 petitions which made it before her. Amongst a plethora of well-reasoned pronouncements the Apex Court dismissed the said petitions for failing to prove their allegations and for having no ‘scintilla of merit’. The inference from your timing is that the judgment is somehow tainted and did not meet the justice of the case, thereby casting aspersions, not only on the Nigerian Judiciary, but on the second term mandate freely bestowed on His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello by the good people of Kogi State. </p> <p>“We find this unacceptable, and we protest your presumption. The least you could have done, if indeed this is about democracy and human rights as claimed is create room, no matter how slim, for fair hearing. As it is now, partisan speculations as to who is indicted, who is not and for what, has become cudgels, furiously swung in the media space by all comers. Your action has therefore added abundant grist to the rumour mills and electrified the merchants of fake news”. </p> <p>He further noted that other players in the state’s political space, including candidates and officials of opposition political parties which lost the elections and could not prove their allegations in court have now latched onto the US visa ban, holding media conferences and making press releases, claiming that the United States has justified their wild allegations and conspiracy theories where the courts and the administrative quarters failed. This, according to him is is utterly regrettable.</p> <p>He stressed that the governor is not challenging the visa but was only registering the strongest protest as a state to the collateral and unwarranted interference its political and social processes which it represents.</p> <p> “We believe that if the United States of America, despite her commanding heights and much longer experience as the acclaimed Bastion of Democracy in the world, is still locked in a fight to defend the integrity of her own electoral processes to this very day, then she ought to accord greater empathy, more civility and much less disruption, to nascent democracies”, the letter further noted.</p>

Latest-News Visa ban: Your judgment unjust, unacceptable, Kogi writes US

Kogi State Government has kicked against the recent visa ban imposed on politicians alleged to have rigged the November 2019 election in t...

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Niger Delta governors squandered N10 trillion derivation fund – Rivers lawmaker

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ48NMRbcvevz_lumh5w7dsBnuSoQozBZn1NDRVWSIgz0M6w8MTl4siVqn4ZoiaT9ZzWd_6-jEBcF0tfyd5KknxJirIW45nfr_kOggjTnlfENMLV4XVFQcvifossy8WvL24f-TM5bkaI/s441/8B7D68BA-1079-44AB-9112-942760ADF2EF.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="441" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQ48NMRbcvevz_lumh5w7dsBnuSoQozBZn1NDRVWSIgz0M6w8MTl4siVqn4ZoiaT9ZzWd_6-jEBcF0tfyd5KknxJirIW45nfr_kOggjTnlfENMLV4XVFQcvifossy8WvL24f-TM5bkaI/w400-h319/8B7D68BA-1079-44AB-9112-942760ADF2EF.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Member representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Farah Dagogo has lamented that Niger Delta governors see the 13 percent derivation oil money as free cash.</b></p> <p>In an interview with journalists in Abuja, he said the story of oil producing communities in Niger Delta region is a sad one, given that the 13 percent derivation which is the fund set aside to assist oil-producing communities tackle infrastructural decay and degradation, is diverted.</p> <p>He said over N10 trillion accrued to the Niger Delta region through 13% derivation in 18 years, but that regrettably, infrastructure was still waiting for attention in the region.</p> <p>“What it means basically is that in sharing the federation account revenue, 13 percent should be set aside to assist the development of these oil-producing communities. About two decades down the line what is there to show for the humongous monies that have come in?</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“The Governors, past and present, view it as free monies. Between 2000 and 2018, over N10trillion from the 13 per cent derivation principle have been shared to the Niger Delta Governors, on behalf of the oil producing communities, yet the deplorable living conditions of the people from these oil-producing communities have remained nauseating and deplorable with the people battling and still reeking with the worst and highest form of poverty,” he said.</p> <p>Dagogo said his community, which is among the oil producing communities in Rivers, has been lobbying for construction of Trans-Kalabari ring road in order to connect other riverine communities and uplands without success.</p> <p>“If you are very versed with the Niger Delta region or with Rivers State, you understand the economic value that comes with this road,” he noted.</p> <p>He berated politicians using the road as campaign promises in a fashionable manner only to renege on their promises after getting into office, revealing that construction of the road costs less than N30 billion.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, the Governors are rather more interested in superfluous and white elephant projects that could be used to embezzle funds.</p> <p>“Conduct an investigation to these areas, these oil producing communities, and you will weep when you gauge their abject living conditions with what had been allocated for them,” he added.</p> <p>Given a run down, the legislator said State governors of the region have received over N602.37 billion as 13% derivation fund from the Federal government between January, 2017 and April, 2018.</p> <p>He argued that the resources would have impacted positively on the lives of the people if a fraction of these monies were channelled towards the development of these communities.</p> <p>The lawmaker wondered why the Federal government which releases these monies became silent all these years, stressing that it ought to ask questions and raise issues as to how governors of Niger Delta States were spending money without direct bearing on the lives of the people.</p> <p>He stated further: “Why are the IOCs allowed to do their costing in dollars with appalling disregard for the currency of the country they operate in, especially when the 13 percent are derived through them?</p> <p>“How could the people from these communities be left in such sorry state and the Federal Government is not doing anything about it, especially as the Governors, who receive these fund on behalf of them, have been indifferent to their plight and have established a line that they would rather fill their pockets with the funds and continue to live large than commit such to the development of the communities.</p> <p>“I challenge any Governor from the Niger Delta oil producing communities to explain, with irrefutable facts, how they have actually used the derivation funds to better the lives of the people and their oil producing communities.</p> <p>“Their explanations could only be imagined as it would only amount to looking for a needle in a haystack, it will not produce anything concrete.</p> <p>“However, I strongly believe it is never too late to correct the wrongs of the past. I have a positive conviction that this set of governors will be on the right side of history and do justice to the revenues they are getting on behalf of the oil producing communities,” he further stated.</p>

Latest-News Niger Delta governors squandered N10 trillion derivation fund – Rivers lawmaker

Member representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Farah Dagogo has lamented that Niger Delta gov...

