Griezmann deserved Ronaldo's award

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone says Antoine Griezmann was the best player in Europe last season, not Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo claimed UEFA's Best Player prize ahead of Griezmann and team-mate Gareth Bale after he fired Real Madrid to the Champions League and captained Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.

Simeone feels Ronaldo's trophy successes entitles him to the award, but is in no doubt that Atletico's star forward – who was named Euro 2016's best player after claiming the Golden Boot with six goals for France – has been the best in the continent over the past year.

"He's a decisive player, certainly among the best three in the world," he said of Griezmann, who is set to return to action for Atletico in their LaLiga clash with Leganes on Saturday.

"It's the first game he'll play in. Obviously he'll have a normal process to get to his best, as any player with his pre-season would.

"We always hope for the best from him, there's no doubt about his attitude. We hope he continues in this way, he's a player who gives us a different option in attack.

"Whoever wins deserves to win. Congratulations to Ronaldo. Once more the collective gives power to the individual.

"Certainly, he's won the Champions League and Euro 2016, which puts him in an untouchable place. But for me, without a doubt, Griezmann was the best.

"Unfortunately he could not win the Euros or the Champions League, and Ronaldo justifiably won."

Atletico were held to a shock draw by Alaves in their opening league game last weekend and Simeone expects a similarly stern test against Leganes, who marked their first appearance in the top flight with an impressive 1-0 win at Celta Vigo.

"They had a really good opening game. They worked very well together, with clear ideas in terms of what they had to do on the pitch," added Simeone.

"I expect them to be a team with great enthusiasm, playing at home, having returned to the top division, which is amazing for the fans."

Ali Modu Sheriff is a saint,’ PDP chieftain says

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Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Bode George has said that factional chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff is a saint.

George made the comment in reaction to the conduct of the controversial PDP national convention which held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Wednesday, August 17, 2016.

Read excerpts of his interview with Daily Trust below:

What is your take on the botched Port Harcourt convention?

It was a divine intervention because there would have been a lot of crises at that convention. God knows that there are genuine people who have been prayerful. PDP is very lucky, as a party, because the control by the Rivers governor and his team from Rivers State was overwhelming.

And when he spoke to us a day before (the convention), we were clapping for him, only to go to the accreditation centre…and can you imagine, Lagos State had 51 delegates but they didn’t give us one card.

They gave Ogun three cards out of the delegates. Oyo got three. Osun and Kwara were given the same thing, likewise some states in the North. What was that for? Where was the transparency that he promised us? And it was his chief of staff that was made the chairman of the accreditation committee and the secretary was the attorney-general of the state.

He (Wike) himself was the chairman of the convention committee and the former deputy speaker of the state’s Assembly was the chairman of the electoral panel. So, everything was run by Rivers. Is it a Rivers State affair? This was a national convention of a political party.

I have never seen such a thing in my life. If we had done it, he would have prevented Lagos State delegates from going in because he wanted to camp Jimi Agbaje there. How? If a zone cannot recommend him (Agbaje), who the hell are you people to decide he is the one you want?

We didn’t interfere with them bringing Secondus or the South-east bringing their own candidate. We would save this party, would do everything that is possible to salvage this party.

The South-west had already endorsed somebody, you refused to take that, you were manipulating people, jumping all around. If we had done that when we were building the party, many of them would never have ended up being governors. If you are a governor, you must show a high pitch of responsibility, respectability and civility. For God’s sake, you are messing up with the Yoruba people.

They are saying, ‘This is what we want’ and you are saying, ‘this is the one you would pick for us.’ And they are taking a man who is yet to get his political teeth in Yoruba land in the PDP to make him the national chairman. It is an insult to the Yoruba people and we will never allow it, very disgraceful, very thoughtless.

What do you think we are in Yoruba land? And nobody goes to the Villa (Presidency) without winning the South-west with 6.5m registered voters. I am happy that it (convention) was postponed.

Like I said, it is a divine intervention. Now you can see that Sheriff is a saint. All he has been complaining about, he was right.

A lot of people were saying if the convention had gone as planned, probably Jimi Agbaje would have emerged as the chairman. Would you have accepted him?

That is what they had planned. They tried to manipulate the system to produce a man who doesn’t even know the party yet to be chairman. Sheriff said it before that he (Agbaje) was in his house, when they came to bring him in and then that didn’t work.

And now you want to bring another musketeer to come and be national chairman. So, Yoruba people don’t know what we want? It is not a matter of life and death, but I will resist anybody trying to insult the Yoruba people.

Singer joins voice against domestic violence

TripleMG singer, Augustine Miles Kelechi, popularly known as Tekno Miles or Golden Boy of Africa, is the latest celebrity to add his voice to the case of domestic violence that seems to have taken center stage in Nigeria in recent times, with husbands either maiming or killing their wives.

The Duro crooner has decided not to be silent on the issue as he took to his Instagram page to send a word to women in abusive relationships as well as warning fellow men against violence towards women.

Tekno Miles rises against domestic violence

In a message posted on his Instagram page, the 24-year-old Tekno shares the story of a female fan that was getting physically abused by her boyfriend because of his passion for her and advised ladies to get out of such relationships.
 

President holds secret meeting with Wole Soyinka

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently holding a closed door meeting with Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

The meeting between the duo is said to be taking place inside Buhari’s office at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Details of the meeting are not yet known.

Soyinka recently admonished Buhari for not taking a firm position against the rampaging Fulani herdsmen who have killed hundreds of people around the country.

Ranieri signs new contract

Claudio Ranieri has agreed a new £3million-a-year contract at champions Leicesterand will pen it before the season starts.
The 64-year-old Italian has two years left on his current City contract after joining last summer.
But the club’s Thai owners have moved to reward him for guiding them to an incredible Premier League title success despite odds of 5,000-1.
His achievements earned him the League Managers’ Association’s annual award in May. Ranieri has previously stated he hoped to sign a new long-term contract at The King Power Stadium as he wanted to finish his career with City.
The deal is expected to see Ranieri double his salary from his current terms of around £1.5million-a-year.

