Nigerian Eye

Senators express shock as petroleum ministry spends N116m on pens, others

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Latest-News Senators express shock as petroleum ministry spends N116m on pens, others

Nigeria collapsing, will record 110 million poor people by end of 2020 – Peter Obi

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Latest-News Nigeria collapsing, will record 110 million poor people by end of 2020 – Peter Obi

Students missing as gunmen break into secondary school in Katsina

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Latest-News Students missing as gunmen break into secondary school in Katsina

Benue: Ortom visits victims of herdsmen attack in hospital, takes over medical bills

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Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom on Saturday visited victims of herders attack at the hospital.
Recall that armed herdsmen invaded the community last night and killed four persons, leaving many others severely injured.
The victims who escaped the attack are receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital,Makurdi.
Ortom, addressing newsmen during the visit said the State Government would take over the treatment of those injured and are being treated.
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He acknowledged President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to security agencies to tackle terrorists operating in the country,
The Governor stressed that his administration would not relent until herdsmen attacks on his people end.

Latest-News Benue: Ortom visits victims of herdsmen attack in hospital, takes over medical bills

Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom on Saturday visited victims of herders attack at the hospital. Recall that armed herdsmen invaded t...

Police confirms murder of PDP chieftain in Oyo

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The Police command in Oyo State has confirmed the murder of Dr Fatai Aborode, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, by unknown gunmen.
It was gatherers that Aborode was killed on his farm along Apodun road, Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, in a statement on Saturday in Ibadan said the deceased was robbed and shot by four unknown gunmen at about 5.50 pm.
“At about 1750 hrs of 11/12/2020, along Apodun road Igangan, one Alh Fatal Aborode ‘m’ of Igangan, was robbed and shot by four unknown gunmen.
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“The victim was rushed to Olugbon hospital, Igboora where he was confirmed dead.
“Effort is on to arrest the fleeing assailants,’’he said.

Latest-News Police confirms murder of PDP chieftain in Oyo

The Police command in Oyo State has confirmed the murder of Dr Fatai Aborode, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo Sta...

Niger govt mourns Nda-Isaiah

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The Government of Niger State has commiserated with Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, over the death of Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, Chairman and Publisher of Leadership Newspapers.
Nda-Isaiah died in Abuja on Friday after a brief illness.
The state Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Matane, in a condolence message by his Information Officer, Tanko Lawal in Minna on Saturday said Nda-Isaiah would be remembered for his die-hard disposition to fighting the ills of the society.
According to him, Nda-Isaiah‘s death is a great shock not only to the media community but to the entire country, describing him as ‘‘an amiable and humble person’’.
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“On behalf of His Excellency, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, Governor of Niger State, the government and people of the state, I want to convey my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of late Nda-Isaiah, Chairman and Publisher of Leadership Newspapers,” he said.
Matane also prayed that the good Lord would grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and give the entire family, friends, and political associates he fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Latest-News Niger govt mourns Nda-Isaiah

The Government of Niger State has commiserated with Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, over the death of Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, Chairman and P...

Saraki reacts as brother-in-law, Abdulfatah Ojora reportedly commits suicide

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Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has confirmed the death of his brother-in-law, Omo-Oba Adedapo Adelanke Abdulfatah Ojora.
Reports had emerged on Friday that Abdulfatah reportedly committed suicide on Friday.
However, Saraki in a statement on Saturday said the Lagos State Police Command had commenced investigation into the circumstances of his death.
“The Ojora Family of Lagos sadly regrets to inform of the death of our dearly beloved son, brother, uncle and father, Omo-Oba Adedapo Adelanke Abdulfatah Ojora on Friday, 11th December, at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence.
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“We are grateful to the Lagos State Police Command for immediately commencing an investigation into the circumstances of his death – the outcome of which we await.
“As we mourn our irreparable and devastating loss, we appreciate the condolence messages and prayers that we have received, and seek your understanding that the family be allowed to grieve in private. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
“We ask that you continue to pray for the repose of Adedapo’s soul. Amen.”

Latest-News Saraki reacts as brother-in-law, Abdulfatah Ojora reportedly commits suicide

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has confirmed the death of his brother-in-law, Omo-Oba Adedapo Adelanke Abdulfatah Ojora. Reports ...

COVID-19: El-Rufai goes into self-isolation again

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Latest-News COVID-19: El-Rufai goes into self-isolation again

Buhari refused to honour summons by House of Reps, but honours private visit to Daura – Omokri

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Latest-News Buhari refused to honour summons by House of Reps, but honours private visit to Daura – Omokri

Why I didn’t visit toll plaza after Lekki shooting -LCC MD

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Latest-News Why I didn’t visit toll plaza after Lekki shooting -LCC MD

I went against sexual purity I preach – Pastor Timi Adigun admits, apologizes for sexual abuse allegations

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Latest-News I went against sexual purity I preach – Pastor Timi Adigun admits, apologizes for sexual abuse allegations

Donald Trump bashes U.S. Supreme Court for lacking ‘courage, wisdom’

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Latest-News Donald Trump bashes U.S. Supreme Court for lacking ‘courage, wisdom’

BREAKING: Herdsmen attack Benue capital Makurdi, kill 4, injure many

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Fulani herdsmen have attacked and killed not less than four people and left seven battling with various degrees of injuries at Tse-Angbande in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Governor Samuel Ortom who visited the scene of the attack on Saturday morning said the armed herdsmen in their usual guerrilla pattern struck by 11pm when the people were asleep, killing Timothy Emberga Akwa, Innocent Akwa, Terhemba Emberga Akwa and an in-law identified as Orban.
The Governor while condemning the barbaric act recalled that a few weeks ago, the herders came without cattle and killed a husband and wife at Tse-Tyohemba, in the same axis of Makurdi, saying that security agents trailed and apprehended three of the assailants.
He assured the people that security has been beefed up to ensure 24 hours vigilance in the affected area to prevent a reoccurrence of the ugly development and urged people of the affected communities to cooperate with security operatives.
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The Governor while addressing the people at Adaka said enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state must continue no matter what armed herders do.

Latest-News BREAKING: Herdsmen attack Benue capital Makurdi, kill 4, injure many

Fulani herdsmen have attacked and killed not less than four people and left seven battling with various degrees of injuries at Tse-Angband...

Man Utd vs Man City: Solskjaer’s squad for EPL clash confirmed

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Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, will be without Edinson Cavani for Saturday’s Derby.
Cavani was not seen with the rest of the squad that arrived at The Lowry Hotel, the Manchester Evening News reports.
The 33-year-old had come off injured at half-time during the 3-1 win at West Ham last weekend.
Anthony Martial is back for United after he also missed the defeat in Leipzig and Fred has been recalled following his European suspension.
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Confirmed squad members:
David de Gea, Dean Henderson, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Fred, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Juan Mata, Daniel James, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood.

Latest-News Man Utd vs Man City: Solskjaer’s squad for EPL clash confirmed

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, will be without Edinson Cavani for Saturday’s Derby. Cavani was not seen with the rest o...

Sam Nda-Isaiah was fearless, Shehu Sani mourns

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Former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani has paid tribute to late Sam Samuel Nda-Isaih, the Publisher of Leadership Newspaper, describing him as fearless man.
According to Senator Shehu Sani, ” Nda-Isaiah the Publisher of Leadership Newspaper was a childhood friend and a brother. His father and mine worked at the New Nigerian Newspapers for over three decades of their lives.
“We lived at the New Nigerian Staff Quaters, Malali until 1981. Death hath taken one of the most patriotic, intelligent and resourceful Nigerians.”
Senator Shehu further explained that, “The late Sam lived an accomplished life. He was a barrier breaker who loved to dare the most difficult and do the impossible. He broke the jinx of Newspaper publishing in the North with his outfits, beginning with Economic confidential to the Leadership Newspaper. Sam’s courage and confidence fired him to stand against the mightiest and contested for the Presidency in 2015 and lost at the APC primaries.
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“Sam was a fearless rebel. He was a friend of the elites and the poor. He was a good friend who can look at the face of any of his big friends and tell him the bitter truth. Sam has gotten into trouble many times because of his pen or the pen of his employees.
“He was a young man troubled and aged by Nigeria’s unending problems.
“Sam was a Kaduna boy who worked for General Buhari in the late 90s until the early 2000s. He religiously fought against the third term bid of the former President, Obasanjo and got himself into trouble on many occasions. Sam was a man with BIG IDEAS in a country that has become a graveyard of ideas.
“Sam was a stammerer and that was more evident when he gets angry about national issues and wants to express himself.
“The year 2020AD will be noted and recorded as one of the worst years in history that has taken a record number of Nigeria’s best.
“When I once asked Sam why did he drop his pen and rested his weekly column, he said every of his sentence gets him into deeper troubles not just with his enemies who do wrong but with friends who get it wrong.
Sam was a voice for justice, equity and unity and an inspiration for those determined to take the rough road to their dreams.
“Sam was a great Nationalist who will always be missed and remembered for the impact he made in the lives of those he met and those he never met in person.
Adieu Big Brother.” he added.

