Police said suspected Abu Sayyaf militants on Monday beheaded seven men who allegedly destroyed a rubber plantation owned by their leader in the southern Philippines.
The decapitated bodies of the victims were found in the town of Lantawan in Basilan province, 900 km south of Manila, on Sunday, said Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, a regional police director.
The men were abducted on July 20 after their homes were burned by the terrorists, who were led by two sub-commanders of Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama, Sindac said.
Chief Inspector Tara Leah Cuyco, a regional police spokeswoman, said Indama ordered the attack because the seven who were local loggers were allegedly behind the destruction of his rubber plantation.
“Accordingly, Furuji directed his men to get those chainsaw owners because his rubber plantation was destroyed,” she said.
Abu Sayyaf is one of the most active militant groups in the southern Philippines, and is believed to be allied with the Islamic State terrorist organisation.
They are holding captive about 20 hostages, including 14 foreigners, in Basilan and nearby Jolo Island.
The terrorists beheaded two Vietnamese hostages earlier in the month, while another Vietnamese captive was killed during a clash between his captors and government troops on July 13.
One of the Abu Sayyaf’s leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, has been identified as the head of Islamic State-allied militants currently fighting government troops in besieged Marawi City, 800 km south of Manila.
NEWS, SPORTS, AND CELEBRITY GOSSIPS.
Monday 31 July 2017
Saturday 29 July 2017
Angry mob kills Nigerian policeman for allegedly causing death of woman, two children
A mob on Thursday attacked and killed a policeman over the death of a woman and two children on Owerri Road, Onitsha, Anambra.
Witnesses said that the incident occurred at 3.30p.m. when the police officer attempted to forcibly stop an articulated vehicle loaded with sand along the road.
According to the witnesses, the driver lost control causing the fatal accident.
“A tipper driver who was carrying sharp sand tried to meander his way past the policemen at the checkpoint but in the attempt to escape ran into the woman and children.
“I wouldn’t know exactly why the tipper driver was stopped but immediately the accident happened, the policemen around the area made effort to leave the scene but were attacked by the mob,” a witness said.
The witness said that the victims were standing by the roadside to board a vehicle to their destination when they met their untimely death.
Another witness said that the mob spontaneously chased the policemen and beat up two of them, while the others escaped with their guns.
The news Agency of Nigeria learnt that the factory along the road, where the policemen were on special duty, was set ablaze by the mob.
The incident later forced police from Okpoko Police Station in Onitsha to carry out a mass arrest of persons along the busy road.
Reacting, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nkeiru Nwode, expressed dismay over the development, saying the youths should have reported the matter to the police.
“It was just an accident. Three people died on the spot and their remains have been deposited in the mortuary.
“The scene of the accident has also been barricaded and the police are in control of the situation,” she said.
Ms. Nwode said the police were against unlawful assembly and would not relent in efforts to maintain peace and order in the state.
Witnesses said that the incident occurred at 3.30p.m. when the police officer attempted to forcibly stop an articulated vehicle loaded with sand along the road.
According to the witnesses, the driver lost control causing the fatal accident.
“I wouldn’t know exactly why the tipper driver was stopped but immediately the accident happened, the policemen around the area made effort to leave the scene but were attacked by the mob,” a witness said.
The witness said that the victims were standing by the roadside to board a vehicle to their destination when they met their untimely death.
http://www.revenuehits.com/lps/pubref/?ref=@RH@n3s-8WBx3Q9ePD-gz4rSIDwUkYMtjc-CedKJQNXmIYM
Another witness said that the mob spontaneously chased the policemen and beat up two of them, while the others escaped with their guns.
The news Agency of Nigeria learnt that the factory along the road, where the policemen were on special duty, was set ablaze by the mob.
The incident later forced police from Okpoko Police Station in Onitsha to carry out a mass arrest of persons along the busy road.
Reacting, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nkeiru Nwode, expressed dismay over the development, saying the youths should have reported the matter to the police.
“It was just an accident. Three people died on the spot and their remains have been deposited in the mortuary.
“The scene of the accident has also been barricaded and the police are in control of the situation,” she said.
Ms. Nwode said the police were against unlawful assembly and would not relent in efforts to maintain peace and order in the state.
Chelsea ready to break world transfer record by signing 26-year-old star
It has been reported recently that Chelsea are ready to break the world record for a defender to sign Juventus full-back Alex Sandro this summer.
The 26-year-old South American is one of Antonio Conte’s top summer targets as the Chelsea head coach looks to strengthen the left side of his defence before the start of the new campaign.
And The Times suggests that the Premier League winners are willing to pay £61m for the signature of Juve left-back
Another EPL giants Manchester City set the current world record for a defender last week after spending £52m on signing AS Monaco star Benjamin Mendy.
Antonio Conte, meanwhile, insists he is in constant contact with Chelsea’s hierarchy over transfer targets.
During his interview, the Italian manager said: ‘With the club we speak every day about the way to strengthen this team and the squad. The club knows very well which is my idea and where are the positions to strengthen, and if this is possible, it is okay. If not, we continue this way.
‘It’s normal for every big team to try and reinforce its squad, to improve in the numerical aspect and to improve the quality. I think this is normal. For sure, in England next season, it will be a great challenge for all the teams.’
The 26-year-old South American is one of Antonio Conte’s top summer targets as the Chelsea head coach looks to strengthen the left side of his defence before the start of the new campaign.
And The Times suggests that the Premier League winners are willing to pay £61m for the signature of Juve left-back
Another EPL giants Manchester City set the current world record for a defender last week after spending £52m on signing AS Monaco star Benjamin Mendy.
Antonio Conte, meanwhile, insists he is in constant contact with Chelsea’s hierarchy over transfer targets.
During his interview, the Italian manager said: ‘With the club we speak every day about the way to strengthen this team and the squad. The club knows very well which is my idea and where are the positions to strengthen, and if this is possible, it is okay. If not, we continue this way.
‘It’s normal for every big team to try and reinforce its squad, to improve in the numerical aspect and to improve the quality. I think this is normal. For sure, in England next season, it will be a great challenge for all the teams.’
Morata starts for Chelsea against Inter Milan, Rudiger a sub.
Morata starts for the first time since his £60m move from Real Madrid, having come on as a substitute in this week’s friendly against Bayern Munich.
Michy Batshuayi also starts. Chelsea’s substitutes include recent signing Antonio Rudiger.
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Willian, Batshuayi, Morata.
Confirmed: Chelsea big-name star holding talks with Serie A giants
The 28-year-old forward has appeared destined to leave the west London lcub since he revealed Antonio Conte informed him he wasn’t in the Chelsea manager’s plans for the new season.
The club most heavily linked with the Spain international has been his former club Atletico Madrid. But while Diego Costa has spoken of his interest in returning to the Vicente Calderon and even filmed himself wearing their shirt recently, the deal is complicated by a transfer ban which prohibits the La Liga side from signing players until January.
Meanwhile, AC Milan have emerged as favourites for his signature and those rumours have now been confirmed by the San Siro club. AC Milan CEO Marco Fassone admitted that club have held talks with Diego Costa’s agent Jorge Mendes.
Fassone told Sky Sports: ‘I would prefer to avoid talking about players from other teams. Diego Costa is a great player, but a Chelsea player. We went to see [Costa’s agent] Jorge Mendes; there is a lot you can talk to him about. Costa is a great player but he is of Chelsea. That’s all.’
Anambra: Boycott inimical to Biafra Struggle – BRM
THE Biafra Reformation Movement, BRM, has said that the call by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB to boycott the election is not in the interest of agitation for a separatist state of Biafra.
The group argued that it is an invitation to anarchy and an opportunity for enemies of Ndigbo to unleash their desire on the Igbo nation.
The group also further argued that such calls could also lead to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Nnamdi Kanu of Biafra
The leader of BRM, Comrade Ndubuisi Igwekani (aka Agu Biafra) at a press conference in Enugu recalled that the Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, stopped the Ndigbo from participating in the last national census, a development that partly led to the depression of the official number of the population.
“Most Igbo’s were not counted, and our number continued to decrease. So we must be careful in our decisions and tactful in some actions we ask our people to take, especially those that will not benefit them.
“Asking our people to boycott the election in Anambra may be an opportunity for an enemy to rule the state, and I don’t see how beneficial it is to the Biafra struggle; it is rather against the interest of our people.
“The person championing that cause I am even suspecting him because whether we boycott or not, elections will still hold and boycotting will not help us achieve Biafra rather we will be creating room for our enemies to come in.
“So we are saying that there must be an election in Anambra state; that boycotting the elections is not in the interest of the people. Everyone may not participate but let those who want to take part be allowed to exercise their fundamental human rights and chose who would rule them so that our territory will not be one to be hijacked by the enemy.
“Anyone saying there won’t be elections in Anambra state is making a great mistake because there shall not be a vacuum. There will be election in Anambra come November 2017.
The group argued that it is an invitation to anarchy and an opportunity for enemies of Ndigbo to unleash their desire on the Igbo nation.
The group also further argued that such calls could also lead to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Nnamdi Kanu of Biafra
The leader of BRM, Comrade Ndubuisi Igwekani (aka Agu Biafra) at a press conference in Enugu recalled that the Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, stopped the Ndigbo from participating in the last national census, a development that partly led to the depression of the official number of the population.
“Most Igbo’s were not counted, and our number continued to decrease. So we must be careful in our decisions and tactful in some actions we ask our people to take, especially those that will not benefit them.
“Asking our people to boycott the election in Anambra may be an opportunity for an enemy to rule the state, and I don’t see how beneficial it is to the Biafra struggle; it is rather against the interest of our people.
“The person championing that cause I am even suspecting him because whether we boycott or not, elections will still hold and boycotting will not help us achieve Biafra rather we will be creating room for our enemies to come in.
“So we are saying that there must be an election in Anambra state; that boycotting the elections is not in the interest of the people. Everyone may not participate but let those who want to take part be allowed to exercise their fundamental human rights and chose who would rule them so that our territory will not be one to be hijacked by the enemy.
“Anyone saying there won’t be elections in Anambra state is making a great mistake because there shall not be a vacuum. There will be election in Anambra come November 2017.
10 pro-Biafra groups carpet NASS for rejecting restructuring.
*Say no future elections in eastern region without restructuring
*Give Oct. 1 deadline for commencement of process
By Emeka Mamah, Vincent Ujumadu, Levinus Nwabughiogu
Enugu — 10 pro-Biafra groups, including the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday lambasted the National Assembly, NASS, for rejecting the restructuring of the country, saying that there would be no future elections in the old Eastern Region if genuine efforts were not made to start the process before October 1, this year.
