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
ABUJA- A three-man panel of Justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Tuesday, withdrew from all cases relating to the Ondo governorship election, following allegation that they have been compromised.
The Justice Hannatu Sankey-led panel based their decision on a petition that was written against them by Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State, Prince Biyi Poroye.
Eyitayo Jegede and Jimoh Ibrahim
Poroye had in the said petition which he forwarded to the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, alleged that the panel collected huge sums of money from the Ahmed Markarfi-led faction of the PDP.
He said the bribe was paid for the appellate court panel to vacate the judgement of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim as flag-bearer of the PDP for the November 26 governorship poll in Ondo state.
INEC had on the strength of the High Court verdict, substituted Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, who it initially recognised as PDP candidate for the election, with Mr. Ibrahim.
Whereas Jegede emerged from primary election that was sanctioned by the Makarfi-led faction of the PDP, Ibrahim on the other hand, secured his ticket from the Ali Modu-Sheriff- led group.
Meanwhile, at the resumed sitting on a joint motion filed by Makarfi and Senator Ben Obi, head of the appellate court panel, Justice Sankey, drew attention of counsel to all the parties to petition she said was served on them on Monday.
Justice Sankey noted that the petitioner alleged that it was owing to the bribe that the panel okayed speedy hearing of the appeal before it.
She said that Poroye, who is the 1st Respondent before the court, in a verifying affidavit he deposed in support of the petition, equally queried the rational behind the constitution of a special panel to hear appeal on a pre-election matter.
More so, Justice Sankey said it was “highly regrettable” that the Ondo PDP Chairman alleged that she became very poor having spent so much to treat herself from a sickness that befell her five years back.
“He specifically alleged my current state of poverty has opened me to corrupt influence”, the Judge stated.
Another member of the panel, Justice E. Agim, described Poroye’s action as “an act that is criminal and most embarrassing to the sanctity of the judiciary”.
He said the petition was aimed at obstructing the course of justice using “dubious allegations”.
Counsel to all the parties said they were not aware of the petition, even as they took turns to condemn Poroye’s action.
Counsel to the appellants, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, urged the court to hand the petitioner over to security agencies for him to substantiate his allegations.
On his part, Poroye’s lawyer, Dr. Alex Iziyon, SAN, described the petition as “very embarrassing”.
“My lords I am speechless here. I have no knowledge of the petition. At least he should have taken me along. I owe a duty to this court first and foremost. I do not support the petition, it is very embarrassing to me”, Iziyon added.
After the Justices stood down the matter for ten minutes and had a meeting in their chamber, they came out and announced their withdrawal from not only the instant appeal, but also in four other sister cases.
“Ordinarily, since no fact was placed before this court to show likelihood of bias and since then then the respondents has dissociated himself from the petition, we would have been minded to continue with this matter.
“Though there several legal authorities that will support this panel to continue, one of which is that a judge does not upon such mere allegations throw in the towel and abandon a case.
“However, we consider it more desirable to recuse ourselves at this stage. All the files are now sent back to the President of the Court of Appeal for re-assignment”, Justice Sankey held.
Before the decision was announced, the panel sought for Poroye who was in the court earlier but quickly left immediately the issue of his petition was raised.
ABUJA- PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s 46 non-career ambassadorial nominees, Tuesday, escaped rejection by the Senators.
The drama of almost rejecting the non-ambassadorial nominees which would have taken place ten minutes after the Senator rejected President Buhari’s plan to borrow $ 29.960billion for execution of key infrastructural projects across the country between 2016 and 2018, was averted when Senate President in a dramatic manner, overruled his colleagues.
Senate Leader, Ali Ndume during discussions on Executive Communication moved a motion that the Senate should consider President Buhari’s request to confirm the nominees where he said that ” the Senate do consider the request of the President Commander in Chief on the confirmation of the nomination of the following persons for appointment as Non- Career Ambassador Designate.”
Like what happened during the loan request, Saraki put it forward for a voice vote and the Senators thundered ‘nay’. This time, the chambers however became rowdy. and after restoring peace, Saraki then put it up again and his colleagues re-echoed the same ‘nay’.
Saraki who paused for about ten seconds, apparently shocked at what happened, then overruled the Senators, saying that the Ayes have it and approved the consideration of the list of non-career ambassadorial nominees.
Some Senators however immediately protested, just as those who stood up to express their grievances, were ignored by the Senate President referred the list to the Senate Committee on foreign Affairs and moved ahead to accommodate other issues listed in the Order Paper.
It was however gathered that President Buhari's refusal to address the lopsided appointments in the career ambassadorial list sent to the Senate in July, may have led to the almost rejection of the list by the Senators.
It would be recalled that in July, prior to the annual recess, President Buhari had forwarded names of 47 career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and subsequent confirmation, just as the list was greeted with criticisms from Senators who protested the exclusion of their states from the list.
