The Naira has stayed firm at N470 to the dollar in the black market, NAIJ.com can report this Monday, October 31.
However, the local currency is expected to strengthen this week on improved dollar supply to the market, currency dealers have predicted.
NAIJ.com recalls that the Naira fell to N470 to the dollar on the parallel market last Friday, as against the N455 to the dollar it was the preceding Friday.
But according to Aminu Gwadabe, president of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators in Nigeria (ABCON), the nation’s currency has been estimated to reverse its losses as traders anticipate improved dollar supply from international money transfer agencies to ease a shortage.
Gwadabe said: “The Naira should appreciate gradually in the coming days after the expected sales of about $21 million by Travelex last Thursday and subsequent extension of dollar sales to bureau de change operators in the other part of the country.”
Travelex and First Bank are authorised by the central bank to sell dollar to BDC to boost liquidity and narrow the gulf with the official rate.
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Monday 31 October 2016
FG to realise N20billion from sale of presidential jets
The federal government is set to realise N20 billion from the sale of two of its jets
– Two out of the 10 airplanes in the presidential fleet have been put up for sale
– The estimate is based on their current market value
A report by The Guardian indicates that the federal government of Nigeria will realise N20 billion from the sale of two presidential jets.
Sources quoted in the report says the estimate is based on the current market value of the jets – Falcon 7X and Hawker 4000. Aviation experts also corroborated the valuation of the aircraft.
The presidential jets were put up for sale last week in an advertorial that appeared in selected newspapers in Nigeria.
The report noted that bidders have been pouring in both from home and abroad to check the Falcon 7X which is currently at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while the Hawker 4000 aircraft is in Zurich, Switzerland.
The report further stated that the authorities were looking for a very good bid in the neighbourhood of $50million for the two planes.
At the current market rate in the international market, a new Falcon 7X costs $53million and the Hawker 4000 costs $22.9million.
The federal government bought the Falcon 7X in 2011 at the cost $50 million.
The estimated value of all the 10 aircraft in the fleet of the presidency is put at over $450 million, with about N8 billion spent on maintenance and fuel yearly.
The chief pilot of the presidential fleet, Captain Dung Rwang Pam told The Guardian that the aircraft’s types were for the very rich, hence should also be expensive selling them.
He said in other climes, the bid would have been for between 60 and 70 per cent of the initial cost, given the short mileage they have covered since they were bought by the government.
He however expressed concern that the system may short-change the government in the bidding process.
The Nigerian media yesterday, October 10, widely reported the handover of two aircraft from the presidential fleet to the Nigerian Air Force.
The two helicopters were acquired by the federal government on October 20, 2014 and May 21, 2015 respectively, according to Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE).
– Two out of the 10 airplanes in the presidential fleet have been put up for sale
– The estimate is based on their current market value
A report by The Guardian indicates that the federal government of Nigeria will realise N20 billion from the sale of two presidential jets.
Sources quoted in the report says the estimate is based on the current market value of the jets – Falcon 7X and Hawker 4000. Aviation experts also corroborated the valuation of the aircraft.
The presidential jets were put up for sale last week in an advertorial that appeared in selected newspapers in Nigeria.
The report noted that bidders have been pouring in both from home and abroad to check the Falcon 7X which is currently at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while the Hawker 4000 aircraft is in Zurich, Switzerland.
The report further stated that the authorities were looking for a very good bid in the neighbourhood of $50million for the two planes.
At the current market rate in the international market, a new Falcon 7X costs $53million and the Hawker 4000 costs $22.9million.
The federal government bought the Falcon 7X in 2011 at the cost $50 million.
The estimated value of all the 10 aircraft in the fleet of the presidency is put at over $450 million, with about N8 billion spent on maintenance and fuel yearly.
The chief pilot of the presidential fleet, Captain Dung Rwang Pam told The Guardian that the aircraft’s types were for the very rich, hence should also be expensive selling them.
He said in other climes, the bid would have been for between 60 and 70 per cent of the initial cost, given the short mileage they have covered since they were bought by the government.
He however expressed concern that the system may short-change the government in the bidding process.
The Nigerian media yesterday, October 10, widely reported the handover of two aircraft from the presidential fleet to the Nigerian Air Force.
The two helicopters were acquired by the federal government on October 20, 2014 and May 21, 2015 respectively, according to Presidency Office of Digital Engagement (PODE).
Lagos ports to receive 26 ships with food items, others
Twenty six ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from Monday, October 31 to Wednesday November 23.
This was made known by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) via its publication – Shipping Position.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NPA said that the expected ships contained buck wheat, bulk sugar, general cargoes, empty containers, base oil, aviation fuel, ethanol, base oil, diesel, containers and petrol.
Also, four ships had already arrived the ports, waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser, bulk sugar and petrol.
Nigeria operates mostly an import-dependent economy, which makes the Lagos ports the busiest in sub-saharan Africa.
On a monthly basis, ships from across the world berth at the Lagos ports carrying goods which flood Nigerian markets making it difficult for locally produced goods to gain traction in the economy.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) and Nigeria has commenced formal talks on a deal to send Nigerian migrants in Europe back home.
The deal is part of the EU’s latest move to stem the exodus of Nigerians and other Africans to Europe. The migrants usually embark on dangerous trips across the Mediterranean sea in their efforts to get into Europe.
This was made known by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) via its publication – Shipping Position.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NPA said that the expected ships contained buck wheat, bulk sugar, general cargoes, empty containers, base oil, aviation fuel, ethanol, base oil, diesel, containers and petrol.
Also, four ships had already arrived the ports, waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser, bulk sugar and petrol.
Nigeria operates mostly an import-dependent economy, which makes the Lagos ports the busiest in sub-saharan Africa.
On a monthly basis, ships from across the world berth at the Lagos ports carrying goods which flood Nigerian markets making it difficult for locally produced goods to gain traction in the economy.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) and Nigeria has commenced formal talks on a deal to send Nigerian migrants in Europe back home.
The deal is part of the EU’s latest move to stem the exodus of Nigerians and other Africans to Europe. The migrants usually embark on dangerous trips across the Mediterranean sea in their efforts to get into Europe.
Niger Delta elders accuse FG of blackmail
Niger Delta elders are expected to meet with President Buhari to discuss issues after the region
– The elders plan to tell the president the reason they rejected his investment package
– They also called for the Maritime University not to be changed to a polytechnic
Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders have rejected the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government’s $10 billion (N4 trillion) infrastructural rebirth investment programme,
This revelation is coming just as the Niger Delta leaders are expected to meet President Buhari at the presidential villa on Monday, October 31.
Vanguard reports that the elders are expected to tell the president of their decision to reject the package as they were not consulted before the decision was taken.
The meeting was necessary following the continued bombing of oil and gas pipelines by militants in the region that has crippled oil production and reduce the country’s exportation.
The minister of state for petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu had announced the multi-trillion naira programme which was described as part of the short and medium term priorities to grow Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry (2015 to 2019) and tagged the ‘7 BigWins’\
The leader said the programme was private sector driven and that the government does not have the money to finance it.
“At the end of the day, other Nigerians will say why complain when you have $10 billion and the money is not there in the first place. If the companies have such money, they should pay the money owed the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, rather than blackmail the region with such money.”
This decision was reached at the end of a meeting held at the residence of the convener, Chief Edwin Clark at his 43, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro in Abuja on Saturday, October 29.
They said the people in the region who understand the problem were not carried along which is tantamount to blackmail.
They said the people of the region are suffering from oil exploitation, while nobody is being harassed as mining is going on in the North.
They also called on the president to drop the idea of turning the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Gbaramatu, Delta State to a polytechnic
– The elders plan to tell the president the reason they rejected his investment package
– They also called for the Maritime University not to be changed to a polytechnic
Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders have rejected the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government’s $10 billion (N4 trillion) infrastructural rebirth investment programme,
This revelation is coming just as the Niger Delta leaders are expected to meet President Buhari at the presidential villa on Monday, October 31.
Vanguard reports that the elders are expected to tell the president of their decision to reject the package as they were not consulted before the decision was taken.
The meeting was necessary following the continued bombing of oil and gas pipelines by militants in the region that has crippled oil production and reduce the country’s exportation.
The minister of state for petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu had announced the multi-trillion naira programme which was described as part of the short and medium term priorities to grow Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry (2015 to 2019) and tagged the ‘7 BigWins’\
The leader said the programme was private sector driven and that the government does not have the money to finance it.
“At the end of the day, other Nigerians will say why complain when you have $10 billion and the money is not there in the first place. If the companies have such money, they should pay the money owed the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, rather than blackmail the region with such money.”
This decision was reached at the end of a meeting held at the residence of the convener, Chief Edwin Clark at his 43, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro in Abuja on Saturday, October 29.
They said the people in the region who understand the problem were not carried along which is tantamount to blackmail.
They said the people of the region are suffering from oil exploitation, while nobody is being harassed as mining is going on in the North.
They also called on the president to drop the idea of turning the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Gbaramatu, Delta State to a polytechnic
Friday 28 October 2016
Scientist uncover burial slab that held body of Jesus Christ
Scientists have reportedly uncovered a burial slab which many Christians believe once held the body of Jesus Christ.
The surface was exposed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, Marble had previously encased the slab since at least 1555AD, reports say.
The work going on at the church is being filmed by National Geographic
Fredrik Hiebert, the National Geographic Society’s archaeologist-in-residence, said: ‘It will be a long scientific analysis, but we will finally be able to see the original rock surface on which, according to tradition, the body of Christ was laid.’
Christians believe that Christ’s body was laid on a slab cut from a limestone cave after his crucifixion by the Romans more than two thousand years ago.
The scripture says He resurrected three days after his death and the women who came to anoint his body said no remains were found.
The surface was exposed at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, Marble had previously encased the slab since at least 1555AD, reports say.
The work going on at the church is being filmed by National Geographic
Fredrik Hiebert, the National Geographic Society’s archaeologist-in-residence, said: ‘It will be a long scientific analysis, but we will finally be able to see the original rock surface on which, according to tradition, the body of Christ was laid.’
Christians believe that Christ’s body was laid on a slab cut from a limestone cave after his crucifixion by the Romans more than two thousand years ago.
The scripture says He resurrected three days after his death and the women who came to anoint his body said no remains were found.
How Nigeria’s economy can be transformed - Ambode
The governor of Lagos state, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the completion of the $2.6bn Badagry deep sea port project will help revive the nation’s economy
– He said that the port was expected to generate 500,000 jobs directly and indirectly when completed
– He also promised that the state government would ensure the protection of the interests of the host communities
The governor of Lagos state, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the completion of the $2.6bn Badagry deep sea port project would help develop the growth of the nation’s economy, Punch reports.
According to a statement by the chief press secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, the governor said this after a meeting with Mr Morten Engelstoft, the chief executive officer designate, APM Terminals (Maersk Group) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The meeting centered on the advancement of the deep sea port, a statement by his According to the governor, the project will also complement the emergence of Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa.
“This port and free zone, situated on over 1000 hectares is expected to be the largest deep sea port in Africa upon its completion.
“The project will include a container terminal, oil & gas services and a liquid bulk terminal, with general cargo and Ro-Ro facilities,” Ambode said.
He said that the port was expected to generate 500,000 jobs directly and indirectly when completed.
