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Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has described the Department of State Services (DSS) claim that it uncovered plot by the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike to disrupt governance in strategic federal government agencies as "barefaced attempt by the federal government to divert the attention of Nigerians and the international community from its involvement in the violence unleashed on the people of Rivers State during the December 10 rerun elections."
The governor said it was unfortunate that the DSS could no longer hide its partisanship, adding that "accusing a serving governor of plotting to disrupt governance in Abuja is the height of irresponsible display of partisanship by a security agency that should serve Nigerians and not the APC.
Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said no amount of intimidation, blackmail and harassment by the DSS and other federal government security agencies will make Nigerians to surrender the country to dictatorship.
The governor challenged the DSS to tell Nigerians those who sponsored the Tuesday, protest in Abuja by a group that called itself National Support Groups for Good Governance, (NASUGG), saying, "When protesters went round major streets in Abuja on Tuesday, protesting against Governor Wike, where was the DSS then?
"Assuming but not even conceding that anyone was planning to protest in support of Governor Wike, what is wrong with that? Was the DSS on sabbatical on Tuesday, when protest was held in the same Abuja against Governor Wike?
"Is the DSS now telling Nigerians that only supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) can protest and only protests against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are sanctioned?"
Speaking further, Governor Fayose said, "Security agencies were accused of playing ignoble roles in the Rivers State rerun elections. Can the same security agencies that was accused of ballot box snatching and assisting the APC to unleash terror on the people of Rivers State carry out any credible probe?
"The only probe that will be credible and acceptable concerning the Rivers State rerun election is the one in which the international community, civil society organisations and observers who were on the field during the election take part not this kangaroo probe being spearheaded by the police just to work to a pre-determined conclusion."
Somewhere out there is a new Nwankwo Kanu or a Jay-Jay Okocha, but it is not easy for the thousands of pretenders to become Nigeria’s newest football hero to get a foot on the ladder.
There are hundreds of football academies across the country of 180 million people but few put their star-struck trainees on the road to a contract in Europe.
Each week, more than 400 aspiring heroes aged between six and 18 attend the Barcelona football academy in Lagos, which opened in November.
Football is king in Nigeria, even though the country has again failed to reach the Africa Cup of Nations finals which will be held in Gabon in January.
Local project director of the FCB Escola soccer school, Bernat Gorriz (C), takes part in a training session with students of the academy at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, on November 22, 2016. Football is king in Nigeria, even though the country has again failed to reach the Cup of African Nations finals which will be held in Gabon in January. More than 1,500 youngsters took skills tests in September to get into the Barcelona academy. But the 1,000 euros ($1,000) annual cost was an even bigger hurdle for many. The FCB Escola in Lagos, is a centre for youth development and grassroot empowerment modelled after FC Barcelonaís youth system, where football is used as a medium of empowerment to teach FC Barcelona Soccer methodology. / AFP PHOTO
More than 1,500 youngsters took skills tests in September to get into the Barcelona academy. But the 1,000 euros ($1,000) annual cost was an even bigger hurdle for many.
The parents of Johnson Gbenga, 12, had to borrow money from their family and neighbours in the distant Lagos suburb of Badagry to get a place.
“They understood that there is nothing more important than football,” said the shy youngster who spends three hours on a bus to get to each training session at FCB Escola.
“One day for sure, I will play for Barca,” said 12-year-old Yacub Farouk as he kicked a ball in his tattered shorts and worn shoes.
“It makes me happy because other footballers will be able to see that Nigerians have talent and that we can be the best.”
After Dubai, Istanbul and Sao Paulo, Barcelona is now spreading word of the team in Lagos, business capital of Africa’s most populated country.
– Barca ‘vision’ in Lagos – Ten coaches watched over the young players at the Teslim Balogun stadium in a teeming district of the city of 20 million.
Local project director of the FCB Escola soccer school, Bernat Gorriz (C), takes part in a training session with students of the academy at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, on November 22, 2016. Football is king in Nigeria, even though the country has again failed to reach the Cup of African Nations finals which will be held in Gabon in January. More than 1,500 youngsters took skills tests in September to get into the Barcelona academy. But the 1,000 euros ($1,000) annual cost was an even bigger hurdle for many. The FCB Escola in Lagos, is a centre for youth development and grassroot empowerment modelled after FC Barcelonaís youth system, where football is used as a medium of empowerment to teach FC Barcelona Soccer methodology. / AFP PHOTO
Blaugrana Sports International Limited director Leslie Oghomienor, who helped set up the academy, said it was a “revolution” for Nigerian football.
Most of the Nigerians who became stars in Europe — like Kanu at Ajax Amsterdam and Arsenal and Okocha — who made his name at Bolton Wanderers and Paris Saint Germain — learned their football in the streets.
Like many of the facilities in Nigeria, the Teslim Balogun stadium is not state-of-the-art. The worn turf has covered with synthetic grass. The paint on the walls is peeling.
Oghomienor insisted that Nigeria will see the benefit of the school even if there is a chance in a million of getting to one of the top European teams.
“We have trained coaches who will later enter the market. And we also have all the young people who will get to play here in and West Africa.”
Bernat Villa Gorriz, the academy’s technical director, laughed when asked whether the coaches had already spotted the new Lionel Messi.
“We want to introduce our vision and our way of training,” he said.
For Barcelona, the school is a way of looking for talent but also getting its name known in the globalised world of football where it faces intense competition with English Premier League giants like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
All are setting up similar academies in Africa, Asia and North America.
