General Police arrest driver for supplying fuel, food to Boko Haram insurgents

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEJxfLalZlk/WQZKjf3778I/AAAAAAAC2KM/GlOMdVWKL3UrswYH_ElJCSmE7CvxbgFhwCLcB/s1600/boko%2Bharam%2Blogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEJxfLalZlk/WQZKjf3778I/AAAAAAAC2KM/GlOMdVWKL3UrswYH_ElJCSmE7CvxbgFhwCLcB/s320/boko%2Bharam%2Blogo.png" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The Police Command in Borno said on Sunday that it had arrested a driver, Malam Modu Mustapha, suspected to be purchasing fuel and food items for Boko Haram insurgents.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mr Damian Chukwu, the Commissioner of Police in the state, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri that the suspect was arrested after a tip-off by members of the public.<br /> <br /> “The Police have received information that one Modu Mustapha of Jumptilo village was a terrorists’ collaborator, who buys fuel and food for them, at Alagarno and other hideout.<br /> <br /> “The Police descended on the suspect, who has confessed to the crime,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> Chukwu alleged that the driver usually fetched firewood in the bush, from where he was suspected to have met the terrorists.<br /> <br /> “He said that he had been buying things for the insurgent group.<br /> <br /> “We recovered N10, 000 from the suspect, which the terrorists gave him to buy bicycle spare parts for them,” said the commissioner.<br /> <br /> The commissioner said the suspect also named 15 other firewood vehicle drivers, who engaged in similar crime.<br /> <br /> According to him, the Police are yet to establish the motive of the driver buying things for the insurgents.<br /> <br /> “We have not been able to establish his reasons for buying things for them, whether he is under the influence of spell, coerced into doing it, or doing it willingly as their collaborator,” said Chukwu<br /> <br /> He said that because of the nature of the alleged crime, it would be transferred to the military for further action.<br /> <br /> Chukwu said that the Police also arrested three men who specialised in adulterating grind-pepper, mixing it with sawdust and flower waste and selling same to public as pepper.<br /> “Those arrested included Bukar Masona, Babakura Umar and Ali Muhammad.<br /> <br /> “The adulterated pepper they sell to the public is poisonous and unfit for human consumption,’’ he said.<br /> The commissioner said that the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), for further investigation.

General Police arrest driver for supplying fuel, food to Boko Haram insurgents

The Police Command in Borno said on Sunday that it had arrested a driver, Malam Modu Mustapha, suspected to be purchasing fuel and food i...

Read more »

'It was not proper for me to declare my assets' - Jonathan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vWrEMYucwsw/WQZIvXg3_QI/AAAAAAAC2J4/N6XID3EHczMpKmoKC_ouUuHfVX32cI1NgCLcB/s400/Jonathan%2Bs.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has defended his decision shunning entreaties to make his assets public while in office between 2011 and 2015.<br /> <br /> The former president, whose action is captured in the new book, ‘Against the Run of Play: How an incumbent president was defeated’ by Segun Adeniyi, argued that he did not believe that declaring his assets publicly could stem the tide of corruption or degrade the level of terrorism in the country.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a>Jonathan said: “It is not the President declaring his assets that will end Boko Haram and whether I am criticised from head to toe I will not declare my assets publicly; it is not right; I did not even want to declare my assets as VP but was forced by the then President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.<br /> <br /> “The law is clear. A public officer should declare his asset, and if there are issues, then the relevant agencies would have a basis to assess whether you have amassed wealth or not. Pressed further to make public his assets in the spirit of the anti-corruption war and moral basis, the book quotes Jonathan as saying, “I don’t give a damn about it.<br /> <br /> The law is clear about it and so, making it public is not issue and I will not play into the hands of people. I have nothing to hide. “I declared under Yar Ádua because he did it, but it is not proper; it is not the president declaring assets that will change the country,” he insisted.<br /> <br />  The book noted, “By refusing to make public his assets declaration, Jonathan easily played into the hands of the opposition that had started to define him as a corrupt leader.<br /> <br />  “That characterisation hounded him throughout his tenure and would become a major campaign point in 2015. “But if there was any corruption scandal that did incalculable damage to the credibility of his government, it was the mismanagement of the fuel subsidy funds,” the book noted.<br /> <br /> It went further: “And with that, critical stakeholders, including organised labour unions and civil society groups-responded with anger and condemnation, vowing to challenge the Federal Government by calling for a nationwide strike.”

'It was not proper for me to declare my assets' - Jonathan

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has defended his decision shunning entreaties to make his assets public while in office between 2011 and 2...

Read more »

Fayose is now a governor in Biafra - IPOB

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NdN7SGH6qE/WQZJkHoCPuI/AAAAAAAC2KA/7AKHU-NR50okgb2NpOFpZjuKEPnW4M6ZACLcB/s1600/FAYOSE%2BkANU.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NdN7SGH6qE/WQZJkHoCPuI/AAAAAAAC2KA/7AKHU-NR50okgb2NpOFpZjuKEPnW4M6ZACLcB/s320/FAYOSE%2BkANU.jpeg" width="293" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Indegenious People of Biafra, IPOB, has named and honored the governor of Ekiti state Ayodele Fayose the governor of Biafra.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This was made known to newsmen  through its statement issued and signed by its media and publicity secretary Emma Powerful.<br /> <br />  Report holds it that Gov. Fayose was honoured in respect to his courage depicted during Nnamdi Kanu’s trial and circumstances that led to his bail.<br /> <br /> However, the statement reads thus, “We also acknowledge the immense contributions of the honorary Biafran Gov. Ayodele Fayose who did what no south-east or south-south governor had the courage to do,” the statement read.<br /> <br /> IPOB also commended Osita Chidoka and Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation ministers; Chukwuma Soludo, Pat Utomi, Ike Ekweremau, deputy senate president; Enyinnaya Abaribe and others “for their support in the release of its leaders.”

Fayose is now a governor in Biafra - IPOB

The Indegenious People of Biafra, IPOB, has named and honored the governor of Ekiti state Ayodele Fayose the governor of Biafra. This ...

Read more »

VIDEO: 'Me corrupt? i don't even like money' - Rotimi Amaechi says

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iEYunE8vy8/WQZFhM87pqI/AAAAAAAC2Js/JSgZ_cIdGGIV2PvohxFHw7n8vQgYnWGYQCLcB/s1600/Amaechi%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8iEYunE8vy8/WQZFhM87pqI/AAAAAAAC2Js/JSgZ_cIdGGIV2PvohxFHw7n8vQgYnWGYQCLcB/s400/Amaechi%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The minister for transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that he is not corrupt and does not like money. Ameachi made the remark on Saturday in an interview with Channels TV.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a>During the interview session, Amaechi was asked if he is corrupt, responding to her saying he does not like money.<br /> <br /> <br /> Watch video below...<br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://web.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2FAbiyamo%2Fvideos%2F1192428730867708%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="580"></iframe>

VIDEO: 'Me corrupt? i don't even like money' - Rotimi Amaechi says

The minister for transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that he is not corrupt and does not like money. Ameachi made the remark on Saturday ...

Read more »

North Korea’s Kim is ‘a pretty smart cookie’ - President Trump

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahQQLhtNvn4/WQY7enAJKYI/AAAAAAAC2Jc/Y_P60n_XWaAlT1oEPjJlxg5qXTqgqQIoQCLcB/s1600/Trump-kim.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahQQLhtNvn4/WQY7enAJKYI/AAAAAAAC2Jc/Y_P60n_XWaAlT1oEPjJlxg5qXTqgqQIoQCLcB/s400/Trump-kim.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> US President Donald Trump offered some backhanded praise for North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, calling him “a pretty smart cookie” in a television interview that aired Sunday.<br /> <br /> Trump’s almost admiring remarks came amid soaring tensions with North Korea over its missile and nuclear programs, with an alarmed Washington looking to China for help in reining in Kim.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Trump said he had “no idea” whether Kim was sane or not, but said the North Korean leader had faced a formidable challenge in taking over the country at a reported age of 27 after his father’s death in 2011.<br /> <br /> “He’s dealing with obviously very tough people, in particular the generals and others. And at a very young age, he was able to assume power,” Trump said in the interview with CBS’s “Face the Nation.”<br /> <br /> “A lot of people, I’m sure, tried to take that power away, whether it was his uncle or anybody else. And he was able to do it.<br /> <br /> “So obviously, he’s a pretty smart cookie,” he said.<br /> <br /> “But we have a situation that we just cannot let — we cannot let what’s been going on for a long period of years continue,” Trump added.<br /> <br /> North Korea has kept the West on edge for weeks over signs it may conduct a sixth nuclear test, punctuated by a series of missile tests that have aroused US fears that the regime may be close to developing a ballistic missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead.<br /> <br /> – ‘A chess game’ –<br /> <br /> The North, defying mounting US pressure, launched its latest missile test on Saturday, which South Korea said failed.<br /> <br /> Trump refused comment on whether the United States had anything to do with the missile test failure.<br /> <br /> “It is a chess game. I just don’t want people to know what my thinking is. So eventually, he will have a better delivery system. And if that happens, we can’t allow it to happen.”<br /> <br /> Hours before the North Korean test, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned of “catastrophic consequences” if the international community does not act more forcefully to sanction Pyongyang.<br /> <br /> The United States has deployed a naval strike group to the area led by the carrier USS Carl Vinson, which on Saturday began drilling with the South Korean navy to practice procedures for tracking and intercepting enemy ballistic missiles.<br /> <br /> On Sunday, the two allies concluded a massive annual military exercise called “Foal Eagle,” which involved around 20,000 South Korean and 10,000 US troops.<br /> <br /> – Betting on China –<br /> <br /> If North Korea carries out a nuclear test, Trump told CBS, “I would not be happy.”<br /> <br /> “And I can tell you also, I don’t believe that the president of China, who is a very respected man, will be happy either,” Trump said.<br /> <br /> Asked if “not happy” signified “military action,” Trump answered: “I don’t know. I mean, we’ll see.”<br /> <br /> So far, Trump has placed his biggest bet on getting China to use its leverage to pressure Pyongyang to change its behavior, a strategy that has failed to produce results in the past.<br /> <br /> Since meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida April 6-7, Trump has set aside his campaign threats to impose tariffs on Chinese imports and declare Beijing a currency manipulator.<br /> <br /> “I think that, frankly, North Korea is maybe more important than trade. Trade is very important. But massive warfare with millions, potentially millions of people being killed? That, as we would say, trumps trade,” he told CBS.<br /> <br /> “Now, if China can help us with North Korea and can solve that problem — that’s worth making not as good a trade deal for the United States,” he said.

North Korea’s Kim is ‘a pretty smart cookie’ - President Trump

US President Donald Trump offered some backhanded praise for North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, calling him “a pretty smart cookie” in a te...