He also promised that the state government would ensure the protection of the interests of the host communities.
Ambode also said decisions over the funding of Lot 3 of the Mile 2 to Seme 10-lane highway expansion, are almost concluded as it would complement the ongoing Badagry Deep Sea Port Project.
The Governor, who said the Lot 3 would run from Okokomaiko-Badagry-Seme, affirmed the commitment of his administration to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State.
It is no longer news that the recession in the country keeps biting harder by the day.
Earlier, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally admitted to being responsible for the economic challenges that Nigeria is going through.
The party has always pointed accusing finger at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the cause of Nigeria’s recession which it said could have been avoided if the party had saved for the rainy day.
– He said that the port was expected to generate 500,000 jobs directly and indirectly when completed
– He also promised that the state government would ensure the protection of the interests of the host communities
The governor of Lagos state, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has said the completion of the $2.6bn Badagry deep sea port project would help develop the growth of the nation’s economy, Punch reports.
According to a statement by the chief press secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, the governor said this after a meeting with Mr Morten Engelstoft, the chief executive officer designate, APM Terminals (Maersk Group) in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The meeting centered on the advancement of the deep sea port, a statement by his According to the governor, the project will also complement the emergence of Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa.
“This port and free zone, situated on over 1000 hectares is expected to be the largest deep sea port in Africa upon its completion.
“The project will include a container terminal, oil & gas services and a liquid bulk terminal, with general cargo and Ro-Ro facilities,” Ambode said.
He said that the port was expected to generate 500,000 jobs directly and indirectly when completed.
He also promised that the state government would ensure the protection of the interests of the host communities.
Ambode also said decisions over the funding of Lot 3 of the Mile 2 to Seme 10-lane highway expansion, are almost concluded as it would complement the ongoing Badagry Deep Sea Port Project.
The Governor, who said the Lot 3 would run from Okokomaiko-Badagry-Seme, affirmed the commitment of his administration to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State.
It is no longer news that the recession in the country keeps biting harder by the day.
Earlier, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally admitted to being responsible for the economic challenges that Nigeria is going through.
The party has always pointed accusing finger at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the cause of Nigeria’s recession which it said could have been avoided if the party had saved for the rainy day.
Shi'ites claim security operatives plan to carry out massacre
The Shi’ite group alleged that southern Muslims and Christians in the north will be killed by security operatives
– The group claimed this is part of the plan to disrupt their own religious trek
– It called for the unconditional release of its leader, El Zakzaky who is in detention
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria known as Shi’ites have claimed that they have uncovered a plan by security operatives to massacre southern Muslims and Christians.
The religious sect that has been outlawed in Kaduna and some other states said there was also plan to disrupt its religious trek.
Daily Post reports that Ibrahim Musa who is the media forum president of the religious sect in a statement said its planned trek was purely religious which should not be a problem as people have trekked for political reasons without causing any problem.
The statement read: “It has come to our notice that security agents have perfected plans to cause mayhem during our annual symbolic Arbaeen trek, commemorating a similar trek the Umayyad ruler Yazid subjected family members of Prophet Muhammad (AS) to, from Karbala to Damascus in the year 680AD.
“This trek is a religious duty, which the faithful embark on, as a mark of answering of the call to help of Imam Hussein (AS) on the plains of Karbala, which many quotations of our Prophet (S) enticed faithfuls to answer, even if it were to be by crawling. It is purely symbolic and is done by millions of faithfuls worldwide.
“In Nigeria however, opponents who do not want anything of that tyranny against the family of our Prophet (AS) remembered and exposed had always used various plots and evil schemes to demonize the symbolic trek and even stop it by hook or crook means and the use of force
“We have observed that the idea of trekking to mark or celebrate an event is not alien or new after all. Several people trekked much longer distances to celebrate the victory of President Buhari at the polls last year with pomp and pleasantries.
“That was a political trek. Ours is a solemn trek and a religious duty. We never force anyone to embark on it, we never molest anyone from start to finish and we must be allowed to exercise our religious obligation.
“This year however, credible sources have confirmed to us that they plan to attack the trekkers in various guise at multiple locations and also burn residences and business premises of the trekkers back in their towns while they are away on the trek.
“This evil plot involves the use of thugs along all the routes, who would attack especially at night while the trekkers take a rest in camps, kill as many as possible and raze their temporary shelters. Transporters will also be threatened with destruction of their vehicles if they allowed them to be used in anyway for the symbolic trek.
The statement read: “It has come to our notice that security agents have perfected plans to cause mayhem during our annual symbolic Arbaeen trek, commemorating a similar trek the Umayyad ruler Yazid subjected family members of Prophet Muhammad (AS) to, from Karbala to Damascus in the year 680AD.
“This trek is a religious duty, which the faithful embark on, as a mark of answering of the call to help of Imam Hussein (AS) on the plains of Karbala, which many quotations of our Prophet (S) enticed faithfuls to answer, even if it were to be by crawling. It is purely symbolic and is done by millions of faithfuls worldwide.
“In Nigeria however, opponents who do not want anything of that tyranny against the family of our Prophet (AS) remembered and exposed had always used various plots and evil schemes to demonize the symbolic trek and even stop it by hook or crook means and the use of force
“We have observed that the idea of trekking to mark or celebrate an event is not alien or new after all. Several people trekked much longer distances to celebrate the victory of President Buhari at the polls last year with pomp and pleasantries.
“That was a political trek. Ours is a solemn trek and a religious duty. We never force anyone to embark on it, we never molest anyone from start to finish and we must be allowed to exercise our religious obligation.
“This year however, credible sources have confirmed to us that they plan to attack the trekkers in various guise at multiple locations and also burn residences and business premises of the trekkers back in their towns while they are away on the trek.
“This evil plot involves the use of thugs along all the routes, who would attack especially at night while the trekkers take a rest in camps, kill as many as possible and raze their temporary shelters. Transporters will also be threatened with destruction of their vehicles if they allowed them to be used in anyway for the symbolic trek.
It is on record that not even last year, when security agents under the cover of Boko Haram detonated a bomb killing 32 persons along the Kano axis, was the trek even disrupted talk less of turning violent. In spite of the spurious allegations of blocking roads, an unjustified charge, we do not prevent motorists and other road users from using the roads. It is also on record that we lost quite a number of persons in previous years who were knocked down by reckless drivers during the trek, which would not have happened if we blocked the roads or prevented others from using the roads.
“IMN is being vigorously persecuted by all levels of government, using all coercive apparatus of state, clearly in flagrant violation of our right to religious gathering and association. These efforts by security forces to scuttle the annual symbolic Arbaeen trek must be seen in that light. We therefore draw the attention of the public and the international community that whatever happens to IMN members during the trek, the Nigerian authorities must be held responsible.
“Lastly, we still demand for the unconditional release of our incarcerated leader, Sheikh Zakzaky and all those in detention since the December 2015 Zaria massacre by the Army.”
The group has been organising several rallies across the country pressing for the release of Zakzaky, his wife and some of its members that were arrested by soldiers following the clash.
Part of the statement read: “We understand those that sanctioned his detention and those detaining him want to humiliate him and make sure that he goes completely blind before he is eventually released thereby rendering him powerless the moment he is released from unconstitutional and illegal detention.
“The health of our leader and the wife continues to deteriorate on a daily basis and those holding him in custody are playing politics with his detention and that of his wife and we urge the Nigerian people and the international community to intervene in this crude violation of the fundamental rights of our leader.
– The group claimed this is part of the plan to disrupt their own religious trek
– It called for the unconditional release of its leader, El Zakzaky who is in detention
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria known as Shi’ites have claimed that they have uncovered a plan by security operatives to massacre southern Muslims and Christians.
The religious sect that has been outlawed in Kaduna and some other states said there was also plan to disrupt its religious trek.
Daily Post reports that Ibrahim Musa who is the media forum president of the religious sect in a statement said its planned trek was purely religious which should not be a problem as people have trekked for political reasons without causing any problem.
The statement read: “It has come to our notice that security agents have perfected plans to cause mayhem during our annual symbolic Arbaeen trek, commemorating a similar trek the Umayyad ruler Yazid subjected family members of Prophet Muhammad (AS) to, from Karbala to Damascus in the year 680AD.
“This trek is a religious duty, which the faithful embark on, as a mark of answering of the call to help of Imam Hussein (AS) on the plains of Karbala, which many quotations of our Prophet (S) enticed faithfuls to answer, even if it were to be by crawling. It is purely symbolic and is done by millions of faithfuls worldwide.
“In Nigeria however, opponents who do not want anything of that tyranny against the family of our Prophet (AS) remembered and exposed had always used various plots and evil schemes to demonize the symbolic trek and even stop it by hook or crook means and the use of force
“We have observed that the idea of trekking to mark or celebrate an event is not alien or new after all. Several people trekked much longer distances to celebrate the victory of President Buhari at the polls last year with pomp and pleasantries.
“That was a political trek. Ours is a solemn trek and a religious duty. We never force anyone to embark on it, we never molest anyone from start to finish and we must be allowed to exercise our religious obligation.
“This year however, credible sources have confirmed to us that they plan to attack the trekkers in various guise at multiple locations and also burn residences and business premises of the trekkers back in their towns while they are away on the trek.
“This evil plot involves the use of thugs along all the routes, who would attack especially at night while the trekkers take a rest in camps, kill as many as possible and raze their temporary shelters. Transporters will also be threatened with destruction of their vehicles if they allowed them to be used in anyway for the symbolic trek.
The statement read: “It has come to our notice that security agents have perfected plans to cause mayhem during our annual symbolic Arbaeen trek, commemorating a similar trek the Umayyad ruler Yazid subjected family members of Prophet Muhammad (AS) to, from Karbala to Damascus in the year 680AD.
“This trek is a religious duty, which the faithful embark on, as a mark of answering of the call to help of Imam Hussein (AS) on the plains of Karbala, which many quotations of our Prophet (S) enticed faithfuls to answer, even if it were to be by crawling. It is purely symbolic and is done by millions of faithfuls worldwide.
“In Nigeria however, opponents who do not want anything of that tyranny against the family of our Prophet (AS) remembered and exposed had always used various plots and evil schemes to demonize the symbolic trek and even stop it by hook or crook means and the use of force
“We have observed that the idea of trekking to mark or celebrate an event is not alien or new after all. Several people trekked much longer distances to celebrate the victory of President Buhari at the polls last year with pomp and pleasantries.
“That was a political trek. Ours is a solemn trek and a religious duty. We never force anyone to embark on it, we never molest anyone from start to finish and we must be allowed to exercise our religious obligation.
“This year however, credible sources have confirmed to us that they plan to attack the trekkers in various guise at multiple locations and also burn residences and business premises of the trekkers back in their towns while they are away on the trek.
“This evil plot involves the use of thugs along all the routes, who would attack especially at night while the trekkers take a rest in camps, kill as many as possible and raze their temporary shelters. Transporters will also be threatened with destruction of their vehicles if they allowed them to be used in anyway for the symbolic trek.
It is on record that not even last year, when security agents under the cover of Boko Haram detonated a bomb killing 32 persons along the Kano axis, was the trek even disrupted talk less of turning violent. In spite of the spurious allegations of blocking roads, an unjustified charge, we do not prevent motorists and other road users from using the roads. It is also on record that we lost quite a number of persons in previous years who were knocked down by reckless drivers during the trek, which would not have happened if we blocked the roads or prevented others from using the roads.
