The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in collaboration with six other Nigerian universities have developed a fraud-detecting device to check academic fraud.
The anti-plagiarism software is designed in collaboration with other universities which include Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin; Covenant University, Ota; Delta State University Abraka, Benue State University Makurdi, University of Jos and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife.
The school in it Bulletin issued on Monday said the software programme development was at the instance of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU).
It said the AVCNU had mandated its Information and Communication Technology Sub-committee, chair, and the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, to assemble IT team from Nigerian universities to develop the home-grown anti-plagiarism software with the local repository.
The Director, Computer Services and Information Technology, Directorate of the University of Ilorin, Professor Mohammed Ahmed, said the software has reached 80 per cent stage of completion.
He explained that the software has both local and global repository with features such as peer review, document comparison, and grammar checker.
He said, “Other features are language support and title validation, with the name EAGLE SCAN being proposed for the programme.”
Ahmed said when operational, the anti-plagiarism application, would be made available to all Nigerian universities.
He also noted that plagiarism is a criminal offence and this has given the AVCNU concern, adding that the development of the programme is in the effort to ensure quality control towards quality assurance in the Nigeria education system.
Varsity Sacks 6 Lecturers Over S3xual Misconduct, Extortion
Six lecturers of the Delta State University (DELSU)) Abraka, have been sacked by the institution’s Governing Council for various offences ranging from extortion, s3xual harassment, bribery and corruption and leaking of examination questions.
The bulletin signed by the university’s registrar, Mr D. A. Urhibo, stated that six of the lecturers were dismissed while four others were demoted and received various degrees of the query for their conducts.
The sack of the lecturers is coming on the heels of the recommendation of the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee of the university who indicted the lecturers for the offences.
The bulletin reads: This is to inform staff, students and other members of the University community that the under listed staff (names withheld) were disciplined by the University Governing Council for various offences at its 97th regular meeting held on Friday, 12th August, 2016.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Victor Peretomode, however, warned that any lecturer found wanting again will face the penalty of sack without benefit.
Clubs Treat Players Like Meat- Brazilian Star Reveals
Brazilian midfielder Sandro has claimed European clubs treat players unfairly following his failed transfer to Sporting Lisbon.
The former QPR player was on the brink of joining the Portuguese club before he failed a medical, however the player has claimed the story was farce and described as a ploy to reduce his proposed wages.
In an interview, he revealed: “Clubs can treat players like meat, they don’t treat people like a person. Football is this — the club treat you like a product. It was near my wedding in Portugal and I said ‘Yes’ both to the club and my wife!
“I was ready to sign but it wasn’t until one week before my wedding in Brazil that they said they were ready to sign. Why were they doing this to me? One week ago I had been in Portugal.
“I agreed to do it but had a feeling they were not expecting me to do the medical, as I arrived in the hospital and there was no kit to go on the treadmill to run. Players don’t need to bring their own kit for a medical!
“I ran with the hospital kit and it was fine. The second part was looking at my body as they need to check everything and this was amazing. They only checked my right knee.
“I knew I needed to do both knees, both ankles, check the hamstring, calves. I’m a product and must be fit. I said, ‘You don’t want to check my other knee?’ And they said it was fine but in my mind it wasn’t fine.
“The doctor said I had an inflammation in my patella but QPR knew this and so did Tottenham — it is normal for a player. The doctor said it was fine and that I could sign.”
“The club were saying my knee was not OK. It all made sense to me. After ten minutes, my agent called me again and said they were offering half the salary with bonuses. The last thing my agent said was that you don’t want to go to a place like that.
“I was supposed to sign for four years so I said I would do it two years, no problem. I’ll show them. But they just wanted to halve the salary. It made sense to me. Why only check one knee and not the body unless you don’t want to buy me?”
The embattled player described his present situation has he is being left in a limbo as he looks to get a new club before the end of the summer transfer window.
Juventus Legend Rues Life Without Pogba
Goalkeeper Gianlugi Buffon has revealed how Juventus misses French midfielder, Paul Pogba following his departure from the Italian Champions.
Paul Pogba who joined Manchester united in world record fee this summer is currently been missed by former teammates not on the pitch but off pitch due to his jovial nature.
“He’s a good kid, The important thing is that his attitude is excellent on the pitch and in training. Manchester United have signed a very good player and a very good teammate. Manchester United is big club and always will be, But with this transfer there’s no doubt they have increased their level.”Buffon disclosed.
READ MORE: Barcelona Confirms Imminent Departure Of Key Player To Man City
The Italian legend who have seen a lot of players arrive and leave the club heaped praises on the 23-year old midfielder for his friendly nature.
Although, Juventus started life without Pogba on an impressive form, beating fiorentina 2-1 on through Gonzalo Higuain’ winner they might still feel the gap left in the dressing room by Pogba.
It appears the Italian giants have adequately prepared for life without on the pitch after the arrivals of Higuain, Dani Alves, Miralem Pjanic and Marko Pjaca.
Antonio Conte Makes “Fab” Transfer U-turn
Chelsea coach, Antonio Conte has expressed his desire to keep Cesc Fabregas at the club.
Conte appears to have had a change of heart on the future of Fabregas after the Spaniard’s impact in the late minutes of the match against Watford.
