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
Antoine Griezmann has been given a warning by a former France international over joining Manchester United in the summer.
Antoine Griezmann
The Atletico Madrid forward is tipped to make a big money move to Old Trafford at the end of the season but not everybody thinks it is a wise move.
Former France forward Youri Djorkaeff has urged the 26-year-old to think carefully about his future and to consider staying at the Vicente Calderon as Atletico continue to fight in the Champions League and challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga.
Speaking to Omnisport, Djorkaeff said: "You know, this decision belongs to the player but it's all about what you are offered.
"People think that Atletico is inferior to all the other [big clubs]. However Atletico Madrid played two of the three last Champions League finals, they won the Spanish league and Copa del Rey.
"They have won a lot of trophies, they have played a lot of finals as well. They just miss out maybe on the Champions League. However, there are only a few clubs in the last few years who have reached the final."
The Nigerian Mission in South Africa on Friday said it had waded into issues surrounding Thursday's renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians.
In the attack in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, one Nigerian, Razak Ajao, an auto mechanic, died and five others were injured.
Amb. Martin Cobham, Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner in South Africa, told newsmen on telephone from Pretoria that the situation had been brought under control.
Cobham said that the Nigerian mission had formally registered a protest to the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the incident.
He said he had had a meeting with the Nigerian community to determine that only one Nigeria was killed on the account of the melee between local taxi drivers and Nigerians in that province.
Xenophobia
He said that the victims would be buried immediately as a Moslem after a post mortem must have been conducted.
"I want to believe that he would be buried immediately as a Moslem.
"Two other Nigerians who were injured have been treated and discharged from the hospital while three are still receiving treatment there.''
The envoy said that he had dispatched a senior officer to represent the mission at the funeral of the deceased, and expressed condolences with the family.
He said that he would engage the police in the province on the outcome of the Thursday meeting with a view to stop further attack on Nigerians.
"The mission is on top of the situation and we assure our people that with the early warning unit in place, a lot will be achieved in this regard,'' Cobham said.
Jurgen Klopp has urged his Liverpool players to be more like Chelsea as they bid to secure Champions League football next season.
Liverpool’s Senegalese midfielder Sadio Mane celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on December 19, 2016. / AFP PHOTO
Liverpool have sometimes struggled to get results over the line this season but Klopp blamed a lack of experience and said they would do well to follow the example of Chelsea, who have dropped just eight points from winning positions this term compared to the Reds, who have dropped 15.
"Probably [if it was] Chelsea, for example, the opponent would not have the ball three times in the last 20 minutes I think," Klopp said.
"Yes, we don't have this experience. Probably you need things like last night to get more experience than this, even though [the result] was not that good.
"On the other hand, we've probably still scored the most goals in the Premier League so far [66 – five more than Arsenal], so it's part of the game that we try to create moments all the time. We have to get more experience in this, for sure."
The President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Thursday called for increased global attention for HIV/AIDS funding in Nigeria.
In a statement by Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Saraki said that the fate of over 3.4 million Nigerians living with the infection would be uncertain with poor funding.
"Information at our disposal reveals that significant global support for HIV/AIDs in Nigeria has been withdrawn.
"In order not to jeopardise the treatment of millions of Nigerians that are living with HIV and AIDS, government at all levels must continue to work with our international partners to identify alternative sources of funding.
"The fire brigade approach will not work on this issue. Foresight, preparation and strategies must be put in place to tackle the potential threat to life.
Saraki
"Additionally, we must assemble a team of prominent medical professionals and eminent Nigerians at home and abroad to create a campaign.
"This is to persuade the donor community to reconsider their decision,'' he said.
The senate president also stated that the Upper Chamber would work to ensure that there were no gaps in the HIV/AIDS funding regime.
He expressed optimism that government's external funding request would be granted.
He said that the 2017 Budget contained provisions to fund initiatives aimed at rolling back the spread of polio and cholera, which had experienced gradual resurgence in the northern part of the country.
"With the various challenges facing Nigerian's health sector, now is not the time to retreat on HIV/AIDS.
"The loss of funding will create immediate stress on an already overburdened system,'' Saraki said, adding that Nigeria would overcome the challenge.
Twenty people reportedly died and about a dozen were missing on Friday after a boat carrying no fewer than 60 wedding guests sank in south-western Myanmar, local officials said.
This was said to be the third big marine accident in the country in many years.
The wooden boat was unlit and hit a cargo ship on the river in the city of Pathein at about 7.20 p.m. (1250 GMT), they said.
Twenty bodies had been found and 27 people had been rescued, Kyaw Myint, a local government official, told Reuters from a hospital in Pathein.
Rescuers were still looking for survivors, witnesses said.
"The authorities at the port are looking into the cause of the crash; the regional government will help arrange funerals,'' Kyaw Myint told Reuters by telephone.
"It's a huge tragedy because there were a lot of women and children on the boat,'' Khin Lin, a parliamentarian for the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party, told Reuters by telephone from the scene.
Marine accidents are common in Myanmar, where many people rely on crowded and dilapidated boats for transport.
Seventy-three people died in a ferry accident in October, last year, and 64 in an accident in March, 2015.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday urged the Federal Government to ensure commitment to the implementation of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
The plan was launched on Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
In a statement by the National Caretaker Committee Spokesman, Mr Dayo Adeyeye, the party welcomed the economic growth plan but said that it required great commitment to see it through.
