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  • Barcelona prepare lawsuit against Atletico Madrid over Griezmann

    Barcelona prepare lawsuit against Atletico Madrid over Griezmann

    Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window of 2021, joining Diego Simeone’s team on a two-year loan deal that would most likely turn into a €40 million transfer.

    Last season, the forward was a vital member of the first team, but things have changed dramatically at the start of this season.

    Griezmann has been introduced at the closest possible point to the 60th minute in every game thus far, including Wednesday night in the Champions League, when he went on to score an extremely late winner.

    That’s due to the fact that his loan includes a clause that Atleti will only have to pay the €40 million if he is involved in half of the team’s games, but that means playing at least half of each match.

    However, according to SPORT, Barcelona have already informed the Madrid club that they believe they’re already owed the money for the transfer.

    That’s due to 31-year-old playing 80% of games last year and the Catalan giants claim that the loan deal was only for one year, with the second year only coming into effect if he played 50% of games.

    Read also: IPMAN urges Federal Govt to check petroleum tanker drivers’ excesses

    They argue that with the deal only being for one year, that’s the only year in which the amount of games he played mattered towards the permanent transfer clause.

    Barca believe that it doesn’t matter if Griezmann plays 4 minutes, 28 minutes or all 90 minutes, Atleti already owe them the €40 million.
    The report says that Joan Laporta’s side are preparing a lawsuit should their rivals fail to pay them for the permanent move, which could be an issue for Atleti.

    Whilst Barcelona’s financial problems have been well publicised, the side from the Wanda Metropolitano’s problems haven’t been spoken about quite as much.

    Five players had to reduce their wages in the first team in order to help out in the summer, and that’s exactly why they’re trying to avoid paying for Griezmann.

  • Bala Mohammed urges NIPR to exhibit high sense of professionalism, patriotism

    Bala Mohammed urges NIPR to exhibit high sense of professionalism, patriotism

    Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, has urged the Bauchi State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to act with professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.

    Governor Mohammed stated this in Bauchi at the official book launch of the NIPR entitled “Community Relations Strategy: A primer for Public Relations of Corporate Players in Developing Nations,” which was held at M.L Audu Auditorium Hall federal Polytechnic Bauchi, and urged them to avoid acts that could mislead and alienate citizens while serving their clients and principals.
    The Governor who lauded NIPR for launching a book on community relations strategy in the state,described the production of the book by the NIPR as timely, pointing out that it would go a long way in addressing the practical and intellectual needs of pubic relations students and practitioners as well as strengthen the public affairs departments of corporate organizations.
    “The production of this book is a step in the right direction, and I commend NIPR Bauchi State Chapter for the initiative. I wish to inform this august gathering that the publication is in tandem with my Administration’s desire to promote scholarship in an effort to repositioning the education

    “I wish to inform this august gathering that the publication is in tandem with my administration’s desire to promote scholarship through the repositioning of the education sector,” he said.

    Read also: IPMAN urges Federal Govt to check petroleum tanker drivers’ excesses

    Also speaking, Alhaji Kabir Kobi, Bauchi state Chairman of NIPR, said that the book is of international standard, adding that the book is a compilation of contributions from members of the chapter and beyond which was put together by the chapter’s Book Publication Committee under the leadership of the Editor of the book, Mr Hamid Muhammad of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi.

    Ali Kobi reiterated that, the vision of the chapter is to make every sustainable effort to reach excellence in all spheres of Public Relations by weaving the thread of enterprise, knowledge, experience, ideas and tasks into a fabric that can really be called Public Relations practice.

    In his contribution, Mr Hamid Muhammed, the editor of the book, said that the book went through rigorous review by many scholars and explained that the book also proffer solutions to problems that may arise between corporate organisations, members of staff and the host communities.

    “As NNPC has sited oil exploration in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi state, we felt that the issues of oil exploration and the problem of community issues that NNPC faced in the Niger Delter region shouldn’t replicate itself at Alkaleri. This is one of the key issues that pushed us to focus on this area of community relations,” he said.

  • IPMAN urges Federal Govt to check petroleum tanker drivers’ excesses

    IPMAN urges Federal Govt to check petroleum tanker drivers’ excesses

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged the Federal Government to rein in Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) to ensure downstream sector stability.

    Mr Anicho Oti, Zonal Secretary, IPMAN, South East Zone, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos.

    Tanker drivers, he claims, have grown so powerful that they are holding the industry hostage by threatening to strike at any time.

    “We are appealing to the government to call the tanker drivers to order because they are disrupting the industry’s relative peace,” he said.
    “For instance, they have been collecting IPMAN trip levies at all the petroleum depots but have refused to remit same to us.