MASSOB, in a statement by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu said that it was not surprised that the National Assembly rejected the call for the restructuring of Nigeria, as the outcome was evidence that the country’s leaders were not prepared for equity and justice in the country.
The other nine pro-Biafra groups which met in Enugu argued that the 1999 Constitution which was handed over to Nigerians by the General Abdusalami Abubakar’s military administration was more of a decree and hence unworkable as a constitution.
Overall Leader of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
The groups included the Eastern Consultative Assembly, ECA, South- East Elders Union, SEEU, the South East Christian Network, Igbo Women Assembly, Igbo Traders Association, South East/South Youth Assembly, Ofuobi Cultural Association, Igbo Students Union and Igbo Youth Movement, IYM.
In their communique entitled, “Enugu Declaration,” the groups lamented that “the General Abubakar Decree 24 popularly known as the 1999 Constitution and its militarily imposed unitary structure simply makes it impossible for the hapless electorate to choose their own leaders.,” warning that Nigeria must be restructured now or count the easterners out of future elections in the country.
The communique was signed by the Founder of IYM, Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu- Uko, Publicity Secretary of ECA, Rev Fr John Odeh, as well as Dr Alfred Udokwu for South East Elders Union; Bishop Mike Ibenene for South East Christian Network,; Chief (Mrs) Maria Okwor for Igbo Women Assembly; Chief Chris Obikwelu for Igbo Traders Association; Mazi Chimezie Ubani for Igbo Students Union; Comrade Akpan Effiong for South East/South South Youth Assembly and Elder Richard Okonkwo for Ofuobi Cultural Association.
According to the communique; “the Eastern Consultative Assembly, in conjunction with eight other groups held an emergency meeting today (yesterday) in Enugu and declare as follows:
“Due to the desperate attempts by enemies of equity and justice to sustain by all means this evil unitary structure that has visited untold hardship, misery and disequilibrium on our land, we are now left with no other choice than to embark on civil disobedience and passive resistance, accordingly, our people will no longer participate in their unitary Nigeria events henceforth.
“Having consulted widely among our people, in order to build lasting and binding consensus, before taking final decision, and since the shocking attempts by those who are fiercely opposed to returning Nigeria back to regional arrangement through a peaceful restructuring process decided to insult the entire country by embarking on childish distraction of quit notices and divide and rule tactics, and unhelpful constitutional amendments, all geared towards sustaining the current unitary structure imposed on Nigeria on May 26th 1967, it has become necessary to make public our findings and decision.
“The struggle by a tiny clique to sustain by all means, the status quo, imposed on Nigeria by unelected soldiers, by issuing threats of war in the false hope that the 196 million Nigerians held down in unacceptable squalor, fear, helplessness and arrested development will be cowed by this threats of military action and therefore back down from the noble struggle to save Nigeria, through a peaceful restructuring is provocative and offensive.
“Their arrogance, and ruthlessness has no place in the 21st century. It can only lead to the death of Nigeria.
“Nigeria must be restructured, if Nigeria is to survive. Egalitarianism, equity and merit-based system must be enthroned. And fiscal federalism and regional autonomy established through a new people’s constitution, affirmed at a referendum. This is the irreducible minimum. Those struggling to resist this desirable change that will save Nigeria, and grant every zone a sense of belonging, are hereby declared enemies of the people.
“Accordingly, we the oppressed masses of Eastern Nigeria, conscious of the fate of our children, reject in totality, the quite offensive arrogance of those opposed to restructuring, and hereby declare that we will not participate further in any elections whatsoever until Nigeria is restructured to true fiscal federalism anchored on regional autonomy.
“We restate that if genuine processes towards restructuring Nigeria is not embarked upon by the Federal Government on or before the 1st of October 2017, our people will find it extremely difficult to continue to participate in the Nigerian project.
“The division in the land, the hate in the system and the apprehension in the air, all, confirm the urgency for a re-engineering and reconstruction of the nation, we aver that those who disagree, are not only enemies of the country, but also agents of destabilization.
“We affirm, with every sense of responsibility, that continuing to vote in elections in this dysfunctional land will be deepening the hole the country has fallen into. Moreover, we do not wish to enslave our children to a life of second class status. We will no longer vote in any elections whatsoever, until Nigeria is restructured. Period. This is the demand, desire and decision of the masses of Eastern Nigeria.
“We therefore conclude, that apart from the political class and their political structure oti mpku (foot soldiers) and the elite club who live in comfort zones, 99 percent of our people do not see any benefits of electing leaders the structure makes impossible to hold accountable, leaders who remain insensitive to the needs of the masses. Restructure now, or count us out of your elections.”
MASSOB leader, in his own statement said the organisation was, indeed, celebrating the rejection of restructuring by the National Assembly as it would enhance its struggle for the actualization of Biafra.
According to him, the latest position of the Nigerian Senate on devolution of powers, restructuring and other national interests for national equity and justice was wholesome evidence that Nigeria was handed over to Hausa Fulani by the British colonial masters.
He said: “In fact, we had said it uncountable times that no meaningful process to restructure Nigeria will ever work because it will affect the fraudulent foundation of the system that birthed Nigeria by the British.
“This Arewa opposition to the national equity and justice will continue to revive the over- charged Biafra consciousness and tension in Nigeria. MASSOB hails the northern dominated Nigerian Senate for opposing all the efforts for national equity and justice that was expected to affect the regional interest of Arewa people. We know that Britain would have been disappointed in the religious leaders of Arewa people if Nigeria is restructured for national equity and justice.
“MASSOB and other pro Biafra groups are being justified in their non violence activities for Biafra actualization and restoration. With this development, what will Igbo political, religious and traditional leaders do now for their ever loved Nigeria? Even the North central, the so called Middle Belt senators cowardly bowed to the pressure of the core northern leaders.”
MASSOB added that it was also not moved by the review or removal of the quit notice order given to the people of Biafra by a coalition of Arewa Youths, advising that whatever was the original reason behind the first step of the quit notice order should be carried out, “unless they have suddenly become cowards in their own land”
Madu said further: “MASSOB charges the coalition of the Arewa Youths not to back out from their threat against Ndigbo living in Arewa land. Millions of Igbo Biafrans are residents in all the urban and rural towns of Arewa land waiting for the destruction of their lives and property by Arewa Youths coalition led by their arrowhead, Yerima Shettima.
“MASSOB advises Yerima Shettima and his fellow Arewa Youths not to change their minds on October 1st. The world is waiting to see the latest political drama that will erupt in Africa. The threat can never stop MASSOB and other groups on Biafra self determination struggle for actualization and restoration.
“The journey for the freedom of Biafra has reached the point of no return and we can never relent as we shall continue to maintain our non violence principle.”
Meanwhile, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke has lashed out at the federal lawmakers for opposing restructuring saying they made a huge mistake.
Reacting to the development in Abuja, Hon. Nwuke who was a member of the immediate past 7th Assembly where he represented Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State said that the lawmakers had failed to make history.
He said that the exercise was one timely opportunity the National Assembly needed to start the much yearned restructuring of Nigeria to give States more power.
“It is strange, very strange that members of the 8th Legislature apparently do not appear to appreciate the enormity of the growing frustration among Nigerians who very much want to renegotiate what they see as the unfavourable relationships that have more or less hampered the march to nationhood.
“As leaders, we have been inundated by calls for the restructuring of the country. Here we were with a unique opportunity to prove to doubting Thomases who do believe in the Nigerian project that we could truly as a nation commence the process with a carefully crafted move designed to make the devolution of power part of the amendments.
“Many Nigerians agree that shedding the weight of an overbearing Federal Government is necessary, at least to put development in the States and possibly the local government on the fast track. There is no doubt that in restructuring the responsibility of the states for instance, the spate of agitation across the country would have been slowed down.
“For reasons that are best known to lawmakers, they shut down a little window that could have given renewed vigour to those who pray daily for stimulating changes which would move the nation forward.
“For the National Assembly, a vote in favour of the devolution of powers could have shown clearly that the legislative institution has the capability to deal gradually with issues that Nigerians want their leaders to address, some of which may not be sustainable at this time.
“I think the vote against the devolution of power was a huge mistake, an exhibition of some narrow parochial calculation that can only create more problems.
“As a country we failed to make history but I think that the National Assembly lost the chance to be part of that history”, he said.
*Give Oct. 1 deadline for commencement of process
By Emeka Mamah, Vincent Ujumadu, Levinus Nwabughiogu
Enugu — 10 pro-Biafra groups, including the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, yesterday lambasted the National Assembly, NASS, for rejecting the restructuring of the country, saying that there would be no future elections in the old Eastern Region if genuine efforts were not made to start the process before October 1, this year.
MASSOB, in a statement by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu said that it was not surprised that the National Assembly rejected the call for the restructuring of Nigeria, as the outcome was evidence that the country’s leaders were not prepared for equity and justice in the country.
The other nine pro-Biafra groups which met in Enugu argued that the 1999 Constitution which was handed over to Nigerians by the General Abdusalami Abubakar’s military administration was more of a decree and hence unworkable as a constitution.
The groups included the Eastern Consultative Assembly, ECA, South- East Elders Union, SEEU, the South East Christian Network, Igbo Women Assembly, Igbo Traders Association, South East/South Youth Assembly, Ofuobi Cultural Association, Igbo Students Union and Igbo Youth Movement, IYM.
In their communique entitled, “Enugu Declaration,” the groups lamented that “the General Abubakar Decree 24 popularly known as the 1999 Constitution and its militarily imposed unitary structure simply makes it impossible for the hapless electorate to choose their own leaders.,” warning that Nigeria must be restructured now or count the easterners out of future elections in the country.
The communique was signed by the Founder of IYM, Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu- Uko, Publicity Secretary of ECA, Rev Fr John Odeh, as well as Dr Alfred Udokwu for South East Elders Union; Bishop Mike Ibenene for South East Christian Network,; Chief (Mrs) Maria Okwor for Igbo Women Assembly; Chief Chris Obikwelu for Igbo Traders Association; Mazi Chimezie Ubani for Igbo Students Union; Comrade Akpan Effiong for South East/South South Youth Assembly and Elder Richard Okonkwo for Ofuobi Cultural Association.