Barcelona is not alone in looking at Nigeria. Paris Saint-Germain has signed commercial accords with two Nigerian companies and will choose 100 children to take part in a three day coaching session this year.
“While the Premier League may be more popular than the Spanish league, the trainee footballers are more than happy to welcome the Catalonian club,” said Gorriz.
Students of the FCB Escola soccer school arrives for a training session at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, on November 22, 2016. Football is king in Nigeria, even though the country has again failed to reach the Cup of African Nations finals which will be held in Gabon in January. More than 1,500 youngsters took skills tests in September to get into the Barcelona academy. But the 1,000 euros ($1,000) annual cost was an even bigger hurdle for many. The FCB Escola in Lagos, is a centre for youth development and grassroot empowerment modelled after FC Barcelonaís youth system, where football is used as a medium of empowerment to teach FC Barcelona Soccer methodology. / AFP PHOTO
Fans of other clubs largely agree. “I support Arsenal but everyone’s got to start somewhere — you can’t choose your club at my age. You have to take what you’re offered,” said Okiki one of the Barcelona pupils.
LESS than two years into his first term, the people and leaders of Uyo senatorial zone of Akwa Ibom State will back Governor Udom Emmanuel for re-election in 2019, Senator Effiong Bob, pro-chancellor and chairman, Governing Council of the University of Benin, has said.
According to him, Uyo leaders are backing Governor Emmanuel to continue and complete the numerous people-oriented projects he is carrying out across the state.
Senator Bob spoke at the third constituency briefing and one year anniversary of Rt Hon Onofiok Luke as the speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly at Nsit Ubium Local Council headquarters, Ikot Edibon, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the the colourful ceremony that attracted prominent Nigerians from all parts of the country including House of Assembly speakers of Kebbi, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Niger and Bayelsa as well as Lt.Colonel Abdul’Aziz Musa Yar’Adua, younger brother to late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who represented the Yar’ Ádua family, Senator Bob urged Governor Emmanuel not to entertain fears about Uyo support in 2019.
”You are the captain of Team Akwa Ibom. What I am saying is the opinion of leaders and people of Uyo senatorial district. As far as 2019 is concerned, we will give you 100 per cent support. Don’t be disturbed over Uyo votes; concentrate on the numerous projects you are doing across the state,” he said.
At the event, the governor promised to give 50 youths from the constituency N50,000 each to boost their businesses and ensure speedy construction of the Ikot-Nsit-Oton-Edemidimokpot-Mbiekene-Nnung Obong road that passes through the constituency.
To tackle poverty and boost the war against recession, Governor Emmanuel and Speaker Onofiok Luke empowered about 200 indigenes of Nsit Ubium State Constituency, granted scholarship to 115 students and donated computers and textbooks to five selected secondary schools in the area.
While thanking God at the the colourful ceremony the speaker the gestures were part of his appreciation to the people and to empower them in line with his campaign promises.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA- President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed joy over the successful partnership between Lagos and Kebbi States that gave rise to the local production of LAKE Rice (Lagos-Kebbi Rice).
President Buhari also commended the two states for the efforts he said paid off.
The President particularly salutes the commitment of Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Atiku Bagudu in bringing to fruition the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2016 on substantially meeting the country’s rice requirement.
He also expressed delight at the relatively cheaper price of LAKE Rice especially at this period of recession.
“It gladdens my heart to get reports of our citizens rushing to purchase this cheaper local rice to enable them and their families enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations,” the President notes.
According to President Buhari in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, what the two states have done is “evidence of a new base being laid for the Nigerian economy, founded and propelled by agriculture, away from substantial dependence on oil and gas for national revenue.”
The President recalled that in his 2017 Budget presentation before the National Assembly, he said that “a new era is rising in which we must grow what we eat and consume what we make,” adding that the LAKE Rice achievement is in furtherance of the above goal.
While urging other state governments to replicate the laudable example of LAKE Rice in other staple crops and dairy products, President Buhari pledges the Federal Government’s readiness to continue to support such initiatives by providing the enabling environment, policies and incentives for agriculture to thrive in order for the nation to achieve food security.
The President stated that he remained optimistic that going forward, Nigeria would attain rice sufficiency by 2019.
A factfile on the deadly Ebola virus, against which the World Health Organization said Friday a prototype vaccine could be “up to 100 percent effective”.
– Toll –
The worst-ever Ebola outbreak started in December 2013 in southern Guinea before spreading to two neighbouring west African countries, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
That outbreak killed more than 11,300 people out of nearly 29,000 registered cases, according to WHO estimates.
The real figure might be significantly higher, however.
More than 99 percent of victims were in the three nations — more than 4,800 in Liberia, more than 2,500 dead in Guinea, and more than 3,900 in Sierra Leone.
The WHO declared the epidemic over in January this year, but this was followed by flare-ups in all three countries.
Liberia said it was Ebola-free in June, prompting the WHO to declare the official end of the outbreak.
Medical doctors attending to an Ebola virus disease victim
– Origins –
Ebola was first identified in central Africa in 1976. The tropical virus was named after a river in the Democratic Republic of Congo — then known as Zaire.
Four of the virus species are known to cause disease in humans — Zaire, Sudan, Bundibugyo and Tai Forest.
The West African outbreak was caused by a variant, called Makona, of the Zaire species which has historically been the most deadly in humans.