“IMN is being vigorously persecuted by all levels of government, using all coercive apparatus of state, clearly in flagrant violation of our right to religious gathering and association. These efforts by security forces to scuttle the annual symbolic Arbaeen trek must be seen in that light. We therefore draw the attention of the public and the international community that whatever happens to IMN members during the trek, the Nigerian authorities must be held responsible.
“Lastly, we still demand for the unconditional release of our incarcerated leader, Sheikh Zakzaky and all those in detention since the December 2015 Zaria massacre by the Army.”
The group has been organising several rallies across the country pressing for the release of Zakzaky, his wife and some of its members that were arrested by soldiers following the clash.
Part of the statement read: “We understand those that sanctioned his detention and those detaining him want to humiliate him and make sure that he goes completely blind before he is eventually released thereby rendering him powerless the moment he is released from unconstitutional and illegal detention.
“The health of our leader and the wife continues to deteriorate on a daily basis and those holding him in custody are playing politics with his detention and that of his wife and we urge the Nigerian people and the international community to intervene in this crude violation of the fundamental rights of our leader.
Father nails children to cross over witchcraft
– A father in Akwa Ibom, John Friday Akpan accuses, his children of taking his money to their master in a witchcraft coven
– Akpan locks his children in a dark thatch hut without food for weeks as punishment
Elisha Friday Akpan ,12, and Esther Friday Akpan ,6, were starved of food by their father over allegations of being witches.
A 40-year-old man, John Friday Akpan from Akwa Ibom state is now explaining to the police why he nailed his two children to the cross.
According to reports by the Child’s Right And Rehabilitation Network (CRARN), Akpan who tagged his two children, Elisha Friday Akpan ,12, and Esther Friday Akpan ,6, as witches and wizards heeded the advice of a herbalist, Dr. Okokon in committing the act, the Nigerian Eye reports.
Their father accused them of taking his money to ‘their master in the witchcraft coven and as punishment, he decided to nail his two children to a cross, lock them in a dark, thatch hut without food for weeks.
Recounting her ordeal at the hands of her father said: “Our sister, Peace usually bring us water inside the hut when our father and our mother had gone out,” Esther said.
“My mother (stepmother), said the woman who used to live near our house in Akpabuyo gave us food and she put something (witchcraft spell) in the food and when we ate it we changed to bird at night and took our fathers money to ‘our master’ in the witchcraft world,” Elisha who is a JSS one student said.
According to the kids, Elisha was alleged to have taken 4,000 Naira while Esther took 2,000 Naira.
Video: Starving child abandoned because of “witchcraft”
In a related development, thousands of stigmatized ‘witch children’ have found refuge at CRARN center, in Akwa Ibom. The children were branded as witches by church ministers and have been cast out by their families and shunned by society.
One of them is 6-year-old Israel Effiong from Ikot Uso Ekong, Eket, who was accused of being responsible for his father’s illness. Fearing for his life, he ran away and hid in a bush for a year before he was rescued by Edoho, a volunteer with the organisation.
– Akpan locks his children in a dark thatch hut without food for weeks as punishment
Elisha Friday Akpan ,12, and Esther Friday Akpan ,6, were starved of food by their father over allegations of being witches.
A 40-year-old man, John Friday Akpan from Akwa Ibom state is now explaining to the police why he nailed his two children to the cross.
According to reports by the Child’s Right And Rehabilitation Network (CRARN), Akpan who tagged his two children, Elisha Friday Akpan ,12, and Esther Friday Akpan ,6, as witches and wizards heeded the advice of a herbalist, Dr. Okokon in committing the act, the Nigerian Eye reports.
Their father accused them of taking his money to ‘their master in the witchcraft coven and as punishment, he decided to nail his two children to a cross, lock them in a dark, thatch hut without food for weeks.
Recounting her ordeal at the hands of her father said: “Our sister, Peace usually bring us water inside the hut when our father and our mother had gone out,” Esther said.
“My mother (stepmother), said the woman who used to live near our house in Akpabuyo gave us food and she put something (witchcraft spell) in the food and when we ate it we changed to bird at night and took our fathers money to ‘our master’ in the witchcraft world,” Elisha who is a JSS one student said.
According to the kids, Elisha was alleged to have taken 4,000 Naira while Esther took 2,000 Naira.
Video: Starving child abandoned because of “witchcraft”
In a related development, thousands of stigmatized ‘witch children’ have found refuge at CRARN center, in Akwa Ibom. The children were branded as witches by church ministers and have been cast out by their families and shunned by society.
One of them is 6-year-old Israel Effiong from Ikot Uso Ekong, Eket, who was accused of being responsible for his father’s illness. Fearing for his life, he ran away and hid in a bush for a year before he was rescued by Edoho, a volunteer with the organisation.
Friday 21 October 2016
Days after B’Haram attack, 83 Nigerian soldiers missing
– Eighty-three soldiers, including a commanding officer, are still missing 4 days after the Nigerian army came under Boko Haram attack
– The details of the attack are still catchy as the troops went missing after the attack
– Hundreds of insurgents attacked the base of the Nigerian army on the border with Niger on Monday, October 17
Four days after the Nigerian army came under Boko Haram attack, at least 83 soldiers, including a commanding officer, are still missing, Premium Times reports.
According to top level military sources monitoring the development, the soldiers were still missing in action as of Friday morning, four days after the attack.
On Tuesday, October 18, the Nigerian Army confirmed the attack in a statement, but did s not given further updates. It did not also admit 83 soldiers were missing.
It was reported earlier how the Nigerian troops drowned in a river as they scampered for safety in the face of a superior firepower from the terrorists.
About 22 of the fleeing soldiers were later rescued by their Nigerien counterparts and dispatched to a hospital in Diffa, southern Niger, several others were fatally wounded after Boko Haram opened fire on them when they jumped into the River Yobe.
The missing Commanding Officer of 223 Tank Battalion in Gashigar, was identified as K. Yusuf, a lieutenant colonel.
Military sources further revealed that the troops could not withstand Boko Haram because they had only two light armour tanks to work with.
Even the two tanks were withdrawn from the battlefront in Damasak to Gashigar, leaving soldiers in Damasak and other small units nearby with no tank.
Apart from the poor equipment, the renewed show of strength by Boko Haram has frightened many, coming after months of relative success by the soldiers.
In another development, the chief of army staff Tukur Buratai on Tuesday, October 18, said all Boko Haram terrorists have been eliminated from Nigerian territory.
The army chief speaking in Lagos at the Albati Barracks while commissioning some structures said most of the terrorists’ attacks are carried out by insurgents from the Lake Chad Basin. Buratai said these attacks are mostly carried out outside the borders of Nigeria.
In another development, the chief of army staff Tukur Buratai on Tuesday, October 18, said all Boko Haram terrorists have been eliminated from Nigerian territory.
BREAKING: Boko Haram attack military camp, kidnap soldiers
There are emerging reports that a remote military camp in the northeastern region of Nigeria, has been raided by Boko Haram insurgents.
The insurgents reportedly stormed the camp on Monday, October 17, wounding 13 soldiers and taking away an unknown number of soldiers.
According to a statement made by the army on Wednesday, October 19, an operation to get back the missing soldiers is still ongoing as the army has gone after Islamic extremists that attacked the camp.
Monday’s attack comes a week after one faction of Boko Haram released 21 of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped from northeastern Chibok town, and as Nigeria’s government is negotiating for the release of another 83 of the girls abducted 2½ years ago.
The attack on Gashigar, on the border with Niger, is the third reported attack on the military after months of a lull during which the Islamic extremists hit soft civilian targets.
Army spokesman Col Sani Kukasheka Usman called the attack a “temporary setback” committed by “remnants of Boko Haram” that forced the soldiers to retreat. An operation is in progress to find the missing troopers and “clear the Boko Haram terrorists at the general area,” his statement said.
It is believed the attack is by a splinter from Boko Haram that calls itself the West Africa Province of the Islamic State. The IS named a new caliph of its only franchise in sub-Saharan Africa in August, provoking a struggle with Boko Haram’s longtime leader Abubakar Shekau. A battle of words on social media indicated the dispute is over Shekau’s indiscriminate killing of Muslims.
The group loyal to Shekau negotiated – with the Swiss government and International Committee of the Red Cross acting as intermediaries for Nigeria’s government – last Thursday’s release of 21 Chibok girls, the first such negotiated settlement.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who flew to Germany the day the girls were set free, is scheduled to meet with them and their families later Wednesday, according to a social media message posted by the official account of Nigeria’s presidency.
Boko Haram’s 7-year-old Islamic uprising has killed more than 20,000 people, forced some 2.6 million from their homes and left tens of thousands facing famine-like conditions, according to aid agencies and the U.N.
Meanwhile, Premium Times has obtained the information about how the Nigerien army carried out three rescue operations to recapture no fewer than 22 Nigerian soldiers from the Boko Haram insurgents.
A top military source familiar with the development said that the Nigerian troops were operating an outpost in Gashigar, Borno state, near the border with Niger, when the Boko Haram fighter in their hundreds advanced rapidly towards them, making the soldiers leave their position with some diving into the nearby river.
– The details of the attack are still catchy as the troops went missing after the attack
– Hundreds of insurgents attacked the base of the Nigerian army on the border with Niger on Monday, October 17
Four days after the Nigerian army came under Boko Haram attack, at least 83 soldiers, including a commanding officer, are still missing, Premium Times reports.
According to top level military sources monitoring the development, the soldiers were still missing in action as of Friday morning, four days after the attack.
On Tuesday, October 18, the Nigerian Army confirmed the attack in a statement, but did s not given further updates. It did not also admit 83 soldiers were missing.
It was reported earlier how the Nigerian troops drowned in a river as they scampered for safety in the face of a superior firepower from the terrorists.
About 22 of the fleeing soldiers were later rescued by their Nigerien counterparts and dispatched to a hospital in Diffa, southern Niger, several others were fatally wounded after Boko Haram opened fire on them when they jumped into the River Yobe.
The missing Commanding Officer of 223 Tank Battalion in Gashigar, was identified as K. Yusuf, a lieutenant colonel.
Military sources further revealed that the troops could not withstand Boko Haram because they had only two light armour tanks to work with.
Even the two tanks were withdrawn from the battlefront in Damasak to Gashigar, leaving soldiers in Damasak and other small units nearby with no tank.
Apart from the poor equipment, the renewed show of strength by Boko Haram has frightened many, coming after months of relative success by the soldiers.
In another development, the chief of army staff Tukur Buratai on Tuesday, October 18, said all Boko Haram terrorists have been eliminated from Nigerian territory.
The army chief speaking in Lagos at the Albati Barracks while commissioning some structures said most of the terrorists’ attacks are carried out by insurgents from the Lake Chad Basin. Buratai said these attacks are mostly carried out outside the borders of Nigeria.
In another development, the chief of army staff Tukur Buratai on Tuesday, October 18, said all Boko Haram terrorists have been eliminated from Nigerian territory.
BREAKING: Boko Haram attack military camp, kidnap soldiers
There are emerging reports that a remote military camp in the northeastern region of Nigeria, has been raided by Boko Haram insurgents.