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Juventus terminate Higuain contract, to lose €18.3m

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHZZ2nULYsDqHoOGJNRwzaY6TFoxw2PkGj4-2HsAjjzQ-_EqgMJJHhoR_xsDH6bf2Yzc2rd2H3zey35uP8-mbMyQB-RH9gQN7e6JU6S5RTCT_vMT7lBlx7Ekic7cdwmx3eIwP3SscWCA/s480/93DFC4BF-8C91-4BB7-BB8D-028FFF72A0EE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="480" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHZZ2nULYsDqHoOGJNRwzaY6TFoxw2PkGj4-2HsAjjzQ-_EqgMJJHhoR_xsDH6bf2Yzc2rd2H3zey35uP8-mbMyQB-RH9gQN7e6JU6S5RTCT_vMT7lBlx7Ekic7cdwmx3eIwP3SscWCA/w400-h251/93DFC4BF-8C91-4BB7-BB8D-028FFF72A0EE.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Serie A champions Juventus confirmed on Thursday they had terminated Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain’s contract by mutual consent.</b></p> <p>The former Real Madrid and Napoli forward is reportedly set to join David Beckham’s Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami.</p> <p>“This operation generates a negative economic effect of approximately €18.3m on the 2019/20 financial year due to the residual value write-down of the registration rights of the player,” Juve said in a statement.</p> <p>Juventus paid the €90m release clause to sign Higuain from Napoli in 2016, and he had unsuccessful loans at AC Milan and Chelsea before returning to Turin last season.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>But the 32-year-old was immediately told by new Juve coach Andrea Pirlo he was no longer part of the nine-time Serie A champions’ plans.</p> <p>“He was a great champion, a great player but the cycle is over,” said Pirlo on his arrival in Turin.</p> <p>“We looked each other in the eyes, we talked and we made this decision.</p> <p>“I admire him a lot, but we have decided that the paths will separate.”</p>

Latest-News Juventus terminate Higuain contract, to lose €18.3m

Serie A champions Juventus confirmed on Thursday they had terminated Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain’s contract by mutual consent. The ...

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Edo 2020: Sensitive materials already in all Edo LGs, says INEC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNVinuk2BssKooXmU2fou08Ja5L1vtm7qaBVJy277w5PO_q20T6AfjKecWAx4aGRNlorIeNJ6baBSnscTUFf9a0YYKiX2kglBthU2UNXSZGYpFp3upG4EEhki1bK7CFvd7-HcmFZO3ZU/s480/ACD22F79-E158-4B8C-8212-108DCA17E38A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="480" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNVinuk2BssKooXmU2fou08Ja5L1vtm7qaBVJy277w5PO_q20T6AfjKecWAx4aGRNlorIeNJ6baBSnscTUFf9a0YYKiX2kglBthU2UNXSZGYpFp3upG4EEhki1bK7CFvd7-HcmFZO3ZU/w400-h224/ACD22F79-E158-4B8C-8212-108DCA17E38A.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>All sensitive materials for the Edo State Governorship Clection scheduled for Saturday have left the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Benin City for the various Local Government Areas, the Independent National Electoral Commission, has said.</b></p> <p>The commission also announced that it would use both members of the National Youth Service Corps and ad hoc staff of tertiary institutions in the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for October 10, 2020</p> <p>INEC National Commissioner and Chairman (Information and Voter Education Committee), Festus Okoye, said these in a statement on Thursday after its meeting to  review preparations for the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections as well as all outstanding bye-elections.</p> <p>He said, “The commission has made adequate preparations for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday September 19, 2020. All sensitive materials for the said election have left the custody of the CBN, Benin City for the various LGAs in the state.”</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>He said the NYSC authorities had informed the commission that they were in a position to mobilise more corps members for the Ondo State governorship election.</p> <p>“After due consideration and to restore the corps members to their role in the electoral process, the commission has decided to allow the recruitment of these additional NYSC members only,” he said.</p>

Latest-News Edo 2020: Sensitive materials already in all Edo LGs, says INEC

All sensitive materials for the Edo State Governorship Clection scheduled for Saturday have left the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeri...

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Ondo 2020: INEC begins recruitment of NYSC members as ad-hoc staff

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJMjOLhFBh8pqJXRTZiC5FSDsnjIWNo-F69LLF6lR2oB_E0-fcTkuPd8pn8xgP5W8rvYnoOAp0STYo3pbuBzFWq82_TEqwptZhifhgiL5zlxCzgBCdblttIrJCV_Q43-yXyabptxLFr8/s413/A2BD5DA0-49C6-4A5F-A52A-E3E90F4BA7A3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="413" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJMjOLhFBh8pqJXRTZiC5FSDsnjIWNo-F69LLF6lR2oB_E0-fcTkuPd8pn8xgP5W8rvYnoOAp0STYo3pbuBzFWq82_TEqwptZhifhgiL5zlxCzgBCdblttIrJCV_Q43-yXyabptxLFr8/w400-h261/A2BD5DA0-49C6-4A5F-A52A-E3E90F4BA7A3.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced the opening of a special link for the registration of additional National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), members as ad hoc staff for Ondo State governorship election.</b></p> <p>The commission disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, after its meeting in Abuja.</p> <p>Okoye said that as a result of the disruption of normal processes in the electoral process occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, INEC could not get the full complement of the NYSC members required as ad hoc staff for the election.</p> <p>“Consequently, the Commission had to broaden its net to recruit the required ad hoc staff from tertiary institutions.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“However, the NYSC authorities recently told the Commission that they were presently in a position to mobilize more corps members for the Ondo State governorship election.</p> <p>“Meanwhile, the portal for the recruitment of ad hoc staff for the said election had closed since Aug. 21,” the statement read in part.</p> <p>He added that after due consideration, INEC has decided to allow the recruitment of these additional NYSC members only.</p> <p>“A special link to the registration form has, therefore, been provided to NYSC authorities to be used for this purpose,” Okoye added.</p>

Latest-News Ondo 2020: INEC begins recruitment of NYSC members as ad-hoc staff

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced the opening of a special link for the registration of additional Natio...

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Chelsea vs Liverpool: Thiago Alcantara to be unveiled ahead of EPL clash

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1fBfgoz2gZ43kmiRwWGZ-9u5Am3gkx3L5AacVJjdyu9J9Wsk4t1PNj8tq1LpDxjO0axy5fK2xSlBlgXxh61c0n5NYRFNtcpkYhDmyWcGoifC6xceI2xBeRY6EpZCzAKEYU4l4AwnFAE/s414/7806D335-E92C-46EA-8366-96E01FBFD55F.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="414" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1fBfgoz2gZ43kmiRwWGZ-9u5Am3gkx3L5AacVJjdyu9J9Wsk4t1PNj8tq1LpDxjO0axy5fK2xSlBlgXxh61c0n5NYRFNtcpkYhDmyWcGoifC6xceI2xBeRY6EpZCzAKEYU4l4AwnFAE/w400-h256/7806D335-E92C-46EA-8366-96E01FBFD55F.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Thiago Alcantara will be unveiled as a Liverpool player on Friday, before this weekend’s trip to face Chelsea in the Premier League, the UK Mirror reports.</b></p> <p>The Spain midfielder said goodbye to his team-mates at the Bundesliga club’s training ground on Thursday morning.</p> <p>Despite Bayern’s confirmation, with Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge explaining that Thiago had “a great wish to do something new before the end of his career”, Liverpool refused to confirm his arrival in England.</p> <p>But it is understood Thiago was due to arrive on Merseyside late on Thursday evening.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The 29-year-old will complete the second part of a medical assessment and finalise contract terms on a four-year deal.</p> <p>The Reds will pay £20m, with a further £5m depending on bonuses related to success in the Champions League and Premier League, but only if Thiago plays a significant role.</p>

Latest-News Chelsea vs Liverpool: Thiago Alcantara to be unveiled ahead of EPL clash

Thiago Alcantara will be unveiled as a Liverpool player on Friday, before this weekend’s trip to face Chelsea in the Premier League, the U...

