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
Hosts Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan on Sunday forced 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) leaders Plateau United FC to a 1-1 draw in a Match Day 12 fixture.
Ibe Johnson scored from a throw-in through a header to give the visiting Jos side the lead.
The home were however able to equalise in the 81st minute through a penalty kick by Adebayo Abayomi, after Bode Daniel was upended by a Plateau United defender.
3SC had struggled throughout to secure the three points from the game, but were frustrated by the delay tactics employed by the visiting team.
The home team failed to convert several goal scoring chances due to their weak forwardline.
Plateau United players clearly adopted delay tactics in the game, with several of their players falling on the pitch pretending to be injured.
Crisis nearly erupted on the pitch of play during the game, following complaints by the 3SC side of bad officiating by the centre referee.
But this was managed with the intervention of the Match Commissioner.
However, coach Fatai Amoo of 3SC blamed the draw on weak finishing on his players' part, adding that it was not an issue of creating chances but finishing well.
He said what was now left for the team was to work very hard on taking their chances in every game.
Coach Kennedy Boboye of Plateau United FC, on his part, said they went into the game to win but his players failed to convert their goal scoring chances.
Boboye said his players wasted several of their chances, but he still maintained that they gave their best in the game.
However, a handful of 3SC supporters were unhappy with the game's poor officiating, saying the country's football would not grow in such a situation.
Adeyemi Lukmon, a member of the club's Supporters Club, told newsmen he had expected the centre referee to sanction Plateau United players, who adopted delay tactics on the pitch.
"I think you also can see how the Plateau United players were just falling on the pitch throughout the match without contact and the centre referee could not sanction them.
"I wish the League Management Company (LMC) officials will also take a look at the game's video tape to see these anomalies.
"I am afraid that football will not grow in this country with such acts," he said.
Ven. Chima Okorie of the Basilica of Grace Anglican Church, Apo, FCT, has decried the attitude of civil servants falsifying their biological age and indulging in other sharp practices.
Okorie while delivering his sermon titled: "Prepare for Retirement" in Abuja on Sunday, said some civil servants were falsifying document to elongate their stay in service
He explained that God, who gave the job in the first place, knew in the scheme of things that retirement was inevitable, so the workers should honour that decision.
The cleric said, "if we have served faithful in our various work places, God would reward us and our colleagues would also testify to our good stewardship.
"The day you were employed, God knew the time you would retire, so no need to get involved in sharp practices.
"We must take stock of our life and reflect on the kind of labour we offered, remembering that whatsoever you sow you will reap.
"God is our ultimate rewarder, when we have that in mind, our mindset will change towards retirement. Even though after retirement they tell you someone has looted the pension, God will always make a way.
"However, it is our prayer that we would not work and others will eat the fruit of our labour.''
According to him, early preparation for retirement is mandatory for Christian workers in search of good rest after their labour for the country.
He urged Christians to emulate Apostle Paul, who said in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight of faith, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day …."
The cleric said that at the end of everyone's service, they would be accountable to God.
The cleric said one way to plan for retirement was to begin planning for it from the first day of your working career.
Okorie maintained that some workers loot funds from public coffers in order to fest their nest, saying that such acts of corruption will ultimately earn them the wrath of God.
He added that another way to plan for retirement was to condition one's mindset that their identity would change and one would have to make new friends.
''Part of planning for retirement is that your identity will change; friends and family may leave you. So you must condition yourself to change your identity and make new friends.''
Okorie also said that people should plan for what to do after retirement saying that the idle mind is the devils workshop.
He, however, advised the civil servants to engage in less stressful activities after their retirement.
He added that retirement should also be spent building stronger relationship with spouses and family.
Okorie also advised parents to invest meaningfully in the lives of their children so that in the event pensions and gratuities failed, one could fall back on their investments.
He further advised children to take care of their parents after retirement, as the parents laboured for them while in active service.
Hosts Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna on Sunday in Lokoja beat Nasarawa United FC of Lafia 2-0 in a 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 12 fixture.
The first goal was scored in the 27th minute of the match played at the Confluence Stadium.
Abdullahi Wakili converted a penalty kick after Peter Momoh was tripped in the penalty area by Jide Williams.
They almost doubled their lead three minutes later when Bolaji Adeyemo laid a good pass for Babawo, but the winger's effort was parried for a corner kick by goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso.
The visiting team's first chance of the game arrived with five minutes to the end of the first half, but Thomas Zenke's effort hit the side netting with goalkeeper Aliko beaten.
The second half began with a spirited performance by the hosts as they created numerous chances but could not convert them due to Nasarawa United's defending.
