Kaduna Police Command arrest 2 suspected kidnappers

The Kaduna State Police Command, on Thursday said that it had arrested two  suspected kidnappers operating on major highways in the state.
The Command’s Public Relation officer, ASP Muktar Aliyu, who made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the suspects were arrest on Dec. 17.
Aliyu said the operatives of the  Intelligence Respon Team (IRT) attached to Operation Absolute Sanity Along Abuja-Kaduna Express way arrested the suspects.
“The two suspected kidnappers  were operating along Jere/Katari axis of the Abuja-Kaduna express way and Jere-Kagarko Road all in Kaduna State.
He said the two suspects, Adamu Lawan, 30, and Aminu Lawan, 25, were on the police’s wanted list.
Aliyu said items recovered included two  AK47 rifles and 135 rounds of live ammunition.
“The kidnappers were arrested with bullet wounds after gun battle with IRT operatives.
The PPRO said the suspects had confessed to being part of  several kidnappings along the two major highways.
He said serious efforts to arrest more gang members were in progress.
Source:  NAN

FG Declares December 25, 26 And January 1st Public Holidays

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The Federal Government has declared Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th December 2017 and Monday 1st January 2018 as Public Holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year.
Minister of Interior, Lt. General (Rtd) Abdulralman Dambazau who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, enjoined the Christian faithful and all Nigerians to use the period in praying earnestly for the betterment and development of Nigeria.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Abubakar Magaji, the minister also called upon Nigerians to strengthen their resolve to maintain peace and unity in Nigeria.
Dambazau further urged all Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its determination in improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
He wished Nigerians a Happy Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Source: Tori

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Why Mohamed Salah missed training ahead of big EPL clash

Liverpool winger, Mohamed Salah, was rested for the team’s training session on Wednesday evening.

Salah was a notable absentee, as Jurgen Klopp’s continued preparations for this Friday’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Fans took to social media to express their concerns that their top scorer might be injured, but it has emerged that Klopp was happy to leave out the Egyptian, who was announced as an ambassador for Vodafone on the same day.
Vodafone Egypt announced Salah as their new brand ambassador on Wednesday, initially causing confusion that he might have been back home.
In a statement on Facebook they hailed Salah as “the best player in Africa for 2017, and the English Premier League and Egyptian national team.”
Source: DailyPost Nigeria 

Ajimobi mourns Olubadan’s wife

The remains of Olori Kudirah Aduke Adetunji, wife of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, were buried yesterday amid tears.
The olori died in the morning and was buried according to Islamic rites at the Popoyemoja palace of the Olubadan.
She was 71.
The children of the deceased, government officials, grandchildren, relatives, the royal family,  and many others attended the funeral.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who travelled outside the state, was represented by Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo, as well as members of the State Executive Council (Exco), including Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Olalekan Alli, and the Chief of Staff, Dr. Gbade Ojo.
Also present were members of socio-cultural groups, trade groups, the elite, market associations, Ibadan Elders’ Forum, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, notable leaders and scores of Ibadan indigenes.
Adeyemo presented a condolence letter to Oba Adetunji, who was indoors in line with tradition.
He enjoined the people to shun anything that could make them contravene God’s injunction, saying: “Let all of us do good at all times.”
The Chief Imam of Ibadan, Sheik Abubakri Agbotomokekere advised all to fear God and do good always “because death might come at any time”.
Stressing that death is inevitable, the Islamic cleric urged all to live a life that will speak well for them after their demise.
In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, the governor noted that the demise of Olori Kudirah was unfortunate and disheartening.
Ajimobi, who said he received news of the Olori’s death with shock and disbelief, described the incident as a big loss, not only to the Olubadan but also to residents of the ancient city.
He said: “I am greatly saddened by the passing away of Olori Kudirah. It is very unfortunate and disheartening, especially because we were still together with Kabiyesi and the royal retinue, last week, at the Chief of Army Staff Conference in Ibadan.
“Her death is indeed a big loss, not only to our father, the Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, but also to the people of Ibadan. May the Almighty grant Kabiyesi, Mama’s children and loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss.
“I enjoin the good people of Oyo State to join me in praying for the repose of her gentle soul and may Allah grant her the highest place in Jannah.”
Olori Kudirah was married to Oba Adetunji in Ibadan 53 years ago.
She was the Iyaloja of Bolade, Oshodi Market, in Lagos.
Olori Kudirah moved to Lagos with the monarch in the early days of their marriage to run his music business together.
She was part of Omo Aje Records until Adetunji became Olubadan last year.
The Olori will be buried today at the Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace at 4 pm according to Muslim rites.
She is survived by her husband, many children and grand-children.
Source: The Nation

‘$48m fraud’: EFCC detains Jonathan’s campaign chief

How was $48,485,127  diverted from the accounts of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)?

This is the knot Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC) is battling to untie.
Dr. Ngozi Olojeme, former NSITF chair, was quizzed for hours yesterday over the alleged diversion of the fund.
Olojeme, who was declared wanted a few weeks ago by the EFCC on the order of a court, turned herself in.
The EFCC has arraigned a former Managing Director of NSITF, Umar Munir Abubakar and four others for alleged diversion of N18billion.
The cash was said to be the Federal Government’s contribution to take-off grants and Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) for Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The others are Henry Ekhasomi Sambo, Adebayo Adebowale Aderibigbe, Chief Richard U. Uche and Aderemi Adegboyega.
According to a source, the ex-NSITF chairman reported to EFCC  after going underground for a while.
The source said: “We have been investigating over N62.3billion fraud in NSITF during Olojeme’s tenure between 2009 and 2015. Out of the sum, preliminary findings indicated that the ex-NSITF boss allegedly diverted $48, 485, 127.
“She allegedly used her account officer in First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) to collect the $48.4m from some NSITF contractors through a BDC operator.”
The Nation obtained the report on the probe. It states:  “That through this process, Dr. Ngozi Olojeme, the then NSITF board chairman, has collected $48,485,127 from her account officer at FBN, which cash he collected on her behalf being the dollar equivalent of monies paid to BDCs by NSITF contractors.
“She and others also diverted huge cash allocated for allowances of its staff  and compensation to contributors. Detectives actually traced some of the NSITF funds in the personal accounts of Olojeme and the former MD,  Umar Abubakar.
“For instance, Abubakar and others converted N18billion, being contribution from the Federal Government as take-off grants and Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) for MDAs.
“The said sum was diverted into personal accounts by an e-payment mandate jointly signed by Umar Munir Abubakar and Henry Ekhasomi Sambo.”
The report added: “It was discovered that the NSITF accounts in First Bank and other banks have witnessed a total turnover of over N62,358,401,927 between 2012 and 2015 from the Employee Compensation Scheme contributions.
“That out of the N62b, the Federal Government contributed N13,600,000,000 while N48,758,401,927.80 was contributed by the private sector. That there were several payments to individuals and companies from the NSITF bank accounts for purported contracts or consultancy services.
“That some individuals and companies that received these payments, in turn, transferred part of the monies directly to the NSITF officials while others transferred huge sums to bureaux de change operators who changed them to dollars.”
The source said: “Olojeme has made useful statement to our team of investigators. We are probing clues that some of the looted cash had been diverted to the prosecution of the 2015 general election because Olojeme was the Deputy Chairman, Finance Committee, of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation.
“From preliminary findings, she is likely to face trial like other top officers of NSITF.”