Read more »

Governor Lamido arrested for allegedly inciting his supporters

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgU6IidNxXA/WQY69_LrNfI/AAAAAAAC2JU/vqefDHxyNAAFvBJC3t2MhVTC3CET3o5BwCLcB/s1600/Sule%2BLamido.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgU6IidNxXA/WQY69_LrNfI/AAAAAAAC2JU/vqefDHxyNAAFvBJC3t2MhVTC3CET3o5BwCLcB/s400/Sule%2BLamido.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The police in Kano on Sunday arrested the immediate past governor of Jigawa, Alhaji Sule Lamido.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A reliable source told the Newsmen in Kano that Lamido was arrested for allegedly inciting his supporters to stop the conduct of state’s upcoming local council polls. The arrest of Lamido may be connected with a programme aired on one of the Kano local radio stations. Lamido was alleged to have directed his supporters, during the programme, to ensure that they win the local governments elections by all means.<br /> <br /> The former governor was said to have been arrested at his Sharada Kano residence in the early hours of Sunday by the Zonal Investigative Bureau unit of Zone One Command of the Nigeria Police in Kano. When Newsmen visited the headquarters of Zone one located along BUK road, the former governor was still being held by the police who are yet to make any official statement on the issue. However, when contacted, the Public Relations officer, Zone 1, DSP Sambo Sokoto confirmed Lamido’s arrest.<br /> <br /> He said: “Yes I was told that the former governor was invited at Zone 1, but I was trying to get the details when you called me now, ” Sokoto said. He said that more details of the arrest would be issued to the press soon.

Governor Lamido arrested for allegedly inciting his supporters

The police in Kano on Sunday arrested the immediate past governor of Jigawa, Alhaji Sule Lamido. A reliable source told the Newsmen i...

Read more »

Tottenham 2 Arsenal 0: Alli, Kane deliver in White Hart Lane's derby farewell

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRXKPQ_1b_Q/WQYfl7fomsI/AAAAAAAAQys/CMsAnUbQlvcQrzlNCL6abce49gabMCHHgCLcB/s1600/tot%2B2-0%2Bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRXKPQ_1b_Q/WQYfl7fomsI/AAAAAAAAQys/CMsAnUbQlvcQrzlNCL6abce49gabMCHHgCLcB/s640/tot%2B2-0%2Bars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Tottenham signed off on the last north London derby at the old White Hart Lane in fine style on Sunday, beating Arsenal 2-0 to ensure they will finish above their fierce local rivals in the Premier League for the first time since 1995.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> There is also the small matter of the convincing victory keeping Spurs in the hunt for the title, as goals from Dele Alli, his first in this fixture, and Harry Kane, the ultimate specialist at delivering against the Gunners, moved Mauricio Pochettino's men back to within four points of league leaders Chelsea, who won 3-0 at Everton earlier in the day.<br /> <br /> Arsenal have enjoyed plenty of success at the home of their neighbours, twice sealing the title at the historic venue, but they will leave for the final time before its redevelopment unfulfilled, having failed to take advantage of the points dropped by Manchester City and Manchester United in the hotly-contested scrap for Champions League qualification.<br /> <br /> The result leaves Arsene Wenger's side sixth, six points back from fourth-placed City and five behind United, who visit Emirates Stadium next weekend, when Tottenham contest another London derby against West Ham.<br /> <br /> Spurs threatened early through a Kane shot and Toby Alderweireld's near-post header, before Alli nearly broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, heading wide with the goal gaping after Kane's deflected strike wrong-footed goalkeeper Petr Cech.<br /> <br /> Three minutes later it was Christian Eriksen's turn to go even closer, the playmaker clipping the bar with a volleyed effort after Victor Wanyama had played Song Heung-min into space down the left.<br /> <br /> The South Korea international left Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for dead on the touchline, raced into the area and saw a curling attempt blocked, his Danish team-mate then proving unable to stroke home the loose ball.<br /> <br /> Having struggled to impose themselves, Arsenal were restricted to half chances for Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez from range, Jan Vertonghen returning the favour by testing Cech in first-half injury time.<br /> <br /> Spurs began the second half strongly, Wanyama calling Cech into action with a fierce curling strike following a rapid counter-attack.<br /> <br /> They deservedly broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, Alli's neat footwork creating a chance for Eriksen, who had his close-range shot from a tight angle saved by Cech. The goalkeeper could only parry the ball back into the danger area, where it was coolly stroked home by the young England midfielder.<br /> <br /> Just three minutes later the hosts were gifted a second, Gabriel giving away a penalty with a needless trip on Kane inside the area. The striker made no mistake with the subsequent spot-kick, tucking his effort just inside the post to leave a motionless Cech with no chance, becoming the leading Spurs scorer in Premier League north London derbies.<br /> <br /> The novel 3-4-3 formation that had prompted a change in Arsenal's recent fortunes failed them against their newly imperious rivals, as Wenger's second-half substitutes, Theo Walcott among them, proved unable to force a route back into a contest that Tottenham comfortably dominated throughout.<br /> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div>Credit: Goal</div> </div>

Tottenham 2 Arsenal 0: Alli, Kane deliver in White Hart Lane's derby farewell

Tottenham signed off on the last north London derby at the old White Hart Lane in fine style on Sunday, beating Arsenal 2-0 to ensure the...

Read more »

Lawyer sues EFCC over Osborne Tower’s N13 billion

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L12IlZj5Y3E/WQYY6ig3fvI/AAAAAAAAQyc/U0N7QXKn2nwe1DABp-TGdYAw-mK8r8rKACLcB/s1600/efcc%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L12IlZj5Y3E/WQYY6ig3fvI/AAAAAAAAQyc/U0N7QXKn2nwe1DABp-TGdYAw-mK8r8rKACLcB/s1600/efcc%2B2.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> An activist lawyer, Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje, has sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission urging the court to suspend action on the forfeiture application filed by the agency in respect of the cash sums of $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 recovered from an apartment in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ogungbeje, who sued the EFCC at the Federal High Court in Lagos, urged the court not to order the forfeiture of the funds to the Federal Government until the question of the ownership of the funds had been resolved.<br /> <br /> He noted that there were claims and counter-claims as to ownership of the money by the Rivers State Government and the National Intelligence Agency.<br /> <br /> The lawyer said it would be in the interest of justice for the court to suspend action on the forfeiture proceedings pending the outcome of findings by panel headed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.<br /> <br /> The EFCC had on April 13 secured an interim order temporarily forfeiting the money, recovered from No.16, Osborne Road, Osborne Towers, Flat 7B, to the Federal Government.<br /> <br /> Justice Muslim Hassan, who made the temporary forfeiture order, had adjourned till May 5, 2017 for anyone interested in the funds to show up before him to show cause why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government<br /> <br /> But Ogungbeje, in his motion on notice, is praying the court for an order, directing the EFCC to furnish the court with a report of its preliminary or final investigation on the source of the monies, the owner, and how the currencies got into the building.<br /> The lawyer wants the court to compel the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission and the police to immediately begin a thorough investigation of the recovered money.<br /> <br /> “This honourable court has the inherent jurisdiction under Section 6 (6)(b) of the Constitution to order and direct thorough investigation of the sources of the monies, their owners, the owners of the Osborne Towers where the monies were found and how they got into the building.<br /> <br /> “A thorough and transparent investigation of the monies will strengthen the anti-corruption crusade.<br /> “Nigerians are interested in the sources, owners of the monies, owners of the building and how the monies got into Osborne Residential apartment,” the lawyer said.<br /> <br /> He argued that the EFCC would not be prejudiced if his prayers were granted by the court.<br /> <br /> The court has yet to fix a date to hear the suit.</div>

Lawyer sues EFCC over Osborne Tower’s N13 billion

An activist lawyer, Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje, has sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission urging the court to suspend action on th...

Read more »

400 Fulani across Nigeria convert to Christianity, 7 ordained as Pastors, Reverends

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkundUYce2A/WQYXJZR6A7I/AAAAAAAAQyQ/R6nRN2GuXxksAfGm2QGbHpqBJs4VBSsjACLcB/s1600/fulani%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkundUYce2A/WQYXJZR6A7I/AAAAAAAAQyQ/R6nRN2GuXxksAfGm2QGbHpqBJs4VBSsjACLcB/s320/fulani%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> More than 400 persons of Fulani ethnicity across the country have converted to Christianity.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Rev. Copper Sebok in charge of COCIN Church Panyam, Plateau State, made the disclosure on Sunday at the end of a 3-day conference organised for all Fulani converts of all denominations nationwide.<br /> <br /> He urged the converts to preach the gospel of peace to their kindred in order to reduce the prevailing crises in the country.<br /> <br /> Sebok said: “The conference is also a re-union service for all Fulani converts regardless of their denominations and to share experiences and encourage one another in the propagation of the gospel of peace.<br /> <br /> “It is a concept of COCIN 43 years ago, and to debunk the notion that Fulani’s are nomadic and can’t be reached with the gospel of Christ.’’<br /> <br /> In his sermon, the cleric said man must have compassion on the unsaved to draw them to Christ for eternal salvation.<br /> <br /> He decried the level of crises in Nigeria which usually resulted to loss of lives and property, adding that Nigerians must embrace peace for the progress and development of the nation.<br /> <br /> Rev. Hassan Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of the converts, expressed gratitude to God for giving them a new lease of life as Christians.<br /> <br /> He disclosed that the conference was an eye opener for them to go and proclaim the gospel not only to their kindred but to all nations.<br /> <br /> “We have a total of seven Fulani people ordained Reverends beside other Pastors and Evangelists and we are doing our best to enlighten our brothers and sisters about Christianity”.<br /> <br /> He thanked the organizers of the conference and appealed to both Christians and Muslim to continue to pray for the peace of the country.</div>

400 Fulani across Nigeria convert to Christianity, 7 ordained as Pastors, Reverends

More than 400 persons of Fulani ethnicity across the country have converted to Christianity. Rev. Copper Sebok in charge of COCIN Chur...

Read more »

‘We’ll not close IDP camps in Borno by May 29’

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKfM-fIyUu8/WQYV1ri2flI/AAAAAAAAQyE/zK3obtMVt8cyO8fnALyBXG_WWT9ECCPDACLcB/s1600/idp2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKfM-fIyUu8/WQYV1ri2flI/AAAAAAAAQyE/zK3obtMVt8cyO8fnALyBXG_WWT9ECCPDACLcB/s400/idp2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that the planned closure of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno by May 29 was no longer feasible.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mr Muhammad Kanar, the NEMA North East Coordinator stated on this Sunday while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.<br /> <br /> Kanar said that IDPs whose communities had been liberated were, however, free to return home voluntarily.<br /> <br /> “Actually, Gov. Kashim Shettima arrived at the May 29 date for closure of all IDP camps based on his conviction that things will go on as they started from last year.<br /> “It was Shettima’s hope and the hope of every disaster management expert for the camps to close early so people can return to their normal life,” he said.<br /> <br /> Kanar said that the governor was motivated by the gallant efforts of the military in liberating many communities in a short period.<br /> <br /> “Stakeholders were amazed by the speed our gallant soldiers achieved a lot within a few weeks in the fight against insurgency.<br /> <br /> “They were able to recapture all the 22 Local Government Areas from the Boko Haram and liberated so many communities within and outside the areas.<br /> <br /> “These gave hope and focus that by May 29 government will be able to return IDPs back home.”<br /> <br /> He said that recent developments had almost made it impossible for the hope to be achieved.<br /> <br /> “But now it seems that closing the camps is not possible by the set date. We have to re-plan again.<br /> <br /> “By May 29, any IDP wishing to go back to his place can go, so long as the place is safe enough,” he said.<br /> <br /> Kanar said that the hope of returning all IDPs back home was not totally lost.<br /> <br /> “Up till today the hope is still there, if we can get the place safe, secured those willing to go back can still return.<br /> <br /> “Right now we have satellite camps in all liberated LGAs, where IDPs living in Maiduguri can stay pending when they can move to their communities.<br /> <br /> “If you do not want to stay in Maiduguri, you can go there. Many houses have been rehabilitated and normalcy restored in many LGA headquarters,” he said.</div>

‘We’ll not close IDP camps in Borno by May 29’

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said that the planned closure of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno by Ma...