The former Italian national team Boss disclosed: “We all know Cesc is a great technical player with a good pass and good assists and I made this substitution because I wanted more quality, Cesc is working very hard to show me that he deserves to play and I want to see this – all the players showing me that they deserve to start the game and if I see this commitment I’m a very happy manager.
“That all the players think of the team, not himself, is important. And that is happening in Chelsea.”
Cesc Fabregas was reportedly nearing his Chelsea exit before the match as Spainish giants, Real Madrid were said to be in pursuit of the former Barca midfielder in a deal that could see Columbia midfielder, James Rodriguez arrive at the Stamford bridge this summer.
APC Deceiving Nigerians, PDP Reveals
The spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has said that the leadership style of All Progressive Congress (APC) is not encouraging to Nigerians.
Adeyeye spoke in response to the APC National chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun’s claim that 33 trillion of the country’s oil revenue was unaccounted for during president Goodluck’s Administration.
Adeyeye said that APC National Chairman’s claim “portrayed the ruling party as being dangerously obsessed with the frivolity of bamboozling Nigerians with high-sounding figures only for entertainment purposes.”
“Unfortunately, such avoidable mischief especially on issues bordering on the nation’s economy, has continued to hunt the image of our Nation at a time we are in desperate need of investment from the international community,” Adeyeye added.
Islamic Cleric Arrested For Sexually Assaulting 10-Year-Old Boy
Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Nasarawa State has paraded a 45-year-old Islamic cleric (Mallam) for allegedly sexually assaulting a 10- year-old boy in Lafia.
Lawan Bashir-Kano, Commandant of the agency in the state, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Lafia.
He said; “On Tuesday, August 16, the Command, through intelligent reports, arrested one Shahidu Suleh, a mallam, for sexually assaulting his supposed student (Almajiri), Okasha Ishaka”.
“We were able to trace and pick him with the boy who he claimed he was teaching the Quran.
“The boy narrated that the man had been having sex with him and threatened to kill him if he exposed him.”
The Commandant said the result of the test carried out showed that the boy was sexually assaulted.
ISIS Bomber Kill 50 During Wedding Ceremony
At least 50 people were killed in a southeastern Turkish city close to Syria when a suspected suicide bomber linked to Islamic State jihadists attacked a wedding thronged with guests, officials said Sunday.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the IS extremist group was the “likely perpetrator” of the bomb attack in Gaziantep late Saturday that targeted a celebration attended by many Kurds.
The explosion was the latest attack to rock the key NATO member in a horrific year that has seen strikes blamed on Kurdish and Islamist militants as well as a bloody July 15 botched coup.
Gaziantep governor Ali Yerlikaya said in a statement that 50 people had been killed, raising a previous toll of 30. He had previously said 94 were woungAIded in “the abhorrent terror bomb attack on a wedding”.
Erdogan said in a statement there was “no difference” between the group of US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen whom he blames for the failed coup bid, the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) “and Daesh (IS), the likely perpetrator of the attack in Gaziantep”.
“Our country and our nation have again only one message to those who attack us — you will not succeed!” he said.
Reports said the wedding had a strong Kurdish presence. The Dogan news agency said the bride and groom were from the mainly Kurdish region of Siirt further to the east and had themselves been uprooted due to the flare-up in violence with Kurdish militants.
The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) said its members had been present at the wedding which was also attended by many women and children.
The Hurriyet daily said the bride and groom — Besna and Nurettin Akdogan — were in hospital but their lives were not in danger.
Erdogan said the aim of such attacks was to sow division between different groups in Turkey such as Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen and to “spread incitement along ethnic and religious lines”.
Many jihadists see Kurds as one of their main enemies, with Kurdish militias playing a significant role in the fight against IS on the ground in Syria.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Gaziantep would show the same spirit it had shown in 1921 when it defeated French forces in Turkey’s Independence War which led to the word Gazi (war hero) being added to its original name of Antep.
“Our grief is great but be sure our unity and togetherness will defeat all these diabolic attacks,” he said.
AFP
FINALLY, Niger Delta Avengers Ready For Dialogue, Pick Edwin Clark As Negotiator
The Niger Delta Avengers say it is ready to dialogue with the federal government to putt an end to hostilities and crisis in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The militant group, in a statement by its spokesperson self-styled Brig. Gen Mudoch Agbinibo, the group picked Chief (Dr.) Papa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark and other unnamed Niger Delta elders at its negotiators.
Niger Delta Avengers Statement reads;
“The struggle has always being a Pan-Niger Delta one, we only know the anti Niger Delta elements are using some disorganized characters from the region to scuttle all effort to restore the essence of our humanity; resources control and self-determination.
“We are going to support any collective/negotiation team emerging from the Chief (Dr.) Papa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark Niger Delta elders and genuine stakeholders conference to engage with the federal government of Nigeria, representatives from the home countries of all multinational Oil Corporations and neutral international mediators that will be focused on achieving the short, medium and long term frameworks and objectives to de-escalating conflicts in the Niger Delta. Most of the frameworks and objectives are clearly stated in various reports, declarations and recommendations of the likes of the Sir.Henry Willinks minority rights reports of pre-independence Nigeria (1957-8), The Kaiama Declaration document, The General Alexander Ogomudia report, The Leedum Mittee headed, Niger Delta Technical Committee report and restructuring to fiscal federalism.