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Children under five don’t have to wear facemasks – FG

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SoDo8iLZVZ_uLpc2V2qj5jGxDV0xYQ0YpnhZ_9WbXAXP-X8fb5BVy1zBc6xmFeCjlloKCdfIv3eEXX6HduxC_r9AsJLg8JIv_tJd5DuHaxPTedMMm_8ouE9Vgo3yx4mNvxdxItEdK0t9/s1600/kid+facemask.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SoDo8iLZVZ_uLpc2V2qj5jGxDV0xYQ0YpnhZ_9WbXAXP-X8fb5BVy1zBc6xmFeCjlloKCdfIv3eEXX6HduxC_r9AsJLg8JIv_tJd5DuHaxPTedMMm_8ouE9Vgo3yx4mNvxdxItEdK0t9/s320/kid+facemask.png" width="213" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> It is not compulsory for children under age five to wear face masks because the COVID-19 fatality rate among them is less than 0.3 percent, the Federal Government has explained.<br /> <br /> The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire however said since such children are not expected to be in school, they can do without wearing masks because it may cause them some discomfort.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Speaking during the briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja, Ehanire said: “Generally for children under the age of five, when the children are in the public, like on a plane, some parents give their children masks to wear.<br /> <br /> ‘’But there is no prescription because there is no organised activity for children under the age of five outside the homes. So we didn’t prioritise that one.<br /> <br /> “Some have recommended that there is a need for children under the age of five to wear a mask because the risk of falling ill is very low and also probably because they may not be accustomed to it and may reject, fight and struggle with it.<br /> <br /> ‘’But I have seen situations where children younger than five of five tolerated masks, but all of it were informal because it is not captured in recommendations that we make.”<br /> <br /> Representing the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Head of Disease Surveillance for the agency, Elsie Ilori, said: “States are agitating that they want to open schools, but we have continued to educate the public on measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and we will continue to review the situation in other countries that have re-opened schools, with guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health authorities.<br /> <br /> “If each school carefully coordinates, plans, and put the required safety measures in place before reopening, there will be lesser risk of COVID-19 infection in the school set-up.’’<br /> <br />

Latest-News Children under five don’t have to wear facemasks – FG

It is not compulsory for children under age five to wear face masks because the COVID-19 fatality rate among them is less than 0.3 percen...

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Nigeria approves new agency for recovered loot

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0-MyGRoBZfyh8ZoOMkv-JF4sFWPx4Bs9N_EAjrUXPAYn6I0v2s8bKWBb3yYXvU4d13mwxgrcEBE1CpsnHBN-B3PPMljfUH414jY2wFJu2JW80BTQyJ8fudmaPmw4X9BStr10_g5Bp2YT/s1600/abubakar-malami+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0-MyGRoBZfyh8ZoOMkv-JF4sFWPx4Bs9N_EAjrUXPAYn6I0v2s8bKWBb3yYXvU4d13mwxgrcEBE1CpsnHBN-B3PPMljfUH414jY2wFJu2JW80BTQyJ8fudmaPmw4X9BStr10_g5Bp2YT/s320/abubakar-malami+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <b><br /></b><b>The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Agency Bill.</b><br /> <br /> The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, stated this on Wednesday after this week’s virtual FEC meeting.<br /> <br /> According to Malami, the bill is intended to put in place a legal and institutional framework through which all recovered stolen assets are pooled and managed under an agency.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He explained that once the bill becomes law and the agency is established, it would see to proper documentation and management of such recovered assets, thereby guarantee transparency and accountability.<br /> <br /> “It is a Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Agency Bill. The legal component of it is having a law. And the institutional component of it is to have an agency that will be saddled with the responsibility of managing the assets that constitute the proceeds of crime in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “What happens now is that proceeds of crime are scattered all over, and mostly in the hands of different and multiple agencies of the government inclusive of the police, the DSS, the EFCC, and the ICPC. So, with that kind of arrangement which is adhoc, there is no agency of government that is saddled with the responsibility of data generation, an agency that can give you offhead the number of landed assets, number of immovable assets, the amount in cash that are recovered by the federal government by way of interim forfeiture or final forfeiture. It is indeed a kind of arrangement that is not uniform and consistent.<br /> <br /> “So, what this law now seeks to do is to move the fight against corruption to the next level. Next level of transparency next level of accountability and in essence, have in place an agency of government that is exclusively responsible for anything proceeds of crime. So, a one-stop shop arrangement by which all the assests that are recovered arising from crimes that are indeed vested in the federal government, you can have an information.<br /> <br /> “As it is for example, the federal ministry of Justice is only in a position to account and giving comprehensive account of what recoveries were made by the ministry. But any recovery made by the police, DSS, the ministry of justice is not in a position to know. So, for the purpose of decision making and policy, the Federal Government is not in a position to have a wholistic appreciation.<br /> <br /> “So, by the bill that is now presented for the consideration of the council, we’ll have (1) a law that establishes an agency. And for your information, even for the purpose of planning what we will have at the end of the day if this bill is passed into law, is we’ll have an agency that will be responsible. And as you rightly know, Mr President has sanctioned ever since he came on board, that there should be a budget line, a budget item for recovered assets.<br /> <br /> “If you have a budget item for recovered assets, this agency will now be in a position to provide information to the federal ministry of finance, budget and National Planning on demand as to what amount is there available for budget purposes, thereby establishing the desired transparency, the desired accountability which has not been available before now.

Latest-News Nigeria approves new agency for recovered loot

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the establishment of the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Agency Bill. The Att...