Read more »

Nadal wins 10th Barcelona Open

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdXFrM-wrhw/WQYSbQRPzpI/AAAAAAAAQx4/3dJwPRhWdCAoScLN1Nzgbdj1KdQw3-UKgCLcB/s1600/rafael%2Bnadal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdXFrM-wrhw/WQYSbQRPzpI/AAAAAAAAQx4/3dJwPRhWdCAoScLN1Nzgbdj1KdQw3-UKgCLcB/s1600/rafael%2Bnadal2.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> One week after securing a record 10th title at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Rafael Nadal etched his name in the history books once again, lifting a 10th trophy at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Nadal's historic conclusion to the month of April extended to home soil, defeating Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1.<br /> <br /> Nadal has relinquished just one set in posting a staggering 10-0 record in Barcelona finals. He captured a 71st tour-level crown and 51st on clay, firing 14 winners and saving the lone break point faced. He was only broken twice in 47 service games throughout the week.<br /> <br /> The Spaniard capped a record-breaking two-week stretch, which saw him become the first player to win 10 titles at a tour-level event in Monte-Carlo and repeat the feat on his native clay of Barcelona. He has won 20 of 21 sets thus far on the European clay-court swing.</div>

Nadal wins 10th Barcelona Open

One week after securing a record 10th title at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Rafael Nadal etched his name in the history books once agai...

Read more »

Governor Rauf Aregbesola sets up panel to probe Adeleke’s death

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxz9McbEa_w/WQYRa4KUguI/AAAAAAAAQxs/XlozBucKjJIukipSpkX3jFvmQNK05PtuQCLcB/s1600/Rauf%2BAregbesola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qxz9McbEa_w/WQYRa4KUguI/AAAAAAAAQxs/XlozBucKjJIukipSpkX3jFvmQNK05PtuQCLcB/s400/Rauf%2BAregbesola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has said the state government will set up a panel to probe the cause of the sudden death of Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was a serving senator and the first civilian governor of the state.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This is contained in a statement made available to our correspondent in Osogbo on Sunday by the media aide to the governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon.<br /> <br /> The governor described Adeleke as a man of peace, who he said defected from the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the August 2014 governorship poll in the state because he could not stand violence.<br /> <br /> The governor said the administration had planned a befitting state burial for the late politician but he said this was scuttled by some person ” crying more than the bereaved” who unleashed terror on dignitaries, who came to honour the departed soul.<br /> <br /> The statement read, “Senator Adeleke was a man of peace. He preached peace and lived it through his life. He left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he could not stand violence. This was after he was beaten up by some leaders of the PDP during a meeting in a hotel in Osogbo.<br /> <br /> “It is a profound irony and most unfortunate therefore that a few disgruntled elements purporting to protest his death desecrated his funeral with violence and attacks on innocent persons. They dishonoured him and did his memory a great disservice by keeping his friends, political associates and well-wishers away from his burial.<br /> <br /> “The best we could do in the circumstance was to declare three days of mourning throughout the state and fly national, state and our party’s flags at half-mast in his honour.<br /> <br /> “The State Government of Osun, using the instrumentality of the law, is setting up an inquest to unravel the circumstances of this unfortunate and sad incident, in order to put the record straight on his death.<br /> <br /> “We continue to mourn the untimely death of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. He is irreplaceable in our hearts.  We commiserate with his family, the good people of Ede, associates, friends, constituents and generality of our people on the passage of this patriot. As we pray for the repose of his soul, we equally pray for the strength to bear this heavy loss.”</div>

Governor Rauf Aregbesola sets up panel to probe Adeleke’s death

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has said the state government will set up a panel to probe the cause of the sudden death of Sen...

Read more »

Police Arrest Ex-Jigawa Governor, Sule Lamido

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNAjzZDATp4/WQYQPi61_xI/AAAAAAAAQxg/ks6qkeEFUbAuj_2du7M82JZ54MB4nIm9QCLcB/s1600/Sule%2Blamido.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VNAjzZDATp4/WQYQPi61_xI/AAAAAAAAQxg/ks6qkeEFUbAuj_2du7M82JZ54MB4nIm9QCLcB/s320/Sule%2Blamido.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The police in Kano have arrested the immediate past governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mr Lamido was arrested for allegedly inciting his supporters to stop the conduct of local government elections organised by the current administration of Governor Muhammad Badaru.<br /> <br /> The council elections are fixed for July 1.<br /> <br /> Mr Lamido, who was arrested at his Sharada Kano home on Sunday morning, was whisked away to the Zone One Command of the Nigeria Police in Kano.<br /> <br /> As at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday, the former governor was still being held by the police who are yet to make any official statement on the matter.<br /> <br /> About six vehicles of the former governor filled with his aides who waited patiently for the release of their boss.</div>

Police Arrest Ex-Jigawa Governor, Sule Lamido

The police in Kano have arrested the immediate past governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido. Mr Lamido was arrested for allegedly inciti...

Read more »

World Bank Tired With Enquiries About Abacha Loot

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHB63NC28AM/WQYIkVsoQVI/AAAAAAAC2JA/1AH7fZ3XwwwNcqDIiIVlhlIvWSNK6_LCACLcB/s1600/abacha%2Bloot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BHB63NC28AM/WQYIkVsoQVI/AAAAAAAC2JA/1AH7fZ3XwwwNcqDIiIVlhlIvWSNK6_LCACLcB/s400/abacha%2Bloot.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The World Bank has told Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that it “cannot locate any additional information on the projects executed with recovered stolen public funds by the late General Sani Abacha.”<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to the response sent last week to SERAP, the World Bank Access to Information Appeal Committee said, “In response to your request under case number AI4288 (related to your initial request case number AI3982), we wish to inform you that we have thoroughly searched our records and databases but have not been able to locate any additional information that is responsive to your request beyond what we have already shared with you. Therefore, we are unable to fulfill your request.”<br /> <br /> It would be recalled that the World Bank last year asked for more time to release details on the spending of recovered loot by Abacha. This followed the bank’s decision to refer “portion of appeal by SERAP to the Bank Archives Unit for processing for public access. The Bank’s request for more time followed the appeal SERAP lodged with the Bank on 5 February 2016 on the ground that the Bank’s decision on its initial request did not reveal “important portions of the information requested on how Abacha loot was spent.”<br /> <br /> But dissatisfied with the failure of the Bank to locate additional information, SERAP has now sent an open letter to the Bank’s president Dr. Jim Yong Kim requesting him to use his “good offices and leadership position to urgently address the public perception that the World Bank is seeking to distance itself from responsibility over alleged mismanagement in the spending of recovered Abacha loot.”<br /> <br /> Specifically, the organization asked Dr Kim to “establish a Special Inspection Panel on Nigeria to visit locations across the country to verify whether or not the projects reportedly executed by the Nigerian government with the funds were actually executed.”<br /> <br /> In the letter dated 28 April 2017 and signed by SERAP deputy director Timothy Adewale the organization expressed concern that “the apparent lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of recovered Abacha loot and the fact that the Bank has now come to the conclusion that it has no more information to provide on the status of the projects reportedly executed with the funds have impacted negatively on the communities across the country who are victims of corruption.”<br /> <br /> The organization argued that, “Using technicalities under the Bank’s Access to Information Policy to refuse to answer outstanding questions on the projects reportedly executed with recovered Abacha loot would leave communities across the country that have been negatively affected by the mismanagement of the funds without any effective remedies.”<br /> <br /> The letter read in part: “Getting to the root of how Abacha loot was spent would demonstrate that the World Bank is willing to put people first in the implementation of its development and governance policies and mandates, as well as remove any suspicion of the Bank’s complicity in the alleged mismanagement of the recovered public funds.”<br /> <br /> “There would be an acute risk that the Bank’s on-going and future role in supervising and monitoring of spending of recovered stolen public funds would be questioned and may be legally challenged for lacking transparency and accountability.”<br /> <br /> “SERAP believes that given its supervisory and monitoring roles in the spending of the recovered Abacha loot, the World Bank ought to do much more to clarify outstanding questions regarding the status of projects reportedly executed with the funds. It is vital that the Bank is able to show that it is up to the task whenever it takes up the responsibility of supervising and monitoring the spending of recovered funds in Nigeria and elsewhere across the world.”<br /> <br /> “SERAP also believes that the Bank ought to have classified the execution of the projects by the Nigerian government as high or substantial risk especially given the prevalent of corruption in the country, and exercised due diligence including by keeping proper records on the conditions of projects supervised and monitored by the Bank.”<br /> <br /> “Any failure to take decisive action to uncover what exactly happened to the projects reportedly executed by recovered Abacha loot which the Bank volunteered to supervise and monitor would shed a bad light on the World Bank, undermine its goal of alleviating poverty, and may mark the demise of transparency and accountability at the Bank.”<br /> <br /> “The proposed inspection panel on Nigeria should be able to ask appropriate questions from the authorities and engage with the communities affected by the alleged mismanagement of the recovered funds. This process would help to enhance compliance on the ground with the Bank’s safeguards and thereby bolstering the Bank’s accountability under its policies.”<br /> <br /> “The panel should also undertake a full investigation into whether there has been a serious failure by the Bank supervisors and monitors to observe its operational policies and procedures regarding the execution of projects with recovered Abacha loot; the role played by any government officials including in the Ministry of Finance, and the material adverse effects on communities across the country.”<br /> <br /> “Communities that have been affected by the apparent mismanagement of recovered Abacha loot should receive from the Bank proper and adequate compensation as well as community-based development benefits such as education, sanitation systems, health care, and community services (particularly for the elderly, mothers and children), access to clean water, access to livelihoods, and other locally determined remedial measures. SERAP considers this is a basic corrective justice, and it is the bare minimum required in the circumstances.”<br /> <br /> “SERAP also urges you to adopt and implement a Transparency Charter with respect to your ongoing and future supervisory and monitoring duties on the spending of recently recovered Abacha loot in order to ensure the integrity of the process of project execution. SERAP believes that the Bank’s goals of promoting transparency, accountability and the rule of law in countries would gain more credibility and respect if the Bank can lead by example particularly in its supervisory and monitoring role of spending of recovered stolen public funds.”<br /> <br /> “SERAP hopes that the World Bank would act as requested. However, take notice that should the Bank fail and/or neglect to take the steps recommended, the Registered Trustees of SERAP would pursue appropriate international and national legal actions to ensure transparency and accountability in this matter.” SERAP said that the proposed panel should find out:<br /> <br /> 1. Why 2 rather 8 health centers were completed as disclosed by the report produced by the Bank. The location of the 2 completed projects should be disclosed. If it is true that 174 health centers were built with the Abacha loot and commissioned by the government and to disclose the locations of the centers;<br /> <br /> 2. If payments were made to contractors who reportedly executed 10 of the 18 power projects pertained to physical electrical installations, and disclose the names of those contractors. If it is true that recovered Abacha funds were used to provide additional financing for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program in the amount of NGN24.25 bn to support basic education throughout the country, and to disclose the number and location of schools which benefited from these funds at the time;<br /> <br /> 3. If it is true that 13 road projects were completed including 3 of the largest road and bridge projects in each geo-political zone with the funds, and to disclose the locations of individual projects, including the largest roads and bridges completed

World Bank Tired With Enquiries About Abacha Loot

The World Bank has told Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that it “cannot locate any additional information on the ...

