End Of The Road For Nnamdi Kanu, As Judge Releases Shocking Report

The ‎Director of Radio Biafra, and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, ‎Nnamdi Kanu,‎ has suffered another setback, as his trial Judge, Justice John Tsoho, has returned his case file to the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Ibrahim Auta, for re-assignment.‎

The development is coming at a time when Kanu’s legal team, ‎led by Chuks Muoma, had claimed that the Judge was biased in its handling of the matter.‎

According to him, the Judge was acting out a script, written by President Muhammadu Buhari, which is aimed at the continual detention of Kanu at all cost.

Muoma said, “We are only asking the court to hands off; my client has lost confidence in this court”.
He added, that if the court refuses to grant ‎the relief they sought, they would proceed to the International Court of Justice, ICJ.

He added: “I understand that there is a letter to NJC, though I haven’t seen it, and the CJ has replied, saying that the matter will be investigated.

“I would urge you that you transfer the matter; I would suggest that it be sent back to the CJ”.
In reaction, the trial Judge said, “I have no interest in trying your matter, and I will return it to the CJ, but I will condemn the attitude of that Counsel.

“I do not care if you take your case to another planet”.
Meanwhile, Muoma responded by saying, making a ruling on the said application, was an attempt to “pre-empt” the outcome of the petition sent by Kanu’s Lawyers to the CJ.
This referral will be the second time in nine months, that a Judge has declined handling ‎Kanu’s trial.

It could be recalled, that in ‎December 2015, Kanu had refused to take plea on a six-count charge of treason, importation of illegal goods, and possession of fire arms, filed against him by the Department of State Services, DSS, saying he had it on good authority, that Ahmed Mohammed, the trial judge, was biased.

The Judge, who in turn did not challenge Kanu’s position, was reported to have simply withdrawn from the case.
He said, “I am of the view that the first defendant, has the right to object to be tried in any court. I do not see any wrong with the issues raised.
“Justice is all about confidence. Would the prosecution not raise similar objection, if occasion had presented itself.
“Let it be clear that the defendant is not challenging the validity of the charges against him.
‎”It is on this premise that I remit the case file to the office of the Chief Judge for re-assignment,” the Judge Concluded.‎
Presently, Kanu has spent over a year in detention.

End Of The Road For Nnamdi Kanu, As Judge Releases Shocking Report

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The ‎Director of Radio Biafra, and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, ‎Nnamdi Kanu,‎ has suffered another setback, as his trial Judge, Justice John Tsoho, has returned his case file to the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Ibrahim Auta, for re-assignment.‎

The development is coming at a time when Kanu’s legal team, ‎led by Chuks Muoma, had claimed that the Judge was biased in its handling of the matter.‎

According to him, the Judge was acting out a script, written by President Muhammadu Buhari, which is aimed at the continual detention of Kanu at all cost.

Muoma said, “We are only asking the court to hands off; my client has lost confidence in this court”.
He added, that if the court refuses to grant ‎the relief they sought, they would proceed to the International Court of Justice, ICJ.

He added: “I understand that there is a letter to NJC, though I haven’t seen it, and the CJ has replied, saying that the matter will be investigated.

“I would urge you that you transfer the matter; I would suggest that it be sent back to the CJ”.
In reaction, the trial Judge said, “I have no interest in trying your matter, and I will return it to the CJ, but I will condemn the attitude of that Counsel.

“I do not care if you take your case to another planet”.
Meanwhile, Muoma responded by saying, making a ruling on the said application, was an attempt to “pre-empt” the outcome of the petition sent by Kanu’s Lawyers to the CJ.
This referral will be the second time in nine months, that a Judge has declined handling ‎Kanu’s trial.

It could be recalled, that in ‎December 2015, Kanu had refused to take plea on a six-count charge of treason, importation of illegal goods, and possession of fire arms, filed against him by the Department of State Services, DSS, saying he had it on good authority, that Ahmed Mohammed, the trial judge, was biased.

The Judge, who in turn did not challenge Kanu’s position, was reported to have simply withdrawn from the case.
He said, “I am of the view that the first defendant, has the right to object to be tried in any court. I do not see any wrong with the issues raised.
“Justice is all about confidence. Would the prosecution not raise similar objection, if occasion had presented itself.
“Let it be clear that the defendant is not challenging the validity of the charges against him.
‎”It is on this premise that I remit the case file to the office of the Chief Judge for re-assignment,” the Judge Concluded.‎
Presently, Kanu has spent over a year in detention.

“I Will Show Buhari The Meaning Of Asiwaju; I Built APC Party And I Can Destroy It”.- Tinubu

The crisis rocking the ruling party, The All Progressive Congress (APC), seems to deepen further as the APC chieftain, Asiwaju Tinubu has lashed out to President Muhammadu Buhari following the Ondo governorship election.

An undisclosed sources who reported to the media of the state of the current clash between Tinubu and Buhari, had it that Tinubu regretted of letting Buhari become the president of Nigeria under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

According to our sources, while receiving a segment of APC chieftains from South West who paid him a solidarity visit late yesterday evening after keeping them waiting for over 5 hrs, (from 5pm to 10 pm before seeing them).

Tinubu lashed out and said, ”I regret building APC and giving Buhari a platform to become president”.

“We all knew he didn’t merit to be president, but you know how we politicians behave when we are desperate for electoral position; We beg.

”That was how President Buhari always and frequently came to my private house here in Ikoyi with his entourage which included that Nasiru and others”.

”At a point, he “Buhari” was practically living in my house, under my roof. The room he was sleeping was just 6-7 steps from my own private room. I was building his confidence because he didn’t have it”.

”He was even scared of Atiku and Rabiu”.

”What I ate, he ate. My security was his security because he expressed fears about the security provided by the Jonathan government. He was afraid of Jonathan”.

”Now they occupy Aso Rock and they think Asiwaju Tinubu is finished. He is using people I brought from obscurity against me. Now they say my mouth is smelling. They say I’m no longer relevant. The battle line is drawn, I will show them the meaning of Asiwaju”.

”I know they have surrounded my house. They are there outside. You can’t see them but I know where they are. I see them, but I am not afraid of them. They know that”.

When asked, “what next?” by one of the loyalists, who said “what do we do now?”.

Tinubu replied; “Don’t worry, just watch. Time will tell, I built this party and I can destroy it, but for now I vow, PDP must win Ondo state.

“I Will Show Buhari The Meaning Of Asiwaju; I Built APC Party And I Can Destroy It”.- Tinubu

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The crisis rocking the ruling party, The All Progressive Congress (APC), seems to deepen further as the APC chieftain, Asiwaju Tinubu has lashed out to President Muhammadu Buhari following the Ondo governorship election.

An undisclosed sources who reported to the media of the state of the current clash between Tinubu and Buhari, had it that Tinubu regretted of letting Buhari become the president of Nigeria under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

According to our sources, while receiving a segment of APC chieftains from South West who paid him a solidarity visit late yesterday evening after keeping them waiting for over 5 hrs, (from 5pm to 10 pm before seeing them).

Tinubu lashed out and said, ”I regret building APC and giving Buhari a platform to become president”.

“We all knew he didn’t merit to be president, but you know how we politicians behave when we are desperate for electoral position; We beg.

”That was how President Buhari always and frequently came to my private house here in Ikoyi with his entourage which included that Nasiru and others”.

”At a point, he “Buhari” was practically living in my house, under my roof. The room he was sleeping was just 6-7 steps from my own private room. I was building his confidence because he didn’t have it”.

”He was even scared of Atiku and Rabiu”.

”What I ate, he ate. My security was his security because he expressed fears about the security provided by the Jonathan government. He was afraid of Jonathan”.

”Now they occupy Aso Rock and they think Asiwaju Tinubu is finished. He is using people I brought from obscurity against me. Now they say my mouth is smelling. They say I’m no longer relevant. The battle line is drawn, I will show them the meaning of Asiwaju”.

”I know they have surrounded my house. They are there outside. You can’t see them but I know where they are. I see them, but I am not afraid of them. They know that”.

When asked, “what next?” by one of the loyalists, who said “what do we do now?”.

Tinubu replied; “Don’t worry, just watch. Time will tell, I built this party and I can destroy it, but for now I vow, PDP must win Ondo state.

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE OR FINANCIAL DULLNESS?

To whom it may concern; September is almost coming to an end.
Here is an advice from me to the one who wants to shape his/her life towards a greater cause.

Money is a seed, do not eat your seed. Invest your seed into opportunities that are passive income oriented, and sooner it will generate more and more income for you
Few days left for you to get your salary.
Are you going to apply FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE or FINANCIAL DULLNESS?
Financial intelligence is the ability to turn your earned income (salary) into PASSIVE income.

And this is the kind of income you get when you learn and apply my formula for creating passive income.

Financial DULLNESS is the ability to keep getting pay check upon pay Check, and your life still remains the same. It never changes because of your inability to key into opportunities that generates passive income.

SEPTEMBER IS COMING TO AN END,
WILL YOU APPLY FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE OR FINANCIAL DULLNESS?

If you have chosen financial intelligence, contact me now (+2347063686197WhatsApp) to learn my formula for creating passive income so that when you receive that salary, you take out a part of it and apply FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

10 years from now you will either be smiling or regretting from the decisions you've taken today.

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE OR FINANCIAL DULLNESS?
YOUR CHOICE!!!

Whatsapp: +2347063686197

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE OR FINANCIAL DULLNESS?

Posted by Sylvester No comments

To whom it may concern; September is almost coming to an end.
Here is an advice from me to the one who wants to shape his/her life towards a greater cause.

Money is a seed, do not eat your seed. Invest your seed into opportunities that are passive income oriented, and sooner it will generate more and more income for you
Few days left for you to get your salary.
Are you going to apply FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE or FINANCIAL DULLNESS?
Financial intelligence is the ability to turn your earned income (salary) into PASSIVE income.

And this is the kind of income you get when you learn and apply my formula for creating passive income.

Financial DULLNESS is the ability to keep getting pay check upon pay Check, and your life still remains the same. It never changes because of your inability to key into opportunities that generates passive income.

SEPTEMBER IS COMING TO AN END,
WILL YOU APPLY FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE OR FINANCIAL DULLNESS?

If you have chosen financial intelligence, contact me now (+2347063686197WhatsApp) to learn my formula for creating passive income so that when you receive that salary, you take out a part of it and apply FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

10 years from now you will either be smiling or regretting from the decisions you've taken today.

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE OR FINANCIAL DULLNESS?
YOUR CHOICE!!!

Whatsapp: +2347063686197

Enugu Rangers to get LMC’s N40m prize money

* MFM must beat FC Ifeanyi Ubah to survive, cries Onuwa

Aside getting the coveted Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy, champions designate, Enugu Rangers, will also pockect a N40 million prize money from the Merit Award of the League Management Company (LMC).

Enugu Rangers need only a point to take the crown no matter what happens in Uyo, where their closest rivals, Rivers United of Port Harcourt, will meet Akwa United on the final day of the league.

The big prize money is from a total of N200m pool set aside by the LMC as reward for final position on the league table at the end of the season on Sunday.

Last season, the highest payout from the Merit Award, which went to Enyimba of Aba, was N30 million from a total pool of N150 million and this year’s figure of N200 million represents an increase of 25 per cent.

According to the LMC, the Merit Award pool has been witnessing an annual progression from N50m in 2012/13 to N75m in 2013/14 season and now N200m. The top three Clubs on the final table usually received the chunk of the Merit Award, which supports the clubs financially in their preparation for the CAF Club competitions the next season.

According to figures released by the LMC, the champions would have received a minimum of N90m in all direct payments for the 2016 season, including the Basic Award, which comprises a pool of funds shared equally amongst all the 20 participating clubs, the Merit award paid to clubs based on their final position on the table, the Football Development and the Bonus award, which is paid to clubs based on performances, including incentives for improving match attendance, away wins/draw, fielding players under the age of 18 and hosting live broadcast matches.

The lowest placed team in the NPFL this season would thus have received up to N55m in direct payments from the LMC from all payment Centres.

A statement from the LMC explained, “in addition to the direct payments, clubs also benefit from other indirect payments such as free registration of players and officials, free insurance, payment of match officials’ indemnities and hotel accommodation as well as sponsored seminars and other engagements funded by the LMC.”

Rangers are three points ahead of Rivers United with the Flying Antelopes hosting El-Kanemi Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium now called The Cathedral by Enugu fans.

They need a point to guarantee the title while Rivers United go hunting for three points in Uyo against Akwa United. The Port Harcourt side will seek to win big while hoping that Rangers will falter against their visitors.

Meanwhile, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Football Club (MFM FC) midfielder, Onuwa Chukwuka, has described this weekend’s Match Day 38 clash with FC IfeanyiUbah as a career defining match for players of the Lagos-based team. MFM FC hosts the Anambra Warriors at the Agege Stadium in a match the outcome will impact both teams either way. MFM FC must win and hope that results in Jos and Umuahia goes negative for rival relegation threatened sides, Heartland of Owerri and Abia Warriors. On the other hand FC IfeanyiUbah needs the result to play on the continent. .

Enugu Rangers to get LMC’s N40m prize money

Posted by Sylvester No comments

* MFM must beat FC Ifeanyi Ubah to survive, cries Onuwa

Aside getting the coveted Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy, champions designate, Enugu Rangers, will also pockect a N40 million prize money from the Merit Award of the League Management Company (LMC).