President Buhari as he participates at the Formal Launch of the Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) in State House on 5th April 2017
It, however, expressed worry over comments purportedly made by the president during the launch to the extent that the government was approaching solution to the economic challenges as it did with terrorism.
It also wondered how the lofty plan could be actualised given "the low state of Nigerian economy'' where government was borrowing domestically and internationally to fund its operations.
"The 2017 Budget is still a mirage.
"To buttress this, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has declared that Nigeria is spending 66 per cent of its interest revenue on debt.
"In other words, the Federal Government has only 34 per cent of its revenue to tackle capital and recurrent expenditures and development.''
Abdulmumini Jibrin, the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal constituency in Kano state, has apologised to President Muhammadu Buhari over the recent comments he made on him.
Jibrin made the remarks while addressing his supporters at his residence shortly after conducting special prayer for the president in Kofa Juma'at Mosque, Bebeji local government area of the state on Friday.
"I apologise to President, APC, Gov.Abdullahi Ganduje and all APC supporters over what I said even though it was misinterpreted and misconstrued.
Abdumumin Jibrin
"To my party supporters, leaders, friends and all those who felt offended over my comments, I sincerely apologise.
"While I offered the advice and proffered solutions in good faith, some political detractors availed themselves of the opportunity to deliberately misconstrue and misjudge my remarks in order to put me on coalition course with my party and President," he said.
Jibrin, who is currently on a suspension imposed on him by the House of Representatives over the 2016 budget padding scandal, said he would remain an ardent supporter of President Buhari and his anti-corruption crusade.
He said for long he had launched Muhammadu Buhari Special Empowerment programmes as part of his support for President Buhari.
"I was in the United Kingdom when the thing happened. What I did was to rush down home in the next available flight. I want to show them that I am still with my people and they support me at all times,"he said.
The chairman of APC Kofa ward, Alhaji Bala Shuaibu, described those who earlier participated in protest against the legislator at the state party Secretariat in Kano as "mere rented crowd and opportunists".
He assured Jibrin of the total support of the constituents adding what he said in his tweeter handle was not reported in details, which gave room for unnecessary misinterpretation.
Jibrin had on March 30, in a series of tweets, asked the president to resign an action which drew the ire of some members of his constituency who promised to initiate a recall process against him.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the suspension of registration for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for 52 hours beginning from Friday April 7th to Monday April 10th.
The Registrar/Chief Executive of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who made the announcement at a press briefing in Abuja said the decision was aimed at preventing any disruption during the conduct of the UTME mock examinations scheduled for Saturday.
"Saturday April 8 , 2017 has been set aside for the Mock UTME. To seamlessly achieve this, the Board has suspended all activities relating to the registration exercise in any CBT centre from 8pm today, being Friday April 7 2017 and to resume on Monday April 10 2017."
"There will be no sale of forms, registration and biometric capturing at the various centres in which the Mock Examinations are taking place. This however does not preclude any candidate from going to Banks, NIPOST, interswitch or Remita to procure pins for registration on Monday. This is to prevent any disruption of the process and conduct of the Mock Examination."
JAMB candidates
The examination body, which put the suspension hour between 8:00pm on April 7 (Friday) and 12:00am on April 10 (Monday), said one million candidates have registered for the exam so far.
Professor Oloyede however said that interested candidates could also go to banks, NIPOST, Interswitch or Remita to procure PINs for registration on Monday.
According to him, there will be no sale of forms, registration and biometric capturing at the various centres in which the mock examinations would take place.
He said the mock examinations for interested candidates taking place on Saturday was intended to familiarise the candidates with the Computer-Based Test systems and generally forecast the challenges that may surface in order to proactively address them.
Oloyede reassured the candidates that there was no need for worry or anxiety; adding that in the next one week, eligible and interested applicants will be successfully registered, as, already, 1,000,000 applicants have successful registered.
"The Mock Examinations are intended to familiarize our candidates with the CBT systems and generally forecast the challenges that may be faced ahead in order to proactively address them. It is just a rehearsal for us and candidates who want to experience the situation to expect during the actual examinations.
"Therefore, the sale of forms, registration and biometrics at CBT centres are to be suspended from 8:00 p.m. today till Monday, April 10, 2017. This notice is for the strict adherence of our officers and partners throughout the federation.
While regretting all inconveniences that may arise as a result of the temporary closure of registration activities, the JAMB CEO assured everyone of the possibility of an extension of registration date so that all applicants would be carried along.
"While wishing the candidates and officials participating in the examination a successful mock exercise, we once again re-assure the candidates that there is no need for worry or anxiety. In the next one week, we believe it will be sufficient to capture the remaining candidates as about 1,000,000 applicants have successful registered," said Professor Oloyede.
He also said that, "No one will be left behind as the deadline may be extended if there are applicants who do not succeed at registering due to circumstances beyond their control."
Apostle Johnson Suleman, President/ Founder of Omega Fire Ministry (OFM), has filed a one billion naira lawsuit for libel against, 23-year old Canada-based Nigerian stripper, Ms. Stephanie Otobo and an online medium(Not Vanguard) for defaming his character.
