Moses joins Super Eagles camp ahead of England friendly

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An4QKF765rI/WxApfcG9IVI/AAAAAAAAtUQ/r23vekkss8EfqLPzKdsX7SNXvY0CYAhSwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/victor%2Bmoses.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-An4QKF765rI/WxApfcG9IVI/AAAAAAAAtUQ/r23vekkss8EfqLPzKdsX7SNXvY0CYAhSwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/victor%2Bmoses.jpg" /></a></div> Chelsea FC star Victor Moses on Thursday joined his Super Eagles teammates in their London camp ahead of their pre-World Cup friendly against England at Wembley on Saturday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed Moses’ arrival on their verified Twitter handle, stating also that all the expected Eagles players are in camp now.<br /> <br /> “Victor Moses has joined the team in camp. Everybody is in now,” the NFF tweeted.<br /> <br /> With Moses, the team now has 26 players in camp, including Moses Simon who is battling thigh injury.<br /> <br /> Victor Moses, who won the Emirates FA Cup with Chelsea, should be in contention for a starting place when the Eagles face England.<br /> <br /> The Eagles departed Abuja for London on Wednesday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.</div>

Moses joins Super Eagles camp ahead of England friendly

Chelsea FC star Victor Moses on Thursday joined his Super Eagles teammates in their London camp ahead of their pre-World Cup friendly agai...

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Not Too Young To Run: Buhari’s full speech at signing of bill

Not Too Young To Run: Buhari’s full speech at signing of bill

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World Cup: Super Eagles physiotherapist, kitman denied Austrian visa

World Cup: Super Eagles physiotherapist, kitman denied Austrian visa

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South-South Governors Forum restate demand for restructuring,13% derivation

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpwFFMb030A/WxAW-Bm_BYI/AAAAAAAAtUE/1oSyWDkufyMy3EUNw_DX97jUsbM7kZCKQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Seriake%2BDickson.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpwFFMb030A/WxAW-Bm_BYI/AAAAAAAAtUE/1oSyWDkufyMy3EUNw_DX97jUsbM7kZCKQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Seriake%2BDickson.jpeg" width="319" /></a></div> The Forum of South-South Governors on Wednesday in Port Harcourt restated its demand for restructuring and 13 per cent derivation from the Federal Government.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Spokesperson for the Forum, Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, said after a one-day meeting that the demand was in the spirit and clamour for restructuring and in line with true federalism.<br /> <br /> He said that the forum also demanded for a 13 per cent derivation from the one billion dollars withdrawn from the Excess Crude Account by the Federal Government for security.<br /> <br /> He said that the demand was in accordance with the constitutional provision.<br /> <br /> Dickson said that the forum was not against the amount withdrawn by the Federal Government to fight insecurity in the country.<br /> <br /> He noted that the forum expressed support for the devolution of powers among the federating States.<br /> <br /> The forum, he said, called for the withdrawal from the National Assembly a bill on the management and administration of water resources.<br /> <br /> The News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN) reports that Govs. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Dickson of Bayelsa attended the meeting while Ben Ayade of Cross River was absent.</div>

South-South Governors Forum restate demand for restructuring,13% derivation

The Forum of South-South Governors on Wednesday in Port Harcourt restated its demand for restructuring and 13 per cent derivation from the...

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Everton appoint Marco Silva as new manager

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jyZotP4DA3E/WxAVxL0saTI/AAAAAAAAtT4/r3bz_ySGeT4uRGHYP0n6dZd9DgJwov8uQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Marco%2BSilva.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jyZotP4DA3E/WxAVxL0saTI/AAAAAAAAtT4/r3bz_ySGeT4uRGHYP0n6dZd9DgJwov8uQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Marco%2BSilva.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Everton on Thursday appointed Marco Silva as the new manager, the Premier League club announced on their website.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The 40-year-old Portuguese coach, who replaces Sam Allardyce at Goodison Park, has Premier League experience, with Watford and Hull City.<br /> <br /> Before that, Silva enjoyed trophy-winning spells with Sporting Lisbon and Olympiakos having also helped Estoril climb through the ranks in his native Portugal.<br /> <br /> Everton had tried to lure him last season before taking on Allardyce, causing Silva’s departure from Watford, who complained of an “unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival”.<br /> <br /> Known as a manager who wants his teams to play attractive, attacking football, Silva believes Everton fans will be proud of what they see on the pitch next season.<br /> <br /> “I’m really proud to be the new Everton manager,” Silva told Evertontv.<br /> <br /> “I’m excited and I’m really happy to take this big challenge for us as a club and for me as a manager.<br /> <br /> “I know the huge history of Everton as a club and what the fans expect. I’m sure with everybody working together I will be ready for this challenge.”<br /> <br /> While city rivals Liverpool enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent memory, reaching the Champions League final and finishing fourth to secure a spot in the competition next season, Everton finished five points behind Burnley in seventh, missing out on a Europa League spot.<br /> <br /> With the backing of Everton’s Iranian billionaire owner Farhad Moshiri, Silva said he is ready to meet the fans’ expectations of a far more successful season in 2018-2019.<br /> <br /> “We have a lot of work to do in this next month and it is important to prepare everything in the right way,” he said.<br /> <br /> “But there will be even more important work to do from the start of pre-season into the first Premier League match of next season.<br /> <br /> “I know what our fans expect — they expect results but not only results. I want our fans to be proud when they see our team on the pitch.<br /> <br /> “I want them to feel that we are committed, that we are working hard and enjoying our football because that is important as well.<br /> <br /> “We want to build a great connection between the squad and the fans, and I’m sure that with our attitude and demands of commitment then our style of play will see that, I believe.<br /> <br /> “Everton is a really ambitious club and that is what I want. What we are seeing now are good changes at the club.<br /> <br /> “But one thing we cannot change and nobody wants to change is the huge history and ambition of the Club.”</div>

Everton appoint Marco Silva as new manager

Everton on Thursday appointed Marco Silva as the new manager, the Premier League club announced on their website. The 40-year-old Portu...

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Woman stabs husband to death in Ikorodu after he allegedly attacked her (VIDEO)

Woman stabs husband to death in Ikorodu after he allegedly attacked her (VIDEO)

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Gbajabiamila defends car gift to wife, says he saved for years to buy the G-Wagon

Gbajabiamila defends car gift to wife, says he saved for years to buy the G-Wagon

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BREAKING: Buhari signs ‘Not too young to run’ bill into law

BREAKING: Buhari signs ‘Not too young to run’ bill into law

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Punch Chairman, Gbadebowale Aboderin passes on at 60

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8LKjJ7Q47U/Ww_5g0xYp8I/AAAAAAAAtTs/EatEKIQxBtoHBlPC_KNGUKBTvL5Q28ArQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Gbadebowale%2BWayne%2BAboderin.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8LKjJ7Q47U/Ww_5g0xYp8I/AAAAAAAAtTs/EatEKIQxBtoHBlPC_KNGUKBTvL5Q28ArQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Gbadebowale%2BWayne%2BAboderin.jpg" /></a></div> The Chairman, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbadebowale Wayne Aboderin, is dead.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Aboderin, according to a statement by the Aboderin Family of Kudeti in Ibadan, in Oyo state signed by Angela Emuwa, died on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 6.05am after a heart surgery at the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos, at the age of 60.<br /> <br /> Gbadebowale Aboderin attended the Government College, Ibadan; and trained as a pilot in the United States.<br /> <br /> A sports enthusiast and philanthropist, he was the founder and chairman of the Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation, and also a former chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association.<br /> <br /> He was a one-time vice-president of the Nigerian Basketball Supporters Club.<br /> <br /> He is survived by his wife, Titilayo, and children.</div>

Punch Chairman, Gbadebowale Aboderin passes on at 60

The Chairman, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbadebowale Wayne Aboderin, is dead. Aboderin, according to a statement by the Aboderin Family...

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No-case submission: Ruling on Metuh’s case adjourned until July 11

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_C-np1HppK0/Ww_4VvdFr8I/AAAAAAAAtTg/BUg664u7JPcTUWtt_3P4SfMvAAcoAsWUQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/olisa-metuh.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_C-np1HppK0/Ww_4VvdFr8I/AAAAAAAAtTg/BUg664u7JPcTUWtt_3P4SfMvAAcoAsWUQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/olisa-metuh.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, on Thursday fixed July 11 for ruling on the no-case submission filed by Olisa Metuh, a former Peoples Democratic Party spokesman accused of destruction of evidence.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Metuh was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in January 2015 on two charges bordering on alleged destruction of evidence.<br /> <br /> The case, which was before Justice Ishaq Bello, was adjourned until July 11, with consent of counsel as the court did not sit.<br /> <br /> The case was earlier adjourned until May 31 for ruling on the no-case submission.<br /> <br /> Metuh’s counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), had. on October 10, 2017, told the court that they would enter a no-case submission at the close of the prosecution’s case.<br /> <br /> Arguing the no-case submission, Ikpeazu had told the court that the prosecution had not established any case to warrant the defendant to be called to enter his defence.<br /> <br /> He said that the application was in pursuant to the provisions of sections 302 and 357 of ACJA.<br /> <br /> The counsel added that the defendant had a constitutional liberty and could not be prosecuted where he either refused to make a statement or withdraw any part of his writing in the course of making a statement.<br /> <br /> Ikpeazu said that the defendant also had a right to cancel any part of his statement voluntarily.<br /> <br /> He reminded the court that the charge by EFCC was that Metuh destroyed his statement and obstructed EFCC officials by willfully tearing his statement.<br /> <br /> Ikpeazu argued that a piece of paper not signed did not qualify as a statement by the defendant, and urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendant.<br /> <br /> However, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to establish whether or not a prima facie case had been made against the defendant<br /> <br /> Tahir added that cancellation was different from tearing, which was obstruction; and prayed the court to call upon the defendant to enter his defence.</div>

No-case submission: Ruling on Metuh’s case adjourned until July 11

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, on Thursday fixed July 11 for ruling on the no-case submission filed by Olisa Metuh, a ...