Enugu Rangers need only a point to take the crown no matter what happens in Uyo, where their closest rivals, Rivers United of Port Harcourt, will meet Akwa United on the final day of the league.

The big prize money is from a total of N200m pool set aside by the LMC as reward for final position on the league table at the end of the season on Sunday.

Last season, the highest payout from the Merit Award, which went to Enyimba of Aba, was N30 million from a total pool of N150 million and this year’s figure of N200 million represents an increase of 25 per cent.

According to the LMC, the Merit Award pool has been witnessing an annual progression from N50m in 2012/13 to N75m in 2013/14 season and now N200m. The top three Clubs on the final table usually received the chunk of the Merit Award, which supports the clubs financially in their preparation for the CAF Club competitions the next season.

According to figures released by the LMC, the champions would have received a minimum of N90m in all direct payments for the 2016 season, including the Basic Award, which comprises a pool of funds shared equally amongst all the 20 participating clubs, the Merit award paid to clubs based on their final position on the table, the Football Development and the Bonus award, which is paid to clubs based on performances, including incentives for improving match attendance, away wins/draw, fielding players under the age of 18 and hosting live broadcast matches.

The lowest placed team in the NPFL this season would thus have received up to N55m in direct payments from the LMC from all payment Centres.

A statement from the LMC explained, “in addition to the direct payments, clubs also benefit from other indirect payments such as free registration of players and officials, free insurance, payment of match officials’ indemnities and hotel accommodation as well as sponsored seminars and other engagements funded by the LMC.”

Rangers are three points ahead of Rivers United with the Flying Antelopes hosting El-Kanemi Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium now called The Cathedral by Enugu fans.

They need a point to guarantee the title while Rivers United go hunting for three points in Uyo against Akwa United. The Port Harcourt side will seek to win big while hoping that Rangers will falter against their visitors.

Meanwhile, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Football Club (MFM FC) midfielder, Onuwa Chukwuka, has described this weekend’s Match Day 38 clash with FC IfeanyiUbah as a career defining match for players of the Lagos-based team. MFM FC hosts the Anambra Warriors at the Agege Stadium in a match the outcome will impact both teams either way. MFM FC must win and hope that results in Jos and Umuahia goes negative for rival relegation threatened sides, Heartland of Owerri and Abia Warriors. On the other hand FC IfeanyiUbah needs the result to play on the continent. .

Dauski’ s absence stalls trial

Former national security adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki PHOTO: NAN

The absence of retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA) to ex-Prersident Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday stalled the hearing of the case in an FCT High Court.
Dasuki, Bashir Yuguda, a former Minister of State for Finance, Attahiru Bafarawa, ex-governor of Sokoto State, his son Sagir and their firm Dalhatu Investment were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for misappropriating N13 billion.

At the resumed sitting, the Prosecuting counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that he was surprised that Dasuki was not brought to court by the EFCC.

Jocabs said that he notified EFCC of the trial and the need to produce Dasuki in court but regretted that communication gap between the EFCC and Department of State Service (DSS) was responsible for non-production of Dauski.

He, therefore, applied for a stood down of the case to enable EFCC produce Dasuki in court but did not give a definite time.

Chief Olajide Ayodele (SAN), Counsel to Yuguda, opposed the application for stand down, saying the request if granted would not serve any useful purpose.

Ayodele said that the failure of the prosecution to give a definite time within which Dasuki could be brought to court by either EFCC or DSS was an indication that he had no knowledge of what was transpiring between the EFCC and DSS on the matter.

He, therefore, prayed the court for an adjournment in the trial as better option so as not to keep the court and the lawyers waiting till eternity.

Mr Joesph Daudu (SAN) Counsel to Dasuki, aligned with Ayodele and regretted that the government which put the ex-NSA on trial was the one scuttling the trial.

Daudu informed the court that since June 2016 when the matter was adjourned to today, the EFCC which initiated the trial on behalf of the Federal Government ought to have known that it was its responsibility to produce Dasuki in court as required by the law.

He further told the court that the outcome of the application before Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf for consolidation of the two cases involving Dauski would also determine how the case would go.

Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN), Counsel to former Sokoto governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, Dr Kayode Olatoke (SAN), and Akeem Afolabi (SAN), lawyers to other defendants, aligned themselves with the argument of the other lawyers and pleaded for an adjournment.

Justice Peter Affen adjourned the matter till Oct. 21 for commencement of trial.

Dauski’ s absence stalls trial

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Former national security adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki PHOTO: NAN

The absence of retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser (NSA) to ex-Prersident Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday stalled the hearing of the case in an FCT High Court.
Dasuki, Bashir Yuguda, a former Minister of State for Finance, Attahiru Bafarawa, ex-governor of Sokoto State, his son Sagir and their firm Dalhatu Investment were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for misappropriating N13 billion.

At the resumed sitting, the Prosecuting counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), informed the court that he was surprised that Dasuki was not brought to court by the EFCC.

Jocabs said that he notified EFCC of the trial and the need to produce Dasuki in court but regretted that communication gap between the EFCC and Department of State Service (DSS) was responsible for non-production of Dauski.

He, therefore, applied for a stood down of the case to enable EFCC produce Dasuki in court but did not give a definite time.

Chief Olajide Ayodele (SAN), Counsel to Yuguda, opposed the application for stand down, saying the request if granted would not serve any useful purpose.

Ayodele said that the failure of the prosecution to give a definite time within which Dasuki could be brought to court by either EFCC or DSS was an indication that he had no knowledge of what was transpiring between the EFCC and DSS on the matter.

He, therefore, prayed the court for an adjournment in the trial as better option so as not to keep the court and the lawyers waiting till eternity.

Mr Joesph Daudu (SAN) Counsel to Dasuki, aligned with Ayodele and regretted that the government which put the ex-NSA on trial was the one scuttling the trial.

Daudu informed the court that since June 2016 when the matter was adjourned to today, the EFCC which initiated the trial on behalf of the Federal Government ought to have known that it was its responsibility to produce Dasuki in court as required by the law.

He further told the court that the outcome of the application before Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf for consolidation of the two cases involving Dauski would also determine how the case would go.

Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN), Counsel to former Sokoto governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, Dr Kayode Olatoke (SAN), and Akeem Afolabi (SAN), lawyers to other defendants, aligned themselves with the argument of the other lawyers and pleaded for an adjournment.

Justice Peter Affen adjourned the matter till Oct. 21 for commencement of trial.

Ronaldo back in Portugal squad after injury

Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the Portugal squad Thursday after recovering from a knee injury that wrecked his Euro 2016 final and is expected to start in the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and the Faroe Islands.

The European champions need the Real Madrid forward to start firing immediately after they suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Switzerland earlier this month to sit bottom of Group B after one game.

“This group is stronger of course with Cristiano Ronaldo in it, but also because all the other players have had more playing time (since the early season loss),” coach Fernando Santos said.

Ronaldo, 31, missed the beginning of the La Liga season after two months out but scored minutes after returning to action.

However, he was left fuming last weekend after Real coach Zinedine Zidane subbed him for the final 20 minutes of the 2-2 Spanish league draw at Las Palmas.

Key midfielders Renato Sanches of Bayern Munich and Andre Gomes of Barcelona, as well as goalkeeper Anthony Lopes (Lyon), all return after they were forced to pull out of the Switzerland clash with injury.

Portugal host Andorra on October 7 and travel to the Faroe Islands three days later.

Portugal squad:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting), Anthony Lopes (Lyon/FRA), Marafona (Braga);

Defenders: Antunes (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Bruno Alves (Cagliari/ITA), Cedric Soares (Southampton/ENG), Jose Fonte (Southampton/ENG), Joao Cancelo (Valencia/ESP), Pepe (Real Madrid/ESP), Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund/GER);

Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Sporting), William Carvalho (Sporting), Andre Gomes (Barcelona/ESP), Danilo Pereira (FC Porto), Joao Mario (Inter Milan/ITA), Joao Moutinho (Monaco/FRA), Renato Sanches (Bayern/GER)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), Andre Silva (FC Porto), Bernardo Silva (Monaco/FRA), Eder (Lille/FRA), Gelson Martins (Sporting), Nani (Valencia/ESP), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas/TUR)

AFP

Ronaldo back in Portugal squad after injury

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Cristiano Ronaldo was named in the Portugal squad Thursday after recovering from a knee injury that wrecked his Euro 2016 final and is expected to start in the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and the Faroe Islands.

The European champions need the Real Madrid forward to start firing immediately after they suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Switzerland earlier this month to sit bottom of Group B after one game.

“This group is stronger of course with Cristiano Ronaldo in it, but also because all the other players have had more playing time (since the early season loss),” coach Fernando Santos said.

Ronaldo, 31, missed the beginning of the La Liga season after two months out but scored minutes after returning to action.

However, he was left fuming last weekend after Real coach Zinedine Zidane subbed him for the final 20 minutes of the 2-2 Spanish league draw at Las Palmas.

Key midfielders Renato Sanches of Bayern Munich and Andre Gomes of Barcelona, as well as goalkeeper Anthony Lopes (Lyon), all return after they were forced to pull out of the Switzerland clash with injury.

Portugal host Andorra on October 7 and travel to the Faroe Islands three days later.

Portugal squad:

Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting), Anthony Lopes (Lyon/FRA), Marafona (Braga);

Defenders: Antunes (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Bruno Alves (Cagliari/ITA), Cedric Soares (Southampton/ENG), Jose Fonte (Southampton/ENG), Joao Cancelo (Valencia/ESP), Pepe (Real Madrid/ESP), Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund/GER);

Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Sporting), William Carvalho (Sporting), Andre Gomes (Barcelona/ESP), Danilo Pereira (FC Porto), Joao Mario (Inter Milan/ITA), Joao Moutinho (Monaco/FRA), Renato Sanches (Bayern/GER)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), Andre Silva (FC Porto), Bernardo Silva (Monaco/FRA), Eder (Lille/FRA), Gelson Martins (Sporting), Nani (Valencia/ESP), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas/TUR)

AFP

Stop blaming Buhari for Nigeria’s economic woes – APC chieftain

President Muhammadu Buhari

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abubakar Yabo, on Thursday called on Nigerians to stop blaming President Muhammadu Buhari for the economic challenges facing the country.

Yabo said that Nigerians should hold the immediate past administration responsible for the economic situation facing their country.

The APC stalwart said that the policies and programmes being implemented by the Buhari administration to ameliorate the sufferings of the people would yield results.

He said that President Buhari’s war against corruption and looting of public funds would also yield dividends.

He said, “Before the advent of this administration, there was no discipline anywhere; elected representatives do what they want with public funds. Nigerians should stop blaming Buhari.

“The impact of what the president is doing now will manifest when Nigerians key into his change mantra.”

NAN

Stop blaming Buhari for Nigeria’s economic woes – APC chieftain

Posted by Sylvester No comments

President Muhammadu Buhari

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress in Sokoto State, Alhaji Abubakar Yabo, on Thursday called on Nigerians to stop blaming President Muhammadu Buhari for the economic challenges facing the country.

Yabo said that Nigerians should hold the immediate past administration responsible for the economic situation facing their country.

The APC stalwart said that the policies and programmes being implemented by the Buhari administration to ameliorate the sufferings of the people would yield results.

He said that President Buhari’s war against corruption and looting of public funds would also yield dividends.

He said, “Before the advent of this administration, there was no discipline anywhere; elected representatives do what they want with public funds. Nigerians should stop blaming Buhari.

“The impact of what the president is doing now will manifest when Nigerians key into his change mantra.”

NAN

Wenger coy over England links

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to completely rule out accepting a potential offer to take charge of England at the end of the season. 

 

Wenger has been linked with the England job following the Football Association’s decision to part company with Sam Allardyce on Tuesday.

Quizzed on possible England interest after Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League win over Basel, Wenger stopped short of confirming he would snub an FA approach.

Allardyce’s self-inflicted exit after his controversial comments to undercover reporters has left the FA searching for a new boss and they have appointed England Under-21 coach Gareth Southgate as interim manager to buy them time.

Southgate will pick the team for England’s remaining four matches this year and could be persuaded to remain in charge until the end of the season if there was a chance to hire a top-class boss like Wenger.

Wenger, who is this week celebrating 20 years with the Gunners, underlined his commitment to Arsenal, but also said his future was only tied to the north Londoners until the end of the season.

Asked if he was flattered to be linked with the job, Wenger said: “Of course, but my priority has always been this club and until the end of this season I am here.

“I’m completely focused on this club. Nothing will change on that.

“It (Allardyce leaving) was a huge surprise. Who could have predicted that 48 hours ago? Nobody…”

Wenger traditionally operates on a year-to-year basis these days and only decides whether he wants to continue as Arsenal’s manager late in each season.

That approach gives a little hope to the FA if they make Wenger their top target and he answered with a nod and a smile when asked if he knew the words to the English national anthem.

But for now the Frenchman, who years ago revealed he had once rejected an offer to manage England, is fully focused on maintaining Arsenal’s encouraging progress after they extended their unbeaten run to eight games.

“That is not decided,” Wenger said of his long-term plans.

“I said my priority was always Arsenal football club. I have to decide how well I do until the end of the season.”