Source: The Nation

2019: National Assembly to pass 12 electoral reforms bills

National Assembly, Abuja

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Hajiya Aishatu Dukku, on Tuesday said the National Assembly was working on 12 Electoral Reform Bills to be passed before the 2019 elections.
Dukku made this known at a session of coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) known as “Situation Room’s Fourth Stakeholders’ Forum on Elections’’ in Abuja.
She said that the bills which sought to amend the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 and the Electoral Act 2015 were referred to the committee after second reading “for further legislative action’’.
She said that major areas the bills sought to alter included procedure for the use of Smart Card Reader in elections.
Dukku said that there was also the bill proposing that a court or tribunal should declare the person with the second highest votes winner of an election if it found that the first winner was not qualified to contest.
Another bill, according to her, is the one to mandate political parties to ensure that women leaders are truly women and that all youth leaders are between 18 years and 45 years.
She said that there was also the bill to increase maximum election expenses to be incurred by a presidential or governorship candidate, senatorial, House of Representatives, state assembly and area council chairmanship elections.
“Also included is a bill to amend section 34 of the Principal Act to enable candidates who observe that their names were omitted from the commission’s list of nominated candidates to notify it.
“This should be in writing not later than 21 days to an election adding that it also sought to amend section 49 to allow an eligible voter in an election to notify the presiding officer of an omission of party logo.’’
The lawmaker said that the 8th House of Representatives was committed to carrying out further electoral reforms as a matter of priority and had outlined the objective in the legislative agenda adopted in 2015.
“This is more so as the 2015 general elections highlighted some gaps in the legal framework of our electoral process because while we all acknowledged the 2015 elections, there is still work to be done.
“Going forward,12 bills awaits legislative action; furthermore, as both the 1999 Constitution and the 2010 Electoral Act as amended, to regulate the conduct of elections in Nigeria, the committee’s report will strengthen the process.’’
Dukku said that the committee received inputs from stakeholders, and that submissions and memoranda received covered eight areas.
“The areas are electronic voting and use of technology in elections; youth and persons with disabilities in political party structures and elections; regulating election expenses, and increasing penalties for electoral offenders and consequential constitutional amendments.
“Others are Diaspora voting, increasing the participation of women, enshrining the smart card reader in the legal framework and creating an electoral offences commission and tribunal,’’ she said.
She expressed optimism that the bill would be passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and signed into law to sanitise Nigeria’s electoral process and provide a level-playing field for credible elections.
In his remarks, Convener of the Situation Room, Mr Clement Nwankwo, advised that the legal framework on election should be done ahead of the 2019 elections.
Nwankwo said that the urgency of passing the electoral law should be the concern of the National Assembly now, adding that Nigeria was losing time.
He urged CSOs to be ready to monitor political parties early enough to know their campaign promises so as to hold them accountable when they eventually emerged victorious.
He also urged Nigerians to be at alert and prepare for the 2019 electoral process and to know the right candidates to vote for, “for progress’’.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Small-scale business holders receive grant from state Govt.

Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa State

The Jigawa Government has commenced the disbursement of N57.4 million grants to 5,740 small-scale business holders across the state.
Alhaji Muhammad Mujaddadi, the Special Adviser to Gov. Muhammad Badaru on Economic Empowerment, made this known to newsmen at the inauguration of the scheme in Dutse on Tuesday.
Mujaddadi said that 20 beneficiaries were selected from each of the eleven wards in Dutse Local Government Area.
The special adviser said the beneficiaries included local food vendors such as roasted meat (suya) and beans cake (kosai) sellers, engine oil sellers and groundnut millers.
He explained that N2.2 million was disbursed to the beneficiaries as 110 of them received N5,000 each while 55 of them received N10,000 each and 55 others also received N20,000 each.
The governor’s aide pointed out that the fund was not a loan, but a free gesture from the state government.
Mujaddadi said the grant was one of the present administrations’ efforts at enhancing the economic fortunes of the under-privileged people in the state.
He pointed out that the programme was also to encourage women, particularly those in rural areas, to engage in productive activities.
‘’This money was distributed to the beneficiaries for free to enhance their small businesses.
‘’An eight-member committee was set up to select the beneficiaries irrespective of their political affiliations or backgrounds.
‘’The government just saw the need to assist small scale business holders across the state, considering the economic hardship in the state and the country at large,’’ Mujaddadi said.
He said that the gesture would be extended to the rest 26 local government areas of the state, where another batch of 20 beneficiaries would be selected from each of the wards.
‘’This one in Dutse is just the starting point as the committee will go to the other 26 local government areas and do the same thing.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the gesture so as to achieve the desired goals.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Gov. Dickson wants PDP open to all Nigerians

Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa gov

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, has advised the new PDP National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure that ordinary Nigerians own the party.
Dickson gave the advice at a two-day retreat for the PDP NWC and State Chairmen, with the theme “Repositioning PDP for Dominance and Electoral Victory”, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that the power of the people was the best armoury the PDP can use to relaunch itself in 2019.
“There is no armoury anywhere that is stronger than the power of the people.
“This new PDP should be thrown to the Nigerian people, including those in the grassroots so that popular candidates can emanate from the ordinary people.
“Let the people own the party. These are the ways to reposition PDP for dominance and electoral victory.
“This is the abiding principle that fired the founding fathers to form the PDP in 1998 and the onus is on us more than ever before to consolidate this philosophy in concrete terms.”
The governor also advised the PDP leaders to equip themselves with necessary skills and knowledge on conflict management.
He said now that the PDP was in opposition, its success to a large extent depends on the leaders understanding of the dynamics of managing conflicts within the party.
“Political party administrators must understand that having conflict interests even within a party is a normal phenomenon.
“In any political system and even within a political party, you will have conflicting tendencies and all of them, important and legitimate.
“Just as society is made up of different contending interests, also within a political party itself, it is normal to have tendencies.
“It is essential that party administrators understand the importance of these dynamics.
“It is now the duty of the NWS to build the party bureaucracy with the understanding of these essential dynamics.
“So when you see conflicting interests, conflicting ambitions, know that it is normal.
“Your duty is to see, working with other colleagues, to resolve these crises through the laid down processes of the party.
“The only thing we insist on is reconciliation which is why we are now reaching out to everybody since the convention,” he said.
He disclosed that his committee was already making a move to meet with one of the party Chairmanship
Aspirants in the just concluded convention, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, to persuade him to drop his legal suit against the party.
“In this party, everybody is important, every leader is important,” Dickson said.