Before the recent West African outbreak, Ebola had killed about 1,700 people in four decades.
– Transmission –
The virus’ natural reservoir animal is probably the bat, which does not itself fall ill, but can pass the germ on to humans who hunt it for “bushmeat”.
Other dinnertime favourites in parts of Africa — chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines — are also suspected of transmitting Ebola.
Among humans, the virus is passed on by contact with the blood, body fluids, secretions or organs of an infected or recently deceased person. This can include touching a sick or dead person, and likely also sexual intercourse.
Those infected do not become contagious until symptoms appear. They become more and more contagious until just after their death, which poses great risks during funerals.
– Symptoms –
Following an incubation period of between two and 21 days, Ebola develops into a high fever, weakness, intense muscle and joint pain, headaches and a sore throat.
That is often followed by vomiting and diarrhoea, skin eruptions, kidney and liver failure, and internal and external bleeding.
– After-effects –
After effects have often been observed in survivors, including arthritis, problems with vision, eye inflammation and hearing difficulties
An official of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (DISCO), Mr Francis Idoko, was on Friday beaten by residents of a building on Fish Pond St. Muwo Ojo, Lagos, for disconnecting their line.
The residents, who insisted that the official should reconnect them, after raining blows on him, also let loose a dog, which attacked Idoko.
The DISCO official alleged that the building's prepaid metre was illegally connected.
"The house has a prepaid metre but the residents did not go through the right channel,'' Idoko said.
"We are on routine assignment and in the process, we came across the building; worked there and continue with other buildings on the street.
"It was while in the adjourning street, that one of the residents approached me and requested to know why the house was disconnected.
"I followed him to the house and he locked the gate against me,'' he said.
In her response, Mrs Afoke Oghenetaga, whose dog attacked the victim, said that the residents contributed in buying the metres.
"Many of us, few days ago recharged with as much as N6,000 to enable us enjoy the Christmas and the New Year holidays; only for us to be cut off by this man,'' Oghenetaga said.
According to her, the dog was not on chain and only acted in favour of the residents it was familiar with.
She said the dog attacked the only stranger among them, adding that that person happened to be Francis.
On arrival at the scene, the DISCO Supervisor, in charge of the area, Mr Kingsely Amadi, who was contacted on phone, said that all those involved in the mayhem would be brought to book.
"DISCO has been advising customers to formalise their metres to avoid embarrassment that can result to such chaotic situation.
"We are bent in serving our customers to the best of our ability but they too should play their roles to make things work,'' he said.
Senegal's soldiers have been put on alert to intervene in The Gambia if President Yahya Jammeh refuses to step down next month.
Mr Jammeh initially accepted defeat in the December 1 poll, but later said it was flawed.
Army boots
The Ecowas chairman said Senegal had been chosen to lead operations "to restore the people's wishes" if needed.
President Jammeh has already said he will not be intimidated, saying Ecowas had no authority to interfere.
President Jammeh, who has ruled for 22 years, has lodged a case before the Supreme Court to annul the vote after the electoral commission changed some results.
The commission insists the outcome was not affected by an initial error and that property developer Adama Barrow won the poll and should be inaugurated on January 19.
Marcel Alain de Souza, chairman of the Ecowas commission, said Mr Jammeh had until that date to comply with its mediators.
"If he is not going, we have stand-by forces already alerted and these stand-by forces have to be able to intervene to restore the people's wish," he said.
The Gambia, a former British colony, is surrounded on three sides by Senegal.
"Senegal has been selected by its peers to lead the operations but we do not wish to start a conflict," Mr de Souza said.
"If he loves his people, he has to be able to negotiate an exit door calmly. If it doesn't happen, the most radical means will be used."
According to Africa Review, BBC's Umaru Fofana, who has been reporting from The Gambia, says Mr Jammeh's defiant comments earlier this week make it clear that Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari, appointed chief mediator by Ecowas, has a fine line to tread.
President Jammeh said that although he was a "man of peace", that did not mean he would not defend himself and the country "courageously, patriotically and win".
The stalemate is already taking a huge toll on the economy of the small West African country, which is popular with tourists, with the Chamber of Commerce saying businesses have been badly affected, our reporter says.
The Supreme Court says it will hear a case brought by Mr Jammeh's party to cancel the result on 10 January.
President Jammeh, 51, seized power in 1994 and has been accused of human rights abuses, although he has held regular elections.
The Gambia has not had a smooth transfer of power since independence from Britain in 1965
West Africa's regional bloc, ECOWAS has put standby military forces on alert in case Gambian President Yahya Jammeh does not step down when his mandate ends on Jan. 19.
ECOWAS commission president Marcel de Souza said this on Malian TV Thursday night.
Jammeh has vowed to stay in power despite losing a Dec. 1 election to rival Adama Barrow, raising the possibility that regional powers may intervene to oust him if diplomacy does not succeed in persuading him to leave.
"We have put standby forces on alert if he does not (step down) on Jan. 19 when his mandate ends," De Souza said.
"No one has the right to oppose the will of the people."
Barrow's surprise victory and Jammeh's initial decision to concede after 22 years in power was seen across Africa as a moment of hope.
But the president changed his mind a week later and said again on Tuesday that he would not step down, rebuffing efforts by West African leaders to persuade him.
Jammeh said the electoral count was flawed and that ECOWAS has no right to meddle in Gambia's internal affairs.