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PDP blows hot, warns Buhari’s ‘blood relatives’ working in INEC

PDP blows hot, warns Buhari’s ‘blood relatives’ working in INEC

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Senate refuses to confirm nominee for non-executive director of CBN board

Senate refuses to confirm nominee for non-executive director of CBN board

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Melaye accuses Buhari of making ‘unpresidential’ remark about n’assembly

Melaye accuses Buhari of making ‘unpresidential’ remark about n’assembly

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What Obasanjo did to me, ex-IGP, four others in 2003 – Osoba

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Imo APC drags Okorocha before Oyegun, demands governor’s suspension

Imo APC drags Okorocha before Oyegun, demands governor’s suspension

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CBN resisted pressure to float the Naira – Spokesman

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TeB-7cWfFM/Ww_a9PdRPjI/AAAAAAAAtTI/F22pK5egjCwV5UfSnvtcuAqFYiNSNMnrACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/cbn.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1TeB-7cWfFM/Ww_a9PdRPjI/AAAAAAAAtTI/F22pK5egjCwV5UfSnvtcuAqFYiNSNMnrACK4BGAYYCw/s320/cbn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Mr Isaac Okoroafor, the acting Director, Corporate Communications, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says the apex bank resisted suggestions to float the Naira when the country was battling with economic recession.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Okoroafor spoke at the Capital Chapter Congress/Dinner of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT chapter, on Wednesday in Abuja.<br /> <br /> Delivering a lecture titled, “Managing Public Confidence in a Period of Economic Challenge -The Role of Public Relations’’, the CBN spokesman said the bank was vindicated afterwards for rejecting the suggestion.<br /> <br /> A floating exchange rate is a regime where the currency price is set by the forex market based on supply and demand compared with other currencies.<br /> <br /> This is in contrast to a fixed exchange rate, in which the government entirely or predominantly determines the rate.<br /> <br /> “Several people both local and international made the suggestions that we float the Naira but we said no.<br /> <br /> “ We resisted the option because we felt it was a wrong option and dangerous to the economy and we are very happy we proved them wrong.<br /> <br /> “We believe we succeeded and what are doing now in to consolidate on the successes and address our failures,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> He said that crisis was unavoidable; hence the need for public relations practitioners to be proactive.<br /> <br /> Okoroafor advised the practitioners to be truthful and engage stakeholders continuously.<br /> <br /> “You do not have to wait until there is a crisis before you begin to engage; during periods of normalcy, you need to engage people; make sure you supply people with information prior to the crisis because the crisis will come one day.<br /> <br /> “ Once you engage people steadily, and crisis comes, they will be on your side because they already know the crisis will come.<br /> <br /> “If you create a level of confidence with your stakeholders, especially the media, they will readily defend you when there is crisis.’’<br /> <br /> Okoroafor said there was need for Nigeria to begin to add value to the goods it exported in order to strengthen the Naira.<br /> <br /> He said that if Nigeria remained a nation of consumers – taking from other countries and hampering local production, the Naira would continue to be weak.<br /> <br /> On his part, Dr Tayo Hastrup, Chairman, NIPR, FCT chapter, said that the decision to engage Okoroafor for the lecture was informed by his wealth of experience in public relations.<br /> <br /> He said that the CBN spokesman and his team creditably acquitted themselves in public relations when Nigeria was in recession.<br /> <br /> According to him, Nigerian economy is very important to us, we just came from recession and the CBN is very strategic agency in this country.<br /> <br /> “We decided at executive level to get somebody from the CBN, who is our member, Okoroafor.<br /> <br /> “We have the belief that as a public relations person heading the corporate communications department of CBN, he will be versatile enough to talk on the issue in question.<br /> <br /> “The nation faced some serious challenges but the strategy adopted by CBN public relations was able to douse tension and professionally handled the crisis,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> Hastrup said that he believed that the lecture would boost the professional capacity of public relations practitioners in handling challenges.</div>

CBN resisted pressure to float the Naira – Spokesman

Mr Isaac Okoroafor, the acting Director, Corporate Communications, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says the apex bank resisted suggestions t...

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BREAKING: Zinedine Zidane resigns as Real Madrid boss

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb4bfwQpux0/Ww_f-krDw_I/AAAAAAAAtTU/9lTs4tGOAcU92gR96IVfq9itFO9Xal5NgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Zinedine%2BZidane.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fb4bfwQpux0/Ww_f-krDw_I/AAAAAAAAtTU/9lTs4tGOAcU92gR96IVfq9itFO9Xal5NgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Zinedine%2BZidane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Zinedine Zidane says he is stepping down as Real Madrid boss, five days after leading them to a third straight Champions League triumph, claiming the club needs "a different voice".<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Zidane told a news conference that "everything changes" and "that's why I took this decision".<br /> <br /> He leaves having guided the Spanish club to three successive Champions League titles and one La Liga success since taking over in January 2016.<br /> <br /> "I love this club," he added.<br /> <br /> "What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology. And that's why I took this decision."<br /> <br /> Zidane, 45, took over after Rafael Benitez was sacked and was in charge for 149 games. He steered Real to 104 wins and 29 draws, had 69.8% win rate, and won nine trophies.<br /> <br /> He said in February that he would walk away if he felt "there is nothing more to give".<br /> <br /> However, the timing of his announcement still came as a shock just days after Real beat Liverpool 3-1 in the Champions League final.<br /> <br /> "This is a club that has won 13 European Cups, so I'm happy to be part of this history," he said after victory in Kiev.<br /> <br /> "We are going to think about what we achieved, enjoy the moment first. This is the most important thing now."</div>

BREAKING: Zinedine Zidane resigns as Real Madrid boss

Zinedine Zidane says he is stepping down as Real Madrid boss, five days after leading them to a third straight Champions League triumph, c...

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OPC blows hot, warns SARS to stop harassing citizens

OPC blows hot, warns SARS to stop harassing citizens

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Resident doctors say they can’t guarantee industrial harmony after June 2

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0A8bT4Zjps/Ww_aT7h5MqI/AAAAAAAAtS8/YKoWgdpnzQo8LSTXleBGEvm_f_WHJhBOgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/doctor%2Binstruments.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0A8bT4Zjps/Ww_aT7h5MqI/AAAAAAAAtS8/YKoWgdpnzQo8LSTXleBGEvm_f_WHJhBOgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/doctor%2Binstruments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors says it cannot guarantee industrial harmony after a scheduled meeting on June 2.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Dr Ugochukwu Eze, the NARD Publicity and Social Secretary, Kaduna State branch, made this known at a news conference, on Thursday in Kaduna.<br /> <br /> “As the 21 days grace handed over to the Federal Government to resolve all lingering issues as well as the recalling of its members sacked by the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) elapsed on Thursday May 31, we scheduled a meeting for June 2, while warning that we cannot guarantee industrial harmony.<br /> <br /> It may also interest you all that an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting of NARD is scheduled to hold on the 2nd of June, 2018.<br /> <br /> NARD leadership may not be able to guarantee continuous industrial harmony should our legitimate agitations be ignored by the government,” the spokesman said.<br /> <br /> Eze recalled that NARD had on March 27 held an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting where issues pertaining to the unjust sack of its members in JUTH were extensively discussed.<br /> <br /> “At the end of the meeting, a 30 days ultimatum was issued starting from the 2nd of April, 2018, which elapsed on the 2nd of May, 2018.<br /> <br /> “Twelve days after the expiration of the ultimatum, at the Ordinary General Meeting held in ABUTH Zaria from 5th-11th May, 2018, the ultimatum was extended by 21 days to allow Government to effect recall of all sacked resident doctors in JUTH.<br /> <br /> “Also to meet up with all outstanding agreement contained in our 6th September, 2017, Memorandum of Terms of Settlement. This ultimatum ends tomorrow, 31st May, 2018,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> Eze explained that the association had exhausted all labour engagement requirements to help solve the problem in JUTH through extensive advocacy channels.<br /> <br /> “The September 2017 strike was suspended to allow government complete implementation of the terms of settlement but there are still unmet agreements by the government.<br /> <br /> “It may also interest the general public to know that the members of Joint Health Sector Workers Union (JOHESU) have been on strike for the past 44 days.<br /> <br /> “Healthcare in the country has been anchored upon the shoulders of resident doctors, mainly (NARD), being the largest single body of Doctors in Nigeria,” he said.<br /> <br /> Eze appealed to government and the public to impress on government to reciprocate their goodwill and solve their problem.<br /> <br /> The Residency training programme is a programme where Specialist Doctors are trained to guarantee availability of Specialist Health Services in the country and minimize brain drain.</div>

Resident doctors say they can’t guarantee industrial harmony after June 2

The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors says it cannot guarantee industrial harmony after a scheduled meeting on June 2. Dr Ugochuk...

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Aregbesola, Soyinka, others suggest ways to Nigeria’s greatness

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF8Z_MDZvZw/Ww_aAn0Y5UI/AAAAAAAAtSw/K9q8RHtyNMsYoZv4gmAxaHtvm9iSJtBtwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Wole-Soyinka.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF8Z_MDZvZw/Ww_aAn0Y5UI/AAAAAAAAtSw/K9q8RHtyNMsYoZv4gmAxaHtvm9iSJtBtwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Wole-Soyinka.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola; Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka;  ex-governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba; popular poet, Odia Ofeimun; and a human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) on Wednesday, suggested ways the country could attain greater heights.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> They spoke in Lagos at a colloquium titled, ‘A bright future for Nigeria and how to get there,’ organised in honour of the Executive Director of The News/PM News, Mr. Kunle Ajibade, who turned 60 on May 28.<br /> <br /> The military junta of the late Sani Abacha in 1995 jailed Ajibade  for life alongside some suspected coup plotters. He was released on July 18, 1998, after the demise of the despot.<br /> <br /> At the event, Aregbesola called for concerted efforts in building the country to achieve its potential, stressing that it was important to ensure that the country became a model in Africa.<br /> <br /> Urging young and aspiring journalists to emulate Ajibade’s professional ideals, Soyinka stated, “Forget the fact that he is a jailbird; sometimes, that can be a badge of honour.”<br /> <br /> Also, Osoba, who chaired the event, said the media industry was proud of Ajibade’s contributions to the profession.<br /> <br /> Ofeimun stated that after two former generals and two civlian heads of state attempted to change the country after post-military politics, it seemed Nigeria was running towards mess and anarchy.<br /> <br /> He said, “It is sponsored by the sheer incomprehension of those who claimed to have found a solution. Rather than moving forward, we are like a country merely poaching the dated pursuits of yesterday.”<br /> <br /> He added that the goals of Nigerians stood on the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s ‘People’s Republic’ seeking a united, strong and self-reliant nation, a great and dynamic economy, a just and egalitarian society, a land full of opportunities for all and a free and democratic society.</div>

Aregbesola, Soyinka, others suggest ways to Nigeria’s greatness

The Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola; Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka;  ex-governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba; popular p...

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PHOTOS: Wizkid, Iwobi, Tiwa Savage model Nigeria’s World Cup apparel

PHOTOS: Wizkid, Iwobi, Tiwa Savage model Nigeria’s World Cup apparel

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I inherited insecurity, bad economy from Jonathan - Buhari says

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMjHqSToXV0/Ww_XP6Ouc2I/AAAAAAADGRs/4plv5a_KAVkelaeEQevm5G4DqnJyiheYACLcBGAs/s400/buhari%2Bjonatahn%2Bw.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> President Muha-mmadu Buhari on Wednesday insisted that he inherited security challenge and ailing economy at the inception of his administration in 2015.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President spoke while receiving the new President of Sierra Leone, Mr. Julius Bio, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.<br /> The statement read, “President Buhari noted that he shared a lot in common with the Sierra Leonean President, which includes ruling the country as a military general, contesting several elections as opposition and winning to face the challenges of security and an ailing economy,” the statement.<br /> <br /> Buhari assured Bio that Nigeria would give his country the necessary support.<br /> <br /> “We will continually stand by you to ensure stability in your country. We believe security in the West Coast region, Africa and the world should be a collective concern,” he said.<br /> <br /> In his remarks, the President of Sierra Leone said his country remained grateful to Nigeria.<br /> <br /> He said, “Nigeria and Sierra Leone are two sister countries that have enjoyed a great relationship spanning over several years and this relationship has been tested severally.<br /> <br /> Bio added, “I came today to express our country’s gratitude to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for standing by us during our time of need, when we had the civil war.”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has faulted the claim by President Buhari that he inherited a bad economy when he took power in 2015.<br /> The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, who made the rebuttal in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents in Abuja, on Wednesday, said, “With all due respect, President Buhari inherited the fastest growing economy in Africa when he took over from the PDP administration in 2015.<br /> <br /> “He came to power without a clear cut economic policy; his administration mismanaged the economy and threw up the recession we suffered.<br /> <br /> “At the earliest turn of his administration, he embarked on the de-marketing of our nation; he embarked on a foreign exchange policy which pursued a multiplicity of exchange rates which led to foreign investors leaving in their numbers.”

