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Over 800 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, on Saturday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
APC & PDP
Leading the defectors to the PDP, the APC Chairman in the council area, Mr Aniefiok Ekah, said that the defectors had endured severe hunger in APC and could therefore no longer continue to tolerate such. Ekah, who submitted every document belonging to APC in his possession for destruction, however, appealed to the PDP not to treat the returnees as outcasts. He explained that some of them left PDP in 2015 due to cheating by some party leaders, who refused to protect their interests.
"This is the membership register, registration forms and every other item in my possession.
"They were all given to me by APC, please burn them to ashes, there is nothing like APC again in Nsit Ubium.
"We left PDP in the first place because of cheating, middle men were short-changing us of what was meant for party supporters, but we have suffered so much hunger in the APC," Ekah said.
The state Chairman of PDP, Mr Paul Ekpo, while receiving the defectors, thanked them for the bold steps taken and pledged to fully integrate them into the PDP family.
Ekpo said that PDP in the state would continue accord importance to the interest and welfare of members, adding that the deflectors would be full integrated into the party.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Mr Onofiok Luke, said that stakeholders of PDP in Nsit Ubium would continue to hold side by side the philosophy of building industries and empowering the people.
Luke, who is also member representing Nsit Ubium state constituency, frowned at some stakeholders, who refuse to report back progress to the people at the grassroots in their constituencies. He assured the people that he would not rest on his oars in delivering the dividends of democracy which spans through educational support, agricultural support and empowerment in numerous sectors.
Luke called on Nsit Ubium people to support the state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel to continue in office after 2019. The speaker urged party supporters in Nsit Ubium to receive the defectors with open arms, advising the youths to abhor all forms of criminality and violence by promoting peace in the area.
Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho says he is ready to fight for his place in the team, amidst competition from Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero.
Kelechi Iheanacho
The 20-year-old Nigeria international has scored seven goals this season, but has found first-team chances harder to come by than during his debut campaign.
In spite of only five English Premier League starts this season, Iheanacho welcomes the extra competition and insists he is improving by playing alongside great players.
"I cannot pretend that I don't hear what people back home [in Nigeria] say about my lack of regular football, but I will continue to fight," Iheanacho said on Saturday.
"I don't worry about those comments. All I need to do is to keep working, keep doing well and keep improving every day.
"Sergio Aguero and Gabriel [Jesus] are really really great players that we need in our team.
"As a young player, I'm happy playing alongside these fantastic players because I learn and get better every day.
"It's a big thing for my career to compete with these players. I'm okay with the way things are going and I wish Gabriel a quick recovery to return and help the team."
Iheanacho scored 14 times and produced seven assists last season even though 25 of his 36 appearances were as a substitute.
That feat saw him finish as City's third-highest scorer in all competitions, behind Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne.
At international level, Iheanacho has scored five goals in eight appearances for Nigeria since making his senior debut against Swaziland in November 2015.
He starred as Nigeria won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates for a record fourth-time.
He emerged as the tournament's outstanding player, being voted the Most Valuable Player.
Iheanacho scored six goals to secure the Silver Boot as the competition's second-highest goal-scorer.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr Victor Akande, on Saturday said the crisis rocking the party could affect its chances in the July 22 council elections in the state.
Akande, representing Ojo Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly,spoke in Lagos.
He said that the party's chances would only become bright if the leadership of the party could forget their differences and work in unity to move forward.
"With the current situation facing the PDP, the party deserves pity. I am saddened by the ongoing crisis. However, I still believe there is no problem without a solution.
"These lingering crises have depleted our followers in the party and this sends a dangerous warning to the general public, especially as we prepare for the local government elections in the state.
"How do we convince people that all is well with our party now, when the drivers of the party (PDP leaders) themselves are confirming that the party is sick?
"My prayer for the party is for the tension to be doused for us to move forward. There may be hope only if this tension is allowed to go and peace returns to the party," Akande said.
The lawmaker said in the present circumstances, two different lists of candidates could emerge from the two contending camps for the polls.
He advised the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) not to compound the problem of the party.
Akande urged the electoral umpire to heed the Appeal Court's verdict affirming the National Chairmanship of Sen. Ali-Modu Sheriff by accepting only the list that would emanate from the camp.
Eden Hazard fired Chelsea into the FA Cup final as the Belgian’s blistering strike ensured Antonio Conte’s selection gamble paid off in his side’s dramatic 4-2 win over Tottenham on Saturday.Hazard
Blues boss Conte sprang a major surprise by starting with Hazard and Diego Costa on the bench in the Wembley semi-final as he looked ahead to the Premier League leaders’ vital fixture against Southampton on Tuesday.