Though the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has concluded the screening exercise, the final report has not been laid on the floor for debate.
In the new list, Imo state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have again been omitted.
It would be recalled that President Buhari had penultimate week sent forty- six non career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and subsequent confirmation.
The names read on the floor of Senate plenary by Senate President Bukola Saraki include former Deputy Minority leader of the Senate, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; former Deputy governor of Plateau State, Pauline Tallen; former National Secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Usman Bugaje; former member, House of Representatives, Yussuf Tuggar and former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice George Adesola Oguntade.
Meanwhile, while Lagos had three names, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kwara, Zamfara, Sokoto, Rivers, Plateau, Katsina and Kano have two names each, with Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Borno, Ekiti, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Osun, Ondo, Niger, Ogun, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Gombe, Oyo, Taraba and Yobe having one name each and the Federal Capital Territory has no nominee.
The full names were Abia, Dr. (Mrs) Uzoma E. Emenike; Adamawa, Dr. Clifford Zirra; Akwa Ibom, Maj. Gen. Godwin G. Umo (Rtd); Anambra Christopher J.N. Okeke; Bauchi, Yusuf Tugar, Bauchi Baba Madugu, Bayelsa Brig Gen. Stanley Diriyai, Benue Dr. Enyantu ifenne, Borno Mohammed Hayatuddeen and Cross River, Dr. Etubom N.E. Asuquo.
Others are Delta, Engr. Francis Efeduma; Ebonyi, Mr. Jonah M. Odo; Edo, Uyagwe Igbe ; Ekiti Ayodele L. Ayodeji; Enugu, Maj. Gen. Chris Eze; Gombe, Alhaji Suleiman Hassan; Jigawa’ Amin Muhammad Dalhatu; Kaduna, Muhammad Yaro, Kaduna Deborah S. Iliya; Kano, Prof. D. Abduikadir, Kano, Alh. Haruna Ungogo; Katsina, Justice lsa Dodo, Katsina, Dr.Usman Bugaje; Kebbi, Professor Tijjani Bande; Kogi, Prof Y. O. Aliu; Kwara Nuruddeen Mohamed, Kwara, Prof. Mohamed G. Yisa; Lagos, Justice George Adesola Oguntade, Lagos, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora,and Lagos Mrs Modupe Irele.
Also submitted with states are Nasarawa, Musa Ilu Muhammad; Niger, Mohammad Ibeto; Ogun Mr. Ade Asekun; Ondo Barrister Sola Iji, Osun, Adegboyega A. Ogunwusi; Oyo, Major Gen. Ashimiyu A. Olaniyi (Rtd ); Plateau, PauIine Tallen, Plateau, Dr. Haruna Bawa Abduuahi; Rivers, Orji Ngofa, Rivers, Justice Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor; Sokoto, Jamila Ahmadu-Suka, Sokoto, Hon. Kabiru Umar; Taraba, Alh. Mustapha Jaji; Yobe, Goni Modu Zanna Bura; Zamfara, Alh. Garba Gajam and Zamfara Cpt. Abdul|ahi Uba Garbasi.
When Africa's richest man speaks, the world listens. Aliko Dangote has proved his mettle in business in one of the most difficult terrains in the world, by not only setting up businesses but turning them into multibillion naira organisations.
Naturally, you would think Dangote would be pro-business in every way because of how much success he has achieved in business.
However, his recent statement on the privatisation of power sector assets in Nigeria has come as a surprise not only to players in the power industry but to close watchers of the Nigerian business sector. Speaking as a guest lecturer at the Senior Executive course 38 at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Plateau State, Dangote was quoted to have advised that the federal government reverse the privatisation of power assets in the country because in his words "the buyers lack understanding of the complexities of the sector."
Since the publication on 28 October, Aliko Dangote has not issued any statement denying it or clarifying his position. So it is assumed that he meant every word of what was published.
First, I think it must be clearly understood that the power companies’ quest to turn the power sector around is mainly up against the peculiarities of Nigeria's business environment.and not “lack of understanding of the complexities of the sector," effort or strategy. A good number of the investors that acquired the power assets knew they were going into a very challenging terrain but were determined to make it a success.
It must be noted that virtually all of these investors could not carry out exhaustive due diligence owing to the active resistance from the unions in the power sector. Some of the investors have since braved the odds to record ongoing transformation of the assets across the value chain; a feat that is widely acknowledged by the Federal Government, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and other stakeholders.
Post privatisation has also come with its unique challenges. The transmission network is yet to be privatized and has not witnessed major investments to expand the transmission assets. Yet this is a critical component of the power value chain. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) only has capacity to wheel out at best between 3000MW and 5000MW. This means even where the generation companies are able to boost capacity above 5000MW; there is no transmission capacity to manage the increase.