Tornadoes' coach Abubakar Bala made two quick changes, with Ebenezer Odeyemi and Abutu Gabriel replacing Chidiebere Ajoku and Peter Momoh, to add bite to their attack.
The changes paid off quickly as the hosts doubled their lead in the 60th minute through Odeyemi, after a perfect build-up initiated by Wakili.
Wakili connected well with Suleiman and Babawo for a through pass which was well utilised by Odeyemi with a simple tap-in.
Bala later told newsmen that the victory was a morale-booster for his team, adding that they hoped to get a better result in their next game against the El-Kanemi Warriors.
The coach of Nasarawa United, Kabir Dogo, expressed satisfaction with his side's performance in spite of the loss, saying they were unlucky not to have converted their goal scoring chances.
The victory made it 18 points for Tornadoes, moving to 6th on the log from 12 games, while Nasarawa remained 15th with 13 points
Tornadoes will next travel to Maiduguri where they will be taking on El-Kanemi Warriors while Nasarawa United will host FC IfeanyiUbah in Lafia.
Adele, who has become a global pop sensation with her songs of heartbreak, has confirmed years of speculation that she is married.
The English singer has been in a long-term relationship with Simon Konecki, a former financier who founded drop4drop, a charity that presses for global access to clean drinking water.
Adele poses in the press room with her trophies, including the top two Grammys of Album and Record of the Year for her blockbuster hit “Hello” and the album “25”, during the 59th Annual Grammy music Awards on February 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. / AFP PHOTO
The couple have a four-year-old son, Angelo, but Adele has been coy about whether they are married as she tries to maintain her privacy.
But she confirmed their status at a concert in Brisbane, Australia on Sunday as she introduced “Someone Like You,” her breakthrough 2011 hit written about the lingering pain of a breakup with a previous boyfriend.
“That feeling when you first fall for someone is the best feeling on earth,” she said, according to a fan’s video posted online.
“And I am addicted to that feeling. Obviously, I can’t go through with those feelings because I’m married now,” she added, to a smattering of cheers.
Attentive fans at last month’s Grammy Awards also heard Adele thanking “my husband and my son — you’re the only reason I do it.”
Her representative declined at the time to say whether she had been confirming her marriage to Konecki.
Adele, 28, has been one of the most successful artists of the 21st century with her ballads of nostalgia and heartache.
With the latest Grammys, she became the first artist to win all three most-coveted awards — for album, record and song — in two different years.
ENUGU- NATIONAL Association of Nigerian Students, NANS,Enugu state chapter, Sunday, threatened it would fight back if the killing of Nigerians in South Africa reoccurs, saying, “enough is enough."
The leadership of the association who addressed newsmen at the Enugu State College of Education Technical, ESCET, Enugu, frowned at the gruesome killing of fellow Africans by South Africa, saying that such dastardly act should cease forthwith.
The President of NANS Enugu State chapter, Comrade, Ilogebe Chidi told the newsmen that the briefing against the Xenophobia attack in South Africa was going simultaneously round the country.
Chidi called on the Federal Government, Civil Liberty Organisation and Minister of Foreign Affairs to do all they could do to make sure that the killing of Nigerians in South Africa stopped forthwith.
He warned the South Africa President, Jacob Zuma against the killing of Nigerians in South Africa, saying that if such inhuman act occurs again, they may not take it likely and urged them to stop biting the fingers that fed them, because Nigerian government fed them during the time of apartheid in South Africa.
“We are here to say no to the killing of Nigerians in South Africa. We are calling on the Nigerian Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and civil Liberty Organisation to make haste and stop the killing of our people.
“We believe that Nigeria played a vital role to save South Africa during the time of apartheid in their country. Why are they biting the finger that fed them”, Chidi queries.
The Zonal Public Relation Officer, Comrade Victor Ezenagu, who also spoke at the occasion said that they were not “paid to do this but to show how shameful it is us to see our brothers and sister being butchered in South Africa and our government is not doing anything to stop it.”
He informed the South Africa government that as Nigerians have businesses in their country so do South Africans too have businesses in Nigeria, pointing out that if such incident should re-occur, they would not take it likely with South Africa.
Ezenagu said that the students were reacting against the killing because any body killed at South Africa may have one or two people he is taking care of pointing out that “some of our people that are schooling at South Africa are being killed also.”
The Peoples Democratic Party PDP has said its was proud of Elder Statesman, Chief Obasanjo’s legacies and achievements in Nigeria.