Wenger finding it "very difficult" to find quality players

Arsene Wenger has admitted he is finding it “very difficult” to find quality players in the transfer market - but hasn’t given up hope of doing so.
“We want to spend the money when we have it,” he told Sky Sports.
“What is very difficult today is to find the quality of the players who are available and if you look well despite all the money that is available in England there is very little movement since the start of the transfer market.
“We are in the transfer market and on one side we are focused and concentrated on the players we have to get them in a fantastic shape. On the other hand, of course we are looking outside to strengthen.”

Cristiano Ronaldo lined up by Jose Mourinho

Manchester United hope that Jose Mourinho's arrival can help lure Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, according to the Daily Star.
Ronaldo is reportedly free to leave Real Madrid if an offer comes in which matches their £80million price tag.
The Portuguese winger works with agent Jorge Mendes, the man who has orchestrated Mourinho's move to United in recent months.
United are in dire need of a new marquee signing - but their lack of Champions League football could thwart the deal.

And The Sun say that the Real Madrid superstar will be returning to Old Trafford if United meet the La Liga giants' asking price. CRISTIANO RONALDO is available for £80m, according to reports.
The key man in the deal is super agent Jorge Mendes.

Now he has star client Mourinho in position at United he can grease the wheel of business and make himself some serious cash.
He is also Ronaldo's agent and could make the deal happen as long as United want to go through with it.

Singer to release debut album "God Over Everything", August 1

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Patoranking has announced the release date of his debut album “God Over Everything” (GOE).

The singer who broke through in 2013 with the hit single ‘Alubarika’, and has gone on to become one of Africa’s most revered dancehall artistes with his unique fusion of Reggae, Dancehall and Afrobeat, is set to release his debut album.

The new album will be released on August 1, and will contain new single ‘No Kissing Baby’ featuring Ghanaian Sarkodie, with very few details revealed about the inclusion of his earlier singles.

“Expect the unexpected.” Patoranking said about the “GOE” album. “It has a song for everyone, for people of all ages, class and from all parts of Africa. I wanted to pay homage to my roots and also embrace the new school African music scene that is taking over the world. I can’t wait for the world to hear it, to hear us.”

Patoranking this week released the video to his new single "No Kissng Baby" the visuals was directed by DAPS. He has had a great year so far, starring as a judge on acclaimed TV show, The Voice.

For exclusive information about Patoranking’s debut album and the journey thus far, follow @FireRepublik on Instagram and Twitter. Also, follow the conversation via the hashtag #GOEtheAlbum.

Manchester City forward meets new coach, Guardiola

Nigerian and Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho on Sunday, July 3 met his new club coach, Pep Guardiola during the club’s kit launch.

Guardiola will next season manage City having signed for the Premier League club after three years at Bayern Munich.

Although Iheanacho would have probably met Guardiola in private, the duo was publicly seen together for the first time on Sunday.

Iheanacho and Guardiola were seen together on stage at 'Cityzens weekend' as the club unveiled their new kit ahead of next season.

Manchester City stick with their traditional blue colour with a darker feel to it.

According to City, the new strip incorporates cutting-edge Nike AeroSwift technology and is befitting of Guardiola’s ‘renowned attention to detail’.

The new shirt, the club says is designed to enhance mobility, reduce weight and remove the distractions that hamper performance.

Alongside Iheanacho, players from the youth sides and women's team were also at the unveiling.

Drama in store as Zlatan writes final chapter

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is to write the final chapter in a glittering career with Manchester United in England's Premier League and although drama is guaranteed, a happy ending is not.

A reunion with Jose Mourinho at one of the game's most iconic clubs who have fallen on hard times is a perfect recipe for a season of twists and turns, on and off the field.

The prospect of one of the biggest egos in the game at one of the largest clubs in the world, and in a country which has often questioned Ibra's self-confessed greatness, will make for compelling viewing when the new season kicks off in August.

 

But given his advancing years, the recent turmoil at Old Trafford and the lack of Champions League football next season, there are clouds on the horizon.

After leaving Paris St Germain following four trophy-laden seasons in the French capital, the 34-year-old arrives at a club reeling from three turbulent seasons in which they have struggled to recreate the glory days of Alex Ferguson.

Ibra's arrival should be a major boost to United as they seek to re-establish themselves as a force in the Premier League, but he is not without recent baggage of his own.

 

He may have banged in goals for fun in France, but his underwhelming performances in the Champions League as PSG were knocked out by Manchester City at the quarter-final stage attracted much criticism.

It is not the first time he has failed to shine against an English side, leaving many fans to wonder if in fact he was worthy of the slew of league titles he won in Netherlands, Spain, Italy and France, or if he simply played for teams that were much better and richer than their domestic rivals.

He departed PSG only to return to France a few weeks later with Sweden for Euro 2016, but once again he went missing when his side needed him most against Ireland, Italy and Belgium.

Indeed, the ease with which the Irish journeyman backline comprised of Sunderland's John O'Shea and Ciaran Clark, who was relegated from the Premier League last season with Aston Villa, was able to handle him will be cause for concern for his new employers.

As his brief spell at Barcelona showed, he is not known for calming troubled waters in the dressing room and he could clash with United's other big names such as Wayne Rooney as a new hierarchy is established.

In his favour is his excellent relationship with new United boss Mourinho.

They won the Italian league title together at Inter Milan and the Portuguese coach is one of the few people in football whose opinion Ibrahimovic respects.

It is clear that a career spent as one of the most feared frontmen in the game has taken its toll on Ibrahimovic, and despite his enormous physical strength, he has battled a number of niggling injuries in recent years.

With retirement looming, he has also devoted more time to his commercial interests and there is little doubt that playing for global brand like Manchester United played a big part in his decision to move to England.

What is undimmed, however, is his burning desire to win and while it may not be guaranteed that he will do so at Old Trafford, it will be fascinating for English football fans to see if he can live up to his own considerable hype.