The insurgents reportedly stormed the camp on Monday, October 17, wounding 13 soldiers and taking away an unknown number of soldiers.
According to a statement made by the army on Wednesday, October 19, an operation to get back the missing soldiers is still ongoing as the army has gone after Islamic extremists that attacked the camp.
Monday’s attack comes a week after one faction of Boko Haram released 21 of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped from northeastern Chibok town, and as Nigeria’s government is negotiating for the release of another 83 of the girls abducted 2½ years ago.
The attack on Gashigar, on the border with Niger, is the third reported attack on the military after months of a lull during which the Islamic extremists hit soft civilian targets.
Army spokesman Col Sani Kukasheka Usman called the attack a “temporary setback” committed by “remnants of Boko Haram” that forced the soldiers to retreat. An operation is in progress to find the missing troopers and “clear the Boko Haram terrorists at the general area,” his statement said.
It is believed the attack is by a splinter from Boko Haram that calls itself the West Africa Province of the Islamic State. The IS named a new caliph of its only franchise in sub-Saharan Africa in August, provoking a struggle with Boko Haram’s longtime leader Abubakar Shekau. A battle of words on social media indicated the dispute is over Shekau’s indiscriminate killing of Muslims.
The group loyal to Shekau negotiated – with the Swiss government and International Committee of the Red Cross acting as intermediaries for Nigeria’s government – last Thursday’s release of 21 Chibok girls, the first such negotiated settlement.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who flew to Germany the day the girls were set free, is scheduled to meet with them and their families later Wednesday, according to a social media message posted by the official account of Nigeria’s presidency.
Boko Haram’s 7-year-old Islamic uprising has killed more than 20,000 people, forced some 2.6 million from their homes and left tens of thousands facing famine-like conditions, according to aid agencies and the U.N.
Meanwhile, Premium Times has obtained the information about how the Nigerien army carried out three rescue operations to recapture no fewer than 22 Nigerian soldiers from the Boko Haram insurgents.
A top military source familiar with the development said that the Nigerian troops were operating an outpost in Gashigar, Borno state, near the border with Niger, when the Boko Haram fighter in their hundreds advanced rapidly towards them, making the soldiers leave their position with some diving into the nearby river.
They climbed zoo fence, what happens next is blood chilling
These people decided to get closer to the wild nature and got over the fence in a zoo. How their stories ended is shocking and sad!
1. A woman and a bear
This lady wanted to “play” with a huge white bear in a zoo. The situation took place in Berlin, Germany. It’s one of the craziest on our list. She thought white bears were “cute”. So, she climbed the fence and jumped into their water basin.
What happened next? Apparently the bears thought the woman was tasty and they bit and torn her down much. People helped her out and the doctors saved her life, but she got many severe wounds on her body.
2. A man, his wife and a lion
Which one is better: a nagging wife or a wild lion? Well, this man picked the lion! His wife drove him crazy and the poor fellow decided to end his life by jumping into the lion’s den in India. He survived their attack, though and still had to face his wife!
READ ALSO: This huge catfish ate people!
3. Why not pet a tiger?
It’s a bad, bad idea! Two guys decided to break into a zoo at night. Their friend worked there as a guard. They climbed the fence, but one of them stopped to pet a tiger! What a smart guy! The tiger returned the favor. The man survived the “gentle” touches of the beast.
4. A man and two bears
This guy got drunk and decided to visit a zoo. He proved the truth: drinks and wild beasts is a lethal combination! He undressed and naked jumped into the den. Two bears killed his and ate half of his flash by the time people got him out! The young fellow was just 23!
5. God told this man to fight a lion
It happened in South America. A man called Thomas “hear the voice of god”. Or so he thought. He was told to fight a real lion. So, he visited a zoo, jumped into the den and started teasing the beast. The lion responded and damaged him badly, but the man survived.
READ ALSO: This python killed her dog, but could have killed her
6. “I want to feed a bear”
When you say that be careful. The wild beast may not be interested in your treats, but as it happened with this lady in USA, he was interested in her. He took her for a treat. The woman of 47 years of age got drunk. She jumped into the bear’s den and offered them some food. Bears do not eat junk, but they ate her fingers instead!
7. Lion karate
This guy from Australia took lessons of martial arts. He decided that his skills are good enough to kill a lion with bare hands. So, at night he climbed a zoo fence and approached the beast in hits den. He got torn down and eaten by the king of animals!
These crazy people prove: wild life is wild and dangerous! Never do what they did!
1. A woman and a bear
This lady wanted to “play” with a huge white bear in a zoo. The situation took place in Berlin, Germany. It’s one of the craziest on our list. She thought white bears were “cute”. So, she climbed the fence and jumped into their water basin.
What happened next? Apparently the bears thought the woman was tasty and they bit and torn her down much. People helped her out and the doctors saved her life, but she got many severe wounds on her body.
2. A man, his wife and a lion
Which one is better: a nagging wife or a wild lion? Well, this man picked the lion! His wife drove him crazy and the poor fellow decided to end his life by jumping into the lion’s den in India. He survived their attack, though and still had to face his wife!
READ ALSO: This huge catfish ate people!
3. Why not pet a tiger?
It’s a bad, bad idea! Two guys decided to break into a zoo at night. Their friend worked there as a guard. They climbed the fence, but one of them stopped to pet a tiger! What a smart guy! The tiger returned the favor. The man survived the “gentle” touches of the beast.
4. A man and two bears
This guy got drunk and decided to visit a zoo. He proved the truth: drinks and wild beasts is a lethal combination! He undressed and naked jumped into the den. Two bears killed his and ate half of his flash by the time people got him out! The young fellow was just 23!
5. God told this man to fight a lion
It happened in South America. A man called Thomas “hear the voice of god”. Or so he thought. He was told to fight a real lion. So, he visited a zoo, jumped into the den and started teasing the beast. The lion responded and damaged him badly, but the man survived.
READ ALSO: This python killed her dog, but could have killed her
6. “I want to feed a bear”
When you say that be careful. The wild beast may not be interested in your treats, but as it happened with this lady in USA, he was interested in her. He took her for a treat. The woman of 47 years of age got drunk. She jumped into the bear’s den and offered them some food. Bears do not eat junk, but they ate her fingers instead!
7. Lion karate
This guy from Australia took lessons of martial arts. He decided that his skills are good enough to kill a lion with bare hands. So, at night he climbed a zoo fence and approached the beast in hits den. He got torn down and eaten by the king of animals!
These crazy people prove: wild life is wild and dangerous! Never do what they did!
Iwobi says Okocha requested for his jersey
Alex Iwobi reveals he was shocked when his football idol Jay Jay Okocha requested for his jersey
– The Super Eagles winger said that it was the other way round while his uncle was still active in football
– Iwobi has enjoyed playing time with Arsenal this season at the expense of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi has revealed that he was shocked when his uncle Austin Okocha asked for his jersey as a souvenir.
The 20-year-old has been enjoying playing time for Arsenal this season at the expense of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since making his debut for the Gunners in October 2015.
Iwobi disclosed that it was the other way round while his uncle was still in his playing days in the Premier League, so it meant a lot to him.
“He was at my house the other day and when he was asking me for my shirt, I was confused,” Iwobi told Arsenal’s official website.
“I thought it was a joke at first and then my dad got out one of my old jerseys and gave it to him. He said, ‘I’m going to treasure this’ and I was like ‘Wow, it used to be the other way around.
For it to be like that, it was a moment I enjoyed, but it was crazy. I was always looking up to my uncle.
“Everyone knew that my uncle played for Bolton and he was a very big figure in Africa as well. He doesn’t just help me on the pitch, he helps me off the pitch, which is a key thing for me.”
Although Iwobi is yet to score for the Gunners this season but he and Mesut Ozil have been combining well as they interchange position freely which has helped the youngster’s development as a player in Arsenal’s midfield.
Iwobi recently also acknowledged the German international as one of the main reasons his has hit the spot light for both club and country.
The Nigerian international scored his first goal for the national team in the 2 – 1 win away to Zambia in a Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Watch Alex Iwobi skills, assists and goals
– The Super Eagles winger said that it was the other way round while his uncle was still active in football
– Iwobi has enjoyed playing time with Arsenal this season at the expense of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Super Eagles forward Alex Iwobi has revealed that he was shocked when his uncle Austin Okocha asked for his jersey as a souvenir.
The 20-year-old has been enjoying playing time for Arsenal this season at the expense of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since making his debut for the Gunners in October 2015.
Iwobi disclosed that it was the other way round while his uncle was still in his playing days in the Premier League, so it meant a lot to him.
“He was at my house the other day and when he was asking me for my shirt, I was confused,” Iwobi told Arsenal’s official website.
“I thought it was a joke at first and then my dad got out one of my old jerseys and gave it to him. He said, ‘I’m going to treasure this’ and I was like ‘Wow, it used to be the other way around.
For it to be like that, it was a moment I enjoyed, but it was crazy. I was always looking up to my uncle.
“Everyone knew that my uncle played for Bolton and he was a very big figure in Africa as well. He doesn’t just help me on the pitch, he helps me off the pitch, which is a key thing for me.”
Although Iwobi is yet to score for the Gunners this season but he and Mesut Ozil have been combining well as they interchange position freely which has helped the youngster’s development as a player in Arsenal’s midfield.
Iwobi recently also acknowledged the German international as one of the main reasons his has hit the spot light for both club and country.
The Nigerian international scored his first goal for the national team in the 2 – 1 win away to Zambia in a Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Watch Alex Iwobi skills, assists and goals
Amaechi in trouble as another Judge strikes - Paper Review
The shameful development of bribery and corruption rocking the Nigerian judiciary, has taken another turn, with judges now revealing secrets that indict some members of the executive.
Minister for Transport, Honorable Rotimi Amaechi, is one member of the executive who has been fingered in the bribery scandal rocking the judiciary, First he was accused by one Justice Okoro, he has been accused by yet another judge, a development that is causing great tension across the nation.
This emerging development is the major story for most of the nation’s top dailies for this Friday, October 21. Below are briefs from the various newspapers.
We begin with The Punch which bares the headline: “Another judge says Amaechi asked him to influence judgements”.
Minister for Transport, Honorable Rotimi Amaechi, is one member of the executive who has been fingered in the bribery scandal rocking the judiciary, First he was accused by one Justice Okoro, he has been accused by yet another judge, a development that is causing great tension across the nation.
This emerging development is the major story for most of the nation’s top dailies for this Friday, October 21. Below are briefs from the various newspapers.
We begin with The Punch which bares the headline: “Another judge says Amaechi asked him to influence judgements”.
Ronaldo slammed for disrespecting Buddhist community
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been slammed by the Buddhist community on social media after he uploaded a photo of himself posing with one of his legs on top of a Buddha statue.
Obviously angered by Ronaldo’s pose, many Buddhists on social media have called him all sort of names.
The critics took to his (Ronaldo) Instagram page to vent their anger, adding that they are no longer his fans. They also ordered him to delete the photo.
GET for FREE: Get the latest sports news on Naij Sport
Some even went as far as cursing him, saying calamity will befall his career because of the photo.
The power of the Buddha cannot be downsized as it is believed that Leicester City’s Premier League triumph last season can be attributed to spiritual support they got from some monks.