Latest-News Sam Nda-Isaiah was fearless, Shehu Sani mourns

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani has paid tribute to late Sam Samuel Nda-Isaih, the Publ...

It’s shameful we had better life than our children – Pat Utomi tells Nigerian leaders

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A popular Nigerian Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has said Nigerian leaders should be ashamed of the type of life they are giving the younger generation.
Utomi opined that it is shameful that life in the past was far better than what the youths are inheriting from their parents this time.
The former Presidential candidate spoke Friday at a symposium to commemorate the installation of Hon. Ladi Adebutu as the Lisa Aje of Egbaland.
The symposium, which was held at Park Inn hotel, Kuto, had the theme: “Public-Private Partnership For The Development of Ogun State.”
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The guest speaker, who did not exclude himself said: “We should feel a deep sense of personal shame that we had a better life than our children.”
This, Utomi stressed must not be allowed to continue if the future of Nigeria is to be guaranteed.
“In most societies, the question people ask is that, ‘is your life better today than it was yesterday?’
“Every generation is expected to have a life better than the generation before. We, as teenagers, as young professional men and women have had better lives than our children and we must not let this to continue,” he stressed.
The professor expressed worry that Nigeria had refused to develop despite taking all steps towards development.
He compared the nation to Singapore, which he said was once in the same condition as Nigeria.
According to him, there is nothing Singapore did that Nigeria has not done, yet the country remains in the same position.
“Where is the place of discipline in development? Where is the place of commitment? Singapore’s progress was significantly a result of forced-saving, that is saving money by force, ditto pension funds, ditto housing funds. Today, our money is disappearing from pension funds,” he said.
While saying there is the need to look at why Nigeria has not succeeded in many things, Utomi said the nation is not budgeting enough money for infrastructure, which he said is fundamental to the ability to create wealth.
He stated that the larger part of the nation’s budget is being spent on recurrent expenditure.
With this, he advocated Public Private Partnership (PPP), opining that infrastructure must not be left in the hands of the government alone.

Latest-News It’s shameful we had better life than our children – Pat Utomi tells Nigerian leaders

A popular Nigerian Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has said Nigerian leaders should be ashamed of the type of life they are giv...

Reps invitation: Gov Wike reacts as Buhari snubs lawmakers

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Latest-News Reps invitation: Gov Wike reacts as Buhari snubs lawmakers

Controversy surrounds death of Saraki’s in-law, Dapo Ojora

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Latest-News Controversy surrounds death of Saraki’s in-law, Dapo Ojora

Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul pogba in massive swap deal

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How my ex-commissioners dumped PDP for APC – Wike

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Latest-News How my ex-commissioners dumped PDP for APC – Wike

Pastor Adeboye assured me that I’ll be re-elected -Obaseki says as he testifies at Redemption camp

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Latest-News Pastor Adeboye assured me that I’ll be re-elected -Obaseki says as he testifies at Redemption camp

Nigeria records 796 new COVID-19 infections — highest daily count ever

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Latest-News Nigeria records 796 new COVID-19 infections — highest daily count ever

Sam Nda-Isaiah, publisher of Leadership newspapers, is dead

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Latest-News Sam Nda-Isaiah, publisher of Leadership newspapers, is dead

Ex-AGF Adoke gets court’s permission for medical trip

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted permission to a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), to travel for medical check-up at the United Arab Emirate, where he was in exile for about five years.
Adoke had fled to the UAE shortly after leaving office in 2015.
He returned to the country and was immediately arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as he arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on December 19, 2019.
He has since been facing multiple charges, including money laundering, before various courts which had ordered the seizure of his passport as a bail condition.
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Ruling on Adoke’s application for permission to travel to the UAE on Friday, Justice Ekwo ordered the release of his passport to enable him travel to the foreign land on health grounds from December 15 and return on or before January 10, 2021.
Already, his trial alongside a businessman, Aliyu Abubakar, has been scheduled to resume before the court on January 11.
In granting Adoke’s request on Friday, Justice Ekwo rejected the objection raised by the prosecuting counsel, Bala Sanga.
The judge upheld the contention of Adoke’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), saying such application was within the discretion of the court to grant.
He said the application was granted allowing the ex-AGF to travel to UAE on health grounds.
The EFCC accused Adoke and Abubakar of using large sums of money, which allegedly formed part of their unlawful activities, and accepting the amounts exceeding stated threshold outside a financial institution in violation of the money laundering law.

Latest-News Ex-AGF Adoke gets court’s permission for medical trip

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted permission to a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Moham...

#EndSARS: Northern elders disown Ango Abdullahi over statement against Igbo

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Latest-News #EndSARS: Northern elders disown Ango Abdullahi over statement against Igbo

BREAKING: Nigerian Ambassador to US, Sylvanus Nsofor is dead

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Latest-News BREAKING: Nigerian Ambassador to US, Sylvanus Nsofor is dead

Kano elections: NDLEA screens 250 candidates, uncover drug abuse symptoms

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has screened no fewer than 250 candidates of political parties for drug addiction in Kano State.
The candidates are for the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
Dr Ibrahim Abdul, the NDLEA Commander in Kano State, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday that they found some candidates with symptoms of drug abuse.
Abdul explained that the screening of the candidates for the positions of Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Councillors was in compliance with the state government’s order to ensure that no drug addict would be elected into any public office.
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“I am glad to inform you that Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje had sent names of his appointed commissioners, assistants and advisers for similar screening before confirming their appointments.
“The Emirate Council has also been sending traditional title appointees for screening; therefore, we are always ready to screen any appointee sent to us.
“We have so far screened over 250 candidates both for the Chairmanship, Deputy Chairmanship and Councillorship positions.
“We found some of them with symptoms of drug abuse. We will not tell you their names or local governments.
“At the end of the exercise, we will write to the appropriate authorities for further actions,” the commander said.
Recall that the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) had scheduled elections across the 44 local government areas for January 16, 2020.

Latest-News Kano elections: NDLEA screens 250 candidates, uncover drug abuse symptoms

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has screened no fewer than 250 candidates of political parties for drug addiction in Kano ...

FULL LIST: Dele Alli, Kante, others make FIFA and FIFPro’s top 55 players in world

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Latest-News FULL LIST: Dele Alli, Kante, others make FIFA and FIFPro’s top 55 players in world

CBN releases new categorisation for payment system in Nigeria

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Latest-News CBN releases new categorisation for payment system in Nigeria

Buhari proved he’s not in charge, govt broken – Secondus

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The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Uche Secondus, has rebuked President Muhammadu Buhari for snubbing the National Assembly.
Secondus said Buhari has proven that nobody is in charge and the current federal government is broken.
Buhari who was scheduled to address a joint session of the National Assembly yesterday had snubbed the lawmakers.
The Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami had disclosed that the National Assembly had no constitutional powers to invite the President over issues of insecurity.
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However, Secondus while addressing journalists in Abuja, yesterday said:
“President Muhammadu Buhari who was scheduled to address the nation’s parliament today (Thursday) backed out after confirming to them he was coming.
“This back and front from the President on vital issue of security that is overwhelming our nation underscores our position as an opposition party that nobody is in-charge and that this is a broken government.”

Latest-News Buhari proved he’s not in charge, govt broken – Secondus

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Uche Secondus, has rebuked President Muhammadu Buhari for snubbing the Nationa...