“We have resolved to reject any idea of the peace of our times; we want the peace with honor this time around! Our advice to our Niger Delta elders and genuine stakeholders is that, whenever this inhuman project called Nigeria and her government is ready for dialogue/negotiations with them, this mandate should be treated with that care as driving a vehicle like that of a truck laden with fire.
“We are going to continue the observation of our unannounced cessation of hostilities in the Niger Delta against all interest of the Multinational oil Corporations, but we will continuously adopt our asymmetric warfare during this period if, the Nigerian government and the ruling political APC continues to use security agencies/agents, formations and politicians to arrest, intimidate, invade and harass innocent citizens, suspected NDA members and invade especially Ijaw communities.
“We promise to fight more for the Niger Delta, if this opportunity fails. Therefore, we will give our Niger Delta elders and genuine stakeholders that tacit support to the dialogue table with the government and the Multinational oil Corporations whenever the enabling environment prevails.
“We also use this medium to warn those using rogue platforms like the defunct so-called MEND, RNDA- Cynthia Whyte especially Charles Okah who is franchising these internet based banditry from his prison cell, through Victor Ebikabowei Ben (Boyloaf), Timipre Silva, Selekaye Ebikabowei, Ayirimi Emani, Michael Johnny, Governor Adams Oshiomole to please inform those their paymasters that the days of doom are here. That those sold and bought up interests from around the corridors of power cannot arm-twist the NDA with bandits, drug addicts, illegal bunkerers, bank robbers and disorganized characters to derail the Niger Delta struggle. Thanks for reading.
Obasanjo Says Good Night To PDP
Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President as at yesterday said good night to the Peoples Democratic Pary (PDP) as the party found it self in further crisis s.
He said this in Jalingo, Taraba State capitial while feilding questions from newsmen. He also said that he went to assess some of the projects started during his tenure in order to grow the economy of Taraba and the country at large.
Obasanjo, who said that he had already told PDP ‘good night’, when asked to comment on the lingering crisis in the party which now has two factional national chairmen, said he cannot return to say ‘good evening’.
“In the part of the country where I come from, there is a saying that you cannot say ‘good night’ and come back to say ‘good evening’ in the same place.
“So for me, it is good night for the Peoples Democratic Party, and that’s all,” Obasanjo said.
He also expressed great confidence that The President Muhammadu Buhari-led government would surmount the present challenges before the country, while he urged the president to complete the hydroelectric project on the Mambilla Plateau.
He went further to assert that- “So far, Buhari has not dissapointed us. I trust him (Buhari); he will not fail Nigerians. I know he will overcome the challenges the country is currently facing.”
Obasanjo said that: “Taraba is a great resource to the nation’s progress,” and added that “the Buhari administration has to continue with the Mambilla Hydro Power Project in order to tackle the energy challenge of the country”.
“I sited the Mambilla Hydro Power Project on the plateau due to the great potentials it has for electricity generation for the country,” he said.
“Nigeria must complete the project because the cost is getting higher by the day, and if we do not do it today we must have to do it tomorrow.”
“So Far, Buhari Has Not Disappointed Us” – Obasanjo
Presently, so many Nigerians have what is called mixed feelings about the economy of this ‘great’ nation. Some feel the government has disappointed and others feel they are still on point but the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo made this disclosure yesterday, in Taraba state, where he said: “So far, Buhari has not disappointed us. I trust him, he will not fail Nigerians. I know he will overcome the challenges the country is currently facing.”
Do you think so too or what’s your opinion?
Police killings of favela residents continue as Games go on in Rio
While much of the world’s media has focused on US swimmer Ryan Lochte’s fabricated account of an armed robbery, the real victims of Olympic crime in Rio de Janeiro are the city’s poorest residents, caught on the frontline of conflict between the authorities and drug traffickers.
Since the start of the Olympics, local media have reported at least 14 deaths in shootouts between gang members and police or soldiers from the 85,000-member security force deployed for the Games.
While such high levels of violence have long been a fact of life in favela communities, many residents feel the situation has been made worse by the high-profile mega-event that has focused police on protecting rich foreign visitors and targeting poor local residents.
Certainly, the heightened tension of the Games has led to at least one fatal mistake with devastating repercussions.
Helio Andrade, a state trooper from the distant state of Roraima, was shot dead on 12 August after he mistakenly drove into Vila de João, a gang-controlled neighbourhood in the Complexo do Maré favela. As a soldier on Olympic duty, his death was cause for interim president Michel Temer to declare national mourning and for flags outside the Games venues to fly at half-mast.
As is often the case in Rio, it also prompted the police to launch an extensive and punitive hunt for the killers. At least five residents of Maré were killed in the operations, though the suspects have yet to be apprehended. Images of the area in the local media show that it came under a state of semi-siege, with police helicopters flying overhead and homes raided by heavily armed military police.
The day before the Guardian visited the community, two people had been shot in the latest police action, according to local residents, who said they were woken up on many days by the sound of helicopters buzzing close overhead. “It’s horribly loud,” said Bruno Rodrigues, who, like many local people, asked to be identified with a pseudonym for fear of repercussions. “Everyone in the community is afraid when they hear that as it means an operation is about to start.”