I inherited insecurity, bad economy from Jonathan - Buhari says

President Muha-mmadu Buhari on Wednesday insisted that he inherited security challenge and ailing economy at the inception of his administ...

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BREAKING: Court sends former Kaduna gov Yero, ex-minister to prison

BREAKING: Court sends former Kaduna gov Yero, ex-minister to prison

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You Should Be In Jail -Timi Dakolo Calls Out Pastor Who Sleeps With Virgin Teenage Girls

You Should Be In Jail -Timi Dakolo Calls Out Pastor Who Sleeps With Virgin Teenage Girls

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TRENDING VIDEO: This Is Nigeria - Falz

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gdd_K7x8U3I/Ww_KOIxyZgI/AAAAAAADGRg/m0FO4YE4RPgJTUQ1HfJrSfPG8og5Xq71QCLcBGAs/s1600/Falz-%25E2%2580%2593-This-Is-Nigeria-970x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="970" height="230" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gdd_K7x8U3I/Ww_KOIxyZgI/AAAAAAADGRg/m0FO4YE4RPgJTUQ1HfJrSfPG8og5Xq71QCLcBGAs/s640/Falz-%25E2%2580%2593-This-Is-Nigeria-970x350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <b>Falz</b>, a Nigerian rapper, actor and lawyer, also known as Folarin Falana just released a music video, <b>This is Nigeria.</b> It’s his take on the Childish Gambino’s groundbreaking This is America video.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This video is arguably the most socio-political cooncious Nigerian song this decade.<br /> <br /> The <b>This is Nigeria</b> song shows Falz deliver an important piece of social commentary, often with dark humor to highlight many of the worst socio-economic issues in today’s Nigeria, particularly for the country’s leaders. It’s already been endorsed by US hip hop legend Sean “Diddy” Combs.<br /> <br /> The song begins with speeches given by Femi Falana, Falz’s father, a lawyer and human rights advocate. In one speech, he talks about Nigeria operating a “predatory neo-colonial capitalist system” which was founded on fraud and exploitation which is bound to lead to corruption—which forms the main premise for the message of the song.<br /> <br /> A Fulani herdsman playing the ukulele jumps up suddenly to attack a man with machete, referring to the growing dread of spreading herdsmen attacks around the country. He is joined by four ladies wearing dark-colored hijabs, obviously symbolizing the kidnapped Chibok girls.<br /> <br /> Back in February, a sales clerk, “Madam Philomina” at the national university admissions board, JAMB, claimed 36 million naira of the board’s funds had been swallowed by a snake, Falz has a snake writhing in a basket of naira notes to capture yet another example of the absurdity of Nigeria’s daily corruption.<br /> <br /> In the next scene a young university student alights from a bus, staggering uncertainly with what is we can only presume is a bottle of codeine cough syrup in one hand and a cup on the other alluding to Nigeria’s opioid crisis. But as this is going on, Falz calls out president Buhari’s government and others for never doing anything Nigeria’ looters who never see jail time and instead are returning to contest in upcoming elections.<br /> <br /> Even in the seriousness of Nigeria’s mounting insecurity issues, Falz again pokes fun at the absurdity of it all referencing a Nigerian police station, which earlier this year said it had to close by 6pm “for security reasons”.<br /> <br /> Nigeria’s hugely popular reality show, Big Brother Nigeria is parodied as Big Sister Nigeria with an enthusiastic winner celebrating his 25 million naira and car prize, you could say it’s a distraction for Nigeria’s youthful masses because in the next scene a loud Christian pastor in full cassock is preaching about the power of miracles. At this point Falz addresses stories of sexual assault by several pastors taking advantage of a desperate people.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, Nigeria’s electricity woes are portrayed as two young men are shown trying to turn on gasoline generators; a popular household power source. In the same breath, Falz raps about the infamous comments of the president Buhari to the Commonwealth Business Forum in Westminster portraying Nigerian youth as lazy.<br /> <br /> The Nigerian Special Anti Robbery squad (SARs) makes an appearance in the video. Two young men are picked up, with identification, but will be carted away as criminals. While one person’s father is able to pay the bribe, the other is left with the police again a commentary on one law for the wealthy and nothing for the ordinary person.<br /> <br /> <br /> Nigeria’s inspector general, Idris Ibrahim wasn’t going to get away without a cameo, given his disastrous 'Transmission' speech earlier this month in which he stuttered and repeated the same words so often there were genuine questions about whether he was fully literate or drugged up. As in the beginning, an audio recording of Femi Falana taking shots at church-owned private institutions of education, taking offerings from poor parishoners then charging school fees which only their wealthy members can afford.<br /> <br /> This is a MUST WATCH video for every Nigerian<br /> <br /> WATCH IT BELOW...<br /> <br /> <iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UW_xEqCWrm0" width="640"></iframe>

TRENDING VIDEO: This Is Nigeria - Falz

Falz , a Nigerian rapper, actor and lawyer, also known as Folarin Falana just released a music video, This is Nigeria. It’s his take on ...

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How Serena advert nearly threatened Meghan

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNC-79yskLw/Ww-wwbI61hI/AAAAAAAAtSk/tMxKTUjydiQukl5eP9qd_hvxEjDpn05gwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/serena-williams-sad.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNC-79yskLw/Ww-wwbI61hI/AAAAAAAAtSk/tMxKTUjydiQukl5eP9qd_hvxEjDpn05gwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/serena-williams-sad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Serena Williams has expressed her embarrassment at her Nike advert entitled “The Queen is back” which threatened to upstage Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s nuptials, after being launched just days before the Royal Wedding.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The advert was launched ahead of Serena’s much-anticipated return to Grand Slam tennis at the French open following a lay-off of a year-and-a-half after giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr in September 2017.<br /> <br /> Speaking during a press conference at Roland Garros, Serena commented on the advert, saying,  “Nike came up with this idea right when I decided I was going to come back.”<br /> <br /> But the tennis champion pointed to the unfortunate timing of the advert, stating, “It’s kind of interesting how it all tied into the wedding and, you know, then I felt a little awkward!<br /> <br /> “Now, you know, Meghan is royalty and I have known her for so many years, and I’m like, I’m not — now she’s a princess. A duchess, I should say, excuse me.<br /> <br /> “But anyway, it’s all really cool.”<br /> <br /> Serena attended the Royal Wedding at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle alongside her husband Alexis Ohanian and her long-time agent Jill Smoller.<br /> <br /> They were seated in the quire of the chapel alongside the royal family and A-listers including Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney.<br /> <br /> The tennis ace praised her friend Meghan for incorporating elements of African American culture into the ceremony, and in particular the lively sermon by US Episcopalian Bishop Michael Curry.<br /> <br /> Commenting on the special day itself, Serena said, “You know, it was really exciting to see so much African-American culture impacted in the wedding, and I was really happy that Meghan wanted to incorporate that into it.<br /> <br /> “I think it was just a whole cultural shift and change.<br /> <br /> “It was seeing how far African-Americans have come, I thought it was an incredibly inspiring and beautiful and really motivating thing.”<br /> <br /> However Serena rejected claims she had won a beer pong competition at Meghan and Harry’s wedding reception at Frogmore House.<br /> <br /> She said,  “Oh, there was no beer pong. I don’t know where this story (came from) — I don’t even drink beer.”<br /> <br /> Serena is currently competing at Roland Garros and is vying for her 24th Grand Slam title, the highest number of any player in the Open Era.<br /> <br /> If she achieves the feat, she will match the non-Open Era record set by tennis champion Margaret Court, who won 24 Grand Slam singles titles.</div>

How Serena advert nearly threatened Meghan

Serena Williams has expressed her embarrassment at her Nike advert entitled “The Queen is back” which threatened to upstage Meghan Markle ...

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Fayemi picks 74-year-old Egbeyemi as running mate

Fayemi picks 74-year-old Egbeyemi as running mate

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Senate summons CG prisons over inmates pregnancies, teenage confinement

Senate summons CG prisons over inmates pregnancies, teenage confinement

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Lagos Okada riders go wild as police chase colleague to death

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Ateke Tom escapes assassination in Rivers

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Presidency begs Senate over screening of pending nominees

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What Buhari asked me to do about killings – IGP Idris

What Buhari asked me to do about killings – IGP Idris

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I’m not interested in settling my CCT case out of court -Saraki

I’m not interested in settling my CCT case out of court -Saraki

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EFCC detains former gov Yero, ex-minister

EFCC detains former gov Yero, ex-minister

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We await your final porting, PDP tells Melaye

We await your final porting, PDP tells Melaye

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South-south govs demand 13% of $1bn insurgency fund

South-south govs demand 13% of $1bn insurgency fund

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Egbeyemi emerges as Fayemi’s running mate

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DNVEPn16pg/Ww-wd9ukDsI/AAAAAAAAtSY/-5FejmY-c1MR0W23rK8MZ2FnUpoH-SbXQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Kayode%2BFayemi.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DNVEPn16pg/Ww-wd9ukDsI/AAAAAAAAtSY/-5FejmY-c1MR0W23rK8MZ2FnUpoH-SbXQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Kayode%2BFayemi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has nominated former Executive Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Chief Adebisi Adegboyega Egbeyemi, as the deputy governorship candidate of the party.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A statement from JKF Campaign office in Ado-Ekiti disclosed that Egbeyemi was picked as the candidate in late hours of Wednesday, after party leaders met for long hours to consider who is best suited to pair with former Governor and immediate past Minister of Mines an Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, to fly the party’s flag in the governorship contest.<br /> <br /> The Statement which was signed by Wole Olujobi said, Egbeyemi’s choice came after speculations by the expectant public spread that certain eminent indigenes of the state had been picked to fly the ticket with Fayemi in the July 14, 2018 governorship poll.<br /> <br /> Egbeyemi, an indigene of Ado-Ekiti, was born on May 8, 1944 to the family of the late Egbeyemi Alade and late Madam Tinubu Egbeyemi.<br /> <br /> He started his education at the Holy Trinity Anglican School, Ilawe-Ekiti and Baptist School, Ado-Ekiti, after which he attended Harding Memorial Modern School, Ado-Ekiti.<br /> <br /> He studied privately while working as a Laboratory Assistant at Ekitiparapo College, Ido-Ekiti, and while working as a bursar at Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi-Ekiti, Egbeyemi sat as a private student to pass both the GCE O’Level and Advanced Level examinations.<br /> <br /> He later proceeded to the University of Lagos College of Education where he graduated in Biology and Physical Education with distinction. He taught briefly at the St Mary’s Girls Secondary School, Ikole-Ekiti, in 1975 before he was transferred to the Teachers’ College, Oye-Ekiti, as a pioneer Physical Education tutor between 1975 and 1977.<br /> <br /> He later went to the University of Ife to read Law between 1977 and 1980 before proceeding to the Law School in Lagos for his Barrister at Law certificate and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.<br /> <br /> His political experiences spanned many fields, including the Youth Leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) between 1979 and 1983; a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly in 1983; and Executive Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government between 1991 and 1993.<br /> <br /> Others include Leader of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) in Ado-Ekiti Local Government between 1996 and 1997 and was founding member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), using the platform to win the House of Representatives election that was cancelled by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in 1998.<br /> <br /> Between 1991 and 1992, he was Commissioner of Education and between 2001 and 2002, Egbeyemi was a member of the Governing Council of the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna.<br /> <br /> A receiver of many awards, the lawyer was appointed the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General between 2002 and 2003.<br /> <br /> He was a founding member and Leader of the Action Congress in Ado-Ekiti Local Government and currently a foremost leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State.<br /> <br /> A top chieftaincy title holder in Ado-Ekiti, Egbeyemi is married with children.</div>

Egbeyemi emerges as Fayemi’s running mate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has nominated former Executive Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government, Chief Adebisi Ad...

