'You’ll lick your wounds if you think the Naira will fall' - CBN governor tells currency speculators

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="412" height="388" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-4xPkuW5Wc/XAHDjuLddRI/AAAAAAADM4w/iJR2TGIM7G43UtCRwqmkAtf94LdfowJCACLcBGAs/s640/Godwin-Emefiele4%2Bcbn.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigerians (CBN), says currency speculators, betting on a fall of the naira, will lick their wounds again.<br /> <br /> Speaking at the 2018 Annual Bankers Dinner in Lagos, Emefiele said some people are already betting on the fall of the local currency, following a drop in naira at the parallel market this week.<br /> <br /> The governor said the CBN, under his leadership, has been in more difficult positions, yet defending the naira — a position the bank is still willing to maintain to keep the currency stable.<br /> <br /> “Between day before yesterday and yesterday, we saw some uptick, and I can say that we are seeing that some of our friends at the other side are rearing their heads, and I want to assure them that they are going to lick their wounds this time again,” Emefiele said.<br /> <br /> “If you are joining them in speculating, we are in a better position than we were in 2016, 2017. Don’t forget, reserves was $23 billion in October 2016, you could say that we were weak then, today reserves is comfortably at $44 billion.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “So you can imagine that we do have the strength to confront you and we would do so.”<br /> <br /> On Friday, the naira fell to 371 to the greenback, while the pound and euro sold at N472 and N415 respectively.<br /> <br /> The CBN has stepped into the situation, with plans to increase dollar auctions from December 2018.<br /> <br /> “With the approach of the yuletide season and the resultant increase in the demand for personal/business travel allowance, the CBN has in addition to the existing market days(Monday, Wednesday and Friday) introduced a special intervention every Thursday for $15,000 per BDC (bureau de change),” the bank had said.<br /> <br /> The British pound also sold at an all-year high of N472 to a single pound, while euro went for 415.

'You’ll lick your wounds if you think the Naira will fall' - CBN governor tells currency speculators

Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigerians (CBN), says currency speculators, betting on a fall of the naira, will lick the...

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I can’t take responsibility for abduction of Chibok girls - Goodluck Jonathan

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="620" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0-kjrtjMTo/XAHAmh0XJpI/AAAAAAADM4c/sZUqYD2ICis7X2-ZdrxYBsLAtRjyEmQNgCLcBGAs/s640/Jonathan%2Bs.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he cannot take responsibility for the kidnap of 276 students from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno state, in 2014.<br /> <br /> Jonathan had been accused of not doing enough to secure the release of the students.<br /> <br /> But speaking in an interview with BBC, the former president said Boko Haram should be blamed for the abduction which sparked global outrage.<br /> <br /> “I cannot take responsibility for the abduction; I don’t control Boko Haram. They are criminals,” he said.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXtVkmREUdg/XAHBCHghh_I/AAAAAAADM4k/hAQQklHNGlIvPi9bO9QC_f_Uroemn6wUACLcBGAs/s1600/chibok%2Bgirls%2Bnigerianeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="522" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXtVkmREUdg/XAHBCHghh_I/AAAAAAADM4k/hAQQklHNGlIvPi9bO9QC_f_Uroemn6wUACLcBGAs/s400/chibok%2Bgirls%2Bnigerianeye.jpg" width="400" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td> <td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></td> <td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">                                      Some of the abducted girls from Chibok town</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> “But as a president, of course you know it is not the president that goes to the field. You have security and intelligence officers that do the work.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Let me admit that yes, maybe they did their best but their best was not good enough for us to recover the girls. That I cannot say I am right or I am wrong. That does not mean I am trying to remove myself from any blame.<br /> <br /> “I may not be blamed for the action but I could be blamed that my security intelligence system was not strong enough to rescue the girls. If I as a politician could tell the whole world that my political ambition for any office is not worth the blood of a single Nigerian, how would I be happy that girls have been kidnapped? I am not that kind of character.”<br /> <br /> The former president also accused the government of the US at the time of politicising the Chibok issue.<br /> <br /> He wondered why Michelle Obama, first lady of the US carried a ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ placard.<br /> <br /> “Immediately the Chibok issue came up, we expected Nigerians to be concerned about how to get these girls out,” he said.<br /> <br /> “Within a couple of days, we saw people going to the US with ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ placards. How? Why? And of course, Mrs. Obama received one of those placards.”<br /> <br /> Over 100 of the girls are still in captivity while many have regained freedom.

I can’t take responsibility for abduction of Chibok girls - Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he cannot take responsibility for the kidnap of 276 students from Government Girls Secondary Schoo...

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CAF Awards: Musa, Iwobi, Ighalo, Oshoala, Rohr nominated + Full list of nominees

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="141" data-original-width="358" height="157" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L228vHgneD8/XAG-yY9F6bI/AAAAAAADM4Q/o13Ueqvfljwxdxqno8kjEa9EIF_XeAyhgCLcBGAs/s400/caf%2Bawards.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> Super Eagles trio Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo have been named among the list of 34 players in the running for the CAF 2018 African player of the year award.<br /> <br /> Other big-name nominees announced by the Confederation of African Football on Friday include Egypt international Mohamed Salah and Liverpool’s team-mate Sadio Mane of Senegal.<br /> <br /> Also on the list are Mehdi Benatia of Morocco, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon and Riyad Mahrez of Algeria.<br /> <br /> The list will be cut to three finalists and the winner will be announced on January 8 in Dakar, Senegal.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is also among the nominees for the 2018 CAF Youth Player of the Year award, while reigning African Player of the year, Asisat Oshoala will compete again for the crown against with her international teammates Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega and Onome Ebi.<br /> <br /> Super Falcons Coach, Thomas Dennerby is among the five nominees for the Women’s Coach of the Year, while Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr is on the list of Men’s Coach of the Year award.<br /> <br /> The winners for the African Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year will be decided by CAF Technical & Development Committee, media experts, legends, coaches of the quarter-finalists of the Caf Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup, Coaches plus captains of the national teams of the 54 member associations.<br /> <br /> For other categories namely Youth Player of the Year, Men’s Coach of the Year, Women’s Coach of the Year, Men’s National Team of the Year and Women’s National Team of the Year, they will be elected by Caf Technical & Development Committee, media experts, legends, coaches of the quarter-finalists of the Caf Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> African Player of the year list:<br /> <br /> Abdelmoumene Djabou (Algeria & ES Setif)<br /> Ahmed Gomaa (Egypt & El Masry)<br /> Ahmed Musa (Nigeria & Al-Nassr )<br /> Alex Iwobi (Nigeria & Arsenal)<br /> Andre Onana (Cameroon & Ajax)<br /> Anis Badri (Tunisia & Esperance)<br /> Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco & Hebei China Fortune)<br /> Ben Malango (DR Congo & TP Mazembe)<br /> Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)<br /> Fanev Andriatsima (Madagascar & Clermont Foot)<br /> Franck Kom (Cameroon & Esperance)<br /> Jacinto Muondo Dala ‘Gelson’ (Angola & Primeiro de Agosto)<br /> Hakim Ziyech (Morocco & Ajax)<br /> Idrissa Gueye (Senegal & Everton)<br /> Ismail Haddad (Morocco & Wydad Athletic Club)<br /> Jean-Marc Makusu Mundele (DR Congo & AS Vita)<br /> Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal & Napoli)<br /> Mahmoud Benhalib (Morocco & Raja Club Athletic)<br /> Mehdi Benatia (Morocco & Juventus)<br /> Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)<br /> Moussa Marega (Mali & Porto)<br /> Naby Keita (Guinea & Liverpool)<br /> Odion Ighalo (Nigeria & Changchun Yatai, Nigeria)<br /> Percy Tau (South Africa & Union Saint-Gilloise)<br /> Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Arsenal)<br /> Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Manchester City)<br /> Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)<br /> Taha Khenissi (Tunisia & Esperance)<br /> Thomas Partey (Ghana & Atletico Madrid)<br /> Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia & Saint-Étienne)<br /> Walid Soliman (Egypt & Ahly)<br /> Wilfried Zaha (Cote d’Ivoire & Crystal Palace)<br /> Yacine Brahimi (Algeria & Porto)<br /> Youcef Belaili (Algeria & Esperance)<br /> <br /> <br /> WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR<br /> <br /> Ghana<br /> <br /> Cameroon<br /> <br /> Mali<br /> <br /> Nigeria<br /> <br /> South Africa<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR<br /> <br /> Guinea Bissau<br /> <br /> Kenya<br /> <br /> Madagascar<br /> <br /> Mauritania<br /> <br /> Uganda<br /> <br /> Zimbabwe<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> YOUTH PLAYER OF THE YEAR<br /> <br /> Achraf Hakimi (Morocco & Borussia Dortmunmd)<br /> <br /> Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria & Leicester City)<br /> <br /> Andre Onana (Cameroon & AJax)<br /> <br /> Ismaila Sarr (Senegal & Rennes)<br /> <br /> Mahmoud Benhalib (Morocco & Raja Club Athletic)<br /> <br /> Franck Kessie (Cote d’Ivoire & AC Milan)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> WOMEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR<br /> <br /> Bruce Mwape (Zambia)<br /> <br /> Desiree Ellis (South Africa)<br /> <br /> Joseph Brian Ndoko (Cameroon)<br /> <br /> Saloum Houssein (Mali)<br /> <br /> Thomas Dennerby (Nigeria)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> MEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR<br /> <br /> Corentin Martins (Mauritania)<br /> <br /> Gernot Rohr (Nigeria)<br /> <br /> Florent Ibenge (AS Vita & DR Congo)<br /> <br /> Aliou Cisse (Senegal)<br /> <br /> Juan Carlos Garrido (Raja Club Athletic)<br /> <br /> Moine Chaabani (Esperance)<br /> <br /> Nicolas Dupuis (Madagascar)<br /> <br /> Patrice Carteron (Al Ahly)<br /> <br /> Rachid Taoussi (ES Sétif)<br /> <br /> Herve Renard (Morocco)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> WOMEN’S AFRICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR<br /> <br /> Abdulai Mukarama (Ghana & Northern Ladies)<br /> <br /> Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Dilian Quanjian)<br /> <br /> Bassira Toure (Mali & AS Mande)<br /> <br /> Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa & Houston Dash)<br /> <br /> Desire Oparanozia (Nigeria & Guingamp)<br /> <br /> Elizabeth Addo (Ghana & Seattle Reign)<br /> <br /> Francisca Ordega (Nigeria & Washington Spirit)<br /> <br /> Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene (Cameroon & CSKA Moskow)<br /> <br /> Gaelle Enganamouit (Cameroon & Avaldenes)<br /> <br /> Janine Van Wyk (South Africa & Houston Dash)<br /> <br /> Marlyse Ngo Ndoumbouk (Cameroon & Nancy-Lorraine)<br /> <br /> Onome Ebi (Nigeria & Hekan Huisanhang)<br /> <br /> Portia Boakye (Ghana & Djurgardens)<br /> <br /> Raissa Feudjio (Cameroon & Aland United)<br /> <br /> Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi & Jiangsu Suning)

CAF Awards: Musa, Iwobi, Ighalo, Oshoala, Rohr nominated + Full list of nominees

Super Eagles trio Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo have been named among the list of 34 players in the running for the CAF 2018 Afr...