Edo PDP asks INEC to ignore embattled chairman’s candidate

The Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ignore Ali Modu Sheriff’s candidate for the upcoming governorship elections.

The PDP also added that Osagie Ize-Iyamu remains the only recognised candidate who will stand in the elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Ahmed Makarfi faction, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said "In Edo, the Sheriff faction is saying INEC must recognise the candidate submitted by it (Sheriff faction). How would INEC take something from a man that is only a busybody to the party?

“If a court had ruled that Sheriff is not the chairman of the PDP, how then would a court say that INEC should recognise a candidate recognised by Sheriff.”

Adding that “Sheriff is saying that he is the national chairman of the PDP by a court order even when the governors and other members of the party have rejected him. Some people are trying to use the judiciary to destroy Nigeria’s democracy.

“An example is what is playing out in Abia State. But we are not going to allow our nation’s democracy to be destroyed. Nigeria has become a laughing stock and we must sensitise people to this because it (indiscriminate court injunctions) is a new development.

APC slams Deputy Senate President over letter to UN

The Enugu state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu for the united nation about his forgery case.

The party also called on Ekweremadu not to politicise the allegations of forgery levelled against him and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

The Deputy Senate President had alleged that there was an attempt to silence him as the leader and highest ranking member of the opposition in the country, all in the name of prosecuting an alleged forgery case.

According to the  Enugu APC Chairman, Ben Nwoye, “After all, how many indicted citizens of foreign nations have ever written to Nigerian government to intervene in their matter.

“Calling on UN to intervene on the forgery amounts to seeding our sovereignty to foreign nations. The CIA director and many US senators and government officials were over the years indicted and convicted, did they write to Nigeria?

“Some of the officials pleaded guilty and resigned and never wrote to any foreign country, including Nigeria. Those involved should face trial and stop invoking tribal, religious and ethnic sentiments.”

“We want to advise them to stop heating up the polity. After all, there are millions of Nigerians who are facing different trials like rape, corruption, among others, have they written the international community for interventions? We don’t want a situation where the law of the land would be for a selected few," he added.

Nwoye also said Ekweremadu’s action was aimed at embarrassing the APC government.

APC confirms existence of cabal in President’s government

The Kwara State branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that there is truly a cabal in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

The claim was earlier made by Senate President, Bukola Saraki who said that some powerful people were controlling Buhari.

The Kwara APC’s comments are contained in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari on Tuesday, June 28, 2016.

It reads:

The statement by Mr. Femi Adesina on behalf of Mr. President is not only unpresidential, it also failed to convincingly dismiss the widely held view of Nigerians that, indeed, there is a government within the government of Mr. President.

It is instructive to note that the Senate President is not the first Nigerian to express such observations.

The Senate President, through the press statement he personally signed, only called the attention of Mr. President to the danger ahead if the ugly situation is permitted to fester.

In fact, the statement by Mr. Adesina is the clearest indication that a government exists within the government of Mr. President. The President that we know, the President that we have worked with, the President that we have worked for, the President that we voted for, would not have directed his media adviser to issue such an un-presidential statement. That statement is a confirmation of the Senate President’s observation.

The intention of people like Adesina in the Villa is to create a discord between Mr. President and the Senate President, but that will never happen. It is the same cabal that embarrassed Mr. President himself by padding the 2016 national budget, including the budget of Aso Rock, to the extent of inflating some figures in the Villa expenditures.

It is the same cabal that has made it nearly impossible for many ministers and Special Advisers to have access to Mr. President. The Presidency should be reminded that a cabal hijacked and destroyed the government of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

My life is in danger – Uche Ogah says

The governorship tussle in Abia state has assumed a new dimension, as rumours of death threats have started making the rounds.

Premium Times reports that Uche Ogah’s aide, Peter Kalu revealed that his boss has gone into hiding for his safety.

Kalu also added that Ogah has been receiving death threats from different quarters.

 The electoral body’s action was based on an Abuja High court ruling ordering the Abia Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate office.

Ikpeazu has since asked residents of Abia to be calm, adding that he has gotten an injunction to stop any judicial officer in Nigeria from swearing in Ogah.

Reports say the Abia Chief Judge, Theresa Uzoukwu is also hiding somewhere in the state.

"We're ready to die," PDP forbids Ogah's inauguration as governor

The Abia chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that it will resist any attempt to inaugurate, Sampson Ogah, as the new governor of the state.

“We are ready for them, we are ready to die,” the party said, adding, “If they do it, then they are inviting anarchy and confusion in the state."

The party made the resolution and declaration at the end of its emergency meeting in Umuahia on Thursday, June 30.

The state Chairman of the party, Johnson Onuigbo, accompanied by members of the executive committee, said the party got wind of a plan to flood the state with military personnel.

Mr. Onuigbo said such an invasion would trigger off anarchy, adding that the party was poised for showdown over the planned inauguration.

He described the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered that Mr. Ogah be sworn in as “a rape of democracy.”

The court, presided over by Justice Okon Abang, on Tuesday ordered Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate office as governor over the case of tax evasion.

Justice Abang also ordered that Mr. Ogah, who came second in the PDP primaries, should be sworn in as the governor.

Mr. Ogah was also issued the Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Thursday.

The PDP chairman, however, said the judgment and issuance of Certificate of Return to Mr. Ogah had undermined the peace and tranquillity enjoyed in the state.

“Abia is not safe. I didn’t want to believe the rumour that the state will soon be invaded by the army because this is not a war zone.

“We want to inform the world that there is tension in Abia because democracy is about to be raped.

“As a party, we will resist any move by anybody to undermine the peace in the state,” Mr. Onuigbo said.

He said that as a law-abiding state, the government had obtained an exparte injunction “restraining the state Chief Judge or any other judges from swearing in Mr. Ogah as governor”.

“We are ready for them, we are ready to die,” he said, adding, “If they do it, then they are inviting anarchy and confusion in the state.