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Delay in justice delivery scaring away investors — CJN

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjr5BgU7YfQ/Ww-wLpFpwxI/AAAAAAAAtSM/h2Ui-cXYtUwKqo6fyrDB-fxeEOJslU1QgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/court%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tjr5BgU7YfQ/Ww-wLpFpwxI/AAAAAAAAtSM/h2Ui-cXYtUwKqo6fyrDB-fxeEOJslU1QgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/court%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, yesterday, expressed concern over what he described as unending litigation in courts, saying the delay in justice delivery has scared away potential investors from the country.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The CJN directed judges to, henceforth, encourage litigants to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, mechanism in less contentious cases, stressing that would help in the decongestion of courts.<br /> <br /> Onnoghen spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2018 National Seminar on Construction Law for Judges, held at National Judicial Institute, NJI, in Abuja.<br /> <br /> He maintained that courts must ensure that contracts where arbitration clauses are inserted, must first go through arbitration before the litigation option is explored.<br /> <br /> According to him, “this will encourage case flow management, increase investors’ confidence in the construction sector and further strengthen the economy.”<br /> <br /> The CJN warned that use of ADR mechanism would form part of the quarterly performance evaluation for Judges..<br /> <br /> He said: “My Lords, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, it goes without saying that a justice system, which is riddled with delays in the adjudication of cases will be unattractive to investors.<br /> <br /> “It is also instructive to note that, where Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, mechanisms are effectively deployed, same will drastically reduce the volume of cases before our courts. Such a system will encourage investment as investors will be confident that their assets and investments are secured.<br /> <br /> “Despite so many laws regulating the construction sector, it has been faced with a myriad of challenges, which has made it unattractive to investors. The most crucial challenge as it relates to Judges is the seeming unending litigations in our courts.”<br /> <br /> In her welcome address, Administrator of the NJI, Justice R.P. I. Bozimo, said it was important for judges to continously update their knowledge on specialised area of law and other regulations governing the construction sector so as to ensure fairness to disputing parties.<br /> <br /> “The theme of this seminar, ‘Laying the Foundation for Effective Dispute Resolution in the Nigerian Construction Sector’ is apt. This sector is distinct as it plays a significant role in socio-economic development.”<br /> <br /> “It is instructive to mention that Nigeria is undergoing incredible growth and as a result of this, the sector faces numerous challenges ranging from archaic regulations, demand and supply, disputes in relation to claims for payment, damages due to defects in completed works, and variations in contract sums due to inflation,” she added.</div>

Delay in justice delivery scaring away investors — CJN

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, yesterday, expressed concern over what he described as unending litigation in ...

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Nigeria under siege - OPC

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45xuDHMazQE/Ww-vUmsRzaI/AAAAAAAAtSA/Nn5Um7DsJa860RJ8r18717wdN5tHzSzdACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/opc.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45xuDHMazQE/Ww-vUmsRzaI/AAAAAAAAtSA/Nn5Um7DsJa860RJ8r18717wdN5tHzSzdACK4BGAYYCw/s320/opc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President and founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun has said Nigeria is under siege, crying for a rescue.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Addressing a press conference in Lagos, Fasehun said the country is militarised and there is lack of adequate security in all parts of the nation, noting that there are breaches and violation of citizens’ fundamental rights on daily basis.<br /> <br /> Reviewing the state of the nation and democracy in the last 19 years, the OPC leader said there is little to cheer.<br /> <br /> He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to “lead all arms of the Executive in the protection and continued sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy, in collaboration with the Legislature, the Judiciary, the Media and Civil Society.”<br /> <br /> Fasehun said: “Today, Nigerians appear to be under siege. From the North to the South, from the East to the West, all parts of the country are militarized and turned into a virtual police state. The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) has lost focus. Instead of implementing its primary objective of curtailing armed robbery in the country, it has turned itself into an army of occupation, harassing and pilfering money from innocent citizens.<br /> <br /> “What we see now is that police arrest and intimidate people into confessing to crimes they know nothing about without respecting their right to legal counsel and representation. This must stop.”</div>

Nigeria under siege - OPC

President and founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun has said Nigeria is under siege, crying for a rescue. A...

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Senate summons C-G of Prisons over confinement of infants, underage with adults

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQMGeRkLt-Q/Ww-u7Vv6khI/AAAAAAAAtR0/YD1SWD6UMjojJW-M7KgDslDYDclE-h2PACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/senate.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQMGeRkLt-Q/Ww-u7Vv6khI/AAAAAAAAtR0/YD1SWD6UMjojJW-M7KgDslDYDclE-h2PACK4BGAYYCw/s320/senate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>  The Senate has begun a probe into illegal confinement of underage and infants in the same prison as adult prisoners.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Consequently, it mandated its Committee on Interior, led by Senator Andy Ubah (APC, Anambra South), to summon the Comptroller-General of Prisons, Ahmed Ja’afaru, to brief it on the state of Prison inmates in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> The committee, according to the Senate, would carry out a holistic investigation into the confinement of underage offenders and infants with adults in the nation’s prisons and report back within four weeks.<br /> <br /> The upper chamber, which urged the Legal Aid Council to step up efforts to ensure that underage children were not prosecuted without legal representation in courts, however, called on the Federal Government to establish more Juvenile Remand/ Correctional Homes and, Crèches attached to all female Prisons across the nation.<br /> <br /> Resolutions of the Senate, yesterday, were sequel to a motion by Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra Central), entitled, “Illegal confinement of underage offenders and infants in the same prison with adult prisoners.”<br /> <br /> The Senate also urged security agencies involved in the arrest and detention of juveniles to ensure they were not incarcerated beyond 48 hours and that when conviction was secured, should ensure they were separated from the adults inmates.<br /> <br /> In his presentation, Senator Umeh said: “The Senate: Notes that Section 1 of the Child’s Right Act provides that: “In every action concerning a child, whether undertaken by an individual, public or private body, institutions or services, court of law, or administrative or legislative authority, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration.”</div>

Senate summons C-G of Prisons over confinement of infants, underage with adults

 The Senate has begun a probe into illegal confinement of underage and infants in the same prison as adult prisoners. Consequently, it ...

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How to end strike in health sector, says NLC President

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApAac1hVby8/Ww-ul_84EqI/AAAAAAAAtRo/UG4mbjfcT3A92093xsQcA6xCD51iM8HwQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/NLC%2Bpeople.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApAac1hVby8/Ww-ul_84EqI/AAAAAAAAtRo/UG4mbjfcT3A92093xsQcA6xCD51iM8HwQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/NLC%2Bpeople.jpg" /></a></div> For over five weeks, medical services in public health institutions across the nation have been paralysed as a result of industrial action by health sector workers under the aegis of the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> However, the workers have agreed to suspend the strike tomorrow.<br /> <br /> In a chat with President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, which most of the striking workers are affiliated to, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, speaks on the strike and how to end industrial unrest  in the health sector. The interview was conducted before JOHESU agreed to suspend the strike.<br /> <br /> First, this situation is getting out of hand because it has taken longer than necessary. Two, the needful has not been done, because issues of industrial relations like this require prompt and adequate attention particularly that those issues are issues related to a Collective Bargaining Agreement, CBA, that was fully signed and also a pronouncement of the Industrial Court. I am aware that those issues have taken more than three years now.<br /> <br /> We have several agreements that have been signed, several MoUs that have been signed towards addressing the issues but every time, those agreements have not been consummated. That is why the issues have lingered for a very long time. I am also aware that the issues of cadre interests have actually come in, and that is why the issues have been prolonged.<br /> <br /> The health system can only function if the workers work as a team, because every health worker in the team has a role and responsibility. It is only when they work harmoniously that they would be able to deliver on their mandate. Even the person cleaning the hospital has a responsibility that is very central because it is a place where you need to maintain the highest level of hygiene for the patient to receive the best of treatment. Same with a nurse; a surgeon can do the best of surgery, but if there is no quality nursing care that would ensure that the wound heals, it would be in jeopardy.<br /> <br /> So, everybody is as important as the other. It is just like a football team, where you have a goalkeeper, the defenders, mid-fielders and the strikers. You can’t say it is only the goalkeeper that is important or the strikers, no, everybody is important and it is when the team works harmoniously that they would be able to win a game. The defender is important because if you don’t take care of him and you concede too  many goals, if you have the best of strikers, it means the team will not work optimally. This is the same with the health system.<br /> <br /> The health system must work as a team and in that team, everybody is very important.   In fact, what is happening is long expected, when they increased the salaries of doctors two times and left the other health professionals; you should know that this issue will come up. Therefore, managing it for the past two or three years has not taken us to the final destination and therefore, it is still a challenge.<br /> <br /> Whatever the issue, the court or sack may not address the it. What will address the issue is for government to create a neutral platform; bring technocrats, lawyers and others that will look at the entire quagmire and give a pronouncement that will be fair and be in line with best global practices to which everybody will conform. That would be the best situation not allowing the Minister or somebody that has an interest, because the Minister of Health is a physician, so, he has a vested interest.<br /> <br /> So, my recommendation to address this issue is to get somebody that is neutral. You remember during the last administration when the issue was getting out of hand, they brought in the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to actually lead the discussion and that was how he was able to know the truth and said no.<br /> <br /> The Ministry of Health should not have gone this way, and the unions would not have gone this way, let us look at it this way. That was how the last agreement was signed because it was also the same mistake that was made when they increased CONMESS and left out health professionals as far back as 2009. That was what brought about the issue. That was how JOHESU was formed, and because they were left out, they have to agitate. In fact, it was a long process of negotiations which led to the signing of 2009 agreement which addressed the issue.<br /> <br /> But now, an increase has been made in a sector where there is a team work and you have not been able to accommodate the other party. Again,  saying that they are demanding for the same salary structure as the medical doctors is not correct and the impression has to be made very clear. There is no way other professionals are going to be paid the same salary.<br /> <br /> Parity<br /> <br /> There used to be the issue of parity; even at the point of entry, they don’t enter the service at the same level. Other health professionals enter the service at nine and 10, physicians or doctors enter the service at 12. So, already, at the point of entry, there is the issue of parity created. Clearly speaking, that is a deviation from the real issue. The real issue is that there is a problem, and from the discussions that I have had, nobody has said there is no issue, either government or the Ministry of Health or even the health workers.<br /> <br /> Everybody agreed that there is a problem and that discussion is going on and that government has made an offer while the unions had made a counter-offer. So, that is the reality, going any other direction rather than tested process of collective bargaining which is enshrined in ILO Convention 87 and 98 and in our Labour Law, will not bring about peace, stability and progress in the health sector. If everybody is happy, the health sector will work optimally.<br /> <br /> Administrators<br /> <br /> What has happened is clearly about management process. Let me give you an example; recently, Kenya was in the same quagmire and the government  took drastic decision. The first decision was to get technocrats to manage the administrative aspect of hospitals. Kenya did that, they addressed the issue and the issue died naturally. They said the issues of clinical service, professional service and management and administration are different.<br /> <br /> The issue of core administration should be handled by competent administrators who are vast in administration. That was what Kenya did that brought about peace. This issue of muddling up administration and clinical issues has created more problems. We must also look at global best practices.<br /> <br /> What is the situation in other countries? Ghana operates what we call single spine salary structure where every professional comes in, you fit in according to your grade level and that has addressed the issue. Same in countries like US and UK. Whereas in Nigeria, where they say if you obtain the highest level of qualification as a nurse or a pharmacist, even with a PhD, (we have Phds and professors now in Nursing care, and in pharmacy and they are appointed as consultants); but someone woke up one day and said the word ‘consultant’ can only be used by a clinician.<br /> <br /> That is not in line with the best global practices because in the UK, we have nurses that have acquired the relevant qualifications, they are called consultants in nursing services, we have consultants in pharmaceutical services. Today, Lagos State appointed a consultant in pharmaceutical services. They created a grade known as consultant pharmacist. Once you acquire the qualification and standard, you must be so appointed.<br /> <br />  Skipping<br /> <br /> We have the issue of double standard. If we are strictly going by the rule of law, we must apply rule of law. Take for instance the issue of skipping. The issue of skipping applies only to other health professionals, but five years back, someone woke up and said the issue of skipping which is a service wide issue, should be stopped for other health professionals.<br /> <br /> That issue was tested in the court of law and the court said no, just as you skip from 10 to 12 in the core civil service, these workers in the other professions should be allowed to skip.   That was accepted, but instead of applying that strictly to those that it applies to, they extended it and I am aware that Salaries and Wages Commission issued a circular to say that the issue of skipping is only limited to this cadre but you can see illegality and double standards. They extended it and that is also part of the problem today.<br /> <br /> Resolution<br /> <br /> Our recommendation is to bring in neutral people, competent lawyers, administrators and people who are neutral.  Let us present the facts, let them look at them in comparison with what is obtainable in the other sphere,  and then try to give a direction that government will conform with. The issue of using your position of authority to try to undermine due process or give false information, will not assist because I have seen in the media where some of those confidential information have to be provided because somebody lied that there was no agreement.</div>