    “In Port Harcourt alone, they have collected about N89 million between May and July this year, which they are withholding and when we insisted on being paid, they are threatening to down tools.
    “They are also collecting the N5,000 per truck stakeholders levy which is supposed to be shared among all stakeholders but they have refused to release the money.”

    Read Also: GTBank Portal Suspension: 400,000 Containers Trapped At Seaports – Clearing Agents

    On the spate of oil theft in the country, Oti said some tanker drivers were involved and frustrating efforts of the government and other stakeholders to tackle the issue.

    “We set up a monitoring unit and from our investigation so far, it was discovered that some of them were carrying adulterated products and products from illegal refineries.

    “When they are caught, they are protected by some of their members with threat of going on strike,”he said.

    Oti while commending efforts of the government and stakeholders in addressing the issue, said those involved in such nefarious activities should be brought to justice.

    He said IPMAN would continue to support the government and other critical stakeholders in ensuring the smooth distribution of petroleum products across the country.

  • GTBank Portal Suspension: 400,000 Containers Trapped At Seaports – Clearing Agents

    GTBank Portal Suspension: 400,000 Containers Trapped At Seaports – Clearing Agents

    by Yusuf Babalola

    Clearing agents working at the nation’s seaports lamented yesterday that over 400,000 containers are currently stuck at the Lagos seaports due to the suspension of Guaranty Trust Bank Limited by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) portal.

    Remember that the Customs Service, acting on a directive from the National Assembly, suspended GTBank for allegedly failing to remit import duty to the federal government.

    However, Kayode Farinto, national president of the Association of Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA), stated that importers and clearing agents have incurred over N40 billion in demurrage and storage charges.

    Read Also: Building collapse: Family loses three girls in Jigawa

    “The amount that Nigerian importers are losing as a result of storages and demurrages is running high and the problem is not yet over. These consignments are still trapped in the port and agents cannot clear them. Even some who have made assessments cannot pay duty. It is running to over N40 billion now and that is very unfortunate,” Farinto said.

    Speaking further, he said “We have a situation on the ground where nobody is talking to Nigerians. Nobody is talking to freight forwarders or Customs brokers. That is why there is a need for us to make the world know what is happening in the maritime industry.

    “We have a situation whereby GTB must have erred through the issue of reconciliation. We heard that GTB has not remitted some hundreds of billion to the federation account and they have collected this money on behalf of the federal government and that was what led to their suspension.
    “The Committee of Customs at the National House of Assembly directed Customs to suspend GTB from the portal. GTB has been suspended and some consignments have been trapped. As I talk to you over 400,000 containers throughout the federation who open their Form M cannot proceed further because they haven’t gotten their Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), because they must pay the duty through the Commercial or dealer bank where you have opened your Form M and they are currently trapped.

    Read Also: Malnutrition: Gov. Ugwuanyi reiterates commitment to govt’s partnership with UNICEF

    He also stated that imported vehicles are also trapped at various terminals in the ports.

    “Also, there are over 40 per cent of vehicles that needs to be cleared from the seaport who have gotten assessment but cannot move ahead. There are people who have actually paid duty and as a result of the suspension the status has not changed on the Customs portal and they cannot move forward in the area of clearance of the goods. Hence, we are calling on freight forwarders to make sure that from today the 6th of September, 2022 they should not open their Form M or make any assessment or transaction through GTBank again.”

    “This becomes imperative in the view of the fact that nobody is even talking to us. We sent a letter to GTB on this particular issue for them to address us and let us know what is happening but everybody is avoiding us.”

  • Tributes, as Arab leaders mourn Queen Elizabeth’s death

    Tributes, as Arab leaders mourn Queen Elizabeth’s death

    Arab leaders have expressed their heartfelt condolences on Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

    Following Buckingham Palace’s official announcement of the Queen’s death on Thursday, tributes to the late monarch have been pouring in from all over the Middle East.

    The Queen was described as “a long and steadfast friend to Saudi Arabia” by the Saudi Royal Embassy.

    The Saudi embassy expressed its heartfelt condolences to the British Royal family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth on the passing of the Queen.
    The embassy, in a tweet, said, “Her Majesty was a long and steadfast friend to KSA, and she will long be remembered for her endless service to her country and her people.”

    In a similar vein, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan described Queen Elizabeth II as a “close friend of the UAE and a beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterised by dignity, compassion and a tireless commitment to serving her country.”

    The leader of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim al-Thani, said,“Our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the British people over the death of Queen Elizabeth II, which with her loss the world has lost a great human symbol.”

    Read also: PDP berates Buhari over ASUU strike, RECs, says APC govt enabling terrorism

    Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik described the Queen as “a close friend of Oman (who) contributed to strengthening the close bilateral relations between Oman and the UK.”

