world news

The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has generated more than N9 billion from November 2015 till date. Alhaji Abubakar Bwari, the Minister of State disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. Bwari said that the ministry generated N351,882,084.26 from November to December in 2015, N2,864,903,426.32 in 2016, N3,925,028,183.90 in 2017 and N2,060,441,736. 62 in 2018.

“When Dr Kayode Fayemi and I assumed duty in November 2015, we set an agenda to move the sector forward in line with President Muhammadu Buhari diversification plan and to boost the revenue of the ministry,” he said.

On success made by the sector through its budgetary allocation, he said that tremendous improvement had been recorded by the sector in the past two years.NAN recalls that in 2015, the capital appropriated for the ministry was N704 million and the amount released was N302 million.

In 2016, N2.6 billion was appropriated and what was released to the sector was N917 million.In 2017, N6,48 billion was appropriated for the ministry but N3.24 billion was released to the sector.He said that the ministry’s budget for 2017 was able to meet some of its needs, adding that it could conveniently provide logistics to its officers across the country.

“We can now give our officers money to monitor activities at all mine sites across the country from our budget, unlike in the past when the ministry’s budget was grossly inadequate.“The ministry also purchased vehicles for its officers across the country as well as surveillance taskforce to monitor illegal miners and mineral’s smugglers among others.”

Bwari said that the ministry has concluded arrangements to disburse another N70 million to some universities to conduct Research and Development of minerals deposits across the country.NAN reports that the fund being disbursed to some universities is the second batch of the programme.

In July, the minister disbursed N84 million to11 universities to conduct research and development of minerals deposits in Nigeria.The universities were required to conduct research and development in various areas relating to mapping and evaluation of particular mineral deposits in Nigeria.The 11 universities that benefitted from the fund in the first batch were, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, and the University of Nigeria, Nsuka.

Others include, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida University, Niger, University of Port Harcourt, University of Jos, University of Lagos, Nasarawa State University, University of Ibadan and Ebonyi State University.

2019 Election: Read what Nigerians are saying about cost of APC nomination forms

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the two major political parties--APC and PDP--have told aspirants for elective offices just how much nomination or expression of interest forms cost.

For instance, we do know that if you intend to run for the office of president on the PDP platform, you will have to part with N12million (N2million for Expression of Interest form and N10million for Nomination form).

Governorship aspirants on the PDP platform will cough out N6million (N1million as Expression of Interest form and N5million for the Nomination form).

See this link for cost of PDP nomination forms.

In the APC, Pulse has been told, things are a lot more expensive. Here’s what it will reportedly cost to run for office on the platform of the governing party.

PS: The APC is yet to say if the figures below are accurate. Pulse will update this story when an official response from the governing party comes in:

House of Reps - N3.8M

Senate - N8.5M

Governor - N22.5M

President - N55M

Nigerians have been having their say on Twitter on the cost of APC nomination forms. Find a few reactions below:

The reactions arrive on the heels of the signing of the Not-Young-To-Run bill by President Buhari on Thursday, May 31, 2018.

The Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act alters Sections 65, 106, 131, and 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and effectively reduces the age of qualification for the office of the President from 40 to 35 years; House of Reps from 30 to 25 years; and the House of Assembly from 30 to 25 years.

However, with nomination forms of the major political parties selling at prohibitive prices, young Nigerians have been wondering how they will ever make it into political offices since millions of them can't afford to purchase the APC, PDP forms.

'I have no fear about free and fair election' - Nigeria's Buhari

Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has emphasized that he is not afraid of a free and fair election because his election is a product of that process.

Speaking on Sunday in the Chinese capital of Beijing at an interactive session with the Nigerian community, Buhari said he won the presidency on his fourth attempt.

“We are not doing too badly, but we need your understanding and support. Whatever you can contribute back at home by advising your families to vote for our party.

“I have no fear about free and fair election because that is what brought me here… I know what I want to do, very few in Nigeria politicians could boast of that, I tried four times.

He stressed about challenging the results in his first two attempts then added: “the third time I said ‘God dey,’ and the fourth time technology came and helped us and people’s vote counted.”

He had made a similar comment during a visit to Abuja by German chancellor Angela Merkel, adding that his administration was also committed to the rule of law.

Buhari, a former military ruler of Africa’s most populous nation, came into office in 2015 on the back of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has announced his intention to seek a second and final term in elections slated for February 2019.

He is leading the Nigerian entourage to the Forum for China – Africa Cooperation which kicks off today in Beijing. Dozens of African leaders are currently in Beijing for the summit themed: “China and Africa: Toward an Even Stronger Community with a Shared Future through Win-Win Cooperation.”

FOCAC: China Announces $60 billion Financing Package for African Economies

China will extend a total of 60 billion U.S. dollars of financing to Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Monday.

In a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi said that the financing will be provided in the form of government assistance as well as investment and financing by financial institutions and companies

He also said that China will exempt certain African countries from outstanding debts incurred in the form of interest-free Chinese government loans due by the end of 2018.

The exemption, he said, will be granted to Africa’s least developed countries, heavily indebted and poor countries, landlocked and small island developing countries that have diplomatic relations with China.

Xi also said China will implement eight major initiatives with African countries in the next three years and beyond.

He said the initiatives, cover fields such as industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, and green development.

EPL: Wenger to replace Mourinho at Manchester United

Veteran English sports presenter and analyst, Richard Keys, has said that former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, would take over from Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

Keys who has worked with BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Talksport, Al-Jazeera, Fox Sports, ESPN Star Sports, said that Wenger would be a suitable replacement for the Portuguese.

United boss, Mourinho is the favourite with the bookies to be the next manager to lose their job in the top flight despite yesterday’s win over Burnley.

And Keys suggested the Wenger, who left Arsenal after 22 years at the end of last season, would be a good option.

“I’ll match and raise you Arsene Wenger,” he told beIN Sports.

“Let me put a bit of meat on the bone. Managed big players all of his life. Knows plenty about the English Premier League.

“He has won everything there is to win apart from the Champions League. He certainly can handle big players. Managed a big football club and he’s available.”

EPL: David Luiz reveals who made him to remain at Chelsea

Chelsea defender, David Luiz revealed that the arrival of new manager, Maurizio Sarri convinced him to stay at Chelsea following Antonio Conte’s exit.

Luiz, who had confirmed that he planned to leave the Blues this summer if Conte remained as manager, also spoke on his new position in Sarri’s formation.