But Conte’s bold moves proved inspired as Hazard’s replacement Willian put Chelsea ahead early on and then restored their lead in the second half after Harry Kane’s equaliser.
Dele Alli levelled again for Tottenham, but Conte had all the answers and, when he sent on Hazard, the Belgian blasted Chelsea back into the lead.
Nemanja Matic’s thunderous long-range effort sealed a final date against Arsenal or Manchester City, who meet in the second semi-final on Sunday.
Having seen their lead at the top of the league cut to four points by second placed Tottenham last weekend and looking vulnerable following a limp defeat at Manchester United, this should be a huge psychological boost for Conte’s men.
They rode their luck at times but showed a decisive killer instinct while their London rivals came up short in crunch time.
Tottenham, losers yet again at Wembley and still without an FA Cup final appearance since 1991, need an immediate response in their midweek trip to Crystal Palace if they are to get revenge by pipping Chelsea to the title.
Conte’s decision to pick Willian and Michy Batshuayi instead of Hazard and Costa triggered a round of second guessing, but it took just five minutes for the former Juventus coach to be vindicated.
Breaking at pace, Chelsea worked the ball towards Batshuayi and his deft backheel sent Pedro surging clear.
When the Spaniard was sent sprawling by Toby Alderweireld’s lunge, Chelsea were hoping for a more severe punishment than the yellow card shown by referee Martin Atkinson.
But their frustration was short-lived as Willian stepped up to exact retribution from the free-kick, the Brazilian’s superb 20-yard strike eluding Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris before nestling into the far corner.
Kane has been the spearhead of Tottenham’s impressive run this season and the England striker’s typically predatory finish drew them level in the 18th minute.
– Exposed –
As Christian Eriksen prepared to whip over a cross, Kane was already on the move and his awareness gave him a valuable extra yard of space on Chelsea defender Nathan Ake as he stooped to guide a delicate header past Thibaut Courtois.
But, despite controlling possession for long periods, Pochettino’s side still ended the half behind as his decision to play Son Heung-Min out of position at left wingback was exposed in the 43rd minute.
Kante slipped a pass to Victor Moses and when the Nigerian’s surge into the penalty area was halted by Son’s rash tackle Atkinson gave the penalty on the advice of his linesman.
Batshuayi wanted to take it, but Conte demanded Willian step up and he stroked home the spot-kick in confident style.
It could have been a major momentum changer, yet Tottenham were level again in the 52nd minute.
Barely looking up as he received the ball, Eriksen unfurled a majestic pass towards Alli, who timed his run perfectly to slide in front of Luiz and direct a close-range finish past Courtois.
Conte responded by sending for the cavalry as Costa and Hazard came on for Willian and Batshuayi in the 61st minute, while Cesc Fabregas was introduced soon after.
Once again, Conte’s instincts were spot on and the Italian’s changes brought the winner in the 75th minute.
Fabregas’s corner was only partially cleared and Hazard seized the ball just inside the area before drilling a blistering finish beyond Lloris.
If that was a memorable strike, there was even better to come five minutes later when Hazard teed up Matic and Serb’s thunderous 30-yard rocket sent Chelsea into raptures.
Bwari (FCT) – The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), said on Saturday that it arrested six persons over alleged illegal registration and sale of 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) materials.
Dr Fabian Benjamin, Head of Public Relations of JAMB, made this in a statement issued in Abuja.
According to him, the suspects were arrested by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for various registration infractions in the ongoing 2017 UTME.
"The fraudsters were arrested from various locations across the country where they were perpetuating their nefarious activities.
"They were arrested from Oyo, Ogun and Maiduguri by officers and men of the NSCDC and brought to Abuja where startling revelations of their operations were made.
"The suspects confessed in the presence of Alhaji Abdullahi Mohamadu, Commandant-General of NSCDC, about the numerous registration infractions that the Board couldn't imagine.
"Some of these registration suspects are Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres owners licensed by JAMB to conduct registration exercise for the candidates planning to take the forthcoming UTME."
The Board on April 2, arrested 25 persons over illegal registration and sale of 2017 UTME materials, as such bringing the total number of suspects arrested to 31 so far.
He described as worrisome the massive investment by E-Kindle CBT centres to penetrate the airtel system the Board often used to perpetrate all forms of wholesome practices.