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FG begins no-work-no-pay in striking universities

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZZ3uw-JUas/XAG9be1SFtI/AAAAAAADM4E/5Zw8eqi0o4IHjaOZri3_jjCc-p8iXHk9QCLcBGAs/s1600/ASUU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZZ3uw-JUas/XAG9be1SFtI/AAAAAAADM4E/5Zw8eqi0o4IHjaOZri3_jjCc-p8iXHk9QCLcBGAs/s400/ASUU.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Following the deadlocks that have trailed attempts to end the ongoing strike by lecturers across all Federal Government owned universities in the country, the FG has directed Vice Chancellors of the striking public varsities and inter-varsity centers to enforce no-work-no-pay rule on striking lecturers.<br /> <br /> This directive was said to have been communicated to the universities in a memo sent by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) through the University Vice Chancellors.<br /> <br /> The Memo which was signed by Director, Research, Information and Technology, NUC, Dr S.B Ramon-Yusuf stated that payment of salaries from any other sources will be viewed as violation of extant rules and Government directive.<br /> <br /> It reads in parts, “In view of the current Industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the federal government has directed that there shall be no payment of any form of salaries and allowances to the staff on strike in federal and inter-varsity centers.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Consequently, I am to direct Vice-Chancellors to apply the ‘No-work-no-pay’ rule.<br /> <br /> “However, Universities and inter-varsity centers are to pay salaries and allowances to Non-teaching staff. All Vice Chancellors and Directors of centers should note that the salaries to staff on strike from whatever source of funds shall be viewed as violation of extant rules and directive of the federal government of Nigeria”<br /> <br /> Reacting to the Memo on no-work-no-pay, Chairman University of Ibadan Chapter of ASUU, Dr Deji Omole described the FG as shameless for owing lecturers seven years of unpaid earned academic allowances and still want them to continue to work for free while the Presidency and the National Assembly feed fat on the wealth of the nation.<br /> <br /> He said it is sad that “a government that prides itself as having integrity has shamefully shown it lacks integrity by failing to honour agreements reached with the union but resulted to harassment and intimidation of our members on a patriotic struggle to save public education in Nigeria”.<br /> <br /> Omole said that the directive will add fuel to the struggle as academic staff have resolved to get proper education for the children of the masses.<br /> <br /> According to Omole, the Military government tried unsuccessfully to intimidate the collective will of Nigerian masses and that members of the union have resolved to fight for the future of the country.<br /> <br /> “We have passed this road before. It is a familiar terrain which we can navigate with our eyes closed. We shall triumph any attempt to destroy the common patrimony. The power of the people is stronger than the people in power”, the UI ASUU boss stated.

FG begins no-work-no-pay in striking universities

Following the deadlocks that have trailed attempts to end the ongoing strike by lecturers across all Federal Government owned universities...

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How I paid N3.2 Billion inherited debt – NAFDAC boss

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="696" height="403" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WbX3UFPoP-M/XAG9Cmt41yI/AAAAAAADM38/p1H3nx3YHJEgD6KE1BIBpzI4K2nr_R49wCLcBGAs/s640/Prof-Adeyeye-696x439%2Bnafdac.png" width="640" /></div> <br /> The Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye on Friday revealed how she was able to turn around the fortune of the agency and pay off the N3.2 billion debt she inherited.<br /> <br /> Adeyeye who came into office a year ago also said under her watch, the agency has seized and destroyed N30 billion worth fake drugs in the last one year.<br /> <br /> NAFDAC DG who briefed Journalists on the occasion marking her one year in office on Friday in Abuja said that at the time of assuming office, there was no budgeting for the agency.<br /> <br /> She said, “I did not know that there was no directorate-focused budgeting before my assumption and that the agency had N3.2 billion debt. I met this big challenge with great resolve as p[art of quality management system that included fiscal and financial responsibility. I had to work with finance and accounts directorate for about three months from January-March 2018.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The result of the efforts, she said include, “reducing the debt profile from N3.2billion of the agency to zero as of November 20th 2018.”<br /> <br /> she also noted that the agency has been able to put in place financial sanity by stepping down all fictitious claims and also introducing budget discipline to all financial activities of the agency.<br /> <br /> Read Also: NAFDAC warns against consumption of puffer fish<br /> Besides, she also noted that the agency has been able to pay severance allowance of retired staff worth N14.246,499.00 million.<br /> <br /> this is as the agency has also recovered N106,590,298.52 million erroneously credited to another MDA in 2015.The agency she said also recoveredN533 million by the ports Inspection Directorate evaded administrative charges.<br /> <br /> Apart from sanitizing the agency, Prof. Adeyeye also disclosed that in the last one year, the agency has seized and destroyed substandard and falsified medicines including unwholesome foods and other unregulated products worth over N3billion within the last one year.<br /> <br /> She pointed out that the removal of NAFDAC from the ports from 2011 to 2018 worsened the problem of substandard and falsified medicines (SFs) and unwholesome foods in the country and portended real danger to the populace.<br /> <br /> NAFDAC boss also posited that part of her plan to eliminate fake and illicit drugs is to promote local manufacturing; something she admitted has been top on her mind.<br /> <br /> “This is to reverse the trend of 30 per cent locally manufactured drug products towards 70 per cent,” she pointed out.<br /> <br /> Adeyeye added that local manufacturing also ensures drug security, reduce unemployment and increases contribution of the pharmaceutical industry to the nation’s GDP.<br /> <br /> “It has been documented that most of the SFs are imported due to the fact that access and fastness to inspect local companies are quite spontaneous,” she stated.<br /> <br /> The DG also informed that since her assumption of office, the agency has intercepted 86 containers containing tramadol and other unregulated drug products.<br /> <br /> “These include 23 (40ft) containers recently examined and found to have been loaded with tramadol of various strengths from 120mg to 250mg and other unregistered pharmaceutical products that sre known to be injurious to the health of the public, most importantly our youth.<br /> <br /> “The Tramadol is estimated to be over six billion tablets. The worth of Tramadol alone on the street is estimated to be at about N193billio,” she explained.

How I paid N3.2 Billion inherited debt – NAFDAC boss

The Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye on Friday revealed h...

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The man Fela Durotoye...

The man Fela Durotoye...

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The world of mobile casino gaming

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5fiNd-5xVk/XAGx9qUpvmI/AAAAAAADM3k/YA4tlgwkU_gAax9XAW0Vj6YiPFS-HdjowCLcBGAs/s640/casino.jpg" width="640" /></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">IOS Casino Games</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In many parts of the world, mobile gambling has become incredibly popular due to the development of smartphones and other mobile devices with Internet access. Plenty of virtual casinos have already created mobile versions of their software. Without a doubt iPhone is the most popular mobile device on the market at the moment, that is why mobile casinos have done their utmost to make sure that their games are compatible with almost all versions of the iPhone.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In various parts of Northern Europe and Asia, the number of slot machines that have been developed for mobile devices already amounts several hundred, which should not seem surprising taking into account the fact that these parts of the world have some of the most advanced mobile technologies. The developers create a series of various slot machines</span> <a href="http://slotmine.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://slotmine.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">based on interesting topics that are available in all online casinos and mobile versions.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></div> <a name='more' id="more"></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Types of real money emulator for iPhone</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Classic iPhone slots have three reels and up to eight paylines. They usually also have some features, such as wild symbols, to make the game more interesting. Classic games of this type resemble the first gambling slots that appeared in traditional casinos and are suitable for slots lovers in the absolute classic of casino gambling.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Progressive slot machines. To win large amounts, player should use progressive jackpot slots for iPhone. These are either classic slot machines or videos with a huge prize pool attached to them.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Multi-line emulators. This type of real money iPhone slot has five reels and many game lines or ways to win. They are equipped with wild symbols, free spins or bonus games. IPhone gaming machines are very popular and they are based on fun themes.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. 3D gaming machines. If someone wants to play interactive slot machines with realistic 3D graphics on iPhone, select 3D games. BetSoft Gaming is a software provider that creates cool 3D slots for iPhone.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Top 3 online casinos that support iOS:</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Casino Tropez Mobile - about 20 games for iPhone. There are blackjack and roulette among them. A link to the software will be sent automatically to e-mail or via SMS.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Europa Casino Mobile - more than 20 of the best games for mobile devices from the manufacturer of Playtech. To download the software, it is needed to go to the site and get the link via SMS, QR-code or e-mail.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Casino EuroGrand Mobile - there are two dozen of the most popular slots, roulette. Welcome bonus up to $ 1000. The minimum deposit is $ 10.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best Slot Machines for iOS</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Most mobile casinos have their own set of games. The 20-line and 5-reel Pharaohs Fortunes gaming machine is very popular and offers free spins and additional bonus round. This game on the Egyptian theme is distinguished by generous payouts and simple navigation. IPad and iPhone users can enjoy this exciting game by downloading it to their devices.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best Microgaming slots is Tomb Raider, so it is natural that it was the first game adapted for the iPhone. Many others, including the progressive jackpot slots Major Millions, Mermaids Millions and Mega Moolah followed this game. These games were adapted for the iPhone, but the quality and gameplay remained the same.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How to use the slot on the iPhone</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many users want to know how to play for real money on iPhone device. In fact, playing with the iPhone is very simple. For those who have previously used these games on their computer, there will be no problem playing them on iPhone. One of the main differences between computer games and games on the iPhone is the method of placing bets. When playing on a computer, player invited to choose bets using the mouse, as there is no mouse in both iPad and iPhone, so the player will make bets by clicking on the screen.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The difference between iPhone and PC gaming machines</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many developers create applications with slot machines for the iPhone, which are exact copies of the machines for the computer. One significant difference is that gambler has to play on a much smaller screen compared to a computer one. The drums will occupy most of the screen, and he will see the controls at the very bottom. They will allow choosing the size of the bet, the setting of automatic spins and the number of lines. When player selects the stakes and lines, he only need to click on the start to start the game. The reels start spinning and he will get a message about whether he won or lost.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Quick and easy access to the slot machines for the iPhone</span></span></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-89ba1014-7fff-3715-ff0e-521188faf0df"></span></span><br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gaming machines can be accessed on iPhone over a wireless network or using the 3G service. Whatever the connection, everything happens quickly and easily. After a few minutes, the user may already be on the way to winning, thanks to the speed of the slots for iPhone and the touch screen. Playing iPhone emulator for real money, the player gets a great opportunity to win great money prize, while being in any place or even not leaving the house. Thanks to the gaming machines, every iPhone owner gets almost unlimited chances for winning a fantastic jackpot at any time.</span></span></div>

The world of mobile casino gaming

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FG programmes aimed at solving problems of poor –Osinbajo

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Fake news, hate speech: Self-regulate or self-destruct, Lai Muhammed cautions Media

