A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
By Emeka Aginam MediaTek at the concluded AfricaCom 2016 held in Cape Town South Africa announced its collaboration with multinational telecommunications company, Ericsson to make LTE -advanced features available in mainstream mobile devices in Africa.
The partnership would ensure the affordability of devices that support LTE -Advanced technology to consumers across the region.
The solution allows consumers to experience a network download speed of up to 300 Mbps and a 50 Mbps upload speed.
It improves coverage quality, provides enhanced HD video capabilities, offers faster data access, and reduces packet latencies.
Currently, mobile devices that can support this technology are considered 'high–end', costing as much as $800.
MediaTek' s smartphone chipset technology, which enables consumers to take advantage of the benefits of carrier aggregation, will be available on affordable MediaTek-powered handsets for the mass market in Africa.
This is the first time that two-carrier aggregation will be available at affordable prices.
Speaking on the new development, Finbarr Moynihan, General Manager, Corporate Sales International, said that, "By collaborating with Ericsson, MediaTek can offer a superior mobile broadband experience at an affordable price.
"This is another step toward MediaTek's goal of democratizing technology – making world- class leading technology more accessible to everyone."
This collaboration would ensure the availability of devices that will operate on a faster, more advanced 4G LTE network to users in the region transitioning from feature phones to smartphones.
Also speaking, Ajay Sood, Head of Network Products, Region sub-Saharan Africa, Ericsson, said that, "Our research shows that today, most mobile broadband devices are, and will continue to be, smartphones. Many consumers in sub-Saharan Africa first experience the internet on a smartphone. This ability to enhance accessibility to advanced devices by making them more affordable makes this partnership even more exciting."
FEDERAL Government bonds auction recorded 41 percent patronage this week following investors' demand for higher yield.
President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the opening of a 2-day National Economic Council Retreat at the Statehouse Conference Centre on 21st March 2016.
Results of the auction show that investors demanded for interest rates as high as 18 percent, about 2.0 percent higher than what the DMO offered.
Results of the bond auction conducted by Debt Management Office (DMO) on behalf of the federal government revealed that investors demanded for 65 percent or N61.7 billion of the N95 billion bonds offered while only 41 percent or N39 billion was sold by the agency.
The DMO offered N35 billion of bonds maturing in 2021, with investors demand at N16.46 billion, while N5 billion was sold at 15.5. The agency offered N25 billion of bonds maturing in 2026, with investors demand at N17.51 billion, while N17.51 billion was sold at 15.98 percent. The agency also offered N35 billion bonds maturing in 2036, with investors demand at N27.7 billion while N20 billion was sold at 15.9 percent.
The demand for higher yields might not be unconnected to the persistent rise in inflation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), inflation rose to 18.3 percent from 17.9 percent in September, representing 11 consecutive monthly increase of the inflation rate.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold N119.92 billion worth of short term treasury bills at an auction on Wednesday, with mixed yields. The bank sold a total of N32.43 billion of the 3-month paper at 13.99 percent, broadly unchanged from 14 percent at the last auction on Nov. 2.
It sold N22.82 billion of 6-month debt at 17.40 percent, down from 17.50 percent at the previous auction, while a total of N64.67 billion of 1-year bills was sold at 18.70 percent, compared with 18.30 0 percent previously.
Total subscriptions rose to N158.07 billion compared with 122.96 billion naira at the last auction, the data showed.
By Soni Daniel The trial of Abiodun Agbele, an aide to governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State continued on Thursday, with the EFCC witness, Alade Oluseye Sunday, telling Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja that, it took about forty-five minutes to offload the N1,219,490,000cash sent by Musiliu Obanikoro, former minister of state for defence, to Fayose ahead of the Ekiti governorship election, from the aircraft.
Fayose & EFCC
Sunday, a manager and Head of Zenith Bank Plc, Akure branch, made the disclosure under cross-examination by Agbele's counsel, Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
It would be recalled that the witness had earlier testified to effect that, the disbursement of the cash, which took ten days to count was coordinated by Agbele.
According to Sunday, the cash, which was loaded in 'Ghana-must-go' and Diamond Bank tarpaulin bags, were delivered twice via an aircraft . He added that, it took not less than forty-five minutes to off-load the cash on both occasion.
"In fact, I, Agbele and Abiodun Oshode (Regional Manager of the bank) were practically watching while the money was being offloaded", Sunday said.