This is well beyond the control of the power firms. It is an issue the government and all stakeholders in the sector are working hard to address in a sustainable manner.
There is also the critical issue of gas, which continues to take a hit from vandalism in the Niger Delta. Data from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) shows that vandalisation is at an all-time high currently. This year, crude and gas pipelines have been vandalised 1,800 times and each vandalisation impacts negatively on power supply. The strategic Forcados pipeline, which was attacked in February and just came back on stream this October, resulted in the loss of about 3000MW over the period the pipeline was down.
But the most critical issue facing the power sector is the non-market reflective tariff regime. The current Multi-Year Tarriff Order (MYTO) – implementation has been suspended by a court order – was based on an exchange rate of $199 and an inflation of 8.79%. Today, the inflation rate stands at 17.9% and the exchange rate where it can be accessed officially at N305 to the US$. This simply implies that power companies' cost of production is way above their revenue generation capacity. This is compounded by the fact that many federal government ministries, parastatals and agencies owe the power companies billions in unpaid bills.
These are the realities of the Nigeria power market. Reversing the privatisation exercise will not solve these issues. Instead, it will set the sector back many years and dash any hopes that Nigerians will eventually see the light someday.
The privatization exercise saw the participation of credible organisations – including the World Bank and some of its agencies – and remains one of the most important strides the nation has taken towards lighting up Nigeria.
How would the government refund investors' original cost of purchase and value of investments in the last three years which is estimated to be about $7 billion? Is Aliko Dangote seeking to buy the assets to add to his vast Business Empire? It is common knowledge that Dangote in collaboration with some partners put in a failed bid for some of the power assets. Could Dangote's reversal call be a veiled attempt at a more successful 'second coming' for his power sector ambitions – having recently called for the sale of some government owned assets?
It is noteworthy that the BPE has since faulted Dangote's 'counsel'. In a recent statement, BPE Director General, Dr. Vincent Akpotaire said: "My take is that we need to evaluate statements before we make them. That is the point I think we should put across to Nigerians. We have put only about three years since the handover of the power sector to private investors. Before that, the power sector had existed for well over 50 years and in those 50 years, hardly much was achieved due to several factors and the decision to privatise was a well thought-out decision."
The BPE helmsman couldn't have said it any better.
Dangote is a great man but in this case, he got it totally wrong. The only outcome from Dangote's counsel would be the decimation of all the gains that have been made in the power sector, post privatization. Yes, there are still hurdles to be crossed; but reversing the process is certainly not an elixir to the current efforts aimed at giving Nigerians a stable, sustainable and reliable power sector.
Nigeria needs to match her desire for a vibrant power sector with a commensurate commitment from all stakeholders to tackle the sector's challenges strategically and sustainably. Perhaps, we could start by making the power sector the focal point of the government's attention for the next one year. Fix power and watch Nigeria soar.
Ayoolakiitan, a development finance analyst wrote in from Lagos
Rwanda has published a list of 22 French officers it accuses of helping plan and execute the 1994 genocide, in the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the two countries.
Rwanda’s National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (known by its French acronym CNLG) issued the list on Monday, a month after French investigators said they were re-opening a probe into who shot down then-president Juvenal Habyarimana’s jet triggering the genocide in which 800,000 mostly Tutsi people were killed.
“High-ranking French officers and political figures committed very serious crimes in Rwanda,” the CNLG said in a statement.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame
“The refusal to put an end to the judicial investigation and to exonerate Rwandan leaders who ended the genocide is designed to camouflage these responsibilities.”
A Rwandan enquiry found ethnic Hutu extremists responsible for Habyarimana’s assassination, but the French investigation was inconclusive.
That enquiry was reopened following a deposition submitted by former Rwandan army chief Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa, a one-time confidant of President Paul Kagame who has again pointed the finger of blame at Kagame.
The shooting down of the plane falls within French jurisdiction because the crew were French.
Last month Kagame warned of a “showdown” with France over the allegations. The row over responsibility for shooting down the plane has wrecked diplomatic relations in the past, causing a severing of ties between 2006 and 2009.
The CNLG accused the 22 senior French officers of involvement in the genocide “both as perpetrators and accomplices”.
Among those accused are the former army head, a chief of staff to former President Francois Mitterrand and the French commander of the UN-mandated Operation Turquoise which intervened in Rwanda two months after the start of the genocide.
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, has said that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has relentlessly worked for the unity of Nigeria.
Okorocha stated this Yesterday in Owerri through his Chief Press Secretary,CPS, Mr Sam Onwuemedor, on the Sultan’s 10th anniversary ceremony on the throne.
According to the release, “the story of the Unity of this great nation will not be complete without the noble name of the Sultan being prominently mentioned. He has diligently preached peace among Nigerians and religiously pursued the Unity of this country.”