Read more »

Kachikwu: Buhari Will Win 2019 Presidential Election

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytc83h5d8GY/WQYH7SKcpVI/AAAAAAAAQxE/IHFES_Vq4moEY-m-KSGL1y1j4aOGlj6mwCLcB/s1600/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytc83h5d8GY/WQYH7SKcpVI/AAAAAAAAQxE/IHFES_Vq4moEY-m-KSGL1y1j4aOGlj6mwCLcB/s320/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Ibeh Kachikwu, is confident that President Muhammadu Buhari will win the 2019 Presidential election.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He made the remark while fielding questions from CNN anchor, Richard Quest, who has been in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Quest asked Kachukwu, “Is it likely, that within another year your president or his party will be fighting in an election, and pretty much you are already in an election mode?”<br /> <br /> In his response, Kachikwu said, “Those of us in government are focused on getting work done; the president is probably going to win the election anyway.”<br /> <br /> The Minister also disclosed that the Buhari-led government was making realistic efforts towards the diversification of Nigeria’s economy, adding that the results would be evident in the next five or seven years.<br /> <br /> He said, “It is realistic. Five or seven years. Petroleum led us into this problem; it has to lead us out.”<br /> <br /></div>

Kachikwu: Buhari Will Win 2019 Presidential Election

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Ibeh Kachikwu, is confident that President Muhammadu Buhari will win the 2019 Presidential election....

Read more »

Manchester City battle back to hold Middlesbrough

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywtCmQ7mSic/WQYBu_QEvYI/AAAAAAAAQw0/Kch-X_r5Qi8Ox-RyDzXWjf1SQwXzX72fgCLcB/s1600/mid%2B2-2%2Bman%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywtCmQ7mSic/WQYBu_QEvYI/AAAAAAAAQw0/Kch-X_r5Qi8Ox-RyDzXWjf1SQwXzX72fgCLcB/s640/mid%2B2-2%2Bman%2Bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Gabriel Jesus marked his return to Manchester City's starting lineup by grabbing a dramatic late equaliser for his side in a 2-2 draw against relegation-haunted Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Gabriel headed home a Sergio Aguero cross in the 84th minute after Calum Chambers appeared to have secured three priceless points for the hosts in their unlikely battle to beat the drop.<br /> <br /> Steve Agnew's men led through a first-half strike from former City striker Alvaro Negredo before the visitors drew level in controversial fashion when Aguero netted from the spot.<br /> <br /> Boro players reacted with fury when Leroy Sane went down under the challenge of Marten de Roon -- but reacted brilliantly to grab back the lead just seven minutes later.<br /> <br /> But in a thrilling finale Gabriel, back after 10 weeks out with a foot injury, strengthened his side's top-four prospects and left Boro six points off safety with just three games to go.<br /> <br /> Boro had almost behind in the first 30 seconds, Aguero wriggling into the left side of the box and flashing a shot across the face of goal.<br /> <br /> Aleksandar Kolarov drove a long-range effort high and wide with three minutes on the clock, and five minutes later Fernandinho's lofted pass fed Aguero who scooped his shot inches over the bar.<br /> <br /> <br /> But Boro survived the early storm and began to flourish, their confidence visibly returning after ending their long winless streak in midweek which boosted their still-unlikely survival mission.<br /> <br /> Ben Gibson flicked on a Fabio cross in the 12th minute to Negredo, who blazed his shot across the face of goal from a tight angle.<br /> <br /> De Roon shot wide from long range then the same player just missed the target after latching onto the end of a deep Downing free-kick.<br /> <br /> Gabriel, who had cut a relatively anonymous figure in the first half hour, came close with his first chance of note when he flicked wide from Nicolas Otamendi's right-wing cross.<br /> <br /> And Boro grabbed the lead their initiative deserved in the 37th minute when de Roon sent Downing scampering clear down the left flank and when his cross was laid back from George Friend inside the box, Negredo sent a curling left-foot finish past Willy Caballero.<br /> <br /> After just four minutes of the second half, during which Caballero plucked the ball off the head of the dangerous de Roon, Guardiola had seen enough and threw on both Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling to bolster his side's attacking threat.<br /> <br /> Inevitably City began to pile on the pressure, Kevin De Bruyne stinging Brad Guzan's hands with a long-range effort before the Boro keeper had to be alert on 65 minutes to tip over a clever lofted effort by Gabriel Navas.<br /> <br /> Tempers frayed two minutes later when Sane fell under a challenge by de Roon in the box and after referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot the Boro players reacted with fury, with Fabio booked for protesting and Sane having to be pulled away from a confrontation.<br /> <br /> Aguero dispatched the spot-kick but just three minutes later there was more drama at the other end when Boro substitute Adama Traore burst clear but fell under the challenge of Otamendi on the edge of the box.<br /> <br /> Downing's free-kick was spilled by Otamendi and after a mighty goalmouth scramble, Negredo managed to squeeze the ball across the face of goal at the second attempt where Chambers poked home.<br /> <br /> But the drama was not over as Gabriel rose unchallenged in the Boro box to head home an Aguero cross and grab the equaliser with four minutes to go.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Credit: ESPN</div>

Manchester City battle back to hold Middlesbrough

Gabriel Jesus marked his return to Manchester City's starting lineup by grabbing a dramatic late equaliser for his side in a 2-2 draw...

Read more »

Chelsea cruise to comfortable Everton win to move further clear

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nE3Pxy15C7U/WQX_PKaFZKI/AAAAAAAAQwo/-Qd3vN46yrsOuIPHaI1KPeE-TTxacYtawCLcB/s1600/eve%2B0-3che.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nE3Pxy15C7U/WQX_PKaFZKI/AAAAAAAAQwo/-Qd3vN46yrsOuIPHaI1KPeE-TTxacYtawCLcB/s640/eve%2B0-3che.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Chelsea scored three second-half goals to win at Everton and re-establish a seven-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur, who take on their North London rivals Arsenal later on Sunday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Premier League leaders stepped up the pace after a tight first half to end up in full control at Goodison Park.<br /> <br /> Gary Cahill provided the first threat early on when he tried his luck from long range and Maarten Stekelenburg made an uncertain save.<br /> <br /> Eden Hazard then zipped away from defenders down the left before firing in an effort that deflected up into the air and was cleared.<br /> <br /> The Belgium international was then found by Diego Costa and took the ball around Stekelenburg only to find the side-netting from a tight angle.<br /> <br /> Young home midfielder Tom Davies then produced a strong sliding challenge on Costa as he shaped to shoot after being found by Hazard.<br /> <br /> It was an attacking start and both sides came close within moments of each other around the quarter-hour mark, Nemanja Matic drifting into space to hit a low shot that was saved by Stekelenburg.<br /> <br /> At the other end, Romelu Lukaku -- reported to be a summer transfer target for his old club Chelsea -- fizzed an effort wide.<br /> <br /> Costa should then have given Chelsea the lead after David Luiz found him with a long pass, but he smacked his effort high into the stands.<br /> <br /> Luiz was in action at the other end as Lukaku tried to break free, preventing him from getting a clean strike at goal, and with five minutes left until the break Ross Barkley saw a free kick from 25 yards cannon to safety.<br /> <br /> In added time at the end of the first half, Matic flicked on a corner but no colleague was able to reach the ball.<br /> <br /> Chelsea stepped up the pace in the opening moments of the second half and a driven Victor Moses cross was only inches away from Costa as it deflected towards him.<br /> <br /> Costa was booked for fouling Stekelenberg after a short Phil Jagielka backpass had put Everton in trouble -- but they were soon asking the visitors questions at the other end as Enner Valencia thumped in an effort that deflected past.<br /> <br /> Moments later, Valencia got away down the left and his low cross was held by Courtois, and then Barkley waited too long to find a pass to Lukaku as he sped through the middle.<br /> <br /> But Chelsea broke the deadlock in spectacular style with 66 minutes on the clock as Pedro picked up possession, turned into space and fired an outstanding finish into the top corner from 20 yards.<br /> <br /> And with 11 minutes remaining, the Londoners made sure of the points as a low Hazard free kick was parried out by Stekelenburg and went in off Gary Cahill.<br /> <br /> Chelsea made a double change soon afterwards, taking off Pedro and David Luiz, who appeared to have taken a knock, and replacing them with Cesc Fabregas and Nathan Ake.<br /> <br /> Five minutes from the end, Eden Hazard was replaced by Willian -- and the Brazilian soon added a third as he turned home a neat Fabregas cut-back.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Credit: ESPN</div>

Chelsea cruise to comfortable Everton win to move further clear

Chelsea scored three second-half goals to win at Everton and re-establish a seven-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur, who take on their No...

Read more »

Buhari is healthy enough to run for a second term - Amaechi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRHEQ0BZ2Ls/WQX6wDfgTeI/AAAAAAAC2Iw/TfsMMQsx8akfgNxc7Vn-1AVXIdM8IO4oACLcB/s1600/Rotimi-Amaechi-2%2Bbuhari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRHEQ0BZ2Ls/WQX6wDfgTeI/AAAAAAAC2Iw/TfsMMQsx8akfgNxc7Vn-1AVXIdM8IO4oACLcB/s1600/Rotimi-Amaechi-2%2Bbuhari.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Minister of Transport and former Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi says President Buhari is healthy enough to run for a second term in office come 2019. Amaechi said this while responding to questions in a recent interview with <i>Channels TV</i>.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “If you look at the president since he came to the country, you will see there is a huge improvement.<br /> <br /> He’s regaining his weight.<br /> <br /> This is a 74-year old man, he is no longer a 58 years old man.<br /> <br /> He is not 50. He is not a young man. I will advise that he should. The president is fit enough to govern and if he makes the decision to run again, if he does, I don't think there is anything wrong in supporting him"he said

Buhari is healthy enough to run for a second term - Amaechi

Minister of Transport and former Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi says President Buhari is healthy enough to run for a second term i...