Answering another question from the defence, the witness insisted that the cash was bundle-counted and confirmed to be N1,219,490.00 (one billion, two hundred and nineteen million, four hundred and ninety thousand naira).
He added that, after ascertaining the amount, Agbele, Oshode and Adewale (Obanikoro's aide) were handed a small sheet of paper which was taken to Oshode's office where decisions were taken on how the fund would be disbursed.
Further hearing on the case has been adjourned to January 25-27, 2017.
Agbele is facing an 11-count charge for allegedly diverting N4.6billion from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
To ensure a greater part of the country’s farm yield does not get wasted due to challenges emanating from either erratic power supply or storage facilities reliant on power, Nigerian Cold Hub company has developed a solar-powered food storage design, Cold Hub, to empower farmers of small, medium and large scale farmers.
In a seminar titled, "Start-ups in Renewable Energy," and aimed at giving young creative German and Nigerian entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and sustainable business models a platform to share experiences and introduce their business models and products, the Cold Hub, through the German foreign energy policy fund has introduced the design, Cold hub, to support young entrepreneurs who are especially involved in agriculture but record loses due to lack of storage facilities or power hindrances.
Speaking, Mr. Benjamin Igbokwe, Chief operating officer Cold hub said the design is essentially built to greatly reduce post-harvest loss for 470 million small farmers in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
"Our innovation, ColdHubs extends shelf life of perishable food from 2 to 21 days. Perishable food especially fresh fruits and vegetables start to deteriorate as soon as they are harvested because they are cut off from their source of water and nutrition. They lose weight, texture, flavor, nutritional value and appeal. Cooling significantly slows down the rate of deterioration, thereby increasing the storage life of the produce." he said.
Also, Mr. Femi Adeyemo, the CEO Arnergy Solar limited, in his presentation, said that energy is a for-profit mini-utility social enterprise that leverages on credit analytics and prepaid metering technology to deploy solar energy solutions to homes and businesses across Africa.
He said that the product lightens up homes and offices in cities across Africa with innovative solar solutions, offering a broad range of solar solutions tailor-made for residential homes, SMEs and large enterprises.
"Arnergy is a Nigerian startup tackling the growing demand for urban rooftop solar energy in Nigeria. We custom design solar energy systems for commercial and residential clients using tried and tested, intelligent solar energy system ensuring Africans have 24/7 power in their homes while reducing operating expenses of African businesses saving them huge costs otherwise spent on diesel/petrol generator maintenance and increased revenue otherwise lost to cut in production."
We are pioneering the frontier in rural and urban electrification through the provision of affordable and highly efficient electricity from solar energy."
"We provide two main solutions: Pay As You Go (PAYG) Solar Home System (SHS) and MiniGrid Solutions for Rural residents and Solar Packages for Urban homes and businesses.
ARNERGY has powered 2,000+ Households and small businesses in 5 rural villages in Nigeria with solar."
Civil Society and Pro-Democracy Group, the Wailing Wailers have asked Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to stop what it described as the fraudulent retirement pension package approved by the Edo State House of Assembly for ex-governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu.
Odubu-Oshiomhole
The Wailing Wailers in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Usman Abubakar, decried that the N300million retirement package to be drawn from the Edo state treasury by Oshiomhole and Odubu is "outrageous and too bogus to be taken from a state where jobless youths are roaming the streets, salaries are not being paid and over 45 months pension arrears of senior citizens who have served the state meritoriously are still outstanding."
The statement read: "Our attention has been drawn to the dangerous and outrageous pension package the immediate past Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu want to take from the Edo State treasury.
"We want to state this without any fear or favour that the N300,000,000 is outrageous and too bogus to be taken from a state where jobless youths are roaming the streets, salaries are not being paid and over 45 months pension arrears of senior citizens who have served the state meritoriously are still outstanding.
"Governor Adams Oshiomhole is trying to use the Pension amendment law as his last minute looting of Edo State Treasury by proxy via his newly installed Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
"Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who is seeking a mouth-watering pension has left the state in serious debt amounting to over N200 Billion which will take several years to clear and still deem right to add more burden on the people, wrecking more havoc on the state by his demand for a ridiculously bogus pension.
"In the recent past, Adams Oshiomhole as a serial propagandist and his legion of online cretins raised alarm over similar cases for the then leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calling them corrupt for taking huge pension after retirements.