This is coming weeks after the police arrested Ms. Otobo on allegations of blackmail, threat to life, conspiracy, and intent to steal from the Apostle.
Instituting a lawsuit against Otobo and the online medium, Apostle Suleman's lawyer, Osa Director said the cleric is suing both defendants for the libelous statements made and published against him.
The case with suit no: ID/ADR/374/2017 was filed at the Ikeja High Court in Lagos.
Stephanie Otobo and Apostle Joshua Suleiman
Apart from the 1bn damages against each parties, Apostle Suleman is also seeking "an interlocutory injunction restraining the Defendants, their agents, servants, privies, representatives or any person, whosoever, acting or carrying out their individual and/or collective instructions from further publishing or causing to be published any defamatory publication touching on or relating to the person of the Claimant and the subject matter until after the determination of the substantive suit".
According to his counsel, "Suleman decided to institute the action and put blackmailers out of business. Many Nigerians under similar circumstance will just allow the matter to slide into the inner recess of our memory, either due to ignorance, lack of resources or impatience with the judicial process".
"But, Apostle Suleman is a dogged fighter and principled man of God who does not take kindly to anything that will tarnish his image. Therefore, he is ready to pursue the matter until justice is done".
"To signpost his determination to get justice, apart from Director, he has lined up four other lawyers, led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Efe Akpofure, to prosecute the matter. The other lawyers in the team are Emmanuel Usoh, Victor Idiapho and Erhabor"
Recall that Otobo is also facing a criminal trial by the IGP for blackmail, threat to life and conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences.
Last month, Ms. Otobo, during a press conference, had accused Apostle Suleiman of adultery and ditching her after promising to marry her. She had also accused the cleric of threat to life and attempted murder.
She and her lawyers, Keyamo & Co. Chambers, had therefore, promised to sue Suleiman for 'breach of promise of marriage'.
However, investigations have revealed that till date, the Festus Keyamo & Co. Chambers handling Otobo's case are yet to file a law suit against Suleiman for breach of promise to marry.
A lagging sex drive and poor erection could be the result of what you've been eating. Of course, it's not always about food.
Poor erection can be attributed to a number of factors, including sociological, psychological, and hormonal influences. Often, antidepressant medications are the culprit. Other times, stress or drug and alcohol abuse can play a role.
Smoking, along with all of its other terrible health effects, can diminish sexual desire and satisfaction, especially in men.
"Smoking has a direct, negative effect on the sexuality of a man on every level," says Panayiotis M. Zavos, PhD, Altering bad habits, like smoking and excessive drinking, in order to encourage better overall health, will no doubt be beneficial to your sexual health as well.
Now lets talk about the kinds of food that may be affecting your performance on bed.
Generally any food type that makes us gain weight can affect one's libido as well but below are some foods that could be ruining your pleasures.
Fried Foods
Fried foods definitely don't do your sex life any favors. Trans fats found in fried foods dramatically decrease the male and female libido, according to Medical Daily.
Consuming trans fatty acids can also cause abnormal sperm production in men and interferes with female gestation. You and your significant other would be wise to skip the french fries at dinner, since they could be at fault for more than one sexual problem.
Processed Carbohydrate
Any refined carbohydrates, like those found in bleached white flour and white rice, are bad news for your sex drive. This includes many pastas, cereals [rice and wheat], breads, and snack foods like crackers, cookies, and chips.
Men's Fitness explained that large amounts of refined carbs will cause your testosterone levels to decrease. The sugars from these carbohydrates can make men gain weight and raise estrogen levels as testosterone is depleted. Reach for good carbs like vegetables and whole grains instead.
You must have heard the popular saying that "Sugar is your enemy?"
Or you must have ever had that embarrassing experience where your dick just refuses to charge when you need it most, this is what we call "Sugar Crash"
Sugar from soda drinks, sweet, ice-cream, so called energy drinks etc can crash your libido and erection in a twinkle of an eye causing you embarrassing moments with your partner.
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Senator representing Lagos east senatorial district and Chairman Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa has said that the bill seeking to pass into law, the Nigerian postal commission will open up an economic prosperity for Nigerians.
The Senator, who said the bill, if passed, will encourage healthy competition also said that it would aid the economic growth and create more jobs for the teaming jobless Nigerians.
In line with the earlier alarm over the alleged decay of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and the demand made for accountability, pro-democracy and advocacy group, Concerned Nigerians, has urged the current FCT minister, Alhaji Mohammed M. Bello to give a detailed account of the various infrastructural development he claimed to have carried out for the past one year in the FCT.
Convener, Deji Adeyanju and other protesters
In a statement signed by both its Convener, Prince Deji Adeyanju and the Secretary, Mr. John Danfulani, the group who, during a peaceful protest in Abuja on the 7th of April, 2017, made a seven-point demand which included the immediate release of a detailed breakdown of money spent on security and rapid response security, improvement of the refuse disposal system in Abuja and the detailed breakdown of contracts awarded for the supply, installation and maintenance of streetlights in the Abuja metropolis over the last 20 months among others.
The protesters
"#OccupyFCT: OUR DEMANDS"
"1. The immediate release of a detailed breakdown of contracts awarded for the supply, installation and maintenance of streetlights in the Abuja metropolis over the last 20 months and payments made in furtherance of such contracts."