Source: P.M. NREWS Nigeria

Pistorius appeals for sentence cut

Oscar Pistorius

Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius has appealed to South Africa’s highest court to cut the sentence he got for murdering his girlfriend, legal documents showed on Tuesday.
Pistorius was jailed for six years for shooting dead girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, but prosecutors have argued that the sentence was “shockingly lenient”.
An appeals court agreed last month to more than double the term to 15 years.
Pistorius filed documents to the Constitutional Court on Monday challenging the appeals court’s ruling.
The judgement, he argued, disregarded material findings of the trial court, which showed “compelling circumstances justifying a departure from the prescribed minimum sentence”.
Fifteen years is the minimum usually given for murder.
Pistorius said this was in breach of his constitutional right to a fair trial and sentencing.
When asked about Pistorius’ appeal, Steenkamp’s family spokeswoman Tania Koen said: “It’s his legal right to do so and we have to respect the legal process. It is what it is.”
Legal analysts have said such an appeal to the Constitutional Court has slim chances of success.
Pistorius’ family spokesman was not available to comment.
Rights groups in a country beset by high levels of violent crime against women say Pistorius has received preferential treatment compared to non-whites and those without his wealth or celebrity status.
Although in jail, Pistorius has remained in the news.
He suffered a bruise in a fight with another inmate after spending too long on a phone call, a prison spokesman said.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Boko Haram crisis claims 32,842 death

The Boko Haram crisis in Northeast Nigeria has claimed 32,842 death in 10 years, says a report by the Nigerian Watch Project.
The report is the 6th Annual Report on lethal violence in Nigeria covers the period between 1 January and 31 December 2016. It has been written at the University of Ibadan, with the support of the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme (NSRP) and the French Institute for Research in Africa (IFRA-Nigeria).
According to the report, in ten years, from 1 June 2006 to 31 May 2016, the Boko Haram conflict has caused a total of 32,842 fatalities, almost one-third of the 101,480 deaths recorded during this period in the Nigeria Watch database.
“Roughly the same numbers of people were killed directly by the insurgents (16,666) and by security forces (16,182). At first glance, Boko Haram members seemed to be more focused on attacking civilians than the army. Out of 16,666 fatalities, 1,073 could not be identified as civilians or combatants, and 1,689 were military, police, spies, prison wardens, or militiamen of the CJTF (Civilian Joint Task Force).
“Most of the victims (13,904) were civilians, including 25 foreigners and 582 women and children. During the same period, the security forces killed ‘only’ 1,309 civilians, including 96 women and 31 children, while 1,445 casualties could not be identified. Most of their victims (13,428) were considered as ‘terrorists’. This is because the military usually do not admit killing civilians.
“For instance, people who die in detention are assumed to be terrorists, even though they have received no trial. To recover their bodies and bury them properly, family members have to sign forms acknowledging that their relatives were insurgents. On the other hand, the army tends to report Boko Haram atrocities against civilians while denying the victories of the group when it succeeds in killing soldiers,” the report said.
The report quoted an interviews conducted by Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos in Maiduguri in 2015 and 2016, which said the total number of victims could actually have reached 70,000 people in ten years, because the Nigerian media do not report from rural areas they could not access.
It added that in Borno, retired civil servants who witnessed extra-judicial killings confirmed that the security forces had in fact a more deadly impact, as they argued that the insurgents did not have the same firepower and that Boko Haram targeted only individuals, especially public officials, until the emergency rule in 2013 and the campaign of terror launched by Abubakar Shekau to deter people from joining the CJTF.
“Between 2010 and 2012, the military may have killed thrice the number of civilians killed by Boko Haram members,” it said.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Ambode unveils Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo Recreational Park

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has immortalized the late Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo by naming a newly built recreational park in Shasha area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria after him.
Jafojo was a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
Ambode said the naming of the park after Jafojo justified his administration’s committed effort towards recognising past heroes who laboured to make Lagos the destination of first choice among the States of the Federation.
“In order to achieve the Lagos of our dream, we therefore embarked on massive landscaping and greening projects, as well as establishment of more recreational parks and gardens with the ultimate desire to establish parks and gardens in all the 57 LGs and LCDA’s of the state.
“This recreational park, christened Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo Recreational Park is one of such parks and this is to be dedicated to the recreational activities of the Awori community and the adjoining towns. This administration also commissioned the JJT Park in Alausa, Ikeja, in honour of three of our past governors who laid the foundation of what Lagos is today. Rtd. Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, AlhajiLateefKayodeJakande and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu were some of our past heroes whose name were immortalised with the JJT Park,” he said.
Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Samuel Adejare said the park without doubt, would add value to and improve the lives of beneficiaries.
Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Babatunde Hunpe said the Shasha Recreational Park occupied approximately a total land area of 15,447 square meters with soft and hard landscaping and recreation facilities for basketball, children playground, gazeboes, and water fountain, commercial stand among other facilities.
“Also adorning this facilities are ornamental plants, palms, garden seats, trees of various types, rotunda, garden lights, gazeboes with seats, multipurpose court, children playing ground, irrigation facilities, toilet facilities, and parking area.
“The administration has continuously placed emphasis on the need of the people and has relentlessly initiated and implemented policies and programmes that would enhance the aesthetic of the environment and promote health and wellbeing of the citizenry,” he said.
Hunpe stated that the objectives of the new Environmental and Urban renewal laws, including the campaign on tree planting were designed to achieve a serene, healthy, beautiful and conducive environment and reduce stress on our citizen.
“The unveiling of this park today is in line with the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) which is aimed primarily to make our environment a better place to live. It has the potential to provide jobs for our teaming populace with focus on investors, unskilled labour and committed environmentalists.
“There is no doubt that this park will enhance the aesthetic of the area, improve communities’ relationships and more importantly increase the work ethics of people within and around the park,” he said.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Alonso’s lone strike win it for the Blues

Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso celebrates his goal.Chelsea edged past Southampton thanks to Marcos Alonso’s winner to move level on points with second-placed Manchester United in the Premier League.
Alonso’s long-range free kick beat Saints goalkeeper Fraser Forster to put the Blues ahead in injury time of a first half the hosts had dominated.
Eden Hazard thought he had doubled the Blues’ lead after the break, but Cesc Fabregas was flagged offside in the build-up, BBC reports.
Pedro hit the post and Fabregas shot wide as Southampton rode their luck at Stamford Bridge and watched their winless streak increase to five games.
It is an eighth win in their past 10 Premier League games for Antonio Conte’s side, who sit 11 points adrift of leaders Manchester City alongside Manchester United.
However, United, who boast a better goal difference than Chelsea, face West Brom on Sunday.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

WGB Pays winner €12,016

The lucky winnerWinners Golden Bet (WGB), one of Nigeria’s leading sports betting company, has paid a lucky winner, Mr. Ajibola Bakinson, €12,016.00 (an equivalent of over N5.1 million) he won after playing a N50 lucky ball game (ticket ID – 977952048317), with the company on Monday, 4 December, 2017.
He was presented a cheque by the company’s Executive director, Mr Olabanji Sulaiman at WGB office at 9a, Balogun Street, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday.
It was reliably gathered that the 44-year-old played the game with N50 without an inkling that he was going to win a jackpot because he lost on the lucky ball game but won on the jackpot.
According to him, “I was about eating at the canteen when I was called that I won. Could you believe I lost appetite immediately because of excessive joy? It is still like a dream to me until I lay my hand on the cash”, he said.
“Anytime a stalker wins, no matter how much you win, you are always happy. It is still like a surprise to me. I do have the feeling that there will be a lucky day for me but I never knew it was going to be like this.
“In fact, when I wanted to play the game, I was like this December, things are usually tight but thank God I risked the lucky ball game. The game is like a jackpot. When you win, at times it comes back in double winnings, it’s like double the money you were supposed to win and if it falls on World jackpot, its huge and that was what happened in my case, even the ticket that was not a winning ticket for lucky ball games yet the ticket qualified as a jackpot-winning ticket for me, I almost threw the ticket away.
”Out of 48 balls with numbers drawn, I chose 6 balls and luckily for me, they were lucky numbers that fell on Global. Am always like there is a spirit inside the game which usually say amen to peoples game,” he said.
According to WGB’s AGM Marketing, Mrs Patricia Popoola, the World jackpot is not an everyday game, adding that such drops once in a while.
“If it were to be the usual game, he would probably be aiming at a good amount of money but luckily, his game fell on world jackpot that is paid in Euro. It was his lucky day and he won big,’’ she said.
Popoola said the company has no problem paying the winnings in foreign currency (EURO), adding that such big winning is not new to the organization even when it is not the jackpot game people still win big”, she said.
In a related development, two other winners, a 40-year-old civil servant, Peter Amaehule and Christopher Obinna Ndigwe equally emerged in Port Harcourt, Rivers state in sports Betting (Champions League); both won N5.2 million each. Ndigwe while speaking with our correspondent said his wife who gave him the N500 (ticket ID: 121074889) he used to play the game scolded with him that he’s fond of wasting money playing the game and not winning.
According to him,”I had no more on me and asked my wife to borrow me N500. Instead, she scolded me and warned me not to be wasting money playing the game again. Fortunately for me, I won N5.2 million.”
An elated Amaehule who played the game with N100 (ticket ID: 121073982) and won N5.2 million as well, expressed happiness and was short of words when interviewed by our correspondent.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Ozil’s brilliant volley nips it for Arsenal

Mesut Ozil has pulled the strings for ArsenalNewcastle suffered a fourth defeat in a row as Arsenal moved back into the top four with a narrow victory.
Mesut Ozil’s brilliant volleyed goal in the first half was enough for Arsene Wenger’s side, who dominated until a late rally from Newcastle.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles hit the side-netting for Arsenal before the break, but Newcastle had chances in the second half for Jacob Murphy and Ayoze Perez.
The result puts Arsenal into fourth place while Newcastle have now claimed just one point from the last 27.
Newcastle only came to life in the latter stages, with Perez failing to take advantage of two rare chances when he put a shot and then a header over the bar.
Jack Wilshere came the closest to giving Arsenal breathing space late on when he saw his side-footed shot saved by the recalled Rob Elliot in the Newcastle goal.
It was Newcastle’s 10th straight Premier League defeat to Arsenal and they are now without a league win since 21 October when they beat Crystal Palace 1-0.
Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Ronaldo delivers Club World Cup title to Madrid

Madrid players celebrate with their trophyCristiano Ronaldo struck a free-kick to deliver the Club World Cup title to Real Madrid on Saturday in the United Arab Emirate after defeating Gremio 1-o in the final match.
After a goalless first half, Ronaldo struck in thee 53rd minute of the game to give Madrid a well deserved victory.
It’s absolute trademark Cristiano Ronaldo as he wins a free-kick about five yards outside the Gremio box, picks himself up and he curls the ball into the back of the net with the keeper unable to get to it.
On 59th minute, Ronaldo struck again, but it was disallowed.
Ronaldo sticks the ball into the back of the net, he wheels away to celebrate but the linesman has his flag up for offside.
Real Madrid was in control of the game all through as it garnered 63 percent ball possession and 20 shots with seven on target, while Gremio had no single shot on target.
The win give Madrid a third Club World Cup in four years.
Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Unstoppable City maul Tottenham 4-1 to extend lead

Manchester City produced a superb display on Saturday to crush Tottenham 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium to extend their lead at the top of the English Premier League.

Ilkay Gundogan gave City the lead on 14 minutes of the game.

Gundogan was totally unmarked as he drifted into space on the six yard box and stooped to nod home Leroy Sane’s pacy corner.

Kevin de Bruyne made it 2-0 for City in the 70th minute of the game.

The Belgian picked himself up after that challenge from Dele Alli to double City’s lead – from heap to hero.
Hugo Lloris got a hand to it but just could not keep it out. De Bruyne’s powerful run ended with a firm drive as he dispatched Ilkay Gundogan’s pass on the counter attack.
On 80th minute,  Raheem Sterling made it 3-0 for City. Manchester City just make it look so easy. They cut through a ragged Tottenham backline after Mousa Dembele gave the ball away to Kevin de Bruyne in midfield.