"We call on the state assembly to repel the anti-peoples pension law they are packaging for Oshiomhole. Serving as a governor should be a selfless service one should be proud of, not seeking to use the avenue to enrich oneself as commonly practised by some greedy Nigerian leaders.
"It will be recalled that when Adams Oshiomhole was still on the side of the people during his activism days as a labour leader in Textile Workers’ House, Kaduna and NLC President, he detested unreasonable pension packages for politicians.
"We are now wondering what has changed Oshiomhole from his old portrayed principle of integrity and sincerity to true service of humanity. The pension he is now seeking is stack robbery of Edo people.
"We expect that Adams Oshiomhole should be satisfied with all that he has benefited during his tenure as the governor of Edo State. We call on Godwin Obaseki to stop the ridiculously outrageous pension package as we are sure it does not represent the interest of the good people of Edo State."
"We will not hesitate to take the governor to court if he goes ahead to approve N200m and N100m retirement package for Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy respectively.
"The country is seriously in recession where people can barely eat once daily, pay their children’s school fees, whereas the leaders prefer to keep living in affluence and flamboyancy even after leaving the office. It is very sad that these are the characters President Buhari eulogized and wants to invite to work with him in Abuja," the statement added.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-Federal government has finally announced the cancellation of joint cash call with oil companies operating in Nigeria.
The announcement came on a day the government said that it had also uncovered heinous acts of frauds in the revenue generating agencies.
Main reason for the cash call withdrawal was principally hinged on the paucity of funds arising from the drastic fall of crude oil prices in the international market which had made it almost impossible for Nigeria to meet its cash call obligations.
Cash calls is the counterpart funding which the Federal Government, represented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC annually pays as its 60 percent equity shareholding in various oil and gas fields operated by international oil companies and indigenous oil firms.
The development however is expected to generate about $15 billion worth of investments.
Briefing State House correspondents at the end of National Economic Council, NEC meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu alongside governors Willie Obiano (Anambra State) and his counterpart from Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar said that Nigeria owed call arrears $6.8 billion over the 5 years.
…Cautions Against Spreading Of Unverified News On Social Media
The Lagos State Government on Thursday denied the unsubstantiated claims being circulated in some sections of the media and on social media of its involvement in the fire incident that took place in Otodo Gbame Community in Lekki area of the State last Wednesday.
The State Government specifically punctured media reports suggesting that it authorized the burning down of the community, saying that the allegation was far from the truth.
The State's Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, in a statement, said the State Government shared in the painful loss of the residents but explained that from Police reports and evaluation by the government, the waterfront community was razed by the fire incident that happened as a result of the ethic clash that occurred between the Egun and Yoruba residents within the community.
L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right); C.E.O, Quattro Alchemy, Arch. Aderoju Ademoroti (right); Special Adviser on Lagos Global, Prof. Ademola Abass; Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Special Adviser on Arts & Culture, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola and others during the inspection of Ultra Modern Bus Terminal at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS)(File)
Ayorinde said while the Police succeeded in bringing to a halt the deadly clashes which occurred as a result of continued disagreement over tolling and other sundry issues, the large part of the shanties had already been torched and razed down before the combined team of fire brigade and emergency rescue officers got to the scene on the night of Wednesday, November 9th.
"It is therefore unfortunate that a few aggrieved persons and fifth columnists will choose to blame the government and law enforcement officers that rose to the occasion in ensuring that the clashes did not degenerate further and more importantly that the arson did not spread into Lekki Phase 1," Ayorinde said.
The Commissioner said while the Otodo Gbame shanties clearly fell within the prime waterfront areas where Lagos State Government would prefer to have better development, befitting of a prime area in a mega city, it was mindful of the fundamental rights of the various residents living in the area.
According to Ayorinde, while government was not unaware of the legal tussle over the areas and the rights of citizens to stage peaceful protests, relevant agencies of government had since been deployed to provide succor and lessen the pains of the displaced people.
The statement warned both local and foreign individuals or groups that may be using the unfortunate incident to perpetrate wrong and unfounded information to desist from taking advantage of an unfortunate development and the plight of the former residents of Otodo Gbame, adding that the State Government would not be blackmailed with cheap, sensational interjections from the onerous task of better securing Lagos, improving on urban development and looking after the infrastructural needs of all residents.