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> Nigerians and the Media have been called upon to desist from spreading fake news and hate speech and avoid reports that could be termed defamatory to an individual or the country.<br /> <br /> The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the call at the annual lecture, themed “Fake News, Hate Speech and the 2019 General Election: The Role of the Nigerian Media’’, hosted by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Abuja.<br /> <br /> “Fake news, hate speech is a global phenomenon; it’s not just a Nigerian phenomenon.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XutecIrSJPw/XAFqF8RocYI/AAAAAAAA3BY/kD8XMT0TUw4pOpXzrJhSV-FW3AzHfo0vQCLcBGAs/s1600/Lai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="750" height="192" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XutecIrSJPw/XAFqF8RocYI/AAAAAAAA3BY/kD8XMT0TUw4pOpXzrJhSV-FW3AzHfo0vQCLcBGAs/s320/Lai.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> “However, it becomes more important to tackle fake news and hate speech in Nigeria because of the natural fault-lines.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “Nigeria is a multi-ethic, multi-religious and multi-cultural nation and it is very easy to explore these fault-lines to breach it and spread fake information,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> Mohammed said the biggest victim of fake news and hate speech was the media itself “because the moment people don’t believe what the media is saying, that would be the end of the media’’.<br /> <br /> He also urged the media to champion and collaborate with government in the campaign against fake news and hate speech.<br /> <br /> According to him, as the 2019 election approaches, fake news and hate speech will become rampant.<br /> <br /> He therefore appealed to “the sense of responsibility of the media to self-regulate otherwise it would self-destruct’’.<br /> <br /> The minister said that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration would not enact any law that would curb freedom of the media.<br /> <br /> Similarly, he called on Nigerians to avoid sharing false information and advised journalists to adhere to the code and ethics of the profession.</div>

Fake news, hate speech: Self-regulate or self-destruct, Lai Muhammed cautions Media

Nigerians and the Media have been called upon to desist from spreading fake news and hate speech and avoid reports that could be termed def...

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"Smartphones will consume more than 21GB data per month by 2024"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yz7mS4wakzE/XAFCwCGl23I/AAAAAAAA3BM/BhC0osTmmzoU6aqtnZtBkx9FPJdFJFtsQCLcBGAs/s1600/iphone6_.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="350" height="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yz7mS4wakzE/XAFCwCGl23I/AAAAAAAA3BM/BhC0osTmmzoU6aqtnZtBkx9FPJdFJFtsQCLcBGAs/s320/iphone6_.gif" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Telecommunications giant, Ericsson, on Friday estimated that by the end of 2024 a smartphone user would consume more than 21 gigabyte (GB) of data per month.<br /> <br /> Ericsson made this known in its global mobility report for November 2018 posted on its website.<br /> <br /> The report says that by 2024, data consumption per month on average would be nearly four times the amount consumed in 2018.<br /> <br /> The report, in other words, estimated that the amount of monthly mobile data traffic consumed by a smartphone user would rise from 5.6 GigaBytes to 21 gigabyte.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to Ericsson, in addition to the increased usage, the number of smartphone subscriptions is set to increase by 45 per cent, reaching a total of 7.2 billion.<br /> <br /> According to the report, new video- watching behaviours will be the reason for the increased data consumption by smartphone users.<br /> <br /> It also said that video currently stands out as the most significant traffic type consumed by smartphone users, at an average of 60 per cent of total traffic.<br /> <br /> This is predicted to grow by 35% annually through 2024 to account for 74% of all mobile data traffic.<br /> <br /> According to the report, traffic from social networking is also expected to rise – increasing by 24% annually over the next 6 years.<br /> <br /> According to Ericsson, the increase in video data traffic per smartphone user has three main drivers which include, increased viewing time, more video content embedded in news media and social networking and an evolution to higher resolutions.<br /> <br /> The report says that presently, most videos are streamed at low-definition and standard-definition formats 360p and 480p, respectively.<br /> <br /> According to Ericsson, this was due to restrictions introduced by both content and communications service providers, as well as customers selecting formats with lower bitrates to get the most of their data bucket.<br /> <br /> The report, however, says that user behaviours are shifting as network capabilities expand and are projected to change more drastically as 5G services are made available.<br /> <br /> According to Ericsson mobility report, the streaming of high-definition (HD) video in 720p and 1080p resolution is increasing and the average resolution of a YouTube in some Long Term Evolution (LTE) network was already up to 720p.<br /> <br /> The report says that user behaviours are shifting, with low and standard-definition video formats being overtaken by HD and Full HAD formats.</div>

"Smartphones will consume more than 21GB data per month by 2024"

Telecommunications giant, Ericsson, on Friday estimated that by the end of 2024 a smartphone user would consume more than 21 gigabyte (GB...

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Buhari can’t be stampeded into signing Electoral Act Amendment bill – Senate Leader

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President Buhari condoles with people, govt. of Rivers over building collapse

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGRsCz8nsUk/XAE_8xbssNI/AAAAAAAA3BA/zkOBiwTP9cEGv_qc8KZGW7hrvp72OUyzwCLcBGAs/s1600/buhari-usa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="412" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MGRsCz8nsUk/XAE_8xbssNI/AAAAAAAA3BA/zkOBiwTP9cEGv_qc8KZGW7hrvp72OUyzwCLcBGAs/s320/buhari-usa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the people and government of Rivers and families of the deceased over the loss of lives after a seven-storey building collapsed.<br /> <br /> The president made the condolence in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday.<br /> <br /> Buhari shared in the grief with families who lost loved ones, and prayed for the recuperation of those who sustained injuries.<br /> <br /> He commended the State government for the urgent steps taken to unravel the cause of the accident, provide healthcare for victims and ensure safety in the future.<br /> <br /> The president prayed that the almighty God would comfort all those who lost loved ones, and grant grace of quick recovery to the injured.</div>

President Buhari condoles with people, govt. of Rivers over building collapse

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the people and government of Rivers and families of the deceased over the loss of lives after...

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Muslims, Christians can flourish together — Buhari

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Offa robbery : Five suspects arraigned in Ilorin

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3N6Upi_5DLY/XAEqh6XpBSI/AAAAAAAA3A4/spNGX9c5LmQK2OoRdWLCxgi6Tp99fZnYwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/armed%2Brobber.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3N6Upi_5DLY/XAEqh6XpBSI/AAAAAAAA3A4/spNGX9c5LmQK2OoRdWLCxgi6Tp99fZnYwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/armed%2Brobber.jpg" /></a></div> Five robbery suspects who allegedly took part in the Offa, Kwara State bank robbery on April 5, 2018 which led to the death of several people including nine policemen yesterday pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge preferred against them by the prosecution at a Kwara state High Court sitting in Ilorin.<br /> <br /> The five accused persons brought before the court were Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salaudeen Azeez and Niyi Ogundiran.<br /> <br /> The prosecution charged the accused persons with alleged conspiracy, armed robbery, murder,  culpable homicide and illegal possession of arms and ammunition.<br /> <br /> They all pleaded not guilty to all the charges.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> All the five accused persons were represented by a counsel, Mr Mathaias Emeribe who said he was briefed on the case on Thursday.<br /> <br /> The Trial Judge, Justice Halimat Salman adjourned the case till January 7, 2019, for hearing.<br /> <div><br /></div> </div>

Offa robbery : Five suspects arraigned in Ilorin

Five robbery suspects who allegedly took part in the Offa, Kwara State bank robbery on April 5, 2018 which led to the death of several peo...

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Fashola explains why it took Buhari 6 months to form cabinet

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZiw-DuiJx8/XAEqFkOkl5I/AAAAAAAA3As/zGWLmtpLAcc4L1-SnAgDOl0NXT8vaVkBgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZiw-DuiJx8/XAEqFkOkl5I/AAAAAAAA3As/zGWLmtpLAcc4L1-SnAgDOl0NXT8vaVkBgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has responded to everyone who still criticizes President Muhammadu Buhari for taking forever to name his cabinet.<br /> Inaugurated president in May of 2015, Buhari only revealed his ministers and their portfolios in November, as Nigerians railed and wailed against the delay.<br /> <br /> Economic pundits partly blame the delay for why Nigeria plunged into a recession as soon as Buhari assumed the reins, with investors waiting for policy direction from the new president before deciding whether to hedge their bets on Nigeria or not.<br /> <br /> Speaking on Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsuji's TheSheetTV, Fashola said forming a cabinet is hard work as he found out at as Lagos Governor from 2007 to 2015.<br /> <br /> "I think I must have taken about three months before I constituted my team. And it is a very painstaking process, first because of our constitution", Fashola said.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> "And even by the time we constituted the team here (in Lagos), one local government came out and said, you didn't pick us and I said, Ok, I’m the Commissioner from your local government, don’t worry. Because the cabinet was full and I said there is no more chair!<br /> <br /> "And they would now tell you, o, you didn’t pick from this place, you didn’t pick woman, you didn’t pick youth…there are too many politicians…too many technocrats. Those are all the interests. After they finish that, they will say the Muslims are more than the Christians, the Christians are more than the Muslims. After that, they will say the Pentecostals are more than the Orthodox.<br /> <br /> "One day, I got so exasperated that I called my team and said just check for me. They say they are more Muslims in the cabinet. I didn’t set it out that way. But I just looked for good people. When they printed the list for me and I looked, it was a dead heat, divided in the middle. 50:50 Christians and Muslims. In that cabinet. Those are all the interests you have to deal with".<br /> <br /> Fashola added that Buhari should rather be praised for cutting the cost of governance when he took over from Goodluck Jonathan .<br /> <br /> "Now the president that they are talking about, he made it clear that he would listen to them on the issue of reducing the cost of running government. He collapsed 42 ministries to 24. You don’t do that just by waving a wand!<br /> <br /> "You need to know what they are doing, which one you can merge with what and then he ended up with 24. That’s why my own ministry became three with a reduction in number of ministers. There should have been six. Minister of State and substantive Minister. That’s a cost reduction. And you are blaming him for that?!", the minister said.<br /> <br /> Fashola insisted that those who are criticizing Buhari for not shuffling his cabinet in three years, have no idea what they are talking about.<br /> <br /> "Now, let’s do the math. 42 days and each day, the president was taking one ministry to brief him. 42 days is one month and almost half a month. During that period, he travelled. He was doing Boko Haram, doing this, doing that, breaking down the ministries. Do you think you just get there and mix it up?<br /> <br /> "Then you are talking about longevity of ministers and commissioners. One of the reasons why I think we sit here today is longevity. The rules in government are different from your everyday rules. You first have to learn.<br /> <br /> "If they (the ministers) haven’t been changed, the person who appointed them is satisfied with the work they are doing for him.<br /> <br /> "I want young people who watch sports, especially those who watch football, to see government teams the way they see football teams. You spend all your money to buy the best players in the world and in the first or second season, they don’t win the league, because they haven’t acclimatized, they have left their countries, they have to eat a different food, they have to play at a different speed.<br /> <br /> "Ministers are no different. Many of them are just getting to Abuja for the first time. They don’t have homes, they need to settle. Some of them have never worked in government. They are human beings just like sportsmen!! Which entertainer gets on the stage and that night, he makes the platinum sale. In one night?<br /> <br /> "The reason why some of us were able to settle down quicker was because we’ve been in government. It’s not the same structure. It looks the same—state and federal—but some things are different.<br /> <br /> "This rush to change and change, go and survey all the states that changed, what did they deliver?", he said.<br /> <br /> Some ministers in Buhari's team have been criticized for not pulling their weights and not knowing what their job descriptions essentially entail.<br /> <br /> President Buhari is seeking a second term in office in 2019. Fashola has been campaigning for the president's re-election on his media stops, especially in his Southwest base.</div>

Fashola explains why it took Buhari 6 months to form cabinet

Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has responded to everyone who still criticizes President Muhammadu Buhari f...