Sarri replaced fellow Italian compatriot, Conte at Stamford Bridge earlier in the summer.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Luiz said that the arrival of Sarri convinced him to stay at the club rather than push for a move away from the West London club.

“Maurizio Sarri already teach me many things I have not saw before,” said Luiz. “His arrival made me to stay”.

“I already had a coach the same way as him – Jorge Jesus when I had him at Benfica, he was also like that. It’s important because we play one-on-one with the ball.”

“I already played more in my life in a back four than a back three,” he added. “I start to play back three when I was 17 then I come back to play a back three two years ago here.

“I think I’m more adept with a back four than a back three.”

LaLiga: Real Madrid coach, Lopetegui speaks on Benzema becoming top scorer this season

Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui has said that striker, Karim Benzema can end the 2018-19 season as the top scorer (Pichichi) in the La Liga.

Benzema scored five league goals for the Los Blancos last campaign but has already registered four times in three appearances at the start of the 2018-19 campaign.

The France international netted a brace in Madrid’s 4-1 win over Leganes on Saturday night in the La Liga.

Lopetegui, however, believes Benzema has what it takes to pick up the Pichichi Trophy for the top goalscorer in La Liga this season.

“Why can’t he [Benzema] be Pichichi? Why can’t he end up with 30 or 40 goals? The most important thing is the team.

“The goals come from the work of the whole team and someone has the honour, proximity and quality of scoring them,” Sportmole quoted Lopetegui as saying at post-match.

Lopetegui’s side has won all three of their league matches at the start of the new season.

Defection: Akwa Ibom PDP assures decampees of equal opportunity

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has allayed fears that those who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the party would be relegated to the background, reassuring that all party members would be given equal opportunity and a level-playing ground.

Speaking through its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, in an interaction with journalists in Uyo over the weekend, PDP said it has put in place a solid structure so that no member would be marginalised.

According to Ememobong, “When people leave the PDP, it’s defection, when they return it’s home coming. So when people come back home, it’s easy to locate their rooms.”

On the position of the party on zoning, the Publicity Secretary said that zoning has become sacrosanct in the party because such would reduce political tension and unnecessary expenditure during the 2019 general elections.

He also said the widespread sensitization on zoning has readjusted the mindset of politicians in the state to avoid undue conflicts, adding that the ongoing purchase of nomination forms by members of the party was an indication of respect to the zoning arrangement.

The party spokesman said such peaceful move runs in contrast with other political parties that were allegedly chanting war songs, with the threat to win through violence.

He said as a party determined to win the support of the people through hard work and prove of competence, the PDP, instead of threat and intimidation, has held stakeholders’ meetings in the 329 wards across the state and carried out sensitization in the 10 federal constituencies.

Ememobong said the PDP is currently running over five radio programs, using such platforms to sensitize and give seed funds to aid small and medium scale business owners, in addition to training in various trades and vocations.

“We have been holding series of meetings to prepare the ground to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and credible elections. In the area of touching lives, we are currently running 4-5 programs on radio, sensitising and giving out monies for people to start small businesses, we give out as much as N250-500,000.

“It’s difficult for a person who is benefiting from you not to insist you stay. We are interacting with young professionals, market people, we are carrying out door to door campaigns, we are praying, the governor before declaring went first to God, this government has been made a part of the church. We have done that part that man needed to do. That is why the campaign slogan of the governor for 2019 is ‘Only God’,” he said

“People come into politics without preparing that the answer can either be yes or no, that’s why we keep asking those not favoured by zoning to avoid spending money, some aspirants do not even know how to interact with the electorates. That is why we keep sensitizing our members to avoid this.”

While expressing confidence that the PDP has worked harder than any other political party in the state and therefore stands a huge chance of sweeping the polls, the party spokesperson said, “PDP secretariat has been a beehive of activities within these past weeks, lots of people have indicated interest and actually purchased the forms, our forms are the most reasonable in the political market. For women, it’s just the expression of interest, the nomination form is free, only the incumbent has purchased form for governorship

“PDP is the only political party in this country to attain the age of 20, it was created as a platform where everyone, irrespective of religious or any affiliation can thrive. In the past 20 years, we have provided the fertile ground for democracy to thrive, I’m sure that if the type of party we have at the centre today had been for the past 20 years, there wouldn’t have been democracy. That’s our greatest achievement.”

Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Delta, demand N15million ransom

Reports reaching EMIRATCO say there is serious tension in Delta State as gunmen on Saturday abducted the presiding priest of Emmanuel Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogaga, in Aragba/Oviri-Okpe in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State

As at the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the priest is still unknown but the gunmen were said to be demanding N15 million ransom from to release the priest.

The cleric, who doubles as the Principal of St. Peter’s Claver’s College, Aghalokpe, was abducted at about 10am while driving alone on his way to Warri after he left Aghalokpe community, DAILY POST gathered.

Rev. Fr. Ogaga was coming to Warri to help the Parish Priest of Mother of Redeemer’s Catholic Church, Airport junction to conduct services billed to hold Sunday. He is the priest in charge of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Oviri-Okpe in addition to St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Aghalokpe.

When contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Mustafa confirmed the incident to newsmen on Monday.

Mustafa said operatives of the command have launched a search to ensure the safe release of the Catholic priest.

According to him, “Yes, we are already searching for the kidnappers. He was kidnapped two days ago.”

APC reaffirms how presidential candidate will emerge

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has again clarified that the those aspiring for the party’s presidential ticket will go through direct primary.

APC National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, stated this in an interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) at the weekend.

Buni said, “Both direct and indirect primaries are contained in our party constitution. In the presidential primary, we are going to start the direct method at the various ward levels, then we’ll conclude everything at the national convention.

“Other primaries such as that of the National Assembly, governors and members of the state Houses of Assembly depend on what the states want.

“The party executive at the state level would sit down and decide and then forward to us the method they want for approval.”

Emiratco reports that there is confusion in the party nationwide as to how candidates will emerge.

This is despite explanation of the decisions made by the National Executive Committee (NEC) as regards the mode of primaries.

APC had said: “Primary Elections into all elective offices shall be by the Direct and Indirect Election or by Consensus. The use of the Direct and Indirect Primaries shall however depend on the peculiarity and need of a given State

“The adopted mode shall now be applied to all categories of the Party’s Primary Elections i.e. State Assembly, Senate, House of Representatives and for the Governorship Elections”.

But many chieftains, elected officials and members, have cried foul, insisting that subjecting some states and positions to indirect primaries was to enable certain persons determine winners.

On Sunday, a statement by Yekini Nabena, APC National Publicity Secretary, confirmed that the NEC decisions had triggered an internal crisis.

