Saturday, 30 April 2016
SUNDAY WINNING HOT GAME
Booking Number:M27GMX
30/04/2016 20:17:00
Code 1734 Date 01/05/2016 16:30:00
Event Southampton - Manchester City
Live/Prematch Normal Selection Over Corner
Code 1733 Date 01/05/2016 14:05:00
Event Manchester Utd - Leicester City
Live/Prematch Normal Selection (0:2) 2 H
Code 2372 Date 02/05/2016 19:15:00
Event Werder Bremen - Stuttgart
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1X
Code 1537 Date 01/05/2016 12:00:00
Event Swansea - Liverpool
Live/Prematch Normal Selection Over Corner
Code 2897 Date 01/05/2016 14:00:00
Event Sassuolo - Hellas Verona
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1
Code 2899 Date 01/05/2016 14:00:00
Event Milan - Frosinone
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1
Code 2896 Date 01/05/2016 11:30:00
Event Juventus - Carpi
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1
Code 2910 Date 01/05/2016 15:00:00
Event Espanyol - Sevilla
Live/Prematch Normal Selection Over Corner
Code 2909 Date 01/05/2016 11:00:00
Event Ath. Bilbao - Celta Vigo
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1X
Code 2911 Date 01/05/2016 17:15:00
Event Dep. La Coruna - Getafe
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1X
Code 2268 Date 01/05/2016 17:00:00
Event Club Brugge - Genk
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1X
Code 2016 Date 01/05/2016 16:00:00
Event Estoril - Maritimo
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1X
Code 2017 Date 01/05/2016 18:15:00
Event FC Arouca - Nacional
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1X
Code 2452 Date 01/05/2016 16:00:00
Event Elche - Albacete Balompie
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1X
Code 2453 Date 01/05/2016 16:00:00
Event Valladolid - Lugo
Live/Prematch Normal Selection 1X
We’ll use recovered money to create jobs for youths – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said his administration was determined to recover money stolen by former public officers to create jobs for the nation’s teeming unemployed youths.
The President said this at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Gbakuta, Iseyin, Oyo State, during the swearing-in of Batch `A’ corps members posted to the state.
Buhari, whose speech was read by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sport, Mrs Ololade Agboola, said recovered funds would be used to create jobs.
“One of the disturbing problems inherited by this administration is increasing unemployment amongst young people.
“In fact, the unemployment situation has taken a great toll on the Nigeria youths at their prime productive ages.
“That is why this administration is anxious to recover illicit wealth to channel them into productive economic ventures to absorb thousands into employment’’, he said.
He said government was aware of rejection of corps members, infrastructure deficit at the orientation camps, and dwindling resources as some challenges facing the NYSC.
“I have been informed that these problems have persisted due to monumental growth in graduate population and inadequate corresponding resource provisions.
“These seemingly intimidating obstacles should not dampen your zeal to make the desired sacrifice to serve your fatherland as government is prepared to address these problems’’, he said.
The President implored corps members to settle down quickly and learn about ideals of life while contributing their quota to national unity.
Coordinator of NYSC in the state, Mrs Funmilola Akin-Moses, said the camp, which opened on Wednesday, had registered 1,692 corps members.
According to her, the figure comprises 732 male and 960 female corps members.
She said corps members would be exposed to various courses and training during the three-week orientation.
PDP Govs brand Fayose a potential future leader
Ado Ekiti- The Peoples Democratic Party governors and others gathered yesterday in Ado Ekiti, showered encomium on Governor Ayodele Fayose and branded him a potential future leader this came as the Taraba State Governor, Arch. Darius Ishaku, said Governor Ayodele Fayose plaid a significant role in his victory at the Supreme Court, after a dramatic loss at the Appeal Court.
Also, his counterparts from Akwa Ibom and Abia States, Hon Emanuel Udom and Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, respectively, disclosed that Fayose has foretold them of their victory even before the election tribunals’ pronouncement, adding his support to their administrations has been monumental.
The governors said this in Ado Ekiti while attending the commissioning of some projects executed by the administration of Governor Fayose.
Dignitaries at the ceremony were the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, Governors Ishaku of Taraba , Dr Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, David Umahi of Ebonyin, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Nyesom Wike of Rivers ,Ibrahim Dankwabo of Gombe
Ishaku, while speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony organised in honour of his judicial victory in Ado Ekiti, said Fayose’s spiritual counseling made him escape the hammer at the apex court.
“After losing at the Appeal Court, I was in Jerusalem with Governor Fayose and at a time I became burdened and I told him(Fayose) that I am prepared to go back to my state. But he advised me to stay back and put all my supplications before God and that I did.
“I then promised that if I should win the supreme court verdict that I am going to do my thanksgiving in Ado Ekiti and that am doing today. He told me that God will make way for me and this advise actually subdued my worries and today I am celebrating .
“That was why I am committed to wiping away tears in the eyes of my people in Taraba . As I speak with you many communities in Taraba had not witnessed development since its creation.
It marvels me when my wife told me that she went to a community, very remote one and a woman of over 100 years proclaimed that she had not seen a car in her lifetime”.
Speaking on Fayose’s virtues, Ishaku showered encomiums on the
governor for his forthrightness, doggedness and bravery, saying these have helped in shaping his political career”, he said.
Ikpeazu , who also escaped the supreme court hammer the same way with governor Ishaku relayed how Fayose stood by him for him to stay afloat and triumph in his judicial triumph.
Udom , who branded Fayose as a dependable pillar of support in the PDP, said the present crops of governors across party lines must rise above partisanship and strive hard to make Nigeria great in all respects.
“The present crops of governors in the country are committed people who are ready to take Nigeria to the next level”, he said.
Fayose, who attributed his contributions to God’s guidance and powers, urged the victors to continue to serve the people and always seek the face of God in all their dealings.
The governor added that virtually all his predictions about some happenings in the country have come to fruition , saying this underscored the grace of God over his life.
Having triumphed over the forces of darkness, I want you to rededicate yourself to the service of God. You must see God as your pillar and be ready to render selfless service to the people”, Fayose counseled.
Among the projects commissioned were : Funmilayo Olayinka Women Development centre, built in honour of the late deputy governor, 2000 – capacity amphi-theatre built within the precinct of Ewi of Ado Ekiti palace, Awedele dualisation project, De-Head-Police headquarters road, Petim road in Adebayo
Aftermath attack: Fulani herdsmen flee Enugu
THE Fulani herdsmen and some of their petty-traders have deserted towns and villages in Enugu State, following the attack on Nimbo Community in Uzo Uwani Local Government Monday morning.
This was even as facts emerged that security men drafted to Nimbo to prevent the attack abandoned their duty posts, paving the way for the herdsmen to kill over 40 persons in the community.
Some Fulani and Hausa who sold carrots, suya meat, sugar canes, onions, electronics as well as those engaged in nail cutting among other menial jobs have deserted the towns and villages and joined some herdsmen in the bushes around Amalla in Udenu Local Government and Umuogbo Agu and Ette border in Igboeze North Local Government areas of the state.
The herdsmen had evacuated their cattle from Adani in Uzo Uwani and other parts of the state before the Monday’s attack, which led to the untimely death of over 40 people including a school teacher from Enugu Ezike, Igbo Eze North Local Government, residing in the area.