Obviously angered by Ronaldo’s pose, many Buddhists on social media have called him all sort of names.
The critics took to his (Ronaldo) Instagram page to vent their anger, adding that they are no longer his fans. They also ordered him to delete the photo.
GET for FREE: Get the latest sports news on Naij Sport
Some even went as far as cursing him, saying calamity will befall his career because of the photo.
The power of the Buddha cannot be downsized as it is believed that Leicester City’s Premier League triumph last season can be attributed to spiritual support they got from some monks.
Tuesday 18 October 2016
MASSOB vows to stop Christmas, New Yam celebrations
– MASSOB says traditional rulers in the south-east geopolitical zone should jettison the ofala and new yam festivals following their inability to demand the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu
– The pro-Biafra group says the traditional rulers lost relevance when they failed to call for the release of their subjects in detention
– MASSOB labels Igbo elites, religious leaders, politicians as insensitive to the Biafra struggle
A faction of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB) has threatened to start a massive revolution in all Igbo communities by December that will stop the Christmas celebrations if Nnamdi Kanu is not released.
MASSOB has also told traditional rulers in the south-east geopolitical zone henceforth not to celebrate the Ofala and New Yam festivals following their inability to demand the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu and other pro-Biafran agitators who have been detained since October 10, last year.
The group, according to Vanguard, in a statement by their leader Uchenna Madu on Monday, October 17, said the traditional rulers lost relevance when they failed to call for the release of their subjects in detention which includes; Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi, Innocent Orji, Sabastine Amadi and Benjamin Onwuka in prisons across the country.
“Why must Igbo traditional rulers continue to celebrate Ofalas and new yam festivals while their Biafran subjects are still in detention for Igbo cause? We will stop these celebrations forthwith. What are the religious leaders still preaching while our brethren are still in prisons? We demand that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others will not spend Christmas in prisons again or an internal native revolution will start in Igboland,” MASSOB said.
– The pro-Biafra group says the traditional rulers lost relevance when they failed to call for the release of their subjects in detention
– MASSOB labels Igbo elites, religious leaders, politicians as insensitive to the Biafra struggle
A faction of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB) has threatened to start a massive revolution in all Igbo communities by December that will stop the Christmas celebrations if Nnamdi Kanu is not released.
MASSOB has also told traditional rulers in the south-east geopolitical zone henceforth not to celebrate the Ofala and New Yam festivals following their inability to demand the release of detained Nnamdi Kanu and other pro-Biafran agitators who have been detained since October 10, last year.
The group, according to Vanguard, in a statement by their leader Uchenna Madu on Monday, October 17, said the traditional rulers lost relevance when they failed to call for the release of their subjects in detention which includes; Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi, Innocent Orji, Sabastine Amadi and Benjamin Onwuka in prisons across the country.
“Why must Igbo traditional rulers continue to celebrate Ofalas and new yam festivals while their Biafran subjects are still in detention for Igbo cause? We will stop these celebrations forthwith. What are the religious leaders still preaching while our brethren are still in prisons? We demand that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and others will not spend Christmas in prisons again or an internal native revolution will start in Igboland,” MASSOB said.
President should just resign and tell Nigerians sorry,’ Okurounmu says
Okurounmu also said that Buhari lacks knowledge on how to end the current economic crisis.
He made the comments during an interview with Vanguard.
“Buhari who is carrying the change mantra all about, his administration is worse than Jonathan’s. The whole country now has degraded very much, our leaders have degraded our humanity to animal kingdom,” he said.
“Buhari has no clue on how to revive the economy and yet we are carrying ‘change’ all about. I am happy with my conscience that I spoke out my mind during the election of 2015, I warned Nigerians not to vote for Buhari.
“I took out advertisements in newspapers on why we should not vote for Buhari. Even though Jonathan didn’t fight corruption, I asked us to vote for Jonathan so that we can restructure this country but people were crying ‘change’ in an ignorant manner.
“A man who runs four times for President, one would have assumed that he has plans to address the problems of this country. He tried in 2003 to run for President and also in 2007 and 2011 while 2015 was his fourth attempt. One can’t run for President without making plans and also analyzing how he is going to rule and try to do something to solve the problem.
“I believe he has been following the problems of this nation since before 2003 and had drawn plans he would pursue, if he became President. So, that his government is young is not an excuse at all. He didn’t just wake up one morning and to find himself as President.
“He had once ruled the nation as a military Head of State, so, he was more familiar than others who became head of state without knowing the problem of the nation. Since he came to power, he has not made any impact. Unemployment has increased and he promised us jobs, instead of jobs, he is increasing unemployment.
“He also promised to improve the economy but many factories have closed down, all manufacturers are down even the banks are stretching, agriculture and electricity are down. He was just making empty promises. I think Buhari should just resign and say, ‘I am sorry I cannot go further,” he added.
Okurounmu also said that Nigeria needs a social revolution not a violent revolution.
Schedule Watch Live US troops on the ground in Mosul: Pentagon
The US military has confirmed that its troops are deployed on the frontlines in the offensive to retake the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from Daesh (ISIL) terrorists.
On Monday morning, Iraqi government troops and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters launched a large-scale operation to drive Daesh from Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city and the capital of the northern province of Nineveh.
US Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of the anti-Daesh coalition, said in a statement on Monday that elite international forces are playing a major role in the fight for the city, which was captured by terrorists in June 2014.
He said US Special Operations forces, known as Joint Terminal Air Controllers, or JTACs, are on the ground providing intelligence in an attempt to ensure greater accuracy of aerial bombardment.
The presence of US troops on the ground is the latest departure from US President Barack Obama’s promise against having “boots on the ground” in Iraq.
“JTACs are the difference between precision bombing and area bombing,” said Christopher Harmer, a former US Navy pilot.
He added that the presence of US troops indicated Washington was willing to “incur casualties” in Mosul.
“With JTACS, you can select individual targets in real time and accurately strike them. Without JTACs, you can only bomb a general area and hope for success,” Harmer said.
The US has deployed at least 5,200 troops to Iraq, saying they are supporting government forces fighting against Daesh.
The US troops are allegedly providing air support, training and advice to the Iraqi military.
Meanwhile, the United Nations on Monday expressed concerns for civilians caught up in the Mosul offensive, which officials say could take weeks or even months. More than 1 million civilians are believed to be trapped in the city.
US forces invaded Iraq in 2003 to topple long-time dictator Saddam Hussein but the occupation deteriorated security in the Arab country and gave birth to various militant groups like Daesh.
Daesh terrorists have been committing vicious crimes against all ethnic and religious communities in Iraq and Syria, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians.
Child killed, dozens wounded in Karachi Shia mosque attack
A child has been killed and dozens wounded after a gathering of Shia Muslims in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi was targeted by an explosive device.
Karachi police chief Mushtaq Meher said that two assailants on a motorcycle lobbed an improvised explosive device at a Shia mosque in the port city's densely populated Liaquatabad district on Monday as women and children sat outside the building.
"One boy has expired and another boy and a woman are in critical condition," the police chief said.
No group or person has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, but Saudi-funded militant groups have been blamed for such raids in the past.
Following the deadly attack, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Karachi to protest against the deadly attack. The angry protesters blamed the government for failing to provide security to the Shias across the country.
Sectarian, political and ethnic violence in Karachi has claimed the lives of hundreds of people over the past years.
Several Shia religious gatherings have been attacked in different parts of Pakistan in recent years.
The country’s Shia leaders have called on the government to bring to justice those behind the ongoing bloodshed and targeted killings.
Several Sunni groups have also denounced the carnage of the Shia Muslims at the hands of the extremists and described the issue as a conspiracy against the South Asian country.
Human rights groups and international organizations have also expressed serious concern over the ongoing deadly violence against Shia Muslims across Pakistan.
Sunday 16 October 2016
Swedish police investigate fire at refugee center
Police in Sweden have launched an investigation into a fire at a refugee center in the south of the capital, Stockholm.
A police patrol unit caught notice of the fire, which erupted during the early hours of Sunday, at the refugee center in Fagersjo.
There were no reported injuries but 37 of the asylum seekers in the center were evacuated to another shelter due to the damage to the building.
The night before the fire, what appeared to be an attempt at arson had been suspected when oil canisters were found left in an oven with the heat turned up. The center’s staff had dealt with that incident.
"We will now see if anybody in the area may have seen something," said Sven-Erik Olsson with the central dispatch unit at the Stockholm police department, who added, "The technical investigation of the scene will begin tomorrow."
Sweden took in a record 163,000 asylum seekers last year, which was the largest number among European countries relative to the population of the country.
Gradually, however, negative feelings about the refugees, prevalent in other parts of Europe, reached the Nordic country, prompting the government to impose tough restrictions on refugees, resulting in a sharp decline in the number of asylum seekers settled in Sweden.
Europe is facing a huge flow of refugees who are fleeing persecution and violence in conflict zones in North Africa and the Middle East, Syria in particular.
Many blame the West for the unprecedented exodus, saying its global policies, some open and others hidden, have led to perpetual wars in those regions.
Friday 14 October 2016
DSS handover rescued Chibok girls to Osinbajo
The Presidency has formally received the 21 Chibok Girls and a 21 month-old baby from the Department of State Service (DSS) on Thursday.
The girls were handed over to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, by the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Lawal Daura, at the DSS medical Centre, Abuja.
Osinbajo thanked God for the rescue of the girls and promised that the travails of the Chibok girls abducted about 30 months ago would soon end.
He reminded them that the entire country was hoping to have them back throughout the months they were in captivity.
“We hoped that one day we will see you again and we are very happy to see you back.’’
He assured them that the Federal Government would bring their parents to see them in Abuja.
“Your parents will be coming to join you; we can’t be taking you out here immediately because we want to ensure that you are in very good health.
“I am sure that you are going to be well taken care of; we have already provided very good accommodation for you where you will stay and your parents will come and meet you.
“We are also going to make sure that while you are here we not only take good care of you but see to it that everything that you require going forward, perhaps your education, employment, would be provided.’’
He assured them of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to give them the best, adding that he was excited to hear about their rescue.
“When you were away he (Buhari) kept saying that if this had happened to his own daughter that he wouldn’t know what to do with himself.
“So, we are very excited that you are here and happy that God has preserved your lives and brought you back.
“We know that very soon all will be well and I am sure that when you meet with your parents they will also be very excited and happy to see you.’’
The vice president assured them that the Federal Government had already contacted their parents and assured them that they were in good health.
“We are all looking forward to how you are all going to settle down fast and be taken care of,’’ he said.
He further reminded them of the assurance of the medical doctors to give them the kinds of treatments that they needed.
Osinbajo prayed to God to “replenish, resuscitate and revitalise them’’ and also give them good health and make them more successful and happier in life than they were ever befor.
“I am sure that you are going to be well taken care of; we have already provided very good accommodation for you where you will stay and your parents will come and meet you.
“We are also going to make sure that while you are here we not only take good care of you but see to it that everything that you require going forward, perhaps your education, employment, would be provided.’’
He assured them of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to give them the best, adding that he was excited to hear about their rescue.
“When you were away he (Buhari) kept saying that if this had happened to his own daughter that he wouldn’t know what to do with himself.
“So, we are very excited that you are here and happy that God has preserved your lives and brought you back.
“We know that very soon all will be well and I am sure that when you meet with your parents they will also be very excited and happy to see you.’’