He disclosed that the party had received information that some members were working against the NEC resolutions.

Nabena noted: “The identities of those plotting such meetings have been identified and unless they desist from such they will be dealt with in line with the Party’s Constitution at the appropriate time.

“The NWC will resist any attempt to disrupt the current peace and harmony prevailing in our great Party after the exit of some members of our Party.

“We urge any member who is not satisfied with the decisions of the Party to utillize channels provided by the Party’s constitution to air their views.”

Fire guts National Museum

Fire on Sunday gutted the National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s oldest.

The cause of the fire, which broke out on Sunday night, was not yet known.

However, no injuries were immediately reported as firefighters struggled to quench the fire.

“This is a tragic day for Brazil. Two hundred years of work and research and knowledge are lost.Brazil President Michel Temer said in a statement.

“This is a cultural tragedy,” the director of the National History Museum said on Globo TV.

The museum was founded in 1818 by King Joao VI and is among Brazil’s most important, with valuable national treasures inside.

Abia 2019: On equity I stand – Sen Orji

As intrigues intensify ahead of the 2019 elections, Senator Theodore Orji representing Abia Central district has insisted that the power zoning arrangements in the state should be respected by all political parties in the spirit and letter of Abia charter of equity.

The former Governor stated this at the weekend in Umuahia when he received in audience Umunneato Council of Chiefs and select women leaders.

Umunneato clan comprises three Local Government Areas in Abia Central zone of Ngwa: Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma LGAs.

Orji said that the Abia charter of equity agreed upon by the founding fathers of the state recommended power rotation among the three senatorial zones in the state.

He said his belief in the document informed his insistence on power shift to Abia South in 2015 after his second tenure as Governor, as other zones had all taken their turns.

Orji said “it will be proper for Abia South senatorial zone to be allowed to complete their turn by renewing Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu’s mandate in 2019”.

The former Governor, therefore, enjoined the Umunneato Council of Chiefs to prevail on senatorial aspirants from the clan to perish their ambition in 2019 in the spirit of equity and justice.

Enugu Airport: South-East Governors knock FG

South-East Governors, Sunday, told the Federal Government that the sorry state of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu was putting lives in danger.

They spoke during a meeting of the Forum held at the Enugu Government House.

Chairman of the Forum and Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi, read a communique issued after the meeting.

Governors of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu of Enugu and Abia, respectively, were present at the meeting.

In the communique read by Umahi, he said the condition of the runway posed threat to the lives of the people of the region in particular and Nigerians in general, as pilots were finding it difficult to land.

While appreciating the Federal Government “for the intervention on the airport, the Governors drew its attention “to the deplorable state of the runway; the runway lights and the tarmac and called on the Hon. Minister of State for Aviation to visit the Airport for an on-the-spot assessment and urgent intervention.

“The Forum also requested that urgent steps must be taken for the reactivation of the cargo section of the Airport,” adding that it was also unacceptable that the International wing could not function beyond 6 p.m.

They also announced that “the Forum received interim report from the South-East Consultative Committee on health, set up to facilitate the establishment of world class health facilities in each State of the South-East zone.

“The Forum noted the calibre of health and other professionals in the committee and commended them for the progress so far and urged them to work towards ensuring the transformation of the zone into a medical tourist destination in Nigeria.”

“The Forum received presentation from the South-East Region Development Fund, (SENDEF), a financial arm of the SEREDEC and urged them to channel all development plans in the South-East region through the Secretariat of the Forum,” they further stated in the communique.

APC fires back at PDP over Buhari’s comment on Nigerians migrating to Europe

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is committed to mitigating the migration crisis Nigerians are facing, particularly in Libya and in the Mediterranean Sea.

The party stated this in a statement issued by Yekini Nabena, its National Publicity Secretary, in reaction to comments made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the issue.

He condemned attempts by the PDP to politicise Buhari’s statement on illegal migration and trafficking of Nigerians during the recent visit of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel to Nigeria.

Nabena said: “The PDP in its typical insensitive and unguarded stance on matters affecting the country is exploiting an issue that borders to on the lives of Nigerians, mostly youths.

“It is a known fact that many Nigerian families have suffered grief as a result of deaths and other inhuman treatment that have befell relatives attempting migration to Europe and other parts of the world.

“Through support of international agreements and efforts towards curbing illegal migration, repatriation of stranded Nigerian migrants and addressing root causes encouraging illegal migration of Nigerians, the President Buhari administration has demonstrated the political will to check the scourge”.

He recalled the presidential directive for Nigerians to be evacuated from Libya and other locations and be returned home safely.

Nabena said the administration had already put in place several interventionist programmes to enable such persons start new and productive lives in the country.

He noted that with unemployment and poverty identified as one of the root causes of illegal migration, the Buhari administration was using initiatives to check the ugly trend.

2019: PDP reveals why Saraki, Atiku, Tambuwal won’t be screened for now

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has explained why it is yet to constitute a panel that will screen its presidential aspirants.

Many of the aspirants who have purchased the party’s presidential and expression of interest forms are said to be waiting for the naming of the panel.

Among the aspirants who have picked the forms are a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; a former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; and the Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo.

Also on the list are a former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki (SAN); a former Governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau; a former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa and Dr Ahmed Datti.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, told Punch that there was nothing wrong in the delay.

He said, “There is nothing to worry about in that (non-release of the screening panel). You know we are still selling our forms.

“As soon as we are done with the selling of the forms, we will constitute the panel. We have nothing to hide. The aspirants are also aware of that.

“The party has said that it will be transparent and we will abide by that. So, we have nothing to fear or worry about.”

According to the revised timetable of the party, the screening of the presidential aspirants will hold on September 12.

2019: Kwankwaso speaks on PDP’s form of presidential primary

A former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso has said that he is in support of using indirect primaries by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

He said he was sure the party will still continue with the indirect primaries having used that system since 2003 when it was reviewed.

The former Governor said though he was elected as governor through the direct system in 1999, he would still align himself with the position taken by the leadership of the party on the matter.

He told reporters in Abuja on Sunday that the PDP was experienced enough to handle the matter.

He said, “Well, I think parties should look out their situation. The situation of PDP is such that we have gone through all the processes.

“And we are experienced enough to select the best system for the party.

“Some of you may still remember that in 1999 when I was elected as governor, the PDP then elected their candidates through direct primaries.

“And from that experience, we sat down here in this secretariat and thought there was a need for us to review it.

“And that was why in 2003, and since then, we are doing indirect elections.