This was even as facts emerged that security men drafted to Nimbo to prevent the attack abandoned their duty posts, paving the way for the herdsmen to kill over 40 persons in the community.
Some Fulani and Hausa who sold carrots, suya meat, sugar canes, onions, electronics as well as those engaged in nail cutting among other menial jobs have deserted the towns and villages and joined some herdsmen in the bushes around Amalla in Udenu Local Government and Umuogbo Agu and Ette border in Igboeze North Local Government areas of the state.
The herdsmen had evacuated their cattle from Adani in Uzo Uwani and other parts of the state before the Monday’s attack, which led to the untimely death of over 40 people including a school teacher from Enugu Ezike, Igbo Eze North Local Government, residing in the area.
Tragedy: Soldier allegedly shot dead bride’s mother in Delta
Tragedy struck on Saturday morning as a mother of a bride was allegedly shot dead by a soldier at the Ekpan Junction, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.
The deceased was on her way to the wedding ceremony of her daughter when the incident occurred.
The first son of the deceased, Alero said a keke operator flouted the soldier’s order when he was flagged down and the soldier opened fire leading to the deceased
death.
According to hi, this reason is not enough for one of the soldiers to release bullets on my mother.
The sister told newsmen at the Ekpan Police station that the killer-soldier had been whisked away by members of the JTF contrary to reports that he had been
arrested.
She also said that colleagues of the killer-soldier at the roadblock had been taken to Warri Area Command for questioning.
“They have not arrested the soldier. JTF whisked him away. His colleagues at the road block together with him are now at Warri Area Command.
“It was my mother that was shot not my sister that is wedding today. She was coming for the wedding,” she said.
The Delta Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Celestina Kalu, and the Warri Area Commander, Mohammed Muazu, could not be reached for comment.
The deceased was on her way to the wedding ceremony of her daughter when the incident occurred.
The first son of the deceased, Alero said a keke operator flouted the soldier’s order when he was flagged down and the soldier opened fire leading to the deceased
death.
According to hi, this reason is not enough for one of the soldiers to release bullets on my mother.
The sister told newsmen at the Ekpan Police station that the killer-soldier had been whisked away by members of the JTF contrary to reports that he had been
arrested.
She also said that colleagues of the killer-soldier at the roadblock had been taken to Warri Area Command for questioning.
“They have not arrested the soldier. JTF whisked him away. His colleagues at the road block together with him are now at Warri Area Command.
“It was my mother that was shot not my sister that is wedding today. She was coming for the wedding,” she said.
The Delta Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Celestina Kalu, and the Warri Area Commander, Mohammed Muazu, could not be reached for comment.
Gunmen kidnap paramount ruler’s pregnant wife in Akwa Ibom
No fewer than 10 unknown gunmen on Friday night kidnapped the pregnant wife of Ubong Assam, the paramount ruler of Esit Eket in Akwa Ibom.
The gunmen also abducted the four children of the traditional ruler.
Chief Asuquo Abia, the Secretary, Traditional Rulers Council, Esit Eket, told NAN in Esit Eket on Saturday that the gunmen invaded the palace of the paramount ruler in the wee hours of Friday morning.
Abia, who is also the Village Head of Afaha Akpenedi, said the gunmen shot sporadically for over five hours from 1.30 a.m. to 6 a.m.
“The gunmen destroyed part of the palace with dynamites and broke into all the rooms and carted away valuables,’’ he said.
He said the gunmen arrived at the palace on Thursday claiming to be policemen from Abuja on an investigation.
“They later came back the next day around 1.30 a.m. and shot sporadically till 6 a.m. in the morning,’’ Abia said.
Also, a family member, Mr Norbert Assam, said that seven people wounded in the incident were hospitalised in the state.
He said that the paramount ruler’s wife was eight months pregnant when she was kidnapped.
Assam also said that the gunmen escaped the scene with their victims in the paramount ruler’s Jeep.
“They came in two vehicles, a white Hilux van and a sports utility vehicle; they met the paramount ruler and said they came from Abuja to investigate a matter of attempted murder on the life of the monarch.
“We saw two masked men in the Hilux van who they claimed were suspects of the attempted murder case, but they did not allow us to go near the vehicles,’’ Assam said.
He said that gunmen came from the creeks in Esit Eket Local Government Area, adding that they ransacked the palace and took away valuables and money.
Reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relation Officer in Akwa Ibom, ASP. Cordelia Nwawe, said the command was yet to receive a report on the kidnap from the Divisional Police Officer in the area.
Nwawe said that the family had also not intimated the command of the incident, but added that the police was committed to safety of life and property in the area.
NAN reports that this is the second time in two years that unknown gunmen are attacking the palace of the paramount ruler.
Must a woman even marry, Anita Joseph queries
Is there a thing about actress and singer, Anita Joseph and marriage?
The thirty-something diva once refused a marriage proposal from a longtime boyfriend, stating that she could not abandon her career to be a complete housewife.
On Monday, the actress post a private message on her phone ‘Must a woman even marry’, sparking speculations that she may be under intense pressure from her family to get a man to marry.
When Potpourri reached out to her, the sexy diva declined comment, saying, “my private life is nobody’s business”.
Bale’s thunderous header puts Madrid on top of La Liga
Gareth Bale’s thunderous header 10 minutes from time moved an under-strength Real Madrid to the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
In the absence of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Bale stood out with a brilliant individual display capped by the winner to register Madrid’s 10th straight La Liga win.
Victory moves Real two points clear of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who are in action against Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano respectively later on Saturday.
As well as the absent Ronaldo and Benzema, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane rested Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Toni Kroos with one eye on the return leg of their Champions League semi-final against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Without the other two members of Madrid’s star ‘BBC’ frontline, Bale was charged with finding the goals and the Welshman did everything but score in a fine first-half display.
Bale pulled his first effort wide on his weaker right foot before James Rodriguez wasted the chance to open the scoring on a rare start in recent months as Geronimo Rulli turned away the Colombian’s effort at his near post.
Madrid then began to show their power from set-pieces as captain Sergio Ramos and Bale saw headers fly just wide from corners before another powerful Bale header from Rodriguez’s inch-perfect cross also fell just the wrong side of the post as Madrid completely dominated the hosts before the break.
The visitors continued to press after the break, but Rulli looked set to end their title hopes as the Argentine made brilliant save to deny Bale from another fine Rodriguez cross.
Jese Rodriguez replaced teenage striker Borja Mayoral 20 minutes from time, but also found Rulli on top form with two fierce efforts on target.
Yet, a week after leading Real back from a two-goal deficit at Rayo Vallecano, Bale made the difference again when he got across his marker to bullet home a header from Lucas Vazquez’s cross.
Sociedad had barely offered any threat on goal during the 90 minutes, but nearly snatched an equaliser in stoppage time as David Zurutuza headed a free-kick towards goal in stoppage time only to see Keylor Navas get down well to make his only significant save of the game.
In the absence of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Bale stood out with a brilliant individual display capped by the winner to register Madrid’s 10th straight La Liga win.
Victory moves Real two points clear of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who are in action against Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano respectively later on Saturday.