The PDP, Sunday, in a congratulatory message on the ex-president’s 80th birthday signed by Prince Dayo Adeyeye for PDP National Caretaker Committee said that Obasanjo was quintessential octogenarian and that they were proud of his legacies and achievements .
The statement read in part
‘Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, on behalf of all the PDP Organs and family nationwide, felicitates with the former Head of State and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, as he joins the League of Octogenarians. We wish this Quintessential Elder Statesman joyful cheer on the Occasion of his 80th Birthday.
‘The 80th Birthday Anniversary of OBJ as he is popularly called is not only a celebration of his sojourn on earth but a combination of the series of his achievements and indelible legacies in various sectors of our political, economic and social lives in Nigeria and beyond as a Soldier, Head of State, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We Salute You Sir!
‘For us in the PDP, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo remains a leader and a President Nigerians will continue to remember for his unique style and quality of leadership, the fulcrum for his policy formulations and implementations; and the ingenuity at which he pioneered the affairs of the Country creditably on the Platform of the our great Party, the PDP from 1999 to 2007 and even after leaving office. We are proud of your heritage Your Excellency.
‘Once again, we congratulate His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Obasanjo on his 80th Birthday and for his services and dedication to his Country, Nigeria, the Continent Africa and globally. Your Excellency, we wish you good health, more happy and fruitful years ahead.’
Unseeded American Sam Querrey stunned second-seeded Rafael Nadal 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) on Saturday to win the ATP Mexico Open and end the Spaniard’s run of perfection in Acapulco.
Querrey, ranked 40th in the world, fired 19 aces, backed up by powerful, precise groundstrokes, en route to his first career victory over Nadal in five meetings.
The Spaniard, the 2005 and 2013 champion, had never even lost a set in Acapulco.
“I’m ecstatic,” Querrey said. “To do it against Rafa makes it even a little sweeter.”
Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal waves to people after losing his match against US tennis player Sam Querrey in thr ATP men’s singles final of the Mexican Tennis Open, in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico, on March 4, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
Querrey captured his ninth ATP title in an impressive week that saw him beat four top-10 players — Belgian David Goffin, Austrian Dominic Thiem, Australian Nick Kyrgios and sixth-ranked Nadal.
He’s projected to return to the top 30 in the world rankings on Monday.
“It’s definitely a tournament that I’m going to remember for the rest of my life,” Querrey said. “It’s just one of those weeks where I got in the zone and everything was working for me. I hope I can have more like this.
“After the match against Goffin, I knew I could go far here if I continued to play at that level,” he added.
“My forehand and backhand were great and my serve bailed me out of trouble when I needed it.”
Nadal, playing his first tournament since falling to Roger Federer in five sets in the Australian Open final, was denied his first hard court title since Doha in 2014.
Querrey surrendered just four points on his serve in the opening set and he broke Nadal at love to seize a 5-3 advantage.
He served it out comfortably, firing a forehand winner on his second set point after just half an hour.
Nadal made more inroads in the second set, but couldn’t convert any of his six break chances.
That included five in the eighth game — three of which Querrey neutralized with aces.
They went on serve to the tiebreaker, where Nadal faltered first.
A brace of baseline errors from Nadal gave Querrey a 6-3 lead and a chance to serve for the title, with Nadal sending a forehand long on the American’s first match point.
“He played very well, almost reaching perfection,” Nadal said. “I played under a lot of pressure because of his serve and baseline game. He left me with very few options, and the few I had he also played good.”
The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Hakeem, has called for an end to ethnicity in Islam and enjoined unity among Muslims in the country.
Hakeem gave the advice on Sunday at the turbanning of Alhaji Ghazali Adepoju as the Chief Imam of Iponri Housing Estate Central Mosque, Surulere, Lagos.
Adepoju succeeds the late Alhaji Bisiriyu Sanusi who died three years ago.
The turbanning ceremony was performed by Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garuba Ibrahim who urged the new Imam to be a symbol of unity among Muslims.
According to the commissioner, the fear of Allah is more important than one's tribe or ethnic affiliation.
"Some people are dividing Islam into different groups for their selfish interests and this is causing disunity in the religion.
"Allah says we should observe congregational prayers so that the rich will be able to help the poor that is the essence of worshipping together.
"This will also ensure good relationship with one another," the commissioner said.
Hakeem also urged believers to be functional Muslims by assisting the needy.
The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, said that misinterpretation of the religion had led to war in many Islamic countries.
"Countries are waging wars against one another because of lack of understanding of Islam.
"Islam is a religion of peace and we should all work towards achieving this virtue," he said.