“And I’m sure one day the party may decide to go back to direct election. But I think now, a decision has been taken by the party to do an indirect election.

“And we are all abiding by the position of the party. So, I think now, it is beyond my opinion or your opinion. The party has taken a position.”

2019: Why Imo people will miss me – Gov. Okorocha

The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has provided reasons he would be missed by the people of the state when he leaves office next year.

Okorocha said he had done enough for the people to miss him after he hands over to a successor in 2019.

The Governor listed free and qualitative education programme in the State and more than 1000 verifiable projects as some of the reasons he won’t be forgotten so fast.

Okorocha said that Imo people will definitely look back with admiration at his 8 years in office.

According to the Governor, he has repositioned the state for better after repurchasing all the assets sold by previous administrations in the state.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, the Governor said, “The free education programme in the State which some opponents of the government had tried to discredit when it was introduced has yielded obvious remarkable results.

“And aside the School enrolment in the State snowballing from 381,000 in 2011 to more than One million in 2017, the State has continued to lead in JAMB applications for the Seventh time now.

“The State has also continued to do very well in WAEC Exams. For instance, in the 2018 Senior School Certificate Exam (SSCE), the State came fifth out of the Thirty-Six States in the Country and the Federal Capital Territory.“

As Buhari Arrives Beijing,Nigeria, China to Sign U.S.$328m Agreement On ICT.

President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Beijing yesterday to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) holding on Monday and Tuesday.During the 6-day official visit of the Nigerian President, he is expected to join his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping to witness the signing of an agreement on the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone Phase 11 (NICTIB 11) between Galaxy Backbone Limited and Huawei Technologies Limited (HUAWEI) at the cost of US $328 million facility provided by the Chinese EXIM Bank.

Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, yesterday, said the bank facility is for the development of NICTIB 11 project, which is consistent with the current administration's commitment to incorporating the development of ICT into national strategic planning under the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

President Buhari and his Chinese host will also witness the signing of the MoU on One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR).In 2013, the Chinese leader proposed the initiative of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, with a view to integrating the development strategies of partnering countries.

During the High Level Dialogue between Chinese and African Leaders and Business representatives on the margins of FOCAC, the Nigerian delegation is also expected to sign no fewer than 25 MoUs, including those proposed by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

President Buhari will today meet Nigerians living in China before the kick-off of FOCAC on Monday when he will join President Jinping and other African leaders for roundtable sessions, which will essentially discuss the report of FOCAC since the 2015 Johannesburg Summit, including the implementation of the "ten cooperation plans" adopted at the last meeting.

The Summit is also expected to adopt the Beijing Declaration and the Action Plan for the development of China-Africa cooperation and fashion out new opportunities to grow Nigeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership from 2019 to 2021.

Ronaldinho chooses ‘best player’ between Messi, Ronaldo, gives reasons

Brazil legend, Ronaldinho has picked his ‘best player’ between Barcelona ace, Lionel Messi, and Juventus star, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 38-year-old explained that he prefers Messi over Ronaldo because of the manner in which the Argentine captain plays the game.

Ronaldinho, who is a three-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award, believes Messi is the best player of all time because the Barca No. 10 has done what no other player has done.

Speaking on who is the better player between Messi and Ronaldo, Ronaldinho told Sport, “For me it’s not a question over who is more complete, it’s a question of taste.

“I prefer Messi’s style. He [Messi] is the best in history, no doubt.

“Nobody has done what Messi’s done. I hope he plays 20 more years.

“Those who love football would love to have him here [Barcelona] for much longer.

“I think when he leaves, nobody will be able to take the No 10 of Leo.”

He added, “The other one [Ronaldo] is complete, he has it all.

“So does Messi, but it’s a question of taste and I prefer Messi’s style.”

Ronaldinho spent five years at Barcelona after arriving in 2003, during which he won two La Liga titles, a Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona hammer Huesca to overtake Real Madrid on LaLiga table

Barcelona put up a show at the Nou Camp on Sunday night, crushing Huesca 8-2, to go top of LaLiga.

Top-flight debutants, Huesca took a shock early lead when Cucho Hernandez deflected the ball in from point-blank range, but Lionel Messi levelled in the 16th minute.

An own goal from Jorge Pulido gave Barca the lead and Luis Suarez scored for the first time in five games in all competitions to extend their advantage, although Huesca’s Alex Gallar pulled one back before halftime to make it 3-2.

Any hope of a revival from the visitors was soon killed off by three Barca goals in 11 minutes from Ousmane Dembele, Ivan Rakitic and Messi while Jordi Alba capped a brilliant performance to score and Suarez added goal number eight from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

Barca join Real Madrid as the only teams in the league to win their opening three games, but are ahead with a superior goal difference.

PDP reacts to collapse of Delta Catholic Church

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the collapse of a Catholic church in Delta State.

Emiratco had reported that St. Paul’s Catholic church, Ugolo, Adagbrasa in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State on Sunday morning collapsed.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologboniyan consoled the victims, particularly parishioners and family of the deceased in the tragic collapse of the Church building.

PDP described the incident which happened during the morning mass as traumatic.

The statement read: “The PDP notes that it was traumatic that such disaster occurred at a worship place, when innocent and devout parishioners were at a morning mass, worshipping God.

“Indeed, our hearts and prayers go out to the bereaved, the wounded, all members of St. Paul’s Ugolo and the Catholic Church at large, over this sad event, even as we urge the parishioners to be strong and not allow the incident to wane their faith and confidence in God.

“The PDP also condoles with the Governor of Delta state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, while urging all public-spirited persons and groups to immediately come to the assistance of the Church and the victims.

“Finally, our party prays for the repose of the soul of the faithful departed and speedy recovery for the injured.”

Catholic Church collapses on worshipers during morning mass in Delta

Dozens of worshippers of the St. Paul Catholic Church, Ugolo, Adagbrasa in Okpe local government area of Delta State were on Sunday morning reportedly trapped when the church building collapsed during morning mass service.

A worshipper has been confirmed dead and scores injured, according to eye witnesses.

The immediate cause of the collapse could not be ascertained yet.

The State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has directed a delegation led by the State Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, to visit the scene with the aim of unravelling the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the church building.

The Governor, who expressed sadness over the death of the worshipper, also directed the government delegation to advise government on how it can assist victims of the collapse.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Governor Okowa described the unfortunate incident as a sad, unfortunate and regrettable experience.

Okowa prayed for the repose of the departed faithful and condoled with the family of the deceased, and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who hails from the locality.