The regional bloc has mandated Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari as mediator to offer Jammeh an "honourable exit", but if he does not take it then forces might be deployed, De Souza said.
The BBC quoted De Souza as saying in an interview that Senegalese troops would lead any military intervention. Senegal is Gambia's only territorial neighbour and has a frequently stormy relationship with the country, having sent troops there during a 1981 coup.
Senegal has indicated that military action would be an absolute last resort.
Diplomats say ECOWAS would probably seek approval from the U.N. Security Council for the use of force. ECOWAS deployed troops to Liberia and Sierra Leone during civil wars in the 1990s, setting a precedent for possible intervention.
A first step for raising pressure once the handover date passes is likely to be targeted sanctions by the U.N. and others, diplomats say, also raising the possibility that Jammeh could be offered asylum abroad.
Barrow's supporters suggested on Thursday that the president might not immediately be prosecuted for alleged human rights abuses during his rule.
"Justice is absolutely essential … but we are going to take the route to truth and reconciliation," said coalition spokesman Halifa Sallah at a meeting with the African Bar Association.
Gambia's Supreme Court will hear a legal challenge on Jan. 10 from Jammeh's ruling party which wants to overturn the election result.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, on Thursday, warned officers and men of the command against extortion at the stations or when on patrols.
"We do not want to see officers collecting money from Keke marwa or commercial buses. We say bail is free, no officer should do the contrary.
"Police officer is not a debt collector," he said.
Lagos CP, Fatai Owoseni
Owoseni gave the advice while inaugurating the rehabilitated Ikeja Police Station.
He urged officers and men to embrace 'the Change begins with me' campaign initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari by avoiding conduct that would bring the Force into disrepute.
"Let the change start with you in your action with members of the public. We want to see officers on the road doing the right police work.
Owoseni commended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Bayo Olasoji and Ikeja community for rehabilitating and equipping the police station.
The CP described the project as a good example of police/public partnership programme.
He, therefore, urged other senior police officers to add value to any offices they may be posted without waiting for special grant from the Force Headquarters.
Earlier, the DPO, Bayo Olasoji said he decided to rehabilitate the station with a view to create more offices for the officers and men in the division.
Olasoji said within four months of his deployment to the division, the community, officers and men contributed money and materials to make the station a modern one.
He said every unit of the division now has enough offices for it personnel.
Police Community Relation Committee members, Ikeja Residents Association and police personnel were in attendance.
As the year gradually grinds to an end, here is a recap of sport stars that made headlines for both good and bad reasons:
Heroes
Leicester City
Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City pulled off one of the greatest shocks in English football history by defying title odds of 5,000-1 to lift the Premier League trophy. Having miracuously avoided relegation the previous season, the Foxes rode that wave of momentum all the way to a fairytale triumph. Their rags-to-riches revival was epitomised by the rise to prominence of former non-league striker Jamie Vardy whose 24 goals was second only to England team-mate Harry Kane. Riyad Mahrez scooped the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award, while N’Golo Kante and Wes Morgan joined them in the team of the year.
Eder
The Guinea-Bissau born striker emerged as Portugal’s unlikely hero by firing the national team to a first major title with a 1-0 extra-time win over France in the Euro 2016 final. With just three goals in 28 appearances — all of them in friendlies — and only 13 minutes played en route to the final there was little to hint at Eder’s heroics at the Stade de France. But an early injury to Cristiano Ronaldo forced a re-think and the 28-year-old was brought on towards the end of normal time. His 30-yard thunderbolt left Hugo Lloris grasping at thin air and Portugal hoisting aloft the Henri Delaunay trophy. “The ugly duckling went and scored. Now he’s a beautiful swan,” quipped Portugal coach Fernando Santos.
Luvo Manyonga
The South African battled both rivals and addiction along his road to redemption which culminated with a silver medal in the long jump at the Rio Olympics. Manyonga burst onto the international stage with a fifth-place finish at the 2011 worlds in Daegu but descended into a drug-riddled “living hell” after growing hooked on crystal meth. He served an 18-month ban for a failed test in 2012 but eventually got clean after leaving behind his hometown of Mbekweni. He was denied gold by the slimmest of margins in Brazil, finishing one centimetre behind American Jeff Henderson, but still provided one of the most inspirational stories of the Games.
Chicago Cubs
Joe Maddon’s team ended a 108-year wait by beating the Cleveland Indians in thrilling fashion to clinch the World Series. The Cubs romped through the regular season, winning over 100 games for the first time since 1935, but again appeared destined to succumb to the the ‘Curse of the Billy Goat’ after falling behind three games to one. However, Chicago rallied to level the best-of-seven contest and, ignited by Dexter Fowler’s lead-off home run, raced into a 5-1 lead in the decider. The Indians hit back with Rajai Davis launching a two-run home run off flamethrower Aroldis Chapman to tie the scores before a brief rain delay added to the drama. But the Cubs weren’t to be denied, winning 8-7 to snap the longest title drought in the game.
Simone Biles
The American marked her first Olympic Games with a performance for the ages. Aged just 19, Biles won a record-equalling four gold medals in the team event, individual all-around, vault and floor exercise. A slip on the beam cost her a shot at a fifth title, eventually settling for bronze, but by then her status as the world’s best female gymnast was in no doubt. Biles became the fifth woman to win four gold medals at the same Games after Hungarian Agnes Keleti (1956), Soviet Larissa Latynina (1956), Czech Vera Caslavska (1968) and Romanian Ecaterina Szabo (1984). “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps,” the Texan said. “I’m the first Simone Biles.”