According to the communique; “the Eastern Consultative Assembly, in conjunction with eight other groups held an emergency meeting today (yesterday) in Enugu and declare as follows:
“Due to the desperate attempts by enemies of equity and justice to sustain by all means this evil unitary structure that has visited untold hardship, misery and disequilibrium on our land, we are now left with no other choice than to embark on civil disobedience and passive resistance, accordingly, our people will no longer participate in their unitary Nigeria events henceforth.
“Having consulted widely among our people, in order to build lasting and binding consensus, before taking final decision, and since the shocking attempts by those who are fiercely opposed to returning Nigeria back to regional arrangement through a peaceful restructuring process decided to insult the entire country by embarking on childish distraction of quit notices and divide and rule tactics, and unhelpful constitutional amendments, all geared towards sustaining the current unitary structure imposed on Nigeria on May 26th 1967, it has become necessary to make public our findings and decision.
“The struggle by a tiny clique to sustain by all means, the status quo, imposed on Nigeria by unelected soldiers, by issuing threats of war in the false hope that the 196 million Nigerians held down in unacceptable squalor, fear, helplessness and arrested development will be cowed by this threats of military action and therefore back down from the noble struggle to save Nigeria, through a peaceful restructuring is provocative and offensive.
“Their arrogance, and ruthlessness has no place in the 21st century. It can only lead to the death of Nigeria.
“Nigeria must be restructured, if Nigeria is to survive. Egalitarianism, equity and merit-based system must be enthroned. And fiscal federalism and regional autonomy established through a new people’s constitution, affirmed at a referendum. This is the irreducible minimum. Those struggling to resist this desirable change that will save Nigeria, and grant every zone a sense of belonging, are hereby declared enemies of the people.
“Accordingly, we the oppressed masses of Eastern Nigeria, conscious of the fate of our children, reject in totality, the quite offensive arrogance of those opposed to restructuring, and hereby declare that we will not participate further in any elections whatsoever until Nigeria is restructured to true fiscal federalism anchored on regional autonomy.
“We restate that if genuine processes towards restructuring Nigeria is not embarked upon by the Federal Government on or before the 1st of October 2017, our people will find it extremely difficult to continue to participate in the Nigerian project.
“The division in the land, the hate in the system and the apprehension in the air, all, confirm the urgency for a re-engineering and reconstruction of the nation, we aver that those who disagree, are not only enemies of the country, but also agents of destabilization.
“We affirm, with every sense of responsibility, that continuing to vote in elections in this dysfunctional land will be deepening the hole the country has fallen into. Moreover, we do not wish to enslave our children to a life of second class status. We will no longer vote in any elections whatsoever, until Nigeria is restructured. Period. This is the demand, desire and decision of the masses of Eastern Nigeria.
“We therefore conclude, that apart from the political class and their political structure oti mpku (foot soldiers) and the elite club who live in comfort zones, 99 percent of our people do not see any benefits of electing leaders the structure makes impossible to hold accountable, leaders who remain insensitive to the needs of the masses. Restructure now, or count us out of your elections.”
MASSOB leader, in his own statement said the organisation was, indeed, celebrating the rejection of restructuring by the National Assembly as it would enhance its struggle for the actualization of Biafra.
According to him, the latest position of the Nigerian Senate on devolution of powers, restructuring and other national interests for national equity and justice was wholesome evidence that Nigeria was handed over to Hausa Fulani by the British colonial masters.
He said: “In fact, we had said it uncountable times that no meaningful process to restructure Nigeria will ever work because it will affect the fraudulent foundation of the system that birthed Nigeria by the British.
“This Arewa opposition to the national equity and justice will continue to revive the over- charged Biafra consciousness and tension in Nigeria. MASSOB hails the northern dominated Nigerian Senate for opposing all the efforts for national equity and justice that was expected to affect the regional interest of Arewa people. We know that Britain would have been disappointed in the religious leaders of Arewa people if Nigeria is restructured for national equity and justice.
“MASSOB and other pro Biafra groups are being justified in their non violence activities for Biafra actualization and restoration. With this development, what will Igbo political, religious and traditional leaders do now for their ever loved Nigeria? Even the North central, the so called Middle Belt senators cowardly bowed to the pressure of the core northern leaders.”
MASSOB added that it was also not moved by the review or removal of the quit notice order given to the people of Biafra by a coalition of Arewa Youths, advising that whatever was the original reason behind the first step of the quit notice order should be carried out, “unless they have suddenly become cowards in their own land”
Madu said further: “MASSOB charges the coalition of the Arewa Youths not to back out from their threat against Ndigbo living in Arewa land. Millions of Igbo Biafrans are residents in all the urban and rural towns of Arewa land waiting for the destruction of their lives and property by Arewa Youths coalition led by their arrowhead, Yerima Shettima.
“MASSOB advises Yerima Shettima and his fellow Arewa Youths not to change their minds on October 1st. The world is waiting to see the latest political drama that will erupt in Africa. The threat can never stop MASSOB and other groups on Biafra self determination struggle for actualization and restoration.
“The journey for the freedom of Biafra has reached the point of no return and we can never relent as we shall continue to maintain our non violence principle.”
Meanwhile, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke has lashed out at the federal lawmakers for opposing restructuring saying they made a huge mistake.
Reacting to the development in Abuja, Hon. Nwuke who was a member of the immediate past 7th Assembly where he represented Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State said that the lawmakers had failed to make history.
He said that the exercise was one timely opportunity the National Assembly needed to start the much yearned restructuring of Nigeria to give States more power.
“It is strange, very strange that members of the 8th Legislature apparently do not appear to appreciate the enormity of the growing frustration among Nigerians who very much want to renegotiate what they see as the unfavourable relationships that have more or less hampered the march to nationhood.
“As leaders, we have been inundated by calls for the restructuring of the country. Here we were with a unique opportunity to prove to doubting Thomases who do believe in the Nigerian project that we could truly as a nation commence the process with a carefully crafted move designed to make the devolution of power part of the amendments.
“Many Nigerians agree that shedding the weight of an overbearing Federal Government is necessary, at least to put development in the States and possibly the local government on the fast track. There is no doubt that in restructuring the responsibility of the states for instance, the spate of agitation across the country would have been slowed down.
“For reasons that are best known to lawmakers, they shut down a little window that could have given renewed vigour to those who pray daily for stimulating changes which would move the nation forward.
“For the National Assembly, a vote in favour of the devolution of powers could have shown clearly that the legislative institution has the capability to deal gradually with issues that Nigerians want their leaders to address, some of which may not be sustainable at this time.
“I think the vote against the devolution of power was a huge mistake, an exhibition of some narrow parochial calculation that can only create more problems.
“As a country we failed to make history but I think that the National Assembly lost the chance to be part of that history”, he said.
Ronaldo to start season in court
Cristiano Ronaldo faces a brutal return to Madrid before starting pre-season training with Real Madrid as he is expected in court on Monday, accused of evading millions in taxes.
Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Euro 2016 semi-final football match between Portugal and Wales at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium in Décines-Charpieu, near Lyon, on July 6, 2016.
Portugal beat Wales 2-0 to move into the finals. / AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU
The 32-year-old — the world’s highest paid athlete according to Forbes magazine — will be questioned by a court in Pozuelo de Alarcon, a wealthy suburb of Madrid where he lives, over allegations he evaded 14.7 million euros ($17.2 million) in tax.
The Portuguese star follows in the steps of his arch-rival, Barcelona forward and Argentina star Lionel Messi, who was found guilty of the same offence last year, although the sums involved were smaller.
Madrid’s public prosecutors accuse Ronaldo of having taken “advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities”.
They say this was a “voluntary and conscious breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain”.
Prosecutors accuse the four-time world player of the year of evading tax via a shell company based in the British Virgin Islands and another in Ireland, known for low corporate tax rates.
In addition, they say the Real Madrid striker only declared 11.5 million euros of Spanish-related income from 2011 to 2014, while what he really earned during that time was close to 43 million euros.
And finally, they accuse him of “voluntarily” refusing to include 28.4 million euros in income linked to the sale of his image rights for the 2015 to 2020 period to a Spanish company.
– ‘Conscience is clear’ –
Ronaldo has defended himself, saying his “conscience is clear”.
But the allegations still took their toll, and the man with the “CR7” brand, Real’s all-time top goalscorer, threatened to leave Spain over the affair, giving supporters a fright.
He has since hinted he will stay on, telling Spanish sports daily Marca that he would like to continue to win trophies for Real.
Ronaldo is not the only footballer to fall foul of authorities in Spain, which is only just recovering from a damaging economic crisis that saw countless people lose their jobs and inequalities rise.
Messi was sentenced to a 21-month jail sentence and 2.09-million-euro fine last year for tax fraud.
His prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of 252,000 euros, which corresponds to 400 euros for each day of jail.
Barcelona’s Argentine defender Javier Mascherano, meanwhile, agreed a one-year suspended sentence with authorities for tax fraud last year.
Brazil star Neymar, another Barcelona forward, and his parents are also due to stand trial for alleged corruption over his transfer from Santos in 2013.
– Super-agent Mendes –
Real have not been spared either.
Apart from Ronaldo, former player Angel di Maria, Portuguese defender Fabio Coentrao and Jose Mourinho, who coached the club from 2009 to 2013, have all been accused of tax fraud.
All are clients of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who was also questioned and put under official investigation last month by a Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, another footballer in his stable.
Mendes defended himself, telling the closed door hearing that he “never” advised players in tax matters.
Where Ronaldo is concerned, Mendes’s company Gestifute has denied any “fiscal set-up” and said “the player didn’t hide anything”.
But if he were put on trial and found guilty, Ronaldo risks “a fine of at least 28 million” euros and could potentially be jailed for three-and-a-half years, the Gestha union of experts at Spain’s Inland Revenue has said.
Since extending his contract last November until 2021, Ronaldo is the highest paid sports star in the world with $93 million (80 million euros) earned in 2016-2017, according to Forbes.
Friday 28 July 2017
Biafra: Arewa Youths urge Osinbajo to arrest Nnamdi Kanu
Arewa Youths on Thursday called on the Presidency to order the arrest and detention of the national leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
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This comes as tension generated by their quit notice to Igbos living in the North is yet to reduce.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja, the Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, AYA, Mohammed Salihu and the Clerk, Desmond Minakaro, accused the federal government of aiding and abetting Kanu to breach his bail conditions.