Benjamin mentioned that the suspects registered candidates without proper biometric, which means such candidates would have problems with their details during examination if not corrected immediately.
He, however, decried the practice by people from some quota in the country to thwart JAMB efforts, under Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, to conduct credible UTME and fights against examination malpractice.
The spokesman listed some locations from which the suspects carried out their operations to include include Oyo, Ogun and Kwara states respectively.
He noted that although the Board gave access code to accredited CBT centres to partake in the registration, router that was meant for Abia was being used in Maiduguri to register candidates.
Zamfara – Senate President Bukola Saraki was on Saturday conferred with the traditional title of Dan-Iya Kaura-Namoda in Zamfara state. Senate President Bukola Saraki The Senate President was in the state to witness the wedding of six daughters of Sen Tijjani Kaura which took place at the Emir of Kaura-Namoda's palace.
The Emir, Alhaji Muhammad Asha,said Saraki deserved the title in view of his sterling qualities and contribution to the development of the nation
He said, "by this title, you have become one of the citizens of this emirate and a title holder of this palace. "
He urged him to be a good ambassador of the emirate by providing good and exemplary leadership at the senate.
Responding, Saraki, who thanked the emir for seeing him worthy of the title, said he would live up to the expectations of the emirate.
Saraki also pledged to discharge all the attributes of the title to the best of his ability.
The ceremonies were witnessed by the state governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, two former governors of the state, Sen. Ahmed Sani and Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi, former governor of old Sokoto state, Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim as well as many members of the national and state assemblies.
Chelsea booked their place in the FA Cup final with a thrilling 4-2 victory over London rivals Tottenham at Wembley on Saturday.
Willian put Chelsea ahead early in the semi-final before Harry Kane’s equaliser and the Brazilian netted again with a penalty, only to see Dele Alli draw Tottenham level.
Eden Hazard came off the bench to restore Chelsea’s lead and Nemanja Matic’s thunderous strike ensured the Premier League leaders will face Arsenal or Manchester City in the final next month.
A double by Norwegian international Stefan Johansen inspired in form Fulham to a 4-1 thumping of potential Championship play-off rivals Huddersfield, boosting their chances of a return to the elite after a three year absence. Tottenham Hotspur’s English striker Harry Kane (C) celebrates after scoring a hat-trick with Tottenham Hotspur’s Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen (L) and Tottenham Hotspur’s English midfielder Dele Alli during the English FA Cup fifth round football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on February 19, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
The Cottagers fourth successive win — which has seen them score 13 goals — lifted them three points clear in sixth place of fading Leeds, who lost 2-1 to struggling Burton also on Saturday.
Burton’s win means they are almost certainly safe from relegation with two games remaining — no mean feat for manager Nigel Clough working on a shoestring budget compared to many of his rivals.
Fulham’s victory — their superb seam of form perfectly timed for the business end of the campaign — also means Newcastle, whose own form has dipped of late, can seal the second and last automatic promotion spot on Monday if they beat Preston North End.
The club his father Brian turned into unlikely two-time European Cup winners Nottingham Forest also did their hopes of staying in the second tier a world of good by beating play-off hopefuls Reading 3-2.
Wigan could become the second club relegated — joining hapless Rotherham — if Birmingham get a point in their first game under veteran Harry Redknapp in the derby with Aston Villa on Sunday.
At the other end of the table the title could be decided on Monday as should Newcastle lose Brighton will be assured of it.
The Seagulls missed out on their first opportunity to clinch it, having perhaps celebrated too much since their promotion was assured last Monday, they lost 2-0 to Norwich on Friday.
Goalkeeper David Stockdale could well appear in a ‘next’ question in years to come after an almost identical brace of own goals.
Both goals from Alex Pritchard strikes saw the ball go in off the back of the head of the unfortunate goalkeeper after coming back off the bar and post respectively.
“I don’t think that’ll ever happen again — but I’ll take the assists!” smiled Pritchard, whose side failed to register a shot on target in the whole match as efforts which hit the woodwork don’t count.
For Pritchard — who like the other players sported black armbands out of respect for former England international defender Ugo Ehiogu who died earlier Friday aged just 44 — it was an especially poignant night.
The 23-year-old had been at Tottenham until last year’s close season where Ehiogou had been Under-23 coach.
Whilst the defeat will do little to dampen the ecstasy of the Seagulls first ever promotion to the Premier League — which they clinched last Monday — it ended their five game winning run.
Lagos – Some artists in Lagos on Saturday expressed shock at the demise of the late veteran Nollywood actor, Olumide Bakare, aged 64.