Speaking after his turbanning, the new Imam promised to ensure unity and equity among Muslims in the community.
Highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of a nursery school within the mosque premises.
The ceremony was graced by political and religious leaders, including former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu and Sole Administrator of Surulere Local Government, Mr Sheriff Balogun.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected the Amnesty International report on the Nigerian military.
A statement issued by the spokesman of the ministry, Mr Clement Aduku in Abuja, said that the report was one-sided as it did not condemn the atrocities committed by terrorist groups in Nigeria
Amnesty International in its February report accused Nigerian security and military forces of "extreme" human rights violations and brutal response to security concerns.
It also accused Nigeria of unlawful killings, detention and inhuman treatment of pro-Biafra campaigners and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), including its leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
Aduku said that Nigeria was a law-abiding state governed by democratic norms enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
"The Federal Government does not, and will not condone, the brazen and needless display of lack of regard for constituted authority by any unlawful groups.
"Accordingly, no persons or group of persons will be allowed to destabilise the peace, stability and security, or jeopardise the unity and sovereign existence of Nigeria.
"No matter how highly placed and the level of external support such individuals or group of persons enjoy," he said.
He said where terrorists had unleashed their dastardly acts, legal means and measures were usually deployed by affected countries to counter violent extremism.
He said that Nigeria should not be unduly pressured or pilloried for taking similar measures in defence of its national security.
Aduku said that if the organisation did not deem it fit to report on the atrocities committed by violent groups, the government of Nigeria would ensure that the culprits were brought to book.
The ministry accused Amnesty International of not subjecting its report to wider consultations before releasing it.
"It is in this regard that the Ministry encourages it to endeavour to consult widely before releasing its future publications to ensure a more balanced, credible and unbiased reportage.
"The case of Mr El-Zakzaky is a high and sensitive national security issue. The activities of the IMN in general and El-Zakzaky Movement in particular, are reminiscent of Boko Haram.
"This had become a menace and a source of concern not only to Nigeria, but to the Lake Chad Basin region and the entire world," the spokesman said.
According to him, the conduct of the El-Zakzaky movement was one that cannot be tolerated by any progressive democratic government.
He said that it did not give due credence to the appeal filed against the decision of the lower court for El-Zakzaky to be released.
Aduku said that the agitation for a sovereign State of Biafra was unacceptable and detrimental to the peace, unity, stability and development of the Nigerian State.
He said Nigeria as a country remained committed to the freedom of expression and association, peaceful assembly and protest within the confines of the law.
Tottenham Hotspur closed to within seven points of leaders Chelsea and Manchester City stayed in touch after defeating basement club Sunderland but Arsenal lost ground in the race for a top-four finish with a defeat by Champions League place rivals Liverpool.
Here are five things we learned in the Premier League this weekend:
Wenger’s football faith tested
Arsene Wenger compared being a manager to being a priest and on Saturday many Gunners fans felt he had committed the sin of omission. The decision to leave his two leading scorers, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott, on the bench against Liverpool backfired spectacularly in the first-half as a limp display saw the visitors 2-0 down at the break. Sanchez’s introduction at half-time sparked a revival but that was not enough to salvage even a point in an eventual 3-1 loss and merely led to further questions as to why he had not been in the team from the kick-off at Anfield. Wenger rebutted any criticism but to some observers it was merely further evidence the 67-year-old French manager has lost his way and is unlikely to help persuade Sanchez, one of the few world-class players at Arsenal, to sign a new contract.
Kane no flash in pan
As Tottenham's fans celebrated Harry Kane's second goal in their team's 3-2 win over Everton on Sunday, it was easy to hear the defiant edge to their songs. Their chorus of "he's just a one-season wonder" was a sarcastic reminder to all those who wrote off Kane before he embarked on a prolific run of three successive seasons with at least 20 goals. With 24 goals in 28 games this season, Kane is well established as one of Europe's most deadly strikers.
Shakespeare’s tale of intrigue
Just 10 days after Claudio Ranieri's shock sacking, Leicester have been transformed from an abject rabble in severe danger of relegation into a cohesive, focused group that closely resembles the side who won the Premier League last season. A come from behind 3-1 win against Hull on Saturday lifted the Foxes clear of the relegation zone and increased caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare's chances of landing the job on a permanent basis. Despite their very public denials, it is surely no coincidence Leicester have won their first two matches since former manager Ranieri departed amid strong reports of player unrest over the Italian's tactical tinkering and confusing team selections. Shakespeare, who served as Ranieri's assistant, has gone back to basics with a 4-4-2 formation and direct approach that served Leicester so well last season. Crucially, Shakespeare's presence in the dug out — or Ranieri's absence from it — has revitalised Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez.