Read more »

Reno Omokri threatens to expose how US, APC removed Jonathan (VIDEO)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pC14pSFXVw/WQX4xsf-oII/AAAAAAAAQwY/iXdZKdq5eU8WYB_UOV4c-OW0RvRYPcagACLcB/s1600/reno%2Bomokri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pC14pSFXVw/WQX4xsf-oII/AAAAAAAAQwY/iXdZKdq5eU8WYB_UOV4c-OW0RvRYPcagACLcB/s400/reno%2Bomokri.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> A former special assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has vowed to reveal how the United States conspired with the ruling APC to remove his former principal from office in 2015.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said this in a 10-minute video he posted on his Facebook page Saturday night.<br /> <br /> Recall that Jonathan in a book: “Against the Run of Play,” written by the Chairman of the Editorial Board of Thisday newspaper, Olusegun Adeniyi, alleged that United States President, Barack Obama connived with some world leaders, to push him out of office.<br /> <br /> Reno Omokri’s threat came a few days after Babangida Aliyu, former Niger state governor and ex-chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, gave a hint of possible US involvement in the electoral defeat of Jonathan.<br /> <br /> In the video, Omokri revealed that a US official, who was part of the meetings where his government colluded with some top members of the opposition, narrated how the meeting transpired.<br /> <br /> “I have names of those who attended and dates, venues of the meetings.<br /> <br /> “I will reveal in my book to be released in June but first I will give the manuscript for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan for his input.”<br /> <br /> Omokri also said he was of the opinion that Jonathan should not have responded to comments made in Adeniyi’s book for now.<br /> <br /> Watch the video below<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fomokri%2Fvideos%2Fvb.1152008079%2F10212336876754335%2F%3Ftype%3D3&show_text=0&width=400" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe><br /> <br /> <br /></div>

Reno Omokri threatens to expose how US, APC removed Jonathan (VIDEO)

A former special assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has vowed to reveal how the United States conspired with the ruli...

Read more »

"Saraki, El-Rufai were right to block Tinubu from becoming Vice President"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7O1Hye4FHL8/WQXwO3IjLZI/AAAAAAAAQwI/EcsnoPxJFw4fMabimtI9Wj8xdwB_zUgpgCLcB/s1600/bola%2Btinubu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7O1Hye4FHL8/WQXwO3IjLZI/AAAAAAAAQwI/EcsnoPxJFw4fMabimtI9Wj8xdwB_zUgpgCLcB/s400/bola%2Btinubu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> A Chieftain of the Northern Elders Forum, Rev. Bitrus Dangiwa, has opined that Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, were right to have opposed the move of a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, to become the party’s vice presidential candidate in 2015.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In a book written by Chairman ThisDay Board of Editors, Segun Adeniyi, ‘Against the Run of Play’, Tinubu narrated how Saraki and El-Rufai blocked him from being President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate.<br /> <br /> Addressing journalists on Saturday, Dangiwa said the Senate President was right and that it was “selfish” to have thought that a Muslim-Muslim Presidential ticket would work for the party in 2015.<br /> <br /> Dangiwa, who was the Youth President, Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, maintained that a Muslim-Muslim ticket would have been disastrous for APC.<br /> <br /> Commending Saraki for his action, Dangiwa noted that a good percentage of the country’s Christian population would have been neglected in a Muslim-Muslim arrangement.<br /> <br /> He said, “Tinubu’s thought of becoming (Nigeria’s) Vice President to a Muslim presidential candidate was not only self-centered or selfish, but it would have worked against the APC.<br /> <br /> “We knew Tinubu’s move for a very long time. Most northerners contributed to Saraki’s choice of working against a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2015 poll.<br /> <br /> “So, Saraki’s decision not to have a Muslim-Muslim ticket was in the best interest of the socio-political development of the nation. There are still good Muslims and good Christians who mean well for this country; Saraki is one of such good examples.”</div>

"Saraki, El-Rufai were right to block Tinubu from becoming Vice President"

A Chieftain of the Northern Elders Forum, Rev. Bitrus Dangiwa, has opined that Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Governor of Kaduna St...

Read more »

Suspected cultists kill APC Chieftain in Rivers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_0rbS3hHV8/WQXu5juAV0I/AAAAAAAAQv8/8chQAZVk-4wr0Yz79GeU5_g22y-3tcIRACLcB/s1600/knife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u_0rbS3hHV8/WQXu5juAV0I/AAAAAAAAQv8/8chQAZVk-4wr0Yz79GeU5_g22y-3tcIRACLcB/s320/knife.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> One Isaac Obe has been shot dead by unknown gunmen around Alaode-Eleme in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers state.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to reports, Obe who was a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the area until his death was shot dead about 8pm last night at his resident.<br /> <br /> A source close to the community said the hoodlums stormed the area in a tinted car and shot at their target as he wanted to open his compound gate for those whom he suspected to be visitors.<br /> <br /> He said the killers of Isaac Obe shot sporadically to make way for themselves after killing their target.<br /> <br /> In the same vein, one Nna Asor has been killed and beheaded in Omudiogwa community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.<br /> <br /> The Omudioga Youth President, Chinyere Amadi who confirmed the incident said Asor who was suspected to be member of Dey-Bam cultist was murdered and beheaded by suspected members of the rival Iceland cultist in the area.<br /> <br /> Amadi disclosed that the recent incident came barely two days after the Deputy Commissioner of Police led some hundreds of men and officers to visit the community after the incident that led to the killing of five persons in the same area.<br /> <br /> The police are yet to comment on the killings including the murder of an APC chieftain in Eleme Local Government Area of the state.</div>

Suspected cultists kill APC Chieftain in Rivers

One Isaac Obe has been shot dead by unknown gunmen around Alaode-Eleme in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers state. According to re...

Read more »

Manchester United 1 Swansea City 1: Sigurdsson deals damaging blow to Mourinho's top-four ambitions

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCbHXcH6DnI/WQXtSH8U64I/AAAAAAAAQvw/MfOOhhAmza8OvQcMkYNulrQuxjoxZsp4wCLcB/s1600/man%2Bu%2B1-1%2Bswan%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BCbHXcH6DnI/WQXtSH8U64I/AAAAAAAAQvw/MfOOhhAmza8OvQcMkYNulrQuxjoxZsp4wCLcB/s400/man%2Bu%2B1-1%2Bswan%2Bc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Gylfi Sigurdsson cancelled out a controversial Wayne Rooney penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for Swansea City at Old Trafford that damages Manchester United's top-four ambitions.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Rooney swept home from the spot moments before half-time after Marcus Rashford had gone to ground under almost no contract from Lukasz Fabianski, but Swansea's set-piece maestro stole a point that could wreck the hosts' hopes of qualifying for the Champions League through domestic competition.<br /> <br /> United also saw Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly added to their already lengthy injury list just four days ahead of their Europa League semi-final first leg against Celta Vigo.<br /> <br /> Swansea, who are now just two points adrift of safety in 18th place, looked the brighter of the teams for much of the first half but chances were limited before the penalty incident in stoppage time.<br /> <br /> Jose Mourinho was without injured trio Paul Pogba, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and Shaw and Bailly were forced off in either half to compound their concerns ahead of a crucial run of fixtures that includes trips to Arsenal and Tottenham alongside that European semi-final.<br /> <br /> United looked likely to hold onto the three points regardless but Sigurdsson's stunning free-kick snatched a draw for the visitors to deny Mourinho's men the chance to move into the top four.<br /> <br /> A sluggish start from United was made worse when Shaw hobbled off with less than nine minutes played, the full-back indicating discomfort in his left leg.<br /> <br /> Swansea were by far the better team in the opening quarter of an hour and Fernando Llorente brought a fine reaction stop out of David de Gea from a Tom Carroll cross, before United's shaky defence scrambled the ball clear.<br /> <br /> First-half goals have been in short supply at Old Trafford this season but Jesse Lingard almost the broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, racing onto Anthony Martial's delivery before seeing his volley expertly blocked by Fabianski.<br /> <br /> The Swansea keeper saved well again when Martial cut in from the left and drilled low at goal, but De Gea went one better when he stuck out a foot to stop Jordan Ayew after some fine footwork in the area.<br /> <br /> The visitors' good work was undone in controversial fashion on the stroke of half-time, however. Rashford went down as Fabianski raced out to meet him and referee Neil Swarbrick pointed to the spot, after lengthy consideration.<br /> <br /> Replays showed the England youngster had gone to ground far too easily and Rooney compounded Swansea's frustrations as he swept the penalty into the bottom-right corner.<br /> <br /> Rooney thumped a clear chance against Martial's back three minutes after the restart as United pushed for a second, but there was more bad news for Mourinho as Bailly had to be replaced with what looked to be an injury to his right ankle.<br /> <br /> Sigurdsson wasted a great chance to level on the break, blasting high from the edge of the area, but the Iceland midfielder responded in style with 11 minutes to play, bending a sublime free-kick past the motionless De Gea from 20 yards out.<br /> <br /> It could have been worse for United had Llorente managed to connect with a Sigurdsson delivery with the goal gaping, but the teams had to settle for a draw that was greeted with huge frustration by the home fans who stayed until the final whistle.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Credit: Goal</div>

Manchester United 1 Swansea City 1: Sigurdsson deals damaging blow to Mourinho's top-four ambitions

Gylfi Sigurdsson cancelled out a controversial Wayne Rooney penalty to secure a 1-1 draw for Swansea City at Old Trafford that damages Ma...

Read more »

UNIPORT emerges overall NUGA Games winner with 150 medals

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1iDWyisDBY/WQXqUoFAnlI/AAAAAAAAQvk/kK334JWoTCMsuhxwByqUJ3TZJwe3GjOawCLcB/s1600/NUGA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z1iDWyisDBY/WQXqUoFAnlI/AAAAAAAAQvk/kK334JWoTCMsuhxwByqUJ3TZJwe3GjOawCLcB/s320/NUGA.png" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) won 150 medals to emerge the overall best in the 25th Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA).<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The games were held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State between April 22 and 29.<br /> <br /> The medals table released by the NUGA secretariat on Saturday in Makurdi showed that a total of 57 universities contested for medals at the sports fiesta.<br /> <br /> UNIPORT had 70 gold, 47 silver and 33 bronze medals secured in Judo, Athletics, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Basketball, Scrabble and Tennis.<br /> <br /> Ahmadu Bello University Zaria won 11 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals to emerge a distant second, while Benson Idahosa University came third with 10 gold, 7 silver and 9 bronze.<br /> <br /> University of Lagos with 20 medals, made up of 9 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze took fourth position, while University of Benin was fifth and the host institution took the 11th position with 2 gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals.</div>

UNIPORT emerges overall NUGA Games winner with 150 medals

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) won 150 medals to emerge the overall best in the 25th Nigeria University Games Association (NUG...