    In a statement via his verified Twitter handle, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said, “I offer my sincere condolences, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Egypt, to the Royal Family, the British Government and the people of the United Kingdom, on the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who led her country for decades with great wisdom.”

    In his condolence message, Jordan’s King Abdullah II said, “Jordan mourns the passing of an iconic leader. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a beacon of wisdom and principled leadership for seven decades.”

    King Abdullah described the late Queen as “a partner for Jordan and a dear family friend,” adding, “we stand with the people and leadership of the UK at this difficult time.”

    Abdullah’s mother was British, and the king was educated at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK. The monarch has declared a seven-day period of mourning across Jordan.

    Arab leaders and royals in the Middle East and the United Kingdom’s royal family have enjoyed a special mutual bond and political interests over the years. The Queen, until her passing, relished many connections in the region.

    The queen also hosted many Middle Eastern leaders during her reign. During one of her visits in 2003, Queen Elizabeth II drove Saudi King Abdullah around Balmoral.

    Read also: Banditry: Zamfara police commissioner leads patrol team

    According to a former UK ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the king asked the queen to “slow down and concentrate on the road.”

    Recall that Queen Elizabeth II also visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in November, 2010.

    Also in 1979, Queen Elizabeth II visited Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman during a trip to the Gulf.

    Queen Elizabeth II, who witnessed seven decades on the throne of the United Kingdom, a longer reign than any other British monarch, died on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle, her estate in the Scottish Highlands, at the age of 96.

  • Malnutrition: Gov. Ugwuanyi reiterates commitment to govt’s partnership with UNICEF

    Malnutrition: Gov. Ugwuanyi reiterates commitment to govt’s partnership with UNICEF

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has pledged to ratify the State Multi-sectoral Strategic Plan of Action on Nutrition aimed at reducing stunting and malnutrition in the state, in line with his administration’s adoption of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition and domestication of the National Strategic Plan of Action on Nutrition.

    The pledge was made by Gov. Ugwuanyi yesterday during a joint advocacy visit by the UNICEF Enugu State Field Office led by the Chief Field Officer, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, and the State Committee on Food and Nutrition (SCFN) led by the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David Ugwunta.

    The governor, who was delighted at the concerted efforts of the joint committee, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the fight against malnutrition in Enugu State by continuously supporting nutrition interventions particularly through the FCDO/UNICEF Progressing Action for Resilient Systems for Nutrition through Innovation and Partnership (PARSNIP) programme in the state.

    The PARSNIP, a grant matching-fund programme, is aligned with UNICEF’s commitments to the prevention, early detection and treatment of Child wasting while promoting government’s leadership in the programme.

    Read also: Asari Dokubo sponsoring killings in South-East – IPOB alleges

    The joint advocacy visit to Gov. Ugwuanyi heralded the first coordination meeting of partners and stakeholders on nutrition and PARSNIP, which took place on Thursday, at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, with the Theme: “Prioritising Investment in Maternal, Infant, Young Child and Adolescent Nutrition – A key to sustainable Development in Enugu State”.

    Noting that malnutrition is hampering the survival and development of children in the state and the nation, the governor stressed the significance of PARSNIP programme in curbing stunting and malnutrition in the state and beyond.

    Speaking, the Chief Field Officer, UNICEF, Mrs. Chiluwe, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for the milestone achievements of his administration in the health sector, especially with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, disclosing that the essence of the visit was to discuss the need to improve nutrition for women and children.

    Mrs. Chiluwe stated that “keying into the first 1,000 days of a child’s life will reverse malnutrition in the state especially with respect to infant and young child feeding practices.”

    Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi, said that the visit was paramount in addressing the urgent need to consider, approve and implement the state policy document on nutrition and to ensure that the outcome of the engagement is included in the state budget.

    Dr. Obi also commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his steadfastness in the payment of all counterpart funded projects in the state particularly as it relates to the health sector.

    In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. Ugwunta, thanked UNICEF for its support and interventions in Enugu State most importantly, seeing to the Enugu State Multi-sectoral Strategic Plan of Action on Nutrition, which is awaiting the State Executive Council’s ratification, becoming a reality.

    Read also: Building collapse: Family loses three girls in Jigawa

    The Commissioner pointed out that the policy document, when operational, will provide a pathway for investments in nutrition-related activities by the state government, partners, donors, and the organised private sector.

    Dignitaries at the event include the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. George Ugwu, other members of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition including Prof. Lizzy Ngwu of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, UNN representing the academia, and Mrs. Onyinye Mamah who represented the Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria.