The Commissioner also urged the people of the State to refrain from any act that could threaten the peace of their areas and pledged that government would continue to ensure the safety of lives and property and promote peaceful coexistence needed for speedy development of the State.
Similarly, the State Government has also urged residents especially users of social media as a source of news and social interaction to be mindful of the source of their information to avoid spreading false and unsubstantiated materials.
Ayorinde said a case at hand is the alleged brutalization and killing of a 7-year-old pilferer that reportedly happened at a certain location in Lagos being circulated on social media.
According to the Commissioner, the Lagos State Police command has duly issued a statement questioning the authenticity of the story while asking for eye witnesses or anyone with verifiable information to come forward with information as the Police continue with their investigation.
"While we condemn in its entirety every form of crime and jungle justice, it is important to plead caution whenever a human life is involved. So far, there is no indication that the dastardly act being peddled on social media happened anywhere in Lagos State or that it is a recent case.
"The Police have promised to carry out further checks and will welcome every useful information, but available information at the moment does not suggest that such killing happened last Saturday at either Orile-Iganmu or Badagry. There is no any corpse that fits the description in any area being touted; just as the location of anyone with useful information to corroborate the sad tale being peddled cannot be established," he said.
The Lagos State Government on Thursday unveiled plans to adopt the Boston model to clean up the State Waterways and tackle other environmental issues confronting the State.
State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode disclosed this shortly after series of meetings with the Mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh and the Executive Director of Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Mr Paul Levy in the United States of America.
At the meeting, Mr. Levy recalled the Boston Waterways and sewage crises and explained to the Governor and his team on how the government worked hard for years to clean up the harbour as well to provide clean portable water to the people of Boston.Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state
Governor Ambode who was later hosted by the Mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh, where he held discussions on a Sister-City Collaboration with Boston, equally discussed areas for mutual economic partnership between Lagos and Boston.
The Mayor described Governor Ambode's visit as a homecoming recalling that the Governor was, earlier in his career, a Fulbright Scholar at the Boston University and also worked in the State Treasury Department.
The Mayor and his team identified areas of mutual interest with Lagos and pushed for collaboration with both cities considering the numerous similarities they share.
Governor Ambode, on his part, said that the knowledge and experience he gained from Boston helped shape his career and benefited him in his position as Governor.
He pledged to explore areas where Lagos could partner with Boston, especially in the clean-up of the Lagos waterways. Governor shared insights into the investment opportunities available in Lagos, stating that Lagos is the prime destination for investments in Nigeria.
In a related development, Governor Ambode in a meeting with senior officials of the MIT Faculty and the MIT Africa Initiative in Cambridge, Boston Massachusetts, confirmed that the State Government has entered into a partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for the use of innovation and technology to tackle the challenges facing Lagos State.
Governor Ambode informed the MIT Team that Lagos is the technology hub of Africa with Yaba now globally acclaimed as a hotspot for start-ups, assuring that the MIT that his government would continually work to create an environment where new businesses will thrive as well support more tech hubs in Lagos.
He said, "We are Africa's largest market and we represent a huge opportunity for businesses with solutions that can match our ambitions. Lagos is open to new ideas. Lagos is open for business. Lagos is open for innovation. We welcome new and different perspectives. That is why we are here at MIT. We hope to gain more partners as we continue with the business of making sure that Nigeria and Africa succeeds."
The Lagos State delegation to MIT including Governor Ambode, Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare and the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure, Engineer Ade Akinsanya, were received by the Provost for International Activities, Professor Richard Lester, Faculty Director Legatum Center, Professor Fiona Murray and Executive Director of the Abdul Latif Jameel World and Food Security (JWAFS), Renee Robins.
Governor Ambode and his team also met with the MIT Africa MD, Julia Reynolds-Cuellar and the Director MIT Regional Entrepreneurship and Acceleration Program (REAP) Team on Africa, Sarah-Jane Maxted.
The Senate on Thursday rejected the nominations of former Speaker of Kwara House of Assembly, Mr Ezekiel Benjamin and Alhaji Saidu Abubakar as Non-Executive Commissioners of the National Communications Commission (NCC).
The rejection of the nominees was predicated on the report presented by the Chairman, Committee on Communications, Sen. Gilbert Nnaji (PDP -Enugu).
The committee recommended Benjamin's background as a trained nurse "will not put him in good stead to effectively cope with the dynamics of the communications sector if his nomination is confirmed."