Olumide Bakare
They also expressed their sympathies with the family of the deceased actor.
Omatshola Iseli, popularly called Tee-Mac, a renowned musician, expressed shock at the death of Bakare, saying he was not aware that the deceased suffered heart/lungs-related disease for long before his death.
"This is quite shocking to me as I never knew he was ill; I don't have a personal relationship with him but we met at different gatherings during his life time.
"He took acting seriously while alive; and had left a good legacy and a good name which is better than fortune," he said.
Miss Ayo Orobiyi, popularly called Adunni Nefretitti, said that the veteran actor was an energetic actor, adding that she used to admire his baritone voice.
"It is unfortunate that nobody came to his rescue when he needed financial assistance. I wish him a peaceful rest and I condole with the family the deceased left behind also.
"This is a great loss and I pray God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss," the folk singer said.
Mr Kehinde Oluwafunsho, the Nigeria representative of The Pan African Historical Theatre Project (PANAFEST) said that the actor was very versatile, having featured in both Yoruba and English movies.
He said Bakare was a successful man who achieved greatly in Nollywood.
"He was a great veteran and good actor; born to do what he did on stage, no stress to get us arrested by his good acting.
"His voice would thunder; his big, wealthy-man posture was without equal in the industry.
" It will be very difficult to replace this great man, may his soul rest in peace," he said.
Olumide Bakare died after battling with a heart/lung linked ailment since 2013.
During his life time as an active actor, he featured in many block-buster movies and soap, notable among them was the popular soap, Papa Ajasco and Company by Wale Adenuga.
The late Bakare also starred in `Ise onise' (2009); `Aye olorogun' (2007) and `Iboji' (2008), `Maami' (2011), `Last flight to Abuja', `Kofo, the first lady', `Koboko' and others.
The deceased was popular for his fatherly roles in many Nollywood movies.
His active career in the movie industry stopped after he took ill in 2013.
He was flown abroad for surgery and returned after, but was never active in the movie industry after.
He appealed to Nigerians in 2016 for financial assistance to treat his illness then having exhausted his savings on medical treatment.
Carlo Ancelotti says Bayern Munich are holding their breath over David Alaba for Wednesday’s German Cup semi-final against Borussia Dortmund after the Austria international injured his knee.
Alaba
Alaba switched from left-back to central defence, but limped off after just 16 minutes of Bayern’s 2-2 draw at home to Mainz on Saturday and Ancelotti is waiting to see the extent of the injury.
“He couldn’t continue. He had a small problem in the knee, which we are now checking, but it’s not a big problem,” said Bayern’s Italian coach Ancelotti.
“We’ll see if he can play on Wednesday.”
Bayern are already struggling in defence with Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sidelined for the rest of the season with a foot fracture.
Ancelotti was without injured centre backs Javi Martinez and Jerome Boateng against Mainz, but the pair should be fit to face Dortmund in a repeat of last year’s cup final which Bayern won on penalties.
Bayern needed a Thiago Alcantara equaliser to seal Saturday’s 2-2 draw as they twice came from behind against relegation-threatened Mainz to maintain their 20-match unbeaten record at home in the Bundesliga.
Second-placed RB Leipzig can trim Bayern’s lead in Germany’s top flight to six points if they win at Schalke on Sunday with the Bavarian giants chasing a fifth straight German League title this season.
The draw with Mainz capped a week to forget for the Bundesliga league leaders following Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid.
Dortmund, who also bowed out of the Champions League in midweek after losing their last eight tie at Monaco, also have defensive woes as they look to reach the German Cup final on May 27 at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.
Their centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos is carrying a leg knock.
The Greece international sat out Saturday’s Bundesliga match at Borussia Moenchengladbach, but Dortmund has “ruled out” him facing Bayern, according to their website.
A goal apiece from Edinson Cavani and Angel di Maria gave Paris Saint-Germain a 2-0 win over Montpellier to send the champions top of Ligue 1 for the first time this season on Saturday.Paris Saint-Germain’s Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona on February 14, 2017 at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. / AFP PHOTO
PSG now have 80 points from 34 games to top Ligue 1 provisionally while second placed Monaco, the Champions League semi-finalists, have 77 points from 32 ahead of a challenging trip to Lyon on Sunday.
In hommage to the Parisian policeman murdered on the Champs Elysees in a terror attack on Thursday, two policemen symbolically took the kick off, while the players all wore black armbands in mourning.