"2. The immediate release of a detailed breakdown of contracts awarded for the provision of refuse disposal services within Abuja for the year 2016, and any payments made in furtherance of those contracts for that year."
Convener, Deji Adeyanju and other protesters
"3. The immediate release of a detailed breakdown of money spent on security and rapid response security services for the year 2016 and any payments made in furtherance of such contracts."
"4. An immediate increase in the number of patrol vehicles and frequency of patrols in and around the Abuja metropolis."
"5. The immediate removal of all beggars and street hawkers from the streets within the and outside the Abuja metropolis. This must include the removal of commercial motorcycles aka okada from all places in the city where they are currently being used."
"6. The immediate execution of turn-around maintenance works on streetlights and traffic lights within the Abuja metropolis."
"7. The immediate improvement of the refuse disposal system in Abuja."
"We demand that these conditions be met within the next 7 days failing which we will be compelled to hold protests at night to highlight the decaying state of infrastructure within the city."
Last night wasn't pleasant for John Merrie, a professor of Metaphysics at the Scientology University, Naija. It was extremely hot and it kept him awake the best part of the night. He woke up this morning feeling dazzled and weak.
Merrie stepped out to catch the cool morning breeze on his balcony atop his one-story castle house, in Tsar, Dodan Province in Southern Nigeria.
He had momentarily forgotten about the day's schedules, as the cool breeze streamed through his dehydrated body. Then thoughts flooded his mind. After a while, experiences of the previous night replayed and he suddenly remembered a dream he had.
He has never liked the idea of dreams, and often forgets them when he wakes up the next day. But the dream of last night was particularly appealing to him, so it played back unusually. With his body fully relaxed on the sofa, he recollected it vividly.
Then a news item on his transistor radio beside the sofa jolted him up the more. It was reviewing the recent plane crash in neighbouring Ghana. It couldn't disclose the cause of the air mishap. But he started thinking again.
Could it be terrorists hijack, mechanical default or what? He asked himself rhetorically. But the fresh thoughts rhymed with the dream he had last night which dwelt on Naija's terrorism battles. He dreamt Gen. Buratai's men have captured alive, the notorious Boko Haram terrorists kingpin, Abubakar Shekau after a fierce battle in the jungles of the Northeast.
This prospect excited him and he wished it had been instantly true and that the radio news item would have announced the news. He whispered to his housemaid for a glass of cold water. He gulped and heaved a sigh of relief.
"Poor dude Shekau," he said to himself, the game is over for you.
Merrie hated dreams because for him, dreams were premonitions of reality around him. And since most dreams were about something dreary, the odd and the fearful, he preferred nights without dreams. But he loved the one on Shekau's capture.
So, at last, soldiers would bring this criminal alive for all Nigerians to see? That day shall be declared national holiday to enable all Nigerians get to where he is held captive to catch a glimpse of him. Shekau, this teenager has caused so much pains and sorrows to our people and families.
He placed Nigeria on the cusp of destruction, until Buratai was appointed to lead the counter-insurgency war. He escaped the last attempt at his capture when the army invaded and captured the Sambisa forest in Borno. They searched for him everywhere, but alas, he had mysteriously escaped again. Only his flag and a personal copy of the Holy Koran was recovered from the Camp Zero fortress he had hidden all these years to torment the people.
For almost one hour, Merrie was transfixed on his sofa, exploring the world of terrorism and the Nigerian Army in his mind. To him, Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, the Army Chief struck him with the image of a soldier, with a brave heart, which is a powerful weapon. He wondered how he dexterously marshaled his forces against terrorists and succeeded in decapitating and defeating them within a short time. He was more pleased to recollect that before now, it seemed impossible and berserk terrorists could strike and dare everybody.
Now, they are fleeing, surrendering themselves or hiding in unusual hideouts, not to strike again, but more preoccupied with how to escape to safety. They now hide to strike, even at it; soldiers catch them in their tracks. They are no more gallant rebels, but cold, sheepish fiends who have lost the strength and power to haughtily assail Nigerians violently and brag about it in the open.
He laughed it out aloud and murmured, "those were the bad old days, when soldiers retreated before them. But not now! No, never again; with Buratai, their nemesis, still on the saddle of the anti-terrorism campaigns. Then he remembered the famous words of Martin Luther that "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Buoyed by its sense, Merrie vowed to speak out. "This soldier qualifies for a gold medal in soldiering," he muttered aloud.
Although a scientist, Merrie had a passion for poems. And in his elementary school days, he composed poems that earned him applauses from both teachers and students, when he recites them at the school assembly. The poetic instincts enlivened again. “Let me compose a poem for Buratai and his soldiers before the D-day of Shekau's capture," he said.
"I wish it should be recited by all like the national anthem on the day of Shekau's capture," he added.
Merrie started scribbling the poem on his mind. But the verses came with much splendor than he expected. So, he called for a pen and his jotter. He began to write.
"Nigeria, the liberation from terrorism
You tearfully asked on bended kneels, to no avail,
Is here at last.
On a platter of gold,
the military demystified the mystery of terror, trudged jungles,
Dodged and detonated bombs and other lethal weapons,
Of insurgents to give you peace and freedom from terror.
Isn't this a priceless gift?
All hail the Nigerian Army.
They have not relented yet;
These Buratai's boys are still combing the land
In search of fleeing terrorists.