On Abubakar, the committee said that his response to questions during screening portrayed him as "a candidate not prepared for the demands of office of a non-executive commissioner on the Board of Nigeria Communications Commission".
It is believed that Abubakar ran into trouble with the Senate during his screening on Oct. 18 when the committee confronted him with photographs of his frequent protests and calls that the Senate should be scrapped.
Acting on the committee's recommendations, the Senate dropped Abubakar and Benjamin but confirmed Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye's nomination as Chairman of the NCC Board.
Also confirmed were Sunday Dare (Executive Commissioner), Ifeanyi Ararume (Non-executive Commissioner), Clement Baiye (Non-Executive Commissioner) and Chief Okoi Obla (Non-ExecutiveCommissioner).
The lawmakers also confirmed THISDAY Law Editor, May Agbamuche-Mbu (Delta), Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu (Anambra) and Ahmed Mu'azu (Gombe) as National Commissioners in the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC).
Others confirmed for as INEC Commissioners were Mohammed Haruna (Niger), Dr Adekunle Ogunmola (Oyo) and Abubakar Nahuche (Zamfara).
The Senate also confirmed the appointments of Justices Dauda Bage and Paul Galinje as Supreme Court justices.
MAKURDI- Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Thursday, lauded the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, Rural Finance, RUFIN, Building Programme over poverty reduction and rural finance inclusion in the state.
Ortom who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu, stated this while receiving IFAD-RUFIN Supervision Mission team led by Mr Swandip Sinha, in Makurdi, the state capital.
The team was in the state to access the level of impact of the programme in three local government areas, which include Apa, Logo and Naka, where rural women formed groups for training and linkage with microfinance institutions for access to loans to boost their businesses and living standard.
The Governor appreciated impact made by the IFAD-RUFIN's financial training and links to microfinance institutions that have enabled rural people of the state to have access to finance which have significantly boost their agribusinesses and other investments.
According to him the financial training and organisation of women into groups through the intervention made by the rural finance building programme have helped his government to reduce poverty in the state.
He said: "From the testimonies, some of the people that collected loans have been able to affect their families positively, and their businesses have greatly improved and increased, and this is what we have been looking for.
"The rural poor have little exposure to whatever can help them in improving their businesses. So programmes like this especially the one that is self sustainable is extremely important.
"The rural poor have challenges and I described them as 'endangered species' because they exposed to health hazards, water and sanitation problems and feeding well is another challenge confronting them.
"As a government we have decided to concentrate on the rural poor who have been neglected for too long, and we will ensure that they are lifted out of poverty. What RUFIN is doing is extremely important to us."
Meanwhile, he also expressed optimism that if the programme will be sustained for the next 10 years rural poverty will be reduced drastically and rural economy enhanced and urged the government to replicate the programme in 36 States in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, SGDs.
Earlier in his speech, the IFAD-RUFIN Supervision Team leader, Swandip Sinha, disclosed that the programme which started in 2010 will end by March 2017, and urged the 12 pilot state governments to bridge the gap of their counterpart funding of the programme in order to sustain it.
Similarly, National Programme Coordinator, RUFIN, Olumiyiwa Azeez represented by Deputy National Programme Coordinator, RUFIN, Mrs Unekwu Ufaruna, maintained that the programme had facilitated financial access of over N30 billion to the rural poor and with 95 to 100 per cent of loan recovery.
Azeez also expressed optimism that with the impact and achievement of RUFIN the programme that would take over called Rural Outreach Coordinating Committee, ROCC, will build on the structure RUFIN has established to continue and greatly impact the lives of rural people.
The Director of U.S. National Intelligence James Clapper said on Thursday that he has tendered his letter of resignation.
Clapper however said that his resignation would not be immediate as he would stay until the end of the administration of President Barack Obama.
Director of U.S. National Intelligence James Clapper
"I submitted my letter of resignation last night which felt pretty good. I've got 64 days left," Clapper said during a U.S. congressional intelligence committee hearing.
His notice of resignation is coming one week after Republican Candidate won the election to be the 45th President of the United States.
Clapper, 75, has served as the U.S. top spy since 2010 and has said for months he intended to step down when President Barack Obama leaves office in January.
Clapper's service in government spans six decades, beginning in the 1960s as a U.S. Air Force officer.
Clapper "always exhibited sober judgment and put the fate of the nation first," said Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.