Given the reverse fixture was a resounding 3-0 win for Montpellier the star-studded Parisian outfit needed to be on their guard and occasionally rode their luck.
But Unai Emery’s charges have now steamrollered to eight straight wins since their humiliating Champions League meltdown in Barcelona.
Cavani, known as El Matador for his killer instinct in front of goal, converted Blaise Matuidi’s neat cross after leaving his marker with the drop of a shoulder and dummying the ‘keeper from around the penalty spot for his 31st league goal of the campaign.
That was just before the half hour and Cavani was again involved in setting up Di Maria’s decider on 48 minutes.
The Uruguayan dispossessed a defender and back heeled the ball to the Argentine giving him a distant sight on goal before he duly curled his shot into the top corner for a sumptuous strike.
Minutes later Cavani almost scored an unwitting own goal when PSG ‘keeper Kevin Trapp kicked the ball into his back and the rebounding ball was scooped off the PSG goal-line by the cool headed Serge Aurier.
Having eliminated Borussia Dortmund from their midweek Champions League clash, Monaco return to domestic duty bidding to win their first French league title since 2000 with a tricky visit to Europa League semi-finalist Lyon on Sunday.
On track for third spot are early season pace-setters Nice, who travel to Toulouse early Sunday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s magical season with Manchester United appears over after the club announced he had suffered a serious knee injury in Thursday’s Europa League clash with Anderlecht.Injured Ibrahimovic
The club revealed the 35-year-old Swedish striker and Argentinian defender Marco Rojo had both suffered knee injuries in the same match.
“Detailed investigations on the injuries sustained by Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic during Thursday’s Europa League match have confirmed significant knee ligament damage in both players that requires specialist opinions over the coming days,” read the United statement on their website.
“Estimations of time to full recovery will only be possible once definitive treatment plans have been decided after these consultations.”
Thiago Alcantara’s second-half equaliser rescued Bayern Munich in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Mainz as the runaway Bundesliga leaders twice came from behind.
Having bowed out of the Champions League quarter-finals 6-3 on aggregate following Tuesday’s 4-2 second-leg defeat at Real Madrid, the draw caps a week to forget for Bayern, who are winless in their last four games.
Relegation-threatened Mainz came close to another shock win in Munich, but Bayern extended their unbeaten home run in the league to 20 matches dating back to March 2016, when they lost 2-1 to Mainz.
Spain star Thiago hit the equaliser 17 minutes from time against a team just one point above the relegation places with four games left.
Second-placed RB Leipzig can cut Bayern’s lead to six points by winning at Schalke on Sunday.
Leipzig host Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern on the penultimate weekend of the season on May 13.
It was a poor performance from double-chasing Bayern ahead of Wednesday’s German Cup semi-final at home to Borussia Dortmund.
“It wasn’t easy to play after the shock against Real Madrid, but we could have done better,” admitted Ancelotti.
“We expected more. We weren’t good in the first half and not compact enough.
“I am sure it will be better against Dortmund on Wednesday. We have time to prepare ourselves and we will play better.”
Mainz took the lead just three minutes after kick-off at the Allianz Arena.
Arturo Vidal lost the ball on the edge of Bayern area and ex-Barcelona midfielder Bojan Krkic snapped up possession to slot his first goal for Mainz and stun the home crowd.
Normal service was resumed when Arjen Robben sprinted onto Franck Ribery’s superb pass and rifled home Bayern’s first equaliser on 16 minutes.
Munich lost Austria defender David Alaba, clutching his thigh, moments later.
Bayern’s problems were compounded when his replacement Joshua Kimmich fouled Mainz’s Japan striker Yoshinori Muto in the area.
Bayern’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is sidelined with a foot fracture for the rest of the season and his replacement Sven Ulreich could not stop Daniel Brosinski’s penalty on 41 minutes that put Mainz 2-1 up at the break.
But Bayern finally made their 75 percent possession count through Thiago’s equaliser from 17 yards out.
– Kruse hits four –
Elsewhere, Germany striker Max Kruse scored all four goals to cancel out Pascal Gross’s penalty and Dario Lezcano’s goal for relegation-threatened Ingolstadt as Werder Bremen’s 4-2 win took them into the top six.
Kruse is playing his way into Germany’s squad for June’s Confederations Cup with nine goals in his last seven league games.
Second-from-bottom Ingolstadt remain five points from safety and four points behind Augsburg in 16th place, which carries a two-legged promotion-relegation play-off against the third placed team in the second division.