Champions League: ‘No one helps Messi’ – Luis Suarez reacts to Barcelona 3-0 lost to Juventus

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Latest-News Champions League: ‘No one helps Messi’ – Luis Suarez reacts to Barcelona 3-0 lost to Juventus

Why we invited Buhari- Reps spokesperson

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Latest-News Why we invited Buhari- Reps spokesperson

Reps vs Buhari: Okupe narrates how concubines, aides, wives, others influence presidents’ decisions

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Latest-News Reps vs Buhari: Okupe narrates how concubines, aides, wives, others influence presidents’ decisions

NLC kicks against bid to borrow from N17tr pension fund

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The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday rejected a fresh bid by State governors to borrow from the N17 trillion pension funds.
Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President, spoke on the rejection at the 47th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) on Thursday in Abuja.
Wabba also vowed to mobilise workers nationwide to protest any move to borrow from the money, adding that it was the retirement benefit of workers.
Recall that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) had endorsed two proposals to borrow N17 trillion from two sources for infrastructural development.
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“Pension money isn’t for borrowing. Pension money is the retirement savings of workers,” Wabba said.
“It can’t be borrowed, you must go through the bank, and in this case, you must go through the PFAs and their guidelines; even the guidelines they want to play down, but to the glory of God, the board of PenCom has been constituted.
“I stand here to represent all of you. We’re not going to agree; less than five per cent of the states are keying into the contributory pension.
“Yet they want to borrow the money. The bulk of the money is from Federal Government workers and private-sector workers. So how do you want to borrow from where you haven’t sown?
“It is not free money and let me sound a bit of warning. Any day that we hear the pension fund, our money has been borrowed, I’ll declare a protest, and everybody is going to be on the streets to protect our hard-earned money.”
Wabba added: “The money belongs to workers. We contribute that money so that when we retire, we can have something for retirement.”

Latest-News NLC kicks against bid to borrow from N17tr pension fund

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday rejected a fresh bid by State governors to borrow from the N17 trillion pension funds. Mr ...

How Umahi’s move to APC started 2 years ago – Femi Adesina

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Latest-News How Umahi’s move to APC started 2 years ago – Femi Adesina

P0rnhub in trouble as Mastercard, Visa cut-off payments

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Latest-News P0rnhub in trouble as Mastercard, Visa cut-off payments

Offa Poly student bags nine months imprisonment over internet fraud

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Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar of an Ilorin High Court has sentenced a 23 year old HND 1 Student of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Oladipo Opeyemi Juwon to nine months imprisonment over his involvement in internet scam.
The sentence followed his arraignment by the Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a three-count charge bordering on cheating and attempting to cheat contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of Penal Code Law of Kwara State.
Count one of the charge amongst others reads: “That you, Oladipo Opeyemi Juwon, sometime in the month of March 2019, in Ilorin,  within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did cheat by impersonation, by portraying yourself as a white female named Frank Tinna via your email address franktinna66@gmail.com to one Bernard Fontenot and induced him to send you the sum of $235 United States Dollars via gift cards, a representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 324 of the Penal Code and punishable under the same Section of the Law.”
Oladipo pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
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Following his plea,  Enoch Onyedikachi, an operative of the EFCC was called into the witness box to review the facts of the case.
Onyedikachi, while being led in evidence counsel to the EFCC, Andrew Akoja, told the court how the crime was perpetuated.
He said,”My Lord, I know the defendant,  on the 7th of September, 2020, the EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Office received anonymous petition from some concerned citizens in Offa about the activities of some internet fraudsters in the area. The Commission swiftly placed surveillance on the area. Consequently, on the 14th of September, we raided the place leading to the arrest of the defendant and other suspects. Upon arrest, we recovered an iPhone from the defendant.
“The  defendant  was brought to our Office on the 15th of September, 2020. We gave him a computer attestation form, which he filled. We analysed his phone and email address. Our findings revealed that the defendant was in to internet fraud; a fact he admitted to in writing”.
In his judgment, Justice Abdulgafar said: “I have considered the totality of the evidence placed before me; the plea of the defendant; the exhibits tendered; the uncontradicted and unchallenged testimonies of the sole prosecution witness,  Enoch Onyedikachi, I hold the view that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubts.”
The judge said further: “This court finds you, Oladipo Opeyemi Juwon guilty as charged. I hereby sentence you to three months imprisonment on count 1 with option of fine of N100,000 (one hundred thousand naira only). Three months imprisonment on count two with option of fine of N100,000 (one hundred thousand naira) and three months imprisonment on count three with N50,000 (fifty thousand naira) as option of fine”
According to the judge, the sentence would commence on the 23rd of December, 2020 in view of the ongoing examinations at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, involving the convict.
The judge also ordered the convict to forfeit his mobile phones and restitute his victims.

Latest-News Offa Poly student bags nine months imprisonment over internet fraud

Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar of an Ilorin High Court has sentenced a 23 year old HND 1 Student of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State...

Nigeria to receive 20m doses of COVID-19 vaccine -FG

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Latest-News Nigeria to receive 20m doses of COVID-19 vaccine -FG

Ganduje lays curses as gunmen kill 16 travellers on Abuja-Kaduna expressway

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Latest-News Ganduje lays curses as gunmen kill 16 travellers on Abuja-Kaduna expressway

North has terrorism in their DNA – Nnamdi Kanu replies Northern elders

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Latest-News North has terrorism in their DNA – Nnamdi Kanu replies Northern elders

Europa League: All clubs that have qualified for Round of 32 revealed

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Latest-News Europa League: All clubs that have qualified for Round of 32 revealed

EFCC arrests fake Lagos doctor for fraud

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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Lagos Zonal Office, have arrested one Williams Ogwezi, also known as Dr Williams, for parading himself as an official of the commission to defraud his unsuspecting victims.
He was said to have also forged EFCC identity cards and those of other law enforcement agencies.
The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed in a statement in Abuja, on Thursday, that Ogwezi was arrested in Lagos, following a report from the Nigeria Police Area Command, Ajah, Lagos.
It said, “Investigation revealed that the suspect had defrauded one of his victims, a lady, of jewelry valued at N10 million before his arrest. The suspect confessed to the crime in his confessional statement to the EFCC.”
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“Items recovered from him at the point of arrest include an identity card with inscription of EFCC; EFCC face masks, three laptops, three mobile phones and two vehicles (Lexus and Hyundai Genesis),” the statement indicated, adding that the suspect would soon be charged to court.

Latest-News EFCC arrests fake Lagos doctor for fraud

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Lagos Zonal Office, have arrested one Williams Ogwezi, also known as Dr Willia...

Nigeria records highest COVID-19 cases In 4 months

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Latest-News Nigeria records highest COVID-19 cases In 4 months

Europa League: Mourinho reacts as Harry Winks went down tunnel after being substituted

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Tottenham Hotspur manager, Jose Mourinho, has reacted after midfielder, Harry Winks, went down the tunnel during Spurs’ 2-0 Europa League victory over Royal Antwerp on Thursday night.
Winks, who has been unhappy with his lack of game time at Tottenham this season, headed straight to the dressing room after being substituted before the hour, while substitute Dele Alli joined him shortly after Mourinho had made all five changes.
But Mourinho is now saying that he told Winks to go and get changed because of the cold weather.
Tottenham defeated Antwerp 2-0 at home to secure the top spot in Group J, thanks to goals from Carlos Vinicius and Giovani Lo Celso.
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“I told Winks to go, I told every player that left the pitch to go, because when the weather is cold, I prefer they go to the dressing room and have a shower and be warm and safe,” Mourinho told reporters after the game.
“I told them to go, some prefer to stay. Even cold, they prefer to stay and participate in the game from the bench.
“Winks decided to go, and I’m happy with that because I am the one that told him to do it.”
Tottenham’s next match is against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.

Latest-News Europa League: Mourinho reacts as Harry Winks went down tunnel after being substituted

Tottenham Hotspur manager, Jose Mourinho, has reacted after midfielder, Harry Winks, went down the tunnel during Spurs’ 2-0 Europa League v...

South East must play better politics to produce next president – Femi Adesina

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President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has pointed out what the South East must do to produce Nigeria’s President, in 2023.
Adesina said the South East must play a better politics to get what he termed the, “ultimate office.”
He stated this in his latest article titled: ‘Dave Umahi’s heart of Lion.”
Adesina described Umahi’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, as that of a “lion’s heart.”
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The presidential spokesman noted that politicians like Senator Orji Kalu, Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige and Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi are pushing for the South East to produce Nigeria’s next president.
The article reads partly: “I’ve always said it. The South East must play better politics to get the ultimate office in the country. Sleeping and facing the same direction may not be the best option.
“The Orji Kalus, Hope Uzodimmas, Chris Ngiges, Dave Umahis, and many others, are now shining the light, so that their people can find the way. And so let it be.”
Recently, the South East have been clamouring for the presidency, stressing that it’s their turn.