“This is indeed a very sad and unfortunate incident. On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the family of the deceased and those injured, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Chief Julius Scott, the Orodje of Okpe, HRM, Orhue 1, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (retd) and the entire Ugolo community in Okpe Kingdom over the unfortunate incidence.

"It is our prayer that the soul of the deceased will rest in peace, and that the injured will experience quick recovery. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the people of Ugolo in Okpe Kingdom over this tragedy," he said.

Details later...

YPP chairman, Nwoko blasts Ikpeazu, says Governor has failed Abia people

The Abia state chairman of the Young Progressive Party(YPP), Comrade Uzodinma Nwoko has chided the Peoples Democratic Party-led government in the state for its alleged failure to provide dividends of democracy to the people of Abia.

Nwoko said Abia had been unlucky in terms of leadership due to lack of vision by those entrusted with power.

The YPP chairman, who spoke with EMIRATCO POST on Sunday, in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, claimed that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has not done well despite the huge funds that accrued to the state from the federal government.

He said, “Today, we expect the state capital(Umuahia) to be as clean as anything. You go to some state capitals, you see their environment and state capital looking attractive but Abia is completely dirty”.

“There is decay in infrastructures. No foreign direct investment can be seen in Abia. We need change in leadership, because the past and present government has failed Abia people”.

Nwoko, however, urged eligible Abia electorates to cast their votes to a candidate that has capacity to transform the economy of the state come 2019.

“The PDP-led government should live up to expectations. The governor has alot of work to do. As we are preparing for 2019 general elections, everybody, especially the youths should come out and vote for person that is credible, and who has the vision, capacity to transform the entire system of Abia state,” he said.

Why I gave APC N5m – Ekweremadu

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu on Sunday revealed that he gave the All Progressives Congress, APC, N5m in 2014.

EMIRATCO POST reports that he made the disclosure at his Enugu residence where his constituents had converged begging him to return to the Senate in 2019.

The constituents, including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said there was no alternative to Ekweremadu at the moment, who they said had so much impacted on their lives.

They presented the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, expression of interest and nomination form worth N3.m to the Senator. The form was purchased by the constituents.

Ekweremadu, while responding to the plea, said the beauty of democracy was allowing the opposition to thrive.

He said as an apostle of true democracy, he gave the APC N5m at its formative stage in 2014 when it was financial challenges in Enugu State.

He disclosed that the party had issue of funds for its membership registration and that “when they approached me, I gave them N5m. Chris Nguge can bear me witness.”

LaLiga: Asensio speaks on Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid forward, Marco Asensio has said that he doesn’t know if the club is now a team or not without their all-time highest goal scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo left the Santiago Bernabeu club early in the summer to join Juventus.

Asensio, however, believes that when Ronaldo was with the Los Blancos, they were always a close team and every player brought in their own contributions.

“Juventus is a big family, but so is Real Madrid. I don’t know if we’ll be more or less of a team without Cristiano: since I’ve been here we’ve always been a team on and off the pitch. When Cristiano was here, we were always a close team and everyone brought their own contributions to the cause,” Asensio told Spanish outlet, Marca.

He added, “I am happy for the minutes that I’m playing and for how things are going, as well as for the fact that I am important for Luis Enrique on the national team.

“He has confidence in me,” he concluded.

2019: What we’ll do to Gov. El-Rufai in Kaduna – ADC

The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has vowed to send the state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai packing in 2019.

The party said it has concluded plans to field a candidate capable of defeating El-Rufai in 2019.

ADC state chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Suleiman made this disclosure on the sidelines of the party’s congress held in Kaduna yesterday.

Suleiman said a total of 500 delegates from the 23 local government areas of the state attended the congress to elect party officials who would run the affairs of the party.

He noted that the ADC has become the new hope for the people of the state.

According to Suleiman, “We are in a mission to rescue Kaduna State from its present state of despair and hopelessness.

He also promised to “send Governor el-Rufai packing because his administration had failed to address the plight of the people of the state.”

2019: Buhari speaks on ‘being afraid of free, fair election’, how he finally became President in 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday declared that he is not afraid of the 2019 election being free and fair election.

Speaking during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in China, Buhari insisted that he was not afraid of all contestants having a level playing field in next year’s election.

Buhari is in China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.

“I have no fear about free and fair election, because that’s what brought me here,” he said in a video shared on the presidency’s Twitter handle.

He also spoke on how he became President after trying four times.

“I know what I went through,” adding that, “I tried four times… and the fourth time technology came and helped us and people’s vote counted”.

2019: Bianca Ojukwu speaks on her senatorial ambition

Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, wife of the late leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, has stated that her election into the Nigerian Senate will boost the acceptability of APGA and the Igbo nation in Nigeria.

Widow of the Biafra strong man spoke at Orumba-North and South council areas where she went to solicit support from stakeholders of the party.

She called on them to support her intention to represent Anambra South in the National Assembly.

Her visit to Orumba-North and South Council Areas came on the heels of her public declaration for the seat, which took place recently at Ekwulobia, Aguata Local government area.

She said she decided to vie for Senate so that she can bring the desired change, noting that democracy without employment, empowerment and other dividends of democracy is not worth it.

Bianca said that she believes in equity, fairness and justice and will not attract anything short of that if elected.

She said, “My presence at the Senate will further promote APGA ideology and acceptance of the Igbo nation by other states of the country.”

One of her stauch supporters, a Professor of Chemistry, Surgery and Pain Management, Dr Godwin Mmaduka said that the emergence of the widow of the Late Biafran warlord, Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu is like a rekindled hope for the future of APGA and the Igbo nation.

Mmaduka added that as a mother, Mrs. Odumegwu-Ojukwu will protect the interest of the people of the area to sustain the legacies of the heroes past who fought for the Igbo including the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sam Mbakwe, Akanu Ibiam among others.

On his part, the APGA Chairman for Orumba-North, Barrister Obinna Ikwueto and his Orumba-South counterparts, Mr. Oliver Thambo said they were happy to receive the wife of their late leader, whom they said is interested in the welfare of the Igbo.

PRP appoints new National Chairman after Balarabe’s exit

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has appointed a new national chairman.

Falalu Bello, a former managing director of erstwhile Bank of the North, would replace the former chairman of the party, Balarabe Musa, who stepped down from the position on Friday.

The former bank chief was elected the new chairman at the party’s national delegates conference which held at the weekend in Kaduna.

The new chairman was announced in a communique issued at the end of the conference presided by Musa in which new national officers of the party were ratified.