As well as the absent Ronaldo and Benzema, Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane rested Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Toni Kroos with one eye on the return leg of their Champions League semi-final against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Without the other two members of Madrid’s star ‘BBC’ frontline, Bale was charged with finding the goals and the Welshman did everything but score in a fine first-half display.
Bale pulled his first effort wide on his weaker right foot before James Rodriguez wasted the chance to open the scoring on a rare start in recent months as Geronimo Rulli turned away the Colombian’s effort at his near post.
Madrid then began to show their power from set-pieces as captain Sergio Ramos and Bale saw headers fly just wide from corners before another powerful Bale header from Rodriguez’s inch-perfect cross also fell just the wrong side of the post as Madrid completely dominated the hosts before the break.
The visitors continued to press after the break, but Rulli looked set to end their title hopes as the Argentine made brilliant save to deny Bale from another fine Rodriguez cross.
Jese Rodriguez replaced teenage striker Borja Mayoral 20 minutes from time, but also found Rulli on top form with two fierce efforts on target.
Yet, a week after leading Real back from a two-goal deficit at Rayo Vallecano, Bale made the difference again when he got across his marker to bullet home a header from Lucas Vazquez’s cross.
Sociedad had barely offered any threat on goal during the 90 minutes, but nearly snatched an equaliser in stoppage time as David Zurutuza headed a free-kick towards goal in stoppage time only to see Keylor Navas get down well to make his only significant save of the game.
El-Rufa’i promises to end kidnapping in Kaduna
Kachia (Kaduna) – Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State has promised to end incessant cases of kidnapping to guarantee the safety of lives and property of the citizens in the state.
El-Rufa’i made the promise on Saturday during a town hall meeting in Kachia, Kachia Local Government Area of the state.
He said the state government had noted with concern the spate of kidnapping, especially in Kaduna metropolis, adding that “the ugly scenario would soon be a thing of the past’’.
He said the state had recorded significant stride in addressing indices of insecurity, including killings of innocent persons and cattle rustling.
The governor expressed regrets that perpetrators of such acts had resorted to kidnapping of persons.
He said that the police recently arrested a kingpin of kidnappers in the state and arms were recovered from the suspects.
“We have put in place as part of our statutory function, security measure to put an end to the menace once and for all,’’ he said.
In another development, El-Rufa’i has said the state government will launch a tree planting campaign as a measure to secure the environment.
El-Rufa’i said the state government had concluded plans through the Ministry of Environment to engage women throughout the Local Government Areas in the state.
“The aim of this initiative is to safeguard our environment for the generation yet unborn,’’ he said.
He assured the people that plans have been concluded to construct 255 new health facilities throughout the state to guarantee the health of the people.
“We are concerned about reducing maternal mortality rate, especially among pregnant women,’’ he said.
On agriculture, the governor assured that fertilisers would be made available to farmers to boost farm produce.
“We want to ensure that our farmers compete favourably with modern agricultural practices.
He said the Kachia Ginger Company would be opened for bidding for interested investors to revive its production.
El-Rufa’i urged the people to be patient, and assured that electricity, provision of drinking water, accessible roads and payment of salaries and wages among others would be addressed.
The meeting had in attendance, government officials, including, commissioners, permanent secretaries, local council chairmen, traditional rulers, youths and women groups, among others. (NAN)
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Friday, 29 April 2016
GOOD GAME
Booking Number:LXKGCN
29/04/2016 20:24:00
Code
1727
Date
30/04/2016 15:00:00
Event
Newcastle Utd - Crystal Palace
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
1728
Date
30/04/2016 15:00:00
Event
Watford - Aston Villa
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
1730
Date
30/04/2016 15:00:00
Event
Stoke City - Sunderland
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
1732
Date
30/04/2016 17:30:00
Event
Arsenal - Norwich
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
1733
Date
01/05/2016 14:05:00
Event
Manchester Utd - Leicester City
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
X2
Code
2365
Date
30/04/2016 14:30:00
Event
Bayern Munich - Monchengladbach
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
2366
Date
30/04/2016 14:30:00
Event
Borussia Dortmund - Wolfsburg
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
2901
Date
01/05/2016 19:45:00
Event
Lazio - Inter
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
Un HT
Code
2897
Date
01/05/2016 14:00:00
Event
Sassuolo - Hellas Verona
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
2898
Date
01/05/2016 14:00:00
Event
Empoli - Bologna
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
Un HT
Code
2899
Date
01/05/2016 14:00:00
Event
Milan - Frosinone
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
2908
Date
30/04/2016 21:05:00
Event
Granada - UD Las Palmas
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
Un HT
WEEKEND BRILLIANT SWEET GAME
Booking Number:LXJGB2
29/04/2016 19:59:00
Code
1728
Date
30/04/2016 15:00:00
Event
Watford - Aston Villa
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
1729
Date
30/04/2016 15:00:00
Event
Everton - Bournemouth
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
1732
Date
30/04/2016 17:30:00
Event
Arsenal - Norwich
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
1733
Date
01/05/2016 14:05:00
Event
Manchester Utd - Leicester City
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
(0:2) 2 H
Code
2365
Date
30/04/2016 14:30:00
Event
Bayern Munich - Monchengladbach
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
2366
Date
30/04/2016 14:30:00
Event
Borussia Dortmund - Wolfsburg
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
2371
Date
30/04/2016 17:30:00
Event
Bayer Leverkusen - Hertha Berlin
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
3926
Date
30/04/2016 18:00:00
Event
Caen - Bastia
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
3932
Date
30/04/2016 20:00:00
Event
Lyon - GFC Ajaccio
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
2897
Date
01/05/2016 14:00:00
Event
Sassuolo - Hellas Verona
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
2899
Date
01/05/2016 14:00:00
Event
Milan - Frosinone
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
2896
Date
01/05/2016 11:30:00
Event
Juventus - Carpi
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
2908
Date
30/04/2016 21:05:00
Event
Granada - UD Las Palmas
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
2909
Date
01/05/2016 11:00:00
Event
Ath. Bilbao - Celta Vigo
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1X
Code
2907
Date
30/04/2016 19:30:00
Event
Real Betis - Barcelona
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
2
Code
1110
Date
01/05/2016 13:30:00
Event
AZ Alkmaar - Graafschap
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
No - ASBH
Code
1113
Date
01/05/2016 13:30:00
Event
PSV - Cambuur
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
2023
Date
30/04/2016 17:00:00
Event
Besiktas JK - Kayserispor
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Code
2491
Date
01/05/2016 17:00:00
Event
Fenerbahce - Gaziantepspor
Live/Prematch
Normal
Selection
1
Nigerian Army responds to non-payment of soldiers allowances
The Nigerian Army has explained the reasons behind the non-payment of soldiers' allowance in the last six months. According to the statement issued by Army Acting Director of Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman:
"The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to some stories going round the media circles with the title “Disquiet in the war front as soldiers complain of unpaid allowance” alleging that there was problem in the Nigerian Army due to non-payment of allowances to some soldiers serving in the North East.
In particular, they were alleging non-payment of outstanding peacekeeping operations allowance of troops that served in Guinea Bissau under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States and operation allowances to some troops in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, among others.