How to end strike in health sector, says NLC President

For over five weeks, medical services in public health institutions across the nation have been paralysed as a result of industrial action...

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Ebola: FAAN detects 95% of travellers with high fever

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLjqH9FP7v4/Ww-toyEG8BI/AAAAAAAAtRc/uHwcZ05ZH6cFs4YWzariwpyKjMTfGCv8QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/FAAN.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLjqH9FP7v4/Ww-toyEG8BI/AAAAAAAAtRc/uHwcZ05ZH6cFs4YWzariwpyKjMTfGCv8QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/FAAN.jpg" /></a></div> The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on Wednesday announced that in its bid to avoid the re-emergence of the dreaded Ebola virus in the country, it had detected and picked up over 95 per cent of travellers who had high fever as they travelled through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> FAAN also stated that in conjunction with other agencies of government at the airport, it had established a public health emergency contingency plan at the NAIA and other key international airports in the country in order to effectively guard against the disease.<br /> <br /> The Head of Medical, FAAN, Dr. Adamu Adamu, disclosed this during a media tour of the Abuja airport, where hundreds of passengers and crew members on-board Emirates Airlines, including the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, were screened with the thermal camera and hand temperature detector.<br /> <br /> Adamu said, “In this airport, we have a public health emergency contingency plan that we developed in conjunction with the Port Health Services of the Ministry of Health and our partners, Pro-Health International. I am sure you are all aware of the outbreak of Ebola in Congo, which has moved from the rural areas, where it started, towards Kinshasa.<br /> <br /> “Because Kinshasa is a hub, it has become a serious concern and the world is probably in trouble. Right now, the World Health Organisation has not declared public health emergency of international concern over the case, but Nigeria has to be proactive because of our previous experience.”<br /> <br /> He added, “What we are doing is not an Ebola scan; we are scanning for high temperature fever so that when we discover any passenger with high temperature, we quickly take that person for proper checks. We don’t want to scare people, because there is no cause for alarm. We want people to come to us if they feel sick or if they suspect any one to be sick.<br /> <br /> “We are looking at the temperature scan. We are also looking at the travel history of passengers. We have sanitisers that have been positioned in strategic areas so that passengers who are coming into Nigeria will have facilities to clean up their hands. I can assure you that over 95 per cent of people that come to this airport with high fever are detected and picked up.”<br /> <br /> The Northern Regional Manager, FAAN, Sani Mahmud, stated that surveillance and screening for Ebola virus and other infectious diseases had not stopped in all Nigerian international airports since the virus first entered the country in 2014.<br /> <br /> He said the agency had always ensured that all equipment such as the thermal camera, screening monitors, hand temperature detectors and hand sanitisers were fully operational.<br /> <br /> Mahmud stated that FAAN’s medical department, Port Health Services and Pro-Health International had intensified their level of synergy since the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 8.<br /> <br /> “As far as we are concerned, Ebola screening is an exercise we have been doing since the last time the incident occurred in our country. It is not as if because the Ebola case has been discovered elsewhere again that we are rushing back to site. We have been doing it and we have continued,” he added.</div>

Ebola: FAAN detects 95% of travellers with high fever

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on Wednesday announced that in its bid to avoid the re-emergence of the dreaded Ebola virus in t...

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2019: I’m running for Nigeria’s survival - Atiku

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFq8-r71f1w/Ww-tBDmaZfI/AAAAAAAAtRQ/Tj0C0KRV0vg01EdB_aVsSiAzMePUnvBRwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Atiku%2BAbubakar.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qFq8-r71f1w/Ww-tBDmaZfI/AAAAAAAAtRQ/Tj0C0KRV0vg01EdB_aVsSiAzMePUnvBRwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Atiku%2BAbubakar.jpg" /></a></div> Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he is running for the office of the President not for selfish reasons but for the survival of Nigeria.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Atiku said this at the symposium and inauguration of the Atiku Mandate Group codenamed TAM-G in Lagos.<br /> <br /> The former Vice-President, who served under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, said his primary goal was to put Nigeria back on the path of economic prosperity.<br /> <br /> Atiku who was represented by the National President and Chairman of the All Atiku Support Groups, Oladimeji Fabiyi, said apart from job creation, he would centre his campaign on uniting Nigerians who had been sharply divided along ethnic lines in recent time.<br /> <br /> He said his decision to vie for the Presidency of Nigeria was “borne out of genuine desire to serve the people of Nigeria and to help bring the country back to the path of economic growth for the greater good of all Nigerians.<br /> <br /> The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain added that the 2019 presidential election was “not about him as a person but for the survival of Nigeria.”<br /> <br /> He said, “The Atiku campaign mantra will focus on the acronym (JOBS), which literally means creating jobs for the teeming majority of unemployed Nigerian youths; creating opportunities and the enabling environment for Nigerians to excel in their individual endeavours; reconciling and uniting Nigerians and creating a sense of belonging among all the ethnic groups in the country; and providing adequate and enduring security for lives and property of all Nigerians at all levels.”<br /> <br /> The former Vice-President, who is running for President for the fifth time, said Nigerian youths would gain immensely from his Presidency if voted into power, stressing that most of his businesses were “managed by Nigerian youths; and the same will be replicated in Atiku’s government with over 40 per cent slots already pencilled down for the youths.”<br /> <br /> Atiku also advised women to key into his Presidency project.<br /> <br /> He described the Nigerian women as nation-builders who must be recognised and given their rightful place in the country.</div>

2019: I’m running for Nigeria’s survival - Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he is running for the office of the President not for selfish reasons but for the survival of Ni...

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350 million illegal arms in circulation - Reps

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-burlnxjgBeE/Ww-srK9bdZI/AAAAAAAAtRE/jf_bxqwMGeIeJhJNGHmpX385Q6mrwQlSwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/house-of-representative.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-burlnxjgBeE/Ww-srK9bdZI/AAAAAAAAtRE/jf_bxqwMGeIeJhJNGHmpX385Q6mrwQlSwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/house-of-representative.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, and the Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Relations, Ms. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, have raised the alarm over the proliferation of small arms in Nigeria.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This is contained in a bill to regulate the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which passed second reading at the House of Representatives on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> The bill was jointly sponsored by Dogara, and Elendu-Ukeje.<br /> <br /> While leading the debate on the bill, Elendu-Ukeje quoted a recent United Nations Centre for Peace and Disarmament’s report, which said there were about 500 million small arms in circulation in West Africa.<br /> <br /> She said the more frightening part was that “70 per cent of those arms reside in Nigeria.”<br /> <br /> Elendu-Ukeje noted that by implication, about 350 million small arms and light weapons were in circulation in Nigeria alone.<br /> <br /> The lawmaker added that with such a high number of arms in circulation, it was easy for the sponsors of armed conflicts in the country to take advantage of the situation.<br /> <br /> The proposed law will establish a national commission to among other things, prohibit the movement of small arms, discourage Nigerians from carrying arms/light weapons as well as stockpile and destroy such arms.<br /> <br /> The long title of the bill reads, “A Bill for an Act to Establish National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons charged with Responsibility to, among other things, Regulate and Prohibit Proliferation of Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons and sensitise the Public to the dangers of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Order to Discourage their Production and to Combat the Problem of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria in line with the Economic Community of West African States’ Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and for Related Matters.”<br /> <br /> Elendu-Ukeje added, “This bill intends to address not only the security issues but also human right issues.<br /> <br /> “There have been allusions to the fact that Nigeria is a country on the brink, some have even stated that Nigeria is a country at war.<br /> <br /> “Some eminent personalities in this country have out of frustration in the seemingly unending state of violence advocated self-defence.<br /> <br /> “The casualty figures are very high on the side of both state and non-state actors and this proliferation of arms, if left unabated, will ensure mutually assured destruction with women and children the most vulnerable in theatres of violence and the economy taking a large hit.”<br /> <br /> Elendu-Ukeje urged members to pass the bill in a bid to have a commission in place, charged with the primary responsibility of regulating the proliferation of arms.<br /> <br /> She informed the House that many hotspots of armed conflicts in Africa were the sources of the arms.<br /> <br /> The Chairman, Committee on Human Rights, Mr. Edward Pwajok, SAN, told the session that with 350 million arms in circulation, the weapons could go round all Nigerians twice.<br /> <br /> “Mr. Speaker, there is a serious problem here. The arms in circulation in wrong hands are already more than the country’s population of about 180 million.<br /> <br /> “It means that nearly every Nigerian will have two weapons. That is the grave danger,” he added.<br /> <br /> The Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, lent his voice to the bill, calling for detailed penalties to be spelt out in it against offenders.<br /> <br /> He stated that any gun regulation law ordinarily spelt out penalties for offenders. In the US and other countries around the world, that is the practice.<br /> <br /> “There must be penalties for violation. I believe this is one aspect we can add to this otherwise very important bill at the next stage, after passing the second reading”, he stated.<br /> <br /> Other members, including the Chairman, House Committee on Rules/Business, Mr. Orker Jev, Mrs. Betty Apiafi and Mr. Adamu Chika, also supported the bill.</div>

350 million illegal arms in circulation - Reps

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, and the Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Relations, Ms. Nnenna Elendu-...