The vice president assured them that the Federal Government had already contacted their parents and assured them that they were in good health.
“We are all looking forward to how you are all going to settle down fast and be taken care of,’’ he said.
He further reminded them of the assurance of the medical doctors to give them the kinds of treatments that they needed.
Osinbajo prayed to God to “replenish, resuscitate and revitalise them’’ and also give them good health and make them more successful and happier in life than they were at the event (NAN)
The girls were handed over to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, by the Director-General of the DSS, Mr Lawal Daura, at the DSS medical Centre, Abuja.
Osinbajo thanked God for the rescue of the girls and promised that the travails of the Chibok girls abducted about 30 months ago would soon end.
He reminded them that the entire country was hoping to have them back throughout the months they were in captivity.
“We hoped that one day we will see you again and we are very happy to see you back.’’
He assured them that the Federal Government would bring their parents to see them in Abuja.
“Your parents will be coming to join you; we can’t be taking you out here immediately because we want to ensure that you are in very good health.
“I am sure that you are going to be well taken care of; we have already provided very good accommodation for you where you will stay and your parents will come and meet you.
“We are also going to make sure that while you are here we not only take good care of you but see to it that everything that you require going forward, perhaps your education, employment, would be provided.’’
He assured them of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to give them the best, adding that he was excited to hear about their rescue.
“When you were away he (Buhari) kept saying that if this had happened to his own daughter that he wouldn’t know what to do with himself.
“So, we are very excited that you are here and happy that God has preserved your lives and brought you back.
“We know that very soon all will be well and I am sure that when you meet with your parents they will also be very excited and happy to see you.’’
The vice president assured them that the Federal Government had already contacted their parents and assured them that they were in good health.
“We are all looking forward to how you are all going to settle down fast and be taken care of,’’ he said.
He further reminded them of the assurance of the medical doctors to give them the kinds of treatments that they needed.
Osinbajo prayed to God to “replenish, resuscitate and revitalise them’’ and also give them good health and make them more successful and happier in life than they were ever befor.
“I am sure that you are going to be well taken care of; we have already provided very good accommodation for you where you will stay and your parents will come and meet you.
“We are also going to make sure that while you are here we not only take good care of you but see to it that everything that you require going forward, perhaps your education, employment, would be provided.’’
He assured them of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to give them the best, adding that he was excited to hear about their rescue.
“When you were away he (Buhari) kept saying that if this had happened to his own daughter that he wouldn’t know what to do with himself.
“So, we are very excited that you are here and happy that God has preserved your lives and brought you back.
“We know that very soon all will be well and I am sure that when you meet with your parents they will also be very excited and happy to see you.’’
The vice president assured them that the Federal Government had already contacted their parents and assured them that they were in good health.
“We are all looking forward to how you are all going to settle down fast and be taken care of,’’ he said.
He further reminded them of the assurance of the medical doctors to give them the kinds of treatments that they needed.
Osinbajo prayed to God to “replenish, resuscitate and revitalise them’’ and also give them good health and make them more successful and happier in life than they were at the event (NAN)
Tuesday 11 October 2016
Price of rice will crash next month - FG
FG says that the price of rice would start to fall from November this year as more Nigerians have returned to their various farms
– Minister of Agriculture Chief Audu Ogbeh says that the government could not be involved in the importation of rice as speculated in some quarters
– He says that his ministry would not encourage rice importation because it would be detrimental to local production
The federal government has said that the price of rice would start to fall from November this year.
According to the government, more Nigerians have returned to their various farms and by the next harvesting season in November, the price of rice would start to crash, The Punch reports.
However, the government said that the delay in the approval of the 2016 budget had made it impossible to implement the capital expenditure in the agricultural sector.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, the minister of agriculture, disclosed this while speaking to members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja on Monday, October 10.
Ogbeh, who stated that the government could not be involved in the importation of rice as speculated in some quarters, stressed that his ministry would not encourage rice importation because it would be detrimental to local production.
He noted that the federal government was against rice smuggling and noted that the Seme border had become a notorious route for the smuggling of contraband products into the country.
He said: “We will not encourage rice importation and there is no way our ministry or government can be involved in importing rice when we are working hard to be self-sufficient in local production. By November when the full-scale harvest starts, rice prices will fall.”
On why the ministry had yet to start implementing its capital budget, Ogbeh said: “It is about now that the capital expenditure is beginning. One of the reasons why money is not circulating is that we need to follow the due process on issues of procurement, advertisement and others.”
According to him, his ministry has spent just N882.58m, representing 4% of the N21bn budgeted for it in the 2016 Appropriation Act.
He also said: “You may be surprised to know that only six to seven states in Nigeria are showing enthusiasm in agriculture. Some by nature don’t seem interested, while others just can’t connect with whatever we are doing at the federal level.”
Ogbeh further stated that his ministry inherited N67bn debt when the present administration came on board, but added that N20bn had been paid to agro-dealers and distributed 900 million oil palm seedlings to farmers across the country.
On his part, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the $22bn annual food import bill had led to the rise in the price of rice and other commodities.
He stressed that if Nigerians failed to produce some of the items being imported before December, the price of rice could skyrocket to N40,000 a bag.
Reports had emerged last week that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd), has removed the ban on importation of rice.
But hours later, the NCS released a statement informing Nigerians that it effect a total ban on the importation of rice into the country by 2017. The disclosure was made in Abuja just as the Service denied reports circulating posting in the online media that the Customs had lifted the ban on importation of rice into the country.
A bag of rice currently being sold around N20,000 at the moment.
– Minister of Agriculture Chief Audu Ogbeh says that the government could not be involved in the importation of rice as speculated in some quarters
– He says that his ministry would not encourage rice importation because it would be detrimental to local production
The federal government has said that the price of rice would start to fall from November this year.
According to the government, more Nigerians have returned to their various farms and by the next harvesting season in November, the price of rice would start to crash, The Punch reports.
However, the government said that the delay in the approval of the 2016 budget had made it impossible to implement the capital expenditure in the agricultural sector.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, the minister of agriculture, disclosed this while speaking to members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development at the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja on Monday, October 10.
Ogbeh, who stated that the government could not be involved in the importation of rice as speculated in some quarters, stressed that his ministry would not encourage rice importation because it would be detrimental to local production.
He noted that the federal government was against rice smuggling and noted that the Seme border had become a notorious route for the smuggling of contraband products into the country.
He said: “We will not encourage rice importation and there is no way our ministry or government can be involved in importing rice when we are working hard to be self-sufficient in local production. By November when the full-scale harvest starts, rice prices will fall.”
On why the ministry had yet to start implementing its capital budget, Ogbeh said: “It is about now that the capital expenditure is beginning. One of the reasons why money is not circulating is that we need to follow the due process on issues of procurement, advertisement and others.”
According to him, his ministry has spent just N882.58m, representing 4% of the N21bn budgeted for it in the 2016 Appropriation Act.
He also said: “You may be surprised to know that only six to seven states in Nigeria are showing enthusiasm in agriculture. Some by nature don’t seem interested, while others just can’t connect with whatever we are doing at the federal level.”
Ogbeh further stated that his ministry inherited N67bn debt when the present administration came on board, but added that N20bn had been paid to agro-dealers and distributed 900 million oil palm seedlings to farmers across the country.
On his part, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the $22bn annual food import bill had led to the rise in the price of rice and other commodities.
He stressed that if Nigerians failed to produce some of the items being imported before December, the price of rice could skyrocket to N40,000 a bag.
Reports had emerged last week that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd), has removed the ban on importation of rice.
But hours later, the NCS released a statement informing Nigerians that it effect a total ban on the importation of rice into the country by 2017. The disclosure was made in Abuja just as the Service denied reports circulating posting in the online media that the Customs had lifted the ban on importation of rice into the country.
A bag of rice currently being sold around N20,000 at the moment.
Olanipekun reveals how Jonathan dreaded Tinubu
While he was president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan had one Nigerian he dreaded with much passion as revealed by Wole Olanipekun
– Olanipekun, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, revealed the name of the politician, who is not a member of the then ruling PDP
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Wole Olanipekun, has revealed who former President Goodluck Jonathan and his administration dreaded most.
That person, according to him, is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Cable reports that Olanipekun said this in an interview with the Punch when asked how he successfully defended people like Tinubu at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
He declared: “What I give my clients is my knowledge, I don’t sell my conscience.
“I retain my conscience and independence. I cherish my liberty. I keep it. No client will tell me not to represent others; I will tell that client to go.
“Let me give you an example. Tinubu is not just my client, he is also my friend. I respect him and he respects me but he cannot say he wants to control me. He does not even discuss my professional jobs with me.
“The day you just referred to, I was at the CCT in the morning in a suit. Jonathan’s election petition was stood down till about 2 pm and immediately I finished addressing the CCT on Tinubu’s matter, I had to go and change for Jonathan’s matter.
“Jonathan would dare not ask me why I was defending his foe. But one thing I knew then was that there was no Nigerian that Jonathan’s government feared more than Tinubu.
“I know. In fact, his camp believed they were contesting election against him, that he was the arrowhead of the opposition but they dared not ask me anything about his case.
“One thing I also noticed was that Jonathan’s team started withdrawing from me gradually because of the Tinubu factor. And I won’t go to anybody to beg for briefs. A lady, whose name I don’t want to mention, called me one day and said these people are in trouble, why are they running away from you?
“Who cares? I can be very committed to my clients. Former President Umaru Yar’Adua is dead; I was his lawyer since his days as Governor of Katsina State.
He was a gentleman per excellence; he would have been the best president Nigeria ever had but he was overwhelmed by his illness. He was so humble, intelligent, honest and frugal.
“He was the one who appointed me as Pro Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and he told me, Wole, I know you are going to help me revive and revamp that place. Thank God we did that eventually. We changed the entire face of the university. Anytime Tinubu wants to make jest of me, he will say ‘when it comes to law, nobody talks to you’. I will say ‘thank God you know that’.
“He knows that when it comes to his case, I will not compromise his interest. Also, I defended Tinubu when the late Funsho Williams took him to the tribunal. He has been my client over the years.”
– Olanipekun, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, revealed the name of the politician, who is not a member of the then ruling PDP
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Wole Olanipekun, has revealed who former President Goodluck Jonathan and his administration dreaded most.
That person, according to him, is Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Cable reports that Olanipekun said this in an interview with the Punch when asked how he successfully defended people like Tinubu at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
He declared: “What I give my clients is my knowledge, I don’t sell my conscience.
“I retain my conscience and independence. I cherish my liberty. I keep it. No client will tell me not to represent others; I will tell that client to go.
“Let me give you an example. Tinubu is not just my client, he is also my friend. I respect him and he respects me but he cannot say he wants to control me. He does not even discuss my professional jobs with me.
“The day you just referred to, I was at the CCT in the morning in a suit. Jonathan’s election petition was stood down till about 2 pm and immediately I finished addressing the CCT on Tinubu’s matter, I had to go and change for Jonathan’s matter.
“Jonathan would dare not ask me why I was defending his foe. But one thing I knew then was that there was no Nigerian that Jonathan’s government feared more than Tinubu.
“I know. In fact, his camp believed they were contesting election against him, that he was the arrowhead of the opposition but they dared not ask me anything about his case.