“The Leadership of Arewa Youth Assembly has observed with keen interest the high level of lawlessness exhibited by Nnamdi Kanu since he was granted bail in June this year and the conspiracy of silence displayed by the federal government and its security agencies in the face of such affront by the IPOB leader. No doubt, this lawlessness is capable of disintegrating this country.
“The level of insecurity and youth agitations calls for concern by all well meaning Nigerians. These threats have turned our country in a place of uncertainty and now a laughing stock within the international communities. Nigerians now live in a state of fear and trauma for the fear of the unknown.
“Any nation or institution which cannot abide by its own laws, rules and regulations is bound to fail and not worthy of being a nation or institution. It is on record that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja presided by Honourable Justice Binta Nyako on the 28th April, 2017, granted bail to one Mr. Nnamdi Kanu on health grounds with about 12 conditions attached to his Bail.
“Gentlemen of press, you will all agree with us that the said Nnamdi Kanu has openly violated his bail conditions, chief among which are that he should not address a press conference; a rally and should not be in a gathering of not more than ten persons.
“The most surprising and amazing of this is that the Federal Government is watching while Nnamdi Kanu is creating a state within a State, threatening to stop Anambra State gubernatorial election by holding rallies in South South and South East states and using provocative and inciting words, granting interviews to the press, which pose a threat to national unity and security.
“This level of lawlessness has left us with no option than to doubt the ability of our Acting President to successfully preside over the affairs of our country. Our Acting President seems to be under the control of some cabals when it comes to decision-making.
“We therefore, wish to advise the Acting President to sit up and be in firm control of the government of Nigeria and begin to address the myriads of issues threatening the unity of this great nation,” the Arewa youths said.
IPOB leader, Kanu says there will be no election in Imo, Biafra land in 2019
Owerri – The leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Friday, called on the people of Imo state, not to vote in 2019.
He made this statement while speaking to the millions of Biafra supporters at Orlu road roundabout in Imo state.
He made this statement while speaking to the millions of Biafra supporters at Orlu road roundabout in Imo state.
PPA candidate, Ezeemo urges electorate to shun money bag
The candidate of Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, Chief Godwin Ezeemo, has appealed to the electorate to shun money bags and focus on the antecedence of candidates while making the choice of who emerges the next of governor of the state.
Chief Ezeemo, who made the call shortly after he emerged winner of PPA primary election, decried the manner at which some politicians brazenly compromise voters in the name of winning election, lamented, “that is the reason we are stuck.”
The businessman turned politician, who, however, declared his resolve to unseat the incumbent Governor Willy Obiano, said history would repeat itself as the incident of the 2003 election when an incumbent seeking for re-election lost to an opposition candidate in the poll in the state.
Opposition candidate
According to him, “The electorate should now choose their candidate, who they want to vote for according to who that candidate is and not according to what his political party is.
Because we have followed this routine in the past and that is the reason why we are shucked, that is the reason why we are held up in the forest.”
“But in our own, we are not buying the electorate. We appeal to the conscience of the electorate for them to make a choice between us and some other persons that are in the race. So, they know that their association is not based on the money they have collected. Do you understand that?
“My appeal to the electorate is for the electorate to start to look at candidates now from the point of view of their antecedence, from the point of view of what they have done in the past, from the point of view of who they are, what they have been able to do in the society at large.”
Chief Ezeemo, who made the call shortly after he emerged winner of PPA primary election, decried the manner at which some politicians brazenly compromise voters in the name of winning election, lamented, “that is the reason we are stuck.”
The businessman turned politician, who, however, declared his resolve to unseat the incumbent Governor Willy Obiano, said history would repeat itself as the incident of the 2003 election when an incumbent seeking for re-election lost to an opposition candidate in the poll in the state.
Opposition candidate
According to him, “The electorate should now choose their candidate, who they want to vote for according to who that candidate is and not according to what his political party is.
Because we have followed this routine in the past and that is the reason why we are shucked, that is the reason why we are held up in the forest.”
“But in our own, we are not buying the electorate. We appeal to the conscience of the electorate for them to make a choice between us and some other persons that are in the race. So, they know that their association is not based on the money they have collected. Do you understand that?
“My appeal to the electorate is for the electorate to start to look at candidates now from the point of view of their antecedence, from the point of view of what they have done in the past, from the point of view of who they are, what they have been able to do in the society at large.”
15 parties to field joint candidate
This was even as the alliance expressed its readiness to work with either of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC or the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and any registered political party that presents good candidates in future elections in the country.
Reacting to the newly formed Coalition for New Nigeria CNN, another coalition of several political parties which Monday pledged to dislodge the APC from government in 2019, leader of the Mega Coalition Chief Perry Opara said his coalition was not in enmity with APC, PDP or any political party in Nigeria.
“Ours is a friendly coalition, an electoral alliance for the sole purpose of winning elections. We are not averse to any political party. We are ready to work with APC, PDP or any party that presents good candidates that will provide dividends of democracy and maintain peace and unity in Nigeria.
“At Mega Coalition, we see political parties as vehicles while candidates are passengers. The Mega Coalition is the motor park with many vehicles (political parties).
Every election is unique and has different peculiarities. Mega Coalition gives more attention to candidates than to political leaning.”
We have robust ideas on how to win 2019 elections and we shall try it first with Anambra elections”, Opara said.
According to him, the coalition will soon announce the consensus governorship candidates for Anambra elections and do same for Ekiti and Osun elections.
Why I’m moving to establish Federal University in Anambra — Nwoye
APC governorship aspirant, Mr Tony Nwoye has commended members of the House of Representatives for supporting his proposal to boost education in Anambra State through the establishment of a Federal University of Education in Nsugbe.
The legislator, who is one of the leading aspirants on the platform of the APC made the legislative move on the floor of the House of Representatives when he presented the motion. He was backed by a number of legislators including the former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Ossai Ossai. The bill to establish the school is titled “A bill for an Act to establish a Federal University of Education, Nsugbe to provide Training and Teaching Instructions in every aspect of Education and such other Fields of Applied Learning relevant to the needs of the development of education in Nigeria, Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students and for Related Matters.”
Presenting the bill during consideration for Second Reading, Nwoye said that the institution when established would help to improve the standard of education in the country. “It will upgrade the standard of learning, refocus our education, establish the issue of postgraduate studies. It will help engender and improve the educational system.” Supporting, Ossai said: “We need the school to be upgraded to a university; they have the necessary manpower. I support the bill.”
The legislator, who is one of the leading aspirants on the platform of the APC made the legislative move on the floor of the House of Representatives when he presented the motion. He was backed by a number of legislators including the former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Ossai Ossai. The bill to establish the school is titled “A bill for an Act to establish a Federal University of Education, Nsugbe to provide Training and Teaching Instructions in every aspect of Education and such other Fields of Applied Learning relevant to the needs of the development of education in Nigeria, Matters of Administration and Discipline of Students and for Related Matters.”
Presenting the bill during consideration for Second Reading, Nwoye said that the institution when established would help to improve the standard of education in the country. “It will upgrade the standard of learning, refocus our education, establish the issue of postgraduate studies. It will help engender and improve the educational system.” Supporting, Ossai said: “We need the school to be upgraded to a university; they have the necessary manpower. I support the bill.”
Saturday 22 July 2017
I want to attend rallies, grant interviews – Kanu tells court
The IPOB leader is asking the court to vary the conditions of the bail which it had granted him.
In her ruling delivered on April 25 2017, Justice Binta Nyako, had granted bail to Kanu on health grounds.
Kanu, in his application filed on July 1 , 2017, insisted that parts of the bail conditions prohibiting him from being seen in a crowd exceeding 10 persons, granting press interviews and holding or attending rallies, violated his constitutional rights.
Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said in the motion that the undesirable bail terms and conditions were contained in paragraphs 2 (vii) and (viii ) of the court’s ruling, granting bail to his client on April 25.
Citing several Sections of the 1999 Constitution, Kanu’ motion is seeking, “An order of this honourable court varying the bail conditions given to the first defendant/ applicant on April 25, 2017, by outrightly (sic ) vacating paragraph 2 (vii) and (viii ) in the said order, which stipulates ‘that the first defendant should not be seen in a crowd exceeding 10 people; and that the defendant should not grant any interviews, hold or attend any rallies , respectively.”
Ejiofor argued that the bail conditions were excessive, while maintaining that by virtue of Section 36 (5 ) of the 1999 Constitution, his client was presumed innocent.
He contended that the part of the condition barring him from being seen in a crowd exceeding 10 people contradicted his client’s right to freedom of association, and peaceful assembly, as guaranteed by Section 40 of the Constitution.
He added that the part of the conditions barring Kanu from granting press interviews constituted an infringement of the defendant’s right to freedom of expression provided under Section 39 of the Constitution.
The lawyer stated, “Section 36(5 ) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as (amended) presume as innocent citizens charged with criminal offence until guilt is proved.
“Paragraph 2 (vii) in the order , which stipulates that the first defendant/applicant cannot be seen in a crowd exceeding 10 people, contradicts the applicant’s right to freedom of association, and peaceful assembly granted by Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 , (as amended).
“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as (amended) provides for citizens ’ rights to freedom of expression and press.
“The bail conditions granted the first defendant/ applicant, particularly conditions in paragraph 2 (vii) and (viii ) in the said order , clearly discriminated against the first defendant/ applicant, and subjected him to certain disabilities and restrictions.”
#LagosLGpolls: 10 parties step down at Ambode’s ward
Vanguard investigation revealed that at the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, ward, only two of the 12 political parties contested the poll; they were All Progressives Congress, APC and Labour Party.
Also in Eredo and Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, announced that its candidate will not be contesting the poll in the state.
Also in Ojo Local Government, Iba and Oto-Awori LCDAs, eight political parties also backed out from the poll.
It was gathered that some of the political parties cited brilliant performance of the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife, Bolanle.
..Ambode reacts over withdrawal
Reacting over the withdrawal, Ambode, who defied downpour to cast his vote at Ward A6, unit 33 in Ogunmodede College, Papa, Epe Local Government, where he was the 12th electorate cast his vote, said that he was not aware of their withdrawal.
He said: “There are 12 parties contesting today but in this particular ward, maybe the PDP candidate must have withdrawn. I do not know. What is important to me is to vote for my own candidate which is APC but if it happens that other candidates are not contesting in this ward maybe it’s a reflection of what we are doing.”
Fani-Kayode replies Adesina on Buhari’s return.