    Other members of the committee present include, the Acting Chairman of the State Committee on Food and Nutrition, Mr. Edwin Anukwe, the State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Henrietta Ugwu and other staff of UNICEF, Enugu Field Office.

  • Banditry: Zamfara police commissioner leads patrol team

    Banditry: Zamfara police commissioner leads patrol team

    Mr Kolo Yusuf, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, led a patrol team over 100 kilometres from Gusau-Talata Mafara-Bakura-Sokoto federal highway to assess the operational capacity of police tactical and conventional operatives deployed to the axis for the safety of commuters along the route.

    The commissioner, on the other hand, implemented some formidable strategies, particularly at strategic points, ensuring that the highway would be fortified with the deployment of operatives from the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), and conventional police operatives.
    Mr. Yusuf also visited joint operatives of Operation Hadarin Daji in the secretariat of Maru Local Government Area where he charged the personnel to be security conscious and show professionalism in the discharge of their legitimate endeavours.

    “Also, I used the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit to the Emir of Talata Mafara, Alhaji Dr. Bello Mohammed Barmo, at his Palace in Talata Mafara because traditional leaders play vital role in the area of security,” he added.

    Read Also: Asari Dokubo sponsoring killings in South-East – IPOB alleges

    The commissioner, however, assured the Emir that with the strategies, commitment, and determination of the Police and other security agencies in the state to overcome the teething issue, the tension would soon go down.
    Mr Yusuf appealed to the members of the public to always report any suspected movement of individuals to the police or any security agency close to them, pointing out that active intelligence sharing with law enforcement agencies for effective policing remains very imperative.

    According to the state police spokesman, SP Mohammed Shehu, the commissioner, while returning to Gusau, branched at 207 Quick Response Group, Nigerian Air Force Base, where he visited the Commander, Mr. D M Komo, and solicited harmonious working synergy among the security operatives for effective service delivery.

  • Building collapse: Family loses three girls in Jigawa

    Building collapse: Family loses three girls in Jigawa

    Three children were killed in a building collapse at Jigawar Tsada village in Jigawa State’s Dutse Local Government Area.

    According to a community leader, the incident occurred on Thursday night as a result of a heavy downpour.

    He claimed that the building collapsed while the children were sleeping, and that all of the victims died instantly.

    DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, a police spokesman, confirmed the incident.

    He stated that the building in Jigawar Tsada village collapsed due to heavy rain that lasted for hours on Wednesday night.

    Farida Idi is six years old, Mariya Idi is three years old, and Bilkisu Yahaya is one year and six months old.

    According to him, on receiving the report, detectives moved to the scene, evacuated their bodies and rushed them to General Hospital Dutse.

    Read also: Nigeria losses $2.7bn as oil production falls below 1mb/d

    He said all the three girls were confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

    Shiisu said their corpses were released to their relatives for burial according to Islamic rite.

    The Commissioner of Police, Jigawa State Police Command, CP Aliyu Sale Tafida condoled with the parent, family and relatives and prayed the Almighty Allah to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • PDP berates Buhari over ASUU strike, RECs, says APC govt enabling terrorism

    PDP berates Buhari over ASUU strike, RECs, says APC govt enabling terrorism

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again chastised the Buhari administration over the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ ongoing strike (ASUU).

    At its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, the main opposition party condemned the situation.

    Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary, lamented the failure of the APC government to end the strike.

    On February 14, lecturers across the country began a boycott of universities. Despite government offers, they refuse to pay salaries for the previous six months.

    The National Education Commission (NEC) accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of relishing the agony, pain, and suffering of parents and students in public universities.
    The PDP condemned the “display of arrogance” by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, in handling the issue and called for a more constructive engagement by stakeholders.

    The party expressed concern about the insecurity “occasioned by the obvious complicity of the APC administration which continues to condone and enable acts of terrorism”.

    NEC also criticized President Muhammadu Buhari’s reported appointment of card-carrying members of the APC as INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

    Read Also: Nigerian story not complete without Queen Elizabeth – Buhari

    “This unpatriotic act is a brazen plot by the APC to manipulate and rig the 2023 general elections against the will of Nigerians”, the PDP warned.

    The opposition further demanded that the President should withdraw the APC members nominated as RECs.

    The statement said failure to do so could trigger a serious political crisis that might threaten the 2023 general elections and derail the process.

    The NEC also decried the state of the nation’s economy, “occasioned by the corruption, insensitivity, incompetence and harsh economic policies”.

    The opposition advised the people to vote out the APC next year and elect the PDP “to start the onerous task of rescuing and rebuilding our nation”.

  • Asari Dokubo sponsoring killings in South-East – IPOB alleges

    Asari Dokubo sponsoring killings in South-East – IPOB alleges

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Asari Dokubo, an ex-militant leader, of mobilising his alleged gangs to kill innocent indigenes of Imo State and other parts of the South-East.