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Some Nigerian youths are lazy - Ali Baba

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fzHbRTSBBQ/XAEc97BAXGI/AAAAAAAA3Ac/9V5M135-CIMzswJYBWAt40jf4cmaimpFgCLcBGAs/s1600/ALI-BABA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="594" height="209" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fzHbRTSBBQ/XAEc97BAXGI/AAAAAAAA3Ac/9V5M135-CIMzswJYBWAt40jf4cmaimpFgCLcBGAs/s320/ALI-BABA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Popular comedian , Alleluya Akporobome , a . k. a , Ali Baba , has urged Nigerian youths to acquire skills that will enable them to be financially independent.<br /> <br /> The comedian , who spoke with our correspondent on the sideline of a graduation ceremony held at Gazzelle Academy in Lagos, described skills acquisition as an important factor in the development of any country’ s economy , which many Nigerian youths had , unfortunately , ignored.<br /> <br /> He said , “ Mental laziness is the biggest challenge facing our youths . A lot of people said President Muhammadu Buhari was wrong when he said that Nigerian youths were lazy. But there are young people who don ’ t want to do any work in this country.<br /> <br /> They have no respect for anyone who is employed . These people even treat labourers with disdain and laugh at commercial drivers. ”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> While commending Gazzelle Academy for training the youth on makeup and fashion , he stated that the makeup and beauty industry was not for women’ s faces alone , as it could be used for many other things.<br /> <br /> “Skills acquisition is the growth of SME , which is the bedrock of any economy . What Gazzelle is doing is commendable and they deserve all the accolades . It was even hard for some of the graduands to attend the ceremony because they had been booked.<br /> <br /> “I advise youths to pick up skills . Models and actors now depend heavily on makeup artists and fashion designers. With makeup artistry , Tara Fela - Durotoye is very successful and she has trained a lot of people too. ”</div>

Some Nigerian youths are lazy - Ali Baba

Popular comedian , Alleluya Akporobome , a . k. a , Ali Baba , has urged Nigerian youths to acquire skills that will enable them to be fi...

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2019 election: What Igbos must do – Reps

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US to deliver Nigeria’s Tucano fighter jets in 2024

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"Why N’golo Kante may be leaving Chelsea"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAnWCuMMlTo/XADuPcdM43I/AAAAAAAA3AU/Ag7xs8OPc7Ux3o4R-d9SQsz0vZoNOhfQwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Kante%2Bpfa.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAnWCuMMlTo/XADuPcdM43I/AAAAAAAA3AU/Ag7xs8OPc7Ux3o4R-d9SQsz0vZoNOhfQwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Kante%2Bpfa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> A former Chelsea star, Tony Cascarino, has said that the club’s midfielder, N’golo Kante, will leave the club.<br /> <br /> According to him, this is due to the Frenchman’s continued struggle in his new position under Maurizio Sarri.<br /> <br /> Kante is arguably the best defensive midfielder in the league since his arrival in English football in 2015.<br /> <br /> The France World Cup winner signed a new long-term contract with the club last week.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> However under Sarri, Kante’s position has been changed to accommodate summer signing, Jorginho, and his performance levels have dropped as a result.<br /> <br /> Cascarino is of the view that should Kante’s struggles continue, he could seek to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.<br /> <br /> “I don’t think Sarri’s comments about Kante being more technical were too much to be concerned about,” he told talkSPORTS.<br /> <br /> “I think the bigger issue with Kante is they have given him a new contract because they know so many clubs are sniffing around him, but he’s being played out of position.<br /> <br /> “You feel he’s wasted.<br /> <br /> “I think certainly PSG would be in for him as well as other clubs, and why wouldn’t they?<br /> <br /> “He’s the best at his position in the world, without a doubt, for me.<br /> <br /> “That’s why he signed a new deal, but I don’t believe it will be enough to keep him there if Kante plays in that position all season.<br /> <br /> “I think by the end of the season he might have had enough, knowing he’s a far better player in the positions he is more accustomed to.”<br /> <br /> On Wednesday, Sarri hit out at Kante for not performing his role well enough in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham.<br /> <br /> “Kante, in the last match, wanted to solve the match after the first 15 minutes but in the wrong way,” Sarri said.<br /> <br /> “He lost his position. He attacked too much the other box.<br /> <br /> “And I think this is not one of the best characteristics of Kante. Maybe it’s only a question of time.<br /> <br /> “But Kante has to stay near to Jorginho, especially when the ball is on the other side.”<br /> <br /></div>

"Why N’golo Kante may be leaving Chelsea"

A former Chelsea star, Tony Cascarino, has said that the club’s midfielder, N’golo Kante, will leave the club. According to him, this is...

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Nigerian government moves to end HIV/AIDS by 2030

Nigerian government moves to end HIV/AIDS by 2030

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Police blasts PDP over calls for IG Idris resignation

Police blasts PDP over calls for IG Idris resignation

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Okorocha reveals his ‘issues’ with Oshiomhole

Okorocha reveals his ‘issues’ with Oshiomhole

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Reps summon Rotimi Amaechi over corruption allegations

Reps summon Rotimi Amaechi over corruption allegations

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Insurgency : Buhari calls for bilateral, multinational platforms at Lake Chad

Insurgency : Buhari calls for bilateral, multinational platforms at Lake Chad

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We have degraded Boko Haram – Buhari govt insists

We have degraded Boko Haram – Buhari govt insists

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Osinbajo camp sets post-Buhari era targets

Osinbajo camp sets post-Buhari era targets

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Boko Haram: We’re still under siege, Shehu Borno tells President Buhari

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBwfXTay60s/XADsMYcxlmI/AAAAAAAA3AI/BNxk1EYb22svt-1JX8fmXRvq9KOWsrLlwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/buhari2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vBwfXTay60s/XADsMYcxlmI/AAAAAAAA3AI/BNxk1EYb22svt-1JX8fmXRvq9KOWsrLlwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/buhari2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness (HRH), Alhaji Abubakar Umar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi, has dismissed claims by security operatives that the ongoing military operations, particularly in some parts of the state and the Lake Chad Region, was yielding positive result.<br /> <br /> He insisted that even in Maiduguri, the state capital, residents and farmers cannot move out of the city beyond 5 kilometres without being killed or kidnapped by insurgents.<br /> <br /> This is even as Organised Labour yesterday pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately sack all service chiefs and heads of the nation’s security apparatus and set up a high-powered probe into the immediate and remote causes leading to recent slaughter of over 100 soldiers by Boko Haram terrorists in Melete, Borno State.<br /> <br /> The monarch stated this when President Muha-mmadu Buhari paid him a courtesy call at his palace in Shehuri, Maiduguri.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The President had visited the monarch before proceeding to the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference where he was special guest of honour.<br /> <br /> The recent onslaught by terrorists have left over 20 farmers killed, while harvesting their crops in their farmlands, with several villages of Bale Shuwa, Mammanti and surrounding communities of Konduga, Mafa Council areas on the outskirt of the metropolis, razed by rampaging terrorists without confrontation.<br /> <br /> The Shehu of Borno, while applauding President Buhari in the fight against Boko Haram, said there was much to be done for the people of the state to be free from terrorists atrocities.<br /> <br /> He said: “On behalf of the traditional institution in Borno, I want to commend Your Excellency for the commitment you have given towards ending the lingering crisis of Boko Haram<br /> <br /> “It is unfortunate that despite all efforts put in place to restore peace in our land and the North East, we the people of Borno State are still under Boko Haram siege.<br /> <br /> “Nobody can dare move out of Maiduguri by 10 kilometres without being confronted/attacked by Boko Haram.<br /> <br /> “Quite a number of farmers are being killed and kidnapped on a daily basis around Molai General Area, which is just 10 kilometres away from the metropolis, along Maiduguri -Damboa -Biu road.<br /> <br /> “Most of the surrounding villages and communities in Konduga, Damboa, Mafa and other local government areas have been razed down in the last two weeks.<br /> <br /> “We plead that the federal government and the security agencies review the strategies in nipping this lingering crisis in the bud.”</div>

Boko Haram: We’re still under siege, Shehu Borno tells President Buhari

Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness (HRH), Alhaji Abubakar Umar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi, has dismissed claims by security operatives that the o...

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"It’s idiotic to say Buhari is cloned"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZBKvjSQ5JM/XADrKPFxiXI/AAAAAAAA2_8/UkoWlZzIAG0DoqddHUhTA2tbs5pvCtIMgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/buhari2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZBKvjSQ5JM/XADrKPFxiXI/AAAAAAAA2_8/UkoWlZzIAG0DoqddHUhTA2tbs5pvCtIMgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/buhari2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Federal Government has reacted to those claiming that President Muhammadu Buhari was cloned.<br /> <br /> It described such talk as idiotic and that such people peddling the rumour were not worthy of getting government reaction.<br /> <br /> Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said these in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Thursday.<br /> <br /> His response followed questions that the Federal Government should clear the air on the allegation.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Recall that there were insinuations that the President was cloned and that the man who is presiding over the affairs of the country is one Jibrin from either Sudan or Chad.<br /> <br /> The rumour followed the miraculous recovery of the President when he was sick about two years ago.<br /> <br /> Mohammed said, “It is idiotic to say the President is cloned. I don’t see any serious government responding to that.<br /> <br /> “So, the same Jibrin  that was cloned from Sudan or Chad is in Chad now? Isn’t that stupid?<br /> <br /> “They even said he is from Chad. Yet, the same President is in Chad as we speak. The same Jibrin is remembering what the President did while in Petroleum Trust Fund and he is also remembering what he did when he was head of state between 1983 and 1985.<br /> <br /> “All the ministers do not know who is before them when they attend the Federal Executive Council meeting? The President remembers memos he had seen or heard about in 1985 and we say he is cloned.<br /> <br /> “So, Jibril from Chad or Sudan will now remember all of these? It is too silly for the government to respond to this.  It must be ignored.”<br /> <br /></div>

"It’s idiotic to say Buhari is cloned"

The Federal Government has reacted to those claiming that President Muhammadu Buhari was cloned. It described such talk as idiotic and t...