Former Minister of Aviation and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has replied President Muhammadu Buhari spokesman, Femi Adesina who had in a special feature titled; “President Muhammadu Buhari and the descendants of Shimei’’, said that Filthy dreamers. They Speak Evil Of Dignities, And Despise Dominion. But We Forgive Them, For They Know Not What They Do. When President Buhari Returns (as God Would Make Him Do) Where Would They Hide Their Faces? In Shame.
Femi Fani-Kayode, President M Buhari and Special Adviser on Media to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina
Femi Fani-Kayode in his response to Adesina said Adesina was wrong saying ‘when Buhari returns some people will bury their heads in shame…’
And that ‘Truth is when Buhari returns some people will prop him up and pretend that he is well enough to be President until he falls sick and goes back again.
Femi Fani-Kayode, President M Buhari and Special Adviser on Media to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina
Femi Fani-Kayode in his response to Adesina said Adesina was wrong saying ‘when Buhari returns some people will bury their heads in shame…’
And that ‘Truth is when Buhari returns some people will prop him up and pretend that he is well enough to be President until he falls sick and goes back again.
Don’t complain against government if you didn’t vote –Tinubu
Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on Saturday said that eligible voters in Lagos State who did not cast their votes in the local government elections would not be justified to complain against local councils.
Oluremi, representing Lagos Central, said this in Lagos in an interview with journalists in her residence in Bourdillon, Ikoyi.
The wife of a former Governor of the State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bola Tinubu, spoke with newsmen after casting her vote.
“This is the time to show solidarity for the government; we believe that this government is working; this is the time that everybody should perform his/her civic duty,’’ she said.
The senator said that voting was a way to hold governments accountable.
“It is not for you but for your generation yet unborn so that things can be put in place.
“We have set the standard in Lagos; every elected candidate does not have any choice but to work,’’ she said.
She said that she had been working as a people’s representative for the past six years and would continue to do so till the end of her tenure.
Mrs Tinubu commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for efforts in conducting the polls.
“LASIEC has done well; security personnel are on ground ensuring that there is peace and order.’’
Also, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, who voted at Ward E, Olonade Street, Yaba LGA, commended voters who turned out in spite of the downpour.
“Voters have shown support for democracy by coming to vote in spite of the rain.
“Starting the election behind schedule is understandable due to the downpour; it is impressive.
“I believe that APC will carry the day,’’ he said.
Mr Jide Jimoh, representing Lagos Mainland in the House of Representatives, told journalists that the elections had been peaceful.
“The election process is fantastic so far, and I commend the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for that.
“I won’t want to make any judgment on LASIEC because we are just starting. Taking off does not matter; it is landing that is the most important thing.
“We have taken off; at the end of the day, we will see the result. I expect a positive result,’’ he said.
Oluremi, representing Lagos Central, said this in Lagos in an interview with journalists in her residence in Bourdillon, Ikoyi.
The wife of a former Governor of the State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bola Tinubu, spoke with newsmen after casting her vote.
“This is the time to show solidarity for the government; we believe that this government is working; this is the time that everybody should perform his/her civic duty,’’ she said.
The senator said that voting was a way to hold governments accountable.
“It is not for you but for your generation yet unborn so that things can be put in place.
“We have set the standard in Lagos; every elected candidate does not have any choice but to work,’’ she said.
She said that she had been working as a people’s representative for the past six years and would continue to do so till the end of her tenure.
Mrs Tinubu commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for efforts in conducting the polls.
“LASIEC has done well; security personnel are on ground ensuring that there is peace and order.’’
Also, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, who voted at Ward E, Olonade Street, Yaba LGA, commended voters who turned out in spite of the downpour.
“Voters have shown support for democracy by coming to vote in spite of the rain.
“Starting the election behind schedule is understandable due to the downpour; it is impressive.
“I believe that APC will carry the day,’’ he said.
Mr Jide Jimoh, representing Lagos Mainland in the House of Representatives, told journalists that the elections had been peaceful.
“The election process is fantastic so far, and I commend the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for that.
“I won’t want to make any judgment on LASIEC because we are just starting. Taking off does not matter; it is landing that is the most important thing.
“We have taken off; at the end of the day, we will see the result. I expect a positive result,’’ he said.
Friday 21 July 2017
Nnamdi Kanu visits pro-Biafra supporters in Port Harcourt
- IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, receives hero’s welcome by mammoth crowd in Port Harcourt - Kanu says there is nothing like one Nigeria, insisting that Biafra is the reward of the people - OPC describes Nnamdi Kanu as a 'nonentity' for berating Olusegun Obasanjo and insulting Bola Tinubu A large number of pro-Biafra supporters converged in Igweocha in Port Harcourt to receive the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on Friday, July 21. Addressing the crowd which was reported to be over 3 million, Nnamdi Kanu said there is nothing like one Nigeria, insisting that Biafra is the reward of the people. The IPOB leader described Biafra as the destiny of the people. He urged his supporters to demand for Biafra now for the benefit of their children and their grand children who have been marginalized by those in Abuja. Kanu also led the crowd in prayers for the divine help to actualize Biafra. IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu in Port Harcourt,
photo credit: Screen grab of video from Somto Okonkwo’ s Facebook page IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, addressing supporters in Port Harcourt,
photo credit: Screen grab of video from Somto Okonkwo’s Facebook page Pro-Biafra supporters at the rally in Port Harcourt, photo credits: Radio Biafra Facebook page Meanwhile, Kanu’s visit to Port Harcourt is sequel to his recent visit to Nri, regarded as the ancestral home of Ndigbo in Anambra state where he said the alleged plot to Islamise Nigeria was real. The IPOB leader had told a crowd of Biafra activists that he would resist the plan to Islamise any part of Igbo land, adding that such an “evil agenda” will not succeed in his life time. Kanu reiterated his opposition to the November 18 Anambra governorship poll, insisting that no election will be allowed in Biafra land beginning with the Anambra election. He urged the crowd to remain indoors and be non-violent on the day of the coming election. In other news, the Reformed Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), has described the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, as a 'nonentity' for berating former president Olusegun Obasanjo and insulting the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu. The OPC warned that it will not sit back any longer and watch as Kanu insults Yoruba elders
photo credit: Screen grab of video from Somto Okonkwo’ s Facebook page IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, addressing supporters in Port Harcourt,
photo credit: Screen grab of video from Somto Okonkwo’s Facebook page Pro-Biafra supporters at the rally in Port Harcourt, photo credits: Radio Biafra Facebook page Meanwhile, Kanu’s visit to Port Harcourt is sequel to his recent visit to Nri, regarded as the ancestral home of Ndigbo in Anambra state where he said the alleged plot to Islamise Nigeria was real. The IPOB leader had told a crowd of Biafra activists that he would resist the plan to Islamise any part of Igbo land, adding that such an “evil agenda” will not succeed in his life time. Kanu reiterated his opposition to the November 18 Anambra governorship poll, insisting that no election will be allowed in Biafra land beginning with the Anambra election. He urged the crowd to remain indoors and be non-violent on the day of the coming election. In other news, the Reformed Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), has described the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, as a 'nonentity' for berating former president Olusegun Obasanjo and insulting the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu. The OPC warned that it will not sit back any longer and watch as Kanu insults Yoruba elders
Kidnappers shot dead during ransom negotiation
- The Police have killed a four-man armed kidnappers syndicate in Aba, Abia state - The kidnappers had abducted a man identified as Onyemaechi Mbamaonyeukwu Ijeoma, the Managing Director of Mba Hotels Aba - The detectives swooped in on the hoodlums’ den where the gang opened fire on sighting them The Nigeria Police have smashed a four-man armed kidnap syndicate terrorizing Aba and its environs. The Punch reports that police detectives attached to Omoba Division got the upper hand on the syndicate on Wednesday July 21 at Ovungwu, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia state. NAIJ.com gathered the syndicate had on July 18, 2017, in Osisioma Ngwa abducted a man identified as Onyemaechi Mbamaonyeukwu Ijeoma, the Managing Director of Mba Hotels Aba in his ash colour Nissan Infinity SUV with Reg. No. GWA 807 DH and held him hostage in an uncompleted building at Umuajuju Ovungwu, Isiala Ngwa South LGA while negotiating for a ransom. Acting on a tip off, the detectives swooped in on the hoodlums’ den where the gang opened fire on sighting them. During a shootout, two of the Kidnappers later identified as Nwadibia and Monday were gunned down while others escaped with bullet wounds. The victim was rescued unhurt and one of the detectives sustained injuries. Items recovered include the victim’s SUV, two motorcycles, and four GSM phone. Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that the governor of Ebonyi state David Umahi suggested an 'appropriate' punishment for kidnappers in Nigeria. Umahi said all kidnappers across the country deserve death penalty. Speaking in Abakaliki during an anti-corruption summit organized by the state government, Umahi said such punishment will deter other who intend too join the trade. Addressing the enormity of the crimes perpetrated by Kidnappers, the governor said the Kidnappers are the worse people on earth.
We will not condone agents of disunity in our region - Northern elders
The Northern Elders Forum warned agents of secession in the country to desist from it - The NEF reminded those championing the agitation for secession to learn lessons from the Nigerian civil war Northern elders in Nigeria have warned those fanning the embers of disunity in the country to immediately desist from it. Under the Northern Elders Forum, the leaders in the region said Nigeria cannot break-up and that they were committed to this unity which started since 1914. While cautioning against the quit notice issued to Igbo people in the north, they also described those agitating for secession as agents of disunity. They also condemned some elders in the region for making alleged unguarded comments that could further cause chaos in the country. “It is unfortunate that at this moment, such unguided remarks are coming out from supposedly elders of the region,” a leader of the forum, Dr. Paul Unongo said when he paid a condolence visit to the family of late Maitama Sule. According to Unongo, those causing troubles in the country do not understand the reality of the country. He also said those issuing the quit notice and are speaking in favour of it do not represent the north and have not learnt any lesson from the Nigerian civil war. He said: “No safe haven of those whose penchant for disunity is on a crude pedestal, regardless of the consequences of their campaign of attrition. “An evidence of our commitment as one northern entity and to sustain the legacy left behind by Danmasanin is the decision of my colleagues in the Forum to trust me with its leadership.” NAIJ.com earlier reported that Igbo indigenes in the north under the auspices of Ndigbo Youth Council in 19 northern states recently cautioned some senior members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo against utterances capable of heating up the polity and putting their lives in danger. Leader of the group, Chief Obinna Nwankwo, gave the warning in a statement sent to journalists on Tuesday, July 18.