England sees other side of Zlatan
He has charmed English football since his move from Paris Saint-Germain, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic now finds himself in the dock following a volatile display in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. The 35-year-old Swedish striker appeared to deliberately elbow Tyrone Mings late in the first half and although he was acting in retaliation after the Bournemouth defender seemed to stamp on his head, a violent conduct charge from the Football Association seems inevitable. Ibrahimovic also saw a second-half penalty saved by Artur Boruc, preventing him from registering a 27th goal of the season. United’s next-highest scorer is Juan Mata, with nine. With a three-match suspension likely to be heading Ibrahimovic’s way, Jose Mourinho’s other forwards will need to step up to the plate in the weeks ahead if their top-four challenge is to remain alive.
Sane shows need for speed
Amid all the tactical sophistication of the modern game with its various formations and talk of ‘gegenpressing’, it is sometimes re-assuring to be reminded that certain things are a constant. One of these is that a player running with the ball at pace — still one of the best sights on a football field — remains a defender’s worst nightmare as was shown when the extremely rapid Leroy Sane beat the otherwise assured Billy Jones on his way to scoring Manchester City’s second goal in a 2-0 win away to bottom-of-the-table Sunderland.
Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described his emergence as governor of the state as "a miracle".
The governor said this at a thanksgiving service held in his honour at the All Saint's Church, Jericho, Ibadan, on Sunday.
Akeredolu, the APC candidate, defeated Mr Eyitayo Jegede of the opposition PDP and Dr Olusola Oke of the AD to emerge winner in the November 2016 governorship election in the state.
He said his victory was a manifestation of the peoples trust and love for God.
"I can tell you that our success and victory in the election was a miracle. I contested once and I told the Lord that if I win, I will build a place of worship for you.
"I was not too sure that the victory will come but I said to the Lord that whether win, lose or draw I will build a place of worship for you.
"It is because I have that strong faith in God and we did it. And now that same Lord gave us the victory. So, my people you don't have to wait until he answers your prayers before you do things for God.
"Do it may be that is where success will come. May be God remembered what we did and that was why he gave us victory, " he said.
Akeredolu promised to lead a purposeful government in the state, adding that he was indebted to the church because he had found all that he wanted in the church.
According to him, "It was in this church that I became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and now a governor."
Earlier, Ven. Godwin Daramola in his sermon, urged the governor to make thanksgiving his lifestyle in order to experience the blessings of God on a daily basis.
"When you acknowledge the blessings of God, he will be committed to preserving all that he has done for you," he said.
He charged Akeredolu to emulate the exemplary life of Jesus Christ, to strive for integrity and to be wary of sycophants.
Mrs Mojisola Ojo, Chairperson, Oyo State Branch of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, described Akeredolu as a staunch and committed member of the society.
*Accuses OFIs of disregarding bank examiners' report
By Babajide Komolafe
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday ordered banks to process foreign exchange demand for Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and Business Travel Allowance (BTA) in all their branches within 24 hours.
The CBN gave this order in a circular to all banks signed by the Director, Financial Markets Developments, Mr. Alvan Ikoku.
Titled, "Update to Foreign Exchange Directives", the circular stated: "In view of the CBN's willingness, capability, and determination to meet FX demand in the market, and in order to further increase foreign exchange availability to all end-users and ensure that a fair and verifiable exchange rate operates in the market, all banks are hereby directed as follows:
"Open a teller point for all retail FX transactions, including buying and selling, in all locations in order to ensure access to foreign exchange by their customers and other users, without any hindrance;
"All banks must have an electronic display board in all their branches, showing rates of all trading currencies, and customers must insist on processing FX transactions based on the displayed rates;
CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele
"Banks are mandated to process and meet the demand for travel allowances (PTA/BTA) by end-users within 24 hours of such application, as long as the end-users meet basic requirements already outlined in earlier directives; and banks are mandated to process and meet demands for school fees and medical bills within 48 hours of such application.
"Please note that this directive is effective immediately and non-compliance would attract sanctions including but not limited to being barred from all future CBN exchange intervention".
In another development, the CBN has accused Other Financial Institutions (OFIS), namely microfinance banks, mortgage banks and envelopment financial institutions, of disregarding recommendations of examination reports.
This accusation was contained in letter to all other financial institutions by the Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, CBN, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins.