All Blacks
New Zealand reinforced their billing as rugby union’s preeminent force with an 18-match winning streak — a record for a tier-one nation. It started with a thumping win over the Wallabies in August 2015 and blossomed into an historic run that included a third World Cup title — their trans-Tasman rivals again vanquished in the final — later that year. All Black greats Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Ma’a Nonu bowed out of the international game but Steve Hansen’s side didn’t miss a beat in 2016. A 3-0 series win over Wales preceded a convincing Rugby Championship triumph that culminated with a 57-15 throttling of South Africa in Durban. New Zealand then beat Australia at Eden Park to make it a record 18 wins in a row before a first defeat to Ireland in Chicago halted their historic streak.
Zeros
Maria Sharapova
One of the golden girls of tennis, Sharapova’s reputation suffered a damaging blow with news of a failed doping test at January’s Australian Open. The Russian tested positive for the banned heart drug meldonium and was subsequently handed a two-year ban, later reduced to 15 months on appeal. Fellow professionals reacted with a mixture of criticism and support for the five-time Grand Slam champion, while sponsors were also divided by her transgression. Both racket manufacturer Head and sportswear giant Nike stood by Sharapova but others swiftly pulled the plug on their relationship. She is eligible to return in April 2017, but it won’t be an easy road back with her every move set to be scrutinised intensely.
Sam Allardyce
Landing the England manager’s job should have represented the pinnacle of Allardyce’s career, but just 67 days after his appointment he was unceremoniously axed following his controversial remarks in a newspaper sting. The 62-year-old was secretly filmed giving advice on how to circumvent transfer rules while also mocking predecessor Roy Hodgson. His reign was the shortest of any England manager by far and piled on further embarrassment after the Three Lions’ shock defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016. “Entrapment has won on this occasion and I have to accept that,” a resigned Allardyce told reporters outside his home in Bolton.
Ryan Lochte
The American added 4x200m freestyle gold to his list of honours in Brazil but an infamous ‘robbery’ scandal soon turned that achievement into a mere footnote. Lochte claimed he and three team-mates were mugged by robbers pretending to be police as they returned home from a night out in Rio. But police quickly denounced the bogus story with CCTV footage showing the group had vandalised a petrol station. Gunnar Bentz, Jimmy Feigen and Jack Conger were banned for four months, while swimwear manufacturer Speedo headlined a host of sponsors to sever ties with Lochte, who was handed a 10-month ban. The 32-year-old was also charged with filing a false robbery report — a crime punishable by up to six months in prison.
Nick Kyrgios
The talented but volatile Australian endured another turbulent year on tour which ended with an eight-week ban and fine for ‘tanking’ against Mischa Zverev at October’s Shanghai Masters. Kyrgios agreed to consult a psychologist and his suspension was trimmed to three weeks, clearing him to return for the start of the 2017 season. The 21-year-old vowed to “use this time off to improve on and off the court” but only time will tell whether it’s truly a case of lesson learned. He is the first player since John McEnroe in 1990 to be banned for poor on-court behaviour and also withdrew from Rio, along with compatriot Bernard Tomic, following a row with the Australian Olympic Committee.
Tyson Fury
The self-styled ‘Gypsy King’ was on top of the world after ending Wladimir Klitschko’s long reign as heavyweight champion in late 2015, but a year on his reputation lies in tatters. Fury tested positive test for cocaine while battling severe depression and twice cancelled planned rematches with Klitschko. He backtracked hours after claiming he was retired in a foul-mouthed Twitter rant and a turbulent 12 months was topped off with the suspension of his boxing licence. Beyond his brash persona, Fury’s fragilities were laid bare with his return to the sport looking remote.
Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini
It is almost exactly one year since football’s two biggest powerbrokers were booted out of the game. A controversial two million Swiss franc ($2 million, 1.8 million euro) payment precipitated their demise with a series of appeals ultimately falling short. Initial eight-year bans were reduced to four years for Platini and six for Blatter and while the Frenchman vowed to clear his name in a Swiss civil court, Blatter conceded he had reached the end of the road after turning his back on his last legal recourse. The Swiss, head of FIFA since 1998, was replaced by Gianni Infantino, while Slovenia’s Aleksander Ceferin took over at UEFA from Platini.
The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, says President Muhammadu Buhari is eager to reflate the economy and deliver to the people the gains of his administration.
Amaechi stated this in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations Department of the Ministry, Mrs Yetunde Sonaike, on Friday in Abuja.
He said that one of the core mandates of the present administration was to fulfil the needs and aspirations of Nigerians, adding that government would ensure it achieve its promises.
The minister said the ministry was able to complete the Abuja–Kaduna Railway modernisation project and provided safety measures at the nation's airports through rehabilitation of the existing infrastructure within the airports.
He said that there were also ongoing rehabilitation of infrastructure at the seaports and the railway as well as instilling financial discipline in the ministry and its agencies among others.
Amaechi said the focus of the government was the rehabilitation of the old railway lines of Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri and also ensuring that the construction works on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Rail line was completed within the specified time.
According to him, the government is determined to ensure that works on Lagos-Kano Rail line commence in earnest to facilitate the movement of goods and passengers unhindered.
"The construction work on the Lagos-Ibadan segment of the Coastal Rail line will commence in January 2017,” he said..