“We are in a democracy so we want the world to hear and know that we are being shortchanged in Abia,” he said.

Mr. Onuigbo said the party had sent emissaries to Mr. Ogah to persuade him “to sheath his sword and allow peace to reign in Abia” to no avail.

He said that at the end of the current crisis, the party would met out sanction to Mr. Ogah for disregarding entreaties from the chieftains of the party.

‘President not meeting Jonathan in London,’ UK says

The United Kingdom has denied reports that it arranged a meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan in London.

The denial was contained in a statement released by the Press Officer of the British High Commission in Abuja, Joe Abuku.

It reads:

“Reports suggesting that the British Government has set up a meeting with President Buhari, former President, Jonathan, and representatives of Niger Delta groups to discuss a solution to recent violence in the Niger Delta region are incorrect.”

“We are aware that President Buhari is currently in London seeking medical attention. We are not aware of any meetings on the Niger Delta while he is there.”

Buhari is in London to receive treatment for a persistent ear infection.

Militants threaten to attacks state Governors

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The Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF) has threatened to attack any Governor who sabotages their efforts.

JNDLF, according to Vanguard, has agreed to dialogue with the Federal Government.

The militants’ commander for general duties, General Akotebe Darikoro said “We shall continue to engage in dialogue if our demands are met. Our representatives for the dialogue, especially the governors and others will not betray our demands with the federal government. Any betrayal on their own part shall be viewed as betrayal of the entire region and we shall go after them immediately as they know our mode of operation in which they will not escape from us.”

The Ijaw community in the Gbaramatu kingdom has also called on the militants to stop bombing oil pipelines.

 

Teaching Hospital doctors embark on strike

The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Branch of the Association of Resident Doctors has embarked on an indefinite strike over "incomplete salaries’’.

The President of the association, Dr Christian Adeneye, made the announcement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Friday.

Adeneye explained that resident doctors in the hospital had been receiving incomplete salaries since 2014, saying that all efforts to make government see reason on the mater had failed.

"We are embarking on an indefinite strike from today. The problem is about the incomplete salaries that we have been receiving for two years now.

"We have been negotiating with the Federal Government but there is insincerity on the part of government.

"We have been mandated nationally. All centres that are yet to comply with the implementation of the payment of our full salaries should embark on an indefinite strike.”

He said that the strike had not been postponed as was speculated by a section of the media. The unionist confirmed, however, that there was a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representative, Mr Yakubu Dogara, where it was agreed that medical centres that were already enjoying full salaries should not join the strike.

The president said that the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital was not in the list of teaching hospitals enjoying full salaries, so doctors there had to embark on strike.

He appealed to patients to bear with doctors on the development, assuring that work would resume as soon as government agreed to pay.

Adeneye said that doctors had shown enough understanding since 2014, when they started receiving incomplete salaries. Patients were being attended to by nurses, senior doctors and other medical workers.

Former Head of State returns to Nigeria after death rumours

Amidst death rumour which trailed his three-week medical trip to Germany, the former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has returned to Nigeria on Friday, June 10, 2016.
On arrival, IBB, as he is fondly called was received by the Niger state governor, Abubakar Sani  Bello, Engineer Abdulkadir Kure, Mohammed Babangida (son), Aisha Babangida (daughter), Umar Ndanusa and former federal permanent secretary, Idris Adamu Kuta.
Governor Bello said his return will put to rest the rumour adding that Nigeria still needs the former military ruler around for his counsel.
He said: “Despite unfounded rumour about the life of our national icon, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, we are grateful that it pleases Allah (SWT) to preserve his life and bring him back safely and healthier to continue in the good work of nation building.
“General Ibrahim Babangida remains one of the few leaders in this country that we still need around to tap from their wealth of experience and knowledge and we are
“Your safe return has finally put a lie to the rumour and the evil machinations of those who are playing God. We are grateful to Allah (SWT) that He has silence them”.
Babangida ruled Nigeria from August 27, 1985, to  August 27, 1993 after he overthrew General Muhammadu Buhari in a coup.
He annulled the June 12, 1993 elections, a poll which was considered by many as free and fair.
 grateful he is back and kicking like the old soldier he is.

WHO issues stricter virus guidelines to prevent sexual transmission

The World Health Organisation (WHO), on Tuesday said travellers should practice safe sex for no less than eight weeks after returning from areas with Zika infections, doubling the time period that was recommended in its previous guideline.

According to WHO spokesman in Geneva, new studies had shown that the virus is present in body fluids for longer than previously known.

The Zika outbreak in Latin American countries including Brazil, has raised concerns among scientists and athletes about the infection risk during the summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August.

Zika is mostly spread through mosquitoes, but WHO noted in a new guidance document that mounting evidence has shown that sexual transmission of the Zika virus is possible and more common than previously assumed.

"Men and women who are planning to conceive a child or who experienced the flu symptoms associated with Zika, should practice safe sex for no less than six months after returning from Zika regions,’’ WHO recommended.

While most Zika patients recover quickly, the virus could cause brain malformations in unborn children, as well as other neurological disorders.

An international group of 151 scientists demanded in an open letter last week that the games in Rio be postponed or moved to avoid intensifying the spread of the Zika virus.

WHO disagreed and argued that the best way to stem the spread was to take precautionary measures, especially personal protection against mosquitoes and practising safe sex.

Blame GEJ for states’ inability to pay salaries – Governor says

Governor Adam Oshiomhole has blamed the current economic challenges hitting some states on the alleged misrule that took place during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.

The Governor said most Governors in Nigeria have complained that they cannot pay salaries of workers.

He said this after having a closed door meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Oshiomhole said “These issues were discussed yesterday (on Tuesday) and as usual President Buhari has been extremely supportive even though we all agree including PDP governors among us that the crisis that we are being faced was as a result of the misrule of the past.

“The challenge of today is as a result of the abuses of yesterday.