Hillary Clinton in her first public speech after losing the US Presidential election to the Republican Donald Trump said she wished she could share her experience with her mother, curl with their dogs and never leave the room again.
Speaking at the Children's Defense Fund's "Beat The Odds" Gala on Wednesday night, Clinton emotionally reflected about the 2016 loss and admitted that making the appearance "wasn't the easiest."
Former Democratic US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks to supporters at the New Yorker after her defeat last night to Donald Trump on November 9, 2016 in New York. / AFP PHOTO
"I dream of going up to her and sitting next to her and taking her in my arms and saying, 'Look, look at me and listen.
"You will survive.
"You will have a family of your own: three children,’" Clinton said, choking up.
"And as hard as it might be to imagine, your daughter will grow up to be a United States senator, represent our country as secretary of state, and win more than 62 million votes for president of the United States."
"I will admit, coming here tonight wasn't the easiest thing for me," Clinton said.
"There have been a few times these past week where all I wanted to do was curl up with a good book and our dogs and never leave the house again."
But Clinton did not wallow in defeat during the speech, instead turned to what she will focus on going forward, and the impact her mother had on her life.
Republican Donald Trump is elected US president, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton.
His victory came after key wins in the battleground states of Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
By Henry Umoru ABUJA- THE Presidency revealed Thursday that in the last ten months, the Federal government has not paid the salaries and allowances of former President of the federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
Shehu who is ninety-one years old, was President of Nigeria between 1979- 1983.
Also affected in the non payment of salaries and allowances since January this year are former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo; Goodluck Jonathan; former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, rtd; General Abdulsalami Abubakar; General Yakubu Gowon and Chief Ernest Shonekan.
These were revealed to the Senators Thursday when the Senate Committee on of Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, led by Senator Tijjani Kaura (APC, Zamfara North) visited the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.
The Police in Kwara on Thursday docked leaders of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before an Ilorin Chief Magistrates' Court over alleged wrongful confinement, to extort property.
The Chairman of the faction, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, was brought along with four others before the Magistrate, Mrs Kuburat Yahaya.
The other accused persons were Alhaji Illiasu Ibrahim, Alhaji Atanda Soro, Mr. Jide Usman and Capt. Isiaka Alao (rtd).
Another accused person, Kunle Suleiman, was, however, absent in court.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Mathew Saye, told the court that the accused persons committed the offence contrary to Section 260 of the Penal Code on Oct. 31, 2016.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the factional leaders were arrested based on a report by one Sharafadeen Ibrahim, the State PDP Youth Leader, to the police.
The prosecutor said the PDP Chief Security Officer reported to the Police that Prince Fagbemi, a factional chairman of the party, led over 100 "miscreants and thugs into the party secretariat along Asa Dam Road, in Ilorin.
Saye said they forced themselves into some offices at the secretariat and caused damage to property in the offices.
He said the accused persons were also alleged to have carted away some property belonging to the party.
The prosecutor promised to bring Kunle Suleiman before the court at the next adjourned date.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against them.
Their lawyer, Joseph Ashaolu, prayed the court to grant them bail because they were reputable personalities who were law-abiding and responsible.
Insp. Saye did not object to their bail application, but urged the court to use its discretion.
The magistrate, in her ruling granted bail to the accused persons in the sum of N100, 000 each and one surety each in like sum.
Notoriously obsessive taskmaster Pep Guardiola got the most out of Lionel Messi when they were together at Barcelona by banning the world’s best player from having sex after midnight.
That was the claim by Samir Nasri, who was shipped off by the now Manchester City boss on loan to Sevilla for allegedly being overweight.
Nasri, who is now flourishing in Spain, revealed just how far Guardiola goes to get his players in peak condition for a match.
“He tells his players that if they want to have sex, keep it before midnight because you need a good night’s sleep,” the City outcast told French television channel L’Equipe.
“He claims he said it to Messi and that after that he didn’t get injured anymore,” the former France international said.
“(Robert) Lewandowski was on the bench (at Bayern) and he was made to understand too.”
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The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), says electricity supply will be disrupted in Port Harcourt between Nov. 17 and 19 for repairs and upgrade of facilities.
Mr John Onyi, the company's spokesman, disclosed this on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
He said the planned power outage would commence from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during the period.
"Electricity customers within Port Harcourt metropolis will witness power outage starting from today, Nov. 17 to Nov. 19, 2016.