APC convention will hold - Rochas Okorocha
Imo state governor Rochas Okorocha disclosed that the ruling party was only trying to put certain things in place before fixing a date for the convention - Okorocha stated that the fact that the convention had not yet been held, had absolutely nothing to do with either Buhari or Osinbajo - The chairman of the APC Governors Forum had led his colleagues to the Presidential Villa to see acting president Yemi Osinbajo Rochas Okorocha, the governor of Imo state, has insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention cannot be stopped due to the absence of president Muhammadu Buhari or acting president Yemi Osinbajo. According to reports, Okorocha made his comments after leading his fellow APC governors to the Presidential Villa to see the acting president on Thursday, July 20. “We came to discuss issues relating to our party and our government and how to move our party forward. “We discussed a lot of issues on how to move the party forward, how to strengthen the party and how to make sure our party remains victorious in all elections. “Very soon we will have a convention. That is part of the things we are discussing. “The convention not taking place has nothing to do with the absence of the president or the acting president. “We are just putting our house in order and making sure things are in the right form. Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the All Progressives Congress (APC) confirmed that the health condition of president Muhammadu Buhari has largely been responsible for the inability of the party to hold its constitutionally mandated mid-term non elective convention, but assured that processes leading to the programme will begin on Saturday July 29. The party also said it set up a nine member committee headed by Kaduna state governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to define and work out a “shared understanding” of what it meant by restructuring as contained in its manifesto in other to give a clearer understanding of the issue.
Nwabueze, Adebanjo, Akinrinade, others meet on Nigeria’s restructuring.
A group of elder statesmen, under the aegis of Eminent Leaders of Thought, ELT, yesterday, met to foster national unity and douse rising tension in the country.
Restructuring
The meeting, attended by notable personalities, including Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Gen. Alani Akinrinade (retd), Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd), Chief Ayo Adebanjo, former governor Gbenga Daniel and Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd), among others, was aimed at having a national consensus on the political restructuring of Nigeria.
Briefing newsmen after an inconclusive meeting, secretary of the group, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, said the leaders of thought had formed a group, known as Project Nigeria Movement, to serve as the engine room to reach out to all sectors of the nation in the bid to find a lasting solution to the tension in the country.
Explaining deliberations at the meeting, Okunniyi said the meeting was inconclusive as the leaders had decided to embark on further consultation before coming up with a communique on the position of the ELT on the burning issue of restructuring.
He said the group didn’t believe in the disintegration of Nigeria, even as he disclosed that one of the reasons it did not reach a compromise on what to do was because they could not conclude on the procedure on how to go about the restructuring issue.
He said as soon as the modalities were worked out, Nigerians would be informed on the position of group.
Asked about the position of the ELT on the ultimatum given by northern youths to the people of eastern region to leave the north by October 1 and the call by Nnamdi Kanu-led Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, for a Republic of Biafra, Okunniyi said these, among others, were issues the new movement would look into and find a common ground to keep the corporate entity of Nigeria.
Restructuring
The meeting, attended by notable personalities, including Prof. Ben Nwabueze, Gen. Alani Akinrinade (retd), Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd), Chief Ayo Adebanjo, former governor Gbenga Daniel and Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd), among others, was aimed at having a national consensus on the political restructuring of Nigeria.
Briefing newsmen after an inconclusive meeting, secretary of the group, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, said the leaders of thought had formed a group, known as Project Nigeria Movement, to serve as the engine room to reach out to all sectors of the nation in the bid to find a lasting solution to the tension in the country.
Explaining deliberations at the meeting, Okunniyi said the meeting was inconclusive as the leaders had decided to embark on further consultation before coming up with a communique on the position of the ELT on the burning issue of restructuring.
He said the group didn’t believe in the disintegration of Nigeria, even as he disclosed that one of the reasons it did not reach a compromise on what to do was because they could not conclude on the procedure on how to go about the restructuring issue.
He said as soon as the modalities were worked out, Nigerians would be informed on the position of group.
Asked about the position of the ELT on the ultimatum given by northern youths to the people of eastern region to leave the north by October 1 and the call by Nnamdi Kanu-led Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, for a Republic of Biafra, Okunniyi said these, among others, were issues the new movement would look into and find a common ground to keep the corporate entity of Nigeria.
Thursday 20 July 2017
Akintola lauds Ajimobi over Ibadan new master plan.
Legal luminary, and governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, (SAN) has commended the Oyo state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for initiating a new master plan for Ibadan.
Ibadan
Chief Akintola described the idea of the new master plan as; ‘’a thoughtful concept that will re-position the ancient city of Ibadan back to its place as a centre of excellence and architectural wonders in Nigeria and continent of Africa.”
Reacting to the presentation of the final draft of a 20-year master plan to the state government at the State House Agodi Ibadan.
Chief Akintola in a statement disclosed that the new master plan would end the ugly incidence of flooding and create a new sustainable environment for economic and industrial development in the state.
Ibadan
Chief Akintola described the idea of the new master plan as; ‘’a thoughtful concept that will re-position the ancient city of Ibadan back to its place as a centre of excellence and architectural wonders in Nigeria and continent of Africa.”
Reacting to the presentation of the final draft of a 20-year master plan to the state government at the State House Agodi Ibadan.
Chief Akintola in a statement disclosed that the new master plan would end the ugly incidence of flooding and create a new sustainable environment for economic and industrial development in the state.
Osinbajo to preside over townhall meeting at Environment Summit in Abuja
Osinbajo
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment and Habitat, Hon. Obinna Chidioka made the disclosure while inaugurating the Technical Committee of the Summit’s Stakeholders who are mandated to fathom a legislative framework for environmental law and policy at the Assembly Complex in Abuja on Thursday.
Osinbajo was represented by a member of the Presidential cabinet at the inauguration.
Disclosing that the Summit would take place between 3rd and 5th October, 2017 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Chidioka said the lawmakers were conscious of the threats posed by climate change and global warning.
“We are very conscious of the grave
threats posed by such issues as global warming, climate change, desertification, oil spillage, erosion, gas flaring, etc. In the context of the House Committee on Environment, we realize the importance of ensuring that our legislative framework on environment is robust a d comprehensive to sustain a virile policy framework for the environment governance and management,” Chidoka said.
Soliciting for the cooperation of various stakeholders towards the success of the Summit, the Chairman said that their contribution would be of high value.
“As experts and practitioners in the industry, with hands of experience, your contribution will greatly enhance our ideation of the summit. Governments and international organizations (IOs) across the world have mad significant and widespread progress in development of polices and frameworks to meet the dynamic and increasing social, economic and environmental needs of mankind. Nigeria, has not been left behind in this respect.
“As a way of complementing the effort of the Federal Government of Nigeria in advancing the fortunes of our environment, the House of Representatives, in furtherance of its commitment to ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the legislative framework for the environment in Nigeria, has proposed a national stakeholders summit on environmental law and policy,” he said.
Senate confirms 8 REC nominees
The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Mrs Asmanu Maikudi from Katsina State and seven others as Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC).
Other nominees, who were equally confirmed are, Mr Sam Olumekun from Ondo State, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu from Sokoto State, Mr Kassim Geidam from Yobe and Jibrin Zarewa from Kano State.
Prof. Samuel Egwu from Kogi, Mr Mike Igini from Delta and Abdulganiyu Raji from Oyo State were also confirmed.
The upper chamber, however, stepped down consideration of Amb. Rufus Akeju (Lagos), Dr Mahmuda Isah (Kebbi) and Ahmad Mahmud (Zamfara).
It also rejected the nomination of Prof. Mustapha Zubairu of Niger on the ground that he came from the same geo-political zone with Mohammed Haruna, the Federal Commissioner, representing North Central in INEC.
This decision of the senate followed the report of the Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented by its Chairman, Sen. Suleiman Nazif.
The decision of the chamber to step down the confirmation of Akeju was sequel to a Point-of-Order raised by the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Biodun Olujimi, on a court judgment against his appointment.
Displaying a copy of the judgment, she warned that confirming the nominee would amount to a negation of the powers of the judiciary.
On the nominees from Kebbi and Zamfara, the senate said that there were issues on their cases that needed to be further investigated.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, charged the successful nominees to contribute their quota to transform election process in the country.
He said that their appointment was timely as it would have positive impact on elections in the country.
“The newly confirmed Resident Electoral Commissioners are people of high integrity, disciplined and full of patriotism.
So, we expect that the gains recorded by INEC in the previous elections should be surpassed.
“The timetable recently released by INEC for 2019 general elections is timely and this will give the newly-appointed RECs an opportunity to correct the mistakes of the previous elections.
“On our part as a Senate, our committee is working on the amendment of the Electoral Act to further complement the electoral body,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the Senate had, prior to the confirmation of the RECs, clarified that it had not changed its resolution not to consider presidential requests for confirmation on areas not specified in the Constitution.
It stated that it would maintain the position until judicial interpretation was made on those areas.
This followed a Point of Order by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Whiling citing Order 43, he said that he was taken aback when he read in the newspapers that the Senate had reversed its resolution on confirmation of certain executive nominations.
On that, Saraki said, “this institution has great respect on the resolutions that we pass here as a body.
“We will never go against our resolutions. If you can recollect, what we said is explicitly stated in the Constitution in Section 153 or even section 171.
“Ambassadorial and ministerial appointments are the only ones that we will continue to consider.
“Those are ambassadors, ministers and others bodies, specified in the Constitution.
“The National Assembly will not consider anyone outside the specified agencies, and INEC is among those bodies that are in section 153, which we will consider their nominations.
“This is just to assure you that we have not shifted ground on this resolution.
“Please discard what you read from the newspapers and be guided that as presiding officers we respect the law,’’ he said.
In another development, the National Information and Intelligence Database Bill, 2017 scaled first reading at the plenary.
The bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi(APC-Kaduna), is aimed at making the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit(NFIU) autonomous of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).
It is part of effort to lift the suspension of Nigeria from EGMONT, an international Financial Intelligence Group.
Other nominees, who were equally confirmed are, Mr Sam Olumekun from Ondo State, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu from Sokoto State, Mr Kassim Geidam from Yobe and Jibrin Zarewa from Kano State.
Prof. Samuel Egwu from Kogi, Mr Mike Igini from Delta and Abdulganiyu Raji from Oyo State were also confirmed.