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Pastor curses members, asks for N100m and land documents before deliverance

Pastor curses members, asks for N100m and land documents before deliverance

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Russia 2018: Don’t toy with feelings of 180 million Nigerians, Buhari warns Super Eagles

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FngvfdoZy5A/Ww7WX6VQCzI/AAAAAAAAtQ4/VYhHbficqnohYjIMvE40HrtNWtiCNf9AwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/nigeria-national-team_vx42cbi9dtif12i89tlfvaxig.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FngvfdoZy5A/Ww7WX6VQCzI/AAAAAAAAtQ4/VYhHbficqnohYjIMvE40HrtNWtiCNf9AwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/nigeria-national-team_vx42cbi9dtif12i89tlfvaxig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday charged the Super Eagles to play fair and clean and not to hurt the feelings of about 180 million Nigerians watching them at the forthcoming World Cup starting on the 14th June 2018 in Russia.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He also urged the players and the technical crew to make Nigeria proud at the tournament.<br /> <br /> The President gave the charge when the players and technical crew of the nation’s senior team were presented to him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja where he formally bid them farewell.<br /> <br /> He said as the youngest team going to the World Cup, the Super Eagles might be seen as inexperienced by their opponents, but urged them to take advantage of the age and leave lasting impression, bearing in mind they have the support of millions of Nigerians.<br /> <br /> According to him, “You are going to represent us in Russia, you must bear in mind that you are not just going for a tournament, with each game you must remember that you are carrying the passions, emotions and feelings of over 180 million people. Play fair and clean but demonstrate the gallant spirit which Nigerians are known for.<br /> <br /> “Nothing unites Nigerians more than football and nothing will gladden the people of Nigeria more than for you to acquit yourself honourably by winning in Russia.<br /> <br /> “You are the youngest team in the tournament which means you are likely the most inexperienced team, a fact that will not be lost on your opponents. But it is also something that you can use to your advantage.<br /> <br /> “You have the full support and the blessings of all Nigerians who will look up to you for as long as the tournament last.<br /> <br /> “I commend the Nigerian Football Federation for drawing up the right programme that is helping to refine the team to the powerful force which it’s meant to be.<br /> <br /> “This is our time, we look up to you to make us proud. All Nigerians join me in saying to you, best of luck. Thank you and God be with you all.”<br /> <br /> Also speaking Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, noted that the team has qualified for the World Cup six times and have advanced to the round of 16, Adding that this current team will exceed the record of previous outings.<br /> <br /> He said, “As the present set of Super Eagles make sure that Nigeria’s flag is hoisted once more at the tournament, they will do so conscious of the glorious outing of their predecessors while determined to make history themselves.<br /> <br /> “This Super Eagles have already started on a very positive note by qualifying in style for Russia 2018. You will recall that when the super eagles were drawn in the so-called group of dead for the African qualifiers, not many gave them chance of qualification from the group that had African football giant like Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia.<br /> <br /> “However, the Super Eagles shocked all doubting Thomas by not only qualifying for 2018 but doing so remarkably with a match to spare. Furthermore, they became the first team in Africa to qualify for the tournament.<br /> <br /> “All these were made possible because of your support and frequent intervention Your Excellency, to ensure welfare of the team through the timely release of funds for the prosecution of the qualifier. This did not come as a surprise because since 1985 when the Nigerian Golden Eaglets won the FIFA World Cup under your administration then, your support for all the national team has not been in doubt.<br /> <br /> “You sir are unquestionably the number one fan of the Super Eagles and for that we are grateful.<br /> <br /> “It is against this background, I present the team for your fatherly Blessing. Once again Nigeria is drawn in difficult group along our perennial opponents Argentina, Croatia and Iceland. It is difficult but by no means a mission impossible. The team and the technical crew are in high spirit and are highly motivated to soar above their opponents at the World Cup.”<br /> <br /> To the team, Dalung said, “You carry with you the hopes of over 180 million Nigerians who want to see you equal if not surpass our previous best outing at the tournament. However, this can only be possible if you put Nigeria first and seek for collective glory and not individual glory at the tournament.<br /> <br /> “That is the secret of teamwork. If you adhere to this principle, then the sky is your limit as we all know that the sky is not only the play ground of eagles but their natural area of dominance.<br /> <br /> “I charge you to soar higher and do the nation proud.”<br /> <br /> President of the Nigeria Football Federation President, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, in his remarks attributed the successes recorded by the team to massive support of President Buhari.<br /> <br /> According to him, the enabling environment provided by the current administration has for the first time ensured the federation did not face the usual challenge of lack of funds.<br /> <br /> He further said that led to them not owing allowances and bonuses of the players, the technical crew.<br /> <br /> Pinnick said, “I want to thank you for your massive support your have given to the NFF and for creating the enabling environment for the prosperity and stability we are enjoying in football today.<br /> <br /> “Our dream is to create a culture of football sustainable development and that has been one of the plans in which we took when we came into existence.<br /> <br /> “In truth, you have done what no other president in the history of Nigeria has done. Thirty two years ago with your magic wand, Nigeria won the U17 World Cup.<br /> <br /> “Our dream beyond enabling all these things is to create a self sustaining football federation and within the next two years I can assure you the NFF will be running on its own without any funds from government. That has been the dream of the NFF.<br /> <br /> “Today, football is being played in Maiduguri, it was reported on the BBC because of the peace you have been able to achieve in that area. Our dream also is to create a football federation that people will look at and say we are very proud to be Nigerians.<br /> <br /> “Today, we have so many Nigerians working in international global committees, the only female member of FIFA Ethics six-member committee which is FIFA’s own EFCC, the only African, is a Nigerian, Justice Ayotunde Philips.<br /> <br /> Today, we also have a Nigerian as the President of CAF Appeals Board, we have 10 Nigerians serving in 10 major committees because you made this possible for football to grow in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “I also want to thank the Vice President for inviting the NFF to the Economic Management Team to present a paper. Today the British Government makes £2.6 billion as taxes from the EPL alone, that we can also do in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “We also have to thank some Nigerian companies that have been very very supportive, it is because of their support that we know that in the next two years, we will be 100 percent self sustaining.<br /> <br /> “For the first time in the history of this country we have a team that nobody is talking about being owed a kobo because of the environment you created for us to thrive.<br /> <br /> “This Super Eagle’s you are seeing today is the most disciplined, the most united in the historiographic literature of the annals of football in the country. And, I am happy to tell you that according to FIFA statistics, this team is the youngest going to the World Cup, which means this team will serve you for long, this team will serve you in the next five years. We have a team that will prosecute this World Cup and a team that will go for the next World Cup in 2022 and we have a team that will also go for the World Cup in 2026, because you have created that environment for us to thrive.<br /> <br /> “I can assure you that this team you are seeing today will make Nigeria very proud. It is a team that is very disciplined and discipline is the bedrock of any success.<br /> <br /> “We thank you for providing that fatherly love at all times and we know when we go to Russia, with your Magic wand, by the Special grace of God we will come back to this sample chamber with the trophy.”<br /> <br /> The team captain Mikel Obi, collaborated with the NFF President as he said that they have been paid their allowances and that it was their turn to reciprocate the gesture by doing their best at their Mundial.<br /> <br /> He said, “Your Excellency Sir, on behalf of the team, players, coaches, the staff, we will like to say a massive thank you for what you have been doing for Nigerian football. Like the NFF President said, this is the first time we will be going to a tournament like this without any issues on money, bonuses or anything like that.<br /> <br /> “I think everything is sorted now for us and all we have to do is to go out there as players and make this country proud. And with your support as the father and leader of this country, we will go out there, give our best and come back with the trophy.”<br /> <br /> The Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr, said the biggest task was to survive the group stage.<br /> <br /> He said, “Your Excellency, to come out of this difficult group with Argentina, Croatia, Iceland is the first step but I think the players are able to do it.”<br /> <br /></div>

Russia 2018: Don’t toy with feelings of 180 million Nigerians, Buhari warns Super Eagles

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday charged the Super Eagles to play fair and clean and not to hurt the feelings of about 180 million ...

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PDP reacts to Melaye’s defection from APC to its fold

PDP reacts to Melaye’s defection from APC to its fold

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Police arrest Biafran leader wanted in murder case

Police arrest Biafran leader wanted in murder case

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Lai Mohammed slams Transparency International, says NGOs act like opposition

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ky9SPgcVxMA/Ww7VfcshHaI/AAAAAAAAtQs/96DR4DGZrnAEiCekPRnu5mVBSYeZ-mSVgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Lai-Mohammed.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ky9SPgcVxMA/Ww7VfcshHaI/AAAAAAAAtQs/96DR4DGZrnAEiCekPRnu5mVBSYeZ-mSVgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Lai-Mohammed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Non-governmental organisations in Nigeria have constituted themselves as opposition party against the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Federal Government has declared.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, many civil society organisations in the country fail to appreciate the fight against corruption by the current administration.<br /> <br /> The minister said this in Abuja while playing host to the Chair of Transparency International, Delia Ferreria Rubio, and the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, the local chapter of TI, Auwal Rafsanjani.<br /> <br /> Mohammed was quoted in a statement issued by CISLAC on Wednesday as saying, “TI and CISLAC fail to see and appreciate the sociological dynamics of fighting corruption.<br /> <br /> “They do not look at the picture but condemn the efforts of the government, like in the case of the Corruption Perception Index. NGOs have constituted themselves as an opposition party. There should be constant interaction with the government instead.”<br /> <br /> The minister, however, welcomed the TI chair to Nigeria and thanked her for making Nigeria her first point of call in Africa.<br /> <br /> Mohammed also told his guests that there was no government that has been as transparent as the current administration.<br /> <br /> Earlier in her remarks, Rubio told the minister that although rules were necessary, they were not enough.<br /> <br /> She said TI, through its local chapter in Nigeria, CISLAC, was willing to cooperate with the ministry in the fight against corruption.<br /> <br /> Rubio requested that the fight against corruption be institutionalised so that the same issues do not arise when another government assumes power.<br /> <br /> Reacting to the minister’s claims against NGOs, Auwal pointed out that the TI only collates the report of the perception of corruption from various institutions like the World Bank and analyses it.<br /> <br /> He said NGOs support the government whenever it is doing well and raise red flags in areas where government is not doing well.<br /> <br /> He argued that CISLAC had in various capacities interacted with government and had assisted in capacity building in so many areas, an indication that the organisation is interested in the success of the country.</div>

Lai Mohammed slams Transparency International, says NGOs act like opposition

Non-governmental organisations in Nigeria have constituted themselves as opposition party against the ruling All Progressives Congress, th...