“As the Sultan celebrates this legendary event, the prayer of Nigerians of goodwill should be that the Almighty God would continue to keep him and grant him more inspiring anniversaries in the years ahead.”
However, he commended the people of Sokoto State, for their unflinching support to their Sultan and prayed that such support would not wither.
*N80bn taken so far without clear explanation, says Ndume
By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke
ABUJA- THE Senate, Tuesday, condemned in very strong terms, the alleged mismanagement of the N500 billion Social Intervention Funds by the Federal government, just as it asked the federal government to as a matter of urgency, put in place a clear channel of accountability as well as provision for auditing on a continuous basis.
President Muhammadu Buhari
According to the Senate, to avoid the pitfalls of the past intervention schemes of the federal government, the executive must take another look at the intervention Programme, with a view to incorporating manual registration of beneficiary from all wards and local governments in the country.
The Senate also asked the Federal Government to present a clear framework that does not marginalize any segment of our society no matter where they may be in the country and present same to the National Assembly within two weeks.
The resolutions of the Senate, today, were sequel to a motion by Senate leader Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South and titled, ” the Need to avoid the Mismanagement of the N500 billion Intervention Funds.”
The Senate also asked the Presidency to ensure that the implementation of the Intervention program was framed to be robust enough to reach the poorest in our community for whom the programme was first conceived.
Presenting the motion earlier, Senate leader Ndume who noted that a huge amount of N80 billion has already been taken out of the N500 billion without any explanation on what the money was spent on, said, “The Senate is concerned that the implementation of such a huge programme is now being carried out in the same manner as the other failed social interventions funds like the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme SURE-P, without a proper framework which led to their failures.
“In the light of the recent petitions and complaints from our constituencies this money will not be well spent, nor will it achieve any major benefit to the economy despite the good intentions of Government because of the way it's been structured”
Ndume who noted that a proper social intervention scheme must be robust enough to capture all segment of the Nigerian population, said, “we are not building a nation for elites alone, but a nation for all citizens.
According to him, “the Senate: Observes that one of the cardinal policy thrusts of the current APC government has been the use of social-safety nets through interventions schemes to foster inclusive growth and opportunity for our people.”
Achievas Entertainment artist, Solidstar has released his third studio album, W.E.E.D which is acronym for 'Witness Everything Exceptionally Different'.
The Isoko born artist featured some of the most talented acts in the industry including 2face Idibia,Timaya, Falz, Reminisce, Mr Eazi, Diamond Platnumz and others.
Solidstar's main producer, P-Banks produced 18 tracks; while Del B,Kukbeat and Orbit produced on one track each.
The 21-track album was released nationwide on Monday, October 31, 2016.,
Solidstar had previously released two albums, One in a Million (2010) and Grace and Glory(2013).
Mr Victor Dike, a phone repairer in GSM village told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday that he still received high patronage by customers despite the country's economic recession.
"Even senators come here to repair their phones. You can see the car park, and you can see the number of cars there, which means there is patronage despite the economic recession", he said.
Another phone repairer, Mr Chitex Obi, said people must repair phones even if every business in Nigeria was affected by recession.
"If you have started using phone and it developed a problem, you will not say you will not fix it because there is recession, of course you will fix it.
"The only challenge is that when customers bring their phone and they are charged, they complain that the price is too expensive and that there is no money.
"But then the work is still coming like before because GSM is the fastest means of communication, so business is still going on'', Obi added.
Mr Abayomi Williams, who also repairs and sells phone accessories said the economic recession was affecting his business as a result of the increase in the exchange rate of naira to dollar.
He said that fairly used phones that were sold for N5,000 were being sold for N10,000, adding that bulk phone accessories they bought for N50,000 now cost N100,000 because of the dollar exchange rate.
"Customers are complaining because they are been charged highly and that is because the prices of things have changed and electricity tariff is high too.
"Customers drop their phones with little or no money and this really affects business a lot. It was not like this," he told NAN.
Williams also pleaded with the Government to check the fluctuating rate of dollars to Naira.
Mr Mike Dickson, another phone repairer, said that things are not going on well as expected, adding that sales have dropped as a result of low patronage.
"Things are not going on well as expected, as it is now you can see that the market is not full like it used to be.
"Customers are few unlike before when the market used to be crowded; I would say we need change in this our country to increase business.
"Since we get the spare parts very expensive, we tend to charge the customers high too so we wouldn't run at a loss.
"And since customers have budget on what they want to spend to repair their phones, they find it difficult to pay when they are charged", he said.
He urged the government to look into the economy and put the right things in place.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday urged Nigerians to embrace modern agricultural techniques to ensure economic diversification and sustainability in the country.
Abubakar made the call in Enugu on Tuesday at the 6th Annual Congress of the African Veterinary Association and the 53rd meeting of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association.
The former vice-president warned that Nigerians would not achieve the desired diversification of the nation's economy by going back to ancient agricultural method.