– Swashbuckling –
If Wenger ever did take charge of England, he would be reunited with the player who inspired Wednesday’s swashbuckling display.

Just months after his career appeared in permanent decline, Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is enjoying a purple patch.

Walcott was hardly used towards the end of last season after a dismal campaign and was left out of England’s Euro 2016 squad.

However, showdown talks with Wenger gave him renewed focus and he has been one of Arsenal’s best players so far this season.

“We assessed where he stood and decided what needed to be added to his game. 95 percent was up to him,” Wenger said.

“The most important thing comes from the player himself. Top quality people assess performances in an objective way.

“Then you have to respond to what you see. At the moment, he is doing that well.”

After routing Chelsea 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday and putting Basel to the sword five days later, Arsenal are enjoying a long-awaited renaissance, but Wenger insists it is too soon to start talking of his team as potential European champions.

“Yes it’s very much too early,” Wenger said. “We were a bit edgy at home for a few games but now we look to be improving.

“It looks like the team has interesting potential. We have to be ambitious, keep our feet on the ground and continue to develop.”

Wenger coy over England links

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to completely rule out accepting a potential offer to take charge of England at the end of the season. 

 

Wenger has been linked with the England job following the Football Association’s decision to part company with Sam Allardyce on Tuesday.

Quizzed on possible England interest after Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League win over Basel, Wenger stopped short of confirming he would snub an FA approach.

Allardyce’s self-inflicted exit after his controversial comments to undercover reporters has left the FA searching for a new boss and they have appointed England Under-21 coach Gareth Southgate as interim manager to buy them time.

Southgate will pick the team for England’s remaining four matches this year and could be persuaded to remain in charge until the end of the season if there was a chance to hire a top-class boss like Wenger.

Wenger, who is this week celebrating 20 years with the Gunners, underlined his commitment to Arsenal, but also said his future was only tied to the north Londoners until the end of the season.

Asked if he was flattered to be linked with the job, Wenger said: “Of course, but my priority has always been this club and until the end of this season I am here.

“I’m completely focused on this club. Nothing will change on that.

“It (Allardyce leaving) was a huge surprise. Who could have predicted that 48 hours ago? Nobody…”

Wenger traditionally operates on a year-to-year basis these days and only decides whether he wants to continue as Arsenal’s manager late in each season.

That approach gives a little hope to the FA if they make Wenger their top target and he answered with a nod and a smile when asked if he knew the words to the English national anthem.

But for now the Frenchman, who years ago revealed he had once rejected an offer to manage England, is fully focused on maintaining Arsenal’s encouraging progress after they extended their unbeaten run to eight games.

“That is not decided,” Wenger said of his long-term plans.

“I said my priority was always Arsenal football club. I have to decide how well I do until the end of the season.”

– Swashbuckling –
If Wenger ever did take charge of England, he would be reunited with the player who inspired Wednesday’s swashbuckling display.

Just months after his career appeared in permanent decline, Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is enjoying a purple patch.

Walcott was hardly used towards the end of last season after a dismal campaign and was left out of England’s Euro 2016 squad.

However, showdown talks with Wenger gave him renewed focus and he has been one of Arsenal’s best players so far this season.

“We assessed where he stood and decided what needed to be added to his game. 95 percent was up to him,” Wenger said.

“The most important thing comes from the player himself. Top quality people assess performances in an objective way.

“Then you have to respond to what you see. At the moment, he is doing that well.”

After routing Chelsea 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday and putting Basel to the sword five days later, Arsenal are enjoying a long-awaited renaissance, but Wenger insists it is too soon to start talking of his team as potential European champions.

“Yes it’s very much too early,” Wenger said. “We were a bit edgy at home for a few games but now we look to be improving.

“It looks like the team has interesting potential. We have to be ambitious, keep our feet on the ground and continue to develop.”

Atletico hit new heights in latest Bayern humbling says Simeone

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone hailed his side’s display as one of the best in his hugely successful five-year reign in charge as Yannick Carrasco inflicted another 1-0 defeat for Bayern Munich at the Vicente Calderon.

Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone looks on before the UEFA Champions League Group D football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs FC Bayern Munich at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on September 28, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO

Simeone’s men also beat Bayern at home in April on their way to a second Champions League final in three years.

And the Argentine lauded Atletico’s tactical discipline as they secured an incredible 15th clean sheet and 14th win in 18 home Champions League games under Simeone.

“I feel so proud to be the coach of this team,” said Simeone.

“I liked everything today. We pressed high, took advantage of spaces on the counter-attack and played with intensity for 90 minutes which is very difficult to do against one of the best teams in the world.

“Tactically, the team interpreted the game fantastically.

“It was one of the best performances in my time at Atletico Madrid.”

Carrasco fired home the winner 10 minutes before half-time after Jan Oblak had denied Thomas Muller with a stunning save early on with Bayern’s best effort.

Atletico could even afford to see top scorer Antoine Griezmann smash a penalty off the crossbar seven minutes from time.

Griezmann has now missed four of six penalties he has taken for Atletico, including crucially in defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

However, Simeone insisted the Frenchman will remain on spot-kick duty.

“He missed a penalty like (Diego) Maradona, (Lionel) Messi, (Michel) Platini, Zico, all the best players in the world,” added Simeone.

“He will keep taking them. He has incredible personality.

“He did 1000 things tonight that keep putting him amongst the best forwards in the world.”

Griezmann replied with glowing words for Simeone’s importance in his progression since joining from Real Sociedad just over two years ago.

“He has been very important for me because he has made me progress. I know I still have a lot to learn from him and I hope to continue like that,” said the Frenchman

“It is still frustrating to miss the penalty, but it won’t be the last time I miss a chance”

Defeat was Bayern’s first since Carlo Ancelotti replaced Pep Guardiola in charge after a perfect eight wins from eight before the former Real coach returned to Madrid.

However, it was a familiar story for Bayern, as having been knocked out by Spanish sides for the past three seasons in the Champions League, they failed to score on Spanish soil for the fourth consecutive trip.

“Atletico showed a killer instinct tonight, and we did not,” said goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

“We will have another chance to beat them in Munich.”

Top spot in Group D is likely to come down to that meeting between the sides on December 6 as both won their opening games against FC Rostov and PSV Eindhoven.

And Arjen Robben insists Bayern must find away to counteract the “unpleasant” tactics used by Atletico.

“That is a big game for the group phase. Last season it was a semi-final and you could see why,” said the Dutch winger.

“They have a very unpleasant team to play against.

“We started really well. The first 15, 20 minutes were really good. We were aggressive and had chances, which you have to use in a game like that.

“We have to learn from this and keep going.”

Atletico hit new heights in latest Bayern humbling says Simeone

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Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone hailed his side’s display as one of the best in his hugely successful five-year reign in charge as Yannick Carrasco inflicted another 1-0 defeat for Bayern Munich at the Vicente Calderon.

Atletico Madrid’s Argentinian coach Diego Simeone looks on before the UEFA Champions League Group D football match Club Atletico de Madrid vs FC Bayern Munich at the Vicente Calderon stadium in Madrid on September 28, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIANO

Simeone’s men also beat Bayern at home in April on their way to a second Champions League final in three years.

And the Argentine lauded Atletico’s tactical discipline as they secured an incredible 15th clean sheet and 14th win in 18 home Champions League games under Simeone.

“I feel so proud to be the coach of this team,” said Simeone.

“I liked everything today. We pressed high, took advantage of spaces on the counter-attack and played with intensity for 90 minutes which is very difficult to do against one of the best teams in the world.

“Tactically, the team interpreted the game fantastically.

“It was one of the best performances in my time at Atletico Madrid.”

Carrasco fired home the winner 10 minutes before half-time after Jan Oblak had denied Thomas Muller with a stunning save early on with Bayern’s best effort.

Atletico could even afford to see top scorer Antoine Griezmann smash a penalty off the crossbar seven minutes from time.

Griezmann has now missed four of six penalties he has taken for Atletico, including crucially in defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

However, Simeone insisted the Frenchman will remain on spot-kick duty.

“He missed a penalty like (Diego) Maradona, (Lionel) Messi, (Michel) Platini, Zico, all the best players in the world,” added Simeone.

“He will keep taking them. He has incredible personality.

“He did 1000 things tonight that keep putting him amongst the best forwards in the world.”

Griezmann replied with glowing words for Simeone’s importance in his progression since joining from Real Sociedad just over two years ago.

“He has been very important for me because he has made me progress. I know I still have a lot to learn from him and I hope to continue like that,” said the Frenchman

“It is still frustrating to miss the penalty, but it won’t be the last time I miss a chance”

Defeat was Bayern’s first since Carlo Ancelotti replaced Pep Guardiola in charge after a perfect eight wins from eight before the former Real coach returned to Madrid.

However, it was a familiar story for Bayern, as having been knocked out by Spanish sides for the past three seasons in the Champions League, they failed to score on Spanish soil for the fourth consecutive trip.

“Atletico showed a killer instinct tonight, and we did not,” said goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

“We will have another chance to beat them in Munich.”

Top spot in Group D is likely to come down to that meeting between the sides on December 6 as both won their opening games against FC Rostov and PSV Eindhoven.

And Arjen Robben insists Bayern must find away to counteract the “unpleasant” tactics used by Atletico.

“That is a big game for the group phase. Last season it was a semi-final and you could see why,” said the Dutch winger.

“They have a very unpleasant team to play against.

“We started really well. The first 15, 20 minutes were really good. We were aggressive and had chances, which you have to use in a game like that.

“We have to learn from this and keep going.”

APC decries PDP’s rejection of result of Edo election

The All Progressives Congress’ governorship candidate in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki

Mr Anselm Ojezua, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo chapter, has described the rejection of the state governorship election results by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an act of a bad loser.

Ojezua told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Thursday that the entire process of the election had been nothing but peaceful.

“This is just a case of a bad loser. It is a pity that the PDP expects to win in a state which it had run down.

“Though the announcement of the results is still ongoing, I commend INEC , thus far.

“The process was very peaceful. INEC was efficient in delivery of materials to ensure that they got to locations on time,” he said.

The chairman advised the PDP to channel its grievances to the appropriate quarters.

NAN reports that the PDP had, through its Chairman, rejected the results of the election, describing it as “fabricated and pre-determined”.

APC decries PDP’s rejection of result of Edo election

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The All Progressives Congress’ governorship candidate in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki

Mr Anselm Ojezua, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo chapter, has described the rejection of the state governorship election results by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an act of a bad loser.

Ojezua told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Thursday that the entire process of the election had been nothing but peaceful.

“This is just a case of a bad loser. It is a pity that the PDP expects to win in a state which it had run down.

“Though the announcement of the results is still ongoing, I commend INEC , thus far.

“The process was very peaceful. INEC was efficient in delivery of materials to ensure that they got to locations on time,” he said.

The chairman advised the PDP to channel its grievances to the appropriate quarters.

NAN reports that the PDP had, through its Chairman, rejected the results of the election, describing it as “fabricated and pre-determined”.

Boko Haram Hoists Flag In Borno Villages

Reports say at least eight people, have been killed after members of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, attacked three villages in Borno state, north-east Nigeria and hoisted their flag there.

According to the BBC, the villages which are said to be near Chibok town, from where the militants captured more than 200 schoolgirls in April 2014, are Kubirivour, Boftari and Kuburmbalah.

However, the Nigerian Army has debunked the report.

In a text message to Channels Television following a request for response by the Army, the spokesman of the Army, Colonel Sani Usman described the report as false.

The Nigerian military and the multi-national joint task force have said that troops have almost routed the insurgents from their stronghold in the north east and the Lake Chad area.

But it is reported that the militants remain in control of some villages along the Nigeria-Niger border.

Boko Haram Hoists Flag In Borno Villages

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Reports say at least eight people, have been killed after members of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, attacked three villages in Borno state, north-east Nigeria and hoisted their flag there.

According to the BBC, the villages which are said to be near Chibok town, from where the militants captured more than 200 schoolgirls in April 2014, are Kubirivour, Boftari and Kuburmbalah.

However, the Nigerian Army has debunked the report.

In a text message to Channels Television following a request for response by the Army, the spokesman of the Army, Colonel Sani Usman described the report as false.

The Nigerian military and the multi-national joint task force have said that troops have almost routed the insurgents from their stronghold in the north east and the Lake Chad area.

But it is reported that the militants remain in control of some villages along the Nigeria-Niger border.

US Election: Trump Attacks Clinton In ‘Hot Talk Showdown’

US Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, has clashed with her Republican co-contender, Mr Donald Trump, in a hot television debate late Monday night.
The duo traded words over jobs, terrorism and race in a ‘talk showdown’ that lasted till the early hours of Tuesday.

The debate, which could be described as the most watch in TV history, was said to be observed by an estimated 100 million persons.
It also turned personal, as the republican candidate accused his democratic rival of not having the right temperament to be the next American President.

In a swift response, Mrs Clinton taunted the American billionaire by pointing out that he refused to release his tax returns.

Trump, however, promised to release them if Clinton would release the 33,000 emails that were deleted during an investigation into her private email set-up while she was the US Secretary of State.

US Election: Trump Attacks Clinton In ‘Hot Talk Showdown’

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US Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, has clashed with her Republican co-contender, Mr Donald Trump, in a hot television debate late Monday night.
The duo traded words over jobs, terrorism and race in a ‘talk showdown’ that lasted till the early hours of Tuesday.