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NNPC begins rehabilitation of refineries

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCpEUFAtaBZ-QTcP1ZHLJPu3vEAqzEBmQ7TbOOJSTkCHwDm97mMufe-2LiLdx7L8lyrooOQlVfOsp6x9_sZyMqlOMtaRHvleKb56fJ3Oc6U91d7DwdKzWlVdi1AfdnZKGH-ayMDi9-Ps8/s1600/6553-impact-of-refinery-effluent-on-potw-8506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCpEUFAtaBZ-QTcP1ZHLJPu3vEAqzEBmQ7TbOOJSTkCHwDm97mMufe-2LiLdx7L8lyrooOQlVfOsp6x9_sZyMqlOMtaRHvleKb56fJ3Oc6U91d7DwdKzWlVdi1AfdnZKGH-ayMDi9-Ps8/s640/6553-impact-of-refinery-effluent-on-potw-8506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has audited the government’s ailing refineries and mobilised funds and technical resources to restore them to full operating capacity within the shortest possible time to crash fuel prices and guarantee energy security.<br /> <br /> The move has been applauded by industry experts and consumers, especially now that the government has discarded the contentious subsidy regime and embraced full deregulation where market forces determine the price of petroleum products.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> While energy challenge has remained the blight of the nation’s economy, for decades, global records show that Nigeria is about the only major oil-reliant country without local refining capabilities.<br /> <br /> This scathing development has drained its lean foreign reserves through scandalous deals that entail exporting premium crude oil and importing low-grade refined products in return.<br /> <br /> To change the ugly narrative, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari at a recent interview said the nation’s four refineries (Kaduna, Warri, Port Harcourt and Indorama Petrochemical, Eleme), are set for major rehabilitation. The refineries have a combined capacity of 444,000 barrels per day (bpd).<br /> <br /> The NNPC chief said they were shutdown having been starved of the mandatory routine turnaround maintenance (TAM) and major rehabilitation; despite the huge chunk of money voted for them over the years.<br /> <br /> Kyari said: “What you call rehabilitation is different from TAM, a routine endeavour. When you talk about rehabilitation, that means you have colossal loss of capacity in the refineries. It means you’ve not done TAM properly, you’ve not replaced parts as and when due and it has gotten to a point where you’re not able to operate the refineries in the full installed capacities.<br /> <br /> “Every refinery is expected to operate at least 90per cent of installed capacity. With all the TAM down, it was impossible to run any of these refineries at 90 per cent capacity. Our estimate was that we could run at 60 per cent capacity but if we do that, it’s simply value destruction. You take a $100 crude and bring out $70 product, it doesn’t make sense.<br /> <br /> “We want to make them work and that’s why we’re doing full rehabilitation. Refineries are like aircraft. I’ve visited refineries that are over 100 years old that are still functioning. Refineries don’t die like cars or other assets,” he explained.<br /> <br /> To save cost and hefty consultancy fees, in the programme to rehabilitate refineries, the NNPC has looked inwards and leveraged local competence by appointing its engineering subsidiary, National Engineering and Technical Company, NETCO/KBR as Owners Engineer (OE) for the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries in May.<br /> <br /> The NNPC management has also invited tender for the repair of Port Harcourt refinery and signed a $1.5 billion prepayment deal that will see it selling crude to some oil trading firms in exchange for the prepaid money. The financing package, called Project Eagle, was backed by the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank).<br /> <br /> Another major effort to revamp the refineries was the signing the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to boost the country’s liquefied natural gas output by more than 30 per cent.<br /> <br /> Construction will begin in the first quarter of next year and financial close will be achieved for the Port Harcourt by this November.<br /> <br /> For the Warri and Kaduna refineries, following the conclusion of stopping, Owners Engineers have been selected for the refinery and NETCO. The financing of Warri and Kaduna has advanced to term sheet level with Luke Oil and other commercial banks. This process will lead to issuing of tenders for EPC contract to list EPC contractors that have been cleared by BPP. These are for the refineries.<br /> <br /> For the associated pipelines for crude and produce transportation, public tenders have been done to partners on build, operate and transfer. The completion target is before 2023.<br /> <br /> Before getting to this point, technical inspection of PHRC by Technimont SpA (the representative of the original refinery builder) was completed last October.<br /> <br /> Subsequently, NETCO and KBR were appointed as Owners Engineer and Project Management Consultants in May. Shortlist of bidders for the EPC project was approved in June, while approval of financing of the project to progress with Afrexim Bank to raise $1 billion by NNPC BoD was in July.<br /> <br /> Last month, prequalification of bidders was done, while a Certificate of No Objection from Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for the provision of EPC services to progress to the next phase was issued in August.<br /> <br /> Issuance of Invitation to Tender to bidders was on and the award of EPC to best globally reputable EPC Contractor took place in December 2019.<br /> <br /> Mobilisation to site is expected to be on the first quarter of 2021 and the pre-commissioning is expected to be in the first quarter of 2023.<br /> <br /> Records reveal that through the NNPC, the country has in the past 25 years spent billions of dollars in turnaround maintenance of the refineries, the latest being over $396 million spent between 2013 and 2015 with nothing to show for it.<br /> <br /> Another reason for the closure of the refineries was because of the difficulties in feeding them with crude oil via the pipelines, which have been frighteningly compromised by vandals.<br /> <br /> “That means you’re not able to deliver crude oil to them to operate to the maximum of their capacity. That is not what we want. So, our target is that when they come back to life, they’ll run over 90per cent capacity. We’re also working with the private sector to establish condensate refineries,” Kyari had said.<br /> <br /> In the area of protecting petroleum assets, the Kyari-led NNPC has been suing for peace and mending broken relationships among petroleum stakeholders and host communities to ensure hitch free operations when the refineries eventually roar back to life.<br /> <br /> To get them up and running, the incumbent NNPC management has carried out a detailed scoping of Port Harcourt and Warri refineries to determine what is needed to be done in each of the assets.<br /> <br /> Earlier in the year, the Senate mandated its Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector to carry out a holistic investigation on TAM. The resolution was sequel to a Point of Order raised by Yusuf Yusuf (APC-Taraba Central) during plenary.<br /> <br /> It also mandated the committee to convene a stakeholder’s conference with the aim of finding the best way to revamp ailing refineries in order to favourably compete in the international market within the shortest period of time.<br /> <br /> The Port Harcourt refinery, 210,000 barrels per day complex conversion plant is operated by the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Limited, a subsidiary of the NNPC.<br /> <br /> The PHRC is made up of two refineries located at Alesa-Eleme, Rivers State. The old refinery has a refining name plate capacity of 60,000 barrels per day and was commissioned in 1965, while the new plant with name plate capacity of 150,000 barrels per day was commissioned in 1989. The plant utilises bonny light crude oil to produce Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), premium motor spirit (PMS), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) and High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO).<br /> <br /> The Warri refinery was established in 1978 with a refining nameplate capacity of 100,000 barrels per stream day plant and was debottlenecked to 125,000 barrels per stream day in 1987. The refinery is located at Ekpan, Warri, Delta State, and it is operated by the Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) Limited, an NNPC subsidiary. The refinery was installed as a complex conversion plant capable of producing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Fuel Oil from a blend of Escravos and Ughelli crude oils’. WRPC has a petrochemical plant complex that produces Polyproylene, and carbon black from the propylene-rich feedstock and decant oil from the Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit (FCCU).<br /> <br /> For the Kaduna refinery, it has a name plate refining capacity of 110,000 barrels per day and is located in Kaduna, KadunaState. The plant is run by the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals (KRPC) Limited, another subsidiary of NNPC and has a complex conversion configuration. The KRPC possesses a fuels plant commissioned in 1983 and the 30,000 MT per year Petrochemical Plant in 1988. The refining plant has two distillation units that utilise Escravos and Ughelli crude oils’ for fuels production and imported heavy crude oil for lube base oil, asphalt and waxes. Products obtained from KRPC include Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), House Hold Kerosene (HHK), Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Fuel Oil. The petrochemical plant produces Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB).<br /> <br /> Finally, the Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited (IEPL), formerly known as Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited (EPCL) was acquired in 2006 from the NNPC during the privatization programme by Indorama as the Core investors. The complex is located at Eleme, Rivers State, and has 22,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) Butene-1, 270,000 TPA Polyethylene, and 80,000 TPA Polypropylene plants that process natural gas liquids (NGL) from Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and propylene-rich feed from Port Harcourt refinery to produce a range of Polyethylene and Polypropylene products. IEPL rehabilitated the previously under-utilized plant, and through prudent management has over the years stabilized petrochemicals production and is on the verge of expanding the plant complex.