"The opinion of going back to agriculture should not be to the ancient agricultural method but the modern one.
"We must know the meaning of diversification and its benefits before we embark on it. Its achievements are numerous.
"There is the need for diversification of the economy but with measures and focus.
"Government should, therefore, endeavour to make agriculture attractive to its citizens,'' he said.
Abubakar also said that some African countries depended on single commodity which was mainly natural minerals whose prices were determined by the international market.
The APC chieftain, however, urged the associations to enhance professionalism among them and adhere strictly to modern professional techniques adding that they should not narrow their views toward raising animals alone.
Declaring the congress open, Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State said that the state was ready to partner with the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association to ensure diversification of economy in the country.
Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo , said that the country could not achieve its goal in diversification of its economy without the contributions of the association.
"As it is, you have much role to play in improving Nigeria and the world economy and its sustainability; therefore, I wish you will bring forth the solution to the dwindling economy through this congress.
"Government is always ready to support you to ensure that the citizens enjoy the benefits of agriculture and livestock products,'' he said.
In his speech, the President, African Veterinary Association (AVA), Dr. Faouzi Kechrid, said the congress was poised toward developing and sustaining the African economy.
"I am happy that this congress is holding at the time that the whole world is undergoing economic recession and it is time we seek solutions to it,'' he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of Nigeria Veterinary and Medical Association (NVMA) Dr. Edgar Sunday, said that the congress had the capacity to turn around the bad economy of the country.
"Our economy is facing many challenges and we have the capacity to change the situation with determination and the right step and that is what we are here for.
"I, therefore, look forward to a successful deliberation toward improving Nigerian, African and the world economies at large,'' he said.
The four-day congress has : Towards Economic Diversification and Sustainable Development in Africa-as its theme.
Mr Jiten Vyas, Chief Operating Officer of VFS Global in Africa, on Tuesday explained to some Nigerian visa applicants that his organisaton was not the final issuer of visas.
Vyas told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it was important for visa applicants to know that VFS Global only managed administrative and non-judgmental processing of visas.
According to him, VFS Global only manages administrative and non-judgmental tasks relating to visas, passports, identity and citizen services for client governments.
"Simply put, we only accept and process applications and then send them back to the embassies for adjudication, before returning the decision to applicants.
"So, it is important for Nigerians to know that the decision to grant or not grant a visa is at the sole discretion of the respective diplomatic mission concerned.
"VFS Global does not play any part in, or influence, nor comment on the outcome of the visa application process for any applicant,'' he said.
Vyas said that his company, with 2260 Application Centres and operations in 126 countries, was currently servicing the interests of 51 client governments globally.
He said that the company had since inception in 2001 processed over 130 million visa applications and over 40 million bio-metric enrollments since 2007.
The chief operating officer said that his organisation was also engaged in biometrics-based identity and citizen service programmes that help to improve the efficiency and integrity of government public-services.
Vyas, who advised Nigerians to desist from patronising touts, promising them visas through his organisation, also informed them that VFS Global would never request for money or payments over the phone.
The police in FCT on Tuesday re-arraigned a cleric, Rev.fr Anthony Ochigbo, charged with raping a 10-year-old girl.
Ochigbo appeared before an FCT High Court in Maitama, where Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf adopted the bail conditions previously given him.
The re-arraignment was due to the transfer of the case to Baba-Yusuf from Justice Olukayode Adeniyi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ochigbo was arraigned before Adeniyi on Aug. 30 during court vacation.
Adeniyi granted the cleric bail in the sum of two million naira and two sureties, who must be on Grade Level 14 and above in public service.
The prosecution counsel, Mr John Ijagbemi, submitted on Tuesday that 44-year-old Ochigbo, of the Catholic Church of Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja, sexually abused the girl on Aug. 15.
He said that Ochigbo had unlawful sexual intercourse with the child in the church, in contravention of the provisions of Section 31(1) of the Child Rights Act, 2003, and punishable under Sections 32(2) of the Act.
Ochigbo, however, pleaded not guilty.
His counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) applied for his bail and prayed the court to allow him to continue on the existing bail conditions.
Objecting, Ijagbemi submitted that the cleric was re-arraigned, and that the court could give fresh bail conditions.
The case has been adjourned till Jan. 31 for substantive trial.
Germany’s prolific Miroslav Klose, the all-time World Cup top-scorer, announced his retirement on Tuesday at the age of 38.
Germany’s leading scorer with 71 goals in 137 internationals was without a club after his Lazio contract expired last season and he will now join the national side’s coaching team.
Klose hit a record 16th goal in World Cup finals during the 7-1 semi-final thrashing of hosts Brazil two years ago, which saw him overtake former Brazil star Ronaldo.
Germany went on to win the title.
Klose now plans to join Germany’s coaching staff after an invitation from head coach Joachim Loew.