The issues contained in such publications are not true nor correct. While some media treated the matter professionally, giving the military benefit of doubt and sought to know the truth, others mischievously went to town with the false story without recourse to ethics of the profession and bothering to find out from the military.
The effort of the former is quite commendable and really appreciated, while that of the latter is quite unfortunate.
For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to inform the public that the issue of non-payment of peacekeeping operations allowance is a minor internal military administrative matter which was treated and resolved accordingly and has no bearing on the fight against terrorism and insurgency as they mischievously alleged.
It should be reiterated that the alleged non-payment of operations allowance among the returnee peacekeepers was due to administrative hitches which was solved to the point that all outstanding peacekeeping operations have been paid and the last batch payment was done last Tuesday.
As regards to payment of operations allowances, the NA had earlier inform the public of the compliance with the Federal Government directives on e-payment, BVN and TSA. All officers and soldiers are now paid their operations allowance directly through their bank accounts.
All those that did not receive theirs was due to non-compliance with the directive of giving correct account details and issues relating to recent postings. This has been explained to all those affected and efforts were on to rectify same shortly.
Our troops have been receiving their allowances regularly. Already issues relating to troops welfare have been of utmost priority to Mr President and the Army leadership. This is evident in current very high level of morale of the troops.
We would like to once again thank those responsible media outfits that showed understanding and maturity in reporting issues of national defence and security professionally."
Photo: Pres. Buhari receives British High Commissioner to Nigeria
President Buhari pictured receiving British High Commissioner to Nigeria - Paul Arkwright, at the State House, Abuja today April 29th.
GOtv Boxing Night 7: Boxers talk tough
Ahead of GOtv Boxing Night 7, holding on 1 May at the National Stadium, Lagos, boxers scheduled to fight have been indulging in boasts and counter-boasts. National lightweight champion, Nurudeen “Prince” Fatai, who is defending his title against Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, has vowed that his opponent will not last the distance.
This fight will be different. Joe Boy is a small boy who is not fit to be a champion. I will knock him out and he will go and stay on the queue,” bragged Fatai.
Responding, Joe Boy, who defeated Fatai via a fifth round knockout at GOtv Boxing Night 4, said he will repeat the trick.
“I beat him before and I will beat him again even if he has acquired four hands in addition to the two he already has.
He said I defeated him because he was injured. I’m glad that he is now fit and wonder what the excuse will be when I beat him on 1 May,” he said.
Joe Boy, a previous winner of the N1million cash prize for the best boxer award at GOtv Boxing Night, added that he will win the award again. “I used him to win the other time and I will do so again,” he boasted.
Idowu “Cabasa” Okusote, who will fight Chibuzor “Chibunky” Vincent in a cruiserweight challenge duel, said his opponent will visit hell via the ring.
“I have been looking for an opportunity to fight. This is it. Chibunky or whatever he calls himself will see hell on earth when we fight,” he said, a boast his opponent described as empty. Osamudiamen “Shiso” Goodluck, who takes on Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, said though he is a professional debutant, his record as an amateur is one many would wish to have.
“I was a big amateur boxer and I know Rilwan well. He will kiss the canvas in the first round and will not get up again,” raved the debutant.
Platini battles court for make-or-break hearing
Michel Platini, the suspended UEFA chief, arrived Friday at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the Swiss city of Lausanne to appeal his six-year FIFA ban for ethics violations, with his future in football hanging in the outcome.
“Today the match begins, a new match, the final, and we are all on the same page. I’m optimistic, we’re going to win,” Platini told reporters.
The stakes could not be higher for the 60-year-old former Juventus star and suspended head of UEFA, the European football confederation.
A favourable verdict and he will take his place in the stands at the Stade de France for the Euro 2016 opener between hosts France and Romania on June 10.
A negative verdict will mean he will be barred from entering the national stadium, his glittering career in the sport having come to an ignominious end.
The Frenchman has been sanctioned over an infamous two million Swiss franc ($2 million, 1.8 million euro) payment he received in 2011 from then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
FIFA’s ethics committee in December banned both men from all football activities for eight years. The suspensions were cut to six years in February.
Both men insist they did nothing wrong and that the payment was part of a legitimate oral contract tied to consulting work that Platini did for FIFA between 1999 and 2002.
The affair has already cost him a shot at becoming head of world football as he was forced to pull out of the race to become FIFA president in an election won by his number two at UEFA, Gianni Infantino.
UEFA has said it will not replace Platini until all his appeals are exhausted, so if the former French star is successful at CAS he could reclaim his job in time to preside over Euro 2016.
Platini’s entourage is hoping for a decision “before May 3” when UEFA holds its congress in Budapest.
Blatter, who is due to testify Friday, has also appealed to CAS and is awaiting a date for his hearing.
– ‘Last venue of appeal’ –
Friday’s Lausanne-based tribunal will be in session until around 5:00 pm (1500 GMT).
“This is the last avenue of appeal,” Platini’s lawyer Thibaud D’Ales conceded to AFP.
The CAS consists of three legal experts, one each representing Platini and FIFA and a president.
Platini has chosen Yale and Harvard educated Swedish lawyer Jan Paulsson, with world football’s ruling body selecting Bernard Hanotiau of Switzerland.
The hearing will be chaired by Luigi Fumagalli, a University of Milan-educated Italian international law expert.
As part of his defence Platini’s legal team will produce an invoice for the suspect payment in an attempt to prove there was nothing untoward about the transaction.
“Five people from the offices of FIFA were involved in this payment, which was processed by the Finance Committee and reported to the Executive Committee. It is far from a hidden payment,” said D’Ales.
Platini’s name has also emerged in the Panama Papers, a leaked set of 11.5 million documents that provide detailed information about more than 214,000 offshore companies listed by the Panamanian corporate service provider Mossack Fonseca.
But D’Ales denied this had any relevance to Friday’s hearing.
“His fiscal situation was known by the Swiss authorities. This has nothing to do with it.”
My statement was obtained under duress, man accused of drug trafficking tells Court
A 34-year-old man, Anthony Ejiro, accused of drug trafficking, has told a Federal High Court in Kaduna that his statement was obtained under duress by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
When counsel to NDLEA, Mr T.J. Atserhegh sought to tender the accused statement as evidence before the court, the defence counsel, Mr E.Y Garuba objected on the ground that the statement was obtained under duress.
Garuba also told the court that his client was not arrested on Feb. 7, 2015 and neither was his statement taken on that date as contained in the statement.
He argued that his client was in NDLEA custody for more than 10 days before the purported statement was taken, adding that his client was sick on the day he was said to have written the statement.
The prosecution applied to establish the voluntariness of the statement where the accused confessed to have committed the crime and a trial within trial was conducted.
Two witnesses testified for the prosecution, while the accused testified in the trial within a trial.
“The officials of the NDLEA forced me to write the statement.
“They pushed me around; put a gun on my head and threatened to shoot me if I did not cooperate.
“As far as I can tell, that statement was not voluntarily made, because they dictated what I wrote, and out of fear I obliged and did as I was told, “Ejiro told the court.
However, when cross-examined by the prosecution counsel, Ejiro agreed that he was arrested on February 7 and his statement was taken on that same day.
The accused equally agreed with the content of the statement on information about him was correct.