“One thing I also noticed was that Jonathan’s team started withdrawing from me gradually because of the Tinubu factor. And I won’t go to anybody to beg for briefs. A lady, whose name I don’t want to mention, called me one day and said these people are in trouble, why are they running away from you?
“Who cares? I can be very committed to my clients. Former President Umaru Yar’Adua is dead; I was his lawyer since his days as Governor of Katsina State.
He was a gentleman per excellence; he would have been the best president Nigeria ever had but he was overwhelmed by his illness. He was so humble, intelligent, honest and frugal.
“He was the one who appointed me as Pro Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and he told me, Wole, I know you are going to help me revive and revamp that place. Thank God we did that eventually. We changed the entire face of the university. Anytime Tinubu wants to make jest of me, he will say ‘when it comes to law, nobody talks to you’. I will say ‘thank God you know that’.
“He knows that when it comes to his case, I will not compromise his interest. Also, I defended Tinubu when the late Funsho Williams took him to the tribunal. He has been my client over the years.”
US, Russia could head into nuclear conflict: American writer
The growing tensions between the United States and Russia may lead to a nuclear war and destroy humankind, an American writer and retired professor says.
As tensions between Moscow and Washington spike over the Syria conflict, “we could head into a nuclear conflict which would devastate humanity,” said James Petras, who has several books on Middle Eastern political issues.
“We need to move away from this saber-rattling from Washington into a position that could come to terms with peaceful co-existence, but I don’t see that on the horizon in present or the near future with either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump as presidential candidates,” Petras told Press TV on Tuesday.
Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev warned on Monday that the world has reached a “dangerous threshold” as tensions between Russia and the United States rise over the Syria crisis.
“I think the world has approached a dangerous threshold. I would prefer not to suggest any particular schemes, but I want to say: we need to stop,” Gorbachev, 85, told Russia's news agency RIA Novosti.
“Dialogue [between Russia and the US] should be resumed. Stopping the dialogue has been the biggest mistake,” added Gorbachev, who as the last leader of the Soviet Union oversaw an easing of decades of tensions with the United States
Gorbachev helped end the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the US and established the architecture of nuclear arms control in a series of high-profile meetings with the administration of then US President Ronald Reagan.
Relations between Washington and Moscow -- already at their lowest point since the Cold War over the Ukraine conflict -- have worsened further in recent days as the US suspended the Syrian ceasefire negotiations and accused Russia of cyber attacks.
US Secretary of State John Kerry last week accused Russia and the Assad government of committing war crimes against the Syrian people, and called on Moscow and Damascus to be investigated for this over the Aleppo campaign.
In response, the Russian military warned the Pentagon against conducting airstrikes on Syrian military positions, noting that its S-300 and S-400 air defense systems in Syria are active.
Moscow has also suspended a series of nuclear deals, including a symbolic pact to cut stocks of weapons-grade plutonium in both countries.
Russia to establish permanent naval base at Syria’s Tartus
Russia has announced that it plans to set up a permanent naval base on a Mediterranean port in western Syria, a sign that Moscow is to increase its support for Damascus in its fight against terrorism.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov said Monday that Moscow is going through the process for establishing the naval base at Tartus where it currently leases an existing facility from the Syrian government.
“The necessary documents are already prepared and are in the process of being approved by different agencies,” Pankov told Russian senators, adding, “We hope we can ask you to ratify these documents soon ... We will have a permanent naval base at Tartus.”
Other officials said the plan was meant to give Russian ships more freedom in the Mediterranean as the enhanced facility would allow them to refuel and resupply.
“By doing this Russia is not only increasing its military potential in Syria but in the entire Middle East and in the Mediterranean region as a whole,” Senator Igor Morozov told local media.
Tartus is Russian navy's sole foothold in the Mediterranean, a Soviet-era naval facility which is fairly modest and unable to accommodate larger warships.
Moscow has a permanent air base at Hmeymim in the neighboring province of Latakia. The base has greatly helped the Russians in their attacks on militants since an operation began last September at the request of the Syrian government. However, the plans for establishing a permanent naval base is expected to add to the current level of support that Russia provides for Syria’s fight against terrorism.
Through Russia’s military support, Syria has managed to retake key areas from militants across the country, especially in the north, where a fierce battle is currently going on to recapture the militant-held areas of the city of Aleppo.
Gunmen attack Kabul worshipers, 14 killed
Gunmen have attacked worshipers at a shrine in the Afghan capital Kabul, opening fire on the people who were commemorating the ninth day of the month of Muharram.
An Afghan police official said on condition of anonymity that at least 14 people had been killed and nearly two dozen injured in the assault on Tuesday, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Abbas, the loyal companion of Imam Hossein (peace be upon him), the third Shia imam.
The death toll is expected to rise.
The assailants began the attack just before 20:00 local time (1530 GMT). The assault was carried out at Karte Sakhi shrine, located in the west of the capital near Kabul University.
Witnesses said an explosion had been heard before gunfire erupted.
Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said, "Three attackers opened fire, two were killed." The third attacker is still on the loose.
This is not the first time Shia Muslims in Afghanistan have come under attack.
On July 23, over 80 people were killed and 130 injured in an attack in the capital claimed by the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.
Monday 10 October 2016
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique announces retirement
Gerard Pique says he will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup
– The defender was criticized by the press for wearing a long sleeve shirt for Spain on Sunday
– Pique is controversial for attacking Real Madrid players and pushing for Catalan independence
– The husband to pop star Shakira will be 31 by the time the 2018 World Cup comes around
Spain defender Gerard Pique says he will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup after growing “tired” of criticism from fans and the press.
The centre-back has booed and mocked by Spainish fans due to his public backing of Catalan independence, as well as his part in perceived past spats between Barcelona and Real Madrid players.
Supporters and press took their jibes to a whole new level during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Albania, with some claiming he had cut the regulation short-sleeved jersey in order to remove the trim on the shirts that bears the design of the Spanish flag.
The 29-year-old produced proof after the match that he had in fact cut the sleeves of a shirt that did not have the same flag design, and he says the accusations have pushed him too far.
“I’ve tried everything but I cannot take any more,” he said in a statement released by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
“Today with the sleeves is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. They’ve made it so I’ve lost the excitement of coming here, and although after Russia I’ll only be 31, I’ll leave.”
The RFEF also communicated their support for the centre-back and revealed that Sergio Ramos did the same thing; wearing a long sleeve.
“The Royal Spanish Football Federation wants to show their support for the Spanish international Gerard Pique regarding the controversy caused by the cutting of long sleeves of his shirt in the match played against Albania,” a statement read.
“Contrary to what was indicated by some malicious comments – that the player cut his sleeves to avoid wearing a top with the national colours – the RFEF wishes to clarify that this trimming only exists in the Adidas short-sleeve shirt, and not in the long sleeves, which is what Pique wore in the match.
“This lack of trimming can be seen on the shirt of his partner, Sergio Ramos, who also worse long sleeves.
“The player cut his sleeves with the sole purpose of playing more comfortably, like other internationals have done on many occasions.
“Unfair criticism of Gerard Pique has caused him to declare that he will leave the Spanish team after the World Cup in Russia.”
The 28 year old has played 84 times for the Spanish national team winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
– The defender was criticized by the press for wearing a long sleeve shirt for Spain on Sunday
– Pique is controversial for attacking Real Madrid players and pushing for Catalan independence
– The husband to pop star Shakira will be 31 by the time the 2018 World Cup comes around
Spain defender Gerard Pique says he will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup after growing “tired” of criticism from fans and the press.
The centre-back has booed and mocked by Spainish fans due to his public backing of Catalan independence, as well as his part in perceived past spats between Barcelona and Real Madrid players.
Supporters and press took their jibes to a whole new level during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Albania, with some claiming he had cut the regulation short-sleeved jersey in order to remove the trim on the shirts that bears the design of the Spanish flag.
The 29-year-old produced proof after the match that he had in fact cut the sleeves of a shirt that did not have the same flag design, and he says the accusations have pushed him too far.
“I’ve tried everything but I cannot take any more,” he said in a statement released by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
“Today with the sleeves is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. They’ve made it so I’ve lost the excitement of coming here, and although after Russia I’ll only be 31, I’ll leave.”
The RFEF also communicated their support for the centre-back and revealed that Sergio Ramos did the same thing; wearing a long sleeve.
“The Royal Spanish Football Federation wants to show their support for the Spanish international Gerard Pique regarding the controversy caused by the cutting of long sleeves of his shirt in the match played against Albania,” a statement read.
“Contrary to what was indicated by some malicious comments – that the player cut his sleeves to avoid wearing a top with the national colours – the RFEF wishes to clarify that this trimming only exists in the Adidas short-sleeve shirt, and not in the long sleeves, which is what Pique wore in the match.
“This lack of trimming can be seen on the shirt of his partner, Sergio Ramos, who also worse long sleeves.
“The player cut his sleeves with the sole purpose of playing more comfortably, like other internationals have done on many occasions.
“Unfair criticism of Gerard Pique has caused him to declare that he will leave the Spanish team after the World Cup in Russia.”
The 28 year old has played 84 times for the Spanish national team winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship.
Messi has sensationally decided to leave Barcelona!?
Messi joined Barcelona in 2001
– He has always suggested he could leave the Blaugrana
– Messi has reportedly asked for a special contract conditions
According to Diario Gol, Barcelona star Lionel Messi hopes to leave Barcelona
The 29-year-old has spent his entire career with Barcelona after joining from Newell’s Old Boys’ youth system in 2001.
But the source notes that he has always suggested he could leave his side.
Previously the Argentinian forward is involved in one of the greatest scandals. Reports indicate that the Argentine wants to have a feel of the English Premier League (EPL) where Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all shown interest to land the 29-year-old player.
Messi also said he wants end his career with his boyhood and hometown team.
And according to the source, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wants a release clause in his upcoming deal which allows him to end his time there when he sees fit to join the Argentine side.
The striker is currently contracted to Barca until 2018.
– He has always suggested he could leave the Blaugrana
– Messi has reportedly asked for a special contract conditions
According to Diario Gol, Barcelona star Lionel Messi hopes to leave Barcelona
The 29-year-old has spent his entire career with Barcelona after joining from Newell’s Old Boys’ youth system in 2001.
But the source notes that he has always suggested he could leave his side.
Previously the Argentinian forward is involved in one of the greatest scandals. Reports indicate that the Argentine wants to have a feel of the English Premier League (EPL) where Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all shown interest to land the 29-year-old player.
Messi also said he wants end his career with his boyhood and hometown team.
And according to the source, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wants a release clause in his upcoming deal which allows him to end his time there when he sees fit to join the Argentine side.
The striker is currently contracted to Barca until 2018.
PSG moves to offer €222m deal for Neymar next summer
PSG are ready to sign Neymar and are planning to cough out €222 million in order to land their man
– French club turned their eyes on Neymar last summer after effort to land Cristiano Ronaldo failed
– Neymar’s release clause in Barcelona stands at €222m but that figure will increase to €250m in 2018
There are strong indications that Neymar may consider a move to French Ligue 1 champions PSG next season.
This follows a report on Goal.com that PSG are ready to renew their efforts to sign the Barcelona star and are planning a bumper package worth up to €222 million in order to land their man.
PSG are ready to renew their efforts to sign Neymar and are planning a bumper package worth up to €222 million in order to land their man.