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Let’s Renew Our Collective Effort Against Terrorism, Buhari Challenges LCBC Leaders

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJXLZEOlnOk/XADqsuAhpMI/AAAAAAAA2_w/IH14623CpG8ubAZegliwRaLJj8CczA3_ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJXLZEOlnOk/XADqsuAhpMI/AAAAAAAA2_w/IH14623CpG8ubAZegliwRaLJj8CczA3_ACK4BGAYYCw/s320/President%2BMuhammadu%2BBuhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the Heads of State and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to strengthen their efforts towards curbing the activities of Boko Haram terrorists in the region.<br /> <br /> He made the call on Thursday at a one-day consultation with the LCBC leaders in N’djamena, capital of the Republic of Chad.<br /> <br /> “We must not relent and allow the enemies of the region to succeed in their quest to destabilise the area,” said the President who added, “We must reinvigorate our collective will and commitment towards eradicating terrorism from our region.”<br /> <br /> “We must remain focused and true to ensuring sustainable development. To this end, I have requested that bilateral and multilateral platforms of engagements by member countries affected by the conflict be revamped to ensure collective actions towards stamping out the remnants of the terrorists from the region.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The meeting was convened to address the recent upsurge in terrorist activities in the region, and President Buhari rallied his colleagues from Chad, Niger Republic, and the Republic of Cameroon to a fresh onslaught against insurgents, particularly the Boko Haram group.<br /> <br /> “Times as these call for quick interventions and measures. As you are aware and have witnessed in recent times, there are new developments of security concern in our sub-region,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina.<br /> <br /> “The region in the recent past has witnessed increasing attacks, particularly on military formations by elements of the Boko Haram terrorists as well as the renewed kidnapping of people. These activities are aimed at weakening our collective resolve to eradicate them from the region.”<br /> <br /> The President, however, told the meeting, “We must not cave in.”<br /> <br /> “The group’s renewed strategy of increasingly mining the general area as well as its recent deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance activities have proved to be critical factors in the resurgence of attacks in the region.”<br /> <br /> – Renew Assault On Terrorism –<br /> President Buhari thereafter commended what he called the “untiring efforts” of the leadership of the LCBC, and officers and men of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).<br /> <br /> He noted that the efforts of those who strive to bring peace and stability to the region would never be forgotten.<br /> <br /> “We are committed to ensuring that the ideals of restoring peace, stability and viability of the Lake Chad Region to its glorious state, for which some of you have paid the ultimate price are attained,” the President vowed.<br /> <br /> He added, “There is no gainsaying that also fueling the crisis are the twin menaces of poverty and the continued shrinkage of the Lake Chad, which have rendered the people of the region vulnerable to terrorist activities.<br /> <br /> “Attention is drawn to the Lake and its resources, which have always been the source of livelihood for the millions of people that live within and around the basin.”<br /> <br /> In this regard, the Nigerian leader urged the Presidents and Heads of Governments in attendance to make concerted efforts to ensure the actualisation of efforts to recharge the Lake through Inter-Basin Water Transfer from the Congo Basin.<br /> <br /> He stressed that if meticulously pursued, the project “has the capacity to unlock the economic potentials and provide solutions to the myriad of interrelated challenges confronting the region.”<br /> <br /> As Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the LCBC, President Buhari assured them of his commitment to providing the required leadership and direction for the actualisation of peace and security in the area.<br /> <br /> He reiterated an earlier promise he had made to troops fighting terrorism, saying, “We are committed to ensuring you have the requisite and enabling equipment to optimally function.<br /> <br /> “Your welfare is and would continue to remain our priority. Together, we shall restore the Lake Chad Region to its glorious days.”<br /> <br /> Other nation leaders in attendance at the consultation were President Idris Deby of Chad, President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic, and Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang, who represented President Paul Biya.<br /> <br /> In a joint communique, the Heads of State and Governments resolved to change modus operandi, collaborate more, and renew assault on all forms of terrorism and criminal acts, till wholesome peace was restored to the region.</div>

Let’s Renew Our Collective Effort Against Terrorism, Buhari Challenges LCBC Leaders

President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the Heads of State and Governments of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) to strengthen their ...

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As a Man United fan, I’m envious of Chelsea, says Tinubu

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKWBkn8z1kQ/XADp1Q2JyYI/AAAAAAAA2_g/4-G03CH3g8oZ33kc6GMsA8x3WTqJJuJiACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/bola%2Btinubu.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AKWBkn8z1kQ/XADp1Q2JyYI/AAAAAAAA2_g/4-G03CH3g8oZ33kc6GMsA8x3WTqJJuJiACK4BGAYYCw/s320/bola%2Btinubu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, on Monday revealed his knowledge of football when Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi paid him a visit at his Bourdillon, Ikoyi home in Lagos.<br /> <br /> Mikel, who plays in the Chinese Super League, had visited Tinubu to seek his support for Africa’s Next Football Superstar, a talent hunt programme initiated by the Mikel Obi Foundation.<br /> <br /> But the ex-Chelsea midfielder, who won two EPL titles, three FA Cups, one Football League Cup as well as the UEFA Champions League and Europa League in 11 years at Stamford Bridge, was perhaps astonished when Tinubu displayed his huge knowledge of the game.<br /> <br /> “I’m very proud and honoured to receive you (Mikel). I’m a great fan of football even though not much of a fan of your former club (Chelsea). I sincerely tried to watch Chelsea all the time you were there because you are a great talent,” Tinubu stated while receiving Mikel.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Tinubu revealed that he is a staunch follower of English Premier League giants Manchester United.<br /> <br /> “Chelsea is not my club but he (Mikel) is my club and we will support his project. I’m a Man United fan to the core,” the former Governor of Lagos State said.<br /> <br /> “Last weekend, I watched the Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea game with one eye because I’m always envious of Chelsea. I always wish we (Manchester United) beat them. I sympathise with him (Mikel), his former club had to take a hit from Tottenham.<br /> <br /> “When Mikel was there however, I watched Chelsea each time he was on the pitch with both eyes because he’s a great talent. It’s been a wonderful homecoming for him and we will do everything to support him.”<br /> <br /> Though he may not support Chelsea, Tinubu admitted his love for Mikel has seen him visit Stamford Bridge to watch the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner in action for the Blues.<br /> <br /> “I’ve been to Chelsea to watch their games because of him (Mikel). I always want him to win, he’s a great midfielder. He’s helped the club a lot, he’s brought the name of the club up, he has the team spirit and camaradene, which made Chelsea proud.”<br /> <br /> However, when Tinubu was asked about the dwindling fortunes of Manchester United, he replied, “Are we discussing only football today (Monday)? Right now I’m going to play my own game, politics. Whatever is happening to Man United, no one club can stay up forever. They’ve set a great record already and we would be back on top. I think we are around number seven in the English Premier League table now. It’s too early in the season to write us off, we will never say die.”<br /> <br /> Thereafter, the respected politician walked briskly towards his Range Rover Sport, as his retinue of aides tried to outshine each other in opening the door for him.</div>

As a Man United fan, I’m envious of Chelsea, says Tinubu

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, on Monday revealed his knowledge of football when Super Eagles captain ...

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Court can’t compel us to prosecute Fani-Kayode, Abaribe, others for Kanu’s escape – DSS, DG

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AdGIBM1CtU/XADppKysvnI/AAAAAAAA2_U/4R1bj-iz0Y8Pnub5frsp1lzxyG2B7xtywCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSS.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AdGIBM1CtU/XADppKysvnI/AAAAAAAA2_U/4R1bj-iz0Y8Pnub5frsp1lzxyG2B7xtywCK4BGAYYCw/s400/DSS.jpg" /></a></div> The Department of State Service and its Director-General, Mr. Yusuf Bichi, have said they cannot be compelled by the Federal High Court in Abuja to prosecute those accused of aiding the escape of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, from Nigeria.<br /> <br /> They stated that not even the President of Nigeria could tell them how to contain national security threats.<br /> <br /> They stated these in their notice of preliminary objection which they filed in response to a suit seeking an order of mandamus to compel them and the police to arrest and prosecute some named individuals, including a former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, for alleged culpability in the escape of Kanu who reportedly surfaced in Israel recently.<br /> <br /> Others proposed for prosecution also include those who stood sureties for the bail granted Kanu by the Federal High Court in Abuja in April last year – Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Tochukwu Uchendu and Emmanuel Shallom Ben.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Also listed for the proposed prosecution are Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor and the IPOB leader’s relatives – Emmanuel Kanu and Uchechi Kanu.<br /> <br /> The rest, according to the plaintiff, are “all those who worked together to propagate and spread the inciting lies and falsehood that Nnamdi Kanu was abducted, arrested, kidnapped, detained, killed and assassinated by the Nigerian Army when indeed they were well aware of his whereabouts because they played roles in helping Nnamdi Kanu to disappear from Nigeria.<br /> <br /> The suit was filed by Mr. Isiah Ayugu, who described himself as a tax-paying, responsible Nigerian and lawyer.<br /> <br /> He joined the DSS, its Director-General, Mr. Yusuf Bichi, the police and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, as the defendants.<br /> <br /> But the named individuals have filed various applications seeking to be joined as additional defendants in the suit.<br /> <br /> Justice John Tsoho had on November 22 fixed January 11 for the hearing of the various joinder applications.<br /> <br /> On November 9, 2018, Justice John Tsoho granted leave to the plaintiff to proceed with the suit and serve same on the respondents.<br /> <br /> He said in the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/1254/18, that due to Kanu’s escape from Nigeria, the IPOB leader’s trial on charges of treasonable felony had remained stalled before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.<br /> <br /> He said as a Nigerian, his image had been damaged “by the character assassination, lies, falsehood, evil propaganda made against the Nigerian Army that the Nigerian Army has abducted, arrested, kidnapped, assassinated and killed Nnamdi Kanu.”<br /> <br /> But responding through a notice of preliminary objection filed on November 23, the DSS and its Director-General, asked the court to strike it out on among other grounds that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case and that the court lacked the power to mandate the doing of a discretionary act.<br /> <br /> They also contended that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi (the legal right) to initiate the suit.<br /> <br /> According to them, containing national security threat is a matter of discretion which the court and even the President of Nigeria cannot interfere with.<br /> <br /> They added that the DSS “must act within the latitude of available resources” and as such they would only allocate resources to investigate matters “based on the situation on ground.”<br /> <br /> Further hearing in the suit has been adjourned till January 9.<br /> <br /></div>

Court can’t compel us to prosecute Fani-Kayode, Abaribe, others for Kanu’s escape – DSS, DG

The Department of State Service and its Director-General, Mr. Yusuf Bichi, have said they cannot be compelled by the Federal High Court in...

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Sign Electoral Act Amendment now, Atiku urges Buhari

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmCfM1Cu3Fg/XADpkGf0aoI/AAAAAAAA2_M/l05QHxM9WBAmoQDn0-w4XTUhXYWCT0EtACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Atiku-Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmCfM1Cu3Fg/XADpkGf0aoI/AAAAAAAA2_M/l05QHxM9WBAmoQDn0-w4XTUhXYWCT0EtACK4BGAYYCw/s320/Atiku-Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Presidential candidate of PDP in the 2019 elections and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law, the Electoral Act amendment, if he is really interested in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.<br /> <br /> Speaking at the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council yesterday in Abuja, Atiku said that signing the Electoral Act was necessary because elections were governed by laws and that good laws were required to ensure credible elections.<br /> <br /> “Such laws constrain the behaviour of all who are involved in the electoral process, including the candidates and their supporters, security agents and the electoral umpire,” Atiku said.<br /> <br /> He predicted that the 2019 Presidential election would be tough based on what he called the desperation  of the APC-led government to cling to power at all costs.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “We are facing an APC government that is desperate to cling to power at all costs, which means that this will be a tough Presidential election,” he added.<br /> <br /> He said he was not surprised that the APC government was running a campaign of “personal attacks and innuendo,” which he said was caused by the party’s failure to keep its promises to Nigerians.</div>

Sign Electoral Act Amendment now, Atiku urges Buhari

Presidential candidate of PDP in the 2019 elections and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to...