Ejiro of Kakau village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State has been standing trial since May 5, 2015, on a two-count charge of illegal possession of 8, 241.9 kilogrammes of Indian hemp.
He was also accused of conniving with four others, now at large, to deal in the illicit weed.
Counsel to NDLEA said that the offences were contrary to and punishable under Sections 11 (d) and 14 (b) of NDLEA Act, Cap 30, Laws of the Federation 2004.
Justice E. Anyadike adjourned the case to May 30 for ruling on the trial within trial.
Senate invites security chiefs for update on fleeing terrorists in North East
The Senate has invited the country’s security chiefs to brief it on the activities of fleeing terrorists in the North East to prevent the spread of terrorism.
The summon followed a motion by Sen. Chukwuka Utazi (PDP Enugu North) on the recent attack on Nimbo Community in Enugu State by persons suspected to be herdsmen.
Sen. Utazi who relied on a point of order to make the matter an issue of public concern, prayed the Senate to approve his seven-prayer motion.
“There is wide spread fear of more attacks as there has been recurring attacks on communities in Uzuani Local Government Area.
“About three months ago, a neighbouring community to Nimbo was attacked, scores of people killed, houses, barns, farm produce set ablaze.
“The regularity and audacity of these attacks has become a pattern and the whole people of Uzuani are facing a clear danger of extermination.
“I am worried that Boko Haram terrorists fleeing the sustained onslaught of the military North East, may be fleeing South West amassing around communities and wreaking havoc in their way.
“We are witnessing terrorism in the southern part of Nigeria beginning with the South East.
“By some reports, herdsmen attacks killed about 80 people in 2013 and by 2014 it had risen to 1229.”
He called on the Federal Government to also check the activities of the herdsmen.
Some of the senators, who contributed, also expressed concern over the possible escalation of the crisis and the possibility of reprisal attacks.
Sen. Ben Bruce said that if the problem was not checked, it could lead to a situation where ordinary people would retaliate and thus lead to full blown crisis.
“That day is here and that day is now when retaliation begins, the civil war was fought in a conventional passion one army is facing another army.
“You are going to have a guerrilla warfare; it is not a war anybody can win; it will cause a destruction of Nigeria.
“We must urge the Nigerian government to take action to disarm cattle rearers.
“As far as I am concerned you need a license to own a gun; nobody has a right to own a gun without a license.
“This is a very serious issue, motion after motion has been presented here from the North, from the South, from the East to the West everybody is affected.
“What is going to happen now people are going to read religion and ethnicity into this fight.
“Once that happens illiterates who did not have the knowledge that we have will start retaliating and that day is now.”
In his remark, the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekwerenmadu, expressed concern over the possibility of reprisal attacks in parts of the country.
He, therefore, called for a quick solution to the problem.
“There are too many idle men and women in Nigeria today, who are frustrated by economic realities.
“They would make themselves available for any possible issues or mishaps that this would give rise to.
“So I believe that the earlier we nip this in the bud the better for all of us.
“We want a very peaceful country and we need to work towards that and as leaders we must be held responsible if there is breakdown of law
and order because the primary purpose of government is the protection of lives and property of the ordinary people.
“We must be able to come up with immediate approach to this problem and then mid-term solutions and finally a long-term solution.”
Ekwerenmadu, who presided over plenary, prayed that the country’s security chiefs be invited to brief the Senate on the movement of fleeing terrorists to ensure that adequate measures were taken to prevent terrorist activities from spreading all over the country.
After observing a minute’s silence in honour of all those killed in similar attacks, the Senate set up an adhoc committee to begin public hearing next week towards finding lasting solutions to the problem.
“Invite security chiefs to brief the Senate on the movement of fleeing terrorists to ensure that measures are put in place to forestall a spread of terrorist activities all over the country.
“Those in support of this prayer say aye; those against say nay, the ayes have it.
“The Adhoc Committee is made up of Sen. Ali Ndume that is the Leader of the Senate as the Chairman, Sen. Ishiaka Adeleke representing South West, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa representing South East.
“Sen. Abdulahi Adamu representing North Central: Sen. Sani Shehu representing North West and Sen. Ben Bruce representing South South.
“The adhoc committee must start work by next week for the public hearing on this very important topic.”
The Senate also resolved to send a delegation to Enugu to commiserate with the community and people of Enugu State.
It also charged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief materials to the affected communities while calling on security agencies to improve their intelligence to stem the matter.
Other contributors urged for solution to the problem before it escalates like the Boko Haram insurgency did.
They commiserated with the people of Enugu State and all other states that have been affected by suck attacks.
Some of them called for state policing, community vigilante groups and more security intelligence to check the movement of the attackers no matter the time of the day.
Multinational taskforce to patrol Gulf of Guinea – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday in Abuja that a multinational taskforce would soon be established to patrol the waters of the Gulf of Guinea.
The president disclosed this at an audience with the French Minister of Defence, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian.
He said that patrols by the multinational taskforce would augment and boost ongoing efforts to improve security in the Gulf, and curb crude oil theft and piracy.
President Buhari acknowledged French Government’s support for the Federal Government’s efforts to end the Boko Haram insurgency.
He expressed his government’s appreciation of the assistance and support of France and other G7 countries, which he said, had helped Nigeria achieve significant successes against the Boko Haram insurgency.
“When we got into office in May, last year, Boko Haram was effectively controlling at least 14 local government areas. But now, it is no longer so, and they have resorted to attacking soft targets with Improvised Explosive Devices.
“We are determined to secure all of our territory effectively. We are doing our best and our troops are now operating in the Sambisa Forest,’’ President Buhari told the minister.
In his remarks, the minister assured President Buhari that France would continue to assist Nigeria to overcome Boko Haram insurgency.
According to him, all terrorists must be seen as common enemies of the free world.
FG, pro-Biafra campaigners step up war of words
Nigeria’s government and pro-Biafra activists are increasingly trading accusations of deadly violence, threatening to aggravate a tense stand-off prompted by the detention of the group’s leader.
Earlier this month, Nigerian intelligence accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement of abducting and killing five ethnic Fulani people and burying them shallow graves.
The Department of State Services (DSS) claimed the murders were proof of the group’s “true divisive colour and objectives”, as it sought to “ignite ethnic terrorism and mistrust”.
The escalating rhetoric has fanned animosity between the predominantly-Christian Igbo people of the southeast and the Fulani that dates back decades.
Igbos have long accused ethnic Fulani political leaders in federal government posts of marginalising them by denying them senior positions and funding for infrastructure and development.
Many in the region see it as a “punishment” for declaring independence in May 1967, which sparked a brutal civil war that lasted until 1970.
The significance of the DSS accusation is not lost on Nigerians because of violence before secession against Igbos living in the mainly Muslim north, where Hausa-speaking Fulani are dominant.
Igbo resentment towards the federal government has not abated since the end of the conflict but is growing because of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tough response to IPOB.
Feelings of alienation have been exacerbated at a desperate time when Nigeria is experiencing its slowest growth in more than a decade, inflation is at a four-year high, and chronic fuel shortages.
Now, it is feared alleged Fulani attacks in the southeast — common in the religiously-mixed central states — are stoking ethnic grievances and drawing people to the separatist cause.