Latest-News NNPC begins rehabilitation of refineries

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has audited the government’s ailing refineries and mobilised funds and technical resour...

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131 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed, total cases now 56,735

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfh_E4kR3LCQBkgkddInZJNP8Z9epc1SfEE7yZvxT39XUpSPpBPyUMUu5wE6NSk_rNd6c23dJu3rwL7irDHJLlunKAEH7xoozdY4ELxPYEWq3N8tIf-Qa6bPR1GIP2fYG3tDBkAXz1LnDM/s640/covid-19+coronavirus+nigeria.jpg" width="640" /></div> <b><br /></b><b>Nigeria now has confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 131 new cases recorded on Thursday night.</b><br /> <br /> According to a tweet from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, 48,092 patients have now been discharged, with 1,093 patients losing their lives to the Coronavirus pandemic.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The tweet revealed that Lagos State had the highest number of infections on Thursday night with 45 cases each, with Kaduna State following with 17 cases.<br /> <br /> Other states read as follow:<br /> <br /> Plateau-17<br /> <br /> FCT-16<br /> <br /> Delta-6<br /> <br /> Niger-6<br /> <br /> Kwara-5<br /> <br /> Oyo-3<br /> <br /> Akwa Ibom-2<br /> <br /> Cross River-2<br /> <br /> Ekiti-2<br /> <br /> Enugu-2<br /> <br /> Osun-2<br /> <br /> Sokoto-2<br /> <br /> Bauchi-1<br /> <br /> Ebonyi-1<br /> <br /> Katsina-1<br /> <br /> Rivers-1<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <div dir="ltr" lang="tl" xml:lang="tl">131 new cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19Nigeria?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19Nigeria</a>;<br /> <br /> Lagos-45<br /> Kaduna-17<br /> Plateau-17<br /> FCT-16<br /> Delta-6<br /> Niger-6<br /> Kwara-5<br /> Oyo-3<br /> Akwa Ibom-2<br /> Cross River-2<br /> Ekiti-2<br /> Enugu-2<br /> Osun-2<br /> Sokoto-2<br /> Bauchi-1<br /> Ebonyi-1<br /> Katsina-1<br /> Rivers-1<br /> <br /> 56,735 confirmed<br /> 48,092 discharged<br /> 1,093 deaths <a href="https://t.co/A2XC1CNCrn">pic.twitter.com/A2XC1CNCrn</a></div> — NCDC (@NCDCgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCDCgov/status/1306719647237054464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="async" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

Latest-News 131 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed, total cases now 56,735

Nigeria now has confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 131 new cases recorded on Thursday night. According to a tweet from the Nigeria Center for...

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President Buhari signs Police Bill 2020 into law

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="891" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXe2zBojOUu6Fg9hJ7LENRVRbNL3RdzMPAvl6Qe591QugtryhPXRjajzS1xBWGdj98eBDk5b3uP9ZSamxrbHpP4egfO0hNS0Sclx-2eoW0VNW5_6eOBWK-HqErCD95SAlCcO6M1HgPo8C/s400/buhari+signs+a.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the Nigeria Police Bill, 2020, into law.<br /> <br /> A statement on Thursday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said President Buhari, in a memo, dated September 16, 2020, communicated his assent to the Bill to the National Assembly through the Clerk of the legislature.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Act repeals the Police Act Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation, 2004, and provides for a more effective and well organised Police Force, driven by the principles of transparency and accountability in its operations and management of its resources.<br /> <br /> Among others, the Act establishes an appropriate funding framework for the Police in line with what is obtainable, in other Federal Government key institutions; enhances professionalism in the Force through increased training opportunities; and creates an enduring cooperation and partnership between the Police Force and communities in maintaining peace and combating crimes nationwide.

Latest-News President Buhari signs Police Bill 2020 into law

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the Nigeria Police Bill, 2020, into law. A statement on Thursday in Abuja by his Special Adviser o...

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Ondo politics heats up, Akeredolu warns Jegede

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="672" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx12-43VO6cJL1aYLKoUAZeoK_kgDriWDuRYm25Jg6kXLwOtHQ-OofL2Bh6htS4kDtzRuFIGCU6gLW0c1A3oQ-TxFJ5o3M2Phw4P0Xp-N63I2w9NzgRX2qB2c7VcQHBWAdMDFTbHF1CZ_p/s640/AKEREDOLU-JEGEDE+ondo.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <br /> As a result of the clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress and those of the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has urged his opponent in the October 10 governorship election to caution his supporters.<br /> <br /> In a statement by the Akeredolu/Ayedatiwa Campaign Organisation, on Thursday, the governor was quoted as describing the violence as unfortunate.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The statement signed by the organisation’s spokesperson, Mr Olabode Olatunde, said Akeredolu promised to caution his supporters to order just as he urged Jegede to do the same with his supporters.<br /> <br /> The statement by the organisation’s spokesperson, Mr Olabode Olatunde, said “Akeredolu promised to caution his supporters to order just as he urged Jegede to do the same with his supporters.”<br /> <br /> It read in part, “Akeredolu urged the police to properly align the campaign itinerary of political parties to avoid conflict.”<br /> <br /> No fewer than five people were injured while many vehicles were vandalised during the clash which occurred in Oba Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.<br /> <br /> In a related development, a civil society group, Civil Society Watch, called on the police to carry out a thorough investigation.<br /> <br /> The appeal was contained in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Dare Akindolie, in Akure, on Thursday.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bolaji Salami cautioned political parties in the state against violence.<br /> <br /> Salami urged the parties to adhere to the timetable drawn out for their campaigns to avoid a repeat of the ugly incident.