“But inspite of that, President Buhari has been very helpful. But for that, many states would have gone into crisis. I don’t know what you will call a state that is completely insolvent and bankrupt.

“We have to appreciate the President for the leadership he has provided, ‎I mean we all have a greater sense of security today than was the case around this time a year ago.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole increased the salary of Edo state workers from N18,000 to N25,000 on May 1, 2016.

Nobody can stop Fulani herdsmen – Professor says

Former vice chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Prof. Ango Abdullahi, has said that nobody can stop the Fulani herdsmen from moving around freely in Nigeria.

Abdullahi said the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides for the free movement of citizens across the country.

You will recall that Governor Ayo Fayose banned Fulani herdsmen from grazing in Ekiti state, following the alleged of killing of two people by the cattle rearers.

The Professor also described the Fulani herdsmen as businessmen who can move freely to access the resources they require for their business.

Abdullahi  said “And if for any reason, somebody in one section of this country will deny him access then we have to take measures to response to that. We are not saying that if a herdsman encroaches on a farm land . . . and this has been the tradition here for years; when  they do some crops get damaged and an assessment is made and they pay. So why all the petty attitude?

“I see what is happening today as a new dimension to political and ethnic cleansing that if not carefully handled may lead to other big things. The Herdsman is a Nigerian his rights must be exercised as a Nigerian he has free movement like everybody else to pursue legitimate business and he cannot be denied access to any part of the country.”

“I am a Fulani man my ancestors were in the bush, but we find reasons to settle in one place. I have cows and anytime they cause damage I pay compensation and so that is the way it will be.

“The Fulani man is a Nigerian he has rights like any other Nigerian he works freely to access legitimate economic resources of this country like land. Land is common thing for all Nigerians. In fact, what really amazes me there is no Nigerian I know that works as hard as a herdsman; he sleeps on the branches of trees he has no permanent abode, he toils day and night with his animals,” he added.

Fulani herdsmen in Cross River state have begged the Governor, Ben Ayade to allocate a portion of land for them in the state for grazing.

I am not on exile – Ex President tells ThisDay

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cleared the air on insinuations that he has gone on exile.

Jonathan, on Monday, May 23, 2016, placed a phone call to ThisDay and said he was resting in Cote d’Ivoire.

The former President also confirmed that he was in the United states for a while, adding that he had no reason to leave Nigeria.

GEJ said “Yes I am in Cote d’Ivoire, I have been here for a week resting and this is my second trip to the country since I stepped down as president.

“I have made sacrifices for Nigeria. I am praised all over Africa for averting bloodshed and for the peaceful transition from one government to another, but it seems Nigeria does not appreciate my efforts.

“I have done my best for this country and if I have to die for it, I will do so. However, I am taking it easy here (Cote d’Ivoire) and when I am ready, I will come back.”

Various people have called for the arrest of former President Goodluck Jonathan following revelations from those arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming he was aware of the disbursement of huge sums of money.

I don’t have confidence in INEC – Rivers Governor says

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has expressed his displeasure over the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Wike said he has lost confidence in INEC to conduct free and fair elections anywhere in Nigeria.

He said “I don’t have confidence in the present  INEC. It is too inconsistent and acts outside the  law. We are encouraging every candidate  to contest elections and emerge through popular  votes. We  will  not allow  impunity  or imposition.”

Wike also spoke on the upcoming elections in Edo state, saying “From what we have seen on ground in Edo State, this is the best time to capture the state. We have sent independent assessors to the state and they have adjudged that the PDP has the opportunity to  take over Edo.”

The Governor expressed surprise that INEC will set up a committee to look into the rerun election which was cancelled.

Wike also said the All Progressives Congress (APC) deceived Nigerians in a bid to win the 2015 elections.

State govt. accuses APC of sponsoring unrest

The government of Bayelsa state has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring unrest in the state.

The government says the opposition party in the state, has been masterminding killings, kidnappings and economic sabotage.

It also said the APC ‘s intention is to make Governor Seriake Dickson look like he does not have a firm grip of the security situation in the state.

Leadership reports that the Bayelsa State commissioner of Information and Orientation, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite said “The members of the APC are still pained by their landslide loss in the governorship election and have vowed to ensure that the second term of Dickson is frustrated through such attacks.

“These attacks which have claimed several innocent lives have heightened the security situation in the state which was brought back to normalcy by the restoration government after the last governorship election. Worried by the spate of attacks on security operatives and oil installations in Bayelsa State, the government of Hon. Seriake Dickson has severally expressed its readiness to work with the federal government and security agents to arrest the situation and bring to book, those behind it.”

Seriake Dickson was sworn in as Governor of Bayelsa state, for the second time, on Sunday, February, 14, 2016.

Former governor says president will lose in 2019

Alhaji Balarabe Musa who stated this in an exclusive interview with Pulse on Wednesday May 18, 2016, added that it is already impossible for Buhari to return as President in 2019 because many Nigerians who supported him in 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 have lost confidence in him.

"As the president, Buhari has the means of transforming everything but obviously, it is quite clear that Buhari's popularity before 2015 elections and now have gone down drastically," Balarabe said.

Balarabe Musa who is the first civilian governor of Kaduna State said Buhari can only make it in 2019 if he can completely tackle the issues he promised.

"For instance, if today, he abandoned the leading role of the private sector in the economy in favour of the leading role of the state, he can't return because there will be cries everywhere."

"But if he ensures peace, equality, justice and promote human development, he can still win in 2019," Balarebe said.

"But as it is now, it is already impossible. Because as the president, he has the means of transforming everything. In Nigeria today, it is from one hardship to another."

"His military administration was passive. For one reason or the other, when he came to the civilian race in 2003, 2007 and 2011 he was forgiven. And now unfortunately, he has lost the confidence of Nigerians who voted him despite the military atrocities," Balarabe added.

Speaking on the current strike action, the former Kaduna State governor, Balarabe said the strike is more than in order, "and we support it absolutely."