Latest-News South East must play better politics to produce next president – Femi Adesina

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has pointed out what the South East must do to produce Ni...

Nigerian govt accuses religious bodies of sabotaging COVID-19 national response

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The Federal Government has said that some religious organisations were sabotaging the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country by holding large gatherings events contrary to laid down coronavirus protocols.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the joint national briefing of the task force.
According to Mustapha, the PTF had continued to engage with relevant stakeholders on issues arising from the impact of COVID-19, including mental health, drug use and gender-based violence.
“We have observed, rather sadly, that Nigerians, particularly some faith-based organisations, have continued to hold events of large gatherings capable of spreading the virus.
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“The PTF urges all sub-national entities that signed the protocols with these organisations, and have primary responsibility for enforcing the protocols, to step up their roles of enforcement,” Mustapha said.
Meanwhile, The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday night confirmed 675 new cases of COVID-19 infections across 15 states, with the fatality toll rising to 1,190.

Latest-News Nigerian govt accuses religious bodies of sabotaging COVID-19 national response

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Ghana election should be eye-opener for Nigeria —Atiku

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Latest-News Ghana election should be eye-opener for Nigeria —Atiku

Army cancels ongoing conference after participant tests positive for COVID-19

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Police invade court, re-arrest protesters charged with plot to oust Buhari, Emmanuel

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Latest-News Police invade court, re-arrest protesters charged with plot to oust Buhari, Emmanuel

BREAKING: Buhari fails to appear before reps — after Malami says president can’t be summoned

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Latest-News BREAKING: Buhari fails to appear before reps — after Malami says president can’t be summoned

US election: Melania Trump ‘just wants to go home’

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BREAKING: Maina slumps in court (PHOTO/VIDEO)

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Latest-News BREAKING: Maina slumps in court (PHOTO/VIDEO)

We’ll no longer tolerate violence against our people -Northern Elders’ Forum

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Latest-News We’ll no longer tolerate violence against our people -Northern Elders’ Forum

Champions League: Neymar joins top scorers as 16 teams reach knockout stage

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Neymar hit a hat-trick as Paris beat İstanbul Başakşehir 5-1 on Matchday 6 to join Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland, Juventus’ Álvaro Morata and Marcus Rashford of Manchester United at the top of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League scoring charts.
Lazio’s Ciro Immobile is in a chasing pack of three players who are one adrift after adding to his tally against Club Brugge on Matchday 6, while Cristiano Ronaldo is among those one further goal back after netting twice for Juventus at Barcelona.
UEFA Champions League leading scorers after Wednesday’s matches:
Six goals: Morata (Juventus), Haaland (Borussia Dortmund), Neymar (Paris SG), Rashford (Manchester United)
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Five goals: Berisha (RB Salzburg), Giroud (Chelsea), Immobile (Lazio), Plea (Bor. Monchengladbach)
Four goals: Benzema (Real Madrid), Ronaldo (Juventus), En-Nesyri (Sevilla), Fernandes (Manchester United), Jota (Liverpool), Lukaku (Inter Milan), Torres (Manchester City)
Three goals: Angelino (RB Leipzig), Braithwaite (Barcelona), Coman (Bayern Munich), Dembele (Barcelona), Felix (Atletico Madrid), Kahveci (Basaksehir), Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Messi (Barcelona), An. Miranchuk (Lokomotiv Moscow), Oliveira (Porto), Salah (Liverpool), Vanaken (Club Brugge), Werner (Chelsea), Zapata (Atalanta)
Meanwhile, the qualifiers for the last 16 of this season’s UEFA Champions League, after the group stage concluded on Wednesday.
Qualified as group winners
Bayern Munich (GER)
Real Madrid (ESP)
Manchester City (ENG)
Liverpool (ENG)
Chelsea (ENG)
Borussia Dortmund (GER)
Juventus (ITA)
Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
 
Qualified as runners-up
Atletico Madrid (ESP)
Borussia Moenchengladbach (GER)
FC Porto (POR)
Atalanta (ITA)
Sevilla (ESP)
Lazio (ITA)
Barcelona (ESP)
RB Leipzig (GER)
UEFA has announced that the last 16 draw would take place on Monday, December 14.
“Teams who were in same group cannot face each other in last 16; Teams from same country cannot meet before the quarter-finals,” it added.

Latest-News Champions League: Neymar joins top scorers as 16 teams reach knockout stage

Neymar hit a hat-trick as Paris beat İstanbul Başakşehir 5-1 on Matchday 6 to join Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland, Juventus’ Álvaro...

NASS invitation: Buhari has nothing to tell Nigerians, says PDP

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The Peoples Democratic Party, on Thursday, knocked the President Muhammadu Buhari for his failure to secure lives and property in the country in the last five years.
According to PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, Buhari has nothing to tell Nigerians and that could be responsible for his reported boycott of a joint National Assembly sitting today.
“Mr President is afraid of the obvious, he knows he has nothing to tell Nigerians on the security situation in the country. That is why he is running from the National Assembly. He also failed in every area of governance including security,” Ologbondiyan stated on Thursday.
The spokesperson of the opposition party also said there was no plan by the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives to embarrass the president at the sitting today.
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“There is no plan of any sort by any member of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party to embarrass Mr President. Mr President is only afraid of his own shadows,” Ologbondiyan said on Thursday while featuring on a television programme in Lagos.
The House of Representatives led by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, had last week invited Buhari over the rising insecurity and the killing of over 43 farmers in Borno State.
An aide to the President, Lauretta Onochie, had also revealed that Buhari would appear before a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday. However, reports began to filter in on Tuesday that the President had decided not to attend the meeting any longer.
It had gathered that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), said the National Assembly lacked the power to invite the President to speak on security matters.

Latest-News NASS invitation: Buhari has nothing to tell Nigerians, says PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, on Thursday, knocked the President Muhammadu Buhari for his failure to secure lives and property in the cou...

Federal Government slashes data price by 50 percent

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Latest-News Federal Government slashes data price by 50 percent

COVID-19: El-Rufai to impose second lockdown over fresh wave of virus in Kaduna

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Latest-News COVID-19: El-Rufai to impose second lockdown over fresh wave of virus in Kaduna

‘Don’t play politics with lives’ — Rep tackles Malami for saying Buhari can’t be summoned

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Latest-News ‘Don’t play politics with lives’ — Rep tackles Malami for saying Buhari can’t be summoned

Presidency reacts to calls for Buhari’s resignation, PDP mockery of Osinbajo

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Latest-News Presidency reacts to calls for Buhari’s resignation, PDP mockery of Osinbajo

Service chiefs not Buhari should address NASS – Ex-Minority Leader Aliyu

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A former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, says President Muhammadu Buhari is not an orator and as such should not address the National Assembly sitting today.
According to Aliyu who is a member of the All Progressives Congress and a close ally to the president, the service chiefs should attend the NASS invitation in lieu of Buhari.
The House of Representatives led by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, had last week invited Buhari over the rising insecurity and the killing of over 43 rice farmers by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
An aide to the President, Lauretta Onochie, had also revealed that Buhari would appear before a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday. However, reports began to filter in on Tuesday that the President had decided not to attend the meeting any longer.
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It was gathered on Wednesday that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), said the National Assembly lacked the power to invite the President to speak on security matters.
Speaking last night, the former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives backed Malami, saying, “There are so many things that the President may divulge and people will say, ‘Why did he even go? He shouldn’t have gone.’”
Aliyu argued, “President Buhari is not an orator. There are orators, people who can talk and talk. People are different.”
The APC member, who spoke Wednesday while featuring on a television programme in Abuja, said, “If I were to advise Mr President, I will tell Mr President not to go. He should probably allow the service chiefs to go and explain (things) because there are certain details that should probably be explained in camera.”
“As a former minority leader in the House, I don’t think the President should appear, not at this time when things are so difficult (and) the country is going through challenges. Is the President going to appear there to tell the National Assembly the strategies being taken by the government?
“Is he going there for an interactive session? Not even the Speaker can assure the President or his party that Mr President may not be embarrassed.”

Latest-News Service chiefs not Buhari should address NASS – Ex-Minority Leader Aliyu

A former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, says President Muhammadu Buhari is not an orator and as such shoul...