According to a German FA (DFB) statement, Klose will complete an individual training programme with the goal of embarking on a coaching career.
He will be on the Germany bench alongside Loew for the 2018 World Cup qualifier away to San Marino on November 11 and the friendly four days later against Italy in Milan.
Miroslav Klose
“I celebrated my biggest successes in the national team, the time was wonderful and remains unforgettable so I am happy to be able to return to the DFB,” said Klose.
“The idea has been growing in the last few months to stay on the pitch, but with a new perspective, mainly as a coach.
“To be able to read a game, to prepare myself meticulously, to develop strategies and tactics — that had already really interested me as a player.
“I am very grateful to Jogi Loew and (DFB director) Hansi Flick for this opportunity and chance to sharpen my practical skills.”
Loew, who extended his contract as head coach until 2020 on Monday, said he was delighted to welcome Klose into his backroom staff.
“Miro has always been dependable so I am very happy that he is now part of our team,” said the 56-year-old, who has been head coach since 2006.
“He is a role model, as a human being and an athlete, who gives his all for the team and its success.
“We want to support him in the DFB on his path for becoming a coach.
“I am certain we (the backroom staff) as well as the players will benefit greatly from his presence and participation.”
Klose made his Bundesliga debut in 2000 with Kaiserslautern and went on to play for Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich and Lazio.
He scored 121 goals in 307 matches in Germany’s top flight and managed 68 goals in 173 Serie A games during five years with Lazio, who he joined in 2011.
His final appearance for Germany was in the 2014 World Cup final win over Argentina after extra time at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium.
The National Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA), FCT Command, seized over 2,000kg of cannabis sativa, cocaine and other illicit drugs in October.
The NDLEA, FCT Commander, Mrs Chinyere Obijuru, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a media briefing.
She said that the seizures were made possible by the agency's intensified fight against drug trafficking in and around the FCT.
"The NDLEA under the leadership of Col. Mustapha Abdallah (rtd) remains committed to its mandate of eradicating drug- related crimes in the nation,'' she said.
Mr Peter Adegbe, the command's Public Relations Officer, who took journalists on an inspection of the seized drugs, said that most of the drugs were seized at Abaji, FCT.
He said that the agency seized 1,799kg of cannabis sativa concealed in a compartment of a truck on Oct. 27 at Abaji.
Adegbe said that the truck, heading for Yola from Edo, was intercepted in the FCT through the vigilance and professionalism of NDLEA officers on duty.
He said that the NDLEA also arrested a suspect with 76.2g of cocaine worth over two million naira on Abaji while the suspect was trying to smuggle the substance into the FCT.
The spokesperson said the agency equally arrested two men each with 49kg of cannabis sativa on the same route while trying to smuggle the banned drug into the FCT.
He said collaboration of NDLEA with other agencies had begun to yield fruits, with the Nigerian Army Brigade of Guards intercepting a Toyota Corolla Vehicle with 16 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 156.5kg on Oct. 31.
Adegbe added that the agency also seized cartons and bottles of cough syrups with codeine and tramadol during raids in FCT in October.
He said that the agency would continue to carry out anti-narcotics offensive in a bid to rid the FCT of drug trafficking and barons.
He called on FCT residents to be vigilant and report any drug activity in their neighbourhood to the nearest NDLEA office.
From left, the SGF, David Babachir; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and President Muhammadu Buhari at the meeting between the Presidency and Pan Niger Delta Stakeholders on lasting peace in the region at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA 01/11/2016
From left, Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah; Amayanabo of Bonny, King Alfred Diette Spiff; Former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Water Resources, Amb. Godknows Igali; Niger Delta Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clarke; Coordinator Amnesty Programme, and High Chief Mike Oloyibo during the meeting between the Presidency and Pan Niger Delta Stakeholders on lasting peace in the region at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA.
From left, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; Edo State Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State and Governor Rocha’s Okorocha of Imo State during the meeting between the Presidency and Pan Niger Delta Stakeholders on lasting peace in the region at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA.
From left, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Emmanuel Kachiukwu; Defence Minister, Alhqji Dan Ali; Attotnery General of the Federation. Abubakar Malami; Minister for Interior, Abdulrajman Danbazzau; Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udo Udoma; Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister for Niger Delta Development, Pastor Usain Uguru; National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Mongunu and the Chief of Staff to the President. Alhaji Abba Kyari during the meeting between the Presidency and Pan Niger Delta Stakeholders on lasting peace in the region at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA.
From left, For MD NDDC, Timi Alaibe; Minister for Niger Delter Development, Pastor Uguru Usain, Warri Chief, Chief Ayeri Emami and Hon. Morris Idiovwa during the meeting between the Presidency and Pan Niger Delta Stakeholders on lasting peace in the region at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA.