Hertha Berlin stayed fifth — and on course for a Europa League berth next season — after Vedad Ibisevic’s second-half goal sealed a 1-0 win over Wolfsburg, who dropped to 14th.
The 2009 Bundesliga champions and 2015 German Cup winners are just one point above the bottom three.
Bottom side Darmstadt delayed their impending relegation by another week with a 2-1 win at Hamburg as captain Aytac Sulu and striker Felix Platte netted for the visitors in the first three minutes after the break.
However, Darmstadt, coached by ex-Germany midfielder Torsten Frings, are 12 points from safety with four games left and have only a mathematical chance of staying up.
Eintracht Frankfurt picked up their first win in eight games as Mexico midfielder Marco Fabian netted two late goals in their 3-1 comeback win at Augsburg.
Gaston Ramirez’ sending off cost struggling Middlesbrough dear on Saturday as a 4-0 whipping by Bournemouth left them nine points shy of safety in the Premier League. Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (L) controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge in London on January 22, 2017. / AFP PHOTO While they look set to be joined by north east neighbours and bottom side Sunderland in the second tier next term both Hull and Swansea enjoyed victories to keep their hopes alive of staying up.
Hull’s was the more remarkable in that they set Middlesbrough an example in overcoming having just 10 men — Oumar Niasse being dismissed in the first-half — to beat a listless Watford 2-0.
Swansea rode their luck a little at home to Stoke — Marko Arnautovic skying a penalty attempt — but in the end were deserving of the 2-0 win which left them still third from bottom and two points adrift of Hull.
The day’s other match saw West Ham eke out a tedious 0-0 draw with Everton — the point should be enough to ensure the Hammers remain in the elite next season while Everton moved above Arsenal into sixth spot although they have played three games more than the Gunners.
Both sets of fans at the Bournemouth and Middlesbrough clash conducted a minute’s applause for former Boro and England defender Ugo Ehiogu who died on Friday aged 44 — they repeated it in the 44th minute with chants of ‘Ugo’ ringing round the ground.
However, there was precious little else for the visiting fans to make noise about after that.
‘Boro fell to pieces in a disastrous opening 20 minutes conceding two goals, one to Joshua King in the first minute and when Ramirez was given his marching orders with two bookable offences within minutes of each other the writing appeared on the wall.
The Cherries deservedly got a third in the 65th minute as Marc Pugh’s delightful piece of individual skill and subsequent curling effort was too good for Brad Guzan.
The white flag was truly raised with fullback Charlie Daniels rifling home a fourth with 20 minutes remaining to leave ‘Boro still winless in the league since Christmas and the only side in the top five European leagues to not have won in the league at all in 2017.
Hull’s improvement under Marco Silva has been largely down to their home form having dropped just two points since he took over and despite being a man down their superb spirit since the Portuguese took over shone through.
Niasse was slightly unfortunate to be sent off for his foul on M’Baye Niang but the hosts could thank goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic for a commanding performance in goal to keep them level up to half-time.
His saves were rewarded when Lazar Markovic put the ball into the back of the net on the second time of asking after a neat Hull counter attack just after the hour mark — they added a second through Sam Clucas.
The executive governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano and popular Nigerian musician, Flavour, have commended the chairman of Stanel Oil, Stanley Uzochukwu for turning Awka to 'Europe' and for engaging over 700 hundred youths in different capacities through Stanel Oil ultra-modern luxury facility investment in Awka, Anambra State which is now 100% completed and expected to be commissioned soon.
Stanley Uzochukwu with Gov Willie Obiano and others
Gov. Obiano who stopped over at the site to see the most talked about facility in Awka for himself after commissioning 'light up Anambra' project in the area applauded Stanel Oil Chairman, Stanley Uzochukwu for his effort in bringing such a gigantic investment to the state.
The governor was accompanied by his wife, Dr (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano, the state chairman of the ruling APGA, members of the National and State Assemblies and other dignitaries.
Stanel Oil ultra-modern luxury facility, Awka branch will be officially commissioned in few weeks and would be graced by many state governors, political and business heavyweights from across Nigeria.
The facility is strategically located between the state owned university, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Anambra State Women Development Centre along Enugu – Onitsha expressway, Awka, Anambra State.
In his remark, the Governor expressed satisfaction on what he saw on ground and commended the effort of the Chairman/CEO, Stanel Oil, Mr. Stanley Uzochukwu for being patriotic enough to put up the huge investment in his own state, saying the facility is the first of its kind in the history of the state and noted that the project would add great value to the state’s economy in particular and Nigerian economy in general.