Read more »

VIDEO: 'I have Nigerian blood, Eba and Egusi is the secret of my success' - World Heavyweight Boxing champion, Anthony Joshua

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hbzIUTpdeuw/WQXpfckiz5I/AAAAAAAC2Ig/VD9cIDX69ZwjWdf7QW1nVOiC9nBF65qjgCLcB/s400/anthony-joshua-belts.jpg" width="400" /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> <br /> Popular Nigerian sports journalist, Oma Akatugba interviewed World Heavyweight Boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Joshua and the boxer showed how much Nigerian he was by speaking Yoruba and declaring Eba and Egusi soup as the secret of his success.<br /> <br /> Watch video below...<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Anthony Joshua discusses Nigeria, says Nigerian food is the secret of his success 🇳🇬<br /> Credit: <a href="https://twitter.com/omaakatugba">@omaakatugba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnthonyJoshua?src=hash">#AnthonyJoshua</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JoshuaKlitschko?src=hash">#JoshuaKlitschko</a> <a href="https://t.co/QKsVhxPFkC">pic.twitter.com/QKsVhxPFkC</a></div> — RIP GRANDPA 🇳🇬 (@degostee) <a href="https://twitter.com/degostee/status/858472260830625793">April 30, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script>

VIDEO: 'I have Nigerian blood, Eba and Egusi is the secret of my success' - World Heavyweight Boxing champion, Anthony Joshua

Popular Nigerian sports journalist, Oma Akatugba interviewed World Heavyweight Boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Joshua and the boxer s...

Read more »

Labour to protest planned removal of minimum wage from exclusive list

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0Smb38sMyI/WQXk2ICllfI/AAAAAAAAQvU/NdL3SR_EowARJhpHyFhBl31RHeGJZvllgCLcB/s1600/Joe-Ajaero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0Smb38sMyI/WQXk2ICllfI/AAAAAAAAQvU/NdL3SR_EowARJhpHyFhBl31RHeGJZvllgCLcB/s400/Joe-Ajaero.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The organised labour on Saturday said it would mobilise workers across sectors of the Nigerian economy to protest moves to remove minimum wage from the exclusive to concurrent legislative list.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mr Joe Ajaero, the President, United Labour Congress (ULC) said at the pre-2017 May Day seminar organised by ULC, in Lagos.<br /> <br /> The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the concurrent list stipulates that powers are shared jointly by both the central and regional or state governments as stipulated in the Constitution, even though both governments can make law on matters that fall under the concurrent list, the central government is supreme.<br /> <br /> This means that in case there is a conflict of law made by both governments, the law will supersede that of the regional or state government.<br /> <br /> Subject matter on concurrent list includes health, agriculture, education, road and housing among others.<br /> <br /> According to Ajaero, the move is ill-motivated to deny workers their right to live well which is what some of the governors have been advocating but we will mobilise against them.<br /> <br /> He said that If the planned delisting of wage from the exclusive legislative list succeeds, it means that the country would no longer have a national minimum wage.</div>

Labour to protest planned removal of minimum wage from exclusive list

The organised labour on Saturday said it would mobilise workers across sectors of the Nigerian economy to protest moves to remove minimum...

Read more »

NUJ demands arrest of killers of Bayelsa journalist

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6d3aHua3Qm0/WQXj2VffnBI/AAAAAAAAQvI/RUYav7Bnl9A-1tZByuYiYY1q26MBqHZDACLcB/s1600/NUJ.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6d3aHua3Qm0/WQXj2VffnBI/AAAAAAAAQvI/RUYav7Bnl9A-1tZByuYiYY1q26MBqHZDACLcB/s400/NUJ.gif" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Nigeria Union of Journalist has urged the Inspector General of Police, Idris Abubakar, to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the killers of Mr Famou  Giobara, a broadcast journalist in Bayelsa.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The union made the request in a communiqué issued Sunday at the end of the NUJ National Executive Council meeting, held in Gombe.<br /> <br /> The communiqué was signed by the NUJ National Secretary, Malam Shuaibu Leman.<br /> <br /> The union is also demanding that the case files of all slain journalists be re-opened, including those of late Dele Giwa and Bagauda Kaltho.<br /> <br /> The communiqué further condemned in strong terms, the withdrawal of a Punch reporter, Olalekan Adedayo, from the State House and urged Presidency to reprimand the Chief Security Officer responsible for the act.<br /> <br /> The union challenged the Federal Government to sanction state governments that failed to properly utilise the first batch of the Paris Club refund.<br /> <br /> The communiqué further commended the anti-corruption war of the present administration and also called on the National Assembly to ensure quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, to stabilise the sector.<br /> <br /> The NUJ commended the Gombe State Government and the State Council of the union for the successful hosting of the NEC meeting.</div>

NUJ demands arrest of killers of Bayelsa journalist

The Nigeria Union of Journalist has urged the Inspector General of Police, Idris Abubakar, to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the ki...

Read more »

How Ribadu vowed to arrest Tafa Balogun in my office – Obasanjo

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDC9QZTdFrY/WQXaJ5VlaLI/AAAAAAAAQu4/KKf5zupg7zwQ0G7DraP0bDktY9MGTirMwCLcB/s1600/Olusegun-Obasanjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDC9QZTdFrY/WQXaJ5VlaLI/AAAAAAAAQu4/KKf5zupg7zwQ0G7DraP0bDktY9MGTirMwCLcB/s320/Olusegun-Obasanjo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the weekend, spoke on the removal of former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun, from office.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Obasanjo said he asked Tafa Balogun to tender his resignation letter after former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, threatened to arrest him during a face-off at the presidential villa.<br /> <br /> Obasanjo said two independent security reports indicted the former police boss of massive corruption.<br /> <br /> He spoke at the 80th birthday dinner organised in his honour by his former appointees under the aegis of “Political Children of Obasanjo” in Lagos.<br /> <br /> Obasajo recalled that the first report by the Department of State Service (DSS) revealed that Balogun was looting police funds.<br /> <br /> He said he immediately summoned Tafa Balogun to the State House and warned him about the indicting reports of his activities.<br /> <br /> Obj, as fondly called, said Balogun denied all allegations and continued to steal money.<br /> <br /> The former president added that few months later, another report by the EFCC detailed corrupt activities of the former IG.<br /> <br /> “I called him and said, Tafa, why do you have to destroy your name and career even though you will forever enjoy your privilege and salary as a former IGP for life?”<br /> <br /> “On a particular day, Balogun was at the villa to see me; Ribadu, was also around and threatened to arrest him over the report.<br /> <br /> “I had a hunch that Nuhu may leak the report to the press as he was close to them. I immediately called Balogun to give his letter of resignation. I told him if I don’t get the letter in 30 minutes, I will dismiss you.”<br /> <br /> Obasanjo recounted that while he asked the EFCC not to arrest Tafa in the villa, Ribadu told the ex-IG to his face that he would arrest him outside.<br /> <br /> Obasanjo, however, expressed his joy seeing the gathering of his former “boys”, and asked those whom he stepped on their toes while working with them speak so that he could apologise.<br /> <br /> “I will apologize if it is true, but if not, I will step on it further and even hard.”<br /> <br /> In attendance were Akin Osuntokun, Dr. Doyin Okupe, Tonye Cole, Nuhu Ribadu, Uba Sani, Osita Chidoka, former governor of Osun State, Prince Oyinlola Olagunsoye; former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Senator Kola Bajomo, former Head of Service, Malam Yayale Ahmed, among many others.<br /> <br /> Speaking, Okupe told the former president: “History is going to be positive on you for what you have done for Nigeria and Africa.”<br /> <br /> Ribadu praised Obasanjo and added: “I would not have been what I am today without Baba”.</div>

How Ribadu vowed to arrest Tafa Balogun in my office – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the weekend, spoke on the removal of former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun, from office...

Read more »

TRAGEDY: UNIBEN student drowns in River Benue

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8cey5HleU6k/WQXWhkU9KhI/AAAAAAAAQus/sFHCxNECCsEX21e2LxzqjKS7VkstABdVACLcB/s1600/river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8cey5HleU6k/WQXWhkU9KhI/AAAAAAAAQus/sFHCxNECCsEX21e2LxzqjKS7VkstABdVACLcB/s400/river.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> A yet-to-be-identified male student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) drowned in River Benue, on Saturday, the closing day of Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) in Makurdi.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Dr Omeche Onoja, Chairman, NUGA games medical and sanitation sub committee, confirmed the incident to newsmen.<br /> <br /> Onoja said the student had gone to the river to swim when the incident occurred.<br /> <br /> The official added that his corpse had been deposited at Madonna Hospital in Makurdi, Benue State.<br /> <br /> ‘We had a distress call from some students of the situation but on reaching the river, we found the lifeless body of the student, who has been identified by his colleagues.<br /> <br /> “He was said to have participated in some games. The whole incident could have been avoided”, she said.<br /> <br /> 57 universities participated in NUGA Games hosted by the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM).</div>

TRAGEDY: UNIBEN student drowns in River Benue

A yet-to-be-identified male student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) drowned in River Benue, on Saturday, the closing day of Nigeria U...

Read more »