The upper chamber, however, stepped down consideration of Amb. Rufus Akeju (Lagos), Dr Mahmuda Isah (Kebbi) and Ahmad Mahmud (Zamfara).
It also rejected the nomination of Prof. Mustapha Zubairu of Niger on the ground that he came from the same geo-political zone with Mohammed Haruna, the Federal Commissioner, representing North Central in INEC.
This decision of the senate followed the report of the Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented by its Chairman, Sen. Suleiman Nazif.
The decision of the chamber to step down the confirmation of Akeju was sequel to a Point-of-Order raised by the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Biodun Olujimi, on a court judgment against his appointment.
Displaying a copy of the judgment, she warned that confirming the nominee would amount to a negation of the powers of the judiciary.
On the nominees from Kebbi and Zamfara, the senate said that there were issues on their cases that needed to be further investigated.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, charged the successful nominees to contribute their quota to transform election process in the country.
He said that their appointment was timely as it would have positive impact on elections in the country.
“The newly confirmed Resident Electoral Commissioners are people of high integrity, disciplined and full of patriotism.
So, we expect that the gains recorded by INEC in the previous elections should be surpassed.
“The timetable recently released by INEC for 2019 general elections is timely and this will give the newly-appointed RECs an opportunity to correct the mistakes of the previous elections.
“On our part as a Senate, our committee is working on the amendment of the Electoral Act to further complement the electoral body,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the Senate had, prior to the confirmation of the RECs, clarified that it had not changed its resolution not to consider presidential requests for confirmation on areas not specified in the Constitution.
It stated that it would maintain the position until judicial interpretation was made on those areas.
This followed a Point of Order by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe.
Whiling citing Order 43, he said that he was taken aback when he read in the newspapers that the Senate had reversed its resolution on confirmation of certain executive nominations.
On that, Saraki said, “this institution has great respect on the resolutions that we pass here as a body.
“We will never go against our resolutions. If you can recollect, what we said is explicitly stated in the Constitution in Section 153 or even section 171.
“Ambassadorial and ministerial appointments are the only ones that we will continue to consider.
“Those are ambassadors, ministers and others bodies, specified in the Constitution.
“The National Assembly will not consider anyone outside the specified agencies, and INEC is among those bodies that are in section 153, which we will consider their nominations.
“This is just to assure you that we have not shifted ground on this resolution.
“Please discard what you read from the newspapers and be guided that as presiding officers we respect the law,’’ he said.
In another development, the National Information and Intelligence Database Bill, 2017 scaled first reading at the plenary.
The bill, which was sponsored by Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi(APC-Kaduna), is aimed at making the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit(NFIU) autonomous of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).
It is part of effort to lift the suspension of Nigeria from EGMONT, an international Financial Intelligence Group.
Antonio Conte Planning to Make Approach For Bayern Munich Star.
Antonio Conte has asked about the availability of Bayern Munich centre-back Jerome Boateng.
Premier League champions are desperate to land a world-class defender at Stamford Bridge following the departure of John Terry.
Starsport understands that Leonardo Bonucci and Virgil van Dijk are on top of Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist, however, according to Gianluca Di Marzio report Chelsea have asked about the availability of the Bayern Munich defender.
But Di Marzio claims that Antonio Conte is a huge fan of 28-year-old centre-back and wants to lure him at Stamford Bridge.
Bayern Munich No.17 has already had the experience to play in Premier League after one year at Etihad Stadium back in 2010/11.
The Germany international star since then has played for Bayern Munich and established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe and now Antonio Conte wants to lure him at Stamford Bridge.
Last term Jérôme Boateng has made only 13 appearances in the German top-tier following the Injury problems.
Boateng has won nine tackles this season with a success rate of 47%. He has made 14 interceptions, four blocks and 26 clearances.
Danish centre-back Andreas Christiansen is returning from a loan spell from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have already signed Boateng’s compatriot Antonio Rudiger in order to strengthen their defensive options. Yesterday Premier League champions have announced the arrival of Rudiger who will wear No.2 jersey next season.
Premier League champions are desperate to land a world-class defender at Stamford Bridge following the departure of John Terry.
Starsport understands that Leonardo Bonucci and Virgil van Dijk are on top of Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist, however, according to Gianluca Di Marzio report Chelsea have asked about the availability of the Bayern Munich defender.
But Di Marzio claims that Antonio Conte is a huge fan of 28-year-old centre-back and wants to lure him at Stamford Bridge.
Bayern Munich No.17 has already had the experience to play in Premier League after one year at Etihad Stadium back in 2010/11.
The Germany international star since then has played for Bayern Munich and established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe and now Antonio Conte wants to lure him at Stamford Bridge.
Last term Jérôme Boateng has made only 13 appearances in the German top-tier following the Injury problems.
Boateng has won nine tackles this season with a success rate of 47%. He has made 14 interceptions, four blocks and 26 clearances.
Danish centre-back Andreas Christiansen is returning from a loan spell from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have already signed Boateng’s compatriot Antonio Rudiger in order to strengthen their defensive options. Yesterday Premier League champions have announced the arrival of Rudiger who will wear No.2 jersey next season.
Ramos posts emotional goodbye to Morata ahead of Chelsea switch
The decorated defender posted on Twitter yesterday to say goodbye to his club colleague and international teammate.
Sergio Ramos @SergioRamos
The tweet reads, “Moratoski, all the luck in the world. Enjoy your next step and continue scoring goals like you do. We will miss you”.
It was announced on ChelseaFC yesterday that the London club had reached an agreement for the Real Madrid ace.
There are few people in football who know more about what Morata is capable of than Ramos. Not only has he played alongside the 24-year-old during his two respective stints with Los Blancos, but they have both been involved together for the Spanish national team.
From a Chelsea perspective, we can all be in agreement with Ramos that we hope Morata finds the back of the net on a regular basis. For us to challenge for silverware both domestically and in Europe, we’re going to need to have him fit and firing on all cylinders.
Unpaid salaries: NULGE, Medical/Health workers unions in Bayelsa threaten strike.
The resolution was contained in a six-point communiqué issued at the end of the state executive council meeting of the two unions held on Thursday in Yenagoa.
The unions directed all local government workers to close the secretariats of all the councils and health facilities across the LGAs on Monday in compliance with the resolution.
The communiqué said that the strike would continue indefinitely until the issue of regular payment of salaries and settlement of arrears were resolved by the state government.
The unions said that workers in some LGCs in the state were owed eight months salary while others were owed 15 months salary; a situation they contended was no longer tolerable.
The workers’ unions also faulted the state government for shifting the burden of payment of salaries of primary school teachers’ to the LGCs.
They declared that the development was depleting the resources of the councils, hence their inability to pay the salaries of their workers.
They called on the government to take over the responsibility of payment of salaries of primary school teachers.
They also demanded that the government should hand over infrastructural projects to the councils paid with counterpart funds from the Federal Government and donor agencies.
They criticised the imposition of 100 per cent salary obligations of primary school teachers on the councils.
The unions declared that the stance of the government was contrary to the long-standing policy of successive administrations in the state and the 4th schedule of the 1999 constitution.
The unions noted that previous administrations in the state paid 80 per cent of the wage bills primary school teachers to reduce the burden on LGCs and enable them meet salary obligations of their staff.
They criticized the administration of Gov. Seriake Dickson for not `consulting widely’ and for shifting the burden of payment of teachers salaries to the councils
“The Joint councils in session re-echoed the appeals by the NUT, the NLC and other critical stakeholders that the state government should take lion share in the payment of primary school staff.
“We hereby call on Governor Seriake Dickson to graciously take over 100 per cent payment of primary school teachers in order to allow the councils survive and pay salaries of their staff regularly.
“We further wish to remind Governor Dickson of the 1999 Constitution as amended (2011) 4th schedule, Section 7 (2) functions of a LGAs which is participatory in the provision and maintenance of primary, adult and vocational education.
“That alternate salary payment between staff of the councils and staff of primary schools, a month after another, is still half salary in disguise.
“We roundly condemn this trend, because council workers are citizens of this state and the governor has since made pronouncement to prohibit half payment of salary in the state.”
The unions also urged the government to release, without delay, the balance of the first tranche of the Paris/ London club refunds totalling N600 million due to the LGCs.
They warned the government not to forcefully and unlawfully reduce the workforce of local government under any guise.
“Doing so will result in mass protest of the over 14,000 council workers on the streets of Yenagoa.
“Council workers in Bayelsa from 2015 to date, have suffered untold economic and social hardships due to irregular payment of their salaries, ranging from eight and a half months to 15 months as at June 2017,” the communiqué said.
Wizkid, Damian Marley set for music ‘collabo’’
Nigerian music youngster, Wizkid has revealed that he is working to create a song with Damian Marley, son of late Jamaican legend Bob Marley.
The ‘Starboy’ disclosed this on Thursday via his Twitter handle-@wizkidayo, and shared a photo of himself seated with the Jamaican artist.
He wrote: “Talked about working with this man. Today we dey here! Legend! To the world my friend.”
Wizkid and Damian Marley (Photo: Twitter – @wizkidayo)
The move is expected to further boost wizkid fast-rising profile of ‘collabo’ with international artistes in recent times.
In 2016, he was featured by popular Canadian rapper Drake Graham in the song ‘One Dance’.
Other of his ‘collabos’ include ‘Like This’ – Dj Henry ft Wizkid , ‘ Shabba’ – Wizkid ft Chris Brown,‘Mamacita’ – Tinnie Tempah ft Wizkid.
The ‘Ojuelegbe’ crooner had ‘sold out stadiums’ all over Africa and Europe during his recent world tour and featured on several international magazines, including Vogue.
His contribution to the Nigerian Music Industry has earned him several accolades.
In 2016, he won the ‘African Artiste of the Year’ at the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) in South Africa and at the maiden edition of the Soundcity MVP Awards respectively.
He has also won two BET Award, three Billboard Music Award, two Heart Radio Music Awards and one MTV Europe Music Awards, among others.
As at June 2017, Wizkid has reportedly received a total of 44 awards from 157 nominations.
The ‘Starboy’ disclosed this on Thursday via his Twitter handle-@wizkidayo, and shared a photo of himself seated with the Jamaican artist.
He wrote: “Talked about working with this man. Today we dey here! Legend! To the world my friend.”
Wizkid and Damian Marley (Photo: Twitter – @wizkidayo)
The move is expected to further boost wizkid fast-rising profile of ‘collabo’ with international artistes in recent times.