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LUTH resident doctors down tools over unpaid salaries

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5UvbjhF8Ok/XADUfSQEvqI/AAAAAAADM3I/SwTCyIAT2I0EzDPmYHSea2CKj6RcwEMGgCLcBGAs/s1600/doctors-on-strike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="400" height="170" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5UvbjhF8Ok/XADUfSQEvqI/AAAAAAADM3I/SwTCyIAT2I0EzDPmYHSea2CKj6RcwEMGgCLcBGAs/s320/doctors-on-strike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Resident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, on Thursday began an indefinite strike in protest against the hospital management’s failure to pay them in the last three months.<br /> <br /> The President of the Association of Resident Doctors, LUTH chapter, Dr Olawale Oba, in an interview with newsmen, said the strike was the doctors’ last resort after making efforts to press home their demands.<br /> <br /> “The last time salaries were paid to resident doctors, consultants and house officers at the hospital was in August. No salary was paid in September and October. November is almost coming to an end and there is no salary yet. It is an indefinite strike until our demands are met,” Oba said.<br /> <br /> As the strike commenced on Thursday, the hospital management said that a shortfall in its budgetary allocation led to the non-payment of the doctors’ salaries.<br /> <br /> When our correspondent visited the hospital on Thursday, the doctors were seen attending to patients. But the ARD President said, “It is the first day of the strike. Something of that nature is expected and the truth is that you will find patients everywhere because they may not be aware of the strike.<br /> <br /> “There are patients, but no resident doctor is attending to them. The doctors that you see working now are consultants. They will continue until they hold a meeting to make their own decision,” Oba said.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> However, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, the LUTH Public Relations Officer, Mr Kelechi Otunme, said the three-month outstanding salaries followed the insufficient allocation earmarked for personnel in the institution’s annual budget.<br /> <br /> He said the LUTH management had engaged the Ministry of Finance and other appropriate ministries to correct this shortfall, stressing that efforts had reached an advanced stage to resolve it.<br /> <br /> “The management will continue to dialogue with them (resident doctors) and other affected doctors in the hospital to resolve this issue.<br /> <br /> “The hospital’s doors remained open for service while discussions and negotiations continue and there may be delay pending the return of the affected workers to work,” he said.

LUTH resident doctors down tools over unpaid salaries

Resident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, on Thursday began an indefinite strike in protest against the hospi...

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I'm a former bus conductor - Benue Governor

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rqukasZuju4/XADT1nOrePI/AAAAAAADM3A/Y_HWtqNvEzoUz1pzxJ0vtBZ2D5lu4vZOACLcBGAs/s640/Chief-Samuel-Ortom-360x225%2Bbenue.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Thursday told his life story to encourage tricycle operators in the state.<br /> <br /> The tricycle operators, acting under the auspices of Benue Tricycles Association, had visited the governor to assure him of their support for his re-election.<br /> <br /> Ortom, who received the tricycle operators in his office, said, “I started as a bus conductor, when I dropped out of school in 1972. Later, I became a driver and I am proud to say this anywhere. Since God made it possible for me to be what I am today, be rest assured that hope is not lost.<br /> <br /> “The only thing that can hinder one’s destiny is when one lives a wayward life and takes to drunkenness. So, I encourage you not to indulge in any drug like Tramadol, it is deadly.<br /> <br /> Ortom, who commended the tricycle operators, noted that the solidarity visit had offered him the opportunity to thank God and appreciate them for adding value to the economic development of the state.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He promised to initiate an empowerment scheme for them and urged them to form a cooperative society so as to enable them access loans and purchase tricycles of their own.<br /> <br /> Speaking earlier, the state Chairman of the association, Bernard Orban, said, “As Agberos, we have come to endorse our fellow Agbero, we know the governor very well.”<br /> <br /> Orban said they were fully committed to the re-election bid of Ortom because of his good works and love for the people, as well as his background as a transport worker.<br /> <br /> He described Orton as “a sacrificial lamb who has volunteered to stake his life for the freedom of his people” and thanked God for using him to impact positively on the lives of the people of the state.<br /> <br /> “You have demonstrated uncommon love for us and the entire people of the state. Wherever you go, you speak well of your people. At the Presidency, you never get intimidated to speak for the Benue people. When Fulani herdsmen were killing us in Benue, you brought solution by enactment of anti-open grazing law.<br /> <br /> “ You started as an Agbero at the motor park and today, you are a governor leading people. I want to tell you that you are leading well and you still remember where you are coming from. God has elevated you among us. Therefore, we must support you to get re-elected and complete your eight years in office. Nobody can stop you because power comes from God”, Orban stated.

I'm a former bus conductor - Benue Governor

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Thursday told his life story to encourage tricycle operators in the state. The tricycle operator...

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We’ll arrest street kids, dump them in govt house – Falana

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRSfEQ1SV9g/XADTIkCVYkI/AAAAAAADM20/3U3HWEDaXvIYf5D_DRqb3l1bVovI22flgCLcBGAs/s1600/falana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRSfEQ1SV9g/XADTIkCVYkI/AAAAAAADM20/3U3HWEDaXvIYf5D_DRqb3l1bVovI22flgCLcBGAs/s1600/falana.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> Activist-Lawyer Mr Femi Falana on Thursday threatened to begin “arresting” street kids and moving them to government houses if the authorities fail to see to their welfare.<br /> <br /> Falana warned that an organization he belonged to would begin the operation in January from Lagos State.<br /> <br /> He said he had also filed a suit to compel the arrest of parents who prevent their children from going to school, or withdraw them prematurely.<br /> <br /> Falana spoke at the Third Professionals’ Week annual public lecture, themed ‘Corruption, ethics and good governance”, organised by the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Lagos chapter.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> A former Lagos State University (LASU) Vice Chancellor, Prof Lateef Hussain, chaired the occasion, while Osun State Attorney-General, Dr. Surajudeen Bashiru; a former Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Monday Ubani, immediate past President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Arc. Abimbola Ajayi and Chief Executive Officer CMC Connect Ltd, were discussants.<br /> <br /> Falana bemoaned the rising menace of abandoned children and urged the government to take over their education.<br /> <br /> He said: “I belong to an organization and we’re are starting with Lagos by January next year, any child we see on the streets of Lagos, we are going to arrest the child and dump that child in Alausa (Lagos State secretariat and seat of government), so that the people in Alausa will have sleepless nights putting all our children in school.<br /> <br /> “We have already filed a case in Abuja to arrest all parents who refuse to put their children in school, or who withdraw their children from school.<br /> <br /> “About four days ago, 12 parents were prosecuted in Niger State for withdrawing their children from school, so, we are not going to say it is not our business.”<br /> <br /> He argued that if government officials invested more in education, they would have less to steal.<br /> <br /> Falana said: “My position is this: if our governments have to put every child in school, there’ll be less money to steal, because you have to build new schools, expand the existing facilities and recruit teachers from the public purse.”<br /> <br /> The lawyer encouraged professional bodies to do more to stem the tide of corruption and impunity perpetrated or encouraged by their members.<br /> <br /> Citing lawyers as an example, he urged the NBA to dis-bar Attorney-Generals serving under executives who disregard the rule of law.<br /> <br /> Falana said: “If professional bodies are carrying out their statutory duties, it should be possible for the NBA to summon an Attorney-General whose government has disobeyed a court order to say ‘Mr Attorney-General, you either resign from that government or we remove you as a lawyer.’ I can assure you that everybody will sit up.”<br /> <br /> Prof Hussain urged professionals to live up to the ethics of their professions and stand their ground against abuse of due process.<br /> <br /> Dr Bashiru, who was represented by Dr Mubarak Adekilekun, canvassed a return to ethical values, like “discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, religious tolerance, self reliance and patriotism,” most of which, according to him, the country seems to be lacking.

We’ll arrest street kids, dump them in govt house – Falana

Activist-Lawyer Mr Femi Falana on Thursday threatened to begin “arresting” street kids and moving them to government houses if the authori...

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PDP chairman demands resignation of INEC chairman, Police IG

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WNBCCRRMXg/XADSd6uKmCI/AAAAAAADM2o/KUdDoNvOSY4-lk6hsgEb9MqiuwQ_mUb7QCLcBGAs/s1600/Uche%2BSecondus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="293" height="234" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WNBCCRRMXg/XADSd6uKmCI/AAAAAAADM2o/KUdDoNvOSY4-lk6hsgEb9MqiuwQ_mUb7QCLcBGAs/s400/Uche%2BSecondus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /> The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has demanded the immediate resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris.<br /> <br /> Secondus also called on the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Mahmood Yakubu to resign his position without delay.<br /> <br /> Speaking on Thursday as the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP, the opposition party chairman said the PDP has lost confidence in the capacity of the IGP and the INEC chairman to guarantee free and fair elections.<br /> <br /> He insisted that both the IGP and the INEC aided the All Progressives Congress (APC) in rigging the last Ekiti and Osun States governorship elections.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Secondus warned that the PDP would not accept the outcome of rigged elections, adding that there would be a national crisis if the 2019 elections were rigged.<br /> <br /> Also speaking at the event, the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubabar, expressed his readiness to engage President Muhammadu Buhari in a public debate on key national issues in the 2019 elections.<br /> <br /> His speech was interrupted with a snide remark from an unidentified voice who asked if Atiku was referring to “Jubril”, an alleged non existent body double of President Buhari. The mischief has been trending in the social media space lately.<br /> <br /> Atiku however replied the voice, asking, “Which Jubril? Is it the one in Sudan or the one in Abuja?”, a remark that drew a derisive outburst from the crowd of party faithful present in the hall.<br /> <br /> The opposition presidential candidate further said that if elected, his administration would enthroned a policy of strict adherence to fiscal responsibility in the conduct of government business.<br /> He pledged to galvanize efforts through consultations to liberate the nation from the shackles of hunger, deprivation, killings and divisive tendencies.<br /> <br /> Atiku said, “Our aim is to work very hard and collectively liberate our nation from the shackles of hunger, starvation, deprivation, bloodletting, killings and division which bedevil us today. We must all work hard to return our nation to the path of harmony, peace and progress.<br /> <br /> “We need to be disciplined in our campaign because we are facing a desperate APC. The coming election may be the toughest presidential election since the return of democracy.<br /> “The APC has chosen personal attacks over issues, instead of campaigning on achievements. My campaign will be focused on issues not character assassination and personal attacks.<br /> <br /> “We should be telling Nigerians what we want to do differently to get Nigeria working again. We must be vigilant at the polling units. We must demand the removal of the IGP. Elections are governed by laws and rules guiding the behaviour of all those involved”<br /> <br /> He urged President Buhari to sign the amended Electoral Act presently on his desk if he is truly for free, fair and credible elections.<br /> <br /> The PDP candidate made assurances of new templates for fiscal responsibility and productivity in every critical sector of national life.<br /> <br /> The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, who also spoke at the event urged party leaders and stakeholders, to remain united and strong as the elections draw nearer.<br /> <br /> Saraki said, “The people are with us and when the people are with us, God is with us, we will do it, we will succeed. I emphasise that we must stay strong because it is not going to be easy.<br /> <br /> “Let us remember when we were going for the convention this room was vibrating, there was tension in the country and people never believed that it was possible because it has never happened where people will go to a primary and come out with not even one person disagreeing.<br /> <br /> “I have said it many atimes that APC is not our opponent on the ballot paper; it is the security agents that are opponents on the ballot paper.<br /> <br /> “If you talk to ten Nigerians today, they will tell you yes your party is popular but they will rig it. What does that mean? We must stand, we must stand for free and credible election. We must stand for an election where people have the right to vote.<br /> <br /> Saraki, is the Director General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, warned that there could be crisis in the country if the elections were not free, fair and credible.<br /> <br /> The party inaugurated a 154-member Campaign Council shortly after the NEC meeting, with Secondus named as chairman of the Council.<br /> <br /> Atiku is co-chairman of the Council while former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is co deputy chairman.<br /> <br /> Also on Thursday, the PDP inaugurated its Presidential campaign council with Secondus as chairman and Atiku as co-chair man.<br /> <br /> Other members of the Council are the governors elected on the platform of the party, the party’s principal officers of the National Assembly, all the presidential aspirants that contested with Atiku, former Ministers, former principal officers of the National Assembly, members of the National Working Committee of the PDP, among others.<br /> <br /> At the inauguration of the campaign council, Secondus charged the team to brace up for the challenges ahead, adding that the task was to sell the agenda of the PDP across the entire country.