On the issue of the National Fleet for the maritime sector, the minister said that government had gone far in getting interested investors to come in.
He said that the government was mindful of the provision of the law which stipulates 60 per cent for local investors and 40 per cent for foreign investors.
The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki on Friday said that he would not condone any of his aides that broke the law.
This is contained in a Press Statement signed by Saraki's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu .
"The attention of the Senate President has been drawn to a statement issued today to the media by the Department of State Services (DSS) in which the Department raised allegations against Mr. Ugochinyere Ikenga, an aide to the Senate President.
According to the statement, the DSS has not officially informed the Senate President of the allegations against Ikenga.
"However, Saraki having read the statement now circulating online will want to make it clear that he will never condone any action by any of his aides which threatens the peace of the country or is against the provisions of the law.
Saraki called on the DSS to properly investigate the allegations against Mr. Ikenga and if he is found to have acted against the law, then the law should take its natural course.
Former England manager Sam Allardyce looks set to be named as the boss at Premier League club Crystal Palace after arriving at their training ground for talks on Friday.
Speaking to Sky Sports News outside the club’s Beckenham training base, Allardyce said he was there to “complete talks” and described Palace as a “fantastic” opportunity to return to Premier League management.
Allardyce, 62, is set to replace Alan Pardew, who was sacked on Thursday following a miserable run of results, with the Eagles winning just four of their 17 league matches this season and only one of their last 11.
Palace are presently only a point above the relegation places.
The south London club are due to face Watford away on Monday as part of the Premier League’s traditional Boxing Day fixture card.
Allardyce told Sky Sports News he would have to “wait and see” whether he would be in charge for that game, with assistant Keith Millen taking charge of training on Friday.
Allardyce has been out of the game since being sacked by England in late September after just one match in charge following ill-advised remarks to undercover reporters
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the freezing of Ex-First Lady, Patience Jonathan's multiple accounts over suspected proceeds from crime. One of the account, domiciled with Skye Bank plc, has a balance of $5,316.66.
The presiding judge, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, while granting the order freezing the accounts ordered the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, file an undertaking in relation to damages payable by it if it turns out that the order should not have been made.
EFCC boss Magu and Patience Jonathan
This is sequel to a further affidavit in support of Ex-parte originating summons sworn to by Mr. Abdulahi Tukur, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and filed before the court by EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo requesting the court to urgently direct the managers of the bank accounts contained in the schedule filed with the summons (FHC/L/CS/1343/16) to, in the interim, forfeit the money in the accounts, to prevent further tampering with such.
Also affected by the order are five companies which are Finchley Top Homes Limited, Aribawa Aruera, Magel Resort Limited, AM -PM Global Network Limited Pansy Oil and Gas Limited.
Finchley Top Homes Limited is alleged to have fraudulently open account number 1102001996 domiciled with Ecobank Plc and has a current balance of N226,376,700.23 and a fixed deposit with a balance of N1,099,511,484.88.
The company also fraudulently opened other accounts These are account 1771731336, domiciled with Skye Bank and with a current balance of N14,173,848.85; Fidelity Bank account 4011019539 with a current balance of N1,800,494,000; Stanbic Bank account 0016901361 with a current balance of N40,594,12.88; and Diamond Bank account 0019213687 with a current balance of N39,418,712.12.
Aribawa Aruera Reachout Foundation opened account number 1222014221 with Ecobank and has a closing balance of N479,893,431.01, while Magel Resort Limited accounts (4011019546/5250059782) with Fidelity Bank has a subsisting balance of N1,000,494,000.
The company also operates two other accounts (1011744356) in Zenith Bank, which has a balance of N858,923,982, and 0024351590 with Diamond Bank and has a balance of N174,166,207.00.
AM-PM Global Network Limited opened account number 0026718889 at Diamond Bank and has a balance of N7,213,303.50.
The account opened by Pansy Oil and Gas Limited at Fidelity Bank (4011019577) has a current balance of N1,809,666,494.68, while that at Diamond Bank (0026838491) has a balance of N55,930,024.50.
Also affected is one Esther Oba. Esther Oba has a balance of $429,381.87 in her account while the companies collectively havea balances totaling N7,418,829,290.94 (seven billion four hundred and eighteen million eight hundred and twenty nine thousand two hundred and ninety naira ninety four kobo) in six commercial banks.
Esther Oba was found to have opened account number 0019213689 with Diamond Bank and has a current balance of $429,381.87.
The EFCC said it carried out analyses after receiving an intelligence report, which showed that the accounts ought to be investigated.
As such, Mr. Tukur averred that it would serve the course of justice to grant the application for such.
Commercial bank customers on Friday decried lack of money in many Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
newsmen who visited some banks in the city, also observed long queues in most of the banks.
Customers on queue at a bank’s ATM
Some of the banks visited were: United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Bank of Nigeria Plc (FBN), Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Area 3; Ecobank, Gwarinpa and Zenith Bank in Dutse.
Other banks visited were: Diamond Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, First City Monument Bank and Access Bank, all in Garki.
A customer at the First Bank, Area 3, Mrs Esther Uche, said she had been waiting under the sun for more than 20 minutes and had not been able to withdraw her money.
Uche said, "The bank management is aware of the usual chaos during every festivity and ought to have made adequate provision, especially regarding availability of funds in ATMs.''
A customer at the GTB, Mr Gabriel Okwoche, said that it was unfortunate that the banks had not been meeting customers' demands.