Latest-News Ondo politics heats up, Akeredolu warns Jegede

As a result of the clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress and those of the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday, Gove...

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Fani-Kayode’s 4th marriage crashes: Estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu speaks

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRdynqSg7D4fnp40TyGDE_a2uO1gzjWQkroe3x62iCMso7Gj6z1v_2H3c91L0AnwS0DkIfKx2wKM9tO_zBh4z9VxSoZ3vN5lSpty8whddPDsLoAXDcAFYhqBNTbAIFlxRZOeitZChyphenhyphenJJ5/s400/Femi-Fani-Kayode+wife.jpg" width="300" /></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Precious Chikwendu, estranged wife of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has broken her silence since the news of the crash of her marriage hits the public.</b><br /> <br /> Chikwendu allegedly called it quit with Fani-Kayode over alleged domestic violence. The crash of the marriage has set tongues wagging on social media.<br /> <br /> Chikwendu took to her Instagram page on Thursday evening to express how glad she was by quoting from Psalm 126:1-3 to console herself.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Though she did not openly speak on the bitter divorce, the Bible passages she quoted painted a picture of someone who had just been delivered from captivity.<br /> <br /> She wrote: “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.<br /> <br /> “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.<br /> <br /> “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”<br /> <br /> The marriage broke down about four months ago over alleged domestic violence, which the former beauty queen could not condone any further.<br /> <br /> Precious had since moved out of the marital home, with the ex-minister barring her from coming to the house or seeing the four boys, including the triplets, they had together.<br /> <br /> Fani-Kayode has not denied the separation story, except to threaten blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus, who broke the story, with libel.<br /> <br /> Fani-Kayode and Precious Chikwendu, got married in 2015.<br /> <br /> It was his fourth marriage, with three others before having collapsed for certain reasons.<br /> <br /> Fani-Kayode’s first wife was Saratu Attah, daughter of former Kwara governor, Adamu Attah. They got married when he was 22. The marriage lasted between 1987 and 1990. They had a daughter together.<br /> <br /> Next was his marriage in 1991 to Yemisi Olasunbo Adeniji.<br /> <br /> She is now known as Yemisi Wada after remarrying. She and FFK married immediately she finished at the Law School.<br /> <br /> The marriage collapsed after three years, with Yemisi already pregnant with the couple’s third child.<br /> <br />

Latest-News Fani-Kayode’s 4th marriage crashes: Estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu speaks

Precious Chikwendu, estranged wife of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has broken her silence since the news of the crash of her ...

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Strengthen ICPC, EFCC instead — Nigerians react to establishment of new Anti-Corruption agency

Latest-News Strengthen ICPC, EFCC instead — Nigerians react to establishment of new Anti-Corruption agency

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Liverpool agree fee for Bayern midfield maestro Thiago

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mqmVV5IeKcYXUTYSasBidW73nz8AIeNwbMnW5RzaLQINotJ1A2ABuV9jklSSy-NYOR8aTi7f24Yaz_7YSu3FBgJcynkCQt-pXANieg3HDWXKZpo2Bjc2IhzT5he45AR8A6n6LhmAn84/s480/E791F4D5-FE45-4A2C-ABE9-A1AFEC428446.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="480" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mqmVV5IeKcYXUTYSasBidW73nz8AIeNwbMnW5RzaLQINotJ1A2ABuV9jklSSy-NYOR8aTi7f24Yaz_7YSu3FBgJcynkCQt-pXANieg3HDWXKZpo2Bjc2IhzT5he45AR8A6n6LhmAn84/w400-h210/E791F4D5-FE45-4A2C-ABE9-A1AFEC428446.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>The Premier League champions have been strongly linked with 29-year-old Thiago all summer but had delayed making a bid, prompting rumours that Manchester United were ready to come in and strike a late deal to sign the Spaniard who has just one year left on his Bayern contract.</b></p> <p>Liverpool have always been Thiago’s preference, however, and The Athletic have revealed that Jürgen Klopp’s side have finally made their move to bring him to Anfield.</p> <p>Bayern chiefs made it clear that they wanted Thiago’s future sorted out before the Bundesliga season starts on Friday, and Liverpool have now agreed to the German side’s demands.</p> <p>Liverpool are yet to reach an agreement with Thiago over personal terms, although that is not expected to be a problem. Both parties want the move to go through and are prepared to sit down and thrash out a deal in the near future.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Klopp has long seen Thiago as one of the world’s best midfielders and quickly jumped at the chance to express his formal interest when it became clear that the 29-year-old wanted to leave Bayern.</p> <p>The Bundesliga side were reluctant to let him leave, but with one year remaining on his contract, they ultimately had no choice and have agreed to send him to Liverpool.</p> <p>What this means for Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum is unclear. It was believed that Thiago would only be signed if the Dutchman was sold to Barcelona, although reports of such a move have died down in recent days.</p>

Latest-News Liverpool agree fee for Bayern midfield maestro Thiago

The Premier League champions have been strongly linked with 29-year-old Thiago all summer but had delayed making a bid, prompting rumours ...