"Our reservation is that, the strike should not be embarked by Labour alone. It should be jointly with NLC, TUC, CSOs, political parties and patriotic individuals."

"They should organise and conduct the protest under the leadership of NLC, TUC, Political parties and CSOs so that in the event that one of these opted out, Nigerians should have the benefit as it has always been the case since the Babangida era as Head of State of Nigeria. It also happened in 2012," Balarabe said.

"Other members should continue with the protest even if one or two members opted out. As it is today, we don't know the real position because there are many people saying industrial court has stop the protest which I don't think is the duty of industrial court to stop.  NLC is saying that the protest will go ahead. Some are also saying that TUC has opted out of the protest and so on."

"Now, what we should realised is that, it took a long time to bring Labour along in any National Protest against bad government. Labour was convinced to join in the protest and now that they have joined, they still have some tendencies of opting out before the aim is achieved."

"But even if one or two of them opted out of the protest against fuel increment, we have to realised that the people involved want good and quality of governance to Nigerians. We want good things for Nigeria. It is not a labour affair alone."

"The issue of how much fuel should be sell should be estimated by informed bodies. But all we know is that it should be easier for Nigerians to get access to cheat fuel than the non-oil producing countries. If we are an oil producing country, we should have free access to fuel at cheaper rate," Balarabe Musa added.

Watch out for Lagsaba Records

It began life on December 1, 2015 with the sole aim of providing young, talented and passionate artistes/producers the platform to showcase their God-given talents to a global audience.

The label is managed by the energetic Chinomso Anozie (CEEJOE) whose job is to harness the potential assembled. He is the brain behind the label’s smooth running.

Lagsaba Records is an indigenous record label founded and based in Lagos, Nigeria. The principles of Lagsaba Records believe in grooming and encouraging young artistic talents and also have a penchant for synergy.

The label recently signed on three young, talented artistes and a producer and is set to introduce them to the world.

They are comprised of the duo XXII (Jason Ombo and Royal Bright), the effervescent Lagsaba first lady – QueeModa (Chito Ann Deborah Akwueh), the sensational SteveRock (Stephen Edoka) and not forgetting the beats chef – Aybee1 BeatFac3 (Samuel Umukoro Abraham).

This is a feature by Lagsaba.

Buhari might meet with ex-president over Niger Delta attacks

President Muhammadu Buhari might meet with predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan over the resurgence of violence in the Niger Delta Region, reports say.

According to Daily Trust, Buhari and Jonathan may meet to discuss the chaos being unleashed by militant group, Niger Delta Avengers.

Jonathan is reportedly expected to visit the Presidential Villa this week to speak with Buhari on the issue.

The group has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on oil installations in the region and says that its goal is a sovereign state of Niger Delta.

BOT shuns party elders, says May 21 National Convention will hold

The Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has given party's National Working Committee (NWC) go ahead on the planned May 21 national convention regardless of opposition from some party elders.

The newly elected Secretary of PDP BOT, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, made the position known in Abuja on Monday, May 16, while briefing newsmen after the Board's meeting.

"In spite of the well-articulated reservations by well-respected and articulate elders and members that the convention should not go ahead, the BOT has decided to support the NWC that our national convention should hold on May 21," Maduekwe said.

"Secondly, that all the grievances that have been well articulated by well-meaning elders and interest groups would be clearly look into in the process of party reconciliation to see how we can carry everybody along."

He said that the grievances that would be given attention would be those aimed at making the party stronger and not to pull it down.

The scribe said the party would look into states that encountered problems in their congresses and make amendment.

Maduekwe added that the committee also resolved to urge the National Executive Committee to make a resolution at the convention that the party's 2019 presidential candidate should come from the north.

"Part of our resolution is also that the review of the party constitution should be suspended," he added.

Maduekwe said that the party's mid-term convention has also been scheduled for 2018.

"When that happens the position of chairmanship will automatically shift to the south in accordance with PDP constitution."

Answering questions, Professor Jerry Gana, a member of the BOT, made clarification on an allegation that he obtained N500 million from a bank in the name of the party.

Gana said that the money was obtained from the bank by the Fund-Raising Committee for 2015 general elections as the party was unable to finance its activities and the fund-raising dinner.

He said that an account was opened for the money of which the party financial secretary and treasurer were signatories.

He said the expectation was that the party would pay back the loan from the generated fund, adding that the matter is already in court since the party refused to pay.

It was also gathered that Senator Walid Jubrin was elected the substantive chairman of the BOT at the meeting.

Ex governor says Nigerians must decide in 2019

Lamido who was in Kaduna on Saturday, May 14, 2016 for the North West PDP congress held at the trade fair complex, said his happiness is that every finger is pointing at him for the 2019 presidential race.

“APC cannot gather this kind of crowd without crises,” Sule Lamido said adding, “The North West has always been PDP except for what happened in 2015.”

“But as am talking to you, there is no APC in the North West zone. The eyes of the people have opened. Can APC gather this crowd?  If they made effort to get something close to this, it may result to killing,” Lamido said.

“I thank God every hand is pointing at me for 2019. The PDP family has gathered peacefully and that is our trademark in this country. Each time APC member gathered all you hear is killings. But the PDP family is peaceful. There is love and happiness among the PDP family.”

The former Jigawa State Governor, Lamido, said the PDP is strategizing to rescue Nigeria from what he described as APC mismanagement of governance.

“It is very clear that APC does not have the capacity to rule this country. We have commenced the process of reclaiming power. Nigerians now know the difference,” Lamido added.

“Nigerians can now see that PDP is the right choice,’ Senator says

Former Senate President, David Mark has said that the difference between the governments of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is now clear to Nigerians.

Mark made the comment over the weekend while speaking at the North -Central zonal congress of the PDP in Abuja, Daily Trust reports.

"Nigerians can now spot the difference. The PDP is still the right choice. Therefore, we must respond positively and ultimately return the nation to the path of glory,” Mark said.