"The planned outage is to allow the technical crew from Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) carry out re-conduction of Afam 132kv lines.
"Therefore, power cuts will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on each day," he said.
Onyi said the repair work, when completed, would enable the company to provide improved electricity supply to users in the city.
He appealed to residents to exercise patience during the period .
Popular Abuja club owner, Uyi Ogbebor, who is the principal partner of Abuja popular clubs, The Bank and Moscow, has dispelled rumour that he partnered in setting up Moscow because The Bank has been bought by a popular politician.
Uyi, while debunking the report said he remains a principal partner of The Bank, stating that Moscow was launched as part of his target to expand the scope of his business.
According to Uyi, who claimed he had been inundated with calls where patrons sought to know if truly he left to launch Moscow alongside his partner, Ayokunle Akinbode, because The Bank had been taken over by a new management, said he had earlier addressed a press conference on why Moscow was set up, hence it was shocking for anyone to have linked the opening of Moscow to the takeover of The Bank by a politician or anyone.
According to Uyi, ” I’m so shocked about this rumour. I remain a partner owner of The bank. I had addressed this issue in my last interaction with the press where I disclosed that I was partnering to set up Moscow to extend my business tentacle.
” Recently, I have been bombarded with calls by patrons who wanted to know if a top politician has truly bought The Bank. They wanted to know if the development informed my decision of teaming up with Mr Ayo to launch Moscow, but the answer is simple and straight, I remain a part owner of The Bank. My interest at The Banks remains very huge, just as it is with Moscow.
“I want to state clearly that the launch of Moscow has nothing to do with The Bank. The Bank is still operating fine. No one has bought the club yet. Yankee and I will continue to collaborate to satisfy the undying taste of Abuja club patrons,” Uyi said.
Relatively, his partner, Ayo said Moscow was opened to meet the demand for excellence in club management. He said, “We launched Moscow , not because The Bank has been shut down. Nobody has bought The Bank. The partner owner, Uyi is also my partner, and we discuss the status of the club almost everyday.
” Those peddling the rumour that The Bank has been bought by a popular politician are simply being unfair to the management of the club. As far as I know, The Bank is still under its management. We are in the business together, hence we must support ourselves.”
“We are in the process of officially launching Moscow, but not to shove The Bank aside. We once ate from the same table, so we shall continue in that manner,” Ayo said.
Meanwhile, Moscow Underground will officially open by the end of this month.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte says he may follow Russia's lead and withdraw his country from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He went on to slam Western countries which have criticized his controversial 'war on drugs'.
Philippine-President-Rodrigo-Duterte
Speaking on Thursday ahead of his departure to Lima to attend the Asia-Pacific summit, Duterte slammed the ICC as "useless," following criticism by an ICC prosecutor last month.
The prosecutor had said that the Hague-based tribunal may have jurisdiction to prosecute those responsible for deaths related to the leader's crackdown on drugs.
Duterte said he is annoyed about the criticism he has received, and stressed that "nobody was listening" to his reasons for cracking down – which has led to the deaths of between 2,300 and 4,700 people, according to conflicting estimates.
"They are useless, those in the international criminal court. They [Russia] withdrew.
I might follow. Why? Only the small ones like us are battered," Duterte said, referencing Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to sign an executive order removing Moscow's signature from the founding treaty of the ICC.
Duterte is seeking a meeting with Putin in Lima this weekend, as he aims to pursue a foreign policy aimed at weaning his country's dependence on the US.
The Filipino president also speculated as to the reason for Moscow's decision to leave the ICC.
"What could be the reason? I really would not know," he said. "Maybe to protect what they are doing in Syria, the incessant bombing and the killing of civilians."
Russia has repeatedly denied allegations that it has bombed civilians and civilian targets in Syria, demanding convincing evidence be presented to substantiate the claims.
The outspoken Duterte went on to slam the United Nations for failing to prevent wars across the globe and criticized US foreign policy.
"The killings are endless," he said, referring to conflicts in the past and current. "The amount is splattering.
That is our lesson. Just because it is America, it does not mean that it is good."
He said he would be happier if China and Russia were in charge.
"You know, if China and Russia would decide to create a new order, I will be the first to join," he said.
Duterte, who came to power in May on a promise to wipe out drugs and dealers in the country, has become well-known for his inflammatory statements.
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