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NLC to FG: Reverse petrol, electricity price in 14 days or face strike

Latest-News NLC to FG: Reverse petrol, electricity price in 14 days or face strike

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Amaechi gives update on Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail

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BBNaija: Erica’s GoFundMe campaign hits N14million

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Fani-Kayode’s marriage to his 4th wife crashes over alleged domestic violence

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Castration, removal of fallopian tubes of convicts — El-Rufai signs bill for rape punishment

Latest-News Castration, removal of fallopian tubes of convicts — El-Rufai signs bill for rape punishment

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EFCC re-arraigns lovers for N17.5m alleged fraud

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoU-28FlMYynTJrS8w6G5B8w5e4h1XNWrgXGAogC7Iyxm65SewCNxrbKDnh13gV2d6Eb7PK4INUrjkYkgV93Y54BdaHRTXmU-hiBj6eSS_fSWJR12TVEG3rNf6Wb7mQGLSi8_wI6K0BA/s574/6FC80FCA-5AB2-47BC-9311-82907248BB8A.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="574" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoU-28FlMYynTJrS8w6G5B8w5e4h1XNWrgXGAogC7Iyxm65SewCNxrbKDnh13gV2d6Eb7PK4INUrjkYkgV93Y54BdaHRTXmU-hiBj6eSS_fSWJR12TVEG3rNf6Wb7mQGLSi8_wI6K0BA/w400-h216/6FC80FCA-5AB2-47BC-9311-82907248BB8A.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>The Ibadan zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday re-arraigned one Alice Peace John alongside her boyfriend, Fadi Alloush before Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan for fraud in the sale of charcoal.</b></p> <p>The defendants were charged with conspiracy, stealing and obtaining the sum of N17.5million under false pretences.</p> <p>One of the charges read, “That you, Fadi Alloush and Alice Peace John, between the 18th October 2019 and 23rd December 2019 at Ibadan, within Ibadan Judicial Division of this honourable court did commit an illegal act to wit: stealing of the sum of N17, 500,000, property of Coco-Dor Nigeria Limited and Houssam Nasreddine.”</p> <p>The crime is contrary to Section 390 of the Criminal Code Laws, Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, following which prosecution counsel, Dr Ben Ubi, applied for a trial date.</p> <p>Justice Taiwo granted the defendants bail.</p> <p>The defendants were initially arraigned before Justice Iyabo Yerima of the Oyo State High Court on March 17, 2020, but had to be re-arraigned on Wednesday following the reassignment of the case to Justice Taiwo.</p> <p>The defendants’ journey to the dock started last year when the victim, Houssam Nasreddine reportedly transferred N17.5million to the account of the first defendant, John, for the purchase of charcoal from Iwere-lle, Oyo State for export.</p> <p>The perpetrators reportedly bought and loaded the charcoal in containers at the Hapag LLOYD Shipping Company, Apapa, Lagos for export, but rather than sell the goods in the name of the rightful owner, she allegedly connived with her boyfriend, Alloush and transferred ownership of the goods to themselves and sold the charcoal.</p>

Latest-News EFCC re-arraigns lovers for N17.5m alleged fraud

The Ibadan zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday re-arraigned one Alice Peace John alongside he...

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You’ll regret our proscription, IPOB warns South-East govs, Ohanaeze

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAN_u2pps1DGO6WbDJ9kFFyifJ8-TAABQA77I_dCukesbUMlgB5o1abpUCVN_f-vjv8jK6IGLm0QMwsm35fygDOHc-i4CPnoaG_JHlaITMtloHcuwJDTdPFv8dipC0LnS5RTXYxbr3vdY/s480/D2D49097-D690-4207-9610-0B458BAEE454.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="480" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAN_u2pps1DGO6WbDJ9kFFyifJ8-TAABQA77I_dCukesbUMlgB5o1abpUCVN_f-vjv8jK6IGLm0QMwsm35fygDOHc-i4CPnoaG_JHlaITMtloHcuwJDTdPFv8dipC0LnS5RTXYxbr3vdY/w400-h206/D2D49097-D690-4207-9610-0B458BAEE454.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>The Indigenous People of Biafra has said the South-East governors and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo will live to regret their alleged role in its proscription by the Federal Government.</b></p> <p>It described the proscription as the greatest mistake the Ohaneze Ndigbo and the South-East governors had made in history.</p> <p>IPOB alleged that the Igbo leaders by the act opened the area to constant attacks and humiliation by alleged terrorists, herdsmen, and bandits.</p> <p>A statement by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, on Wednesday, said current attacks and killings of the people of the area were the beginning of the ugly lessons for what it termed “the treacherous and ignoble role of the governors and other actors in the proscription of IPOB.”</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The statement read in part, “Conniving with the enemies to get rid of IPOB, which is the only defence line of Biafra nation, is the greatest mistake made by the South-East governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo and some self-acclaimed Igbo political leaders.</p> <p>“It is a constant reminder of the Igbo adage that says ‘when you kill your hero in an internal squabble, during an external fight you must remember him’.</p> <p>“The reward of treachery is shame and eternal regret. By conniving with the enemies to get rid of IPOB that is the only defence line of Biafra nation, they have opened our land to constant attack and humiliation.”</p>

Latest-News You’ll regret our proscription, IPOB warns South-East govs, Ohanaeze

The Indigenous People of Biafra has said the South-East governors and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo will live to regret their alleged role in its pr...

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Mali junta bows to pressure, moves to appoint interim president

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglSPgrH8w9BY701oJ9ul1P5oHwzz7DdZzB2NV01Mk2MPfQn3UbJlxt8v1sF5GSb4KyxONBElOYQohFcV-BNboeI769RDV_UjSTplA1Waq5xWf2df8Vo5FPLFc13GdzmI2hv8d5yxiugw/s480/B537992D-F43E-4C1D-A5C8-1657CEB9C248.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglSPgrH8w9BY701oJ9ul1P5oHwzz7DdZzB2NV01Mk2MPfQn3UbJlxt8v1sF5GSb4KyxONBElOYQohFcV-BNboeI769RDV_UjSTplA1Waq5xWf2df8Vo5FPLFc13GdzmI2hv8d5yxiugw/w400-h266/B537992D-F43E-4C1D-A5C8-1657CEB9C248.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Mali’s ruling junta said on Wednesday that it is making moves to appoint an interim president</b></p> <p>This comes after West African leaders imposed economic sanctions after the coup, but they appear to have had a limited effect so far. ECOWAS leaders had given one week for a civilian interim president and prime minister to be in place.</p> <p>Wague, the junta spokesman, told reporters it could not give an immediate response. A transitional charter approved at multi-party talks says the interim president can be a soldier or a civilian and will be chosen by electors selected by the junta.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>The ruling junta announced a plan that would allow a military leader to oversee an 18-month transitional period but this wasn’t accepted by the opposition groups.</p>

Latest-News Mali junta bows to pressure, moves to appoint interim president

Mali’s ruling junta said on Wednesday that it is making moves to appoint an interim president This comes after West African leaders impos...