And we hear, they are close on capturing Shekau alive
Isn't this good news? And I trust in their competence
To break mountains and surmount all barriers to give us
The living frame of Shekau, drenched in his won sorrow,
Amen!
My ancestors tell me, Shekau is about to be captured.
He is about to be disgraced.
He is about to pay for his sins.
You died three times before
But Shekau IV will die once
You will renounce your anti-Islam ideologies
And apologise to your country and Nigerians,
Sign of admission of guilt.
You are a coward of the first order
Shakapeare's Caesar said;
"Cowards die many times before their death,"
This has been your fate. You have died first, second and third times;
But your fourth death has no ceremonies
The law will guillotine you in one split second."
Professor Merrie ended the short poem and read it over and over again, nodding his head in approval. He decided to send it to the Arts Editor of a newspaper for publication. He e-mailed it and the next day, it featured on the page. What excited him more were the comments of readers, who applauded his poetic ingenuity and also expressed optimism about soldiers' eventual capture of Shekau soon.
He looked at time on his wrist watch and it was 9:30am. It dawned on him he had a class by 11am. In the lecture hall with his 300 level undergraduate students for the Course, Metaphy: 320: titled, "Impact of Celestial Bodies On Plane Crashes."
Still basking in the euphoria of his dream of last night about the possible capture of Shekau, Professor Merrie suspended the original topic of the day and dissolved the class into a Discussion Group. And the subject was still on soldiers capture of Shekau and the reactions of Naijas.
He led the discussions and students made robust and elaborate contributions. After 40 minutes of engagement, Merrie fired questions.
He asked his students; "What do you think would be the reaction of Naijas if soldiers capture Shekau IV alive?"
"Nigerians would want to see him physically, and spit on his face" the class chorused.
Good! Merrie affirmed.
He threw another question; what would happen if captured Shekau IV meets Buratai, the Army Chief face to face?
Many hands were up in the air. He allowed a girl, Maria to speak;
She stood up and said, "Shekau would dread looking at his face and the sponsors of terrorism in Naija would know, this country can never be their experimentation center for terrorism."
Prof. Merrie said, yes, "that's excellent!" He allowed a second respondee, Ahmed to speak. Ahmed, a shy, but brilliant chap, stood up and said, "Shekau will vomit and shit in his pants before Buratai like Liberia's Samuel Doe in the hands of Yomie Johnson."
The class roared in laughter.
So, class, Merrie said, our time is up. But the lesson we have learnt today is that Abubakar Shekau IV will certainly capitulate and yield to the superior powers of federal forces anytime soon. He cannot withstand the intellectual and military prowess of the Nigerian military and its leaders. This possibility looms in the air. It is our desire and it should be our collective prayers; he ended.
"And see you next time," Prof. said, racing out of the class.
By Kolawole Anthony
Kolawole, a University teacher writes from Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The UN Security Council is due to hold an emergency session on Syria on Friday, after a U.S. strike against a Syrian airbase.
The Syrian airbase that was suspected of being the launch pad for a chemical weapons attack that has shocked observers around the world.
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the missile attack against an airbase in western Syria overnight in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack earlier this week that he described as "an affront to humanity'' carried out deliberately by Syria.
The Security Council talks would be held in a public session, at the insistence of the U.S., which holds the rotating council presidency this month.
"Any country that chooses to defend the atrocities of the Syrian regime will have to do so in full public view, for all the world to hear,'' U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said, in a swipe at Russia and China, which have blocked resolutions condemning Syria.
Russia, the main military backer of the Syrian government, vowed to strengthen Syria's air defenses following the U.S. strike.
The Syrian military said that at least six people were killed and heavy damage was inflicted on the Shayrat airbase in central Syria.
Another nine civilians, including four children, were killed by missiles that fell in villages near the base, in the central province of Homs, Syrian state news agency SANA reported.
Trump was expected to address the strikes as he held talks in Florida with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and U.S. lawmakers were also due to be briefed on the situation later on Friday.
Russia has also demanded an emergency meeting of the United Nations ceasefire task force in Geneva to discuss U.S. missile strikes on Syria.
Such meetings are chaired by UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura and were set up in early 2016 with joint U.S.-Russian backing.
They are a forum for diplomats to talk about breaches of Syria's shaky ceasefire.
"Moscow wants the meeting to be held in Geneva today at 1500 GMT", the source told RIA.
The source added that the task force would discuss "the situation on the ground with connection to the U.S. missile strike on Syria's Shayrat airbase."
The U.S. fired cruise missiles earlier on Friday at the base from which President Donald Trump said a deadly chemical weapons attack had been launched.
Damascus and its ally Moscow furiously condemned an American air strike on a Syrian airbase Friday that marked the first direct US assault on President Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Syrian residents of Khan Sheikhun hold placards and pictures on April 7, 2017 during a protest condemning a suspected chemical weapons attack on their town earlier this week that killed at least 86 people, among them 30 children, and left hundreds suffering symptoms including convulsions, vomiting or foaming at the mouth. In the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun, site of an alleged chemical weapons attack on April 4, residents still mourning their dead welcomed US strikes earlier today as a way to pressure Damascus. The strikes targeting a Syrian forces airfield, ordered by President Donald Trump, were the first direct US military action against Syria’s government since the conflict began six years ago. / AFP PHOTO
US allies rallied around Washington after President Donald Trump launched the massive strike in retaliation for a “barbaric” chemical attack he blamed on Assad.