Leroy Sane was found wide left, he drove in on goal, stalled for Raheem Sterling to enter stage right, and the England winger finally got an effort on target. A simple tap-in finish, after a brutally brief build-up.

Sterling got his brace on 90th minute to make it 4-0 for rampaging City.

Bernado Silva’s through ball got right through Eric Dier, Raheem Sterling was then perhaps lucky to knock it through Hugo Lloris’ legs as the keeper rashly rushed out, and then all that’s left to do was roll it home.

Christian Eriksen scored a consolation goal for Tottenham on added time to make it 4-1, but City celebrate as their day of coronation gets brighter.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Alao-Akala leads PDP, Accord members to APC

On Saturday, December 16, 2017, all roads led to the historic Mapo Hall in Oja’Aba, Ibadan, where the National Leader of the All Progressive Party, APC, and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, received the former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala into the nation’s ruling party.
Alao-Akala, led notable members of his former political party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and his loyalists from Accord Party, AP to the APC. Among the several thousands of PDP and Accord members that decamped to the APC with Alao-Akala were: former Deputy Governor and former Ambassador to Jordan, Taofeek Arapaja; former Secretary to the State Government Ayodele Adigun; former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin; Segun Odebunmi, representing Ogo Oluwa/Surulere Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; former member of the House of Representatives, Folake Olunloyo; former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly; Asimiyu Alarape; former PDP Chairman in the state, Yinka Taiwo, and former local government chairman, Demola Ojo.
Others are four members of Labour Party, LP in Oyo State House of Assembly including: Oladimeji Olawumi and Akande Solomon representing Ogbomosho North and South respectively, and Olagunju Ojo representing Oriire.
Speaking at the occasion, all the APC chieftains said that the mega decampment of the two major opposition parties in the state laid credence to the fact that APC did not have any opposition in the state.
Tinubu said, “Can you now see that there is no opposition for APC in Oyo State? The opposition parties are finished. What is important today is that we now have a clear picture of what will happen in the 2019 election in the state. Today has shown that the electorates will return APC government at the 2019 poll. In the forthcoming election, APC must win. Ogbomosho, Oyo, Ibadan people, you must vote for APC”.
Tinubu noted that the day and the occasion were very significant as it was the birthday of the governor of Oyo state and that it would go down in history as the day opposition ended in Oyo State.
In the same direction, Ondo and Osun State Governors, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said that the only credible party in Nigeria is APC.
Akeredolu said, “We are very sure that there is no opposition party in Oyo State. There is no more PDP and Accord. The two parties are dead”.
Aregbesola said, “I am impressed today. I am impressed with the large turnout of people. The only party that wants the best for the people is APC. The other parties are parties of the thieves, robbers, rogues and exploiters”.
In his speech, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who expressed his joy over the quality of politicians that decamped to APC, tongue lashed his predecessor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, whom he described as a political pensioner.
He said, “There are two types of pensioners in Oyo State. One is the retired civil servants and the other is the retired politicians. For a serious politician, who wants to continue to work as a politician, you cannot afford to go to the political parties of retired politicians. Aprat from APC, the other parties in the state are moribund and they are ‘Abiku’ parties”.
He warned aspiring governorship aspirants in the state not to make a mistake of not recognizing him as a leader adding, “For those of you who want to be a governor in this state, come and see me. I am the ‘Anobi’ (Prophet), through which you can get to our political god (Tinubu). If you bypass me, you cannot get there”.
The decampees also took turn to speak.
First to call the shot was Alao-Akala who opened his speech by saying, “To God be the Glory”.
He said, “There is no more PDP or Accord Party in Oyo State. Now, Oyo State is APC Party. Our leader, Tinubu, kindly tell the national people that Oyo State is for APC and it is the party that will win the next election starting from the local government to the federal level. Let me say this, I am not boasting, all the big politicians that are decamping today have one time or the other worked under me during my reign as a governor in this state. All my supporters across the state have decamped to APC”.
Lauding Governor Ajimobi, he said, “I salute my Egbon, Governor Ajimobi who is five months older than I. Ajimobi has really worked for the success you are seeing. Myself and my people will support Ajimobi. We will listen to him and we will be loyal to him”.
Also Senator Teslim, who lauded Asiwaju Tinubu and Ajimobi for being good leaders said, “Ajimobi is the leader of politics in Ibadan the same way Baba Adedibu was when he was alive. God made Ajimobi the governor of the state but Ajimobi is not a politician. Recently when I was with him, Ajimobi was telling me how he will establish a farm. Currently, one of the major thing Ajimobi want to do is to establish a farm. He is a business man to the core”.
Honourable Odebunmi, another decampee said, “I am the only politician who was elected to the House of Representatives during the last election but I am saying that it is not a good party. It is only APC that will care for the youth. Before we decided to follow Ajimobi, we did a research and we are convinced with the result we got. We found out that APC is the only party that has plan for this country and for Oyo State”.
Also, Honourable Alarape said, “I am happy to return to APC, a progressive party, where I started from”.
The occasion, which was witnessed by a mammoth crowd, also had in attendance, the wife of the Governor of Oyo State, Florence Ajimobi, the national officers of APC in the South West led by the former Governor of Ekiti State, Engineer Segun Oni, deputy national vice chairman, Pius Akinyelure, other national scribes from the North, and several party loyalists.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Canadian billionaire, wife found dead at their home

A Canadian billionaire and his wife have been found dead at their home in Toronto in circumstances that police described as “suspicious”.
The bodies of Barry Sherman and his wife Honey were found in the basement by an estate agent, reports said.
According to BBC, Mr Sherman was the founder and chairman of pharmaceutical giant Apotex, which sells generic medicines around the world.
He was one of Canada’s richest men and a prominent philanthropist.
There was no sign of forced entry to the property, police said in a statement Friday evening. Local media reported that investigators were not searching for a suspect at this time.
Detective Brandon Price told Canadian broadcaster CBC that investigators were still trying to determine if there was foul play involved.
Police gave few details and did not confirm the identities of the deceased. However, they were named locally by friends and by officials who reacted with shock at the news.
“I am beyond words right now,” Ontario’s Health Minister Eric Hoskins said on Twitter.
“My dear friends Barry and Honey Sherman have been found dead. Wonderful human beings, incredible philanthropists, great leaders in health care.”
Senator Linda Frum presented the couple with a Canadian 150th anniversary medal in late November, awarded to Canadians for “generosity, dedication, volunteerism and hard work”.
“Today I am gutted by the loss of Honey and Barry Sherman. Our community is steeped in grief. I am heartbroken,” she said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted his condolences to the couple’s family and friends.
A police spokesman said emergency services were called to the house just before noon on Friday.
“The circumstances of their death appear suspicious and we are treating it that way,” said Constable David Hopkinson.
The couple had recently put their luxury home up for sale and their bodies were found by an estate agent who was at the property to prepare it for an open-house viewing, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported, citing a family member.
Apotex said in a statement: “All of us at Apotex are deeply shocked and saddened by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”
The couple had four children.
Mr Sherman founded Apotex Inc in 1974 and the firm says it is now the seventh biggest drug maker in the world.
Forbes magazine puts Mr Sherman’s personal net worth at $3.2bn (£2.4bn).