    Emma Powerful, the secessionist group’s spokesperson, made the allegations in a statement on Thursday.

    IPOB warned that it was running out of patience and that it would retaliate against Dokubo and his alleged criminal gangs in the near future.

    The group claimed that the ex-militant leader lacked the authority to put a stop to the secessionists, claiming that even the Nigerian military was powerless to do so.
    He said, “Asari Dokubo being somebody who hates Ndigbo and Biafra agitation championed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB members worldwide brought out his criminal gang to kill innocent Biafrans in Imo State in the name of chasing IPOB and Nnamdi Kanu.

    Read Also: Nigerian story not complete without Queen Elizabeth – Buhari

    “We therefore, warn the Izon people to caution Asari Dokubo. If Nigeria Government with all their military arsenal can’t stop IPOB, Asari Dokubo and his criminal gangs from kalabari are small fry to IPOB.

    “Now that Asari Dokubo is displaying his ignorance and killing skills on our innocent citizens, nobody should blame IPOB when we lunch offensive attack against him and his Kalabari criminals in Imo State who followed him because we must get them

    It was reported that Asari Dokubo and the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu were in war of words prior to the rearrest of the latter by the Nigerian government.

  • Breaking: Tambuwal has not resigned – PDP Governors Forum

    Breaking: Tambuwal has not resigned – PDP Governors Forum

    The Governors Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has denied reports that its Chairman, Sokoto state Governor Aminu Tambuwal, has resigned.

    This was stated in a statement sent on Thursday night by the forum’s DG, Hon CID Maduabum.

    “This is to inform the general public and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party that the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF), Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR has not resigned as Chairman of the Forum, contrary to some media reports,” the statement said.

    Read Also: Why Nigeria should end fuel subsidy – Akabueze

    “Members of the PDP GOVERNORS FORUM are working behind the scenes to resolve all contending issues concerning the Party. To this end a meeting of the Forum will soon be convened.”
    More to come…

  • Nigerian story not complete without Queen Elizabeth – Buhari

    Nigerian story not complete without Queen Elizabeth – Buhari

    On Thursday, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd. ), learned with great sadness of the death of Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom.

    He also expressed his condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of the world’s longest reigning monarch.

    Buhari’s condolence message was contained in a statement signed late Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled ‘President Buhari mourns the Queen of England’.

    On Thursday, Queen Elizabeth II of England died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in the United Kingdom.

    According to an official release from the Royal Family, the queen died peacefully.
    In his condolence message, the President said “My family and I, and the more than 200 million Nigerians have learned with immense sadness of the passing of the Queen and the end of her unique and wonderful 70 year reign. Her late Majesty was the only British Sovereign known to 90 percent of our population.

    Read also: 2023: APC failure won’t guarantee non-performing PDP govs votes – Wike

    “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth as we join the entire world in mourning her loss.

    “The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader. She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.”

    Buhari also welcomed the heir to the throne, King Charles III saying, “Your Majesty’s ascension to the throne in line with tradition and prays King Charles the Third’s reign will witness the continuing robust and sisterly relations between our two nations.”

  • Breaking: DSS recovers Incriminating Materials, Military Equipment from Mamu’s home

    Breaking: DSS recovers Incriminating Materials, Military Equipment from Mamu’s home

    The Department of State Security Services, DSS, has provided an update on a raid on the home of Tukur Mamu, publisher of the Desert Herald and hostage negotiator for the Kaduna Train.

    Mamu was apprehended by the agency on Wednesday at the request of the Nigerian military.

    The DSS revealed that ‘incriminating materials’ were discovered in Mamu’s home in a statement released on Thursday evening, signed by its PRO, Peter Afunanya(Phd.).

    “So far, appropriate security agencies have executed valid search warrants on Mamu’s residence and office,” the statement said.

    “During the processes, incriminating materials including military accoutrements were recovered. Other items include large amounts in different currencies and denominations as well as financial transaction instruments.”

    “While further investigations continue, Mamu will, sure, have a day in court.”

  • Wike speaks on Jibrin’s resignation says Atiku assured him Ayu would vacate office

    Wike speaks on Jibrin’s resignation says Atiku assured him Ayu would vacate office

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has rejected Walid Jibrin’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees.

    According to a report by NCIR, Mr Wike revealed this in Port Harcourt on Thursday while commissioning a Rivers State University Campus in the state’s Ahoada East Local Government Area.

    In response to Mr Jibrin’s resignation, Mr Wike insisted that the party’s chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, resign in order for the party to be at peace.