Match Preview: Tottenham vs Arsenal

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR19eVahC_g/WQXU_OiVCXI/AAAAAAAAQuc/w_qXc4KnAfkLW0NeLB3HTIDMiM2sA3uQQCLcB/s1600/Tottenham%2Bvs%2BArsenal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vR19eVahC_g/WQXU_OiVCXI/AAAAAAAAQuc/w_qXc4KnAfkLW0NeLB3HTIDMiM2sA3uQQCLcB/s640/Tottenham%2Bvs%2BArsenal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> White Hart Lane will host its last ever North London derby when Arsenal visit on Sunday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The match is the third in Spurs’ run of four consecutive London derbies, following matches against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.<br /> <br /> Mauricio Pochettino’s side managed a narrow 1-0 win at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night thanks to Christian Eriksen’s second half strike.<br /> <br /> The result keeps Spurs in the hunt for the Premier League title. They head into the weekend four points behind league leaders Chelsea with five matches remaining.<br /> <br /> A win over their biggest rivals on Sunday would guarantee a league finish above Arsenal for the first time in Arsene Wenger’s reign.<br /> <br /> Spurs will be firm favourites for the clash, having won all of their last 12 home matches in the league.<br /> <br /> Arsenal head into the game on the back of three straight wins. The turn in form follows Wenger’s decision to switch to three at the back, something which we’ll likely see again on Sunday.<br /> <br /> The Gunners ground out a nervy 1-0 win over Leicester at the Emirates on Wednesday night, courtesy of a Robert Huth own goal, to keep their faint top four hopes alive.<br /> <br /> The two sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture. Kevin Wimmers’ own goal was cancelled out by Harry Kane’s second half penalty.<br /> <br /> <b>Team news</b><br /> <b><br /></b>Mousa Dembele is a major doubt for Spurs after picking up an ankle injury at Selhurst Park. The Belgian will face a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s game.<br /> <br /> Danny Rose is continuing his recovery from a lengthly knee injury but Sunday is likely to come too soon for the left-back.<br /> <br /> Harry Winks and Erik Lamela are sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.<br /> <br /> Wenger has given Laurent Koscielny a “60 percent” chance of starting on Sunday after he picked up a late knee injury against Leicester.<br /> <br /> Shkodran Mustafi is two weeks away from a return but Rob Holding could return after missing out against Leicester.<br /> <br /> Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who left Wembley on crutches last weekend, is fit enough to start. The winger was an unused substitute on Wednesday night.<br /> <br /> David Ospina and Lucas Perez returned to training this week and could feature in the squad.<br /> <br /> <b>MATCH FACTS</b><br /> <br /> <b>Head-to-head</b><br /> <br /> <br /> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Arsenal's only win in their last eight Premier League visits to White Hart Lane was 1-0 in March 2014 (D3, L4).</li> <li>However, the Gunners have scored in 35 of the last 36 Premier League north London derbies - the exception being a 0-0 draw in February 2009.</li> <li>A Spurs win will ensure they finish above Arsenal in the league for the first time since 1995.</li> </ul> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tottenham Hotspur</b></div> <br /> <br /> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>Spurs have only suffered one defeat in 18 Premier League matches (W15, D2), winning their last eight games in a row.</li> <li>They have won 12 consecutive games at White Hart Lane and are the only side unbeaten at home in the league this season (W15, D2).</li> <li>Tottenham have amassed 74 points in the Premier League this season, their best ever return in the competition.</li> <li>Christian Eriksen has been involved in 16 goals in his last 12 appearances in all competitions, with five goals and 11 assists.</li> </ul> <br /> <b>Arsenal</b><br /> <br /> <br /> <ul style="text-align: left;"> <li>The Gunners have won four of their last five games in all competitions.</li> <li>However, they have lost four of their previous five Premier League away matches, conceding 13 goals in the process.</li> <li>Arsenal's tally of 60 points after 32 Premier League matches is one more than they had at this stage last season when they went on to finish second.</li> <li>Alexis Sanchez has been involved in 28 Premier League goals this season, with 19 goals and nine assists.</li> </ul> <br /> <div><b>Predicted Line-Ups</b></div> <div><b><br /></b></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR60rNIyj04/WQXVPnTsUCI/AAAAAAAAQug/rhr6XTc8iW4dzGbEwtiFW-QqTiEFHhOHQCLcB/s1600/t%2Bv%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR60rNIyj04/WQXVPnTsUCI/AAAAAAAAQug/rhr6XTc8iW4dzGbEwtiFW-QqTiEFHhOHQCLcB/s400/t%2Bv%2Ba.jpg" width="362" /></a></div> <div><b><br /></b></div> </div>

Match Preview: Tottenham vs Arsenal

White Hart Lane will host its last ever North London derby when Arsenal visit on Sunday. The match is the third in Spurs’ run of four ...

Read more »

FG plans further review of petrol price

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0skRIfI_9NI/WQXTW0ogJ4I/AAAAAAAAQuQ/HlhJlTbIPWcG-x32NMP4aeenzGNxJumvQCLcB/s1600/Fuel-dispencer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0skRIfI_9NI/WQXTW0ogJ4I/AAAAAAAAQuQ/HlhJlTbIPWcG-x32NMP4aeenzGNxJumvQCLcB/s320/Fuel-dispencer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Nigerian Government has announced plan to further review its pricing template for petrol with the aim of removing several multi-layered charges and costs that affect the pump price of petrol at service stations across the country.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The government said it would continue to work with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to find ways of providing subsidised foreign exchange interventions for oil marketers in the country.<br /> <br /> Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, on Saturday, lamented that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) currently imports nearly all litres of petrol used in the country at a huge cost.<br /> <br /> According to him, marketers in the country were no longer importing petroleum products because of the unfavourable business fundamentals which had been influenced by the rising prices of crude oil.<br /> <br /> “Downstream continues to be an area that has numerous challenges, that is why throwing ideas on them will continue to be something that any minister or chief executive of NNPC will continue to focus on,” said Kachikwu.<br /> <br /> “The environment has since changed, when we did all these, pricing for crude was more in the $25 to $30 per barrel, today it is in excess of $54, which is fantastic because it means that our revenue stream is improving.<br /> <br /> “But, it is a twin window, whenever the price of crude goes up, obviously the price of refined petrol goes up and we begin to have systemic challenge in terms of the pricing on the local base, so that gap has begun to return and today what you find is that the NNPC continues to import massively on behalf of the Federal Government.<br /> <br /> “It has gone back to about 90-95 percent for the whole country and therefore its books are absorbing some of the cost implications of this.<br /> <br /> “The second is that once this happens the marketers begin to shift backwards, participation by individual marketers to help us continue the normal business and marketing cycle that should be what you expect is no longer existing. Most of them are not importing”.<br /> <br /> On way forward, Kachikwu said: “One of the things we are doing is that we are looking at our existing templating position, and what we are doing with that is first addressing some of the soft end of things that affect pricing.<br /> <br /> “We are removing too many multi-layered charges on importation, we are working with the ministry of transport to reduce those to what was initially approve by the president, and as such, we should take away a good chunk of the expenses. We are working to see how the CBN can provide us with a fairly subsidised FX for products priced in dollars.”<br /> <br /> On product availability, Kachikwu assured that “There isn’t fuel scarcity, we are not short of products, but yet the downstream and midstream sectors continue to remain challenged. And what we are going to do is to analyse what we have done so far and begin to throw solutions to some of these challenges.”<br /> <br /> “We had issues of pricing efficiency and governance, for at that time the prices we were selling at were so ridiculously below what the sustainable prices are. And you find a situation where basically marketers disappeared from the industry. So, we had massive shortages, queues and everything seem to be breaking down. We’ve since come out from that.<br /> <br /> “First we’ve moved from a fully subsidy-based sector to a partially liberalised sector. I say partially because we haven’t quite achieved the template to have a fully liberalised sector. What that has done for us is that it had reduced consumption from 50 million liters to 37 million liters a day,” he stated.</div>

FG plans further review of petrol price

Nigerian Government has announced plan to further review its pricing template for petrol with the aim of removing several multi-layered c...

Read more »

Anthony Joshua’s win hailed for reviving heavyweight boxing

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oux1ABNhb0g/WQXRJAo44fI/AAAAAAAAQuE/nROKgY71JHIk42IvNosnjdGtq8_CfJO6ACLcB/s1600/Anthony-Joshua-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oux1ABNhb0g/WQXRJAo44fI/AAAAAAAAQuE/nROKgY71JHIk42IvNosnjdGtq8_CfJO6ACLcB/s400/Anthony-Joshua-012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> British boxer Anthony Joshua’s stunning 11th round knockout of Ukrainian legend Wladimir Klitschko was hailed Sunday as having restored some much-needed prestige to the tarnished image of heavyweight boxing.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Joshua, 27, retained his unbeaten record in the most extreme of circumstances having been knocked to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. But he somehow found the strength to put 41-year-old Klitschko down in the 11th round in front of a euphoric post-World War II British record boxing crowd of 90,000 at Wembley.<br /> <br /> In becoming the first pugilist to stop Klitschko since Lamon Brewster in 2004, Joshua added the WBA belt to his IBF and IBO titles.<br /> <br /> The epic bout saw the world, from film stars to other top athletes, chip in with their congratulations.<br /> <br /> The troubled former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who transformed the heavyweight scene when he became the first boxer in 11 years to defeat Klitschko in 2015, responded to Joshua’s call for them to bring it on.<br /> <br /> “Challenge accepted,” tweeted Fury, who nevertheless has barriers to overcome in regaining his licence after being stripped of it over substance abuse and mental health issues which he says he is addressing.<br /> <br /> “We will give the world the biggest fight in 500 years. I will play with you. You are a boxer’s dream.<br /> <br /> “Well done Anthony Joshua. Good fight. You had life and death with Klitschko and I played with the guy. Let’s dance,” added Fury, who has made derogatory jibes about Joshua calling him ‘a poor man’s Frank Bruno’ among other things.<br /> <br /> Hollywood action hero, former Mr Universe and Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed a hope that many had — of a rematch.<br /> <br /> “One of the most exciting fights I’ve ever seen. Congrats @anthonyfjoshua on the win & @Klitschko on amazing battle. Hope there’s a rematch,” tweeted the 69-year-old Austrian-born star.<br /> <br /> Bruno, who won his title at the third time of asking when he defeated Oliver McCall in 1995, said the bout had in an instant made heavyweight boxing the talk of the town after years of decline.<br /> <br /> “The heavyweight division just got very exciting, the performance of both men 2night was incredible, whats next, looking 4ward 2 finding out,” tweeted the 55-year-old whose reign lasted just one bout as he was defeated by American legend ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson.<br /> <br /> Bruno and Joshua’s compatriot and former heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis — who never fought Wladimir but defeated his brother Vitali in what was to be the Briton’s last bout — applauded both fighters for their performances.<br /> <br /> “Crackin’ Fight!!! Congrats to both for giving the fans something to talk about! Big up to AJ on the big win!!!” purred Lewis, like Joshua an Olympic champion but who won gold for adopted country Canada in 1988.<br /> <br /> “How much heart did @Klitschko show in this fight? Gotta respect it. Hold ur head high brother! #joshuaklitschko.”<br /> <br /> Former WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch, working as an analyst for Sky Sports, said Joshua had ticked all the boxes he needed to fill about his ability.<br /> <br /> “There were a lot of questions —- they’ve all been answered. Anthony Joshua came of age,” Froch told Sky Sports.<br /> <br /> “It was almost impossible what he did — but he did. He dethroned an old, admittedly, but still a king in Wladimir Klitschko.<br /> <br /> “We’ve had a real treat this evening — it’s been unbelievable.”<br /> <br /> Britain’s three-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton took time out ahead of Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix to tweet his own appreciation of the bout.<br /> <br /> “Well done to both Anthony and Wladimir, but huge congrats to @anthonyfjoshua for bringing it home! Great fight! #bigupyourself ====== =Y=Y=Y.”<br /> <br /> British athletics legend Mo Farah kept his tribute short.<br /> <br /> “Legend,” tweeted the quadruple Olympic champion.<br /> <br /></div>

Anthony Joshua’s win hailed for reviving heavyweight boxing

British boxer Anthony Joshua’s stunning 11th round knockout of Ukrainian legend Wladimir Klitschko was hailed Sunday as having restored s...