He said, "This is the first of its kind in Anambra. I met Stanley over a year ago and he showed me what he had done in Plateau and other States. I was impressed and invited him to come down and do something like that here in Awka, his state capital having received a good report from a spy on his facility in Jos.
"Without wasting time, he responded and we gave him this plot of land duly approved by the government for the project and he kicked off immediately.
"I am particularly impressed with the speed with which he has completed this project in just one year. The facility has 1.5 million liters capacity that would sustain the state for up to 3 months of fuel scarcity. The worshipping Chapel is another unique aspect of the facility. It is unusual to have a chapel in a gas plant facility.
On job employment, Obiano added that "the company has already engaged over 700 hundred youths in different capacities and the people that would enjoy the Chicken Republic, French Bakery, Farmers' market and whole lots of other services are the Unizik students population and people within the environment.
Expressing joy and satisfaction over the facility, popular Nigerian music icon, Flavour, who simply described the facility as "Europe in Awka," saying he was very impressed and proud.
His words: "I am very much impressed with all I have seen here. The place is well equipped and up to European standard. In short, this place can better be described as 'Europe in Awka.'
"I am particularly impressed because I must confess that before now, there was no facility like this in the whole of Anambra and Awka in particular.
"After the commissioning of this project, the negative impression of some people that Awka is a 'village' would change and that will make me proud.
"I am optimistic that the commissioning and operations of this gigantic facility will go a long way creating awareness to the people of Awka and their friends that the face of Awka is speedily changing," Flavour added.
Delivering a speech as the quest speaker of the occasion, commissioning of 'light up Anambra project, Chairman/CEO of Stanel Oil, Mr. Stanley Uzochukwu said the facility was a 'one stop' one' where everything is available and not just a usual filling station.
The oil magnet said, "in the Awka branch of the Stanel Oil ultra-modern luxury facility, Anamberians and passersby could find different customized products and services that are compared to none in the country. The facility has the capacity of 1.5 million litres, capable of sustaining the state for 3 months in times of fuel scarcity.
"We have farmers’ market here where all types of fruits, food stuff and soup ingredients are bought and sold and can be delivered on request at the appointed time using our awaiting delivery vehicles by our team.
"Stanel Oil had also acquired Chicken Republic's franchise and also bringing a French Bakery on board to operate within the facility to carter for the needs of travelers, drivers, students and Awka residents in terms of fast food and joints to make this place a reference place in Awka.
"Also to make it more unique and compare to none in Awka and Anambra State at large, Stanel Oil, Awka branch has about one thousand sitters capacity worship Chapel within the facility, a proof that in God, we stand.
"It is also worthy of note that Stanel Oil has started the production of its, tyres, engine oil and gas cylinders of different sizes that meet international standards and all of these shall be found within the facility as well as Nigerian markets after official commissioning in a matter of weeks' time.
"Stanel Oil Car Maintenance Centre is a 'car clinic' where cars could be serviced and the best in the country and one of the top 10 best in Africa with modern equipment obtainable anywhere in the World and the services are available in the Awka facility.
"We also offer automated car wash and delivering services and we will ensure that our customers' satisfactions are met at all times. These services shall be rendered 24/7 non-stop and those are the areas we will make the difference.
"We have supermarket, in-house pharmacy store, ATM machines where buyers can easily access funds, bridal store, French bakery coming on board, shopping mall, warehouse, big conference meeting rooms, lubb plant and staff quarters, to mention but few. Summarily, it is a 'one stop' facility where you have everything," Uzochukwu said.
Abuja – The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), in collaboration with other environmental NGOs, on Saturday organised a sensitisation programme to educate Abuja residents on how to convert waste to wealth.
The sensitisation programme was organised in Abuja to commemorate the 2017 World Earth Day, with the theme, ''Environmental and Climate Literacy''.
The World Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on every April 22 Worldwide.
Mrs Dora Laniyi, Executive Director, Abuja Green Class, an NGO, explained that celebrating the World Earth Day yearly was meant to send message across on the importance of the earth to human being.
Laniyi regretted that the natural earth resources had been destroyed instead of protecting them, thereby making the earth to become unfriendly to man.
According to her, the effect of climate change seeing across the world today was as result of human activities.
"What we are doing today is to partner with AEPB to sensitise the residents on the climate literacy and the negative impacts of destroying the natural resources of the earth which results to climate change.
"We consider using our earthly resources to create wealth rather than destroying them.