Unlike many other favelas in Rio, Vila de João has never been “pacified” by police. On one street stands a gangster from the Terceiro Comando Puro, or Pure Third Command faction, one of Maré’s biggest drug trafficking gangs, with a semiautomatic rifle slung around his neck and a handgun jammed into the top of his trousers. Further along, there are lookouts carrying walkie talkies.
At the site of Andrade’s shooting near the junction of the airport motorway, the walls on one side of the street are marked with words “Paz” (peace) and “Seja bem vindo para Vila da João” (Welcome to Vila da João). On the other is a small pitch where a group of youths are playing volleyball. It looks tranquil, but Rodrigues warns me we are being watched. “Don’t take pictures. Don’t point,” he advises me.
The initials “TCP” sprayed on the walls are the only visible sign that this is gang-controlled territory. Most taxi drivers avoid the area; those who must come here do so with their car windows wound down and their hands visible so they can show they are not a threat.
But it is all too easy for strangers like Andrade to wander in accidentally; the state trooper was far from the first to be killed by a wrong turn.
In 2013, engineer Gil Barbosa, 53, was shot dead by gang members when he tried to use the junction to return home. Occasional shootouts across the motorwayhave left the walls on the roadside pitted with bullet holes. Traffic jams are sometimes targeted by armed robbers who work their way methodically along the line of immobilized vehicles.
During the Olympics, with athletes, officials and visiting dignitaries travelling back and forth between the airport and the city centre, the authorities have flooded the route with troops. Every 15 minutes or so, military patrols drive past with trucks carrying soldiers in full battle gear and brandishing rifles
“The security is to protect them from us,” says Rodrigues. “The Olympics is for those on the outside. Those who have money.”
His views appear to be widely shared in Maré. “The police don’t come here to protect us, but to segregate us,” says Jeferson Luciano, a participant in a community theatre group, called Teatro do Oprimado na Maré – the theatre of the oppressed in Maré.
On social networks, community activists expressed condolences for Andrade’s death, but said the violent police action that followed was disproportionate, disruptive and failed to discriminate between criminals and innocent residents.
“Until now, the balance is five people dead, several injured and thousands of people prevented from working, studying, because they are scared, terrified and their homes are being invaded ... The name of this is genocide, extermination, slaughter. And nobody says anything,” read one post on the Maré Vive Facebook page, which informs residents about shootouts and other issues.
Another Maré resident, who preferred to remain unnamed, said there were similar problems in other favelas, even those that were supposed to have been “pacified” by police units. For her, it is simply about control.
“The legacy we have of mega-events in Maré is blood on the floor,” she said. “These Games do not include favelas, peripheral communities and the poor. We are only supposed to work, to serve, not to have fun.”
Well before the Games began, human rights organisations warned of the potential dangers. Amnesty said Rio’s police had killed over 2,500 people since the Games were awarded in 2009, including more than 100 this year, most of whom were young black men. It said crackdowns tended to increase during mega-events.
The Olympics has not been all bad for communities like Maré. In contrast to the stigma they usually incur, the opening ceremony included a positive favela-themed section.
Brazil’s first gold medal – won by a black female judoka and former resident of the City of God favela – also helped to challenge old stereotypes. But hopes that the Games might help to pacify the communities are far from being realised. Official statistics suggest crime in Rio has fallen over the past decade, but it has started to rise again in the past two years as a result of a worsening economy and – some locals claim – the extra pressure of the Olympics.
“As in ancient Greece, I thought the Games were supposed to bring peace, but that didn’t work here,” wrote Maré resident Bira Carvalho. “Unlike the Olympic shooting competition, the targets here are black people who are scared to death.” Thanks for reading
Australian athletes released after questioning by Rio police over credentials
Several Australian Olympic athletes detained by Rio police for not having the correct accreditation to gain entry to the Boomers’ basketball semi-final against Serbia have been released.
Ryan Lochte shouted at guards during gas station incident, says Gunnar Bentz
Read more
The Australian Olympic Committee’s deputy chef de mission Fiona de Jong, who joined the athletes as they were questioned by police, said they will pay a fine of 10,000 brazilian reais (A$4,092).
“We have agreed on an outcome which is the payment of a fine and good behaviour bond for each of the athletes involved,” De Jong said. “The translation is not precise but it was effectively for using a document for a purpose not intended, falsifying a document.”
The AOC will launch an internal investigation into the incident, which left team chief Kitty Chiller fuming at Olympic organisers.
“I am very angry they had to go through this,” she said of the athletes. “The athletes are not at fault and we will provide counselling.”
In the early hours of Saturday morning, De Jong had confirmed reports that 10 Australian athletes had been questioned by police after accessing a venue without having the correct credentials.
“Early this evening a number of Australian athletes went to support their mates at the Australia-Serbia match,’’ De Jong told media at 1.30am local time (2:30pm AEST). “Ten of the Australians didn’t have accreditation to be in that part of the venue.”
“The Brazilian authorities and us are working through the issues. Nobody has been arrested. We will provide you with a more detailed statement when those discussions have advanced. No one has been arrested or charged.”
Australia lost the game 87-61 and will play in the bronze medal match against Spain on Sunday at the same venue, Carioca Arena 1. Thanks for reading.