– ‘Incessant killings’ –
For weeks, Fulani herdsmen — nomadic Muslim cattle raisers — have been accused of killing farmers in Nigeria’s agricultural heartland, according to local media.
But on Tuesday, police said at least seven farmers in the southeast state of Enugu were killed in a Fulani raid that IPOB said could spark a “second genocide”.
“I can assure you more people are coming to Indigenous People of Biafra,” said Prince Emmanuel Kanu, whose brother Nnamdi is the group’s leader and is facing treason charges for “propagating a secessionist agenda”.
“IPOB is conducting serious meetings all over Biafraland to find a solution,” he told AFP. “For how long to you want to continue killing us and for how long do you want us to remain quiet?”
Despite being jailed since October, Nnamdi Kanu’s trial has yet to get under way, a delay his lawyers attribute to the state’s inability to bring a strong case against him.
Meanwhile, mass protests calling for his release in the southeast cities of Aba and Owerri have been halted as a result of what Prince said were “the incessant killings” by security forces.
According to human rights lawyer Onkere Kingdom Nnamdi, the police and military have killed more than 50 protesters between October and February this year.
He is filing a lawsuit against the government for damages on behalf of the injured protestors and families of the deceased.
“There are over 200 people in detention,” the lawyer said, adding: “Do you know the worst aspect of it? There are those that are missing, their whereabouts cannot be traced.”
– ‘Need for empathy’ –
Kanu’s detention and the fate of his supporters echo that of Shiite Muslim cleric Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been in custody since December after his followers clashed with the military.
Amnesty International has accused the army of “unlawfully” and “deliberately” killing more than 350 of Zakzaky’s followers and has criticised Buhari, who is ethnic Hausa-Fulani and a Sunni Muslim.
Buhari, elected last year on a pledge to tackle internal security threats, has seen successes against Boko Haram Islamists, whose insurgency has left some 20,000 people dead since 2009.
But the more amorphous threats emerging across the country demand more diplomacy than force, suggested Nnamdi Obasi, Nigeria analyst for the International Crisis Group.
“The continued detention of Kanu doesn’t serve the purpose it was intended to serve, if the purpose was to put down the agitation,” he said.
“The heavy-handed response is totally unnecessary, it risks radicalising the group.
“There is a desperate need for dialogue, there is a great need for empathy but the government is not showing that at the moment, so things are getting worse.”
Helicopter with about 15 people on board crashes off Norway
A helicopter crashed off the western coast of Norway on Friday, police said, with media reporting that 13 to 17 people were on board.
Several witnesses described seeing a powerful explosion and people were seen in the sea, television station TV2 reported, adding that some people had been rescued.
“Emergency services en route to a zone near Turoy after reports of a helicopter crash,” Norwegian police wrote on Twitter, referring to an island off the western town of Bergen.
First reports indicated the helicopter was transporting workers to an offshore oil field in the North Sea.
Various media reports put the number of people on board at between 13 and 17.
Live footage showed leisure boats rushing toward the scene, where thick black smoke was billowing into the sky.
S.Africa court rules Zuma should face almost 800 graft charges
South African President Jacob Zuma should face almost 800 corruption charges that were dropped in 2009, a judge said Friday, piling further pressure on the embattled leader.
The charges, relating to a multi-billion dollar arms deal, were dropped by the chief state prosecutor in a move that cleared the way for Zuma to be elected president.
“The decision… to discontinue the charges against Mr Zuma is irrational and should be reviewed,” Pretoria High Court judge Aubrey Ledwaba said.
“Mr Zuma should face the charges as applied.”
The prosecutor had justified dropping the charges by saying that tapped phone calls between senior officials in then-president Thabo Mbeki’s administration showed political interference in the case.
The recordings, which became known as the “spy tapes”, were kept secret but finally released in 2014 to the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), after a five-year legal battle.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane said Friday’s court ruling was a major blow for the president, who has faced months of criticism over various corruption scandals and the country’s dire economic outlook.
“Today is a great victory for the rule of law. Ultimately Jacob Zuma must face prosecution,” Maimane said after attending the court hearing.
“We are deeply, deeply delighted. We believe it’s a significant judgement.
“Jacob Zuma must have… his day in court.”
The DA called for the National Prosecuting Authority to immediate revive the 783 charges of corruption dating back to 1999.
But the legal wrangling is set to continue, with the ruling likely to go to appeal.
– A weakened president? –
The president last month lost another major legal case when the country’s highest court found he violated the constitution over the use of public funds to upgrade his private residence.
The so-called “security upgrades”, which cost taxpayers $24 million, included a swimming pool, chicken run, cattle enclosure and an amphitheatre.
The DA and other opposition parties attempted to impeach him in parliament, but the ruling African National Congress (ANC) used its majority to easily defeat the motion.
Zuma has also been beset by allegations that a wealthy Indian migrant family had such influence
Pressure on the president to be ousted or to resign has grown with several veteran leaders of the party that brought Nelson Mandela to power in 1994 calling for him to step down.
Zuma, 74, will have completed two terms in 2019 and is not eligible to run for president again, but the ANC — which is packed with his loyalists — could replace him ahead of the next election.
Last week, a commission he set up cleared all government officials of corruption over the 1999 arms deal.
Zuma himself was accused of having accepted bribes from international arms manufacturers.
His advisor, Schabir Shaik, was jailed for 15 years on related charges in 2005, with the judge saying there was “overwhelming” evidence of a corrupt relationship between the two.
Shaik was released on medical parole in 2009, the year Zuma was elected president.
Zuma’s competency was also questioned when he sacked two finance ministers within days in December, triggering a collapse in the rand and a major withdrawal of foreign investors.
The charges, relating to a multi-billion dollar arms deal, were dropped by the chief state prosecutor in a move that cleared the way for Zuma to be elected president.
“The decision… to discontinue the charges against Mr Zuma is irrational and should be reviewed,” Pretoria High Court judge Aubrey Ledwaba said.
“Mr Zuma should face the charges as applied.”
The prosecutor had justified dropping the charges by saying that tapped phone calls between senior officials in then-president Thabo Mbeki’s administration showed political interference in the case.
The recordings, which became known as the “spy tapes”, were kept secret but finally released in 2014 to the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), after a five-year legal battle.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane said Friday’s court ruling was a major blow for the president, who has faced months of criticism over various corruption scandals and the country’s dire economic outlook.
“Today is a great victory for the rule of law. Ultimately Jacob Zuma must face prosecution,” Maimane said after attending the court hearing.
“We are deeply, deeply delighted. We believe it’s a significant judgement.
“Jacob Zuma must have… his day in court.”
The DA called for the National Prosecuting Authority to immediate revive the 783 charges of corruption dating back to 1999.
But the legal wrangling is set to continue, with the ruling likely to go to appeal.
– A weakened president? –
The president last month lost another major legal case when the country’s highest court found he violated the constitution over the use of public funds to upgrade his private residence.
The so-called “security upgrades”, which cost taxpayers $24 million, included a swimming pool, chicken run, cattle enclosure and an amphitheatre.
The DA and other opposition parties attempted to impeach him in parliament, but the ruling African National Congress (ANC) used its majority to easily defeat the motion.