But Assad’s office called the strike “foolish and irresponsible” and Moscow announced a series of retaliatory steps including plans to strengthen Syrian air defences.
Russia also demanded an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and US diplomats said it was to meet at 11:30 am (1530 GMT) on Friday.
The strike — Trump’s biggest military decision since taking office — marked a dramatic escalation in American involvement in Syria’s six-year civil war.
It followed days of outrage at images of dead children and victims suffering convulsions from the suspected sarin gas attack in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun.
US officials said 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired from warships in the Mediterranean at the Shayrat airfield at 3:40 am (0040 GMT), dealing heavy damage to the base from where Washington believes Tuesday’s deadly attack was launched.
Syrian state news agency SANA said nine civilians including four children were killed in villages near the base.
“What America did is nothing but foolish and irresponsible behaviour, which only reveals its short-sightedness and political and military blindness to reality,” Assad’s office said.
– Iran rejects ‘bogus allegations’ – Damascus has denied using chemical weapons in Khan Sheikhun, where at least 86 people, including 30 children, were reported killed and more than 500 wounded.
With US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson due in Moscow next week, the Kremlin called the US strike a “gross… violation of international law” and warned it would inflict “considerable damage” on US-Russia ties.
It immediately suspended a deal with the United States aimed at avoiding clashes in Syrian airspace.
The Russian military also announced measures “to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of the Syrian armed forces’ air defence system”.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif of Iran, another staunch Assad ally, tweeted that the strike was based on “bogus CW (chemical weapons) allegations” and would aid jihadists like the Islamic State group.
Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has intervened in Syria on behalf of Assad, condemned what it said was a “vicious” attack on Syria’s sovereignty.
“This foolish move by the Trump administration will be a major, dangerous source of tension in the region and will further complicate the situation around the world.”
Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey all supported Washington, with Ankara also calling for a no-fly zone in Syria.
UN envoy Staffan de Mistura announced the UN-backed ceasefire taskforce on Syria that is co-chaired by Moscow and Washington would meet later on Friday at Russia’s request.
Trump announced the strike in a brief televised address delivered hours after the Security Council failed to agree on a probe into the suspected chemical attack.
“Tonight I call on all civilised nations to join us in seeking to end this slaughter and bloodshed in Syria and also to end terrorism of all kinds and all types,” he said.
The missiles were fired from the USS Porter and the USS Ross.
– Opposition wants more strikes – The strike targeted radars, aircraft, air defence systems and other logistical components at the base south of Homs in central Syria.
In a statement read on state television, the army confirmed the strike and said it had caused extensive damage.
Russia’s military said the strike had an “extremely low” military impact, with fewer than half of the 59 missiles reaching the airbase.
The missiles destroyed six planes under repair and several buildings, including a storage depot and radio station, it said.
A Syrian military source said the armed forces had been warned in advance of the US operation, without specifying by which party.
“We took precautions in more than one military point, including in the Shayrat airbase. We moved a number of airplanes towards other areas,” the official told AFP.
Opposition and rebel fighters, who have for years urged more direct US military action in support of their uprising, hailed the strike and called for more.
The National Coalition, the main opposition grouping, called on Washington to take further steps to “neutralise” the regime’s air power.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a longtime foe of Assad, also called for more action.
“I welcome this concrete step as positive,” said Erdogan.
“I don’t see this as enough… the time has come for steps for a serious result to protect the oppressed Syrian people.”
But the White House was quick to paint the decision as limited to deterring the use of chemical weapons, and not part of a broader military campaign.
“The intent was to deter the regime from doing this again, and it is certainly our hope that this has had that effect,” said Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis.
– ‘Enough killing and injustice’ – US officials said Russia’s military in Syria was informed of the strike beforehand in order to avoid casualties that could prompt a broader crisis.
Russia stood by Damascus this week despite the global uproar, insisting the chemical weapons that caused the deaths in Khan Sheikhun had been stockpiled by “terrorists” and possibly released by a conventional strike.
In Khan Sheikhun, a rebel-held town in the northwestern province of Idlib, residents still mourning their dead welcomed the US strike as a way to pressure Damascus.
“God willing, these strikes will be a clear warning to Bashar al-Assad, to tell him: Bashar, enough killing and injustice against these people,” said Abu Ali, a man in his 40s.
The Free Syrian Army and other rebel factions called for more strikes to “prevent the regime from using its airports and internationally-banned weapons against Syrians”.
Trump had previously indicated no willingness to engage further in Syria’s civil war, beyond stepping up efforts to battle the jihadists of IS, who have been targeted by US-led air strikes in Syria and Iraq since mid-2014.
His administration had in fact signalled in recent days it was no longer seeking the Assad’s departure from power.
But Trump said the “very barbaric attack” in which “even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered” had required a response.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says it will work with the National Assembly to ensure the passage of Mental Health Bill in the country.
The President of the association, Prof. Mike Ogirima, said this at the commemoration of the World Health Day on Friday in Abuja with the theme "Depression: Lets talk''.
Ogirima said the passage of the bill and its full implementation would protect the rights of people with mental health illness and attract respect and dignity for them as they access health care.