The party also appointed a new National Secretary, Babatunde Alli, from South-west part of the country as well as new National Executive Council (NEC) members

The communique read: “Conference received with standing ovation the inaugural speech of new National Chairman, Falalu Bello on the reinvigorated PRP focused on service to the people, committed to addressing poverty, inequality and good governance as a continuation of the party’s historic mission of emancipation.

“Mr Musa, a former governor of old Kaduna State, was appointed the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party.

“The conference ratified a 19-member Board of Trustees with Richard Umaru as secretary.

“Conference mandated the newly elected NEC to fill existing vacancies along the lines forwarded by its 54th meeting of August 31st, 2018.”

The delegates also asked the party’s NEC to come up with guidelines on emergence of candidates for the 2019 general elections.

Members of the BoT include: Ango Abdullahi (North West), Bashir Magashi (North West), Lawan Batagarawa (North West), Datti Malumfashi (North West), Mustafa Bello (North Central) and Setly Dadzie (North Central).

Others are: Ibrahim Usman (North East), Ali Mala (North East), Philip Afanmuo (South East), Segun Falope (South West), Laoye Sanda (South West), and Odidi (South South).

Collapsed church building: Delta govt to pay medical bill of victims

The Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has said that his government will offset the medical expense of the victims of Sunday’s collapse of St. Paul’s Catholic Church building, Ugolo, Adagbrasa in Okpe local government area of Delta State.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Governor Okowa directed that adequate medical attention must be given to survivors of the unfortunate building collapse.

According to prelimnary report by the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, one person died from the incident, eleven were rushed to the hospital out of which seven have been treated and discharged while the remaining four were still undergoing treatment and were in stable conditions.

Aniagwu quoted Augoye as saying, “the church is a 100 years old church building and in an attempt to rebuild and expand the church, the old church building collapsed as a result of heavily soaked waters ocassioned by the weight of worshippers who leaned against the walls while the early morning mass was on.

“While we pledge to pay the cost of treatment for the injured, people must ensure they seek necessary approvals before construction of buildings particularly public structures to avoid incidences such as this,” the statement added.

Atiku breaks down in tears after receiving presidential nomination forms (photos)

- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar shed tears over state of the nation after he received the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential nomination form bought by his support group

- Atiku in an emotional speech noted that he has not received this much love from the people since three decades he has been in politics

- Support groups of the former vice president had purchased and presented the nomination and expression of interest forms to Atiku, urging him to contest for presidency in the 2019 election

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday, August 31, shed tears openly over the sorry state of the nation when he received the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential nomination form bought by his support group, Nigerian Tribune reports.

eagleee.com gathered that Atiku lamented the hopelessness in the country and vowed to restore sanity to the land if elected as president come 2019.

The former vice president speaking in Abuja after Atiku Support group, a movement drumming support for his presidential candidature handed him the expression of interest and nomination forms bought on his behalf, assured that he was in the race to restore the lost glory of the nation which the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had failed to do as earlier promised.

Former vice President, Atiku Abubakar, shed tears after he was gifted the expression of interest and nomination form in Abuja. Photo credit: Twitter

He declared that the form was significant and historic because it was the first time in his political career that young men and women in the country would come together without his knowledge and consent to contribute their hard earned money to buy him to the forms.

He said: “It is almost three decades of my political career this year. But today has also turned out to be one of the most emotional days in those three decades of my political career. I have tried to present myself as a candidate for the office of the president in a number of elections. The only time I succeeded in being on the ballot was in 2007.

“In 2007, I was on the ballot not because I believe I was going to win but because I wanted to prove a constitutional issue so that all Nigerians can avail themselves with the constitutional protection and I succeeded at the Supreme Court. And that is why today no Nigerian can be stopped from contesting an election unless he has been convicted by a court of law.”

Presidential aspirant wiping his eyes with a white handkerchief to fight back tears at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Abuja. Photo credit: Twitter

“But putting together such talented ‎young Nigerians requires leadership and it is that leadership we have not been fortunate enough to have on a consistent basis as that this country so that this country can take its rightful position in Africa and indeed the world

“But you could have seen one of the people who spoke, the lady who spoke virtually succeeded in getting me to weep. This is because she aptly described the challenges every Nigerian is facing in this country today and she believed honestly and sincerely from the bottom of her heart that I could be an instrument of addressing those challenges.

“So, for such a woman to believe that I have got those leadership qualities and including those of you who have brought out your monies to by this form is one of the most serious challenges I have ever faced in my political career.

“It is not that it is not doable, it is doable and I think together we can do it. So, ladies and gentlemen, I want to make an undertaking and I hope we get that opportunity to work together so that this undertaking of mine can be achieved because I alone cannot achieve that undertaking

“I hope this endeavours of ours will result in a success in the nomination and of course subsequently in the general election so that together we can work. The undertaking I’m going to give you is that it is our job together, and I promised you‎ we are going to doing it together

“Let me once again extend to you my greatest admiration for this gesture you have done to me and I believe as you purchased the form, so you will also run round to make sure that I ‎have been duly nominated from different parts of this country so that when I go to submit the forms I will again enjoy your company and support.

“And on that day, let us overwhelm the PDP Secretariat, let us bring Abuja to a standstill, I bet you by the time we overwhelm the secretariat and bring Abuja to a standstill, the PDP we have no alternative than to give us the ticket.”

The former vice president recalled that he was brought into politics as a young man by the late Musa Yar’dua who urged them to break the regional siege that every part of the county had been subjected to which he said prompted all his actions in his political career in life.

Princess Adekemi Adesanya, in her remarks, on behalf of Atiku Support Group said that visionless leadership and bad economic policies were responsible for the present contraption in the nation’s economy.

The national co-ordinator ‎of Atiku Abubakar Support Group, Hon Oladimeji Fabayi also, speaking at the occasion, said that the various groups drumming supports for the Wazirin Adamawa decided to purchase to forms based on their conviction that he was capable of restoring sanity back to the country with his wealth of experience.

Emiratco previously reported that former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, has assured aspirants to elective positions in 2019 general elections of level-playing ground in the primaries to be conducted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He gave the assurance while receiving former Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Atihiru Bafarawa, on Friday in his office in Yenagoa.

Jonathan said that with a free and fair primary election, any aspirants that lost would not be aggrieved but would support others for the progress of the party.

2019: Dogara reacts after aide dumps APC for PDP

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said yesterday that he had nothing to do with the political ambition of one of his aides, Iliya Habila, who had declared his intention to seek a ticket to the Bauchi Sate House of Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Habila, a media aide to Dogara, wants to represent the Bogoro Constituency.