Zuma has also been beset by allegations that a wealthy Indian migrant family had such influence
over him that it could decide ministerial appointments.
Zuma, 74, will have completed two terms in 2019 and is not eligible to run for president again, but the ANC — which is packed with his loyalists — could replace him ahead of the next election.
Last week, a commission he set up cleared all government officials of corruption over the 1999 arms deal.
Zuma himself was accused of having accepted bribes from international arms manufacturers.
His advisor, Schabir Shaik, was jailed for 15 years on related charges in 2005, with the judge saying there was “overwhelming” evidence of a corrupt relationship between the two.
Shaik was released on medical parole in 2009, the year Zuma was elected president.
Zuma’s competency was also questioned when he sacked two finance ministers within days in December, triggering a collapse in the rand and a major withdrawal of foreign investors.
Wenger pleads for ‘perspective’ from Arsenal fans
Manager Arsene Wenger has urged fans to look at Arsenal’s season “in perspective” ahead of a planned protest by supporters’ groups during Saturday’s Premier League match at home to Norwich City.
Black Scarf Movement, RedAction and the Arsenal Supporters Trust want Gunners fans present at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to show placards saying: “Time for change. Arsenal is stale, fresh approach needed.”
Last week’s goalless draw with Sunderland ended Arsenal’s title hopes.
It is now 12 years since they were last crowned champions of England and the patience of many Gunners fans has snapped in a season where unheralded Leicester City are on the brink of taking the title.
Meanwhile Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal’s bitter north London rivals, are second — and all this with Wenger’s men failing to take advantage of the lapses in form suffered by usual contenders Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
But Wenger, Arsenal’s manager since 1996, has suggested fans are being “manipulated” by external critics and that supporters need to look at the club’s “evolution” since they moved from Highbury to the nearby Emirates.
“We have to put things a little bit into perspective and see how the club’s evolution has gone over the years,” Wenger said on Friday.
“It was not always easy. The quality of the work we’ve done at the club has got us into a strong position where expectations are very high, but we are frustrated when we don’t get what we want.
“When you build a stadium, we had five to seven difficult financial years where we had to pay back — we had (to qualify) for the Champions League three years out of five and have an average (gate) of 54,000 people (to finance the new stadium). We didn’t know we would be capable of that,” the 66-year-old Frenchman added.
“We had to sell our best players every year to survive, but we didn’t do three years out of five in the Champions League. We did five out of five. But during that time, it was very difficult.”
Former Tottenham midfielder turned Sky television pundit Jamie Redknapp said Wenger had “brainwashed” Arsenal fans into thinking fourth place and qualification for the Champions League was “good enough”.
But Wenger responded Friday by saying: “The best chance (Arsenal supporters) can give our team is to be behind our team.
“Some groups of people try to manipulate our fans, and I believe apart from an agenda, a personal agenda, a big ego, there’s not a lot behind it.
“This team has character and attitude. Some people question them. I know them well, and they have less character than this team have. I saw them play and I know them very closely, and they shouldn’t question this team’s character.
“When a club cannot enjoy anything any more, it’s in trouble. In football you go down very quickly and come up very slowly. We have to stick together.”
Black Scarf Movement, RedAction and the Arsenal Supporters Trust want Gunners fans present at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to show placards saying: “Time for change. Arsenal is stale, fresh approach needed.”
Last week’s goalless draw with Sunderland ended Arsenal’s title hopes.
It is now 12 years since they were last crowned champions of England and the patience of many Gunners fans has snapped in a season where unheralded Leicester City are on the brink of taking the title.
Meanwhile Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal’s bitter north London rivals, are second — and all this with Wenger’s men failing to take advantage of the lapses in form suffered by usual contenders Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
But Wenger, Arsenal’s manager since 1996, has suggested fans are being “manipulated” by external critics and that supporters need to look at the club’s “evolution” since they moved from Highbury to the nearby Emirates.
“We have to put things a little bit into perspective and see how the club’s evolution has gone over the years,” Wenger said on Friday.
“It was not always easy. The quality of the work we’ve done at the club has got us into a strong position where expectations are very high, but we are frustrated when we don’t get what we want.
“When you build a stadium, we had five to seven difficult financial years where we had to pay back — we had (to qualify) for the Champions League three years out of five and have an average (gate) of 54,000 people (to finance the new stadium). We didn’t know we would be capable of that,” the 66-year-old Frenchman added.
“We had to sell our best players every year to survive, but we didn’t do three years out of five in the Champions League. We did five out of five. But during that time, it was very difficult.”
Former Tottenham midfielder turned Sky television pundit Jamie Redknapp said Wenger had “brainwashed” Arsenal fans into thinking fourth place and qualification for the Champions League was “good enough”.
But Wenger responded Friday by saying: “The best chance (Arsenal supporters) can give our team is to be behind our team.
“Some groups of people try to manipulate our fans, and I believe apart from an agenda, a personal agenda, a big ego, there’s not a lot behind it.
“This team has character and attitude. Some people question them. I know them well, and they have less character than this team have. I saw them play and I know them very closely, and they shouldn’t question this team’s character.
“When a club cannot enjoy anything any more, it’s in trouble. In football you go down very quickly and come up very slowly. We have to stick together.”
Amnesty urges probe into Chad troops missing after vote
Amnesty International expressed alarm Thursday over the disappearance of more than 20 soldiers and police officers in Chad since this month’s presidential election, calling on authorities to open an independent investigation.
“According to some media, more than 40 members of the defence and security forces may have gone missing since April 9,” the rights group said.
Amnesty and the Chadian League of Human Rights (LTDH) “are in the position to confirm more than 20 cases of suspected disappearances,” the two groups said in a statement.
Soldiers had voted on April 9, a day before the April 10 election that saw President Idriss Deby extend his 26 years in power, despite opposition claims that the vote was marred by widespread fraud.
In at least two polling stations, military officials forced troops to publicly vote for the ruling party.
“Those who did not obey orders were either publicly beaten or locked in a cell for several hours,” the statement said.
Authorities said the soldiers had been sent on a mission. On April 21, four of the missing men were shown on national television.
“But no information on their whereabouts has been communicated to their families, who have lost contact with them and do not know when they may be coming back,” the rights groups said.
“Chadian authorities must shed light on this,” the statement added, urging “an independent inquiry into mistreatment suffered by those who would not have voted for the ruling party”.
Civilian disappearances have also been reported since Deby’s re-election, including that of Mahamat Ahmat Lazina, president of the National Movement for Change in Chad (MNCT), who vanished on April 19.
“According to some media, more than 40 members of the defence and security forces may have gone missing since April 9,” the rights group said.
Amnesty and the Chadian League of Human Rights (LTDH) “are in the position to confirm more than 20 cases of suspected disappearances,” the two groups said in a statement.
Soldiers had voted on April 9, a day before the April 10 election that saw President Idriss Deby extend his 26 years in power, despite opposition claims that the vote was marred by widespread fraud.
In at least two polling stations, military officials forced troops to publicly vote for the ruling party.
“Those who did not obey orders were either publicly beaten or locked in a cell for several hours,” the statement said.
Authorities said the soldiers had been sent on a mission. On April 21, four of the missing men were shown on national television.