    The governor stated that, in addition to Mr Ayu’s promise to resign if a northerner is nominated as the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, who emerged as the party’s candidate, also assured him that Mr Ayu would leave office.
    Mr Wike said Atiku told him a day after the presidential primary of the party when he (Atiku) visited him to seek his support.
    “When we finished our convention on a Saturday to Sunday, the candidate of the party (Atiku) came to see me in my house in Abuja on Monday around 10:30 a. m. The candidate told me: ‘I want us to work together’ and then he said, ‘Look, Ayu must go’.

    Read Also: Breaking: Prince Charles succeeds Queen Elizabeth as king

    “I said why? He said because when a candidate comes from the north, the chairman will come from the south. And I am saying, implement what you told me. What offence have I committed? It has nothing to do with Wike; it has to do with integrity.

    “I challenge the presidential candidate to deny this. If he denies this, I will go further to say so many things to Nigerians because enough is enough.”

    Mr Ayu has been under pressure from a group of governors and some former governors of the party led by Mr Wike, to step down for a southerner.

    Mr Wike’s group had been complaining about the imbalance in the party leadership as Mr Ayu and the presidential candidate of the party, Mr Atiku, and the heads of major organs of the party are all from the north.

    But Mr Ayu had in a BBC interview described those calling for his resignation as “children.”

    Read Also: Contempt: APC threatens to sue Bayelsa speaker, lawmaker

    “When we started the PDP, we did not know these boys, they are children, they don’t know how we founded the party. We will not agree with one person to come and destroy our party.”

    The PDP has been enmeshed in crisis after the party’s presidential primary last year.

    Mr Wike and Atiku have been at loggerheads after the presidential primary where the former vice president defeated the Rivers governor.

    The feud further deepened after Atiku ignored the PDP committee’s recommendation of Mr Wike as the party’s vice presidential candidate.

    The crisis rocking the party, however, entered a different phase when a group of party members led by Mr Wike demanded the resignation of the party national chairman to correct what they described as “imbalance” in the party leadership structure.

  • Fans warn Joshua to avoid Fury bout

    Fans warn Joshua to avoid Fury bout

    Fans have reacted to the possibility of a December fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, with many advising the two-time heavyweight champion not to take the fight.

    On Monday, Joshua accepted WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s challenge after the latter called him out on social media on Monday, challenging the British-Nigerian to a Battle of Britain in December.

    Joshua responded to Fury’s antics on Twitter, writing, “Yea calm. I don’t participate in online discussions for clout, so if you’re serious, contact @258mgt (Joshua’s management). In December, I’ll be ready.”

    However, fans have warned the British-Nigerian to exercise restraint in the same Joshua post.

    Popular influencer, Daniel Regha wrote, “Anthony Joshua don’t get ahead of yourself, you are far from ready to fight Tyson Fury judging by your performance against Usyk in which you lost twice in a row; you are no doubt a great boxer, but you are not on Fury’s level yet. Act wise, rebuild yourself before taking on a challenge. No offense.”
    Another user, @KingBalmainn commented, “I know you’re not a coward Anthony but sometimes there are battles you don’t fight physically. Tyson Fury is a different type of beast, to be honest.”

    @currentiyke joked that Joshua wanted more punishments, “Lmaooo the one you’ve collected never satisfy you?”

    Another Twitter user, @ogunsanyah did not think Joshua had any chance at all writing, “Lmao. You that Fury will beat like a lost ram. You that is fighting like you’re applying makeup. Like you didn’t see how aggressive Mike (Tyson) was during those awesome years.”

    However, Olufemi Zosu believes Joshua should not be discouraged, “Why are you guys discouraging AJ? “Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit”. Joshua, just make a wish and believe in Jah it gonna come through.”
    It was Sported Extra also reached out to some boxing fans on the streets. One of these, John Jimoh harbors little hopes of a Joshua victory.

    “About the Tyson versus Joshua fight, honestly, I feel Joshua is about to go on his third losing streak.

    “Though Joshua is faster than Fury, Fury is still quite calm and collected. Joshua is going into this fight with anger in him and hunger for “revenge”, more like a comeback. Which to me, is not the best for now,” he said.

    “If I were to be Joshua, I would go for a less competitive person first, before accepting to fight Fury. If you watch Joshua well, it’s quite evident he gives up quickly so I think Joshua is no match for Fury. But above all, I still wish my countryman the very best.”

    Tomilola Isijola who enjoys combat sports and is a fan of UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya believes Joshua actually stands a chance.

    “Tyson Fury one minute said he wants to retire and spend time with his family, and the next minute, he’s looking for an opponent to fight. It’s interesting the way he called Anthony Joshua out and I think it will be an exciting watch. It’s sounding like he’s asking Joshua to come and redeem himself.