PDP chairman demands resignation of INEC chairman, Police IG

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has demanded the immediate resignation of the Inspector...

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PDP kicks as FG cautions US against granting Atiku visa now

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbB8uQQvU1I/XADNgFaQc2I/AAAAAAADM2A/iKnDSTQGYkUsSbOIazdlRhQ0zj3vA64PwCLcBGAs/s1600/Atiku_Abubakar_589802960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="486" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbB8uQQvU1I/XADNgFaQc2I/AAAAAAADM2A/iKnDSTQGYkUsSbOIazdlRhQ0zj3vA64PwCLcBGAs/s400/Atiku_Abubakar_589802960.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has applied for a visa to enable him to visit the United States, our correspondent learnt on Thursday.<br /> <br /> It was learnt that the former Vice-President appeared for an interview at the US Embassy on Tuesday in Abuja.<br /> <br /> Our correspondent learnt that Atiku would use the trip to make what was described as “political statement” ahead of the 2019 presidential election.<br /> <br /> According to our source, those planning the trip with the former VP are out to use it to address some US congress caucuses, as well as a high ranking official in the Donald Trump administration.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> However, our source could not confirm if Atiku would also use the opportunity to address the entire congress if he makes the visit.<br /> <br /> The source said, “I can authoritatively tell you that Atiku Abubakar went to the US Embassy on Tuesday for an interview and there is hope that he will get it (visa).<br /> <br /> “When he gets it, we will use it to make a political statement. This is because those saying he can’t travel to the US will be shamed.<br /> <br /> “Apart from that, the trip will be used to sell his candidature and that of the PDP to the entire world. So, let us wait and see what will happen. The PDP and Atiku are ready for the 2019 race.<br /> <br /> Reacting to the development, the Federal Government warned the US to be cautious about granting Atiku a visa now.<br /> <br /> It said this was necessary in order not to create the impression that the PDP candidate had been endorsed by America for the 2019 election.<br /> <br /> Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the government position at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Thursday.<br /> <br /> Mohammed, who spoke in his office, said the government was aware of the move by the ex-VP to allegedly lobby the US to lift the visa ban imposed on him.<br /> <br /> He said, “We understand and appreciate the fact that it is the prerogative of the US to grant a visa to anyone who applies.<br /> <br /> “However, we want the US to be neutral and be wary of taking any decision that will give the impression that they are favouring or endorsing one candidate over the other.<br /> <br /> “An impression must not be created that the US government is endorsing one particular candidate over the other.”<br /> <br /> The minister alleged that for years, there had been a kind of congressional bi-partisan investigation into the corruption (allegations) against certain individuals, which had made it difficult for Atiku to secure a US visa.<br /> <br /> He said, “I am sure you will all recall the Jefferson’s case and the cold $90,000 in a fridge.”<br /> <br /> Speaking on security, the minister insisted that despite the recent setback brought about by attacks on the military, Boko Haram had been largely decimated.<br /> <br /> On the arrest of Deji Adeyanju, convener of Concerned Nigerians by the police, the minister said “being an activist or in the opposition does not protect anyone from arrest and prosecution’’.<br /> <br /> He said the case had been charged to court and it would be prejudicial to make further comments on it.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the PDP has alleged that the All Progressives Congress “is already jittery because of the calamity that will soon befall them”.<br /> <br /> National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus, who spoke with our correspondent on Atiku’s application for a US visa, asked the APC and FG to be ready to accept defeat in the February presidential election.<br /> <br /> He said, “What is their own in the visa that they are calling on the authorities of another country not to grant a private citizen?<br /> <br /> “The fact is that the APC government has failed. They are already jittery. They know that the game is up and that’s why they have been running from pillar to post.<br /> <br /> “Tell them that their days of deceit are over. Nigerians are tired of them and they can no longer lie or take the people for a ride anymore.”

PDP kicks as FG cautions US against granting Atiku visa now

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has applied for a visa to enable him to visit the United States, o...

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Jungle Justice: SARS inspector who killed LASTMA official beaten to death

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByHQ-FiZcss/XADRZGymwOI/AAAAAAADM2c/bt-D_vq-3mQUtqRpO5QOYYaiP3QOLwfHQCLcBGAs/s1600/LL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByHQ-FiZcss/XADRZGymwOI/AAAAAAADM2c/bt-D_vq-3mQUtqRpO5QOYYaiP3QOLwfHQCLcBGAs/s320/LL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> A Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) inspector, who allegedly killed an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Wednesday, has been confirmed dead.<br /> <br /> It was learnt yesterday that Inspector Olukunle Olonade, attached to FSARS Ikeja, died of injuries after he was allegedly attacked by passersby and motorists for allegedly killing Rotimi Adeyemo, the traffic official.<br /> <br /> A statement yesterday by police spokesman Chike Oti said the mob allegedly beat up the inspector mercilessly.<br /> <br /> He said Olonade died while being taken to hospital.<br /> <br /> The late inspector had earlier allegedly shot Adeyemo dead for flagging him down for a traffic issue.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The incident occurred at Iyana-Ipaja roundabout about 6pm.<br /> <br /> Olonade, it was gathered, got down and warned the traffic official never to stop him again, adding that he didn’t have a right to do so.<br /> <br /> “Adeyemo was controlling traffic at Iyana-Ipaja when he asked the officer to stop so that motorists from Agege could have their way. Olonade refused to stop and he (Adeyemo) moved away so that he could pass. The next thing was that the officer brought out his gun and shot Adeyemo at close range,” an eyewitness said.<br /> <br /> Oti said Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal had directed that the late Inspector Olonade be tried posthumously in the Orderly Room and be recommended for dismissal from the Force.<br /> <br /> The statement reads: “On Wednesday, the driver of a Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), marked LSR 277 BJ, later identified as Police Inspector Olukunle Olonade, attached to FSARS Ikeja, while driving along Iyana-Ipaja road, was contravened for driving against traffic by a LASTMA official, Rotimi Adeyemo, 46, at Iyana-Ipaja roundabout.<br /> <br /> “The two men argued with one another. During the altercation, Inspector Olonade allegedly shot the LASTMA officer to death.<br /> <br /> “Consequently, a mob, who thought the attacker was an armed hoodlum, because he was in mufti, descended on him and beat him up to stupor.<br /> <br /> “Although he was later rescued by the policemen drafted to the scene, he later died while being rushed to hospital.<br /> <br /> “The serial number of the pistol recovered at the scene was checked in the system and it revealed the bearer as Inspector Olukunle Olonade attached to FSARS Ikeja. The body of the deceased has been evacuated to the morgue for autopsy.”

Jungle Justice: SARS inspector who killed LASTMA official beaten to death

A Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) inspector, who allegedly killed an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority ...

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Police warn Nigerians against buying phones from strangers

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="891" height="336" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTxnA79im4A/XADQ10Yn6KI/AAAAAAADM2U/L3gSHPV14Soo_5URXZmFTb3nVrvpWuWsACLcBGAs/s640/phones.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> The Divisional Crime Officer, Ilaro Police Command, Ogun State, SP. Oni Waheed, has advised the public to desist from buying phones from strangers, in order not to get into trouble.<br /> <br /> He gave the advice yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, Ogun State.<br /> <br /> Waheed said instead, people should buy their phones from well-known outlets to prevent them from getting into police net.<br /> <br /> “It is easy to trace phones bought from an outlet when crime is being committed by criminals than the one purchased from a stranger,” he said.<br /> <br /> Waheed noted that hoodlums sometimes robbed people of their valuables such as phones, laptops and money and sold them to innocent people.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to him, most of the criminals who indulge in the act usually sell the stolen goods to innocent people, on the pretext that they need money urgently to attend to some needs.<br /> <br /> “We have seen many victims of such problem and there is no evidence to prove their innocence,” he said.

Police warn Nigerians against buying phones from strangers

The Divisional Crime Officer, Ilaro Police Command, Ogun State, SP. Oni Waheed, has advised the public to desist from buying phones from ...