Dogara’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, has now made it clear that the Speaker had no input or influenced Habila’s political aspiration.

“Contrary to reports published by some national dailies, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, did not endorse any aspirant to vie for the Bogoro Constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly or any other.

”His constituents and political associates know that he does not interfere and will not endorse anybody, and neither will he ask anyone to seek election under the platform of any political party; whether the All Progressives Congress or the Peoples Democratic Party,” Hassan stated.

2019: Ortom denies blocking sale of forms to SDP guber aspirants

The Benue State government has reacted to reports that Governor Samuel Ortom has blocked the sale of forms to governorship aspirants on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

It said the report published by a national daily was misleading and baseless and should be discarded.

Terver Akase, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, in a statement issued on Firday said Ortom is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, not SDP and as such, could not have stopped anyone in the opposition party from purchasing nomination forms.

According to him, “Even in PDP, the Governor has not prevented other aspirants from buying nomination forms, so why would he interfere with the process of another political party?

“The said newspaper report is apparently sponsored, reckless and highly unprofessional. Such a sweeping statement ought to have been supported with evidence.

“We also found ridiculous, the claim in the report that Governor Ortom has secretly purchased his PDP nomination form. Why would a sitting Governor go to pick his party’s nomination form in secret? Political parties do not sell their nomination forms in secret.

“We urge members of the public to disregard the said report in its entirety.

2019: Ortom denies blocking sale of forms to SDP guber aspirants

The Benue State government has reacted to reports that Governor Samuel Ortom has blocked the sale of forms to governorship aspirants on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

It said the report published by a national daily was misleading and baseless and should be discarded.

According to him, “Even in PDP, the Governor has not prevented other aspirants from buying nomination forms, so why would he interfere with the process of another political party?

“The said newspaper report is apparently sponsored, reckless and highly unprofessional. Such a sweeping statement ought to have been supported with evidence.

“We urge members of the public to disregard the said report in its entirety.

Enough of white elephant projects – Ondo residents tell Akeredolu

Residents of Ondo State have accused the present government in the state of showing penchant for white elephant projects.

According to the residents, who spoke exclusively with DAILY POSTS in different locations, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s government in the state has been that of “flag-off of projects,” particularly roads.

The governor in February this year flagged off the dualisation of the Hospital/Ijoka road in Akure, the state capital, as well as the Ore intersection flyover in Odigbo local government area of the state, in commemoration of the first year anniversary of the governor in office, with the assurance to the people of timely completion of the road projects.

However, residents and property owners on the axis of the designated projects expressed their disappointment that contractors were yet to move to site despite government’s assurance.

A member of staff of the state’s Local Government Service Commission who resides in the Oluwatuyi area of Akure, the state capital told our correspondent that Akeredolu’s government believes more in the flag off of projects than executing them.

The local government worker who preferred anonymity stated that anytime a project was to be embarked upon, it was more of a carnival-like procession as party members are mobilised from across the 18 council areas of the state to Akure, with all of them decking uniformed attires.

“What is currently happening in this state is so quite unfortunate. When he (Gov. Akeredolu) came on board, most of us who supported him had thought he would be better. But with the situation of things at present, we can only pray to God.

“Tell me the kind of explanation to give on the proposed dualisation of Hospital-Ijoka road dualization project which was flagged-off over six months ago with pomp and pageantry.

“Do you know that during the flag-off, the whole of Akure was shut down. I could recollect vividly how taxi operators bitterly complained about the shut down. It was as if they commissioned an already executed project.

“Even that day, immediately after the ceremony which was held at the A – Division axis of the road, all the earth equipment displayed vanished after it has been said that work will commence in earnest on the road; six months after, nothing is happening. It is case of another white elephant project.”

Also, for Mrs Taye Akintunjoye, a former shop owner along high Court section of the road who expressed displeasure on the attitude of government towards the road project, if she had known that the project would be delayed, she would not have quit her shop.

“I used to make great sales when I was selling at the former shop. But when we heard that they (government) wanted to dualise the road, we had to move to this place, because most of us rented the shops and we don’t want a situation we are going to pay to landlords and weeks after, we will be told to move.

“Now, look at what has happened, since February when they flagged-off the project, nothing whatsoever is happening on the road.

“Some of us were even sceptical about the entire process, because prior to the highly ceremonious flag off, the valuation ought to have been done as well as the markings. But nothing of such happened.”

In Ore, Odigbo local government area of the state, the flyover at Ore intersection was also flagged off in February this year with residents of the area showing concerns if the project would ever be embarked upon.

A member of the driver’s union who simply gave his name as Akinkunmi maintained that when the governor came with his team to flag off the flyover, everyone’s excitement was well pronounced as no-one could hide the heartfelt joy because the flyover has been long over due.

He said the excitement had long worn out as meaningful work was not visible on the road, which is highly prone to ghastly motor accidents almost on weekly basis.

“Here in Ore, our main challenge is this portion of the road. A week can hardly go by without an accident occurring, hence the reason for our excitement in February when Aketi came to flag off the flyover.

“But it has turned out to be one of the political gimmicks we have been used to before now. When they knew they are not ready for such a project, why roll out the drums.

“I am sure you must have since what Amosu (Ogun State Governor) did on the Sagamu expressway with such a magnificent flyover. So, what is the excuse here.”

Meanwhile, one of the top officials of the Gov. Akeredolu’s government who preferred anonymity informed DAILY POST that the actual plan was that by August, work will commence on the Hospital-Ijoka road but that the valuation of the affected buildings was still on-going, hence reason for the delay.

The source also disclosed that the flyover project was still shaky as the present finances of the state government cannot finance such a project, coupled with the directive of the federal government that no state would be reimbursed anytime soon if they embark on any federal road project.

“We are hopeful that as soon the valuation processes are done, the people might begin to see some action on the road. Although we did not envisage that it will take this long but hopefully we will get there.

“As regards the flyover at Ore, the plan was that we will finance the project and later claim the expenses from the Federal Ministry of Works, but we got the signal that reimbursement might be a herculean task. So, we had to put that on hold. But, we are optimistic that when the state has the capability as regards finance, then we are good to go.

“Just the way we met brick wall with the Ore flyover, we are faced with the same situation with the proposed dualisation of the Akure-Ikere road, which is in a terrible state.

“But, I think the governor should be commended, because in the past 18 months, he has been able to deliver 45-kilometre road projects in the state,” he added.