He added that "we will work closely with the National Assembly to pass a comprehensive bill on mental health in Nigeria as part of our corporate responsibility to mental health community and the society at large.
"We commend the interest of some members of NASS for trying to resuscitate the bill."
Ogirima said the theme for this year's World Health Day was apt, noting that it laid emphasis on the ability of individuals with depression to function properly at the family level, at work and society at large.
He decried the situation whereby people with mental illness were neglected in the society, saying it was largely because they were considered as defective in character or under punishment for some spiritual deviance.
The NMA president, who expressed displeasure that 4.2 per cent of Nigerians suffered depression, including children, added that in spite of the heavy socio-economic burden caused by the condition, the nation did not have a mental health policy.
He advised the public against stigmatising or discriminating against people with mental health, particularly depression.
According to him, unless the society embraces and openly talks about depression, there is high chance of driving such people to extreme hopelessness and despair which can lead to deliberate self harm and suicide.
He said "in commemoration of this day, let us ponder on the rights of people who labour under illness by treating them with respect and dignity.
"Lsts promote their autonomy and right to independent living in communities, offices, within our families and ensure their privacy in clinical settings.
"in Spite of the heavy socio-economic burden caused by depression, Nigeria does not have a mental policy that has been implemented and with the exception of states like Lagos, most local government areas have no organised mental health programmes for its citizens.
"A national strategy to address mental health problems in Nigeria by government at all levels is needed, one which should lay emphasis on prevention.
"On this day, let us commit ourselves to those who suffer depression to ensure that they no longer suffer in silence.
"We must ensure that stigma and misconception about depression do not replace medicine."
Ogirima noted that the day afforded the union the opportunity to reflect and internalise the great opportunities offered by the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to Nigerians, particularly those with mental health challenges.
He said people with mental health challenges had daunting challenges with regards to access to affordable healthcare.
The World Health Day was first commemorated in April 1948 at the World Health Assembly and billed to be marked annually on April 7.
It was aimed at raising awareness by highlighting priority areas of health concern.
…….as court rules on defendants’ objections May 12
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
ABUJA – The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on Friday, fixed May 12 to determine whether it has the jurisdiction to try 23 officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, accused of collecting N360million bribe from Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.INEC staff members at court
Trial Justice John Tsoho reserved ruling on the issue on a day the Federal Government adduced reasons why it decided to prosecute the defendants in Abuja instead of in Rivers State.
FG had in a seven-count criminal charge it filed before the high court on March 7, alleged that the indicted INEC officials, got the bribe money from Governor Wike during the December 10, 2016, legislative re-rerun election in Rivers state.
Those cited as defendants in suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR//42/2017, were Shittu Mohammed Lamido (Shettima), Henry Owokure, Peter Ewatade, Mrs. Mary Jummai, Tunkoyo Pennap, Gwatana Jibril, Ivase Stephen, Abdullahi Ogabo, Gayus Hassan, Hussaina Yahaya, James Ogwuche, Karimu Aminu and Adedokun Najeem Ayotunde.
The defendants had on March 14, declined to enter their plea to the charge, insisting that the court in Abuja lacked the territorial jurisdiction to conduct their trial based on the alleged offence.
They challenged the legal propriety of FG trying them in Abuja over a crime they allegedly committed in Rivers State.
The defence lawyers led by Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, and U.O Ukairo, said they had on March 13, filed motions to challenge powers of the high court in Abuja to adjudicate on an offence that took place in Rivers State.
They dared FG to take them before the Port Harcourt Division of the high court, saying the court should in the alternative, strike out the charge for want of competence.
Nevertheless, in urging the court to dismiss the motions, government lawyer, Mr. Aliyu Alilu, maintained that Rivers State is “highly unsafe” to conduct such trial.
FG, in a counter-affidavit it filed before the court, cited an intelligence report by the police alleging that thugs loyal to the Wike-led administration, had threatened to rise violently against the trial of the perceived allies of their benefactor if the case was conducted in the state.
It told the court that “the safety of witnesses, prosecutors, court officials and other civilians cannot be guaranteed” if the trial is conducted in Rivers State.
“That lives of security agents and civilians are usually in serious danger each time perceived allies of the present state government are being investigated.
“That defendants in this case are being charged in respect of the gratification they received from the present Governor of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike.
"That intelligence report reaching the Police Force Headquarters is that prosecuting the said defendants in the same Rivers State will constitute security risks to prosecutors, the court and witnesses and even innocent civilians as political thugs, loyal to the incumbent administration in the state, have vowed to rise violently in opposition to the prosecution of perceived allies of their benefactor.
"That it is in consideration of security of lives of prosecutors, witnesses, court officials and innocent civilians that this matter be heard before this division of the Federal High Court”, FG added.
Besides, FG narrated before the court, how a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mohammed Alkali, and Sergeant Peter Uchi of the 48 Police Mobile Force were "gruesomely murdered and beheaded by thugs and cult gangs" on the day of the rerun elections, despite the deployment of law enforcement agencies ahead of the exercise.
It told the court that before the election, three other policemen and four operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were equally murdered in cold blood at Omoku and Ido Camp of Agip Oil Company, Obiafo community.