Okwoche said he did not expect the queue at the bank, as many Nigerians were complaining the economy was bad and no money in circulation.
At the UBA, a customer, Miss Joy Edoh, said that she had been to about four banks' ATMS in Garki; and that there was no money in the machines.
Edoh said at the Access Bank in Garki, she and other customers waited for 30minutes and when it got to her turn, the machine stopped dispensing cash.
"I am happy that the UBA ATMs are all working and I am sure to get money in the next five minutes,'' she said.
At the Union Bank, it was observed that no customer was seen at the ATM, as it was not dispensing cash.
Meanwhile, a visit to Diamond Bank, showed that many customers were seen in the banking hall and there was a long queue of customers at the ATM.
There were long queues at the Ecobank ATM in Gwarinpa, with some already frustrated customers leaving the bank premises.
A customer, Mr John Johnson, said the management of the various banks and CBN should do something about the queues at the banks.
"Today is 23 and we have all the remaining days of the holiday to contend with and we are already experiencing insufficient funds.''
"I wonder what we will face during the holidays. I implore the management of all the banks to ensure that the ATMs are loaded with cash.
"If this is not done, customers are bound to suffer during this Christmas celebration,'' Johnson said.
Another customer at Ecobank, Mr Emmanuel Adejo, said he was at the bank's head office in Wuse 2 but could not withdraw.
According to Adejo, a bank official said the bank had insufficient funds as CBN did not release money to the bank.
A customer at Zenith Bank in Dutse, Miss Talatu Abraham, said she was impressed that most ATMs at the bank were dispensing cash.
Abraham said that the bank was the only bank within the Dutse Alhaji axis and was always crowded due to that fact (dispensing).
She commended the bank for ensuring most if its ATMs were dispensing money to customers.
Most officials of banks asked about efforts being made to ensure sufficient funds for customers during the festivity refused to comment.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, says the rejected list of 47 non-career ambassadors will be re-submitted when the Senate resumes from recess.
Onyeama told newsmen in New York that the list was being delayed by the recess.
"The list of the 47 non-career ambassadors will be represented to the Senate; yes, I believe the list is ready.
"And very shortly it will be represented; it is just that the Senate is in recess at the moment but hopefully it will be done very quickly.
"We will certainly hope that we will get the envoys in place very shortly. The lists are ready; the places of deployment have more or less been approved.''
The nation, he said, hope to get them on board very quickly.
He, however, said that the delay in the posting of ambassadors to Nigerian missions had not affected the country's diplomatic relations with the host countries or the operations of those missions.
"What we have seen, I think, is probably the quality of the Nigerian diplomats. We have nevertheless been able to achieve very great things with the officials that we have in the missions.
"So that shows the depth of the quality of Nigerian diplomats. A good case in point here is this issue of illicit financial flows.
"It's something that has been achieved without having an ambassador here or permanent representative here in New York.''
Meanwhile, the 47 career Ambassador-designate approved recently have ended their four day induction course in readiness for their posting.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, has urged the 47 newly appointed career Ambassadors to explore possibilities of attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Abuja.
Bello made the call when the new Ambassadors paid him a working visit in Abuja.
He said that the FDI would help end recession and create new opportunities for residents of the FCT.
The minister told the ambassadors of the enormous investment opportunities in the territory which needed marketed to investors across the world.
Bello disclosed that the Idu Industrial Layout had been provided with adequate infrastructure to encourage investment in the FCT.
According to him, the FCT Administration has also provided an enabling environment and liberal conditions to support genuine investors.
He reminded them that Abuja as the only city created by law in Nigeria was home to all Nigerians and the window through which the world see the country.
The minister assured that the administration would continue to adhere strictly to the Abuja Master Plan to ensure orderliness in the city.
"All of you have Abuja as either first or second home; you know all the challenges of the Federal Capital Territory, because all of you live here and therefore you can best market the city by bringing in FDI to tackle all those challenges'', he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, who led the group, said the visit was part of the induction programme organised for the new ambassadors.
He said it was to acquaint them with the ingredients of government policies.
"This is in terms of protocol and its priority in terms of domestic agenda which is built on change, good governance, economic, security and anti-corruption.
"This is to help identify the foreign policy component of the government programme to enable the new ambassadors go out there to engage and advance the domestic agenda of Nigeria," Enikanolaiye added.
The Enugu State House of Assembly has confirmed Justice Ngozi Emehelu as the substantive chief judge of the state.
The confirmation of Emehelu, who had been in acting capacity for two and half months, was approved on Friday during plenary when she appeared before the legislators.
The Leader of the House, Chief Ikechukwu Ezugwu, representing Udenu State Constituency, described Emehelu as a woman of integrity with an outstanding character.
Ezugwu said that the judge had been in the legal profession for 35 years, adding that she had served in several election petitions tribunals due to her impeccable character.
"She is a woman of integrity with what we know. We have not had any complaint since she was appointed in acting capacity."
Ezugwu moved a motion for the legislators to confirm Emehelu as the substantive chief judge.
The Deputy Leader, Mrs Onyinye Ugwu, representing Enugu South Rural State Constituency, seconded the motion for the confirmation.
The Speaker, Chief Edward Ubosi, then announced the confirmation of Emehelu as the substantive chief judge of the state, following a voice vote.
Emehelu is expected to be sworn in by Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, following the confirmation.