    “I think Joshua may stand a chance because he may be coming with the aggression from the fight he recently lost (against Usyk) and I think that he is going to prepare so well for Fury.”

    A Nigerian man in his 50s, Taiwo Stephen thinks Joshua is now less physical but can still pull an upset, “I think Anthony Joshua’s form has dropped.

    “Back when he first started, he used to fight with more aggression knocking out opponents, but along the line, around when he became Heavyweight champion, he became a less physical fighter, so if he can put more effort and fight as he used to in the beginning, he can beat Fury.”

  • Anambra Govt shuts down hotel over sex party

    Anambra Govt shuts down hotel over sex party

    The Anambra State Government has halted operations in a section of Wintess Garden Annex in Awka, the state capital, where a sex party is said to have taken place last weekend.

    Viral videos of a party held in Wintess Garden Annex, Ifite Awka, circulated on the internet, showing participants having sex among themselves.

    Mr Donatus Onyenji, Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, who signed a seal order, stated that the action was taken to allow the government and security agencies to conduct additional investigations into the matter.

    Onyenji stated that the closure was in accordance with the Anambra State Tourism and Development Authority.

    2016 Hospitality Law

    Part of the letter to the hotel read: “Our attention has been drawn to the social media video of live sex and pornographic content (sex party) conducted on 3rd September at an open place in your hotel/facility.

    “This and other such indecent operational standard and unholy acts of public show of indecency must not be allowed in any hotel in Anambra.

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    “Government of Anambra hereby directs the management of Wintess Garden Hotel to shut-down operations pending further investigations and review of the application.”

    The sex video, which was widely circulated, had been attributed to students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, because of the proximity of the hotel to the campus.

    Meanwhile, the institution had denied the involvement of its students in the act, insisting that school had not been in session, and that their students were not on campus.

  • Contempt: APC threatens to sue Bayelsa speaker, lawmaker

    Contempt: APC threatens to sue Bayelsa speaker, lawmaker

    The All Progressives Congress on Thursday threatened legal action against the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and the sacked lawmaker representing Brass Constituency 1, Daniel Charles, over alleged contempt of court.

    Also in trouble for the same alleged offence is the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, following non-compliance with the sacking of Charles by the Court of Appeal.

    Ingobere and Charles risk jail term for not abiding by the order of the court, which sacked the latter with immediate effect.

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    The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had on July 14, 2022, in a unanimous decision by Justices Joseph Shagbaor Ikeyegh, Gabriel Omoniyi Kolawole and Olabode Adegbehingbe, in suit number CA/PH/79/2022, ruled that there was merit in the appeal filed by the APC, which sought the removal of Charles as a member of the House for defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party from APC on whose platform he won the election to the Assembly.

    The court, which hinged its decision on Section 109 (1) (g) and (2) of the Constitution, ordered the speaker under constitutional duties to declare Charles’s seat vacant and directed Charles to return all monies and allowances he had collected since April 14, 2021.

    Counsel to APC, Mr Tuduru Ede, who expressed dismay that Charles was still being allowed to participate in the legislature’s deliberation, said that INEC, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Ingobere and Charles were all in contempt of the court’s ruling.
    He insisted that the appeal court made a declaratory judgment, saying the implication of allowing Charles to remain in the House is that all motions and decisions made by the House are null and void.

    Ede said, “The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, INEC, and the House of Assembly as an institution, and Hon. Dr Charles Daniel, are in contempt of Court by their actions for allowing Hon. Charles to be part of the House.

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    “The Court of Appeal has sacked him and INEC should have conducted an election into the vacant seat.

    “Hon. Charles is no longer a member of the House and he should have returned all the monies he collected since April 2021. He risks going to jail for showing contempt to the order of the Court. This is part of the impunity we are talking about.

    “The implication of what the House of Assembly has done is that by allowing Dr Daniel who has been sacked in the eyes of the law since April 2021 to be part of its deliberation means all their actions, motions are null and void. By allowing him to be part of any deliberation means all what they are doing is nullity.”

    When contacted, Charles said he would need to speak with his lawyer before responding.

  • Breaking: Despite ongoing ASUU strike UNILORIN appoints new vice-chancellor

    Breaking: Despite ongoing ASUU strike UNILORIN appoints new vice-chancellor

    Despite the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUUongoing )’s seven-month-long strike, the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State, announced the appointment of a new vice-chancellor on Thursday night.

    Wahab Egbewole, the new vice-chancellor, is a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and he is set to take office on October 16.

    Abidu Yazidi, Chairman of the Institution’s Governing Council, made the announcement.

    Kunle Akogun, the university’s spokesman, confirmed the new development over the phone.