‘Don’t embarrass yourself’ — Falana asks Buhari to honour National Assembly invitation

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Latest-News ‘Don’t embarrass yourself’ — Falana asks Buhari to honour National Assembly invitation

Reps bill: President risks impeachment over late cabinet formation

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Latest-News Reps bill: President risks impeachment over late cabinet formation

Nobody in charge in Nigeria – Prof. Wole Soyinka

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Latest-News Nobody in charge in Nigeria – Prof. Wole Soyinka

Ozekhome faults Malami, says NASS has powers to summon Buhari

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Latest-News Ozekhome faults Malami, says NASS has powers to summon Buhari

BREAKING: DSS arrests #EndSARS protester in Osun

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Latest-News BREAKING: DSS arrests #EndSARS protester in Osun

Trump investigates Biden’s son, Hunter

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Hunter Biden, the son of US President-elect, Joe Biden, has disclosed that the US attorney’s office in Delaware had opened an investigation into his “tax affairs”.
According to The Guardian UK, Hunter Biden has long been a target of President Donald Trump and his allies.
Hunter Biden said in a statement on Wednesday that he was informed about the investigation on Tuesday by his lawyer.
“I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisers,” Hunter Biden said.
Many people believe that Trump and his allies had taken steps to tarnish the political image of Joe Biden with the corruption charges involving his son.
Recall that the House of Representatives had impeached Trump earlier.
This was after the President pressured the newly elected president of Ukraine to investigate Hunter Biden’s work in the country while Joe Biden was US Vice-President under former President, Barack Obama.

Latest-News Trump investigates Biden’s son, Hunter

Hunter Biden, the son of US President-elect, Joe Biden, has disclosed that the US attorney’s office in Delaware had opened an investigatio...

COVID-19: NCDC confirms 474 new cases in Nigeria

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that 474 new COVID-19 infections in Nigeria, taking the country’s total figure to 70,669 cases.
The NCDC disclosed this via its verified website late on Wednesday.
The 474 new COVID-19 cases were recorded from sixteen States and the FCT.
The NCDC stated that 132 patients were discharged after recovering from the infection from isolation centres nationwide.
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The health agency said, however, that the country’s COVID-19 related deaths is 1,182.
According to NCDC, FCT, Lagos, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Plateau recorded the highest number of COVID-19 infections with 180, 134, 45, 26 and 16 cases, respectively.
The other states recorded the disease as follows: Enugu-14, Taraba-14, Gombe-12, Nasarawa-8, Yobe-8, Rivers-5, Ogun-5, Kwara-2, Ekiti-2, Sokoto-2 and Osun-1.

Latest-News COVID-19: NCDC confirms 474 new cases in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed that 474 new COVID-19 infections in Nigeria, taking the country’s total figure...

Burna Boy, Wizkid win MOBO Awards 2020 (See full list of all winners)

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Nigerian music stars conquered the 2020 MOBO Awards with Burna Boy winning Best International Act and Wizkid scoring Best African Act.
On December 10, 2020, the MOBO Awards returned after a three-year hiatus and Nigerian superstars, Wizkid and Burna Boy won big at event. Wizkid was named the Best African Act while Burna Boy was named the Best International Act.
On November 24, 2020, nominations for the 2020 Music of Black Origin Awards were announced. Nigerian stars, Wizkid, Burna Boy Davido, Rema, Fireboy, Adekunle Gold and Tiwa Savage got nods at the event for the event which honours black music from all corners of the world.
Burna Boy and Rema were nominated in the Best International Act category alongside Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, the late Pop Smoke, Lil Baby and more. In the best African act category, Burna Boy and Rema were joined by Wizkid, Davido, Fireboy, Adekunle Gold and Tiwa Savage.
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Ghanaian stars, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy also got nods alongside, Ivorian, Afro B, South African, Master KG and NSG.
The livestreamed event saw, which was hosted by Maya Jama and Chunkz and it featured performances by Headie One, Young T & Bugsey, Ms Banks, Kojey Radical and Shaybo, dancehall vocalist, Stylo G and soul singer,Tiana Major9.
Nigerian superstars, Davido and Tiwa Savage also performed at the event. Nigerian COVID-19 lockdown soundtrack, 'Don't Rush' by Young T & Bugsey was named song of the year.
London Rapper, Nines and R&B singer, Mahalia are the biggest winners at the 2020 MOBO awards on Wednesday night.
Nines won album of the year for Crabs in a Bucket, and best hip-hop act, while Mahalia won best female act and best R&B/soul act.
The MOBO awards returned for the first time since 2017 to celebrate music of black origin with a virtual ceremony, hosted by Maya Jama and Chunkz.
2020 MOBO award winners:
Album of the year: Nines – Crabs in a Bucket Best male act: Headie One
Best female act: Mahalia
Song of the year (public vote): Young T & Bugsey – Don’t Rush (feat Headie One)
Best newcomer (public vote): Aitch
Video of the year: NSG – Lupita
Best R&B/soul act: Mahalia
Best hip-hop act: Nines
Best grime act (public vote): JME
Best international act (public vote): Burna Boy
Best performance in a TV show/film: Michael Ward as Marco, Blue Story
Best media personality: Chunkz
Best album 2017-2019: Ella Mai – Ella Mai
Best African act: Wizkid
Best reggae act: Buju Banton
Best gospel act: CalledOut Music
Best jazz act: Ego Ella May
Best producer: Jae5
Inspiration award: Steve McQueen

Latest-News Burna Boy, Wizkid win MOBO Awards 2020 (See full list of all winners)

Nigerian music stars conquered the 2020 MOBO Awards with Burna Boy winning Best International Act and Wizkid scoring Best African Act. On...

Nigeria will access COVID-19 vaccine from Jan 2021 — Okonjo Iweala

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Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, has assured Nigeria and other African countries of access to COVID-19 vaccines as from the end of January through the first quarter of 2021, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.
The statement quoted Okonjo-Iweala as disclosing this after a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama in Abuja.
“As long as one person has it in the world, no one is safe. And that is why poorer countries, lower-middle-income countries like Nigeria, need to get it as quickly as possible”, she was quoted as saying.
Okonjo-Iweala is currently the African Union Special Envoy on mobilising international economic support for the continental fight against COVID-19 and Nigeria’s candidate for the Office of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
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She disclosed that the international initiative involved the World Health Organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), GAVI and the international community, to get vaccines delivered to developing and poorer countries, in an affordable manner and quickly.
According to her, the Pfizer vaccine and the AstraZeneca were presently being negotiated so that poor countries don’t have to stand in a queue behind rich countries.
The former finance minister described Africans as blessed, for not having the same incidence rate of COVID-19 like other continents, but warned African nations against complacency.
Okonjo-Iweala recalled that a platform called the COVAX facility had been developed with 186 countries on board, saying that the side interested in serving the poor countries had 92 countries, for which resources have been raised to try and get the vaccines to them quickly.
“So, the Pfizer vaccine, the AstraZeneca, those are being negotiated now so that poor countries don’t have to stand in line behind rich countries.
“So, we hope they are starting by the end of January. We will be able to reach these countries, including most of the African countries, Nigeria included, will be able to get access to some of these vaccines.
“Initially, it will be for frontline health workers, followed by some other target groups – older people, those with underlying conditions and then, from there, the rest of the population. I think the COVAX facility can cover maybe 20-23 per cent of the population by the end of next year,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

Latest-News Nigeria will access COVID-19 vaccine from Jan 2021 — Okonjo Iweala

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, has assured Nigeria and other African countries of access to COVID-19 vac...