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‘Our successes still manifest despite Metele setback’ - Nigerian Army

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="510" height="283" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5YRai9wJ47o/XADQbPyLI6I/AAAAAAADM2M/Q_hIXyiplnoSsDGNign0wNunM6ezupeQwCLcBGAs/s400/Chief-of-Army-Staff-Lt.-Gen.-Tukur-Buratai.jpg" width="400" /></div> <b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Text of opening address by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Maiduguri, Borno State, on November 28, 2018</i></b><br /> <br /> Protocol<br /> <br /> IT gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the COAS Annual Conference 2018. I want to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for honouring us with his presence in spite of his very busy schedule. I am also delighted to see in our midst national leaders, revered royal fathers intellectuals, academics, technocrats, military strategists and media moguls, who have proved themselves in various spheres both in Nigeria and abroad. I would also want to especially welcome representatives of human rights groups and non-governmental organizations, who have partnered with the NA to improve civil-military relations and security in Nigeria. To His Excellency the Governor and the great people of Borno State. I say thank you for agreeing to host us in spite of the very short notice. Borno State became the obvious choice of this Annual Conference because of the recent event that happened and the desire of the C-in-C to personally identify with the troops and reassure them that their challenges is a thing of concern to him personally and to the government.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The COAS Annual Conference is usually an occasion that gives the NA leadership an opportunity to appraise our activities within the year, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings towards making informed decisions for the coming year. However, this year, we shall not only conduct a retrospective assessment of our performance but also consider how the NA can better optimize its operations in support of democratic consolidation. This dual contemplation was the principal consideration that led to the selection of the theme for this year’s annual conference which is, ‘Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria’. This theme was also crafted in a bid to assure all Nigerians and indeed the international community that the NA will work optimally, in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Our role in support of democracy is the focus of the special lecture for this Conference. The lecture will be delivered later today and is titled ‘Nigerian Army Management of Security Challenges in Support of Democracy in Nigeria: Issues and Prospects’. The lecture is to be delivered by one of us, a retired senior officer par excellence, a former Military Adviser in the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations and a seasoned military professional, in person of Lt Gen Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor (rtd). I want to implore all our distinguished invited guests to please attend this lecture.<br /> <br /> Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to inform you that over the 4 quarters of the Year 2018 the NA remained steadfast in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities as well as providing aid to civil authority. The nations territorial integrity particularly along our land borders has not been breached as we continually maintain a posture to defend Nigeria’s territorial rights and interests. Security relations with our neighbors, Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic has remained relatively calm, except for increased trafficking of small arms and light weapons across the borders among other cross border criminality. Internally, there has been recurring violence in some sections of the country which constitute security threats to Nigeria’s democracy. The causes for various crises in the country are often ideological, economic, political, religious as well as ethnic, among many other reasons. These socio-political and socio-economic issues have direct bearing on the security climate of the country. I am pleased to report that internal security in Nigeria has improved drastically from where we were in 2015 when I took over command of the NA. However, we recognize that there are potent threats that require us to continually review our operations. Hence, this conference will deliberate on ways through which the NA can continue to enhance national security.<br /> <br /> The fight against the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) in the North East under Operation LAFIYA DOLE has continued unabated and the NA in conjunction with other Services and security agencies has dominated the area and continues to carry out sustained operations against the Boko Haram Terrorist. The NA is also collaborating with the Chadian military and the Cameroonian Defence Forces (CDF) in the NE. We are currently conducting combined operations alongside the CDF codenamed Operation DEEP PUNCH II in order to maintain permanent presence in Sambisa Forest and adjoining areas along the common border with Cameroon. Troops of the NA remain part of the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and we are a major contributor to the success of Operation AMNI FAKAT in the Lake Chad Basin (LCB).<br /> <br /> Troops of the NA deployed on other ongoing operations such as Operations SAFE HAVEN, DELTA SAFE, SHARAN DAJI, AWATSE and Operation WHIRL STROKE have continued to perform their tasks professionally. Over the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the year we also identified the need to support Federal Government’s efforts at encouraging Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to return to their ancestral homes. To this end we conducted Operation LAST HOLD which was designed to further degrade the BHTs, facilitate the relocation of IDPs to their communities and to promote civil-military relations. The operation culminated in the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2018, during which we were privileged to have Mr President in attendance. By the end of Operation LAST HOLD, over 5,000 IDPs returned back to their communities in Northern Borno.<br /> As the nation moves towards the 2019 General Elections, the NA is conducting Operation SAFE CONDUCT to support other security agencies during the period of elections in the country. The NA activated the operation on 14 July 2018 during the elections in Ekiti and Osun states and it was a huge success. We intend to replicate the successes achieved, during the 2019 General Elections because we believe that a secure electoral process will play a critical role in safeguarding our democracy into the future. As the NA plays its role to safeguard democracy, all NA personnel are enjoined to ensure that necessary steps are taken in all circumstances to prevent any act that is inimical to the unity and stability of the country. Thus, as political activities unfold towards the 2019 General Elections, GOCs and field commanders at all levels are enjoined to continue to remind officers and soldiers under their command to remain non-partisan and be guided by the stipulated code of conduct in the discharge of their duties.<br /> <br /> In 2018, the NA witnessed a lot of reorganization and redeployment in a bid to improve our overall operational responsiveness and professionalism. Just 2 weeks ago, I approved the redeployment of some field and operational commanders in order to inject new ideas in the command and control structure in various NA operations across the country. We are also reorganizing to align with some of our current realities. It is my belief that the NA must start to plan and strategize on how to end the operations in the NE. To this end, I have directed for a change from a wholly defensive posture to one where we defend in numbers and conduct offensive operations in smaller packets but simultaneously in different fronts. I must also add that no army can ever have enough equipment to conduct its operations. Hence, it is incumbent on all commanders and senior leaders of the NA to recognize that we are involved in asymmetric warfare which calls for dynamism and flexibility if we are to succeed with minimal casualties. Therefore, commanders are to ensure that they show leadership at all times and continuously adapt with changing situations in order to surmount adversity in the conduct of operations.<br /> <br /> In the area of training we have expanded our in-theater training for troops in the frontlines to afford them the required capabilities to operate and conduct effective operations. Special attention was also given to providing local and foreign training opportunities for all cadre of officers and soldiers. In Year 2018 alone, a total of 156 personnel have attended foreign courses while 2,390 have attended local courses and training programmes, ranging from masters degree programmes to workshops and conferences. The provision of adequate healthcare to NA personnel and their families has continued to remain one of my priorities. From Jan 18 to date, 36 officers, 144 soldiers and 7 family members of personnel have benefited in the NA Medical Evacuation both within and outside the Country. Currently, there are 12 patients and 12 escorts in India receiving treatment. The NA has also hosted over 300 local and international conferences, seminars or summits either solely or in-conjunction with other bodies. One of this was the successful co-hosting of the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS), in conjunction with the United States Army Africa (USARAF). The ALFS had in attendance over 43 Army Service Chiefs within Africa, as well as Army/Defence Staff from the USA, Brazil, Canada, France, UK and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The ALFS provided an arena for African Army Chiefs and Defence experts to discuss operations and strategies that would strengthen African defence and security. The deliberations during the ALFS gave us a new approach towards tackling some of the security challenges in Nigeria. We are grateful to Mr President for granting approval for the NA to host the ALFS 2018.<br /> <br /> In the course of 2018, the NA has consolidated on its drive in the area of research and development in order to improve on our home-grown capacity to innovate, produce and maintain some of our core requirements. In this regard, we have encouraged and supported all NA officers and soldiers who have innovative ideas and competencies. We have also resumed full collaboration with the Defence Industries Coorporation (DICON) for needed parts and small arms and ammunition. Similarly, the NA is partnering with several companies in Nigeria including Innoson Motors, Proforce Limited and Nigeria Machine Tools, among others, towards the production of light and heavy armoured vehicles, critical equipment as well as protective clothing for NA troops. These collaborations have led to the development of the TYB Rover, Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV) and the Bionbion Helicopter, among several other equipment. We are also engaging some foreign technical companies and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to help us repair and refurbish some of our heavier and more delicate platforms. These in-house efforts are being done to complement the support that we have received from the Federal Government in the area of equipment procurement. So far, the NA has taken delivery of several quantities of platforms, ammunition and other needed equipment for the NA. I want to seize this opportunity to thank Mr President for approving the purchase of these equipment.<br /> <br /> The Year 2018, has been eventful and my address will not be complete without mentioning some of the new developments that have taken place within the year. The NA established the Nigerian Army Women Corps (NAWC) to develop female officers and soldiers that can be employed in all operational engagements of the NA. The Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) has been approved, established and has commenced its academic programmes. The Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC) was also established to support our strides in vehicle manufacturing. The NA has also commenced direct training for personnel to acquire sufficient knowledge and communication skills in the 3 major Nigerian languages to better fit in anywhere they may be deployed. The NA has also established the first ever Cyber Command. The Command will effectively tackle the fake news against the NA, the country and also secure our cyber domain from hostile elements.<br /> <br /> In spite of our very many successes, the NA is not without its challenges and setbacks. Despite the recent setback in Metele, our successes still manifest from our operations in the Central parts of the country up to the Northern fridges of Borno State. The presentation that will be made in a few minutes time will bring out graphically our successes. Some of the NA challenges are related to insinuations of human rights abuses which have tended to dent our image in the eyes of the general public and the international community. It is necessary to reiterate the NA’s stance as professionals, that we are guided by the extant rules of safeguarding human rights, human security and human dignity under the concept of the “Responsibility to Protect”. To this end we have established human rights desk offices in all NA formations for speedy attention to human rights allegations. Furthermore, just last week the NA law Seminar was held by the DLS(A) with the Theme ‘The Place of the Law in Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operation in Nigeria’. The major objective of the Law Seminar was to improve on the existing synergy between the NA Legal Services and the Nigerian Judiciary bringing to fore a better understating and appreciation of the specialist and technical nature of military operations vis-à-vis the Law to our civilian legal professionals in the judiciary. At this point permit me to implore all of us to spare a thought for the brave men and women of the NA who paid the supreme price for the security of Nigeria. We must also continue to support the families of these brave officers and soldiers and pray that their souls rest in perfect peace. Amin.<br /> <br /> The NA is looking ahead into the year 2019. We envisage in our projections, the planning and conduct of exercises and operations in various parts of the country similar to the ones conducted throughout this year. Training shall be vigorously pursued at all levels as our professional calling of duty demands. The exercises and operations embarked upon this Year 2018 were geared towards creating a peaceful and stable environment for the upcoming 2019 General Elections. I wish to state that my projections for the Nigerian Army in the coming year are expected to surpass the achievements of this year 2018. The areas observed with lapses will be improved upon and I charge all participants of this esteemed conference to please make meaningful contributions that will be added to our overall projections for the year 2019.<br /> <br /> The NA could not have attained this feat without the support of our political leaders, cooperation from sister Services and other organizations. Accordingly, I wish to recognize and express my sincere gratitude to Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), the Honourable Minister of Defence and other ministers, the Chief of Defence Staff and my colleagues Service Chiefs, serving and retired as well as heads of other security agencies and the media. I sincerely wish to thank law abiding and concerned Nigerian public for their support to the NA.<br /> <br /> My sincere and esteemed appreciation goes to His Excellency the Executive Governor, government and the good people of Borno State for hosting the NA to this Conference as well as supporting the NA in its endeavours. I want to enjoin you, Your Excellency, to continue to partner with the NA and encourage law abiding citizens to have confidence in the Nation’s security agencies. May I also thank the governors here present for finding time to honour our invitation. For our esteemed Royal Fathers, we sincerely appreciate you all for your fatherly guidance and for being highly responsible custodians of the peoples’ cultures and traditions. The NA will continue to respect the traditional institutions towards effective civil military relations.<br /> <br /> Finally, it is with a high sense of responsibility and respect that I humbly express the NA’s profound gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for his invaluable support to the Nigerian Armed Forces in general and to the NA in particular. On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I once more pledge our total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish to respectfully reassure Mr President of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the NA to the defence of democratic governance in Nigeria. The NA will continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles. On the final note I want to once again welcome you all to the COAS Conference 2018. Thank you all and God bless.<br /> <br />

‘Our successes still manifest despite Metele setback’ - Nigerian Army

Text of opening address by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Maiduguri, B...

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