TRAGEDY: 65-Year-Old Woman Found Dead In Mosque’ Well
A 65 year old woman who was in charge of ensuring proper sanitary condition of a mosque in llorin, Kwara was found dead inside a well at the mosque premises on Saturday.
The incident occurred at AnsarulDeen Mosque, Osere area, Sawmill in llorin West Local Government Area of the state.
Eye witnesses’ said that the woman, popularly known as “lya Majeobaje”, fell into the well on Friday while fetching water to clean the mosque.
They said that there was nobody within the vicinity of the mosque to rescue her when she fell inside the well at about 5p.m.
Some of the residents of the area who discovered the dead woman immediately alerted the state fire service in llorin.
The Director of the State Fire Service, Mr Tiamiyu Raji, confirmed the incident. He said personnel from the Fire Service removed the woman from the well dead on Saturday afternoon.
He said that the corpse of the woman was taken to the B Division of Police State Command, Surulere in llorin.
Effort to speak with the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, on the incident proved futile. Thanks for reading.
NFF ClearsAir On "Japanese Gift"
The Nigeria Football Federation has cleared the air on stories about the body hijacking a donation to the Dream team from Japanese plastic surgeon, Dr. Katsuya Takasu.
Prior before the third place match between Nigeria’s Dream Team and Honduras, which Nigeria won and claimed the bronze medal, there were stories circulating on social media that the Nigeria Football Federation had hijacked the donation from a Japanese Plastic surgeon, Dr. Katsuya Takasu who promised Dream Team a cash prize if they go on to clinch any medal (Gold, Silver or Bronze) at the Men’s football event of the Rio Olympics.
However, the Nation’s football body as come out to debunk such claims, in a statement issued on their website, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick said: “His message was a lie, an atrocious false alarm before an important match. I had exchanged correspondence with the Honourable Minister on the issue of the donation and we agreed that there was need for caution. The Minister said to me that he read the donation in the papers and had expressed serious concern. I also received a mail from the NFF Integrity Officer who expressed very serious concern with this kind of donation.
“I got in touch with the Ambassador of Nigeria to Brazil and the Honourable Minister to say that whatever had to be done should be done after the Bronze Medal Match, to avoid any distractions. The NFF may be having financial challenges, but I assure you nobody in the Federation is interested in that money.
“If we get the Government’s go-ahead to collect the money, no official of the NFF will be involved even in the collection. The money will be received directly by the team.
“There are matters in the football world today that FIFA and the various confederations frown at. We are very much aware of that”.
If we had rushed to collect that kind of money and hand over to the players, the same people who are condemning the NFF now would have said worse things.
Although, it remains unclear whether former goalkeeper Peterside Idah who started the discussion on social media will provide proves to substantiate his controversial claims. Thanks for reading.
Former Reds Striker Takes Subtle Dig At Jurgen Klopp
Christian Benteke claims a lack of trust from Jurgen Klopp caused his failure to establish himself at Liverpool.
Former Liverpool Player Christain Benteke has said Jurgen Klopp did not trust enough to lead the line at the club, he believed the reds manager did not have faith in his abilities during his time at Anfield.
Christain Benteke who joined Liverpool from Aston Villa in club record fee of £32 million by Brendan Rodgers but the arrival of Jurgen Klopp to Anfield saw the Belgian slipped down the pecking order.
During his first interview as a Palace player, the Belgium international said: ‘A lot of things happened at Liverpool, When I arrived it was with Rodgers as manager, but then he was sacked and Klopp came in and had his own plan. But that’s part of football. I could have done better, but I think I also needed some trust from the manager and the staff.’
Benteke signed a four-year deal with Crystal Palace to put end to a torrid time at the Merseyside; the former Aston Villa striker will hope to put his past behind him and help an ailing Crystal Palace side back to its full strength. Thanks for reading.
Barcelona Confirms Imminent Departure Of Key Player To Man City
Barcelona has confirmed the imminent departure of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to Manchester city.
The arrival of Claudio bravo to the Etihad Stadium has merely been confirmed by Barcelona after Technical secretary, Robert Fernandez admits the goalie is on his way out of the Camp Nou.
Robert Fernandez said: “We have the beginning of an agreement with Manchester City for Claudio Bravo,” We are awaiting events this week. When Claudio leaves, we hope to have a new keeper.”
Bravo who has fallen down the pecking order at the camp Nou to a much younger Andre ter stegen may be offered a lifeline by Pep Guardiola who already showed Joe hart the way out of the Etihad stadium after continually dropping the Englishman from the starting line-up so far this season.
It is believed that Pep Guardiola prefers a keeper who is better with the ball at his feet which the 33-year-old Chilean fits the bill.
Barcelona might also be on the look out for replacement for the Chile international was brought in to replace Victor Valdes but saw the Number One spot snatched away by Ter stegen last season. Thanks for reading.
FG Raises Alert On Fake Drugs In Circulation
The Federal Government on Saturday raised alert on two confirmed falsified versions of Quinine Sulphate in circulation in West and Central Africa.
The Federal Ministry of Health received a medical alert that the two falsified drugs contain zero active pharmaceutical ingredients, Mrs Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations of the ministry, said in a statement said.
Akinola said the two version of the drug were circulating in Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo. She said the quinine Sulphate was used in the treatment of malaria.