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JOHESU strike sponsored by looters to scuttle 2019 polls – Northern youths

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0zqvlFzyE0/Ww7U7UN1k1I/AAAAAAAAtQg/a5mZP_012XIqzGQvtPcDkRWw6gMqs3E3ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/johesu.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0zqvlFzyE0/Ww7U7UN1k1I/AAAAAAAAtQg/a5mZP_012XIqzGQvtPcDkRWw6gMqs3E3ACK4BGAYYCw/s320/johesu.png" width="320" /></a></div> A coalition of pressure groups under the aegis of Northern Youths Forum on Wednesday faulted the six weeks old strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions describing it as “politically motivated.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The organisation alleged that the JOHESU strike was “induced by looters, fraudsters and economic saboteurs who have issues with President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration. It added that the strike was meant to scuttle the 2019 general elections.<br /> <br /> The NYF said while it shared in the general belief that workers’ welfare, including conditions of service, salaries, and other emoluments should be the utmost of their employers, “we are bound to dissociate ourselves from the premeditated and politically sponsored strike by JOHESU which was wickedly designed to punish poor and innocent Nigerians, all in a bid to score undue political points.”<br /> <br /> The organisation also described as embarrassing, “the ignorance displayed by JOHESU, saying they have appealed the court order.”<br /> <br /> The NYF said, “It is absolutely illegal and unheard of, to file an appeal challenging an ex-parte order; ex-parte order can only be vacated. We use this medium to call on the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN), to charge the leadership of JOHESU extraction for contempt of court.<br /> <br /> “In the same vein, we admonish the management of all the medical facilities to lay off all erring members who have refused to report for duty as mandated by the Industrial court, this lawlessness must stop now.”<br /> <br /> Speaking at a press conference in Jos, National Coordinator of NYF, Hajiya Maimuna Abdullahi, and Secretary, Saeed Siraj, advised the Federal Government and state governors to “take decisive action against self – seeking unions like JOHESU.”<br /> <br /> The NYF said, “Let it be clearly stated that we cannot be taken for granted and that sovereignty belongs to us and that an association of less than 0.05 per cent of our population cannot continue to draw us backward as a nation.</div>

JOHESU strike sponsored by looters to scuttle 2019 polls – Northern youths

A coalition of pressure groups under the aegis of Northern Youths Forum on Wednesday faulted the six weeks old strike by the Joint Health ...

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Appeal the judgement, Taraba residents tell ex-Gov Jolly Nyame

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><img height="181" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hVMBHp5Sv7g/Ww7IZCHC02I/AAAAAAAAVFU/BYbD6ttVD68AqXUqn573EeuWssTUBhIjgCLcBGAs/s320/Capture.PNG" width="320" /></div> Following the judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which sentenced former Governor Jolly Nyame of Taraba State to 14 years’ imprisonment, residents of Taraba have urged him to appeal the judgement.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Gudu, Abuja, had, on Wednesday, found the former governor guilty of 27 of the 41 counts preferred against him.<br /> <br /> Nyame, who was charged with 41 counts of misappropriating the sum of N1.64bn in 2007, was found guilty of breach of trust involving fraudulent approval of N250m for the purchase of stationery and office equipment on December 30, 2004.<br /> <br /> But reacting to the ruling, some residents of Taraba who spoke to our correspondent called on their former governor to approach the Court of Appeal which they said would overturn the ruling of the lower court.<br /> <br /> One of the respondents, Barrister Nierus Johnson, said the former governor still have windows of redress ahead if he has good ground of appeal and urged him and his team of lawyers to consider testing the decision of the high court at the court of appeal.<br /> <br /> Again, Mohammed Umar, who said he had worked closely with the former governor, urged him to appeal the judgement of the Federal High Court.<br /> <br /> He described as “laughable” the decision of the court to sentence the former governor, saying Nyame had laid a solid foundation for a greater Taraba, and that the issues the court relied on would be quashed at the Appeal Court.<br /> <br /> On the allegations that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari was being selective in the fight against corruption, Nierus said government should prosecute people across board so as to be seen as being holistic.<br /> <br /> “The fight against corruption in the country today seems to be one-sided and targeted at opposition. We want government to be holistic and focused in the fight against corruption.<br /> <br /> “Today, if you are accused of corruption and you cross over to APC, nobody talks about it again.<br /> <br /> “I remember the case of one of the former governors of Plateau State, but since he crossed carpet to APC, the issue has died a natural death. We have several of such cases in the country today,” Nierus said.<br /> <br /> Mrs. Tabitha Kassa, a market woman who said she had enjoyed goodwill during the tenure of the former governor, urged him not to be deterred by the high court judgment, noting that the decision of the high court was not final.</div>

Appeal the judgement, Taraba residents tell ex-Gov Jolly Nyame

Following the judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja which sentenced former Governor Jolly Nyame of Taraba State to 14 years...

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President Buhari, Sierra Leonean counterpart meet to strengthen ties

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzvXOZ4iKEc/Ww7UQ1IEckI/AAAAAAAAtQU/MqRgt7KexZ4dErXJyRXfuDorgdtLH86XQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzvXOZ4iKEc/Ww7UQ1IEckI/AAAAAAAAtQU/MqRgt7KexZ4dErXJyRXfuDorgdtLH86XQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday hosted his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Julius Bio, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> That was the first time Bio would be visiting Nigeria after his recent election.<br /> <br /> The two leaders discussed issues of mutual benefits for their countries at a meeting held behind closed doors.<br /> <br /> Bio told State House correspondents at the end of the meeting that they both agreed to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries.<br /> <br /> The visiting President disclosed that issues concerning security, trade, health and movement of people were discussed at the meeting.<br /> <br /> Bio said he was in Nigeria to appreciate the support of Nigeria to Sierra Leone during its difficult times and its recently held election.<br /> <br /> He said, “Nigeria and Sierra Leone are two sister countries that have enjoyed a great relationship spanning over several years and this relationship has been tested severally.<br /> <br /> “I came today to express our country’s gratitude to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for standing by us during our time of need, when we had the civil war.<br /> <br /> “This is my first time in Nigeria after I was elected. I am here on this courtesy call to renew our bond of friendship and to see how we can deepen this relationship which is mutually beneficial.”<br /> <br /> Bio said the two leaders were concerned about the recent outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo.<br /> <br /> He added that preventive measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease.</div>

President Buhari, Sierra Leonean counterpart meet to strengthen ties

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday hosted his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Julius Bio, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. That was t...

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Mohammed Salah out for up to four weeks

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx1x8BqfNqo/Ww64_fwKb9I/AAAAAAAAtQI/4PbGT6tm5ScimnI5tds7jjLFqhrLe_IvwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/liv%2B2-1%2Blc.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zx1x8BqfNqo/Ww64_fwKb9I/AAAAAAAAtQI/4PbGT6tm5ScimnI5tds7jjLFqhrLe_IvwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/liv%2B2-1%2Blc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>  Egypt’s Mohamed Salah’s shoulder injury will keep him out of action for three to four weeks, Liverpool’s club physiotherapist said, as the forward tries to recover in time for the World Cup.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The 25-year-old winger is desperate to play for Egypt in only their third World Cup and their first for 38 years.<br /> <br /> “He is sad about what happened but is totally focused on recovery, seeing when he can be ready,” physiotherapist Ruben Pons told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.<br /> <br /> Salah was injured during Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.<br /> <br /> “In principle it will be between three and four weeks but we will try to reduce those dates, that’s the big goal,” he added.<br /> <br /> Egypt begins their campaign in World Cup Group A against Uruguay on June 15, before facing hosts Russia on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25.<br /> <br /> This means if Salah takes four weeks to recover, he could be fit in time for the knock-out phases.<br /> <br /> Egypt reached the tournament after Salah scored a 95th minute penalty to help them beat Congo 2-1 in October.<br /> <br /> Salah, who scored 44 goals in a sensational first season for Liverpool after joining from Roma, was voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association this month. </div>

Mohammed Salah out for up to four weeks

 Egypt’s Mohamed Salah’s shoulder injury will keep him out of action for three to four weeks, Liverpool’s club physiotherapist said, as th...

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Welcome to our great party, we will treat you good... - Ben Bruce welcomes Dino Melaye to PDP

Welcome to our great party, we will treat you good... - Ben Bruce welcomes Dino Melaye to PDP

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Ex-Taraba gov Nyame sentenced to 14 years in prison for fraud

Ex-Taraba gov Nyame sentenced to 14 years in prison for fraud

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Sit-at-home order: Ebonyians defy IPOB, obey Umahi’s directive

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8rAmK5Dg7E/Ww64H-Rm39I/AAAAAAAAtP8/h4wmQ1qIrOIFqOVg4yhqvy3Nk8Gn7KgKACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/David%2BUmahi.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8rAmK5Dg7E/Ww64H-Rm39I/AAAAAAAAtP8/h4wmQ1qIrOIFqOVg4yhqvy3Nk8Gn7KgKACK4BGAYYCw/s320/David%2BUmahi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB on its members Wednesday flopped in Ebonyi State as citizens of the state were seen going about their normal businesses without harassment and intimidation.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Recall that Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State had during his May 29th Democracy celebration warned that any trader that closes his shop in line with the directive of IPOB would forfeit it forever<br /> <br /> When Vanguard visited the Abakaliki Main market, meat market and Kpirikpiri markets within the metropolis around 9am, they were all opened business transaction as a joint patrol of major security<br /> agencies with over 20 vehicles were seen patrolling the streets of the city to forestall any breakdown of law and order.<br /> <br /> Speaking with newsmen in Abakaliki, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor David Umahi on Internal Security, Hon. Kenneth Ugbala<br /> <br /> “I have gone round the two major businesses area in the state. I visited the banks, Abakpa main market, the parks where commuters do their businesses and am happy that in Ebonyi state we have full compliance to the directive of government even in the rural communities or areas; we don’t have any challenge at all.<br /> <br /> “The little little cases that cropped in had been resolved in the rural areas; we want to thank God; we want to advise those championing the cause of IPOB or MASSOB to follow the normal process that will be<br /> in line with the law and we had always said that in Ebonyi State here, we had been economically disadvantaged.<br /> <br /> “We cannot leave our productive periods to engage in nothing because we have suffered criminal marginalization from the states we were carved out from and we want to meet up and we cannot sit at home when we are supposed to be working. The oil is drying up. We have to work; go to farm and do our business transactions to make sure we keep the state moving; we want to thank Ebonyians for the full compliance to the directive of the Governor. I think today has been awesome and we thank God for it.”<br /> <br /> However, the major transport companies like Peace Mass and Ebotrans as at the time of this report were not loading to Aba, Onitsha and Port Harcourt where they felt people would obey the sit at home order of IPOB.<br /> <br /> The major streets like Water Walks, Ogoja road and Gunning road were busy and had heavy vehicular traffic like any other day.<br /> <br /> Women traders at depot of kpirikpiri market, Abakaliki in Eboyin<br /> <br /> The Nigeria Police Force, Ebonyi Command in Abakaliki urged residents of Abakaliki to ignore the sit – at – home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) describing the order as unlawful.<br /> The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Lovett Odah told Vanguard that adequate security preparations had been put in place to secure lives and property of every citizen.<br /> <br /> She urged residents of Abakaliki and every citizen of Ebonyi to go about their lawful and legitimate business noting that the law would deal with anybody or group who tried to molest them.<br /> <br /> “The police authorities wish to urge the people of Ebonyi and Abakaliki residents in particular to ignore the unlawful order from an unlawful organization. I want to remind members of the public<br /> including the press that IPOB remains proscribed, it is an illegal organization and they can never give order in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> “The Ebonyi Police Command under the Commissioner of Police, Mr Titus Sumba-Lamorde wants to assure residents of its readiness to deal with anybody or group who wants to foment crisis by forcing innocent law-abiding citizens to comply with the unlawful order. The police wish to remind those out there that want to commit crime to relocate out of the state because there is no room for them and that the eagle eyes of the Police will catch up with them.”<br /> <br /> She said that any member or members of IPOB caught forcing innocent Nigerians to obey the unlawful order would face immediate prosecution.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, there was zero compliance by Abakaliki residents to the sit-at-home as government offices, shops, private and public schools, banks as well as commercial activities within the Abakaliki metropolis remained opened for businesses and operation.<br /> <br /> Two shop owners at the popular Abakpa Main Market in Abakaliki, Messrs Lawrence Obiekwena and Magnus Onwe in separate interviews told Vanguard that they defied the order because the Market officials said that the market would not be closed for business.<br /> <br /> They maintained that people should not be forced or intimidated to observe the sit – at – home order.<br /> <br /> Vanguard reports that Police and other security agencies are on surveillance to forestall possible security breaches in the State.</div>

Sit-at-home order: Ebonyians defy IPOB, obey Umahi’s directive

The Sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB on its members Wednesday flopped in Ebonyi State as citizens of the ...