'I’m tired of being strong' — Davido mourns late bodyguard

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Latest-News 'I’m tired of being strong' — Davido mourns late bodyguard

Mahama claims victory in Ghana’s presidential poll

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EPL: Rio Ferdinand blasts Man United over Pogba’s situation

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Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand, has criticized the club over midfielder, Paul Pogba’s situation at Old Trafford.
Pogba’s future at Man United is once the subject of speculation, after his agent, Mino Raiola, claimed this week that the player is unhappy at Old Trafford.
Raiola also said Pogba’s time at the Premier League club is “over”.
Reacting to the development, Ferdinand believes Man United have dealt poorly with Pogba’s situation, describing it as ‘disgusting’.
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“I think the timing is disgusting from a player’s agent and an important player at the club,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.
“But I’m going to shift the focus more to Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward probably as well. How are you allowing an agent to talk like this?
“This is not the first time. You nip it in the bud the first time he’s done it. It’s not the first time he’s spoken and put the focus on United.
“Nip that in the bud for the first time. I was at United when Wayne Rooney was talking about a contract, we were all there, he was talking about leaving Manchester United.
“Sir Alex Ferguson went in the media straight away and said, “Listen, he’s been advised badly by his agents, and this will not happen again, and I’m going to nip it in the bud”. A couple of days later, Wayne Rooney signs a new contract.
“If you do not nip these things in the bud… Van de Beek comes in, doesn’t play, his agent in the first month speaking in the media – how is that happening?’
“If you’re the player, you control the agent. I would say, “Shut up! What are you talking about? Don’t speak on my behalf and make me look bad”.
“But take that out of it, if you’re Manchester United, own the situation, don’t be dictated to and controlled in that situation.
“You cannot allow this to happen, because every other player that comes in – the player’s not playing or he’s disgruntled – the agent is going to be in the paper talking. That’s disrespectful. Don’t have it.”
Pogba had drawn the interest of Real Madrid in the past.
Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, is a huge admirer of Pogba, but the La Liga club is unwilling to match Man United’s £150million valuation for the France World Cup winner.

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NDLEA seizes 14.4kg of cocaine at Abuja airport

09:55 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgveTQzbG4iopAs1NoRZes3vjSTPwE5rhYeM-xUBBhYYdSpyf_jQcdeyVLh_Y2rBgtYIPIuFKlBuT98QJxRVuE57GlGIsZB96DvtyHTdRGEoVcB_mPGSSFFqdrjgf3FUyDN5CQt0QSyE/s414/B77E4DBB-1798-4585-815A-2A9223E310C8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="414" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgveTQzbG4iopAs1NoRZes3vjSTPwE5rhYeM-xUBBhYYdSpyf_jQcdeyVLh_Y2rBgtYIPIuFKlBuT98QJxRVuE57GlGIsZB96DvtyHTdRGEoVcB_mPGSSFFqdrjgf3FUyDN5CQt0QSyE/w400-h318/B77E4DBB-1798-4585-815A-2A9223E310C8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
 
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 14.4kg of cocaine at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Special Area Command, Abuja.
A statement issued by Mr Jonah Achema, NDLEA spokesman also confirmed that it also arrested two suspects.
Achema said that the command intercepted a consignment of four packets of chocolate sweets of white substances, weighing 7.2kg, which tested positive to cocaine in the first operation and also uncovered 12 parcels of cellophane wrappers, weighing another 7.2kg, with whitish substances.
“The first operation involved Da -Silva Mailson Mario, a Brazilian aged 23, who was arrested with a suit case containing packets of the chocolate sweet.
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“The second operation involved Elechi Adendu Kingsley, a Nigerian aged 39, who was arrested with a bag containing cellophane bags during the inward clearance of Ethiopian Airline flight ET 911, ” he said.
Achema said that Mario, the first suspect who spoke through an interpreter, decided to be silent on all questions put to him, adding that he was only inquisitive about the jail terms his alleged offence might attract in Nigeria.
He said that Elechi, the second suspect, an indigene of Umulolo Local Government Area of Imo State who has been living in Brazil for the past 13 years said he would not blame anybody for his involvement.
He said “I am an adult and I am fully aware of what I was going into. I agree that somebody gave it to me but I offered to carry it, ” Elechi says.
Achema said that Elechi confirmed that he was promised N3 million upon safe delivery of the drugs to somebody in Nigeria, adding that he was in Nigeria preparatory to his wedding in January, 2021.

Latest-News NDLEA seizes 14.4kg of cocaine at Abuja airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 14.4kg of cocaine at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Special Area Com...

2023: Group asks APC, PDP to give presidential ticket to Southern Christian

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A non-partisan group, Nigeria Equity Group (NEG) has called on political parties to ensure that a Christian is considered for the position of the president to further ensure balance and equity.
The group on Tuesday in a press release signed by its convener, Dr Emeka Nwosu and Secretary, Alh. Muhammed Mubarak said geopolitical consideration should be a factor also.
NEG stated in the statement that following 8 years of President Muhamadu Buhari, it will be fair to have a Christian for another 8 years.
The group vowed to mobilize Nigerians to ensure the emergence of any candidate that fits the criteria.
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“Our position is that after an eight-year rule of a northern Muslim in 2023, it would only be fair and equitable that whoever takes over from him be a competent Southern Christian. The population of Nigeria is shared almost equally by Christians and Muslims and between the North and South, we, therefore, hold that, for the sake of equity, after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, a Northern Muslim, the position of the President should go to a Southern Christian in 2023,” the group stated.
Adding that, “We wish to put it on notice and state strongly that we will mobilize similar organizations and indeed all Nigerians to work against any political party that does not follow this template in 2023.”

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A non-partisan group, Nigeria Equity Group (NEG) has called on political parties to ensure that a Christian is considered for the position...

ISWAP fighters ‘outgun’ soldiers, kill 10, take one hostage in Borno

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Ten troops were killed and one was taken hostage in clashes with IS-linked jihadists in Borno state, according to two security sources.
Clashes erupted on Monday when a team of soldiers stormed a camp of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Alagarno village in Damboa district.
“We lost 10 soldiers in the fight and one was taken by the terrorists,” a security source told AFP on Tuesday.
The hostage was seized while fleeing to safety after the troops were outgunned, he said.
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“It was an intense battle and the terrorists also suffered casualties but they were able to overwhelm the soldiers,” said a second security source who confirmed the toll.
The insurgents seized four vehicles, including a truck and an armoured vehicle, the second source said.
Both sources asked not to be identified.
Alagarno, which lies 150 kilometres (90 miles) from regional capital Maiduguri, is a stronghold of ISWAP, which split from the Boko Haram jihadist group in 2016 and rose to become a dominant force.
ISWAP has increasingly been attacking civilians, killing and abducting people on highways as well as raiding villages for food supplies.
On Tuesday, ISWAP said its fighters killed seven soldiers while repelling an attack in Alagarno forest.
“Clashes took place with a variety of weapons, which led to the killing of seven elements and taking an eighth prisoner,” the group said in a statement, according to SITE Intelligence, which monitors jihadist activities worldwide.
The insurgents seized “an array of weapons” and vehicles, the statement said.
ISWAP claimed it killed four Nigerian troops on the same day in a separate attack near the town of Gamboru close to the border with Cameroon.
AFP could not independently verify the claim.
At least 36,000 people have been killed and around two million displaced from their homes since the start of the conflict 11 years ago.
The violence has spread to neighbouring Chad, Niger and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the militant groups

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PSG vs Istanbul Basaksehir: Demba Ba confronts fourth official over alleged racist slur (VIDEO)

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I never saw Messi as a rival – Cristiano Ronaldo

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Lagos restates ban on use of houses as morgue, burial site

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ASUU strike: Lecturers not considering Nigeria’s problems – Buhari

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Gunmen kidnap Taraba lawmaker from ‘his home’

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Nigeria will engage US over inclusion on religious freedom blacklist — FG

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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">‌</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Nigeria will vigorously engage the U.S. government to remove it’s name from its blacklist of countries over concern on religious freedom.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Nigerian government has also expressed its displeasure to the U.S. government on this development.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mr Ferdinand Nwonye, Spokesperson for the ministry, disclosed Nigeria’s position in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, following the announcement of the U.S. adding Nigeria among countries of concerns against its Religious Freedom Act of 1998.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The foreign affairs ministry said Nigerian government remained committed to ensuring respect and protection of all citizens’ right to religious freedom and promotion of religious tolerance and harmony.<a name='more' id="more"></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">“The attention of the ministry has been drawn to an announcement made by the U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, stating that the government of the United States of America has designated Nigeria as a ‘country of concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998’.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">“The Federal Government of Nigeria received the news with surprise, that a secular country under a democratic government will be so designated.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">“Although the Nigerian state is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, the Nigerian constitution expressly states that the government shall not adopt any religion as state religion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">“Furthermore, section 38 of the constitution guarantees that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion including freedom to change his/her religion or belief.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">“And freedom to manifest and propagate his/her religion or belief. Religious liberty in Nigeria has never been in question, therefore any claim contrary to that is completely false and untrue.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">“The ministry wishes to assure that the Nigerian government will engage the U.S government to express its displeasure and request that Nigeria be removed from the list,” it said.</div>
</div>

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Champions League: Antoine Griezmann reveals who to blame for Barcelona’s 3-0 defeat to Juventus

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Barcelona forward, Antoine Griezmann, has blamed himself and his teammates for their Champions League 3-0 defeat against Barcelona on Tuesday night.
Griezmann said Barcelona players lacked attitude, and desire to run and to defend against Juventus.
A brace from Ronaldo and a strike from Weston McKennie ensured Juventus defeated Barcelona at Camp Nou.
“We didn’t turn up,” Griezmann said as quoted by ESPN after the game.
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“They turned us over in the first half. We were lacking in every department: attitude, desire to run, to defend … everything was bad.
“Who’s to blame if not those of us who are out there playing? We know how to run, how to work hard, and that’s what we must do to move forward.
“I don’t want to look for excuses. We have to leave that to one side and work hard. There’s nothing else for it. There’s a game on Sunday [against Levante], and we have to win it. The image [of the team] tonight was ugly.”