"Our earth was supposed to be green and clean as we met it, and being green and clean is bringing natural energy to life of those living on earth," she said.
She advised Nigerians to desist from indiscriminate felling of the natural trees around them.
Mr Amara Nwankpa, Director, Public Policy Initiative, Shehu Musa Yar' Adua Foundation and a quest speaker said Nigeria was one of the country most affected when it comes to a climate change issue.
Nwankpa explained further that this was due to Sahara desert encroachment which has extended into the country because the natural resources are not protected.
"The desert encroachment has contributed to the climate change challenges we are facing because people are not educated on the effect of destroying our trees without replacing them.
"I therefore, call on the participants to use this opportunity to go and create awareness on your different environment on the need to protect the environment, " he said.
In her contribution, Mrs Nwal Fakhry, Manager Environmental/Conservation, African Community Bridge Foundation (ACBF), who spoke on converting trash to cash, waste to wealth said improper handling of waste was also a threat to the environment.
Fakhry added that waste was also a contributory factor to the climate change, adding that ACBF was established on the need to create awareness on how to convert waste and trashes to wealth.
"We found it necessary to create employment by converting condemned papers, plastic bottles, polythene bags and other trashes into other useful materials.
"We are coaching other people on how to do this, thereby creating employment out of it," she said.
On her part, Mrs Omolola Olanipekun, Acting Director, AEPB expressed delight on the response of FCT residents to the sensitisation programme.
Represented by Mr Muktar Ibrahim, the Head of Information and Outreach Unit of AEPB, she said the earth was no more human friendly because its ingredients had been destroyed by man.
Olanipekun identified noise pollution, gas emission, green house effects, erosion, receding of rivers as major human factors contributing to climate change.
She advised the residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of waste, adding that the FCT administration is determined to keep to its promise of making the nation's capital one of the cleanest city in the world.
Highlights of the event include the exhibition of art works using trash items like condemned papers, pieces of clothes, polythene bags and others.
Calabar – Sen. Florenece Ita-Giwa, a former Presidential Adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has promised to build a `Memorial Viewing Centre' in commemoration of those who died at the tragic electrocution incident in Calabar.Survivors of Calabar electrocution in hospital.
According to the Commissioner of police in the state, Mr Hafiz Inuwa, seven persons died on Thursday night in the electrocution tragedy while 11 others are currently hospitalized at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
The incident happened at around 9.30 pm at Nyagasang area of Atimbo in Calabar Municipality local government area of the state while football lovers were watching a Europa League match between Manchester United and Anderlecth.
Ita-Giwa said she was shocked on hearing the news that some persons have died while others sustained injuries when a high tension cable fall on the roof of the viewing centre.
According to her, sport is one of the activities that keeps the youths off crime, adding that the incident is pathetic because the deceased had left behind their loved ones.
"The youths are unemployed, they don't have any form of relaxation. It is sad to hear that they died while expressing their love for football.
"I am a mother, I feel pained on sighting the viewing centre because when you imagine that these lovely people died after paying N50 to watch a single game is very pathetic.
"We are going to take a tour of most of the communities to ensure that viewing centres are far from high tension cables because we can't take away football from the youths.
"As a way to commiserate with the deceased and victims of the incident, I will build a standard viewing centre for the youths of this community,'' she assured.
Ita-giwa, who led other women under the aegis of `Mothers of Efik Kingdom' on the visit, promised that the group would work closely with relatives of the deceased to ensure that they are well catered for.
According to her, the tragedy that has befallen the state needs national and international supports, hence the need for the relevant agencies to wade in.
Ita-Giwa, who laid a wreath at the site of the viewing centre, lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for commiserating with the state government and members of the victims' families.
Responding, Chairman of Nyagasang community, Mr Emmanuel Umoh, thanked Ita-Giwa for her kind gesture.
Umoh said that the tragic incident had thrown the whole community into mourning, adding that elders of the community would give her a land to build the viewing centre.
By Soni Daniel The probe of two top Nigerian officials implicated in the N13 billion cash haul from a private Ikoyi apartment and the N200 million grass-cutting contract, are to be conducted in camera. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal and Suspended Nigeria Intelligent Agency NIA Ayo Oke This confirmation was given by the Office of the Vice President on Saturday. The office said the decision to conduct the probe behind closed doors was to prevent speculation and allow for full disclosure by those concerned.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Vice President, Mr. Olaolu Akande, said the probe panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, will be fair and firm in the discharge of its duty. Details coming later…