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

West Ham out of relegation zone after 3-0 victory

West Ham climbed out of the relegation zone after striker Marko Arnautovic returned to haunt his troubled former club Stoke.
David Moyes’ improving Hammers celebrated their first away victory of the season but the pressure will build further on Potters boss Mark Hughes, who has now won just one of his last eight games.
On his 300th league appearance, West Ham captain Mark Noble gave his side the lead from the penalty spot before Arnautovic doubled their lead.
BBC reports that the Austria international should have had a hat-trick, hitting the woodwork twice in the second half before finally finishing with his right foot into the bottom corner after a deft exchange of passes with Manuel Lanzini.
Substitute Diafra Sakho compounded Stoke’s woes when he collected Lanzini’s through ball and slotted coolly past keeper Jack Butland.
Kick-off was delayed by an hour at the Bet 365 Stadium because of a power outage, but many home fans left early as West Ham supporters sang “You’re getting sacked in the morning” to a grim-faced Hughes.
A hugely improved rearguard and Arnautovic’s persistence were key for the visitors, who beforehand had the top-flight’s worst defence along with Stoke.
They were thankful too that most of Stoke’s best chances fell to captain Ryan Shawcross, who could not get a string of headers on target.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Death Of Idris, A Big Loss To Nation – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the death of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mallam Gidado Idris, as a big loss to the nation.
The President, who expressed sadness at the passing of the admirable octogenarian, said “Being a highly experienced and quintessential technocrat who traversed the different stages of the political evolution of the country, his wise counsel will surely be missed.”
President Buhari said the late Mallam Idris, in addition to rising to the pinnacle of his public career as SGF, also served several civilian and military administrations meritoriously as federal permanent secretary, noting that he left inspiring imprints.
He enjoined current and upcoming civil and public servants to emulate the cherished values of hard work, discipline, professionalism and integrity which the late distinguished nationalist embodied.
President Buhari also commiserated with the family and associates of Mallam Idris, and prayed that God will comfort them.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Opposition dead in Oyo State – Tinubu

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Saturday in Ibadan declared the death of opposition parties in Oyo State.
Tinubu made the declaration during a mega rally at the ancient Mapo Hall, while receiving former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin and hosts of others into the APC.
Among the defectors are Sen. Brimoh Yusuf, Chief Ayodele Adigun, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, Hon. Dokun Odebunmi, Hon Ademola Ojo, Chief (Mrs) Olanrewaju Otiti, Mr Rauf Olaniyan and Funke Adesiyan.
The APC National Leader was joined by Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Governor Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), to receive the defectors.
The event coincided with the 68th birthday of Ajimobi.
“Today is very important because of the governor’s birthday. I really thank God for my friend, Alao-Akala and others for joining the APC.
“I also thank God for Folarin and Amb. Taofeek Arapaja too. This APC house is great for all of us. I am confident that today’s massive defection into the APC has finished opposition parties in Oyo State.
“We are happy to have you in and we are proud of our party,’’ he said.
The former Lagos State governor said that the APC was the only progressive party in Nigeria and Africa, urging the people to vote APC in the 2019 election.
Ajimobi said that Alao-Akala and other defectors were the few good, intelligent and weighty people in the opposition parties across the state.
“The defection of Alao-Akala and others to the APC is a clear pointer that opposition parties in the state were finished,’’ he said.
Aregbesola and Akeredolu appreciated the massive turnout at the rally, saying they are proud of Ibadan and its people for embracing the APC massively.
In their various responses, Alao-Akala, Folarin, Arapaja and others pledged their loyalty to the party, saying they have joined the party for good.
“There is dynamism in politics. Today, we are in APC for real and will abide by the party rules. I salute Tinubu, our leader and my brother, Ajimobi for welcoming us into the party.
“I assure you that APC is the only party in Oyo State. All that is needed now is to pick who be what and when. The PDP is dead in Oyo State”, Alao Akala said.
Special prayers were earlier held at the Government House Mosque and Chapel to commemorate the governor’s 68th birthday. The prayer session was attended by prominent politicians, members of the state executive council, clergies and hosts of well wishers.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Birthday Gift: Buhari should resign – Femi Fani-Kayode

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Director of Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation

Former aviation minister and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign from office as a birthday gift to Nigerians.
Fani-Kayode who called for Buhari’s resignation in a tweet on Saturday described the president as a disaster to the country.
While congratulating the president on his 75th birthday which comes up tomorrow, Fani-Kayode said he disagreed with him on everything ”and I deplore his agenda and ways.”
Read Fani-Kayode’s tweet below:
”I congratulate @MBuhari on his 75th birthday even though I disagree with him on virtually everything and I deplore his agenda and ways. I believe that he has been a disaster as Pres. and that the best birthday gift he can give the Nigerian people is his resignation letter.”
Fani-Kayode who is facing trial for money laundering was also the former Director of Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation.
Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Senator raises alarm, says kidnappers have taken over 4 states

Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central in the red chambers of the National Assembly has raised an alarm that kidnappers and bandits have taken over communities in 4 states.
Senator Sani identified the states as Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara and Plateau states.
In a facebook post on Saturday, Senator Sani called on President Muhammadu Buhari to protect lives and properties in the communities by allocating a special sum from the excess crude account to fight the menace.
The senator urged the president to act fast and not allow the North West and North Central to become North East.
Read Senator Sani’s post below:
”Communities in Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger and Plateau states are under siege. Kidnappers and bandits have taken full control. I’m formally writing to the President to demand a surge to protect lives and properties.All measures taken so far failed to address the problem.If it will take allocating a special sum from the excess crude account to assist the states and security agencies including the military,the President must act.The FG must not wait for the North West and North Central to become North East before taken seriously.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Atiku opens chicken cottages across the country to create jobs and empower local farmers (Photos)