From right, Former Presidential Adviser on Legislative Matters, Senator Florence Ita Giwa; Former Akwa Ibom State Military Administrator, Idongesit Ikanga; Ag. MD NDDC, Semunantari Ibim and others during the meeting between the Presidency and Pan Niger Delta Stakeholders on lasting peace in the region at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi.
From left, DG DSS, Alhaji Lawan Daura; IGP, Idris and the Chief of Air Staff, Abubakar Sadique during the meeting between the Presidency and Pan Niger Delta Stakeholders on lasting peace in the region at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi ADESHIDA.
Frank de Boer has been relieved of his position as head coach of Inter following a defeat to Sampdoria on Sunday in a Serie A fixture.
Pressure has been on De Boer, who took charge in August, with the club sitting at a disappointing 12th in the table after four wins from 11 matches.
Although Chief executive Michael Bolingbroke insisted De Boer had “100 per cent” backing before the defeat at Sampdoria, with just five wins from his first 14 games at the helm the Dutchman has been shown the exit door, bringing his days in charge to just 85 days.
Primavera coach Stefano Vecchi will take temporary charge ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Southampton.
Frank de Boer
“FC Internazionale Milano announce that it has today terminated the contract of coach Frank de Boer with immediate effect,” an official club statement read.
“Inter Primavera coach Stefano Vecchi will take temporary charge of the first team for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League match against Southampton.
“Inter would like to place on record its thanks to Frank and his coaching team for their work done with the club over the past months and wishes them the best for the future.
“Further announcements regarding the first team coaching position will be made in due course.”
Former Lazio coach Stefano Pioli has been linked with the position.
LOKOJA – Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has dismissed as untrue, allegations in some quarters that the people of Kogi State are against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The governor said in contrary, the people of the state are in support of the anti-corruption crusade of the President and other initiatives of his administration.
The governor who was reacting to a statement credited to the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Aliyu Akuh, on the State of the economy, said the statement was a "personal observation" of the Deputy Speaker, and not the general view of the people of Kogi State.
Bello in his reaction through his Director General, Media and Publicity said, “The Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Aliyu Akuh is a respected leader in the State. What he was credited to have said about the economy of the nation was his personal observation. Though I don't speak for the House, I am sure his views would best be described as a personal observation which no one can deprive him from expressing. He has the right to his speech.
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State
"It is easy for many to view his observation from the political point of view, just because the Deputy Speaker is of the People's Democratic Party. If you ask me if we are going through economic challenges, I will answer you with a 'yes', but if you ask me if the President is only giving excuses, I will answer you with a 'no’.
"President Muhammadu Buhari knew what he was coming to inherit. He aspired to stop the rot that was almost consuming the nation. So he was abundantly aware of the challenges before him.
"The blind stealing of the past is responsible for where we are today. Tough decisions would be taken, some have already been taken. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the situation, stabilize the condition and roll back the nation to a prosperous giant state.
"Kogi State is a microcosm of a bigger Nigeria. The past few years saw the State in financial boom but we are yet to see the impact on the people. The present administration of Yahaya Bello has come in to take drastic steps to save Kogi State from total annihilation.
"With efforts at all levels to salvage the nation through agricultural revolution, which will be our pathfinder towards economic renaissance. Politicizing the situation would not help our revival. Buhari Will save us from the impact of the misrule of the past".
Bello said the people of the State believe in the capacity of the President to revive the nation's economy within the shortest possible time, urging PDP leaders to join hands in rescuing the nation from cancerous corruption that has brought her to economic strains, "Now is the wrong time to blame the present for the misdeeds of the past. Everyone must come on board to support the roadmap of the President and the All Progressives Congress for economic rediscovery. We are gradually coming into life as a nation".
He said the people of the State will continue to support the economic development agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, calling on the people of the nation to be patient and supportive of efforts at developing the nation, “States must begin to think out of the box to improvise means of revenue generation, industrialization and agricultural revolution to boost the economy of the nation.
"We need peace in the Niger Delta Region as the nation needs unity of purpose to rediscover its status after years of misrule and purposeless leadership". End.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday appealed to the Senate to revisit the bill seeking one percent allocation to Lagos from the revenue accruable to the Federal Government, saying a passage of the bill would translate to economic prosperity and well-being of Nigeria.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja when he received on courtesy visit members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport who were in Lagos to perform oversight function on federal institutions, said Lagos being a cosmopolitan city and the economic capital of Nigeria must be assisted by the Federal Government to address infrastructure challenges confronting it.Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), presenting a State plaque to Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Sani Yerima during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Committee, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, November 1, 2016.
The Governor said considering the fact that Lagos used to be the capital of Nigeria and is home to every tribe in the country, the passage of the bill by Senators should be viewed from the point of its importance to the country, and not just to Lagos.