Titled: "Immediate adoption of examiners' recommended provision and audit adjustments by the OFIs," stated: "Upon the receipt of the Routine Examination Report from the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) by the OFl, it is required that the board of each OFI deliberates upon the Report and give an undertaking that the recommendations therein will be implemented. A similar treatment is expected for audit adjustments emanating from annual audit exercise following consideration and approval of the Audited Accounts by the Board.
"We have, however, observed that most of the OFls neither adopt the Examiners’ recommended provision for loan losses and other known losses nor pass the audit adjustments in their books, thus causing a discrepancy between the provisions in the Examination Report, the Monthly/Quarterly Returns rendered to the CBN and the Audited Accounts.
"The major effect of this practice is that data is distorted as the shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses in the Returns are consequently higher than the computed figure in the Examination Report and the approved Audited Accounts giving a misleading impression of the true state of affairs of the OFI.
"Furthermore, reliance on this inaccurate data inhibits the ability of the Central Bank in effective policy formulation and decision making for the OFI sector. To address this unwholesome practice, all OFIs are directed to: Immediately pass all necessary entries i.e. audit adjustments and/or Examiners' recommended provision in the latest Examination Report. These entries should be passed into their ledgers and should also be reflected in the next monthly returns to be sent to the CBN;
"Ensure that subsequent audit adjustments (if any) and Examiners' recommended provisions in future Examination Reports are adopted immediately the Reports are received and deliberated upon by the board of the OFI and reflected in the next Returns after the receipt of the Report. Note that failure to comply with the above directives will attract appropriate sanction as applicable to the type of the OFI. Please be guided accordingly."
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked Congress to investigate his allegations that former president Barack Obama ordered the tapping of his phones during the election campaign, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer announced in a statement on Sunday.
The White House request came a day after Trump accused his predecessor of ordering a wiretap of the phones at Trump Tower – his New York residence and campaign headquarters – during the presidential campaigns for the Nov. 8 polls.
"Reports concerning potentially politically motivated investigations immediately ahead of the 2016 election are very troubling.
"President Donald J. Trump is requesting that as part of their investigation into Russian activity, the congressional intelligence committees exercise their oversight authority to determine whether executive branch investigative powers were abused in 2016."
US President Donald Trump and ex-President Obama
On Saturday, Trump tweeted: "Terrible! Just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory.
"Nothing found. This is McCarthyism!"
The President added: "Is it legal for a sitting president to be 'wire tapping' a race for president prior to an election? Turned down by court earlier. A NEW LOW!"
"I'd bet a good lawyer could make a great case out of the fact that President Obama was tapping my phones in October, just prior to election!"
Trump also accused Democrats on Sunday: "Is it true the DNC would not allow the FBI access to check server or other equipment after learning it was hacked? Can that be possible?
"Who was it that secretly said to Russian President, 'Tell Vladimir that after the election I'll have more flexibility?' @foxandfriends"
However, Obama, in a statement on Saturday through his spokesman Kevin Lewis, denied the allegations.
"A cardinal rule of the Obama administration was that no White House official ever interfered with any independent investigation led by the Department of Justice.
"As part of that practice, neither President Obama nor any White House official ever ordered surveillance on any US citizen.
"Any suggestion otherwise is simply false," Lewis said.
Ben Rhodes, Obama's former deputy national security adviser, also denied Trump's claims.
"No President can order a wiretap. Those restrictions were put in place to protect citizens from people like you," Rhodes wrote on Twitter in a response to Trump.
A Hausa film entitled 'Gudun Tsira' with the aim of sensitising the general public on the dangers associated with the violation of traffic rules and regulations will soon hit the market.
A Kano-based popular Hausa Film Producer, Alhaji Nuhu Abdullahi, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano on Sunday.
"Preparations are in top gear to produce a Hausa movie entitled – Gudun Tsira, which is expected to cost N10 million.
"The aim of the movie is to enlighten the general public on the dangers of violating traffic rules and regulations,"Abdullahi said.
He said the decision to produce `Gudun Tsira' was borne out of his concern about the flagrant manner road users were violating traffic rules.
He said the movie would hit the market through modern channels of communication including the internet, Yu Tube and the websites for customers to access it easily.
"I feel it is necessary to produce the film in view of its significance to the society especially motorists and commuters plying the roads with many of them beating traffic.
"The movie will keep them abreast of the dangers of the ugly trend and the need for them to always be cautious for the safety of their lives and property on the highways,"the producer said.
The Senate said it had concluded arrangements to probe the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Independent Marketers over alleged irregularities in the subsidy fund.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Sen. Kabiru Marafa, said this on Sunday while briefing newsmen in Abuja.