According to her, the implication of using the falsified one is that it will not be effective and may also lead to other health challenges.
She said one of the fake products was named Quinine Sulfate 300 mg with 1000 Tablets per container, Batch Number 10H05, expiry date 09/2018 and it manufactured 09/2014.
Akinola added that the drug manufactured by Novadina Pharmaceutical Limited, London, United Kingdom was first was discovered in Cameroon.
The director said the other version of the fake drug was Quinine Sulphate 300mg with 100 Tablets per container; batch F4387, expiry date 11/18 and its date of manufacture is 12/14.
She explained that the product was manufactured in India by CAD Pharm, and it was discovered in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
She advised Nigerians to be vigilant and report to the nearest National Agency for Food and Drug Administration office anywhere the drugs were spotted including hospitals and pharmaceutical shops.
The ministry urges Nigerians to also report it the following GSM no +234-8037881120, +234-8055056727 and +234-8035902679. “If you are in possession of these products, please do not use them. “If you have taken this falsified product or if you suffer an adverse effect following its uptake, please seek immediate advice from a qualified healthcare professional and report the incident to NAFDAC.’’ Thanks for reading.
Usain Bolt leads Jamaica to 4x100m gold to complete Olympic triple treble
“There you go,” said Usain Bolt moments after the world watched him go supersonic for a final time in the Olympics. “I am the greatest.” Once again it was impossible to argue.
When the baton was slapped into his hand on the final leg of the men’s 4x100m relay, Jamaica, US, and Japan were in a line, all theoretically vying for gold. But then Bolt applied those familiar afterburners and blasted away from his opponents and towards the pages of history.
This was his third gold medal of these Games, his ninth overall at the Olympics. No wonder he savoured a super slow lap of honour, waving at every Jamaican flag in the Olympic Stadium and dancing with his team-mates, Asafa Powell, Nickel Ashmeade and Yohan Blake on the back straight.
“I am proud of myself and I have to say thanks to the guys,” said Bolt. “The pressure is real. I look at it as an accomplishment. I live for these moments, it is beautiful and I came through. I’ll go home, stay up late tonight talking and having fun. It is not real. It is a brilliant feeling. I told the guys if it didn’t happen tonight I would beat them up.”
Behind the Jamaicans, who finished in a time of 37.27 seconds, were Japan, who took a shock silver in 37.60. None of the Japanese team have personal bests under 10 seconds but their use of the underhand baton pass – rather than the more common upsweep method – made their changeovers far slicker than everyone else.
Canada were pushed up to the bronze medal position after the US team were disqualified. The Americans heard the news just as they finished their lap of honour.
It was actually the Canadians who alerted them to the DQ by their country’s name on the stadium scoreboard. Later it transpired that the baton change between Mike Rodgers and Justin Gatlin had been illegal. Said Gatlin: “It was the twilight zone. It was a nightmare. You work so hard with your team-mates, guys you compete against almost all year long. All that hard work just crumbles.”
Britain’s team of Richard Kilty, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, James Ellington and Adam Gemili – who were without the injured James Dasaolu and CJ Ujah, who was surprisingly dropped - were a disappointing fifth in 37.98sec after struggling to cope with the very sharp bend in lane one.
Usain Bolt joins the immortals just as the cracks begin to appear
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“It’s not an excuse but it’s the truth it is more difficult in lane one,” said Ellington. “We genuinely believed we could go out there and win it or get a medal at worst and run our asses off and it was not meant to be. We know what we are capable of more so we are going to have to go back as a team and rebuild and get ready for London next year on our own terms and if we change it around then this will be forgotten.”
But this night was all about Bolt, who has had the crowds coming to the stadium for his Olympic farewell tour all week. As Blake put it afterwards: “Usain needs to be immortal and he is immortal, but I will encourage him to come back for 2020.”
Bolt’s long, poignant wave to the large throng of Jamaican supporters as he left the stadium suggested he has other ideas. Thanks for reading.
Customs Impounds 31 Rice Containers
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has impounded 31 containers of rice illegally imported into the country.
The items were seized on Friday at the Tin-Can Island Container Terminal (TICT), Lagos.
The Comptroller-General of Customs Col Hameed Ali who was represented by a Deputy Comptroller-General ( DCG) Dan Ugo said the items were shipped into the from China, adding that the importer wanted to shortchange the government by declaring the items as yeast in his bill of laden.
According to him, yeast importation attracts five per cent duty, while rice attracts 110 per cent duty and 60 per cent levy.
The Comptroller-General has therefore declared that over 40, 000 bags of rice inside the containers as outright seizure without any option of payment for the importer for falsifying his document.
He said; the measure, was taken to serve as deterrent to other scrupulous importers operating at the nation’s sea ports and border stations.
The CGC retracted that the era false declaration and debit note was over; saying importers with false declaration of imports would be punished by the government.
“We have told clearing agents and importers to do genuine declaration. We are all talking of trade facilitation at port and some importers are busy abusing the system,” he said. Thanks for reading.
Judge orders Clinton to answer email server questions from Judicial Watch
A federal judge has ordered Hillary Clinton to answer written questions about her use of a private email server while at the state department in response to a lawsuit by a conservative watchdog group, though he declined to make her submit to a sworn deposition.