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has spoken of plans  to develop Chicken Cottage Nigeria as a regional hub for all operations in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He said this  at the  commissioning a  Chicken cottage outlet, owned by him,  on Saturday in Abuja.
He promised to open more of the outlets in strategically important locations in Nigeria.
“Our target is to have at least One Chicken Cottage Restaurant in every state in Nigeria.
” Ultimately, we intend to develop Chicken Cottage Nigeria as the regional hub for all operations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Towards this end,  I have given approval to the management to commence talks with Chicken Cottage International.”
Abubakar expressed optimism that establishment of the cottage outlets in states would help reduce unemployment in the country.
“You can be sure that having at least one Chicken Cottage in every state will help get Nigerians working again.
“We will provide gainful employment to thousands of Nigerians who would be earning living wages which in turn contributes to reducing unemployment in Nigeria.”
He said that Chicken Cottage would also contribute to patronage of local farmers as the main raw materials for the products would be sourced locally.
This according to him include agricultural produce such as chicken, vegetables, potato, rice.
“My ultimate joy will be to patronise our local farmers and see them have their produce bought and used here in Nigeria and Africa,  thereby empowering them.
“Furthermore, the multiplier benefits of this enterprise would extend to transporters, beverage suppliers, Appliance manufacturers, Artisans, Furniture makers.
 I found this interesting (NAN)

Source: Laila's Blog

I cannot be threatened – Governor Obaseki tells pensioners

Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State, has declared that he cannot be intimidated by pensioners in the state over the non-payment of their 42-months arrears.

The governor made the statemnet while expressing his dismay over the interruption of his speech by pensioners at an annual ceremony to mark the National Pensioners’ Day on Tuesday in Benin City, the state capital.
Obaseki, however, assured the pensioners at the event that he understood their plight more than any other governor in the country.
The governor predicated his earlier comment on the fact that he was part of the presidential committee on pension reforms whose recommendations led to the formation of the pension commission.
According to Obaseki, “Nobody is going to threaten me. I will tell you the truth as it is. Even today, from that Paris refund, I am taking more to pay.
“Did we get Paris refund last month? Did we get Paris refund two months ago? I am not taking money to settle the arrears. If they paid anybody to come and disrupt us, by the grace of God, those people will not succeed.
“The Paris Club (refund) is divided between the state and local governments. In the case of this state, from N10 billion, we reduced the arrears to three point something billion (naira). That we did."

Source: DailyPost Nigeria

Generator fumes kill fashion designer, friend in Edo

Corpses of two middle-aged women were on Tuesday discovered in a shop in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that one of the deceased, said to be a fashion designer and the owner of the shop, Uju Muobuikwu, had invited the other victim to assist her at the shop located on Second East Circular Road.
Muobuikwu had reportedly turned on a generator to enable her sew clothes throughout the night and deliver them to her customers on time the following morning.
Her brother, Chukwudi, told newsmrn that he had earlier received a call from his sister on Monday, but could not reach her when he later tried to.
He said, “I got a call from my sister at about 2pm. She said her friend was not feeling fine. I told her to give her anointing oil.
“Minutes later, I put a call to her mobile phone to know the situation of things, but she did not pick my call. So, I came here this morning and we invited the police to force the door open.”
It was learnt that the corpses were taken away by policemen from the Esigie division.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, confirmed that the women died of suspected inhalation of generator fumes.
Kokumo said, “They died after inhaling generator fumes. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims inhaled toxic fumes from the generator.”
“They were fashion designers who must have been working all night to probably meet up with the demands of their customers this Yuletide.
“They slept where the generator was placed. So, died after inhaling generator fumes. We will soon embark on a campaign to enlighten members of the public that using generators indoor is dangerous.”

Source: DailyPost Nigeria

6,000 civil service pensioners verified in FCT – PTAD

Pension

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) on Tuesday disclosed that 6,000 pensioners would be verified at the FCT center of the on-going final verification of civil service pensioners in the North Central Zone.
The Executive Secretary of PTAD, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, disclosed this after inspecting the verification process in the Abuja centres.
She described the exercise, which is the final for civil service pensioners, as seamless, adding that pensioners had turned up with high expectations.
She, however, said PTAD would meet their expectations by verifying them and ensuring they got their right payment when due.
The PTAD boss said “In the FCT, we are expecting 6,000 pensioners to be verified, but you see some may still come from other states who are not resident here, but we will still go ahead and verify them.
“This is the first time PTAD is carrying out verification for civil service pensioners in the FCT.
“This will be last and final verification, bearing in mind that we inherited payroll and data from the office of the Head of Civil Service.
“ We started verification of civil service pensioners in 2015, with the six geo-political zones, North Central is the last zone, so, FCT, Nasarawa and Niger states are the final we are doing.
“With this, we have concluded verification for civil service pensioners.“
She said the essence of the verification was for PTAD to develop credible data base and eradicate the matters on pensioners embarking on incessant verification.
Ikeazor said PTAD was verifying maximum of 500 pensioners daily in the FCT centers.
“Every day in each centre, we can handle 500 pensioners in one day; if you notice our processes, there is a lot of data entry.
“When the staff are overworked and overwhelmed, they tend to make mistakes.
“And we can’t afford to make mistake, that is why we have three centres; one in Maitama, one in Gwarimpa and here in area 11.
“ We have made buses available for pensioners to choose any centre of their choice; we can’t take more than 500 for each day so that the data we are computing is accurate.“
On findings from the recent verification, she said “some of my findings is that there are few pensioners who were taken off the payroll.
“ With the exercise, genuine pensioners are now being restored on the payroll; we also discovered pensioners who were taken off the payroll due to lack of BVN on their account in 2016.
“ They are now presenting their BVN and we are placing them back on the payroll.“
She also said that pensioners who had been verified and payrolled would receive their December payment before 25, adding that those who just got verified would have to wait in three months time to receive their payment.
“Those we have just verified, who have never been on payroll, will have to wait because after the field exercise, their papers will go through computation, the auditors will have to pass them, so we are talking in another three to four months.
`Our processes, checks and balances must be put in place, verification is not automatic payment, we have to manage the expectations.“
She advised pensioners to report any case of fraud alert to the directorate, adding that PTAD had also stationed security personnel to check incidence of fraud at the verification venues.
Some of the pensioners told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they were delighted to be considered for verification by PTAD.
They expressed belief that the verification would mark an end to the incessant verification experienced over the years.
Mrs Oluba Peacewill told NAN that she was retrenched in 2007 at Ministry of Interior as a cleaner on Grade Level three.
She said she was only paid 10 per cent of her gratuity and earned seven thousand naira as monthly pension, adding that her last salary before the retrenchment was N9,000.
According to her, she was expectant that her arrears of many years would be paid, giving her series of verification over the years.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