According to Marafa, the NNPC has failed to justify to satisfaction the near N5.2 trillion spent on subsidy importation of petroleum products from 2006 to 2016.
"This sum is in addition to the 445,000 barrels of crude oil for domestic consumption. This is more than the annual budget of Nigeria," he said.
"We note allegations already brought to our attention concerning the importation of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) under various import contracts wherein hundreds of millions of litres of AGO have been imported and allocated to choice marketers at discounted values," he said.
The Chairman added that the committee had also established the disappearance of 100 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMC) worth N14 billion kept in the custody of two companies.
He said the committee would invite NNPC past and present executives, Heads of Operations and Planning and Desk Management Officers responsible for purchasing of products sold to Nigeria.
"It is pertinent to stress that where invitees failed to cooperate with us, then adequate sanctions shall be carried out ranging from publishing of names of industry news providers.
"Where relevant reward and incentives will be available to support the courage of members of the public who come forward," he said.
Marafa said that the committee would also implement its own Whistle Blower platform to enable it get information on corrupt practices.
He said that the committee would conduct a three-day public hearing on the matter.
Also speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on Upstream, Sen. Tayo Alasoadura, said it was very important that the License Inspection Agency also appeared before the committee.
"This is because they were hired by the Federal Government to ensure that Nigeria was not cheated in any way on items imported into the country.
"If we had introduced little efficiency, we will not be having these irregularities," he said.
He said that everybody involved should be ready to give account of what had been put in his care.
"People who have been taking this country for granted will be brought to book," he said.
Similarly, Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas Resources, Sen. Albert Bassey, said that the investigation would be very exhaustive.
"We understand the failure of past investigations. We assure Nigerians that we are working to protect the collective interest of all Nigerians.
"We are not out to witch-hunt anybody but to hold people accountable," he said.
The Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has advised patients in Kano Hospitals to eat nutritious food and take their medication regularly to care for their health situation.
A statement issued by the Head of Information to the wife of the President, Mr Suleiman Haruna, on Sunday in Abuja,quoted Mrs Buhari as giving the advice during the distribution of nutritious food items to three different Hospitals in Kano.
It said that Mrs Buhari, who was represented by the wife of the Kano State Governor, Mrs Hafsat Ganduje, stressed the importance of health of every Nigerian, especially women and children.
Haruna said the Hospitals visited include, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Sir Sanusi Hospital and Waziri Gidado General Hospital, Kano.
Mrs Buhari called for strong partnership between Government and the private sector in order to address some of the health challenges confronting the citizens.
She appealed to well-meaning citizens to continue to show compassion to the poor and vulnerable in the society.
Mrs Buhari made similar distribution to some Hospitals across the country including donations to victims of insurgency in the North-East as well as the less privileged .
Lagos- President Muhammadu Buhari has said he was returning soon to continue the project of fixing Nigeria after a time of rest in London.
President Buhari spoke in a telephone conversation with Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State at the weekend during which the two men paid compliments to one another on what they had done in office.
Governor Bello would be the second governor President Buhari would be speaking with after his discussion with Governor Ganduje of Kano State.
The President had also been reported to have spoken with the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, who recently lost his wife and with foreign leaders, including President Donald Trump of the United States, Moroccan leader, King Mohammed VI and African Union chairperson, President Alpha Conde of Guinea.
The phone conversation which happened in Lagos on the governor's trip back from President Olusegun Obasanjo's 80th birthday celebrations which lasted for minutes, was in the presence of the speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, a few other members of the House, commissioners and other top government functionaries.
The President, who thanked the governor for his support and his leadership qualities, told him that he was observing rest and would return very soon to continue his assignment of providing purposeful leadership for the nation.
President: “Governor Yahaya Bello, I am impressed by your leadership qualities, what you are doing in Kogi State and all your prayers and support for me and Nigeria. I am resting here and will soon return home to continue our project of fixing Nigeria,” the governor was quoted as saying in a press statement made available to Vanguard by the Director-General of the governor's Media Team.
Responding, Governor Bello was quoted as saying: “Nigeria has won respect globally because of your integrity and the anti-graft war that has been hugely successful.
”We are praying for you. Kogites and Nigerians are solidly behind your administration as we continue to wish you sound health and the grace of Allah.”
A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Joy Ogwu, says the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) has effectively corrected the misrepresentation on the history of Africa.
Ogwu, who was also Nigeria's former Permanent Representative at the United Nations, on Sunday said OOPL had broken the silence and corrected the distortions imposed on the truth about Nigeria and Africa.