Latest-News Champions League: Antoine Griezmann reveals who to blame for Barcelona’s 3-0 defeat to Juventus

Barcelona forward, Antoine Griezmann, has blamed himself and his teammates for their Champions League 3-0 defeat against Barcelona on Tues...

Why Gov Ortom can’t return to APC – Wike

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The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said his counterpart from Benue State, Samuel Ortom won’t return to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Wike explained that Ortom won’t return to APC because he almost died during his time with the party.
He spoke on Tuesday while commissioning road projects completed by Ortom’s administration in Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas.
The governor insisted that Ortom will remain with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
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According to Wike: “One of the reasons I came today is to dispel the rumours that Ortom is going back. We will continue to stand together though we might be denied what is due us and intimidated but it will come to an end.
“Today, in this country, there is total insecurity, and people are saying Governor Ortom is going back to a party where he nearly died.
“No man digs his own grave. God brought him out of the wilderness and some people are saying that he is coming back. Coming back to where?”

Latest-News Why Gov Ortom can’t return to APC – Wike

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said his counterpart from Benue State, Samuel Ortom won’t return to the All Progressives Congre...

COVID-19: Nigeria records 550 new infections as toll hits 70,195

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 550 new cases of COVID-19 infections in the country.
NCDC stated this via its verified Twitter handle on Tuesday night.
The health agency said that the 550 new cases had taken the total number of infections in Nigeria to 70,195.
It also disclosed that it recorded an additional COVID-19 related death to take the total number of fatalities in Nigeria to 1,182.
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The 550 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in 16 States and the FCT, with Lagos retaining the highest figure of 219 cases.
Other States were Kaduna, 52 cases, Kwara, 19; Kano and Rivers, 15 each; Sokoto, 10; Enugu , 9; and Gombe, 8.
Plateau and Osun recorded 7 each; Anambra and Oyo, 5 each; Jigawa and Ogun, 4 each; Bauchi 2; Edo, 1; and the FCT, 168.
It noted that 163 patients were discharged across the country after recovering from the disease.

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Fleeing Boko Haram members operating as kidnappers in Southwest -Ekiti Governor

04:55 Unknown 0

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Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said some fleeing Boko Haram insurgents have relocated to the Southwest where they now operate as kidnappers.
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The governor made the claim on Sunday night when he featured in a Channels Television programme, “Politics Today”.
 
Fayemi, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), said the insurgents were also operating as bandits in the Northwest.
 
The governor said Boko Haram insurgency, which returned to the front burner following the killing of over 40 farmers in Borno State, is not limited to the state.
 
Following the massacre, which received widespread condemnation, some Nigerians have called for the sack of the Service Chiefs while others are calling for the declaration of a state of emergency.
 
But Fayemi said governors had not discussed the need for a state of emergency over the Boko Haram insurgency.
 
“And that is not something that our colleagues, who are at the receiving end of the insurgency, have proposed to us. Governor Babagana Zulum (of Bonro State) or our Northeast colleagues have not said anything about state of emergency.
 
“Insurgency is not limited to Borno State. We will be making a mistake if we do not draw a correlation between what is going on in Borno State and what is happening in other parts of the country – banditry, kidnapping, militancy. They are inextricably intertwined.
 
“Some of the insurgents that escaped from the Boko Haram territory are the ones prosecuting the banditry in the Northwest; some of them are involved in the kidnapping in the Southwest.
 
“ISWAP (Islamic State in West Africa Province) insurgents coming down from Sudan, from Niger (Republic), are involved in what is going on. How many states are you going to declare (a) state of emergency on then? So, we must take a holistic view on this,” he said.

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Buhari sacks NDE DG

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President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr. Nasiru Mohammed Ladan Argungu.
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Dr. Argungu was relieved of his post in memo issued on December 4, 2020, taking effect from December 7.
A statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said President Buhari also directed the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), to appoint an Acting Director-General from among the senior directors of the agency to replace Argungu in the meantime.

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Petrol price to reduce to N162.44 per litre as from December 14

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The Federal Government has reduced the pump price of premium motor spirit (petrol) from N168 per litre to N162.44 per litre effective from December 14, 2020.
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Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige announced this while addressing reporters at the end of a meeting with labour leaders, which began at 9 p.m on Monday and ended at 1:30 a.m on Tuesday.
 
The product currently sells at N168, following the decision of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), to increase the ex-depot price of petrol from N147.67 per litre to N155.17 in November.
 
The ex-depot price is the price at which the product is sold by the PPMC to marketers at the depots.
 
The minister said a technical committee had been set up by the larger house to ensure price stability across the industry.
 
He said: “Our discussion was fruitful. The NNPC, which is the major importer and marketer of petroleum products, and customers, have agreed that there will be a reduction of the pump price of PMS and that the price cut will get us about N5 per litre. That the price cut will take effect from next Monday, a week from today.
“A committee that has members of labour, NNPC, PPRA, Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Finance, the unions – P Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to stand in. This time, they will be appraising the market forces and every other thing that will make for stability in the industry.
 
“They have to liaise with all the marketers to make sure that the cap is always maintained. In the course of maintaining the cap, some people will even sell below this price of N162.44, if they cut other internal arrangements, like collage.
 
“This committee will report back to the main committee on January 25, 2021.”
 
Ngige explained that the price reduction was not meant to suspend deregulation because it did not affect the price of crude oil but in areas where the NNPC, as the main importer, had agreed that it could cut costs, such as freight and demurrage.
 
The minister said the new price slash was a product of a joint committee of the NNPC and labour representatives, which looked into how to cut costs.
 
On electricity tariff, Ngige said both sides agreed to wait till January 25 to enable the special committee dealing with complaints to conclude its deliberations.
 
“The Electricity Committee is still at work. We have gone down and there is a price now. They are now touring the DisCos. They have been all over the country. They have been in Lagos, Ibadan; they are supposed to be in Kano now. Two members of the committee have taken ill; so, they couldn’t continue. But they will also continue after the Yuletide and then report back again on January 25.
 
“Same goes for the palliatives. The palliatives have been rolled on. Everybody’s hands must be on deck. We want to see that people start getting the effect of the palliatives.
 
“For the workers: the palliatives concerning the urban poor. We are going to engage and enroll a lot of urban city workers. We will give them some stipends every month for the next 12 months as part of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT),” he added.

Latest-News Petrol price to reduce to N162.44 per litre as from December 14

The Federal Government has reduced the pump price of premium motor spirit (petrol) from N168 per litre to N162.44 per litre effective fr...

Maina’s briefcase companies had N3bn turnover – EFCC witness

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An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s prosecution witness said on Tuesday that a former chairman of the defunct Pension Reformed Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, operated briefcase companies with N3bn turnover in their accounts without engaging in any business.
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The anti-graft agency is prosecuting Maina before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering involving N2bn.
 
The ninth prosecution witness, Rouqayya Ibrahim, who is an investigator with the EFCC, said her team conducted “a concealed income analysis of the defendant.”
 
She said the investigation showed that Maina’s company accounts had N3bn turnover when he could not have been able to legitimately save more than N109m if he had received his last salary of N256,000 continuously for 35 years without spending a dime from it.
 
The witness said, “Regarding his known income which is his salary, we discovered that his last payment which was in February 2013 was N256,000 and part of the concealed income analysis we did was that should the defendant have earned or was paid this sum pay month, for 35 years as a civil servant without spending a single kobo of the salary he would he would have only received N109m for the 35 years without spending a single kobo and we compared that with the result of our concealed income and net worth analysis and discovered that he had an estimate of at least N3bn of known income from illegitimate source.”
 