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Minimum wage: Civil servants express concern over change in Sept. deadline

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejYZ34HntTk/Ww63jsVIG3I/AAAAAAAAtPw/QjFehMKG7rEpgMyLRBRpyuSMC8kjsHcnACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Chris%2BNgige.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejYZ34HntTk/Ww63jsVIG3I/AAAAAAAAtPw/QjFehMKG7rEpgMyLRBRpyuSMC8kjsHcnACK4BGAYYCw/s320/Chris%2BNgige.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Civil servants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have expressed concern over sudden change in September deadline for the implementation of new minimum wage given by the Federal Government.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Some of the Civil servants, who spoke on Wednesday in Abuja, said it would amount to double standard on the part of the government if it reneged on the September deadline.<br /> <br /> Sen. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, had on May 29, said that the new national minimum wage may not materialise in September as earlier envisaged.<br /> <br /> Ngige said that the September date was just a date to conclude negotiation on the issue of minimum wage, saying that the committee was making steady progress on its assignment.<br /> <br /> According to him, the committee on the new National Minimum wage is expected to conclude its work by the end of September and present its report to the government for deliberation and approval before an executive bill is sent to the National Assembly on the issue.<br /> <br /> Mrs Alice Akinbiyi, a civil servant, said that the Federal Government should endeavour to honour the earlier date scheduled for the take off of the new minimum wage.<br /> <br /> She said that the price of goods and services in the country had made it imperative for the implementation, adding that things were beginning to get out of the reach of an average civil servant.<br /> <br /> Akinbiyi called on the Federal Government to speed up the process of implementation ahead of September and tighten every loose end that could frustrate the scheduled date.<br /> <br /> Malam Ibrahim Musa, also a civil servant, said he was devastated when he heard the news that the September earlier promised by the Federal Government for the implementation may not be feasible again.<br /> <br /> He said he was always calculating with the hope that the new minimum wage would be a respite to him.<br /> <br /> He called on the Federal Government not to relent in its effort to meet the September deadline.<br /> <br /> Miss Dorothy Williams, said that she had no doubt that the Federal Government would keep its promise, adding that the Federal Government would not make an empty promise.<br /> <br /> She expressed her disappointed should the Federal Government fail to keep its words.<br /> <br /> Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had earlier made a promise at the 2018 May Day celebration that the Federal Government would expedite action to ensure that a new minimum wage is ready by the third quarter of the year.<br /> <br /> Osinbajo noted that the tripartite committee, comprising government, labour, and the private sector, would expedite its assignment, to enable the Federal Government to present an executive bill on a new national minimum wage to the National Assembly for passage into law, as soon as possible.<br /> <br /> The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, also at the May Day Lecture, said the union would not allow the Tripartite Committee for National Minimum Wage to alter the September timeline for the implementation of new minimum wage.<br /> <br /> This was sequel to the Federal Government’s promise that the implementation of the new national minimum wage for workers would take effect from the third quarter. </div>

Minimum wage: Civil servants express concern over change in Sept. deadline

Civil servants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have expressed concern over sudden change in September deadline for the ...

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N2.9bn alleged fraud: I have no case to answer, says ex-Gov Kalu

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUw7NkN3xhQ/Ww62MABJDLI/AAAAAAAAtPg/JZUnHJUlzssPE8JmTgpI13GWB48CdAOgACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Orji%2BUzor%2BKalu.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jUw7NkN3xhQ/Ww62MABJDLI/AAAAAAAAtPg/JZUnHJUlzssPE8JmTgpI13GWB48CdAOgACK4BGAYYCw/s320/Orji%2BUzor%2BKalu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Embattled former Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu, on Wednesday told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he has no case to answer as regards the alleged fraud preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Kalu is being prosecuted alongside his company, Slok Nigeria Limited; and a former Director of Finance and Account at the Abia State Government House, Mr. Ude Udeogu.<br /> <br /> The EFCC, in the charges, alleged that while he was governor of Abia State, Kalu siphoned funds running into over N2.9bn from the state’s treasury.<br /> <br /> Kalu’s lawyer, Awa Kalu (SAN) at the resumed hearing on Wednesday informed Justice Mohammed Idris that he has filed a motion for no case submission on behalf of his client, stating that the ex-governor has no case to answer with regard to the alleged fraud.<br /> <br /> “A motion for no case submission was filed on behalf of the first defendant on May 28 and it has been served on the prosecution,” Kalu said.<br /> <br /> The other defence counsel, Solo Akuma (SAN) and K. C. Nwofo (SAN) also informed the court that they had filed no case submissions on behalf of the other defendants.<br /> <br /> Earlier, EFCC’s counsel, Adebisi Adeniyi, had drawn the court’s attention to an amended charge filed by the anti-graft agency before the commencement of proceedings.<br /> <br /> “We did inform the court at the last adjourned date that we want to file an amended charge. We have filed the amended charge this morning. We were also served with the defendants’ motion for no case submissions,” Adeniyi said.<br /> <br /> In response, defence lawyers told the court that the defendants had not been served with any amended charge by the prosecution.<br /> <br /> Akuma, however, drew the court’s attention to the provisions of Section 216 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which, he argued, does not allow the prosecution to amend a charge without leave of court.<br /> <br /> He said that the prosecution ought to have applied by way of motion on notice for amendment, which would afford the defence an opportunity to be heard before the court exercises its discretion for or against the application.<br /> <br /> When the prosecution opted to serve the charge on defence counsel in court, Kalu objected to service on the grounds that the charge ought to be served personally on the accused and not on his counsel.<br /> <br /> In a bench ruling, Justice Idris directed the service of the amended charge on the defendants inside the court.<br /> <br /> The defence lawyers, however, sought for an adjournment to enable them to study the amended charge.<br /> <br /> Justice Idris adjourned till June 13 for further hearing.<br /> <br /> Kalu was accused of diverting state funds into the account of Slok Nigeria Limited, a company the EFCC claimed was owned by Kalu and his family members.</div>

N2.9bn alleged fraud: I have no case to answer, says ex-Gov Kalu

Embattled former Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu, on Wednesday told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he has no case to answer as regards ...

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Senate probes OAU’s sex-for-mark scandal, demands lecturer’s sanction

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4wzifZfzGU/Ww61-vFkjCI/AAAAAAAAtPY/65stFlh2QvEXJENcJXkgAAm0yzlONjcbgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/senate.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4wzifZfzGU/Ww61-vFkjCI/AAAAAAAAtPY/65stFlh2QvEXJENcJXkgAAm0yzlONjcbgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/senate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Senate has begun investigation of the case of sexual harassment at the Obafemi Awolowo University involving a postgraduate student, Miss Monica Osagie; and a lecturer at the Accounting Department, Prof. Richard Akindele.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The investigation was based on a motion moved at the plenary on Wednesday by Senator Abiodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti-South), entitled, ‘The Growing Trend of Sexual Harassment in the Higher Institutions of Learning: The Case of Monica Osagie.’<br /> <br /> The lawmakers resolved to mandate the Committees on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND; and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters “to carry out a full-scale investigation of the case of Monica Osagie and the OAU lecturer in order to ensure that there is transparency and accountability, and that satisfactory justice is done to the victim involved and our laws are further strengthened for effectiveness.”<br /> <br /> They also asked the joint committee to “invite the OAU authorities to explain the steps they have taken and the outcome of their internal investigation on the matter as well as institutional reviews they have carried out, together with such further proposals aimed at nipping the problem in the bud.”<br /> <br /> The Senate also urged the House of Representatives to quickly concur with the Senate’s bill, Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill, which had been transmitted to the House “as this will provide succour and a window of solace for victims of these kinds of atrocities across the country in our higher institutions of learning.”<br /> <br /> President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, in his ruling, recalled that the Senate passed the anti-sexual harassment bill in 2016, stating that the leadership of the chamber would ensure that the House concurs with it.<br /> <br /> Saraki added, “More importantly, we must make an example of this to ensure that we do a thorough investigation, and any member of the Obafemi Awolowo University found to be involved must be totally disciplined.<br /> <br /> “We must really show that we do not stand for this; we are not going to tolerate it pending when the bill will be passed. We also commend the bravery of Monica Osagie for her efforts.”<br /> <br /> Moving the motion, Olujimi said the Senate observed “the growing menace and culture of sexual harassment in our institutions of higher learning; and the psychological, physiological and emotional damage that perverts in our places of learning are bringing upon our children in school as a result.”<br /> <br /> She recalled that it was for the reason that the Senate, in October 2016, passed the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill, which prescribed “severe punishment for lecturers and academic staff of universities who either sexually harass or assault their male or female students.”<br /> <br /> Olujimi said, “The Senate acknowledges that the case of the brave Nigerian and student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Monica Osagie, who, in an audio recording which went viral, was able to expose her lecturer demanding for sex in order to increase her grades.<br /> <br /> “This has further brought home the point, further justifying the specificity and target of the new bill, and the need to ensure that this perversion is completely kicked out of our places of learning.<br /> <br /> “The Senate understands that the university authorities have since weighed in on the matter to ensure that justice is done. It notes that this is another matter that must not be swept under the carpet of expediency, forgetfulness or deliberate abandonment.<br /> <br /> “The Senate notices further that this particular case deserves greater scrutiny and attention as it signposts how serious we are as a nation to fully and exhaustively eliminate this perversion from our schools.”<br /> <br /> Seconding the motion, Senator Olugbenga Ashafa (APC, Lagos-East), said, “We cannot pretend that sexual harassment do not exist in our higher institutions. This is an age-long behaviour on the part of lecturers particularly. There have been several reported cases of sexual harassment which have been swept under the carpet.”</div>

Senate probes OAU’s sex-for-mark scandal, demands lecturer’s sanction

The Senate has begun investigation of the case of sexual harassment at the Obafemi Awolowo University involving a postgraduate student, Mi...

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