District court judge Emmet Sullivan said Clinton must reply in writing to questions posed by the group, Judicial Watch, about why she set up a system to conduct state department business, a decision that led to an FBI investigation and has haunted the Democratic nominee’s campaign for over a year.
The judge said the group failed to demonstrate that an hours-long deposition was necessary to clarify why Clinton set up the private server, as opposed to seeking the information “through other, less burdensome or intrusive means such as interrogatories”.
“Judicial Watch’s argument that a deposition is preferable in this case because of the ability to ask follow-up questions is not persuasive,” Sullivan wrote. “Given the extensive public record related to the clintonemail.com system, a record which Judicial Watch has acknowledged, Judicial Watch will be able to anticipate many follow-up questions.”
Judicial Watch made a name for itself by dogging former president Bill Clinton, and has now filed a number of lawsuits under the Freedom of Information Act (Foia) seeking records from the state department about Hillary Clinton’s time spent as the nation’s top diplomat.
Judicial Watch’s president, Tom Fitton, praised the judge’s decision in a statement. “We are pleased that this federal court ordered Hillary Clinton to provide written answers under oath to some key questions about her email scandal,” he said. “We will move quickly to get these answers. The decision is a reminder that Hillary Clinton is not above the law.”
The decision means Clinton will probably not have to step away from the campaign trail to sit for an interview with some of her fiercest critics, but ensures that the controversy will continue to follower her throughout the final weeks of the presidential campaign.
Judicial Watch has until 14 October to submit questions to Clinton, who must respond within 30 days, according to the decision.
Separately, Sullivan approved Judicial Watch’s request to depose John Bentel, a senior state department aide who has since retired, due to “contradictory evidence” about the extent of his knowledge of Clinton’s server and email practices. However, he declined the group’s request to depose Clarence Finney, a state department official handling Foia requests.
In July, the FBI closed its investigation into Clinton’s email server after she sat for a three-hour interview. Director James Comey said that while she and her staff had been “extremely careless” in their handling of emails, a handful of which contained classified information at the time, the FBI would not recommend prosecutors seek charges in the case.
The judge also ordered the federal government to begin releasing the “thousands of work-related emails” that the FBI said it had recovered in its investigation.
Clinton has apologized for setting up the server, maintaining that the decision was a “mistake” and not an attempt to obfuscate her actions or skirt reporting laws. She also noted that this was the practice of her predecessors, though the law was tightened by the Obama administration.
Earlier this week, the New York Times reported that former secretary of state Colin Powell was said to have advised Clinton to use a personal email account. The report was based on notes from the FBI handed over to Congress.
In a statement, Powell’s office said he wrote Clinton an “email memo describing his use of his personal AOL email account for unclassified messages and how it vastly improved communications within the State Department” while also noting that “at the time there was no equivalent system with the department”. Thanks for reading.
Marriage equality plebiscite to be held in Australia in 2017 – reports
The plebiscite to decide whether marriage equality should be legalised in Australia will be held in February 2017.
The Daily Telegraph reported late on Saturday that the issue would not be put to the Australian public until early next year.
Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister, had pledged before the July election to hold the plebiscite before the end of the year.
The plebiscite will reportedly ask: “Do you approve of a law to permit people of the same sex to marry?”
Turnbull suggests marriage equality plebiscite may be delayed until 2017
The government had considered other options for the question, but those would be abandoned after testing poorly in focus groups funded by activists.
Voting would be compulsory with fines imposed for those who failed to do so.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the prime minister would announce the new timeline at a Coalition party room meeting on 13 September, during the second week of parliamentary sittings.
It also reported that Bill Shorten, the Labor leader, would launch a last-minute bid to overthrow the plebiscite in the coming weeks, introducing a private member’s bill to legalise marriage equality with a free vote of Parliament.
Turnbull had been unequivocal about his desire to hold the plebiscite as soon as possible – ideally before the year was out – in the lead-up to the 2 July election.
But after he was elected as prime minister he appeared to shy from the commitment, indicating on 18 July that it may be delayed until 2017.
A spokesman for Turnbull could not be reached for immediate comment by Guardian Australia.
A plebiscite is a direct vote of all the members of the country on an important public policy issue, but is distinct from a referendum because the constitution does not need to be changed.
The plebiscite would be followed by a vote in parliament, and various government members have signalled that they would not be led by its result.
Some, including senators Eric Abetz and Cory Bernardi, have said they would abstain or vote against the legislation that woudl come before the parliament if the plebiscite was passed.
In July a poll found that only 48% of Australians backed a marriage equality plebiscite, casting doubt over the government’s claim the “overwhelming majority” of Australians were in favour of the idea.
The issue had caused rifts among marriage equality advocates, who were split over whether to launch a campaign to win over the public or push for a free vote in parliament.
Rodney Croome resigned as the national director of Australian Marriage Equality at the start of this month.
He was among many campaigners who feared that a plebiscite campaign could put vulnerable members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex community at risk.
“If there is a plebiscite, and when the first gay kid dies at his own hand because of the hate and fear-mongering, I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror and know I did everything I could to stop it … everything,” said Croome. Thanks for reading.