UEFA Best Player: What Real Madrid coach, Lopetegui said about Modric after beating Ronaldo, Salah

Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui has praised midfielder, Luka Modric after he won the 2018 UEFA’s Men Best Player award ahead of Juventus star, Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool ace, Mohamed Salah.

Modric on Thursday night won UEFA’s Men Player of the Year Award ahead of Ronaldo and Salah.

Lopetegui believes the Croatian captain deserved the best player in Europe after leading his national team to the 2018 World Cup in Russian and also wining a third straight Champions League trophy.

“I have no desire or patience to talk about yesterday’s Galà Uefa,” Lopetegui was quoted by Calciomercato as saying.

“I only say that I do not give much importance to the prizes, but that of Luka Modric as the best European player of the past season is certainly deserved,” he said.

Lopetegui was sacked as the coach for Spain national just days before the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup that took place in Russia.

The 52-year-old was later appointed as the new manager of Real Madrid after Zinedine Zidane left the position as their manager.

2019: Jonathan speaks on PDP conducting free, fair primaries

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will be free and fair.

He said this while assuring those aspiring for elective positions in the PDP ahead of the 2019 election of a level-playing ground in the primaries.

Jonathan said this while receiving former Governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Jonathan said that with free and fair primaries, no aspirant that lost would be aggrieved but would support others for the progress of the party.

He said that Bafarawa was one of the aspirants he trusted because of what he had done in Sokoto state as governor.

Jonathan said, “As leaders, we must plan for our grandchildren; we don’t have to plan for ourselves, but for the society to grow.

“When you plan for your grandchildren, you do things properly; you will not be in a hurry and the society will grow.

“The more people are interested, the better for the party. If you have only two aspirants in a political party, it is not too good for democracy.”

Atiku reveals how Yar’Adua brought him into politics, lessons he learnt

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar on Friday revealed that the late former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua brought him into politics.

The Waziri of Adamawa disclosed that he learnt the rudiments of partisan politics from the late Yar’Adua.

Speaking at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, National Secretariate in Abuja, Abubakar said, “The man who actually ‎brought me into politics, the late Shehu Yar’dua, when he invited me as a young man told us to break the regional siege that every part of this country had been subjected to.

“He asked us to reach out to every Nigerian across the Niger. To him and for him, that was a major objective; so when he died and I decided to build the Yar’ Adua centre in his memory, we got an architect to design the uncompleted bridge.

“The significance of that bridge was that we had started building bridges of understanding and unity across this country and unfortunately, the man who started building that bridge died. I wish I could complete building that bridge.”

Boko Haram: Nigerian Army kills insurgents in Borno

The Nigerian Army has announced that it had killed several Boko Haram insurgents and recovered weapons in an encounter at Zari village in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno on Friday.

Colonel Onyeama Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri.

Nwachukwu said the insurgents were repelled by the troops of 2 Division Task Force Battalion deployed to the area.

He said that during the fire fight, overwhelming volume of fire was unleashed on the insurgents from both the air and ground troops, neutralising several of them and their weapons.

The Spokesman said that the village and the surrounding communities had been stabilised and normalcy restored.

He also said that the land troops had been reinforced to conduct more robust fighting patrol in the general area.

“The people of Guzamala and Mobar communities and indeed the entire good people of Borno are urged to remain calm, resilient and supportive of Operation Lafiya Dole troops as they relentlessly fight terrorism and insurgency in the North- -East,” Nwachukwu said.

Declare my police summon illegal – Fani-Kayode tells Court

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging plot by the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, to infringe on his fundamental human rights.

He prayed the court to quash and declare as illegal, a summon Police issued for him to appear at its headquarters to be interrogated over allegations bordering on conspiracy, criminal defamation, inciting publication, injurious falsehold and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Cited as respondents in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/917/ 2018, were the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, the Nigerian Police, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Specifically, the former Minister, who is a frontline critic of the President Muhamadu Buhari-led administration, prayed the court to declare that the said letter of invitation by the police was unlawful, unjustifiable, illegal and unconstitutional.

He contended that the invitation which originally asked him to report to the Force Headquaters last Tuesday, was vague and ambigious.

The plaintiff, through his lawyer, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, urged the court to declare that in accordance with the 1999 constitution, as amended, he cannot be so invited by law enforcement agents for undisclosed reasons and without adequate notice.

He told the court that the invitation letter was so vaguely construed that “I became apprehensive and concerned about the intentions of the Nigerian Police and what my fate could be, should I visit the 1st and 2nd respondents office without filing this application”.

According to him, being aware that activities of the respondents could have negative impact on his freedom of movement, liberty and dignity, he decided to approach the court to enforce his fundamental rights.

He begged the court to stop the police from inflicting on him any form of unlawful arrest and detention.

Meanwhile, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba has ordered that all the relevant court processes be served on all the respondents to enable them to appear on September 13 for hearing.

The court made the order after it okayed that the matter be heard during vacation.

However, regardless of the suit, Fani-Kayode’s lawyer said he has prevailed on his client to honour the Police invitation on September 4, which is the rescheduled date.

In a letter dated August 31 and addressed to the IGP, Ajulo drew attention of the Police to the suit.

Though he acknowledged need for all the parties to avoid any action capable of overreaching the suit, the plaintiff’s lawyer confirmed the availability of his client.

“Nevertheless, as our firm’s practice and our client’s position is, being a nationalist, patriotic and responsible Nigerian, we hereby confirm that our client will honour your invitation as scheduled for September 4, 2018 by 12 noon”, read part of the letter with reference No: KACCL/OR/377/18.

In a 20-paragraphed affidavit that was personally deposed to by the former Minister, he insisted that he would lose considerable goodwill, honour and prestige among his friends, neighbours, associates and Nigerians as a whole, “should the dreaded unlawful acts of the Respondents be implemented”.

2019: Kwankwaso reveals what will happen if he loses PDP presidential primary

A former governor of Kano State and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said he would remain in the party and work for its success even if he loses the party’s presidential primary.

Kwankwaso stated this while speaking to reporters after obtaining his expression of interest and nomination forms on Friday at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

He also said that if the party’s leadership agreed on consensus, he would abide by the decision.

Kwankwaso recalled that he came second at the presidential primary election of the APC prior to the 2015 general elections, but remained calm, adding that “I don’t think anything will happen differently if I am not the winner at the primary.

“Consensus is the best under normal circumstances but some aspirants may prefer to go for the primaries and get one vote. If our leaders come together and say this is a consensus candidate, I will abide by it.”

Real Madrid officially unveil their new no.7