Read more »

NSA, NIA clash over seized N13bn cash

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qpn_fDWC6U4/WQXPADnkpYI/AAAAAAAAQt4/SwaODSruiMY4Qr1eMACQS64jeaTqsIhFgCLcB/s1600/cash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qpn_fDWC6U4/WQXPADnkpYI/AAAAAAAAQt4/SwaODSruiMY4Qr1eMACQS64jeaTqsIhFgCLcB/s1600/cash.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> There was confusion on Saturday over the seized N13bn cash found in an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos, which was discovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The seizure is the subject of an ongoing investigation being conducted by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno.<br /> <br /> A highly reliable source told S that the embattled Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayo Oke, hid the over $43m from President Muhammadu Buhari and Monguno in a private apartment.<br /> <br /> However, the NIA replied swiftly, saying that Oke mentioned the money to Monguno twice.<br /> <br /> According to the source, while the suspended NIA boss was widely reported to have claimed that Monguno was aware of the existence of the money, the NSA only got to know, for the first time, about the existence of the money during the work of the presidential committee that audited the Defence Equipment Procurement in the Armed Forces.<br /> <br /> The committee had observed certain payments from the Central Bank of Nigeria to the NIA and raised questions, drawing the attention of the NSA to the funds.<br /> <br /> “The Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement, in the course of its assignment, came across an information that the NIA received a huge sum of money in early 2015 from the former president (Goodluck Jonathan).<br /> <br /> “Based on that, the NSA carried out a preliminary investigation, during which the agency claimed the money was released for some projects aimed at commencing the NIA’s 30th anniversary. That was in January 2017,” the top government source said.<br /> <br /> The source added that a team was constituted to ascertain the situation. The first suspicion of a potential abuse, according to the source, was noticed at this stage, especially considering the amount of money involved and the purposes stated.<br /> <br /> “This was how the NSA and the presidency learnt of the existence of such funds. We were not told by anyone in NIA until the committee saw something, and raised a red flag,” the source noted.<br /> <br /> He added that when Oke was compelled to explain what was happening, “he still did not inform anyone any Federal Government official or the Presidency that he kept $43m cash out of the said funds at a private apartment anywhere in Lagos or any part of the country.”<br /> <br /> According to reports, that there were also instances where the Central Bank of Nigeria paid out some of the funds directly to some NIA contractors, raising questions about why the suspended NIA top gun needed to put aside such huge cash in a private apartment.<br /> <br /> In addition, it was gathered that the projects, for which the former president approved the funds, totalling $289m, included two in Lagos whose cost was put at about $28m, which is way less than the $43m cash found in the Ikoyi apartment.<br /> <br /> The source explained further that, as of January this year, funds for the Lagos projects had actually been released to the tune of $18m, meaning that only about $10m was left to be paid four months ago, before $43m was found in the apartment.<br /> <br /> As the three-member committee submits its report on Wednesday, there are indications that the suspended Oke may be indicted by the panel after grilling at least seven officials of the NIA.<br /> <br /> Another source within the presidency told one of our correspondents that some of the officials quizzed were those in the finance department of the agency.<br /> <br /> The source said, “The panel has quizzed about seven officials of the NIA, including the suspended DG. The committee wanted to understand the workings of the agency and if it was the norm for such a huge amount of cash to be kept outside of financial institutions.”<br /> <br /> The outcome of the probe will determine if the EFCC should continue with its investigation of the NIA or not.<br /> <br /> The NIA, however, said it briefed President Buhari on the release of $289m by the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in April 2015, a month before his inauguration.<br /> <br /> The NIA, in a statement, said in January 2016, Moguno was officially informed of the existence of the money in a memo.<br /> <br /> The intelligence agency said, “We would appreciate if the media can correct the allegations that the NSA was not briefed. Please find below some details:<br /> <br /> “The first briefing was April 2015 to the President on the state of affairs of the agency. The funds were itemized as $289m intervention fund approved and released to the agency by the (Goodluck) Jonathan administration in November 2014.<br /> <br /> “The second briefing was in January 2016; in a memo to the NSA, he gave more details of the funds.<br /> <br /> “Based on the second briefing (memo) report, the NSA set up an audit team, headed by a brigadier general, which inspected the projects and submitted a report in February 2016.<br /> <br /> “The NSA wrote back to the DG, NIA on May 17, 2016, stating that the detailed report of NIA’s projects and exercises had been presented to the President and the President was pleased with their work.”</div>

NSA, NIA clash over seized N13bn cash

There was confusion on Saturday over the seized N13bn cash found in an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos, which was discovered by the Economic an...

Read more »

I make no apologies for treading on toes - Obasanjo

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJdVS42T9bk/WQW2IUAglPI/AAAAAAAC2II/eDpgmnTwmDAqCgQTz37AzFqLHXZNpgh-QCLcB/s1600/Obasanjo%2Bobj%2Bblast%2Bangry.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJdVS42T9bk/WQW2IUAglPI/AAAAAAAC2II/eDpgmnTwmDAqCgQTz37AzFqLHXZNpgh-QCLcB/s640/Obasanjo%2Bobj%2Bblast%2Bangry.gif" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that he will not apologise for treading on anybody’s toes during his reign as president of the country between 1999 and 2007.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Obasanjo said he did what he had to do and had no regrets.<br /> <br /> The elder statesman spoke in Lagos on Friday during a reception organised by his close associates to celebrate his 80th birthday.<br /> <br /> “I make no apologies for treading on anybody’s toes. If anybody put their toes on my path, I will tread on them,” Obasanjo said.<br /> <br /> He attributed Nigeria’s woes to inconsistencies in government policies.<br /> <br /> Obasanjo said the failure of successive leaders to consolidate on the achievements of their predecessors had made governance look like an impossible task.<br /> <br /> Obasanjo recalled that during one of his visits to Singapore, he asked the country’s former Prime Minister, Harry Lee Kuan Yew, the secrets of the Asian country’s success.<br /> <br /> The former president said, “He (Yew) simply told me their secret was that they did a few things right and continued to do them right. We keep lamenting as if Nigeria is impossible to run or get things rights.<br /> <br /> “I think that during my tenure as president, we did quite a few things right but our failure to continue to do what we have done right is the problem.<br /> <br /> “One of the things we got right was the Universal Basic Education. We said Nigerians had no reason not to have at least nine years of education.<br /> <br /> “On primary healthcare, we did things right because we realised that if we provided basic care for malaria treatment, we would reduce infant and maternal mortality.<br /> <br /> “On anti-corruption, I think we got it right. But did we continue to get things right?”<br /> <br /> Speaking earlier at the occasion, two former governors, Gbenga Daniel (Ogun State) and Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun State) had claimed that Obasanjo trod on their toes during his administration.<br /> <br /> “In fact, Baba almost crushed my toes. But Baba is a great man who cares for the nation and wants things to be done the right way,” Daniel said, with Oyinlola expressing the same sentiment.<br /> <br /> A former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, in his remarks, praised the former president for his leadership achievements in the country, adding that Obasanjo contributed immensely to his personal career.<br /> <br /> “Things really happened during that period and there were a couple of difficult moments because 99 per cent of the people we arrested were Peoples Democratic Party members.<br /> <br /> “He (Obasanjo) exercised self-restraint; he refused to interfere with the day-to-day running of the EFCC. Obasanjo is a living proof that hard work does not kill. I wish he would never retire. You can’t afford to retire.”<br /> <br /> Similarly, a former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe, while praising Obasanjo during the event, described the ex-president as “a bad man” who pushed everyone in his team to work hard.<br /> <br /> “Baba is a bad man; even though he was the oldest in the team, he worked very hard and expected others to do as well. I told him I did not have as much strength as he would expect, Baba retorted, ‘Ole, ole!’ (lazybones; thief!).”

I make no apologies for treading on toes - Obasanjo

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that he will not apologise for treading on anybody’s toes during his reign as president of the co...

Read more »

Saudi Arabia To Kill ‘Atheist For Insulting Prophet Muhammad

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3GwqDj_qTc/WQW1RDS2OKI/AAAAAAAC2IA/fOHzyWsfA7Qx8OXRPO8SVmNSRvGgcVLFwCLcB/s1600/murder%2Bknife%2B3%2Bkill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3GwqDj_qTc/WQW1RDS2OKI/AAAAAAAC2IA/fOHzyWsfA7Qx8OXRPO8SVmNSRvGgcVLFwCLcB/s400/murder%2Bknife%2B3%2Bkill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> A Saudi Arabian man who renounced Islam and made disparaging remarks about the prophet Muhammad has been sentenced to death.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Authorities became aware of Ahmad Al-Shamri in 2014 after he uploaded a series of videos reflecting his views on social media. He was subsequently arrested on charges of atheism and blasphemy, faced trial and was sentenced to death in February 2015.<br /> <br /> Al-Shamri is reportedly in his early 20s and comes from the city of Hafar Al-Batin, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.<br /> <br /> The defendant initially pleaded insanity, saying that he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he made the comments, Hala Dosari, an advisory board member of Human Rights Watch (HRW) told the Washington Post.<br /> <br /> She added that “his trial focused heavily on Quranic law and little on any mitigating mental illness. As a result, Al-Shamri has been sentenced to death for being an atheist.”<br /> <br /> After a lengthy appeals process, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court ruled against Al-Shamri on Tuesday (25 April).<br /> <br /> According to Amnesty International, the Gulf oil giant carried out at least 154 executions in 2016. The country has been habitually criticised by human rights groups over its human rights record, but it is still a member of the UN’s Human Rights Council. Its term expires in 2019.<br /> <br /> Leaving Islam is punishable by death in the ultra-conservative kingdom.<br /> <br /> “The conservative religious folks have full control of the justice system,” said Adam Coogle, Middle East researcher at HRW.<br /> <br /> “Judges come from religious seminaries in Saudi Arabia. They see themselves as preservers of Saudi Arabia’s character as an Islamic state,” he added. “And they come down hard on people who step out of line.”<br /> <br /> Saudi Arabia was ranked third by Amnesty International for recorded executions in 2016 behind China (which was in the thousands) and Iran (567+). The true figures are thought to be significantly higher as the figures only cover the judicial use of the death penalty.<br /> <br /> Those sentenced to death are killed by beheading or shooting.<br /> <br /> Social media users were divided over Al-Shamri’s death sentence, with some saying such an extreme course of action is unjustified. Others, however, appeared to celebrate the verdict and even went as far as saying they wished “there could be live streaming” when the execution is carried out.

Saudi Arabia To Kill ‘Atheist For Insulting Prophet Muhammad

A Saudi Arabian man who renounced Islam and made disparaging remarks about the prophet Muhammad has been sentenced to death. Authorit...

Read more »

UNIBEN student drowns

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAeIsDItvBU/WQW0oWNs9uI/AAAAAAAC2H4/zfnN-pDhroMY45mCEQyauaD_2jmb-zP2wCLcB/s1600/drowning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAeIsDItvBU/WQW0oWNs9uI/AAAAAAAC2H4/zfnN-pDhroMY45mCEQyauaD_2jmb-zP2wCLcB/s320/drowning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> A yet to be identified University of Benin student has drowned in River Benue, on the closing day of the Nigeria University Games Association, NUGA, in Makurdi, Benue State.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Omeche Onoja, Chairman, NUGA games medical and sanitation sub-committee confirmed the incident.<br /> <br /> The name of the student was not disclosed.<br /> <br /> Ms. Onoja said the student had gone to the river to swim when the incident occurred.<br /> <br /> She said his corpse had been deposited at Madonna Hospital in Makurdi.<br /> <br /> “We had a distress call from some students of the situation but on reaching the river, we found the lifeless body of the student, who has been identified by his colleagues. He was said to have participated in some games.<br /> <br /> “The whole incident could have been avoided”, she said.<br /> <br /> The NUGA Games was hosted by the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.<br /> <br /> Fifty-seven universities participated.

UNIBEN student drowns

A yet to be identified University of Benin student has drowned in River Benue, on the closing day of the Nigeria University Games Associat...

Read more »