The debate, which could be described as the most watch in TV history, was said to be observed by an estimated 100 million persons.
It also turned personal, as the republican candidate accused his democratic rival of not having the right temperament to be the next American President.

In a swift response, Mrs Clinton taunted the American billionaire by pointing out that he refused to release his tax returns.

Trump, however, promised to release them if Clinton would release the 33,000 emails that were deleted during an investigation into her private email set-up while she was the US Secretary of State.

Winnie Mandela Turns 80

South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle icon and former wife of the late Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela turned 80 on Monday.

A series of events have been taking place to honour her.

The Africa National Congress Women’s League organised a party for her on the famous Vilakazi Street in Soweto, where she once lived.

Mr Mandela did not speak at the event but this comes days after she addressed a press conference where she called for a’ fresh layer of leadership’ for the embattled ruling ANC.

She also asked government to find a way to solve the #FeesMustFall crisis which has turned violent across the country.

She also pleaded with the students to refrain from violence and destruction of their school infrastructure.

#FeesMustFall is a student led protest movement that began in mid October 2015 in response to an increase in fees at South African universities.

Protests started at the University of Witwatersrand and spread to the University of Cape Town, the University of Pretoria and Rhodes University before rapidly spreading to other universities across the country.

 

Winnie Mandela Turns 80

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South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle icon and former wife of the late Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela turned 80 on Monday.

A series of events have been taking place to honour her.

The Africa National Congress Women’s League organised a party for her on the famous Vilakazi Street in Soweto, where she once lived.

Mr Mandela did not speak at the event but this comes days after she addressed a press conference where she called for a’ fresh layer of leadership’ for the embattled ruling ANC.

She also asked government to find a way to solve the #FeesMustFall crisis which has turned violent across the country.

She also pleaded with the students to refrain from violence and destruction of their school infrastructure.

#FeesMustFall is a student led protest movement that began in mid October 2015 in response to an increase in fees at South African universities.

Protests started at the University of Witwatersrand and spread to the University of Cape Town, the University of Pretoria and Rhodes University before rapidly spreading to other universities across the country.

 

Happening Now!!! Biafran Scientist, Uchenna Set To Launch His Satellite To Monitor IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Action

A Biafran scientist,Oluchukwu Uchenna has finalised the building of his private satellite which he said he shall be launching today amid the sit-at-home action being observed by the indigenous people of Biafra.

Happening Now!!! Biafran Scientist, Uchenna Set To Launch His Satellite To Monitor IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Action

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A Biafran scientist,Oluchukwu Uchenna has finalised the building of his private satellite which he said he shall be launching today amid the sit-at-home action being observed by the indigenous people of Biafra.

Tension as Niger Delta Militants Kill 6 Soldiers in Cross River

Six Nigerian soldiers have been killed by a team of militants led by the wanted kingpin, Benjamin Simplee (AKA G1), leader of the Bakassi Strike Force, Dailynews9ja reporters.

The soldiers, deployed to Efut Esighi waterfront in Cross River state were caught unawares by the militants, local reports said.
It’s said that they stormed the area around 1 am on speedboats when the soldiers having their guards down, and shot five of them dead instantly. The sixth soldier ran off with gunshot wounds but died later.

The Nigerian army however claims that only one soldier died from the attack.

“We would like to assure the public that this singular act would not deter us from the discharge of our duties,” Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman said.

Tension as Niger Delta Militants Kill 6 Soldiers in Cross River

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Six Nigerian soldiers have been killed by a team of militants led by the wanted kingpin, Benjamin Simplee (AKA G1), leader of the Bakassi Strike Force, Dailynews9ja reporters.

The soldiers, deployed to Efut Esighi waterfront in Cross River state were caught unawares by the militants, local reports said.
It’s said that they stormed the area around 1 am on speedboats when the soldiers having their guards down, and shot five of them dead instantly. The sixth soldier ran off with gunshot wounds but died later.

The Nigerian army however claims that only one soldier died from the attack.

“We would like to assure the public that this singular act would not deter us from the discharge of our duties,” Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman said.

Amapakabo Wants Rangers To Hold On To Celebration

Enugu Rangers head coach, Imama Amapakabo, wants his team to hold to their celebrations despite being just a point away from becoming champions in the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

The Flying Antelopes recorded an impressive 2-1 win over relegated, Ikorodu United on Sunday in Abeokuta to boost the chances of winning their seventh top-flight title.

Amapakabo told Channels Television that although the side are close to winning the title they still have to win the last day match against El Kanemi Warriors to be properly crowned the undisputed champions.

Enugu Rangers are top on the league table with  60 points; three ahead of closest challengers, Rivers United with a game to play.

Remo Stars Promoted

Meanwhile, coach of Remo Stars, Nduka Ugbade says his side are not carried away after gaining promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League next season.

Coach Ugbade told Channels Television that the team would rather concentrate on their last league game against UNICEM Rovers at home.


No matter the outcome of the game, Remo Stars are heading to the NPFL for the first time, having recorded an unassailable 28 points in their Division B1 of the NNL.
But Ugbade says they plan to finish a successful campaign on a high in front of their fans in Ijebu-Ode to justify the investment of club owner, Kunle Soname.

Amapakabo Wants Rangers To Hold On To Celebration

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Enugu Rangers head coach, Imama Amapakabo, wants his team to hold to their celebrations despite being just a point away from becoming champions in the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

The Flying Antelopes recorded an impressive 2-1 win over relegated, Ikorodu United on Sunday in Abeokuta to boost the chances of winning their seventh top-flight title.

Amapakabo told Channels Television that although the side are close to winning the title they still have to win the last day match against El Kanemi Warriors to be properly crowned the undisputed champions.

Enugu Rangers are top on the league table with  60 points; three ahead of closest challengers, Rivers United with a game to play.

Remo Stars Promoted

Meanwhile, coach of Remo Stars, Nduka Ugbade says his side are not carried away after gaining promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League next season.

Coach Ugbade told Channels Television that the team would rather concentrate on their last league game against UNICEM Rovers at home.


No matter the outcome of the game, Remo Stars are heading to the NPFL for the first time, having recorded an unassailable 28 points in their Division B1 of the NNL.
But Ugbade says they plan to finish a successful campaign on a high in front of their fans in Ijebu-Ode to justify the investment of club owner, Kunle Soname.

Breaking: Explosion Rocks Shell, See Photos..

A trunk line carrying crude oil in the Goi community in Ogoniland area of Rivers State became engulfed in dark plums of smoke and flames on Monday morning after a massive explosion. The trunk line belongs to the Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Breaking: Explosion Rocks Shell, See Photos..

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A trunk line carrying crude oil in the Goi community in Ogoniland area of Rivers State became engulfed in dark plums of smoke and flames on Monday morning after a massive explosion. The trunk line belongs to the Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Toure Criticises FIFA’s Disbandment Of Anti-racism Taskforce

The decision by the world’s football governing body, FIFA to scrap its anti-racism taskforce has triggered reactions from various stakeholders in the world of sports.

One of those who believed the development was an unacceptable one was four-time African Best Player, Yaya Toure.

The former Ivorian international noted that players and fans might be the ones to suffer the decision.

“Are FIFA being complacent ahead of a World Cup in Russia? It will be the fans and players that suffer if FIFA do not get this right.

“When I received the letter telling me the FIFA taskforce was to be discontinued, I was very disappointed.

“The letter listed the good work that had been carried out as a result of the taskforce’s advice and recommendations.

“So my question is, after failing to deal with racism sufficiently for decades, why stop when something is beginning to work?” BBC quoted disappointed Toure as saying.

The Manchester City star has been racially abused in Russia by CSKA Moscow fans in October 2013.

FIFA Defends Decision

The football body defended its decision to scrap an anti-racism taskforce, saying it had completed the work it set out to do.

FIFA Taskforce Against Racism and Discrimination was set up in 2013 to develop recommendations for tackling the issue.

Some other critics have also questioned the dismantling of the group, saying ‘racism is ongoing’.

However, FIFA General Secretary, Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura, insisted that the body had a specific mandate, which it had fully fulfilled.

Toure Criticises FIFA’s Disbandment Of Anti-racism Taskforce

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The decision by the world’s football governing body, FIFA to scrap its anti-racism taskforce has triggered reactions from various stakeholders in the world of sports.

One of those who believed the development was an unacceptable one was four-time African Best Player, Yaya Toure.

The former Ivorian international noted that players and fans might be the ones to suffer the decision.

“Are FIFA being complacent ahead of a World Cup in Russia? It will be the fans and players that suffer if FIFA do not get this right.

“When I received the letter telling me the FIFA taskforce was to be discontinued, I was very disappointed.

“The letter listed the good work that had been carried out as a result of the taskforce’s advice and recommendations.

“So my question is, after failing to deal with racism sufficiently for decades, why stop when something is beginning to work?” BBC quoted disappointed Toure as saying.

The Manchester City star has been racially abused in Russia by CSKA Moscow fans in October 2013.

FIFA Defends Decision

The football body defended its decision to scrap an anti-racism taskforce, saying it had completed the work it set out to do.

FIFA Taskforce Against Racism and Discrimination was set up in 2013 to develop recommendations for tackling the issue.

Some other critics have also questioned the dismantling of the group, saying ‘racism is ongoing’.

However, FIFA General Secretary, Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura, insisted that the body had a specific mandate, which it had fully fulfilled.

AfDB Offers Nigeria Over Four Billion Dollar Lifeline

As Nigeria battles with economic recession and the dire need to raise funds, particular foreign exchange, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is looking to provide over $4billion dollars between 2016 and 2017.

 President of the bank and Nigeria’s former agriculture minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina who is on his first official visit to Nigeria in his capacity as president of the AfDB says the funds would be used to develop the power and agriculture sectors in the country.

Dr. Adesina was speaking after holding talks with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.

The plan includes; $1 billion of budget support, $300 million to create jobs for 185,000 youths, $250 million towards northeast infrastructure development, and $1 million grant to deal with challenges of internally displaced persons (IDPs),

It also includes $300 million for infrastructure development around Abuja, and $200 million for Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to deepen electricity facilities.

While holding talks with the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Dr Adesina had said that “deepening the level of diversification in critical sectors” such as agriculture, solid minerals and manufacturing, was of particular importance.

“I expect that our portfolio in Nigeria will not decrease – it will actually grow. We expect to invest in Nigeria, by 2019, a total of $10 billion,” said Adesina,

The Finance Minister allayed fears that the country could be over-borrowing. “What we are trying to do is to ensure that this money we are borrowing, we use it on the key infrastructure that will drive the economy,” she said.

AfDB Offers Nigeria Over Four Billion Dollar Lifeline

Posted by Sylvester No comments

As Nigeria battles with economic recession and the dire need to raise funds, particular foreign exchange, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is looking to provide over $4billion dollars between 2016 and 2017.

 President of the bank and Nigeria’s former agriculture minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina who is on his first official visit to Nigeria in his capacity as president of the AfDB says the funds would be used to develop the power and agriculture sectors in the country.

Dr. Adesina was speaking after holding talks with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.

The plan includes; $1 billion of budget support, $300 million to create jobs for 185,000 youths, $250 million towards northeast infrastructure development, and $1 million grant to deal with challenges of internally displaced persons (IDPs),

It also includes $300 million for infrastructure development around Abuja, and $200 million for Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to deepen electricity facilities.

While holding talks with the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Dr Adesina had said that “deepening the level of diversification in critical sectors” such as agriculture, solid minerals and manufacturing, was of particular importance.

“I expect that our portfolio in Nigeria will not decrease – it will actually grow. We expect to invest in Nigeria, by 2019, a total of $10 billion,” said Adesina,

The Finance Minister allayed fears that the country could be over-borrowing. “What we are trying to do is to ensure that this money we are borrowing, we use it on the key infrastructure that will drive the economy,” she said.

Grazing Bill: Senate Orders N50,000 fine per cow loitering In FCT

The Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has mandated the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, to impose N50,000 As fine per cow on herdsmen who defy government directive not graze cattle in the FCT.

  The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Dino Melaye, gave the directive when Bello appeared before the committee in Abuja on Monday.

Melaye expressed displeasure over the continued movement of the cattle in the city centre in spite of warnings by the FCT authorities.

According to him, the arbitrary movement of cattle in the streets and highways in Abuja calls for concern.

“We are not happy with the state of sanitation in the FCT. We have received a lot of complaints across the metropolis of the FCT but the greatest of it all is the menace of herdsmen in the territory,” he said.

“To me that is absurd and is not acceptable in the capital city. If it were to be at a time when we have a visiting president/diplomat from other countries what impression will we give to our visitors?

“Honourable Minister, Senate as an institution is not happy at how herdsmen continue to move their cows across the city centre, which we are aware you have given directive against some time ago.

“From now, get knives and ask your men to slaughter cows found in the capital city or prosecute herdsmen seen with cows in the city centre.

Grazing Bill: Senate Orders N50,000 fine per cow loitering In FCT

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The Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has mandated the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, to impose N50,000 As fine per cow on herdsmen who defy government directive not graze cattle in the FCT.

  The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Dino Melaye, gave the directive when Bello appeared before the committee in Abuja on Monday.

Melaye expressed displeasure over the continued movement of the cattle in the city centre in spite of warnings by the FCT authorities.