“I think we have realized our past mistakes and learnt our lessons. We cannot afford crisis or disaffection within our fold any more. It is time for all genuine men and women of our party to make the necessary sacrifice and work honestly towards a united and more cohesive party,” he added.

Mark had earlier said that the PDP lost power in 2015 because the leadership of the party imposed candidates on the people.

Former governor says crises will soon be resolved

Wada, who said there are several meetings ongoing which are anchored by the National Working Committee of the PDP, added that there was no cause for alarm as the party will come out strong.

Speaking at the venue of the North West PDP congresses held in Kaduna on Saturday, May 14, 2016, Captain Wada said the reality of being an opposition is reflecting on their members who are now determine like never before to move the party forward.

“Everybody in the PDP is beginning to see in one way or the other what he can do to move the party forward. People are cooperating for the PDP to rise again and become a strong vibrant party that has a future in the leadership of our country.”

“So, I could see spirit of cooperation and determination from the PDP members. We made effort to ensure a free zonal election and we came up with a strategy that works,” Wada said.

While speaking on the leadership tussle in the PDP, the former Kogi Governor, Wada, said, “We are having several meetings.”

“This is in the hands of our National Working Committee. As a leader and member of the PDP, what we are doing now is having several meetings and consultations to put our heads together and iron out our differences so that we can move forward as one united PDP,” Wada said.

When asked about the current leadership crises in his home state Kogi, Wada said he was not happy over the crises. “We look up to God almighty and the determination of the members of our party, PDP.”

PDP backs NLC intended strike

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples' Democratic Party has thrown its weight behind the reported NLC strike action scheduled to commence on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

In a statement by the party's Publicity Secretary, Malik Ibitoye, the party queried the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to rescue Nigeria from the doldrum.

"We want to agree with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that said in a statement that “the unilateral increase in prices of petroleum products today by government represents the height of insensitivity and impunity and shall be resisted by the NLC and its civil society allies,”the statement reads.

The statement further read, 'Our fears are that it would not stop at that as petrol price may go beyond N200 per litre in the next  few months because we could see the marketers jubilating that they have won the battle. 

'It added that with the unjustifiable electricity tariff and other economic challenges brought on by the devaluation of the naira and inflation, the least one had expected was another policy measure that would make life miserable for the ordinary Nigerian,' the statement read in full.

The Ogun State PDP has began firing salvos to the President Buhari led government since the emergence of the new executives of the state chapter.

'My arrest by EFCC has no political undertone,' ex-Gov. says

The former Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has said that his arrest and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has no political undertone.

Shekarau, who was also a former Governor of Kano State, made the remark while addressing a news conference in Kano on Sunday.

He said ``what happened to me could happen to anybody and it was only Godly for me to accept my fate, good or bad.''

He, however, insisted that he was ready to spend the next 10 years in the Commission’s custody to prove his innocence.

``I am not suspecting any political undertone in my arrest but rather regard it as an act of God to test my faith.

``I was told that one of the beneficiaries of the N950 million in question implicated me; that I was given N25 million as my share of the money
but could not state where, how and when.''

Shekarau, who thanked Kano people and other Nigerians for standing by him, said he was not suspecting anybody behind his ordeal.

It would be recalled that the former minister was arrested by EFCC on Thursday over alleged sharing of N950 million campaign funds in
his house at Mundubawa in Kano metropolis.

He was alleged to have collected N25 million as his own share of the money and consequently quizzed by the Commission for interrogation.

World's oldest person dies in New York City, aged 116

The world's oldest living person, 116-year-old Susannah Mushatt Jones, died on Thursday in New York City, a research group said.
Jones' death makes Emma Morano-Martinuzzi, a 116-year-old woman in Italy, the oldest living person, according to the Gerontology Research Group.
Jones, who was born in the southern U.S. state of Alabama in 1899, was the daughter of sharecroppers and granddaughter of slaves.
After graduating from high school she moved north in 1922 to New Jersey and then New York, where she worked as a housekeeper and childcare provider, according to Guinness World Records and the Vandalia Senior Center in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, where she lived.
Jones, who retired in 1965, had said that lots of sleep is the secret to her longevity and that she had never smoked or drank alcohol.
The oldest verified person was Jeanne Calment of France, who died in 1997 at 122 years and 164 days, the research group said.

Opposition party attacks Buhari over fuel subsidy in Ogun

The Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attacked decisions of the President Muhammadu Buhari led government over the increase in price of Premium Motor Spirit.

In a statement issued by Malik Ibitoye, the party's Publicity Secretary in the state, tPDP condemned the increase in price of fuel from N86 to N145 per litre saying the 'President hates the Nigerian masses.'

The party through Ibitoye further said that the President Buhari-led government is not only anti-people but undemocratic as it has been displayed in his array of policies.

According to the statement, "the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has once again demonstrated its hatred for the Nigerian masses and the downtrodden people of Nigeria.

"Just a few weeks to the celebration of its first anniversary in office, the Buhari-led government officially increased pump price of Premium Motor Spirit from N86 to N145 to the chagrin of millions of Nigeria," the statement began.

Continuing, Ibitoye said, 'It must be noted that the APC-led government has constantly displayed its arbitrariness with the brazen manner it has been churning out anti-people policies one of which is this latest onslaught on the people.

'It is unthinkable that Buhari's government would ever thought of foisting increase in fuel pump price on Nigerians, who have been made to go through months of fuel scarcity and hyper-inflation in the last couple of months.

'Our fears are that it would not stop at that as petrol price may go beyond N200 per litre in the next  few months because we could see the marketers jubilating that they have won the battle,' the statement read.

Jamie Vardy Leicester City striker named Premier League Player of the Season

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Leicester City's England striker Jamie Vardy has been named Premier League Player of the Season after his pivotal role in the club's remarkable title-winning campaign.

The East Midlands club, which announced the award in a tweet on Friday, defied the odds to lift their first top-flight crown having begun the season as 5,000-1 outsiders.