“But no information on their whereabouts has been communicated to their families, who have lost contact with them and do not know when they may be coming back,” the rights groups said.
“Chadian authorities must shed light on this,” the statement added, urging “an independent inquiry into mistreatment suffered by those who would not have voted for the ruling party”.
Civilian disappearances have also been reported since Deby’s re-election, including that of Mahamat Ahmat Lazina, president of the National Movement for Change in Chad (MNCT), who vanished on April 19.
Fulani herdsmen’s attacks: Knocks, kudos greet Buhari’s directive
HARD knocks and kudos, yesterday, heralded President Muhammadu Buhari’s order to the Chief of Defence Staff and Inspector General of Police to crack down on rampaging herdsmen, who have been attacking many villages and killing hundreds of people across the country.
President Buhari’s order came on the heels of the latest attack on Ukpabi Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State on Monday, in which about 40 persons were killed and 11 buildings destroyed.
Among those, who spoke on the issue, yesterday, were Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; former presidential candidate and Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae; former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav; former Transport Minister, Chief Ebenezer Babatope; National Publicity of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Muhammad Ibrahim; National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin; founder of the Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, Evangelist Elliot Uko; President of Arewa Consultative Youths Forum, ACYF, Alhaji Yerima Shettima and Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo.
Soyinka blasts Buhari over killings
In clear terms, Professor Soyinka criticised the President over his seeming inability to rein in the violent activities of herdsmen across the country.
In his address to the National Conference on Culture and Tourism, Wednesday, Soyinka said the President Buhari-led government was yet to come up with an articulate solution to tackle the menace.
He said: “I have yet to hear this government articulate a firm policy of non-tolerance for the serial massacres that have become the nation’s identification stamp. I have not heard an order given that any cattle herder caught with sophisticated firearms be instantly disarmed, arrested, placed on trial, and his cattle confiscated. The nation is treated to an 18month optimistic plan which, to make matters worse, smacks of abject appeasement and encouragement of violence on innocents.
“Let me repeat, and of course I only ask to be corrected if wrong: I have yet to encounter a terse, rigorous, soldierly and uncompromising language from this leadership, one that threatens a response to this unconscionable blood-letting that would make even Boko Haram repudiate its founding clerics.
“When I read a short while ago, the Presidential assurance to this nation that the current homicidal escalation between the cattle prowlers and farming communities would soon be over, I felt mortified.
“He had the solution, he said. Cattle ranches were being set up, and in another 18 months, rustlings, destruction of livelihood and killings from herdsmen would be ‘a thing of the past’. 18 months, he assured the nation. I believe his Minister of Agriculture echoed that later, but with a less dispiriting time schema.”
Senate summons service chiefs
Worried by these developments, the Senate, yesterday, summoned the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, to brief the lawmakers on the efforts put in place to address the problem.
Also to appear before the Senate today are the National Security Adviser, NSA, General Babagana Monguno (retd); Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok- Ete Ekwe Ibas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshall Mirgan Riku.
According to the Senate, inviting the service chiefs would enable it get briefs on the fleeing terrorists to ensure that measures are put in place to forestall spread of terrorists activities all over the country as well as carry out an investigation of the incidents and suggest ways of stopping the attacks before the affected communities resort to self- help.
The Senate also set up a six-member ad-hoc committee to investigate cases of killing by suspected herdsmen across the country and come up with solutions to the problems, with the Senate leader, Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South representing North East, as chairman.
The committee has been given next week to commence work with a public hearing. Meanwhile, Senator Ben Murray Bruce, in his contribution, noted that Fulani herdsmen had killed Nigerians on annual basis more than Boko Haram sect.
“The herdsmen are now considered one of the worst terrorist organisations in the world today. They are a deadly force, they have turned Nigeria into a very dangerous country,” he said.
ACF commends Buhari, says attacks unfortunate
The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, said the country could not afford to graduate from Boko Haram insurgency to an unwarranted attack by unknown gunmen alleged to be Fulani herdsmen.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim, the ACF said: “The attack was most unfortunate, barbaric and condemnable.
Arewa Consultative Forum commends the prompt action taken by President Muhammadu Buhari by directing the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police to not only secure the affected communities under attacks by herdsmen but also ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly acts are fished out and brought to justice.”
It can result in self-help — Ohanaeze
The apex Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, has warned that the ugly development was capable of resulting in reprisal attacks unless the Federal Government puts measures in place to stop the killings across the country.
This came as Abia State House of Assembly directed security agencies in the state to thoroughly search all trucks and other vehicles conveying cattle, onions, tomatoes, fruits and other goods from northern part of the country to the state, for arms and ammunition.
Similarly, Anglican Communion, traders and other residents of Enugu protested the killings of innocent villagers at Nimboe as well as previous killings of Ndigbo in the South-East
President-General of Ohanaeze, Gary Enwo-Igariwey, at briefing, yesterday, warned that the failure of security agents to arrest these herdsmen would only result in the communities resorting to self-help to defend themselves.
He said it was very dangerous to allow gun trotting youths to continue to run riots on unsuspecting communities, adding that the Federal Government had much to do to ensure the continuous corporate existence of the country.
Govt should not stop at just sending security forces —Tsav
Also speaking, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, said: “Apart from what the President has said, I believe the only thing that will be the lasting solution to the killings by Fulani herdsmen is for the government to set up an inquiry committee to find out why they are doing so. Sending security agencies after them will not be enough because they are masters of the bush; they live in the bush and are very united.”
Buhari’s directive reassuring – Falae
Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped by the herdsmen at his farm in Ondo State, recently, said the President’s statement was reassuring.
“It is a welcome development and it is most reassuring. As you know, I was a victim of these herdsmen terrorism. So, I am happy that the president has declared war on this terrorism which has the potential to destabilize Nigeria. So, I am happy but I hope that the security forces will take the order from the president and ensure that we all feel safe and secured in our respective communities.
It’s too late – Adebanjo
Chief Ayo Adebanjo said the president’s comment was belated.
“Too late to comment. It does not show that he was conscious of the lives of the people that have been killed in the last three months.
It was the same thing we accused Jonathan of saying nothing about the Boko Haram. Anyway, it is better late than never and now the excuses being made is that they are not Fulani, including some responsible people.
“What evidences have the police provided to arrest those who are not Fulani but are calling themselves Fulani? At what stage did it occur to them that they are just hoodlums?
Buhari should act fast — Babatope
Chief Ebenezer Babatope urged Buhari to act fast on the herdsmen’s murderous activities to avert mayhem.
He said: “I think the President has capacity to arrest the situation and he must act very fast for the purpose of unity of this country. The killings are becoming too much and Nigerians are tired of these senseless killings.”
President should ‘ve addressed the nation – Odumakin
On his part, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin, said the president should have addressed the nation on the matter rather than speak through an aide.
He said: “For public relations, the president should have spoken to the nation directly on this kind of matter, rather than speaking through an aide..”
It’s a welcome development – Shettima
For the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, no one should hide under any guise to commit crime.
Its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima said: “It is a good development because nobody is above the law. Making a bold statement like this is a good development because we cannot continue to live in a country where there is law and order and people take laws into their hands and get away with it as if we are running a banana republic. We cannot accept that.”
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