According to him, the arbitrary movement of cattle in the streets and highways in Abuja calls for concern.

“We are not happy with the state of sanitation in the FCT. We have received a lot of complaints across the metropolis of the FCT but the greatest of it all is the menace of herdsmen in the territory,” he said.

“To me that is absurd and is not acceptable in the capital city. If it were to be at a time when we have a visiting president/diplomat from other countries what impression will we give to our visitors?

“Honourable Minister, Senate as an institution is not happy at how herdsmen continue to move their cows across the city centre, which we are aware you have given directive against some time ago.

“From now, get knives and ask your men to slaughter cows found in the capital city or prosecute herdsmen seen with cows in the city centre.

Nigeria’s Senate Opposes Sale Of National Assets

Federal lawmakers in the Nigerian Senate at the beginning of legislative proceedings for the week passed a recommendation opposing the sale of government’s assets.

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, had last week in his address to lawmakers recommended that the executive should raise capital from the sale of the nation’s assets and other sources to shore up reserves.

He said the sale of assets would calm investors, discourage currency speculation and stabilise the economy that is in recession.

However, lawmakers are strongly opposed to this recommendation.

The lawmakers also approved a recommendation that the National Assembly should amend Section 162 of the Constitution to give legal backing to the executive to save money for times of economic slump?

It is a necessary law, some lawmakers believe, as previous administrations end up sharing excess crude oil sales money between states since there was no law to back its retention.

The proposed assets sale has drawn diverse reactions, with some against the decision saying revenue generated through the sales could be frittered away.

Nigeria has lost huge revenue to corruption and many fear corrupt officials could embezzle the funds. They are suggesting that the government should look at other means of generating funds or explore the right channel in the privatisation of assets.

Fiscal Stimulus Plan

Explaining the government’s fiscal stimulus plan earlier on Saturday, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, said that the primary objective of the plan was not to sell off all major critical national assets but to source immediate funds to reflate the economy and implement capital projects in the 2016 budget.

Senator Udoma gave the explanation in Lagos at the weekend while briefing reporters on the forthcoming Nigerian Economic Summit.
He said the intention of the government was just to get enough money to fund the 2016 budget and get the economy back on the path of recovery.
The government, he stated, needed to inject a large dose of funds into the system to get the economy back on track and to faithfully implement the provisions in the capital budget tailored at reflating the economy and aiding the diversification process.
Senator Udoma further explained that the country had lost almost half its expected revenue and would need to urgently source for the shortfall to enable the government faithfully implement the budget.
“This unfortunate scenario prompted the Economic Management Team to urgently work out a fiscal stimulus plan to generate immediate large injection of funds into the economy through asset sales, advance payment for license rounds, infrastructure concessioning, use of recovered funds, among others, to reduce the funding gap.
“The other option would have been to source for additional loans, beyond the level of borrowing already projected for in the 2016 Budget.
“This would not be a wise option as it would raise the level of debt service to an unsustainable level.” a statement by the Minister’s spokesman, Akpandem James, read.
On September 22, the National Economic Council approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s strategies to pull the economy out of recession.
This was done during its meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

 The council of ministers and governors debriefed the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr Udoma Udo Udoma as well as the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele on the strategies to take the country out of the woods.
Briefing State House correspondents after the closed-door meeting, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Yetunde Onanuga, said that the Central Bank would henceforth adopt best options to manage the situation.
Other areas of urgent intervention were also agreed upon by the council to immediately inject larger funds into the economy, including meaningful diversification and more stringent importation cuts.
Nigeria’s economy has slipped into recession with a 2.06% contract in Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter of 2016.
According to a report of the National Bureau of Statistics the decline has caused the Naira to get weaker while lower oil prices dragged the oil sector down.
The output shrunk by 0.36 in the first quarter.
During the quarter, nominal GDP was 2.73% higher at 23.48 million Naira at basic prices.
This growth was lower than the rate recorded in the second quarter of 2015 by 2.44% points.

Nigeria’s Senate Opposes Sale Of National Assets

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Federal lawmakers in the Nigerian Senate at the beginning of legislative proceedings for the week passed a recommendation opposing the sale of government’s assets.

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, had last week in his address to lawmakers recommended that the executive should raise capital from the sale of the nation’s assets and other sources to shore up reserves.

He said the sale of assets would calm investors, discourage currency speculation and stabilise the economy that is in recession.

However, lawmakers are strongly opposed to this recommendation.

The lawmakers also approved a recommendation that the National Assembly should amend Section 162 of the Constitution to give legal backing to the executive to save money for times of economic slump?

It is a necessary law, some lawmakers believe, as previous administrations end up sharing excess crude oil sales money between states since there was no law to back its retention.

The proposed assets sale has drawn diverse reactions, with some against the decision saying revenue generated through the sales could be frittered away.

Nigeria has lost huge revenue to corruption and many fear corrupt officials could embezzle the funds. They are suggesting that the government should look at other means of generating funds or explore the right channel in the privatisation of assets.

Fiscal Stimulus Plan

Explaining the government’s fiscal stimulus plan earlier on Saturday, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, said that the primary objective of the plan was not to sell off all major critical national assets but to source immediate funds to reflate the economy and implement capital projects in the 2016 budget.

Senator Udoma gave the explanation in Lagos at the weekend while briefing reporters on the forthcoming Nigerian Economic Summit.
He said the intention of the government was just to get enough money to fund the 2016 budget and get the economy back on the path of recovery.
The government, he stated, needed to inject a large dose of funds into the system to get the economy back on track and to faithfully implement the provisions in the capital budget tailored at reflating the economy and aiding the diversification process.
Senator Udoma further explained that the country had lost almost half its expected revenue and would need to urgently source for the shortfall to enable the government faithfully implement the budget.
“This unfortunate scenario prompted the Economic Management Team to urgently work out a fiscal stimulus plan to generate immediate large injection of funds into the economy through asset sales, advance payment for license rounds, infrastructure concessioning, use of recovered funds, among others, to reduce the funding gap.
“The other option would have been to source for additional loans, beyond the level of borrowing already projected for in the 2016 Budget.
“This would not be a wise option as it would raise the level of debt service to an unsustainable level.” a statement by the Minister’s spokesman, Akpandem James, read.
On September 22, the National Economic Council approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s strategies to pull the economy out of recession.
This was done during its meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

 The council of ministers and governors debriefed the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr Udoma Udo Udoma as well as the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele on the strategies to take the country out of the woods.
Briefing State House correspondents after the closed-door meeting, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Yetunde Onanuga, said that the Central Bank would henceforth adopt best options to manage the situation.
Other areas of urgent intervention were also agreed upon by the council to immediately inject larger funds into the economy, including meaningful diversification and more stringent importation cuts.
Nigeria’s economy has slipped into recession with a 2.06% contract in Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter of 2016.
According to a report of the National Bureau of Statistics the decline has caused the Naira to get weaker while lower oil prices dragged the oil sector down.
The output shrunk by 0.36 in the first quarter.
During the quarter, nominal GDP was 2.73% higher at 23.48 million Naira at basic prices.
This growth was lower than the rate recorded in the second quarter of 2015 by 2.44% points.

BIAFRA AT LAST: I Will Allow Only IGBOS to go But Will Never Allow Niger Deltans – PMB

News making round the media has it that Buhari may soon give up on One Nigeria, as he was quoted saying he can only allow the Igbos to secede but will not allow the Niger Delta as most of the Nigeria asset is located within the Niger Delta.

In a hush-hush meeting allegedly held by some of the Northern leaders with President Muhammadu Buhari early this month, the President revealed to the Northern Leaders that serious pressure is being mounted on him, to obey the United Nations Charter on Self-Determination, and unconditionally release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Buhari, he was also advised to desist from further violation of Kanu’s fundamental Human Rights alongside Rights of other Biafra agitators held in different Nigerian prisons, and to also allow for a UN monitored referendum to test if the people of Biafra wish to continue with Nigeria or not.

BIAFRA AT LAST: I Will Allow Only IGBOS to go But Will Never Allow Niger Deltans – PMB

Posted by Sylvester No comments

News making round the media has it that Buhari may soon give up on One Nigeria, as he was quoted saying he can only allow the Igbos to secede but will not allow the Niger Delta as most of the Nigeria asset is located within the Niger Delta.

In a hush-hush meeting allegedly held by some of the Northern leaders with President Muhammadu Buhari early this month, the President revealed to the Northern Leaders that serious pressure is being mounted on him, to obey the United Nations Charter on Self-Determination, and unconditionally release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Buhari, he was also advised to desist from further violation of Kanu’s fundamental Human Rights alongside Rights of other Biafra agitators held in different Nigerian prisons, and to also allow for a UN monitored referendum to test if the people of Biafra wish to continue with Nigeria or not.

BREAKING: As Nnamdi Kanu Goes To Court Monday 26, IPOB Releases New 'Powerful' Statement

THE NEED FOR HON. JUSTICE JOHN TSOHO TO HANDS-OFF NNAMDI KANU’S CASE AND TURN-IN HIS RESIGNATION TO PREVENT HIS UNAVOIDABLE DISMISSAL

The Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, born 24th of June 1959, must hands-off Nnamdi Kanu’s case as the trial Judge. In addition, he must turn-in his resignation in order to prevent unavoidable dismissal by the National Judicial Council (NJC). Already, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), The Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has sounded a note of warning to Judges like Hon. John Tsoho that they shall be punished for their judicial somersaults and miscarriage of justice. Based on available evidence and facts related to the ongoing court case involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we believe that the most honourable thing for Hon. Justice John Tsoho to do is to excuse himself from the case as the trial Judge as well as turn-in his resignation to avoid being axed for impropriety on the job.

We recall that on January 29, 2016, Hon. Justice John Tsoho in his first ruling denied bail application made by Nnamdi Knau’s lawyers and the denial was based on three frivolous reasons which were:
1) That Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a threat to national security.
2) That if released, Nnamdi Kanu might commit the same offence again.
3) That there was a probability that Nnamdi Kanu might jump bail because he possessed dual citizenship.

On the 9th of February 2016, Hon. Justice John Tsoho ruled that items belonging to Nnamdi Kanu should not be returned to him even when such items were not listed as part of the exhibits in the case and this ruling runs contrary to sectio-10(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015. Part of the items being requested to be released to Nnamdi Kanu were cash in sums of $2,200 & N87,000 and his two International passports (British and Nigerian). We should also keep in mind that at this time, Nammdi Kanu was already remanded in Kuje prison and we are wondering why Hon. Justice John Tsoho will not release the non-listed items to someone in prison custody.

On the 19th of February 2016, the Hon. Justice John Tsoho in his ruling, dismissed prayers by the DSS lawyer to hide the identities of prosecution witnesses for which the DSS lawyer wants to enforce under section-232(3) of ACJA-2015. This ruling was welcomed by all and seen as a sound judgment based on correct interpretations of the law especially section-36(4) of the Constitution and section-232(4) of ACJA-2015 which correctly specified and streamlined the conditions for which section-232(3) should be applied.

Surprisingly on the 7th of March 2016, instead of the Hon. Justice John Tsoho to apply section-351(1) of ACJA-2015 which specifies the dismissal of the case for non-appearance of prosecution witnesses, he unilaterally and without an appeal from DSS lawyer reversed his judgment of February 19, 2016, thereby making it possible for DSS witnesses to testify with masks or as masquerades.

When questioned by the defense counsel as to why he changed his mind without directing DSS to appeal to a superior court, the Hon. Justice John Tsoho lied that he was merely clarifying his ruling when in actual fact the said relief he was referring to never made mention of testifying behind a screen. When the Hon.

Justice John Tsoho realized that he lied in his own court, he deliberately withheld the rulings because he knew he would be exposed and that he cannot alter a judgement he pronounced publicly in a court of law. We wonder what fellow 1984 University of Lagos law graduates will be thinking of Justice Tsoho and his judicial acrobatics.

In the meantime, on the 9th of February 2016, Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers applied for Certified True Copy of Justice Tsoho’s judgment of January 29, 2016. Also, application for Certified True Copies of the last two rulings mentioned above were made on the 8th day of March 2016. We would like to remind everyone that in the Nigerian Constitution, section-36(7) allows only seven (7) days for the Court to keep judgments/rulings after which the judgments/rulings must be made available to the accused person.

 However, it is on record that the Certified True Copies of the three aforementioned rulings were made available to Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers after a formal complaint was sent to the office of the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. The formal compliant was sent on April 11, 2016 and the three Certified True Copies were released to Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers on April 25, 2016.

In other words the Certified True Copies were released:
(1) two months and fifteen days after the ruling of February 9, 2016,
(2) two months and six days after the ruling of February 19, 2016, and
(3) one month and 18 days after the ruling of March 7, 2016. All of these are in contravention of section-36(b) and section-36(7) of the Constitution of Nigeria. In addition, Justice Tsoho dismissed Nnamdi Kanu’s application for stay of proceedings within 24 hours of obtaining the excessively delayed documents mentioned above.

From the foregoings, it is crystal clear that the Hon. Justice John Tsoho lacks the moral, ethical, and judicial burden to continue as the trial Judge on this case. As a public officer identified in the Fifth Schedule Part-II(5) of the Constitution, the Hon. John Tsoho has violated his Judicial Oath, he has violated section-36(7) of the Constitution and he has violated the Fifth Schedule Part-I(9) of the Constitution he swore to uphold at all times. We therefore urge the Hon. John Tsoho to hands-off the case of Nnamdi Kanu and immediately tender his resignation to the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in order to avoid his impending dismissal.