The appointment of Emehelu followed the sacking of her predecessor, Justice Innocent Umezulike on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission.
An official of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (DISCO), Mr Francis Idoko, was on Friday beaten by residents of a building on Fish Pond St. Muwo Ojo, Lagos, for disconnecting their line.
The residents, who insisted that the official should reconnect them, after raining blows on him, also allegedly untied a dog, which attacked Idoko.
DISCO official disconnecting lines on electric pole
The DISCO official alleged that the building's prepaid metre was illegally connected.
"The house has a prepaid metre but the residents did not go through the right channel,'' Idoko said.
"We are on routine assignment and in the process, we came across the building; worked there and continue with other buildings on the street.
"It was while in the adjourning street, that one of the residents approached me and requested to know why the house was disconnected.
"I followed him to the house and he locked the gate against me,'' he said.
In her response, Mrs Afoke Oghenetaga, whose dog attacked the victim, said that the residents contributed in buying the metres.
"Many of us, few days ago recharged with as much as N6,000 to enable us enjoy the Christmas and the New Year holidays; only for us to be cut off by this man,'' Oghenetaga said.
According to her, the dog was not on chain and only acted in favour of the residents it was familiar with.
She said the dog attacked the only stranger among them, adding that that person happened to be Francis.
On arrival at the scene, the DISCO Supervisor, in charge of the area, Mr Kingsely Amadi, who was contacted on phone, said that all those involved in the mayhem would be brought to book.
"DISCO has been advising customers to formalise their metres to avoid embarrassment that can result to such chaotic situation.
"We are bent in serving our customers to the best of our ability but they too should play their roles to make things work,'' he said.
Lagosians are scrambling for LAKE Rice, the branded rice produced by Kebbi and Lagos States in very long queues.
A 50kg bag of the rice sells for N12,000, while a 25kg sells for N6,000. This is 50 per cent less than the imported brands, said to be mostly unfit for consumption, which sell for N24,000 per 50kg bag.
The successful partnership between Lagos and Kebbi states that gave rise to the local production of LAKE Rice (Lagos-Kebbi Rice) has been applauded by President Muhammadu Buhari.
A man carries a bag of Lake Rice at the distribution centre at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere in Lagos on Friday. Lake Rice distribution is powered by Lagos and Kebbi states government in collaboration with San Carlos Group incorporated.
In a statement by Femi Adesina, Buhari particularly saluted the commitment of Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Atiku Bagudu in bringing to fruition the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2016 on substantially meeting the country's rice requirement.
He also expressed delight at the relatively cheaper price of LAKE Rice especially at this period of recession. Lake Rice is being sold for N12,000 per 50kg bag.
The Lake rice queue at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere in Lagos on Friday
"It gladdens my heart to get reports of our citizens rushing to purchase this cheaper local rice to enable them and their families enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations," the President noted.
According to President Buhari, what the two states have done is "evidence of a new base being laid for the Nigerian economy, founded and propelled by agriculture, away from substantial dependence on oil and gas for national revenue."
The President recalled that in his 2017 Budget presentation before the National Assembly, he said that "a new era is rising in which we must grow what we eat and consume what we make," adding that the LAKE Rice achievement is in furtherance of the goal.
He urged other state governments to replicate the laudable example of LAKE Rice in producing other staple crops and dairy products.
He also pledged the Federal Government's readiness to continue to support such initiatives by providing the enabling environment, policies and incentives for agriculture to thrive in order for the nation to achieve food security.
The President remains optimistic that Nigeria will attain rice sufficiency by 2019.
The Nigerian Army has urged the public to be vigilant as remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists are fleeing to different parts of the country and elsewhere following the ongoing final clearance of their hideouts in Sambisa forest.
A statement by the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. -Gen. Sani Usman on Thursday, therefore, advised members of the public, especially residents of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states, to be "extra vigilant, security conscious of strange movements or persons in the society."
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF (COAS), LT.-GEN. TUKUR BURATAI
"The public are also please requested to report any suspicious person or group of persons to the security agencies for prompt action.
"We wish to reiterate our commitment of clearing the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists in all their suspected hideouts by the end of this year. We therefore solicit for more public support and cooperation to achieve that.
Recently, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai charged soldiers to finish off Boko Haram remnants on time to enable Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) return to their homes.
The army chief gave the charge when he visited troops of the 81 battalion in Damboa Local Government Area in Borno state.
Buratai who reiterated the determination of the army towards enhancing the welfare of troops, said rotation of soldiers would take place after every six months of deployment.
"I am sure you have read and heard the message I sent across. If you are aware of it then we must work to get out of this place. We must work to get out of this operation very quickly. We must defeat Boko Haram.
"I was in one of the barracks and many of the troops were already there and I have assured your families that many of you will go back next Year.
"81 battalion is my unit too when I was a lieutenant Colonel This unit has seen it all. You fought along with the Cameroonian troops in this battle which means you are better placed to deal with this criminals.
"We must continue with the aggressive actions, patrol and ambush. You must move into all the hideouts of these criminals and fish them out. Some of your colleagues in Sambisa Forest are dealing with them properly.
"You are better equipped, better motivated and mobile.The army has provided you with better equipment to fish Boko Haram out and deal with them completely.
"I wish to commend your effort and I urge you all to maintain the momentum and keep it high. Nigerians are proud of you. President Muhammadu Buhari the Commander in Chief is also pleased with you," he said.