It was gathered that the leaders of the French club turned their eyes on Neymar last summer after effort to land Cristiano Ronaldo proved abortive.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Olivier Letang had made attempts to sign Neymar this season, offering a bumper salary (matching Messi’s Barcelona deal) as well as several hefty financial clauses to entice the striker.
But the attacker eventually declined the offer in favour of signing a new deal with Barcelona at the beginning of July, for a salary estimated at €25 million per year until 2021.
According to sources close to the player, Neymar was however tempted to join up with friends Marquinhos, Lucas Moura and Thiago Silva at PSG.
However, that failed attempt, was just the start for PSG as the French club has switched their attention to a new raid for the coming season.
Neymar’s release clause in Barcelona stands at €222m but that figure will increase to €250m in 2018, while his wages will similarly skyrocket.
The Brazilian forward recently scored his 300th career goal on Thursday, October 6 as Brazil walloped Bolivia 5-0 in a World Cup qualifying.
– French club turned their eyes on Neymar last summer after effort to land Cristiano Ronaldo failed
– Neymar’s release clause in Barcelona stands at €222m but that figure will increase to €250m in 2018
There are strong indications that Neymar may consider a move to French Ligue 1 champions PSG next season.
This follows a report on Goal.com that PSG are ready to renew their efforts to sign the Barcelona star and are planning a bumper package worth up to €222 million in order to land their man.
PSG are ready to renew their efforts to sign Neymar and are planning a bumper package worth up to €222 million in order to land their man.
It was gathered that the leaders of the French club turned their eyes on Neymar last summer after effort to land Cristiano Ronaldo proved abortive.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Olivier Letang had made attempts to sign Neymar this season, offering a bumper salary (matching Messi’s Barcelona deal) as well as several hefty financial clauses to entice the striker.
But the attacker eventually declined the offer in favour of signing a new deal with Barcelona at the beginning of July, for a salary estimated at €25 million per year until 2021.
According to sources close to the player, Neymar was however tempted to join up with friends Marquinhos, Lucas Moura and Thiago Silva at PSG.
However, that failed attempt, was just the start for PSG as the French club has switched their attention to a new raid for the coming season.
Neymar’s release clause in Barcelona stands at €222m but that figure will increase to €250m in 2018, while his wages will similarly skyrocket.
The Brazilian forward recently scored his 300th career goal on Thursday, October 6 as Brazil walloped Bolivia 5-0 in a World Cup qualifying.
James Rodriguez receives death threat from group
James Rodriguez and his family have been receiving death threats from a group called Legion Hulk on Twitter
– Investigations revealed that the Social Media handle is being operated from the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires
– Rodriguez mother also exposed other messages directly pointing to her son saying that he will be found dead
Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has received death threats via Twitter from a group called Legion Hulk, his mother reveals.
The group’s social media account are currently being monitored by the FBI after making numerous threats towards the Colombian captain.
The twitter handle which was initially targeted at the former Monaco midfielder is called @Frekeman and is supposedly being operated in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires.
Officials are not yet certain about the genuineness of the threats because the account was only created a month ago or probably from an online troll.
One of the twits on the @Frekeman account shows an image of a box full of bullets and a range of guns with a message saying: “James Rodriguez, Legion Holk is watching you,” before Rodriguez mum brought public attention to the threat.
She also exposed other threats Rodriguez and his family had received.
The range of tweets translated to:
“I am on my way to your house, I am armed, say goodbye to everything you love.”
“#JamesVerguenzaNacional human trash.”
“Do you want to see how I am going to make you find James dead?”
The 27-year-old is currently not having the best of times with Los Blancos this season as he has made just one start in seven matches and has only one goal to his credit.
The attacking midfielder has been ruled out of Colombia’s CONMEBOL Russia 2108 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay after picking up a calf injury.
– Investigations revealed that the Social Media handle is being operated from the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires
– Rodriguez mother also exposed other messages directly pointing to her son saying that he will be found dead
Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has received death threats via Twitter from a group called Legion Hulk, his mother reveals.
The group’s social media account are currently being monitored by the FBI after making numerous threats towards the Colombian captain.
The twitter handle which was initially targeted at the former Monaco midfielder is called @Frekeman and is supposedly being operated in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires.
Officials are not yet certain about the genuineness of the threats because the account was only created a month ago or probably from an online troll.
One of the twits on the @Frekeman account shows an image of a box full of bullets and a range of guns with a message saying: “James Rodriguez, Legion Holk is watching you,” before Rodriguez mum brought public attention to the threat.
She also exposed other threats Rodriguez and his family had received.
The range of tweets translated to:
“I am on my way to your house, I am armed, say goodbye to everything you love.”
“#JamesVerguenzaNacional human trash.”
“Do you want to see how I am going to make you find James dead?”
The 27-year-old is currently not having the best of times with Los Blancos this season as he has made just one start in seven matches and has only one goal to his credit.
The attacking midfielder has been ruled out of Colombia’s CONMEBOL Russia 2108 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay after picking up a calf injury.
Femi Falana blasts NBA for shielding corruption
– Femi Falana has advised that the judges arrested by DSS be arraigned quickly
– The human rights lawyer condemned the NBA for shielding corrupt judges
– He said judges were paying for the subversion of justice they failed to carry out
A popular human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has lashed out at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for shielding corrupt judges following the raid by the Department of State Service (DSS).
The DSS raid on allegedly corrupt politicians in the early hours of Saturday, October 8 although this has been highly criticised by some Nigerians.
The Peoples Democratic Party also criticised President Muhammadu Buhari who the party described as a dictator.
The Punch however reports that Falana condemned the call by the NBA for an unditional release of the judges.
He said: “In particular, the Nigerian Bar Association which has information on all corrupt judges and lawyers in the country has continued to shield them to the embarrassment of incorruptible members of the bar and the bench.
The few lawyers who have plucked up the courage to expose corrupt judges and lawyers have been stigmatised and treated like lepers by their colleagues.
“It is on record that when both the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission sent invitation letters to judges suspected of corruption they had rushed to the Federal High Court to obtain interlocutory injunctions to prevent their arrest, investigation and prosecution.”
He blamed members of the profession for the harassment which he said would have been avoided if the provision of the law had been followed in dealing with corrupt judges.
“It is on account of negligence on the part of the legal profession that the SSS which screens candidates before they are recommended by the National Judicial Council for appointment as judges has now engaged in the arrest of judges for alleged corruption and abuse of office.”
He however said the arrested judges “are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved by the State, they should be admitted to bail in self recognisance.”
“It is a matter of grave concern that the legal profession has allowed the denigration of the hallowed temple of justice because of the misconduct of a few corrupt judges.
For several years, judges who committed grave criminal offences were not prosecuted but merely retired by the authorities on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.
“Although the National Judicial Council recently recommended the dismissal and prosecution of a judge for extorting the sum of N197m from a litigant the authorities had paid lip service to the menace of judicial corruption in the country.”
– The human rights lawyer condemned the NBA for shielding corrupt judges
– He said judges were paying for the subversion of justice they failed to carry out
A popular human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has lashed out at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for shielding corrupt judges following the raid by the Department of State Service (DSS).
The DSS raid on allegedly corrupt politicians in the early hours of Saturday, October 8 although this has been highly criticised by some Nigerians.
The Peoples Democratic Party also criticised President Muhammadu Buhari who the party described as a dictator.
The Punch however reports that Falana condemned the call by the NBA for an unditional release of the judges.
He said: “In particular, the Nigerian Bar Association which has information on all corrupt judges and lawyers in the country has continued to shield them to the embarrassment of incorruptible members of the bar and the bench.
The few lawyers who have plucked up the courage to expose corrupt judges and lawyers have been stigmatised and treated like lepers by their colleagues.
“It is on record that when both the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission sent invitation letters to judges suspected of corruption they had rushed to the Federal High Court to obtain interlocutory injunctions to prevent their arrest, investigation and prosecution.”
He blamed members of the profession for the harassment which he said would have been avoided if the provision of the law had been followed in dealing with corrupt judges.
“It is on account of negligence on the part of the legal profession that the SSS which screens candidates before they are recommended by the National Judicial Council for appointment as judges has now engaged in the arrest of judges for alleged corruption and abuse of office.”
He however said the arrested judges “are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved by the State, they should be admitted to bail in self recognisance.”
“It is a matter of grave concern that the legal profession has allowed the denigration of the hallowed temple of justice because of the misconduct of a few corrupt judges.
For several years, judges who committed grave criminal offences were not prosecuted but merely retired by the authorities on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.
“Although the National Judicial Council recently recommended the dismissal and prosecution of a judge for extorting the sum of N197m from a litigant the authorities had paid lip service to the menace of judicial corruption in the country.”
See how these Ugandan women were searched at a stadium
Where do you draw the line between searching people and molesting them?
Pictures depicting a normal stop and search procedure at a Ugandan stadium entrance, have since gone viral and are attracting the attention of people.
According to the pictures, a security personnel can be seen touching (abi molesting) some women under the pretext of conducting an intimate search on them.
Some of the women can be seen smiling (maybe they are already used to it) as the search is going on, while some look like they are not finding the whole act funny.
Quick question, is that a male or a female officer searching them?
Pictures depicting a normal stop and search procedure at a Ugandan stadium entrance, have since gone viral and are attracting the attention of people.
According to the pictures, a security personnel can be seen touching (abi molesting) some women under the pretext of conducting an intimate search on them.
Some of the women can be seen smiling (maybe they are already used to it) as the search is going on, while some look like they are not finding the whole act funny.
Quick question, is that a male or a female officer searching them?
False-flag attack may push US, Russia to war: Analyst
The rhetorical war between Washington and Moscow is not going to lead the two countries into a direct conflict unless a false-flag attack pushes the two powers into a war, managing editor of Veterans Today Jim W. Dean told Press TV’s 'Top 5' program.
Dean believes that the war of words between the United States and Russia over the Syrian city of Aleppo and other issues of difference is not heading towards a confrontation “unless somebody does something really stupid.”
A direct war between the Americans and the Russians in Syria may happen if a third party tries to carry out “a false-flag terror attack,” for instance by conducting a nuclear strike on the Arab country or targeting a civilian airliner.
He went on to say that such scenarios may lead to a conflict between the two powers, but the Russian and Syrian airstrikes are “very measured” and could not trigger a broader war.
Russia has announced it would safeguard "its assets" in Syria in case the United States is planning to bombard the military airfields of the Syrian government.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said some policymakers in Washington had been heard to advocate such a scenario of targeting Syrian airfields in an attempt to cripple Syrian airstrikes against the terrorists' positions.
Based on an analysis by Dean, Lavrov issued a careful statement when he stated that "Russia has got air defense systems there to protect its assets." The foreign minister, Dean noted, did not say Syrian airbases because Russian forces are generally stationed in most Syrian bases to provide support for their war on terrorists.
The minister warned that the Russian commanders would not have enough time to decide what missile was launched, and where it was heading to, Dean mentioned.
Russian warplanes have been pounding the positions of terrorists in Syria since September 30, 2015, upon a formal request from Damascus.
Moscow and Washington have a variety of disagreements over Syria, which has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. After several rounds of failed talks over the crisis, the United States warned last week that it had stopped cooperating with Russia.
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