We call upon the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer Nnamdi Kanu’s case to another Judge of the caliber of the sagacious and fearless Hon. Justice A. F. A. Ademola so as to salvage what remains of the battered image of the Nigerian Judiciary.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu looks forward to battling the DSS in court under an unbiased trial Judge and we are confident that victory shall be that of Nnamdi Kanu’s.

Signed
Barrister Emma Nmezu
Dr. Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya
Spokespersons for IPOB

BREAKING: As Nnamdi Kanu Goes To Court Monday 26, IPOB Releases New 'Powerful' Statement

Posted by Sylvester No comments

THE NEED FOR HON. JUSTICE JOHN TSOHO TO HANDS-OFF NNAMDI KANU’S CASE AND TURN-IN HIS RESIGNATION TO PREVENT HIS UNAVOIDABLE DISMISSAL

The Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, born 24th of June 1959, must hands-off Nnamdi Kanu’s case as the trial Judge. In addition, he must turn-in his resignation in order to prevent unavoidable dismissal by the National Judicial Council (NJC). Already, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), The Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has sounded a note of warning to Judges like Hon. John Tsoho that they shall be punished for their judicial somersaults and miscarriage of justice. Based on available evidence and facts related to the ongoing court case involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we believe that the most honourable thing for Hon. Justice John Tsoho to do is to excuse himself from the case as the trial Judge as well as turn-in his resignation to avoid being axed for impropriety on the job.

We recall that on January 29, 2016, Hon. Justice John Tsoho in his first ruling denied bail application made by Nnamdi Knau’s lawyers and the denial was based on three frivolous reasons which were:
1) That Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a threat to national security.
2) That if released, Nnamdi Kanu might commit the same offence again.
3) That there was a probability that Nnamdi Kanu might jump bail because he possessed dual citizenship.

On the 9th of February 2016, Hon. Justice John Tsoho ruled that items belonging to Nnamdi Kanu should not be returned to him even when such items were not listed as part of the exhibits in the case and this ruling runs contrary to sectio-10(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015. Part of the items being requested to be released to Nnamdi Kanu were cash in sums of $2,200 & N87,000 and his two International passports (British and Nigerian). We should also keep in mind that at this time, Nammdi Kanu was already remanded in Kuje prison and we are wondering why Hon. Justice John Tsoho will not release the non-listed items to someone in prison custody.

On the 19th of February 2016, the Hon. Justice John Tsoho in his ruling, dismissed prayers by the DSS lawyer to hide the identities of prosecution witnesses for which the DSS lawyer wants to enforce under section-232(3) of ACJA-2015. This ruling was welcomed by all and seen as a sound judgment based on correct interpretations of the law especially section-36(4) of the Constitution and section-232(4) of ACJA-2015 which correctly specified and streamlined the conditions for which section-232(3) should be applied.

Surprisingly on the 7th of March 2016, instead of the Hon. Justice John Tsoho to apply section-351(1) of ACJA-2015 which specifies the dismissal of the case for non-appearance of prosecution witnesses, he unilaterally and without an appeal from DSS lawyer reversed his judgment of February 19, 2016, thereby making it possible for DSS witnesses to testify with masks or as masquerades.

When questioned by the defense counsel as to why he changed his mind without directing DSS to appeal to a superior court, the Hon. Justice John Tsoho lied that he was merely clarifying his ruling when in actual fact the said relief he was referring to never made mention of testifying behind a screen. When the Hon.

Justice John Tsoho realized that he lied in his own court, he deliberately withheld the rulings because he knew he would be exposed and that he cannot alter a judgement he pronounced publicly in a court of law. We wonder what fellow 1984 University of Lagos law graduates will be thinking of Justice Tsoho and his judicial acrobatics.

In the meantime, on the 9th of February 2016, Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers applied for Certified True Copy of Justice Tsoho’s judgment of January 29, 2016. Also, application for Certified True Copies of the last two rulings mentioned above were made on the 8th day of March 2016. We would like to remind everyone that in the Nigerian Constitution, section-36(7) allows only seven (7) days for the Court to keep judgments/rulings after which the judgments/rulings must be made available to the accused person.

 However, it is on record that the Certified True Copies of the three aforementioned rulings were made available to Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers after a formal complaint was sent to the office of the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. The formal compliant was sent on April 11, 2016 and the three Certified True Copies were released to Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers on April 25, 2016.

In other words the Certified True Copies were released:
(1) two months and fifteen days after the ruling of February 9, 2016,
(2) two months and six days after the ruling of February 19, 2016, and
(3) one month and 18 days after the ruling of March 7, 2016. All of these are in contravention of section-36(b) and section-36(7) of the Constitution of Nigeria. In addition, Justice Tsoho dismissed Nnamdi Kanu’s application for stay of proceedings within 24 hours of obtaining the excessively delayed documents mentioned above.

From the foregoings, it is crystal clear that the Hon. Justice John Tsoho lacks the moral, ethical, and judicial burden to continue as the trial Judge on this case. As a public officer identified in the Fifth Schedule Part-II(5) of the Constitution, the Hon. John Tsoho has violated his Judicial Oath, he has violated section-36(7) of the Constitution and he has violated the Fifth Schedule Part-I(9) of the Constitution he swore to uphold at all times. We therefore urge the Hon. John Tsoho to hands-off the case of Nnamdi Kanu and immediately tender his resignation to the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in order to avoid his impending dismissal.

We call upon the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer Nnamdi Kanu’s case to another Judge of the caliber of the sagacious and fearless Hon. Justice A. F. A. Ademola so as to salvage what remains of the battered image of the Nigerian Judiciary.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu looks forward to battling the DSS in court under an unbiased trial Judge and we are confident that victory shall be that of Nnamdi Kanu’s.

Signed
Barrister Emma Nmezu
Dr. Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya
Spokespersons for IPOB

No Freedom For Nnamdi Kanu, No Peace - IPOB

According to the press statement released today by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, the group and the Niger Delta Avengers are inseparable in their quest for the restoration of a sovereign state of Biafra. Read below...

Press Statement:

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA AND NIGER DELTA AVENGERS ARE INSEPARABLE IN THEIR QUEST FOR BIAFRA RESTORATION: NO FREEDOM FOR NNAMDI KANU NO PEACE

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) hereby categorically state that we and our brothers the Niger Delta Avengers (N.D.A.) are inseparable in our quest for Biafra restoration. Just as N.D.A. stated in their demands which the Nigerian Government is very much aware of but has chosen to ignore, there will be no negotiation if there is no freedom for the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Nigeria will avert imminent doom only if Buhari is compelled by civilized nations to obey existing court orders and release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally.

Trying the discredited divide and rule tactics of using the media to claim Nnamdi Kanu denied N.D.A. in order to engineer acrimony and hatred between him and N.D.A. has failed woefully. South South and South East are united in this noble quest for freedom and no amount of media manipulation can alter this fact. Only if Buhari knows who Nnamdi Kanu truly is or the amount of influence he commands among the people of South East and South South he won't listen to the lies Lawal Daura of DSS and Ohanaeze Ndigbo have been feeding him.

Although we acknowledge that our lawyers spoke out of turn in a recent press conference, we are also aware that Mr. Rochas Okorocha who parades himself to the contrary as an Igbo man has been working as a front man for Muhammadu Buhari to penetrate and compromise IPOB governing structure and our lawyers. We are aware of the grand conspiracy orchestrated by Rochas Okorocha to penetrate IPOB by all and any means necessary. We know that one of our lawyers has been meeting with Okorocha clandestinely in the past few weeks just like Buhari through Lawal Daura of DSS has been doing through inducements and threats. Some of our lawyers are currently being investigated by the EFCC at the behest of Daura of DSS over a land case settled years ago, in order to unsettle them sufficiently to turn to DSS informants and ultimately undermine the legal defence of our leader as was the case with Vincent Obetta.

In spite of all these shenanigans by Buhari through Daura of DSS and his co-jesters in the media peddling falsehood about negotiations that our leader never consented to, IPOB worldwide is unwavering, determined and resolute under the supreme command of Nnamdi Kanu. No other person dead or alive has the right to command or can command IPOB whether that person is residing in Government house in Owerri or from a private hospital in Nnewi. Only Nnamdi Kanu can tell us in IPOB what to do and we obey. Anybody else attempting to do so will be comprehensively disgraced.
IPOB rank and file is with their leader Nnamdi Kanu and we speak with one voice. Our decision remains that there will be NO negotiations with Nigeria until Buhari obeys court orders for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

No Freedom For Nnamdi Kanu, No Peace - IPOB

Posted by Sylvester No comments

According to the press statement released today by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, the group and the Niger Delta Avengers are inseparable in their quest for the restoration of a sovereign state of Biafra. Read below...

Press Statement:

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA AND NIGER DELTA AVENGERS ARE INSEPARABLE IN THEIR QUEST FOR BIAFRA RESTORATION: NO FREEDOM FOR NNAMDI KANU NO PEACE

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) hereby categorically state that we and our brothers the Niger Delta Avengers (N.D.A.) are inseparable in our quest for Biafra restoration. Just as N.D.A. stated in their demands which the Nigerian Government is very much aware of but has chosen to ignore, there will be no negotiation if there is no freedom for the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Nigeria will avert imminent doom only if Buhari is compelled by civilized nations to obey existing court orders and release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally.

Trying the discredited divide and rule tactics of using the media to claim Nnamdi Kanu denied N.D.A. in order to engineer acrimony and hatred between him and N.D.A. has failed woefully. South South and South East are united in this noble quest for freedom and no amount of media manipulation can alter this fact. Only if Buhari knows who Nnamdi Kanu truly is or the amount of influence he commands among the people of South East and South South he won't listen to the lies Lawal Daura of DSS and Ohanaeze Ndigbo have been feeding him.

Although we acknowledge that our lawyers spoke out of turn in a recent press conference, we are also aware that Mr. Rochas Okorocha who parades himself to the contrary as an Igbo man has been working as a front man for Muhammadu Buhari to penetrate and compromise IPOB governing structure and our lawyers. We are aware of the grand conspiracy orchestrated by Rochas Okorocha to penetrate IPOB by all and any means necessary. We know that one of our lawyers has been meeting with Okorocha clandestinely in the past few weeks just like Buhari through Lawal Daura of DSS has been doing through inducements and threats. Some of our lawyers are currently being investigated by the EFCC at the behest of Daura of DSS over a land case settled years ago, in order to unsettle them sufficiently to turn to DSS informants and ultimately undermine the legal defence of our leader as was the case with Vincent Obetta.

In spite of all these shenanigans by Buhari through Daura of DSS and his co-jesters in the media peddling falsehood about negotiations that our leader never consented to, IPOB worldwide is unwavering, determined and resolute under the supreme command of Nnamdi Kanu. No other person dead or alive has the right to command or can command IPOB whether that person is residing in Government house in Owerri or from a private hospital in Nnewi. Only Nnamdi Kanu can tell us in IPOB what to do and we obey. Anybody else attempting to do so will be comprehensively disgraced.
IPOB rank and file is with their leader Nnamdi Kanu and we speak with one voice. Our decision remains that there will be NO negotiations with Nigeria until Buhari obeys court orders for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

BREAKING: IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu Arrives Court...Photos Show He's Severely Sick

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu arrived court premises at 11am, beaming with smiles all over. But beyond the glowing smile, one could easily tell that he is going through health challenges. See more photos below...

BREAKING: IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu Arrives Court...Photos Show He's Severely Sick

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu arrived court premises at 11am, beaming with smiles all over. But beyond the glowing smile, one could easily tell that he is going through health challenges. See more photos below...

Happening Now!!! Heavy Rituals Allegedly Ongoing Against Nnamdi Kanu At Abuja Court Premises

Daily New9ja attention has being drawn to an alleged ongoing ritual being performed by unknown persons at the premises of the Abuja court where the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu is set to appear today Monday 26th.



 The faces of those involved in the depraved act were not conspicuous.

More details soon....

Happening Now!!! Heavy Rituals Allegedly Ongoing Against Nnamdi Kanu At Abuja Court Premises

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Daily New9ja attention has being drawn to an alleged ongoing ritual being performed by unknown persons at the premises of the Abuja court where the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu is set to appear today Monday 26th.



 The faces of those involved in the depraved act were not conspicuous.

More details soon....

Do No Relent, We Are Almost There - Kanu Sends Powerful Message From Abuja High Court (Photos) 

As at the time of filing this report, IPOB members who traveled to Abuja from the Southern region of the country to witness the court proceedings were already planning to go back to their various destinations.

Photos below...

Do No Relent, We Are Almost There - Kanu Sends Powerful Message From Abuja High Court (Photos) 

Posted by Sylvester No comments

As at the time of filing this report, IPOB members who traveled to Abuja from the Southern region of the country to witness the court proceedings were already planning to go back to their various destinations.

Photos below...

Mexicans Protest Against Same-Sex Marriage Proposal

Thousands of people in Mexico City have protested against a government proposal to legalize same-sex marriages, which they say would undermine traditional families.

Organisers said while they were not opposed to gay or lesbian rights, they want to defend family values and the institution of marriage.