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Electricity tariff hike won’t affect most Nigerians —Osinbajo’s aide

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_7h5aNZKJXCoenketfIxAhLs2TxbVb1eJ-zvNK3GpbrwicinXArgfQw27hD1PqmyRdrnu8lpo-NPXV9JOL15o1JWshKs9AvbDWfDcG0jjjc59X8etogwQJCNpooDMxrVtUg7wQSbpdU/s480/5CE7E13E-B557-4194-B07A-BCBD367C8C2F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="480" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_7h5aNZKJXCoenketfIxAhLs2TxbVb1eJ-zvNK3GpbrwicinXArgfQw27hD1PqmyRdrnu8lpo-NPXV9JOL15o1JWshKs9AvbDWfDcG0jjjc59X8etogwQJCNpooDMxrVtUg7wQSbpdU/w400-h236/5CE7E13E-B557-4194-B07A-BCBD367C8C2F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>The spokesman for the Vice-President, Mr. Laolu Akande, says the recent hike in electricity tariff will not affect Nigerians because the hike is targeted at only those who experience stable electricity for 12 hours and above.</b></p> <p>Akande said this on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ programme on Wednesday.</p> <p>He was responding to a question on how the Federal Government’s ‘Economic Survival Fund’ would ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians in the face of electricity tariff hike and an increase in the pump price of petrol.</p> <p>The Presidential aide said, “Regarding the electricity tariff, the majority of Nigerians will not be paying more and I will like to say that again. Regarding the electricity tariff, the majority of Nigerians will not be paying more and that is essentially because if you are currently receiving anything below 12 hours of electricity a day, your tariff will not go up.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>“If you are being asked to pay more if you are in that category, you need to let us know, you need to go to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s platform on social media; go to Twitter, go to Facebook and report so that what the President said is enforced.”</p> <p>When asked if the electricity tariff hike would not affect the cost of production and ultimately goods, Akande said Nigerians must understand the protection they enjoy.</p> <p>The Vice-President’s spokesman also said the increase in the pump price of petrol caused by the deregulation of the oil sector was done with good intentions.</p> <p>He said although Nigerians may face hardship in the short term, the move would have long term benefits including job creation.</p>

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COVID-19: South Africa relax lockdown restrictions

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBstEYLK_GmTTgw6tOPtMfhWWYpidJzn-TfM5k-8ubrlgLR9Wjp8PQvWJ5EsvzHQDMkrLubtSftmA8Ua8tQFD7_wrbln_Npwt1v2_gP5izjorzxsozCrbDTrRIfZpS0XlBRpbGm6ViWbg/s480/6ABE9441-BC22-4C10-9F2B-81178982FCAA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBstEYLK_GmTTgw6tOPtMfhWWYpidJzn-TfM5k-8ubrlgLR9Wjp8PQvWJ5EsvzHQDMkrLubtSftmA8Ua8tQFD7_wrbln_Npwt1v2_gP5izjorzxsozCrbDTrRIfZpS0XlBRpbGm6ViWbg/w400-h225/6ABE9441-BC22-4C10-9F2B-81178982FCAA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <p><b><br /></b></p> South Africa will move to lockdown alert level 1 from midnight on Sunday, 20 September. President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement during a live address to the nation on Wednesday evening. <p>The president said following consultations with provincial and local government representatives, and drawing on the advice of scientists and engagements with various stakeholders, the cabinet decided that the country should move to alert level 1.</p> <p>Last week, cabinet approved the extension of the COVID-19 national state of disaster to 15 October.</p> <p>Two months ago, at the peak of the pandemic, South Africa was recording about 12 000 new cases a day. Currently, the country is on an average recording fewer than 2 000 cases a day. Ramaphosa said the move to level 1 recognises that the levels of infection are relatively low and that there is sufficient capacity in the country’s health system to manage the current need.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Under alert level 1 social, religious, political and other gatherings will be permitted, as long as the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue, up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings and 500 people for outdoor gatherings. Health protocols, such as washing or sanitising hands, social distancing and mask-wearing, will need to be strictly observed.</p>

Latest-News COVID-19: South Africa relax lockdown restrictions

South Africa will move to lockdown alert level 1 from midnight on Sunday, 20 September. President Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement du...

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#BBNaija 2020: Bobrisky fulfills promise, gives Erica N1m

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E56U8A36u7y4gEvAscqsW4ujiXevtKLEP-dwpvYQx0rzecLqExhGL-ekiu2nXpRr08qfQe8y3G9klAA_NqAOFa0l1yY4ABNfw6eUjIZCEdKWQTOIqsKEdjPXxZj8p1DrnY5ZEKy7lT0/s414/D00CA173-627E-43ED-9EF6-1D48542A2565.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E56U8A36u7y4gEvAscqsW4ujiXevtKLEP-dwpvYQx0rzecLqExhGL-ekiu2nXpRr08qfQe8y3G9klAA_NqAOFa0l1yY4ABNfw6eUjIZCEdKWQTOIqsKEdjPXxZj8p1DrnY5ZEKy7lT0/w400-h224/D00CA173-627E-43ED-9EF6-1D48542A2565.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><b>Controversial cross-dresser, Bobrisky, on Wednesday, gifted disqualified Big Brother Naija, BBNaija housemate, Erica one million naira.</b></p> <p>Bobrisky disclosed this on her Instagram page.</p> <p>She shared a screenshot of Erica confirming the money.</p> <p>The controversial cross-dresser made the promise to gift Erica one million naira after she got disqualified from BBNaija Lockdown house.</p> <a name='more' id="more"></a> <p>Recall that Erica was disqualified after she received a strike for flouting major house rules.</p> <p>Her disqualification got Nigerian celebrities making promises to help her outside the house.</p> <p>Some fans even went ahead to open a Gofundme account, which stirred reactions from some Nigerians on social media.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSx8M4-A9_H0EqABxrC9OHvI6IA_wPvukWYDkmy2_eRj_T2ugezFxHBhv3IuxMnbUnzr4uh9sgDC3OgcpQZsxvWwGZmhuWy0tM3NF5rTSK0GN9dAc5vzCkRBGI1EfDi38GdEg0iFJqZk/s414/AA5FCA48-A780-4667-A885-40E6DE5DB2D7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="414" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSx8M4-A9_H0EqABxrC9OHvI6IA_wPvukWYDkmy2_eRj_T2ugezFxHBhv3IuxMnbUnzr4uh9sgDC3OgcpQZsxvWwGZmhuWy0tM3NF5rTSK0GN9dAc5vzCkRBGI1EfDi38GdEg0iFJqZk/w400-h390/AA5FCA48-A780-4667-A885-40E6DE5DB2D7.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p><br /></p>

Latest-News #BBNaija 2020: Bobrisky fulfills promise, gives Erica N1m

Controversial cross-dresser, Bobrisky, on Wednesday, gifted disqualified Big Brother Naija, BBNaija housemate, Erica one million naira. B...

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