    Selection process

    In a short speech delivered by Mr Yazidi on Thursday while making the announcement, he said the selection of the vice-chancellorship processes had kicked off in March with an advertisement in line with the law establishing the university.

    He said; “In accordance with the laws of this University, the University of Ilorin Act, CAP U7 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor is due to lapse on the 15th of October 2022, the Council of the University began the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor as far back as March 2022.
    We advertised nationwide for applicants and also through our website. We eventually received some twenty-nine (29) applications from this effort. Even before the returns were in, however, we mounted a special search process by which we reached out to no less than fifty-six (56) people in Universities and other institutions, both at home and abroad.”

    Mr Yazidi said following the constitution of a selection committee, 13 of the applicants “who fulfilled our advertisement and other conditions” were shortlisted for interview by the committee on behalf of the governing council.

    The chairman added: “We interacted with them and processed their application over a period of four days. We checked and double-checked their credentials, we closely questioned and probed each of them to make sure that they would support and fulfill the vision and mission of the University.

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    “We specifically looked for candidates who would support and be sympathetic to the needs of our students, who would interface and work smoothly with other faculty members, who would be mindful of the needs and aspirations of our host community, as well as the candidate who, in our opinion would be truly concerned about the progress of the university and our responsibility to our Nation.

    “I am glad to inform you that the Council has, after rigorous selection procedure, approved the appointment of Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, as the eleventh Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.”

    About Egbewole
    Mr Egbewole, who is 61 years old, holds a PhD in Law and Jurisprudence and is said to have served the university within the last 25 years.

    The new vice-chancellor, who hails from Ifetedo, Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, was once the Director of the General Studies Division of the university.

    He was appointed a Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law in 2012 and has served both in the Senate and Governing Council of the university.

  • Breaking: Prince Charles succeeds Queen Elizabeth as king

    Breaking: Prince Charles succeeds Queen Elizabeth as king

    Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch in British history and an icon instantly recognised by billions of people around the world, died on Thursday at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace announced.

    Charles, Prince of Wales, the eldest of her four children and the oldest heir apparent in British history at 73, becomes king immediately.

    The queen died after the palace announced on Thursday that doctors were “concerned” about her health and advised her to remain under medical supervision.

    All of her children flocked to her Scottish Highland retreat, Balmoral, including Charles, Princess Anne, 72, Prince Andrew, 62, and Prince Edward, 58.

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    Charles’ sons, Prince William and his estranged brother, Prince Harry, joined them.

    Two days earlier the queen appointed Liz Truss as the 15th prime minister of her reign and was seen smiling in photographs but looking frail and using a walking stick.

    One photograph of the meeting sparked alarm, showing a deep purple bruise on the monarch’s right hand.

    Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne aged just 25 in 1952 in the aftermath of World War II, joining a world stage dominated by political figures from China’s Mao Zedong to Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and US president Dwight D. Eisenhower.

    Her 70-year reign straddled two centuries of seismic social, political and technological upheaval.

    The last vestiges of Britain’s vast empire crumbled. At home, Brexit shook the foundations of her kingdom, and her family endured a series of scandals.
    But throughout, she remained consistently popular and was queen and head of state not just of the United Kingdom but 14 former British colonies, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

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    She was also head of the 56-nation Commonwealth, which takes in a quarter of humanity, and supreme governor of the Church of England, the mother church of the worldwide Anglican communion.

    But questions will be asked about whether the golden age of the British monarchy has now passed, how an ancient institution can remain viable in the modern era and whether Charles will command the same respect or reign in his mother’s shadow.

  • Breaking: Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96

    Breaking: Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96

    Queen Elizabeth II of England has died at the age of 96 on Thursday.

    The queen was said to have died peacefully.

    Crowd had gathered at the Buckingham Palace residence in London on Thursday as concern was growing over the Queen’s health.

    Around 100 people braved torrential rain to stand at the palace gates, according to AFP, as senior royals rushed to Balmoral in Scotland, where the queen was being treated.

    The Royal Family, announcing the death in a statement, said, “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

    “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
    The Queen’s children – Charles, Princess Anne, 72, Prince Andrew, 62, and Prince Edward, 58, had flocked to her Scottish Highland retreat, Balmoral.

    They were joined by Charles’s sons, Prince William, and his estranged brother Prince Harry.

    Two days earlier the queen had appointed Liz Truss as the 15th prime minister of her reign and was seen smiling in photographs but looking frail and using a walking stick.

    One photograph of the meeting sparked alarm, showing a deep purple bruise on the monarch’s right hand.

    Queen Elizabeth, the longest reigning monarch in the British history, emerged the Queen after the Second World War and reigned for 70 years.