She spoke in Abeokuta while delivering a lecture organised as part of activities to mark the 80th birthday of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Her lecture was entitled: "Women, Children and Youth Aspects of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.'' Ogwu, who expressed joy that that the library was now "projecting Nigeria and Africa on their own terms,'' called for the replication of such projects in other African countries.
Obasanjo
The former envoy noted that with the establishment of the library, Obasanjo, the promoter of the project, had given the concept of legacy a different meaning.
"As Nigeria and Africa fight against slavery to corruption, fear and diseases among others, he decided to introduce freedom against ignorance. "This is what the project seems to conquer," she said. Ogwu also described the library as a message not only to young Nigerians, but also to youths all over the world.
"Obasanjo has been able to pass the torch to the succeeding generation by exemplifying a high sense of duty, courage and selfless service to the advancement of humanity.
"There are three elements that conspire in the making of every great message; namely the pulpit, audience and theme. "I can see that the three elements are present in abundance in the project OOPL," she said. Ogwu noted that Obasanjo's destiny was intricately connected to that of Nigeria.
"One critical dimension to this project and which I have learnt from is that when divine providence ordains a role to someone, nothing can stop it, not even criticism or imprisonment. " I think our women should strive to replicate Obasanjo in their sons and daughters," she said.
Sergio Aguero’s 23rd goal of the season helped Manchester City reclaim third place in the Premier League thanks to a comfortable 2-0 win at struggling Sunderland on Sunday.
Aguero
A fifth goal in three games from the in-form Argentina international, whose future at the club has been clouded by the recent impact of the now injured Gabriel Jesus, paved the way for City’s seventh victory in eight unbeaten games.
The win left Pep Guardiola’s side a point behind second-placed Tottenham Hotspur and eight adrift of leaders Chelsea.
Not for the first time, Aguero’s finishing instincts in front of goal embellished what was never more than a workmanlike display against Sunderland.
City’s top scorer was denied a late second goal by keeper Jordan Pickford after Leroy Sane put the result beyond doubt by doubling his side’s advantage just before the hour when the German midfielder rounded-off a counter-attack to score for the third consecutive game.
Sunderland’s problems continued as they stretched their unwanted league run to just one victory in 10, a sequence which has seen them take just five points from the last possible 30 to leave them six points adrift of safety going into the final 10 games of the season.
Aguero struck at the end of a first half where the hosts carved out the better openings, but were made to pay for failing to take their chances.
Three minutes of the opening period remained when Yaya Toure broke from the Sunderland half to feed David Silva, whose ball found Raheem Sterling wide on the right. The winger’s deflected low cross should have been cleared, but Aguero beat his marker, Lamine Kone, to the ball to send a deft first-time touch into the net at Pickford’s near post.
– Unlucky Defoe –
Silva thought he had doubled the lead in added time, but the Spaniard’s close-range effort was correctly ruled offside. David Moyes’s side had done enough to go in at least level and were unfortunate when Jermain Defoe struck the post from distance mid-way through the half.
The former England forward’s shot on the turn from 20 yards beat keeper Willy Caballero, only to bounce back off the woodwork with Fabio Borini unable to keep his effort on target from the rebound.
Sunderland’s main threat was at set-pieces, with defender Billy Jones twice going close with headers near half-time.
Jones forced a low save from Caballero when he met Adnan Januzaj’s corner and then, from a Seb Larsson delivery, the full-back showed why he has not scored for almost 17 months as he headed inches wide when allowed to jump unopposed six yards out.
Aguero’s deadlock-breaking effort — his fifth goal in as many games against the Wearsiders — ensured Sunderland were made to rue such profligacy in front of goal as the South American continues to fill the goal-scoring void left by the injury to Jesus.
Silva almost put the visitors ahead shortly before Aguero’s latest clinical finish, when the Spaniard, in front of an unguarded goal, narrowly failed to reach Sane’s low cross at the culmination of another Toure-inspired move.
Sane, however, went from provider to goalscorer 14 minutes into the second half to kill the game as a contest.
Sterling’s pass released Silva from the half-way line to exploit the time and space afforded him by the Sunderland defence. He played a perfectly-weighted through ball for Sane to outpace the labouring Jones before beating Pickford with a low angled drive from 12 yards which found the net via the keeper’s left-hand post.
Defoe had a late effort ruled out for offside, and Caballero saved from Seb Larsson and Kone in the space of 60 seconds to help seal a third league clean sheet in four appearances since the Spaniard replaced Claudio Bravo in goal.
It cemented a fifth straight league victory for City, their best run since they opened the campaign with six consecutive wins.