US embassy move to Jerusalem won’t happen before 2020

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the U.S. embassy in Israel was unlikely to be moved to Jerusalem before 2020, national media outlets reported.
“It’s not going to be anything that happens right away,” U.S. news daily the New York Times quoted Tillerson’s speech at the State Department.
“Probably no earlier than three years out, and that’s pretty ambitious,” the head of the State Department added.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Dec. 6 the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and his intention of moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The declaration serves “the interest of the United States and the peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” said Trump at a televised speech.
Speaking of the moving of the U.S. embassy, Trump said the State Department will immediately begin to hire architects and engineers, so as to make the new embassy “a magnificent tribute to peace” when completed.
Trump’s decision, which was seen as undermining the Middle East peace process and further destabilizing the region, has drawn condemnation and opposition globally.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

EFCC boss Ibrahim Magu escapes assassination as gunmen invade house

Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of EFCCActing Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr. Ibrahim Magu on Tuesday night escaped death by the whiskers as some gunmen stormed his house in Abuja. When they didn’t find the EFCC boss in the house, they killed one of the police guards attached to the house and disappeared.
According to findings, the gunmen stormed the farmhouse in Karshi in the Federal Capital Territory at about 10pm and exchanged fire with the policemen on duty, The Nation reports
A police Sergeant was hit and he died instantly.
This is the second time that the same the house will be attacked by unknown elements.
The last 10 months had been tough for Magu because of his refusal to bow to pressure from some high-profile suspects and Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
Following threats, security was beefed up for Magu and his immediate family leading to the deployment of policemen to the uncompleted bungalow in Karshi.
Some suspected elements had also been prowling the family’s house in the Borno State capital and issuing threats to the woman.
This latest attack came barely 48 hours after Magu said the anti-corruption will be a do-or-die affair.
Speaking on Monday after a walk to mark the anti-corruption Day, Magu said: “For those of us on this side; in the anti-corruption agencies of government, in the media, and civil society, the dagger is drawn and I believe I am speaking the mind of everyone on this side that we intend to neither retreat nor surrender in our noble intention to cure our country of the evils of corruption.
“For us as a country, the fight against corruption is a ‘do or die’ affair; we have to win the battle or die trying.

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria

Champions League last 16 draw: Robben, Müller others reacts to pairing with Beşiktaş

Some Bayern Munich players have reacted to the UEFA Champions League draw result.

Recall that, the UEFA Champions League last-16 draw was conducted on Monday.
Bayern, that avoided heavyweights like Manchester City and FC Barcelona, will face Turkish side, Beşiktaş.
Bavaria players like Süle, Robben, Müller and others took to their social media accounts after the result was announced to comment on the draw against Besiktas.
Niklas Süle: “It’s turned out not so bad that we came second. It’s gone really well. We play the first leg at home. Beşiktaş showed how well they can play in a tough group. It will be a difficult task, but it could have been worse.”
Hasan Salihamidzic: “We know how strong Beşiktaş are. We followed their progress because they were in Leipzig’s group. It’s a difficult draw. We’ll see what happens. There’ll definitely be an exceptional atmosphere over there, but there will be here in Munich as well. We’re looking forward to it. Obviously it’s a disadvantage to play at home first, but we’re good enough and accept it.”
Thomas Müller: “We’re happy with the draw and look forward to the last 16. Obviously we want to go as far as possible. In Munich we definitely don’t want to concede, we need to defend well. In the away leg we’ll need a strong performance. You’ve got to compete in both games.”
Arjen Robben: “It will be a challenge, I haven’t played against Beşiktaş before. We need to prepare well and be careful. They were in the group with Leipzig and did well. The atmosphere is always good in Turkey, we can adapt to that. First though we have to play them at home and get ourselves into a good position.”
Joshua Kimmich: “I think it’s a good draw. On paper we could have met stronger teams. I look forward to the game. I know from the Leipzig boys there’ll be a great atmosphere over there.”

Source: DailyPost Nigeria

Europa League round of 32: Arsenal, Atletico, Dortmund know opponents [Full draw]

Arsenal will take on Swedish club Ostersunds FK in the Europa League round of 32, while Atletico Madrid will take on Copenhagen.

The draw which was conducted after the Champions League draw, will see AC Milan play Bulgarian club, Ludogorets Razgrad.
Borussia Dortmund, that finished third in their Champions League group behind Tottenham and Real Madrid, have been drawn against Serie A side Atalanta.
Napoli take on RB Leipzig, while Celtic play Zenit St Petersburg. Lazio take on Romanian side FCSB and Lyon face Villarreal.
Ties to be played February 15 and 22.
FULL DRAW…
Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta
Nice vs. Lokomotiv Moscow
FC Copenhagen vs. Atletico Madrid
Spartak Moscow vs. Athletic Bilbao
AEK Athens vs. Dynamo Kiev
Celtic vs. Zenit St Petersburg
Napoli vs. RB Leipzig
Red Star Belgrade vs. CSKA Moscow
Lyon vs. Villarreal
Real Sociedad vs. Red Bull Salzburg
Partizan Belgrade vs. Viktoria Plzen
FCSB vs. Lazio
Ludogorets Razgrad vs. AC Milan
Astana vs. Sporting Lisbon
Ostersunds FK vs. Arsenal
Marseille vs. Braga.
SourceDailyPost Nigeria

Champions League last 16 draw: Emery reacts to Real Madrid vs Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain manager, Unai Emery has reacted to the latest Champions League last 16 draw result that sees his team paired against LaLiga Champion, Real Madrid.

The UEFA Champions League last-16 draw was conducted on Monday.
Emery believes PSG can beat Madrid and advance to the Champions League quarter-finals (round 8).
According to him, facing the reigning UEFA Champion in the last 16 is a “good draw” for the Parisians.
“I think it is a good draw. I believe we can compete with Real Madrid,” Emery told UEFA.com.
“To make something great in the UEFA Champions League, you need to beat the best teams. The last 16 is a good moment to play such teams.
“We will need to show our character, our tactical skills and our talent. Talent is very important.”

Source: DailyPost Nigeria