He said: “Come December 12, 2016, it will be 25 years that the capital of Nigeria was moved from Lagos to Abuja. So, 25 years after, this is where we are. I welcome wholeheartedly when Senator Sani Yerima said that anything that Lagos needs, the Senate will support us. So, I like to use this platform firstly to say a big thank you to the Senate President and the Deputy Senate President for allowing us to table our one percent special status because we have been struggling to put that up in the seventh Assembly, it was not done but it was through this eight Assembly that it was actually tabled and so we thank them for that.
“If we have about twelve Senators here and we are looking for two-third, we are saying here that it would not be out of place to revisit our appeal and our bill. Lagos is thoroughly cosmopolitan; it is a mini-Nigeria and then the wellbeing of Lagos is the total wellbeing of Nigeria and everybody has a stake here in Lagos and as a government, we have continually addressed the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos in a way that is suitable and comfortable for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, creed or religion,” he said.
While clarifying the essence of the bill, the Governor said it only seeks one percent special allocation from the revenue accruable to the Federal Government, adding: “If we are able to do that, you can imagine what we would have done 25 years ago based on the understanding of gentlemen that Lagos would not be left behind or forgotten.
“So, that is the platform we want you to try and help us to have a re-look, a re-think and then think more of Nigeria in the bill rather than of Lagos because that is what that one percent assistance will address and then tends to create the image of the kind of commercial capital we want Lagos to be.”
The Governor, who described the visit by the members of the Senate Committee as apt and timely, said it came just after he had fruitful discussion in Denmark on the development of $2.6billion Badagry Deep Sea Port, aside the ongoing Lekki Port, adding that it was a pointer to the fact that there is convergence of vision and mission to grow Nigeria’s economy. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), flanked by Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Sani Yerima (right) and member of the Committee, Senator Isiaka Adeleke during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, November 1, 2016.
Besides, the Governor justified the development of additional ports in Lagos, saying it was now obvious that only Apapa Port cannot meet the demand of commerce and expansion required by the State, and therefore solicited the support of the Senate in that regard.
He said: “Another very important point is that the infrastructure around Apapa Port is not really befitting of what it should be. The real estate around Apapa Port has actually overtaken the activities of marine business there and that is why we are forward looking thinking there must be a different way to do business or commerce and we like to use this opportunity also to appeal to the Federal Ministry of Works to assist the haulage business in the Apapa area so that we can get federal roads well prepared for the kind of commerce we have there.
“We also believe that the only major means of transportation in Lagos is road and that is why we are doing a lot on rail and water transportation to ensure that we are able to disperse our people from one point to the other with ease and comfort and allow the marine business to thrive in Lagos,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Alhaji Sani Yerima, said members of the Committee were in Lagos to perform oversight function on federal institutions in the State to ensure that they are up and doing in their functions.
He commended Governor Ambode for the massive development going on in Lekki especially the Lekki Deep Sea Port situated at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, among other massive projects across the State, adding that the Senate would support anything that has to do with Lagos being a small Nigeria.
He specifically assured that the Senate would revisit the issue of the special status for Lagos, noting that as former capital of the country, everything must be done to support the State.
Bill Cosby's lawyers will ask a Pennsylvania State judge on Tuesday to keep more than a dozen women who have accused the comedian of sexual assault off the witness stand.
More than 60 women have accused the 79-year-old entertainer, once beloved by Americans as the father on the 1980s TV hit "The Cosby Show,'' of sexually assaulting them.
He was alleged to have often done it after plying them with drugs and alcohol, in a series of attacks dating back decades.
Only one of those claims resulted in criminal charges, filed against Cosby days before the statute of limitations was to expire.
Cosby
Andrea Constand, a former basketball coach at Cosby's alma mater Temple University, said he gave her pills before assaulting her at his Pennsylvania house in 2004.
Prosecutors have asked Judge Steven O'Neill of Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania to allow 13 other women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault to testify at the trial.
By so doing they said it would go to show that it was a pattern the comedian had adopted over the years.
Cosby has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. O'Neill has scheduled two days of hearings on the proposed witnesses and other pre-trial matters.
In general, prosecutors are barred from introducing evidence of a defendant's unrelated prior bad acts for fear it could prejudice the jury.
On rare occasions, however, judges will allow it if the evidence shows a clear and longstanding pattern of behaviour.
Prosecutors are also seeking permission to use Cosby's sworn testimony from a deposition during Constand's 2005 civil lawsuit, in which Cosby acknowledged providing women with medication and then having consensual sexual encounters with them.
Cosby's lawyers have asked O'Neill to bar that deposition from the trial, arguing that Cosby only agreed to testify; after the then-Montgomery County district attorney assured him no criminal charges would be brought.
In addition, his lawyers have mounted yet another attempt to dismiss the case, this time based on the argument that prosecutors waited too long to bring the case.
In court papers filed last week, his attorneys said Cosby is legally blind and has memory problems, preventing him from fully participating in preparing his own defense.