The demonstrators have called for a meeting with President Enrique Pena Nieto to debate the issue.

Mexico is a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, where public opinion has been divided since May, when Mr Pena Nieto announced plans to change the constitution.

Same-sex marriages are legal in some Mexican states, but Mr Pena Nieto wants it to be allowed across the country.

Last year the supreme court declared that a ban on such unions imposed in many of Mexico’s states was unconstitutional however, many state legislatures have not changed their statutes to comply.

Mexicans Protest Against Same-Sex Marriage Proposal

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Thousands of people in Mexico City have protested against a government proposal to legalize same-sex marriages, which they say would undermine traditional families.

Organisers said while they were not opposed to gay or lesbian rights, they want to defend family values and the institution of marriage.

The demonstrators have called for a meeting with President Enrique Pena Nieto to debate the issue.

Mexico is a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, where public opinion has been divided since May, when Mr Pena Nieto announced plans to change the constitution.

Same-sex marriages are legal in some Mexican states, but Mr Pena Nieto wants it to be allowed across the country.

Last year the supreme court declared that a ban on such unions imposed in many of Mexico’s states was unconstitutional however, many state legislatures have not changed their statutes to comply.

MUST WATCH VIDEO: How Louis Van Gaal Was Betrayed At Man United, What You Didn't Know

Website Joe.ie created this video to illustrate all happenings that led to the eventual sack of Louis Van Gaal as manager of Manchester United albeit with a comic feel. Very funny and interesting.

MUST WATCH VIDEO: How Louis Van Gaal Was Betrayed At Man United, What You Didn't Know

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Website Joe.ie created this video to illustrate all happenings that led to the eventual sack of Louis Van Gaal as manager of Manchester United albeit with a comic feel. Very funny and interesting.

Air Strikes Leave Aleppo ‘Without Water’ In Syria

The United Nations says nearly two million people are in desperate need of water in the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo.

UNICEF said violent air strikes launched on the city on Friday prevented repairs to a damaged pumping station supplying rebel-held districts of the city.

The agency added that in retaliation, a nearby station pumping water to the rest of Aleppo has been switched off.

Fresh strikes were also reported in the city on Saturday, as the Syrian Army pressed on with its push to retake rebel areas.

The latest offensive was launched after a ceasefire collapsed on Monday.

Air Strikes Leave Aleppo ‘Without Water’ In Syria

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The United Nations says nearly two million people are in desperate need of water in the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo.

UNICEF said violent air strikes launched on the city on Friday prevented repairs to a damaged pumping station supplying rebel-held districts of the city.

The agency added that in retaliation, a nearby station pumping water to the rest of Aleppo has been switched off.

Fresh strikes were also reported in the city on Saturday, as the Syrian Army pressed on with its push to retake rebel areas.

The latest offensive was launched after a ceasefire collapsed on Monday.

Watch As There Happiness Goes On Dance

Watch As There Happiness Goes On Dance

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Nigerian Air Force Explores Agriculture To Empower Barracks Youths

Nigerian military is not left out in the nation’s search for a solution to the economic recession the oil-rich nation slid into few weeks ago, as the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, is exploring agriculture to empower youths in barracks.

He is confident that further involvement of youths in agriculture will deepen the economic diversification drive of the government.

Economy In Recession

Nigeria is battling to get out of its present economic recession made obvious when the National Bureau of Statistics released a second quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report.

The report showed a contract in the GDP by 2.06% in the second quarter of 2016.

According to the report, the decline has caused the Naira to get weaker while lower oil prices dragged the oil sector down.

The output shrunk by 0.36 in the first quarter.

During the quarter, nominal GDP was 2.73% higher at 23.48 million Naira at basic prices.

This growth was lower than the rate recorded in the second quarter of 2015 by 2.44% points.

Empowerment Through Agriculture

While launching a scheme tagged ‘Barracks Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture (BYETA)’ held at the Air Force Base in Kaduna State, Air Marshal Abubakar said the initiative would empower youths and create jobs.

The Air Chief was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force headquarters, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum.

He explained that the inauguration of the youth empowerment programme was a testimony and determination of the Nigerian Air Force to key into the Federal Government’s policy on diversification of the economy to other non-oil sectors especially agriculture.

Message Of Self-reliance

The programme, according to the organisers, is designed to engage the youths, particularly those living in the barracks in productive ventures such as poultry, fishery and crops farming that would enable them live meaningful lives independent of their parents or guidance.

While urging the youth to make good use of the opportunity to empower themselves and contribute to the economic development of the nation, the representative of the Chief of Air Staff, enjoined parents and guidance to regularly monitor the progress of their wards in order to achieve the maximum success rate of the programme.

On his part, the Commander, 335 Base Service Group, Air Commodore Bello Garba, said the initiative was launched to further drive home the message of self-reliance and the directive given by the Chief of Air Staff for all secondary schools in the barracks to establish a demonstration farm which he also noted would prepare the youth to be self-reliant.

He told the gathering that in compliance with the directive, the 335 Base Service Group had established a BYETA association with an initial membership of 25 youths at its inception on August 30.

At the moment it has 98 registered members, including 35 engaged in fish farming, 25 in poultry, 26 in livestock and 12 in crop farming.

Some of the beneficiaries said they were pleased with the initiative they believe would empower them, help them feed Nigerians and ensure food security.

The Barrack Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture Programme is open to relatives of Air Force personnel and residents of host communities.

Nigerian Air Force Explores Agriculture To Empower Barracks Youths

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Nigerian military is not left out in the nation’s search for a solution to the economic recession the oil-rich nation slid into few weeks ago, as the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, is exploring agriculture to empower youths in barracks.

He is confident that further involvement of youths in agriculture will deepen the economic diversification drive of the government.

Economy In Recession

Nigeria is battling to get out of its present economic recession made obvious when the National Bureau of Statistics released a second quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report.

The report showed a contract in the GDP by 2.06% in the second quarter of 2016.

According to the report, the decline has caused the Naira to get weaker while lower oil prices dragged the oil sector down.

The output shrunk by 0.36 in the first quarter.

During the quarter, nominal GDP was 2.73% higher at 23.48 million Naira at basic prices.

This growth was lower than the rate recorded in the second quarter of 2015 by 2.44% points.

Empowerment Through Agriculture

While launching a scheme tagged ‘Barracks Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture (BYETA)’ held at the Air Force Base in Kaduna State, Air Marshal Abubakar said the initiative would empower youths and create jobs.

The Air Chief was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force headquarters, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum.

He explained that the inauguration of the youth empowerment programme was a testimony and determination of the Nigerian Air Force to key into the Federal Government’s policy on diversification of the economy to other non-oil sectors especially agriculture.

Message Of Self-reliance

The programme, according to the organisers, is designed to engage the youths, particularly those living in the barracks in productive ventures such as poultry, fishery and crops farming that would enable them live meaningful lives independent of their parents or guidance.

While urging the youth to make good use of the opportunity to empower themselves and contribute to the economic development of the nation, the representative of the Chief of Air Staff, enjoined parents and guidance to regularly monitor the progress of their wards in order to achieve the maximum success rate of the programme.

On his part, the Commander, 335 Base Service Group, Air Commodore Bello Garba, said the initiative was launched to further drive home the message of self-reliance and the directive given by the Chief of Air Staff for all secondary schools in the barracks to establish a demonstration farm which he also noted would prepare the youth to be self-reliant.

He told the gathering that in compliance with the directive, the 335 Base Service Group had established a BYETA association with an initial membership of 25 youths at its inception on August 30.

At the moment it has 98 registered members, including 35 engaged in fish farming, 25 in poultry, 26 in livestock and 12 in crop farming.

Some of the beneficiaries said they were pleased with the initiative they believe would empower them, help them feed Nigerians and ensure food security.

The Barrack Youth Empowerment Through Agriculture Programme is open to relatives of Air Force personnel and residents of host communities.

NPFL: Rangers One Point From Winning Title

Enugu Rangers are now one point from lifting the Nigeria Professional Football League title for the first time in over 30 years.

The league leaders on Sunday evening beat already relegated Ikorodu United by two goals to one, while their closest rival Rivers United were held to a goalless draw by Abia Warriors.

This means Rangers are on 60 points from 35 games while Rivers are on 57 points with a game left.

A draw for Rangers in their last home game against El-Kanemi Warriors will see them crowned champions.
In other league games decided on Sunday evening, Nasarawa United forced Akwa United to a 2-2 draw, Sunshine Stars beat Warri Wolves by a lone goal, Niger Tornadoes beat MFM 3-1 while Fc Ifeanyi Ubah beat Enyimba 1-0.

NPFL: Rangers One Point From Winning Title

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Enugu Rangers are now one point from lifting the Nigeria Professional Football League title for the first time in over 30 years.

The league leaders on Sunday evening beat already relegated Ikorodu United by two goals to one, while their closest rival Rivers United were held to a goalless draw by Abia Warriors.

This means Rangers are on 60 points from 35 games while Rivers are on 57 points with a game left.

A draw for Rangers in their last home game against El-Kanemi Warriors will see them crowned champions.
In other league games decided on Sunday evening, Nasarawa United forced Akwa United to a 2-2 draw, Sunshine Stars beat Warri Wolves by a lone goal, Niger Tornadoes beat MFM 3-1 while Fc Ifeanyi Ubah beat Enyimba 1-0.

BREAKING: 52 Senior Lawyers Set To Storm Abuja Court To Defend IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

The lawyers representing the detained leader of the indigenous people of Biafra were yesterday's night interviewed on 99.5 Wazobia Fm Abuja over the continued detention of their client, Nnamdi Kanu despite an order from a competent court of jurisdiction that he be released unconditionally.

 Speaking in the interview, the IPOB lawyers revealed they would be coming to court on September 26th with other 52 senior lawyers to fully represent Kanu.

The legal representatives also promised to hold the federal republic of Nigeria accountable should anything happen to their client, Kanu who according to them is being 'illegally' detained.

BREAKING: 52 Senior Lawyers Set To Storm Abuja Court To Defend IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The lawyers representing the detained leader of the indigenous people of Biafra were yesterday's night interviewed on 99.5 Wazobia Fm Abuja over the continued detention of their client, Nnamdi Kanu despite an order from a competent court of jurisdiction that he be released unconditionally.

 Speaking in the interview, the IPOB lawyers revealed they would be coming to court on September 26th with other 52 senior lawyers to fully represent Kanu.

The legal representatives also promised to hold the federal republic of Nigeria accountable should anything happen to their client, Kanu who according to them is being 'illegally' detained.

Rivers APC, PDP Trade Blame Over Chidi Lloyd’s Burnt Home

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State are in war of words as to who was responsible for the burning down of the home of former majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd.

The country home of the former lawmaker in Akpabu Community in Emohua Local Government Area was completely razed down by unknown gunmen, with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

The State Police Command, which confirmed the incident, said investigations were going.

This comes as the attempted murder case brought against Chidi Lloyd from the crisis that rocked the Rivers State House of Assembly in 2013 has been revisited by the new administration in the state.

Rivers APC, PDP Trade Blame Over Chidi Lloyd’s Burnt Home

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State are in war of words as to who was responsible for the burning down of the home of former majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd.

The country home of the former lawmaker in Akpabu Community in Emohua Local Government Area was completely razed down by unknown gunmen, with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

The State Police Command, which confirmed the incident, said investigations were going.

This comes as the attempted murder case brought against Chidi Lloyd from the crisis that rocked the Rivers State House of Assembly in 2013 has been revisited by the new administration in the state.

BREAING: Jibrin Says He Will Not Appear Before House Ethics Committee

Abdulmumim jibrin

Former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has called on the Senate to pass a resolution which will empower it to discharge the functions of the National Assembly until the House of Representatives transparently addresses the allegations of budget padding levelled against the leadership and some members of the House.

Speaking in Abuja, the lawmaker said that the House has lost the moral ground to discharge its legislative functions as it has failed to address the allegations decisively.


Representative Jibrin also made it clear that he will not appear before the House ethics committee which is investigating him for breaching the privileges of the House.

“I have given sufficient reason, I am not going before any ethics committee. I have explained to you, the chairman of the ethics committee himself has made a lot of public statements…that there is nothing like padding and padding is not an offence.

“And he is the person who is going to pass a judgment on me,” he said.

The lawmaker displayed documents which he says backs up the allegations he has made against the Speaker and some members of the House.

He also called on the Senate to take a stand and insist that the allegations are addressed by the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Nicholas Ossai, has said that it will be in the interest of Jibrin to appear before the ethics committee.

Rep. Ossai said this when reacting to comments that Rep Jibrin may not appear before the committee, but noted that the committee was yet to receive any communication from the former chairman that he would not be appearing before the committee.

Rep. Ossai also made it clear that he was not biased and the committee would work impartially.

The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges, on Friday commenced investigation into the alleged breach of privileges of the House by former Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Representative Abdulmumin Jibrin.

The investigation followed a resolution by the House to probe the allegations of padding of the 2016 budget by some of its members.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Rep Emmanuel Orker-Jev, who sponsored the motion, presented evidence of the reported statements where Rep Abdulmunin Jibrin had accused the House of corruption.

He explained that the allegations made had impinged on the image of the National Assembly and that he took the initiative to move the motion when other colleagues approached him regarding the same matter.