"That the late DSP Mohammed Alkali and Sergeant Peter Uchi were ambushed, gruesomely murdered and beheaded by political thugs and cult gangs in Rivers State.
"That shortly before the election three personnel of the Police Mobile Force, Squadron 19 and four personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were gruesomely murdered at Omoku and Ido Camp of Agip Oil Company, Obiafo community respectively.
"That all arrested cultists and political thugs during the elections confessed to have been sponsored by some politicians in the state."
FG further stated that during investigation into the crimes committed during the rerun elections, many eyewitnesses and victims refused to give information to the police out of fear of being killed by cult groups.
"That the few individuals, who braved the odds to meet the team of investigators, expressed their concern that informants could alert cultists to go after them”, it added.
However, the defendants prayed the court to disregard FG’s counter-affidavit, saying they are civil servants who are mostly resident in Rivers State.
They maintained that they do not have the resources to constantly travel to Abuja to face trial over offence they allegedly committed in Rivers State.
FG had alleged that the N360million was proceeds of governor Wike's criminal conduct which it said constituted economic and financial crimes.
It alleged that the accused persons had between December 7 and 10, 2016, converted, concealed and took possession of the sum of N360million bribe, in violation of various provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and the Economic and Financial Crimes (Establishment, etc) Act, 2004.
FG alleged that action of the defendants contravened section 15(1)(a)(ii), 17(b) and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.
In Count-4 of the charge, FG, alleged that the defendants, being “electoral officers and staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, between December 7 and 10, 2016, at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, did commit an offence to wit: possession of the sum of N360,000,000, being money you received from Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, knowing that the said money represented proceeds of bribery and corruption in connection with the Rivers State rerun election which took place on December 10, 2016."
It alleged in count-5 that the defendants committed an offence to wit: “used the sum of N360,000,000 being money you received from Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, knowing that the said money represented proceeds of bribery and corruption in connection with the Rivers State rerun election which took place on December 10, 2016."
Count 6 alleged that they committed an offence to wit: possession of the sum of N360,000,000 being money you received from Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, knowing that the said money represented proceeds of economic and financial crime to wit: bribery and corruption in connection with the Rivers State rerun election which took place on December 10, 2016.
In the last count, FG alleged that the defendants "did commit an offence to wit: used the sum of N360,000,000, being money you received from Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, knowing that the said money represented proceeds of economic and financial crime to wit: bribery and corruption in connection with the Rivers State rerun election which took place on December 10, 2016."
FG earlier revealed that each of the electoral officers got N15million, while three senior electoral officers for the Senatorial Zones, received an extra N5million each, bringing the total bribe sum to N360million.
Already, it has lined up 14 witnesses, mostly policemen, to testify against the defendants.
By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of a new Governing Board for the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA).
This was contained in a statement issued Friday in Abuja and signed by the Director, Press, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF, Bolaji Adebiyi.
The board has Prof. Shekarau Yakubu Aku as Chairman. Other members are Prof. Shiekh Ahmed Abdullah, Prof. Muhammad Hassan , Prof. Joseph J. Andy , Prof. Adele Jinadu, Prof Andrew Nok and Prof. Laz E. N. Ekwueme.
“The appointments which take effect from March 27, 2017 is for a period of 3 years”, the statement added.
World football governing body FIFA revealed on Friday it made a loss of 369 million dollars in 2016 as legal costs rose following a series of corruption scandals.
Accounts showed a total loss of and the organisation said 2017 would see further losses approaching 500 million dollars, though these can partly be explained by a switch in accounting practices.
However, the 2018 accounts are predicted to be much healthier as they will include television income from the World Cup in Russia, leading to a predicted profit of more than one billion dollars.
Explaining an increase in expenditure, FIFA said a "number of events caused these increases such as an increased budget for development expenses and higher competition costs, but also unforeseen costs such as legal fees and costs or extraordinary meetings."
Investigation and legal fees were marked down as 50.465 million dollars as the era of former president Joseph Blatter draws to a close.
FIFA also blamed the Blatter regime for certain poor investments, such as the World Football Museum in Zurich, which proved costly.
"The challenges of the past 12 months are reflected in our financial results for the year," president Gianni Infantino said.
"These results stand as a cautionary tale of what can happen if we lose sight of the primary responsibilities of our mission, and if we fail to take the necessary steps to protect our organisation against wrong-doing."
The organization made a loss in 2015 for the first time in 14 years but despite a second successive difficult year, retains cash reserves of 1.048 billion dollars.
"FIFA's healthy financial reserves, built up when the sun was shining as a prudent insurance against unforeseen risks, have served to further stabilize the organisation, and to give us the breathing space we need to put things right," Infantino said.
"This strong financial position overall means we are more than capable of weathering the current storm.
Police officers from the Anambra State Police Command on Friday stormed and sealed off the entire Anambra State House of Assembly complex, denying lawmakers, journalist and other visitors entry into the complex.
Nigerian Police
It was gathered that members of the house that sought to gain entry into the premises and access their offices were denied access by police officers who insisted they had "orders from above" not to let anyone in. "We have an order from above not to allow anyone inside the premises" officer said.
The cause for this action by these officers is what kept everyone perturbed. However it was filed that the action might be connected to an attempt by some members of the house to remove Hon. Rita Maduagwu, the honorable speaker Anambra state.