Jamie Vardy and his Leicester City teammates defied the odds to win the Premier League

The prolific Vardy is also in the race for the golden boot awarded to the league's top scorer, having netted 24 goals so far, one behind his international team mate Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur with one round of matches remaining to be played on Sunday.

Vardy was rewarded for scoring in record consecutive league (EMPICS Sport)

Leicester visit last season's champions Chelsea, while Spurs travel to relegated Newcastle United.

The 29-year-old's phenomenal form this season led to him winning his first England cap and he is certain to be included on Monday in Roy Hodgson's squad for next month's European Championship in France.

Vardy beat Leicester team mates Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante, Kasper Schmeichel and Wes Morgan, as well as Spurs trio of Kane, Dele Alli and Toby Alderweireld; Arsenal's Mesut Ozil and West Ham United's Dimitri Payet to the Premier League award.

He was also voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers' Association (FWA), an award he received at a dinner in London on Thursday attended by manager Claudio Ranieri.

Vardy was voted Writer's Player of the Year (PA)

Vardy was named in the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) team of the year but Leicester's Algeria international winger Mahrez won the PFA Player of the Year award.

Hiking fuel price was the "only option" left - Vice President

Following the negative reactions that greeted the announcement of the increase in fuel price - from N86 per litre to N145, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has explained the rationale behind the development.

Osinbajo's statement, issued on Friday, May 13, is the first explanation coming from the Presidency since the new fuel pricing regime was announced on Wednesday, May 11.

The statement which was entitled “The Fuel Pricing Debate: Our Story,” said what the Presidency is most concerned about is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy.

“I will hopefully address that in another note,” Osinbajo said.

He explained the necessity of the fuel price hike option and why  Nigerians should embrace it.

Read the full statement below:

"Fellow Citizens, I have read the various observations about the fuel pricing regime and the attendant issues generated. All certainly have strong points.

"The most important issue of course is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy. I will hopefully address that in another note.

"Permit me an explanation of the policy. First, the real issue is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there isn’t much of a subsidy to remove.

"In any event, the President is probably one of the most convinced pro-subsidy advocates.

"What happened is as follows: our local consumption of fuel is almost entirely imported. The NNPC exchanges crude from its joint venture share to provide about 50% of local fuel consumption. The remaining 50% is imported by major and independent marketers.

"These marketers up until three months ago sourced their foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria at the official rate. However, since late last year, independent marketers have brought in little or no fuel because they have been unable to get foreign exchange from the CBN. The CBN simply did not have enough. (In April, oil earnings dipped to $550 million. The amount required for fuel importation alone is about $225million!) .

"Meanwhile, NNPC tried to cover the 50% shortfall by dedicating more export crude for domestic consumption. Besides the short term depletion of the Federation Account, which is where the FG and States are paid from, and further cash-call debts pilling up, NNPC also lacked the capacity to distribute 100% of local consumption around the country. Previously, they were responsible for only about 50%. (Partly the reason for the lingering scarcity).

"We realised that we were left with only one option. This was to allow independent marketers and any Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange and import fuel. We expect that foreign exchange will be sourced at an average of about N285 to the dollar, (current interbank rate). They would then be restricted to selling at a price between N135 and N145 per litre.

"We expect that with competition, more private refineries, and NNPC refineries working at full capacity, prices will drop considerably. Our target is that by Q4 2018 we should be producing 70% of our fuel needs locally. At the moment even if all the refineries are working optimally they will produce just about 40% of our domestic fuel needs.

"You will notice that I have not mentioned other details of the PPRA cost template. I wanted to focus on the cost component largely responsible for the substantial rise, namely foreign exchange. This is therefore not a subsidy removal issue but a foreign exchange problem, in the face of dwindling earnings.

"Thank you all."

Fulani herdsman beheads woman, injures two others

A suspected Fulani herdsman has reported beheaded a woman severely injured two others in Illah community, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State.

According to Vanguard, the herdsman allegedly attacked the victims while they were fishing at Otu Ngegu (Gulugulu) in Ajaji area of the community.

The herdsman was said to have used cutlasses on the victims after a failed attempt to rape them.

The people of Obiaruku community, Ukwani Local Government Area, State, had told the Fulani herdsmen to vacate their land following incessant violent attacks on their indigenes.

OAP wades in on subsidy removal

Cool Fm OAP, Daddy Freeze has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for the recent removal of fuel subsidy which has seen the price of petrol rise to N145 per litre.

  Freeze at the tallest residential building event in Lagos

Freeze today, May 13, 2016 went hard on the President on his Instagram page, alleging that now is not the time to remove subsidy.

He wrote, "A TORTOISE WITH RIGOR MORTIS ! ! !

The pain of the poor Nigerian at such a time as this is beyond unbearable. I have always supported this government so I took the slow 'tortoise' pace of its ruling strategy though unnerving, with optimism, believing that the future is going to be propitious if we can eventually get out of this 'alley'..... However, with the latest hike in petrol prices, the slow paced tortoise has developed rigor mortis, which by definition is 'the stiffness of death'. This fuel increase, will only serve to highlight our harrowing plight, in a country where life prior to this act, was already intolerable.

It's like serving a quit notice to a man whose car was stolen the previous day, after he lost his kids in a fire earlier that week. He had also lost his job a month back, due to depression caused by the discovery that his wife was HIV positive during her autopsy.

There is nothing wrong with removing a subsidy that has been the foundation of the most elaborate corruption scheme in the history of this country. However, is now the best time to do it?
I'm of the humble opinion that when the economic rigor mortis resulting from this fuel hike sets in, and many are faced with the dilemma of choosing between corruption and suffering, a vast majority won't be choosing suffering.
A word like they say, is enough for the wise."

On May 11, 2016, Nollywood actress, Onuoha went hard on President Buhari on her Instagram, alleging that he is a corrupt leader, who helped to facilitate corruption in Nigeria during his term as a military leader while Caroline Danjuma yesterday, May 12, 2016 asked that we should pray for Nigeria.