Abdulmumin Jibrin had given a condition that must be met for him to appear before the Ethics Committee to defend allegations of budget padding he made against principal officers of the House.

After the House referred him to the committee for investigation on Wednesday, following deliberations on a motion on the issue, the lawmaker in a statement said he would only obey the decision of the House “if the hearing will be public”.

BREAING: Jibrin Says He Will Not Appear Before House Ethics Committee

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Abdulmumim jibrin

Former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has called on the Senate to pass a resolution which will empower it to discharge the functions of the National Assembly until the House of Representatives transparently addresses the allegations of budget padding levelled against the leadership and some members of the House.

Speaking in Abuja, the lawmaker said that the House has lost the moral ground to discharge its legislative functions as it has failed to address the allegations decisively.


Representative Jibrin also made it clear that he will not appear before the House ethics committee which is investigating him for breaching the privileges of the House.

“I have given sufficient reason, I am not going before any ethics committee. I have explained to you, the chairman of the ethics committee himself has made a lot of public statements…that there is nothing like padding and padding is not an offence.

“And he is the person who is going to pass a judgment on me,” he said.

The lawmaker displayed documents which he says backs up the allegations he has made against the Speaker and some members of the House.

He also called on the Senate to take a stand and insist that the allegations are addressed by the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Nicholas Ossai, has said that it will be in the interest of Jibrin to appear before the ethics committee.

Rep. Ossai said this when reacting to comments that Rep Jibrin may not appear before the committee, but noted that the committee was yet to receive any communication from the former chairman that he would not be appearing before the committee.

Rep. Ossai also made it clear that he was not biased and the committee would work impartially.

The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges, on Friday commenced investigation into the alleged breach of privileges of the House by former Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Representative Abdulmumin Jibrin.

The investigation followed a resolution by the House to probe the allegations of padding of the 2016 budget by some of its members.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Rep Emmanuel Orker-Jev, who sponsored the motion, presented evidence of the reported statements where Rep Abdulmunin Jibrin had accused the House of corruption.

He explained that the allegations made had impinged on the image of the National Assembly and that he took the initiative to move the motion when other colleagues approached him regarding the same matter.

Abdulmumin Jibrin had given a condition that must be met for him to appear before the Ethics Committee to defend allegations of budget padding he made against principal officers of the House.

After the House referred him to the committee for investigation on Wednesday, following deliberations on a motion on the issue, the lawmaker in a statement said he would only obey the decision of the House “if the hearing will be public”.

Ekweremadu Asks Buhari To Reshuffle His Cabinet

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to reshuffle his cabinet.

Mr Ekeremadu is suggesting the redeployment of the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, from their present ministries.

The Senator made the call as the Senate begins debate on the state of the economy.

Senator Ekweremadu claimed that he was not impressed with the performance of the Ministers of Finance and Budget and National Planning.

He believes they will perform better in other ministries.

Ban Of Food Items Importation

However, some other lawmakers are also calling for caution as regards the recommendation made by the Senate president on the sale of government assets.

Lawmakers are also asking the government to increase spending and look for how to expand the country’s sources of foreign exchange.

Few other lawmakers have also asked the government to ban the importation of food items such as milk, sugar, palm oil, frozen fish and clothing.

The Senate will for two days hold debate on the state of the economy and make recommendations to the executive on measures to solve the economic challenges confronting the country.

Nigeria’s economy slipped into recession few weeks ago, with a report of the National Bureau of Statistics showing that the Nation’s Gross domestic Product contracted by 2.06% in the second quarter of 2016.

According to the report, the decline has caused the Naira to get weaker while lower oil prices dragged the oil sector down.

The output shrunk by 0.36 in the first quarter.

During the quarter, nominal GDP was 2.73% higher at 23.48 million Naira at basic prices.

This growth was lower than the rate recorded in the second quarter of 2015 by 2.44% points.

The situation, has become glaring to Nigerians, with the cost of food items rising, has continued to draw attention from different sectors of the economy.

The Senate President had in a message to Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration stressed the need for Nigerians to pray for peace and accelerated recovery of the nation’s economic.

He asked Nigerians to remain steadfast and committed to the cause of one, united and developed country.

He observed that despite the current economic challenges, the country and its people had all that was required to come out better and stronger.

On Monday, however, he suggested that the executive should raise capital from the sale of government assets and other sources to shore up reserves.

Senator Saraki made this recommendation as the Senate resumed plenary after a seven weeks’ recess.

Addressing lawmakers, Senator Saraki said that the sale of assets would calm investors, discourage currency speculation and stabilise the economy.

He recommended part sale of the NLNG Holdings, reduction of government share in upstream oil joint venture operations and sale of government stake in financial institutions.

Ekweremadu Asks Buhari To Reshuffle His Cabinet

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to reshuffle his cabinet.

Mr Ekeremadu is suggesting the redeployment of the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, from their present ministries.

The Senator made the call as the Senate begins debate on the state of the economy.

Senator Ekweremadu claimed that he was not impressed with the performance of the Ministers of Finance and Budget and National Planning.

He believes they will perform better in other ministries.

Ban Of Food Items Importation

However, some other lawmakers are also calling for caution as regards the recommendation made by the Senate president on the sale of government assets.

Lawmakers are also asking the government to increase spending and look for how to expand the country’s sources of foreign exchange.

Few other lawmakers have also asked the government to ban the importation of food items such as milk, sugar, palm oil, frozen fish and clothing.

The Senate will for two days hold debate on the state of the economy and make recommendations to the executive on measures to solve the economic challenges confronting the country.

Nigeria’s economy slipped into recession few weeks ago, with a report of the National Bureau of Statistics showing that the Nation’s Gross domestic Product contracted by 2.06% in the second quarter of 2016.

According to the report, the decline has caused the Naira to get weaker while lower oil prices dragged the oil sector down.

The output shrunk by 0.36 in the first quarter.

During the quarter, nominal GDP was 2.73% higher at 23.48 million Naira at basic prices.

This growth was lower than the rate recorded in the second quarter of 2015 by 2.44% points.

The situation, has become glaring to Nigerians, with the cost of food items rising, has continued to draw attention from different sectors of the economy.

The Senate President had in a message to Nigerians during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration stressed the need for Nigerians to pray for peace and accelerated recovery of the nation’s economic.

He asked Nigerians to remain steadfast and committed to the cause of one, united and developed country.

He observed that despite the current economic challenges, the country and its people had all that was required to come out better and stronger.

On Monday, however, he suggested that the executive should raise capital from the sale of government assets and other sources to shore up reserves.

Senator Saraki made this recommendation as the Senate resumed plenary after a seven weeks’ recess.

Addressing lawmakers, Senator Saraki said that the sale of assets would calm investors, discourage currency speculation and stabilise the economy.

He recommended part sale of the NLNG Holdings, reduction of government share in upstream oil joint venture operations and sale of government stake in financial institutions.

Buhari Pushes For Africa’s Permanent Seat On UN Security Council

President Muhammadu Buhari held talks with President Barack Obama earlier in the day

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday pushed for a permanent seat for Africa in the United Nations Security Council.

He also sought the establishment of United Nations Agency for Youths, saying it will enable countries take advantage of the number of youths and their creative energy.

He told the Assembly that youths were in the majority in Nigeria and in most other member states.

President Buhari made the demands while addressing the UN General Assembly.

He highlighted that Africa’s permanent membership on the UN Security Council would reflect equitable and fair representation and greater transparency.

“Nigeria therefore reiterates its call for the reform of the united Nations security council in particular to reflect equitable and fair representation and greater transparency, legitimacy and inclusiveness in its decision making.

“Africa should be adequately represented on the United Nations Security Council as a permanent member.

“Nigeria is ready to serve Africa and the world on a reformed Security Council to advance international peace and security,” he told the gathering.

On harnessing youth potentials for growth, the President said: “We must take advantage of the numbers and creative energy of young people who are in the majority in Nigeria and in most other member states.

“We acknowledge the importance of youths in national development and remain committed to harnessing the potential of the increasing youth bunch.

“Therefore, at the international level, we call for the establishment of United Nations Agency for Youths to achieve this strategic objective,” stated.


On terrorism, the Nigerian leader reiterated his nation’s commitment to the fighting terrorism, giving a breakdown of efforts in the northeast of the oil-rich nation to end the activities of Boko Haram terrorists.

“International consensus should collaborate in combatant efforts against terrorism.

“We in Nigeria, having been victims of terrorism ourselves, have made remarkable progress in our resolve to defeat Boko Haram whose capacity to launch attacks has been severely degraded.

“In the last few months their operations have been reduced to using IEDs on soft targets.

“Nigeria has continued to combat terrorism based on established rules of engagement and in conformity with international best practices.

“The Nigerian government is employing judicial tool to investigate and treat cases of human rights violations,” he stated.

Collaborations with Chad, Niger and Cameroon have contributed largely to the decimation of Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast, an experience President Buhari told to the Assembly, urging countries battling terrorism to adopt the strategy.

“Our experience today is evidence that with determined international cooperation, terrorism can be defeated,” he stressed.

President Buhari stated that efforts were on to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons in the northeast return to their homes and start life afresh.

 On corruption, President Buhari further emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption, which he pointed out was part of his administration’s strategic objective.

“Our objective is to stimulate the economy and restore growth.

“We are taking measures to reduce the cost of governance, and increase revenue.

“Fighting corruption remains a cardinal pillar of our administration, as corruption undermines the achievement of sustainable development goals.

“The recovered funds are being channelled to development of critical infrastructure for our people.

“We are making efforts to ensure transparency and good governance,” President Buhari told the gathering.

The President also told the UN General Assembly that his administration was making efforts to clean Ogoni land in Niger Delta that had been devastated by oil spill.

He also expressed Nigeria’s support for a ceasefire deal between U.S. and Russia, which he hoped would end the war in Syria.

President Buhari also reaffirmed Nigeria’s abiding faith in the UN and her capacity to support member state to deliver on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

His speech came hours after he met with the U.S. President Barack Obama, where issues on terrorism, corruption and the nation’s economy which is in recession were discussed.

Buhari Pushes For Africa’s Permanent Seat On UN Security Council

Posted by Sylvester No comments

President Muhammadu Buhari held talks with President Barack Obama earlier in the day

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday pushed for a permanent seat for Africa in the United Nations Security Council.

He also sought the establishment of United Nations Agency for Youths, saying it will enable countries take advantage of the number of youths and their creative energy.

He told the Assembly that youths were in the majority in Nigeria and in most other member states.

President Buhari made the demands while addressing the UN General Assembly.

He highlighted that Africa’s permanent membership on the UN Security Council would reflect equitable and fair representation and greater transparency.

“Nigeria therefore reiterates its call for the reform of the united Nations security council in particular to reflect equitable and fair representation and greater transparency, legitimacy and inclusiveness in its decision making.

“Africa should be adequately represented on the United Nations Security Council as a permanent member.

“Nigeria is ready to serve Africa and the world on a reformed Security Council to advance international peace and security,” he told the gathering.

On harnessing youth potentials for growth, the President said: “We must take advantage of the numbers and creative energy of young people who are in the majority in Nigeria and in most other member states.

“We acknowledge the importance of youths in national development and remain committed to harnessing the potential of the increasing youth bunch.

“Therefore, at the international level, we call for the establishment of United Nations Agency for Youths to achieve this strategic objective,” stated.


On terrorism, the Nigerian leader reiterated his nation’s commitment to the fighting terrorism, giving a breakdown of efforts in the northeast of the oil-rich nation to end the activities of Boko Haram terrorists.

“International consensus should collaborate in combatant efforts against terrorism.

“We in Nigeria, having been victims of terrorism ourselves, have made remarkable progress in our resolve to defeat Boko Haram whose capacity to launch attacks has been severely degraded.

“In the last few months their operations have been reduced to using IEDs on soft targets.

“Nigeria has continued to combat terrorism based on established rules of engagement and in conformity with international best practices.

“The Nigerian government is employing judicial tool to investigate and treat cases of human rights violations,” he stated.

Collaborations with Chad, Niger and Cameroon have contributed largely to the decimation of Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast, an experience President Buhari told to the Assembly, urging countries battling terrorism to adopt the strategy.

“Our experience today is evidence that with determined international cooperation, terrorism can be defeated,” he stressed.

President Buhari stated that efforts were on to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons in the northeast return to their homes and start life afresh.

 On corruption, President Buhari further emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption, which he pointed out was part of his administration’s strategic objective.

“Our objective is to stimulate the economy and restore growth.

“We are taking measures to reduce the cost of governance, and increase revenue.

“Fighting corruption remains a cardinal pillar of our administration, as corruption undermines the achievement of sustainable development goals.

“The recovered funds are being channelled to development of critical infrastructure for our people.

“We are making efforts to ensure transparency and good governance,” President Buhari told the gathering.

The President also told the UN General Assembly that his administration was making efforts to clean Ogoni land in Niger Delta that had been devastated by oil spill.

He also expressed Nigeria’s support for a ceasefire deal between U.S. and Russia, which he hoped would end the war in Syria.

President Buhari also reaffirmed Nigeria’s abiding faith in the UN and her capacity to support member state to deliver on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

His speech came hours after he met with the U.S. President Barack Obama, where issues on terrorism, corruption and the nation’s economy which is in recession were discussed.