Earlier on Tuesday, Justice Okon Abang rejected defence lawyer’s request for an adjournment to enable him to prepare better for the case.
 
The request for adjournment was opposed by EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Mr Faruk Abdullah.
 
The judge upheld the objection.
 
He ruled that contrary to the claim by the lawyer, Anayo Adibe, the defendant’s right to fair hearing was not under any threat.
 
Justice Abang noted that Maina had not been appearing in court since the matter resumed on September 29, until when he was brought on December 4 after he was arrested based on the arrest warrant issued by the court.
 
The judge, had before adjourning the matter on December 4 till Tuesday,  ordered Maina to be remanded in a correctional centre.
 
The judge made the remand order after the defendant, who was said to have jumped bail and fled to Niger Republic, was extradited to Nigeria.
 
The trial continues on Wednesday.

Latest-News Maina’s briefcase companies had N3bn turnover – EFCC witness

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s prosecution witness said on Tuesday that a former chairman of the defunct Pension Reformed...

Nigeria’s official population rises to 206 million

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The National Population Commission says Nigeria’s population is now estimated at 206 million.
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This comes exactly two years after the NPC estimated the country’s population at 198 million.
 
The Chairman of the NPC, Nasir Kwarra, said this at a press conference on the commencement of the next Enumeration Area Demarcation in Abuja on Tuesday.
 
Kwarra said since Nigeria had not been able to hold a census in the last 14 years, it would be difficult to know the exact population of the country.
 
He said, “In the absence of actual census, we formally do projections and we have all along been doing our projections and we estimate that as of 2020, the estimated population of Nigeria 206 million.”
 
The NPC boss said the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had the sole right to announce the next census.
 
Kwarra added that he was certain that Buhari would do the needful soon.
 
While announcing the commencement of the Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise, Kwarra said about 260 local government areas out of the 774 in the country had been fully demarcated.
 
He stated that the 11th phase of the exercise would begin on December 9, 2020 and end on January 20, 2011.
The NPC chairman said, “Planning for census is anchored on the EAD as the basis for estimating both the human and material resources required for the census. In essence, the success of a credible and accurate census depends very much on the quality and reliability of the EAD.”
 
Kwarra explained that the EAD exercise is not the enumeration of persons living in the country but a preparatory exercise before the census.
 
He said the NPC would be assisting the Independent National Electoral Commission to create digitised maps of INEC registration areas for the first time as part of the EAD. He said this collaboration would positively affect future elections.

Latest-News Nigeria’s official population rises to 206 million

The National Population Commission says Nigeria’s population is now estimated at 206 million. This comes exactly two years after the ...

Trump’s hopes dashed by US supreme court

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The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday handed a devastating defeat to Republicans seeking to throw out up to 2.5 million mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania as they try to undo President Donald Trump’s election loss.
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The justices refused to block the state from formalising President-elect Joe Biden’s victory there.
 
The court in a brief order rejected a request made by U.S. congressman Mike Kelly, a Trump ally, and other Pennsylvania Republicans who filed a lawsuit after the Nov. 3 election arguing that the state’s 2019 expansion of mail-in voting was illegal under state law.
 
Pennsylvania was one of the pivotal states in the election, with Biden, a Democrat, defeating Trump there after the Republican president won the state in 2016.
State officials had already certified the election results.
 
There were no noted dissents from any of the justices on the court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority including three Trump appointees.
 
Trump had urged the Republican-led Senate to confirm his most recent nominee, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, before the election so she would be able to participate in any election-related cases.
 
Trump has falsely claimed that he won re-election, making unfounded claims about widespread voting fraud in states including Pennsylvania.
 
Democrats and other critics have accused Trump of aiming to reduce public confidence in the integrity of U.S. elections and undermine democracy by trying to subvert the will of the voters.
 
The Republican plaintiffs argued that the universal, “no-excuse” mail-in ballot program passed by the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania legislature in 2019, enabling voters to cast ballots by mail for any reason, violated the state’s constitution.

Latest-News Trump’s hopes dashed by US supreme court

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday handed a devastating defeat to Republicans seeking to throw out up to 2.5 million mail-in ballots i...

Man drags Amstel Malta/Nigerian Breweries to court

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An Abuja-based Nigerian, Paul Oche, has filed a N1.5 billion suit against the Nigerian Breweries PLC over alleged intellectual theft.
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Oche, in a suit filed before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, is claiming a sum of N1 billion as aggravated and exemplary damages against the company for unlawfully, capriciously, maliciously and contemptuously infringing on his copyright in the intellectual literary work, titled; “The Amstel Factor; an Amstel Malta Guide on How to Be the Best You Can Be.”
 
In the suit instituted through his counsel, Paul Ekweume, the plaintiff is also claiming another sum of N500 million as general damages over unlawful use of his copyright.
 
Besides monetary demands, the plaintiff sought for an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendants, their agents, servants and privies from further infringing by way of unlawful use, adaption and derivation on his copyright.
 
While the Nigerian Breweries PLC is the 1st defendant, DDB South Africa, Mr samsomp Oloche and Heineken BV Netherlands are 2nd to 4th defendants respectively.
 
In his statement of claim, Oche averred that he authored the Amstel Factor Book as well as a proposal and power point presentation made to promote the Amstel Malta drink brand.
 
As part of efforts to promote the Amstel Malta brand in Nigeria, the plaintiff claimed that the brewery launched a new credential campaign sometimes in 2016 with the slogan: “Why Add More” and published it on all its social media forums, websites and bill board adverts as well as videos and graphic designs based on the campaign.
 
He further claimed that he spent several years engaging in various intensive academic researches and eventually gathered the necessary materials which culminated into his writing a book: “The Amstel Factor, An Amstel Malta Guide on How to Be the Best You Can Be;” a proposal and a power point designed to pictorially and graphically demonstrate his works on the electronic media, television and motion pictures.
 
He said that in 2015, he travelled to the breweries’ headquarter in Lagos and submitted the book and the proposal to the Brand Manager, adding that after the submissions, he waited patiently for a formal invitation by the company to deliver his campaign but was not given acknowledgement of receipt of his book.
 
The plaintiff said in February 2016, he visited the LinkedIn online profile of one Samson Oloche, the 3rd defendant in the suit, who at the time was the Consumer and Market Intelligence, Digital and Media Manager of the company.
 
He further averred that he informed the said Oloche how he submitted a proposal in 2015 to Amstel Malta Brand Manager but did not receive any response, adding that the 3rd defendant provided him with his email address, where he then forwarded the power point presentation and proposal and that he got a promise that the right person in the breweries would see and evaluate his work.
 
He stated that in 2016, he stumbled upon a new Amstel Malta campaign online tagged: “Why Add More.”
 
He added that without seeking his permission, the breweries used his literary work in the brand campaign and refused to give credit to his work.
 
Oche further stated that a complaint was lodged with the Nigerian Copyright Commission and that series of meetings were held during which the 3rd defendant admitted receiving Amstel Malta Brand campaign proposal and power point presentation but later claimed to have deleted the materials and that he did not submit it to the appropriate authority.
 
At the mention of the case on Tuesday, the plaintiff, through his counsel, Ekweume, said he filed a motion on notice for an Interlocutory Injunction, restraining the defendants from further use of his copyright in the activities of the giant brewery lined up for the year.
 
Although counsel to the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants, Amina Ibrahim, said she had not been served with the motion, the claim was found to be false.
 
Counsel to the 2nd defendant, Joseph Osayande, who admitted service of the motion on Dec. 4, asked for time to respond.
 
Following bitter complaint on the alleged continuous infringement of the copyright and the refusal of the respondents to admit responsibilities, Justice Nyako ordered status quo to be maintained by parties in the suit.
 
She noted that issues had been joined in the suit.
 
The judge, who directed the company to continue the sale of the already packaged branded Amstel Malta, ordered that further campaign on the new branded Amstel Malta being handled by DDV of South Africa be put on hold pending the determination of the main suit.
 
Justice Nyako got infuriated when Osayande, counsel to DDB of South Africa, challenged the order of status quo, prompting the judge to warn the lawyer and his client against flouting the order of the court.
 
“If you campaign on the subject matter of this suit, it is contempt of court.
 
“I will descend heavily on you as a counsel because I have warned you and have cautioned you in the open court on the consequences of prejudicing the court,” she held.
 
The judge adjourned the matter until Jan. 20 for hearing