In 2016, he was featured by popular Canadian rapper Drake Graham in the song ‘One Dance’.
Other of his ‘collabos’ include ‘Like This’ – Dj Henry ft Wizkid , ‘ Shabba’ – Wizkid ft Chris Brown,‘Mamacita’ – Tinnie Tempah ft Wizkid.
The ‘Ojuelegbe’ crooner had ‘sold out stadiums’ all over Africa and Europe during his recent world tour and featured on several international magazines, including Vogue.
His contribution to the Nigerian Music Industry has earned him several accolades.
In 2016, he won the ‘African Artiste of the Year’ at the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) in South Africa and at the maiden edition of the Soundcity MVP Awards respectively.
He has also won two BET Award, three Billboard Music Award, two Heart Radio Music Awards and one MTV Europe Music Awards, among others.
As at June 2017, Wizkid has reportedly received a total of 44 awards from 157 nominations.
NBA to assign 20 lawyers to monitor Lagos LG election.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, is to assign no fewer than 20 lawyers to monitor the forthcoming local government election in Lagos State.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the association, Mr Sunday Abimbola and the Social Secretary, Mrs Funmilola Adeogun, on Thursday in Lagos, those assigned will monitor the election in Epe.
The chairman said that the monitoring would assist the state government to achieve its desired peaceful election.
Abimbola noted that Epe was one of the peaceful areas in the state.
He said that the association volunteered to monitor the elections to ensure that “the election in Epe is free and fair’’.
Abimbola said that as legal practitioners, it was their duty to ensure that both the electorate and the candidates kept to the rules and regulations guiding the election.
“We voluntarily organised and released 20 lawyers to monitor the local government elections.
“We are urging everybody to be law abiding and maintain peace, in order to allow the good work of His Excellency, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, to continue.
“Ambode has touched the lives of the people of Lagos State positively and everybody should partner with him to ensure the smooth running of the state,’’ he said.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the association, Mr Sunday Abimbola and the Social Secretary, Mrs Funmilola Adeogun, on Thursday in Lagos, those assigned will monitor the election in Epe.
The chairman said that the monitoring would assist the state government to achieve its desired peaceful election.
Abimbola noted that Epe was one of the peaceful areas in the state.
He said that the association volunteered to monitor the elections to ensure that “the election in Epe is free and fair’’.
Abimbola said that as legal practitioners, it was their duty to ensure that both the electorate and the candidates kept to the rules and regulations guiding the election.
“We voluntarily organised and released 20 lawyers to monitor the local government elections.
“We are urging everybody to be law abiding and maintain peace, in order to allow the good work of His Excellency, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, to continue.
“Ambode has touched the lives of the people of Lagos State positively and everybody should partner with him to ensure the smooth running of the state,’’ he said.
Wednesday 19 July 2017
Badoo: Ikorodu resident cries out to Police Commissioner over victimisation
Nwachukwu, whose 9, Aliyu Adesanya Street, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, resident was vandalised, said that despite reporting the case to the Police Station along Sagamu Road, no concrete step had been taken.
His words: “They promised to ensure my safety and will also arrest those involved in the vandalisation.
“But up till this moment they have not even visited the scene not to talk of any arrest. It was this morning (yesterday) that they called me to take the picture of the house and bring it to their office so that they can act on it.
“My worry is that I cannot even stay in the house, because I do not know what those that vandalised my house may be planning to do next.”
He sent an SOS message to the state’s Commissioner of Police to intervene in the matter, saying “I want assurance of my safety to enable me stay in my house.
“I also want to be compensated for the damages and those involved in this evil act arrested.”
They ‘killed’ Super Eagles in 2002 —Okocha
Former Super Eagles playmaker and captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has blamed the disbandment of the Super Eagles after the floppy performance of the team at the Mali 2002 African Cup of Nations as the beginning of the misfortune for the national team.
Okocha who is in Morocco at the ongoing CAF symposium on African football said regrettably that that decision to disband the team caused the ‘death of the team’.
The former mercurial midfielder who is here with other African stars like Abedi Pele, Kalusha Bwalya, Anthony Baffoe and others said that disbandment sniffed off the succession growth in Eagles.
“Everytime I remember that decision to disband the Eagles, my heart bleeds because it set back the hands of the clock in the growth of the team. It shattered the succession plan of the team and that has affected the growth of the team up to now”, Okocha, who is the toast of many Moroccans here, said.
The Super Eagles third place finish at the 2002 African Cup of Nations forced Government to disband the team to assuage the anger of fans after the Semi- final loss to Senegal. A second string team of the Super Eagles managed to beat Mali by a lone goal to grab the bronze medal. Coaches Shaibu Amodu, Stephen Keshi and Joe Erico who handled the team, then, were also sacked.
Okocha feels strongly that the decision to sack the team turned around to destroy the growth of the team. ‘’When you disband a team, you start from zero. It upsets all the progress you have made”, he insisted.
Okocha who dazzled with his amazing skills was to be made captain of the team, taking over from Sunday Oliseh and their relationship waned.
“Those who disbanded the team pegged their relationship on curtailing the excesses of the so-called mafia in the team. They believed that some players were instrumental to fomenting trouble and holding officials to the jugular because of bonuses. That is not true. We were just like any other worker. We wanted our wages to be paid, our bonuses and ticket allowances refunded. We know our officials too well. If you listen to their sweet talk and don’t get your dues, that automatically disappears. What they call mafia was the love and understanding we had in the team. All the players were one and agreed in getting what was owed us from them. They didn’t like that and gave us a bad name. Mafia. It was like giving a dog a bad name. We also knew that they got more allowances than us and still wanted to deprive us our own. It was inhuman. We closed ranks to fight for our rights. Imagine flying on economy class without leg room. And they expect you to do magic on the pitch. Some players ended up getting injuries before the match or not giving their optimal best. We connected flights(commercial flights) and waited almost 10 to 14 hours to connect flights. When we speak out against such inhuman treatments, they are quick to call us mafia. What is mafia? If they don’t pay you in your place of work, will you be happy? Will you put in your best?
Looking ahead to the World Cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on September 1 in Uyo, Okocha said that the Eagles were in a good stead to take points but refused to be dragged into the controversy of recalling former Keeper Vincent Enyeama to the team.
“I don’t want to speak on that. It is our fault for not having good replacements for Carl Ikeme. The ideal thing is for you to have your number one goalkeeper, the second and third choices. In the case of anything happening, your number two steps in to become number one and so on. How did we get into this confusion only to cry wolf at this late hour?”
Pressed further, Okocha said that questions should also be asked in recalling Enyeama or any other player. Is that player/goalkeeper in form? When last did he keep for his club? I also know that goalkeepers have longevity more than other players
Okocha last played for Nigeria in 2006, appeared for the Super Eagles 75 times with 14 goals in his outstanding outings with the Super Eagles.
Jay Jay Okocha spoke on so many aspects of Nigerian football and his career and the politics, mafia, bonuses etc in the Super Eagles. It is 90 minutes with Jay Jay Okocha. You can only read it on our refreshing sports pages. Stay with us!
Okocha who is in Morocco at the ongoing CAF symposium on African football said regrettably that that decision to disband the team caused the ‘death of the team’.
“Everytime I remember that decision to disband the Eagles, my heart bleeds because it set back the hands of the clock in the growth of the team. It shattered the succession plan of the team and that has affected the growth of the team up to now”, Okocha, who is the toast of many Moroccans here, said.
The Super Eagles third place finish at the 2002 African Cup of Nations forced Government to disband the team to assuage the anger of fans after the Semi- final loss to Senegal. A second string team of the Super Eagles managed to beat Mali by a lone goal to grab the bronze medal. Coaches Shaibu Amodu, Stephen Keshi and Joe Erico who handled the team, then, were also sacked.
Okocha feels strongly that the decision to sack the team turned around to destroy the growth of the team. ‘’When you disband a team, you start from zero. It upsets all the progress you have made”, he insisted.
Okocha who dazzled with his amazing skills was to be made captain of the team, taking over from Sunday Oliseh and their relationship waned.
“Those who disbanded the team pegged their relationship on curtailing the excesses of the so-called mafia in the team. They believed that some players were instrumental to fomenting trouble and holding officials to the jugular because of bonuses. That is not true. We were just like any other worker. We wanted our wages to be paid, our bonuses and ticket allowances refunded. We know our officials too well. If you listen to their sweet talk and don’t get your dues, that automatically disappears. What they call mafia was the love and understanding we had in the team. All the players were one and agreed in getting what was owed us from them. They didn’t like that and gave us a bad name. Mafia. It was like giving a dog a bad name. We also knew that they got more allowances than us and still wanted to deprive us our own. It was inhuman. We closed ranks to fight for our rights. Imagine flying on economy class without leg room. And they expect you to do magic on the pitch. Some players ended up getting injuries before the match or not giving their optimal best. We connected flights(commercial flights) and waited almost 10 to 14 hours to connect flights. When we speak out against such inhuman treatments, they are quick to call us mafia. What is mafia? If they don’t pay you in your place of work, will you be happy? Will you put in your best?
Looking ahead to the World Cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on September 1 in Uyo, Okocha said that the Eagles were in a good stead to take points but refused to be dragged into the controversy of recalling former Keeper Vincent Enyeama to the team.
“I don’t want to speak on that. It is our fault for not having good replacements for Carl Ikeme. The ideal thing is for you to have your number one goalkeeper, the second and third choices. In the case of anything happening, your number two steps in to become number one and so on. How did we get into this confusion only to cry wolf at this late hour?”
Pressed further, Okocha said that questions should also be asked in recalling Enyeama or any other player. Is that player/goalkeeper in form? When last did he keep for his club? I also know that goalkeepers have longevity more than other players
Okocha last played for Nigeria in 2006, appeared for the Super Eagles 75 times with 14 goals in his outstanding outings with the Super Eagles.
Jay Jay Okocha spoke on so many aspects of Nigerian football and his career and the politics, mafia, bonuses etc in the Super Eagles. It is 90 minutes with Jay Jay Okocha. You can only read it on our refreshing sports pages. Stay with us!
Nigeria must continue to remain as one - Emir of Katsina.
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday announced the blacklisting of 72 of the 600 Computer Based Test (CBT) cen... -
Femi Adesina was in London recently to see his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari - Adesina said he does not know who handles the medical bill...
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Wayne Rooney’s true worth as a player has not been properly appreciated, according to England football great Gary Lineker. Wayne ...