SHOCKING: 80 Inmates Go Insane In Aba Prison
Aba Federal Prison is housing at least 80 insane persons in its asylum, Nigeria Prisons Service said on Friday.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Prisons Service, Abia Command, Deputy Superintendent of Prisons (DSP) Kalu Ikpe, who disclosed this, said as at August. 19, 2016 the prison has 600 inmates with only 113 convicted and serving full prison sentences.
About 374 inmates have not been convicted, while about 116 inmates are in awaiting trial status.
Ikpe said; “Sometimes even here in Umuahia where there is no asylum, we receive them but when after sometimes we observe a strange behaviour, we do a referral and send them to Aba where there is an asylum.
He said that the prison was taking care of the insane persons to ensure that they were stabilised enough to enable them answer their respective charges in court.
“Those who are not normal are put under observation and are made to see psychiatric doctors who work daily to ensure that their drugs are administered.
“You know that the prison inmates are our brothers, so we cannot abandon them,” he said.
Ikpe, however, stated that getting the insane inmates out of the prison, where necessary, was the duty of the Chief Judge and the courts which committed them to the prisons.
He said that the prison had no means of discovering if a potential inmate was sane or not at the point of receiving him, but would keep custody of anyone with valid arrest warrants.
“In a situation where the individual’s case becomes worse or unmanageable by us, we alert the courts who committed them to our care.
“Depending on the nature of the alleged crime committed by the inmates, they are the people that can take decisions on their matters,” he said. Thanks for reading.
TRAGIC: 11 Military Officers Killed In Fatal Accident
Eleven South African military officials were killed on Friday when the bus transporting them fell down on an embankment.
A report from Johannesburg said that a total of 42 military officials were travelling in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in centrally located Free State province.
It said that the officers were on their way to a cultural centre inside the park, when the bus driver failed to apply brakes on a bend.
It reported that all the fatalities were women, while several people were hospitalised in critical condition. Thanks for reading.
SHOCKING: 4,395 Prospective Couples Beg Governor For Wedding Ceremony
At least 4,395 prospective couples wishing to participate in the Kano State Government’s mass wedding have so far registered for the programme.
The state government had directed the Hisba Board to register all interested prospective couples in the state.
Dr Abba Sufi, the Director-General of the board, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Kano on Saturday.
Sufi said of the number, 3,117 couples were registered by Hisba offices in 41 local government areas of the state, while the remaining 1, 278 couples were registered at the state headquarters of the board in Kano.
“As I am talking to you now, 4,395 prospective couples indicated interest to participate in the programme. He said as soon as the remaining three local government areas submitted their list, the board would write a comprehensive report to the government for necessary action.
Sufi, who was giving update on the registration exercise, reaffirmed the commitment of the government toward ensuring the success of the programme.
“The government is committed to the programme hence its decision to continue with the programme. “The registration is still open to all interested persons as the exercise is still ongoing,” Sufi said.
The registration for the prospective couples began simultaneously across the 44 local government areas of the state on Aug. 8. Thanks for reading.
Relief As Turkey Waives Tuition Fees For Nigerian Students
The Turkish Government on Friday said it has waived tuition fees for Nigerian students studying in private universities in the country before they were closed down.
This was disclosed by the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Hakan Cakil, when he visited the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, in his office in Abuja.
The government closed down private universities and other establishments operating in the country following last month’s failed coup in the country.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Deputy Director, (Press), Ben Bem-Goong, said Nigerian students in private universities in the country have been moved to public schools for them to continue their education.
He said: “Following the coup attempt in Turkey which led to the closure of many private Universities, Nigerian students studying across Turkish private varsities which have been closed down have now been moved by the Turkish Government to public schools in that country where they will pay very little or no tuition fees at all.”
Ambassador Hakan Cakil, however, assured the Minister that no Nigerian students would be allowed to suffer the closure, and any students electing to return to Nigeria will be doing so as a matter of choice. Thanks for reading.
Shocking: Two Men Rape 10-Year-Old Girl
The Jigawa State Police Command disclosed that over the last three weeks, it has charged 53 people to court over rape and sodomy.
According to the State Commissioner of Police, Henry Fadairo, another shocking case was reported at the Gumel Police Station, where the father of the victim gave details of what happened to his 10-year-old daughter.
While highlighting the spate of the crimes in the state, he said one of the suspects charged to court was 40-year-old Idris Abdu, who was reported at the Hadejia Police Station to have taken a nine-year-old girl to his room and raped her. The suspect later confessed to the crime.
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His words: “The father of the 10-year-old girl reported at the Gumel Police Station that he saw his daughter holding some money. When he asked how she got the money, the girl said that one Mohammed Abdullahi, a 40-year-old man, took her to his room and raped her after which he gave her money.
“The father of the girl said another man, identified as 25-year old Nasiru Mohammed forced the same girl into an uncompleted building and raped her again.
“The girl told her father that the first man who raped her (Abdullahi) had also raped her 10-year-old friend. The father of the second victim also reported the case. The culprits confessed to their crimes, revealing that they had raped the girls on many times, he added.
Fadairo said that less than one month after he took over the mantle of leadership of the command, he charged the 53 suspects to court over 28 rape incidents and 25 sodomy allegations.
He told journalists that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, is bent on ensuring that those involved in the crime are prosecuted. “I have started parading them publicly in order to make their prosecution a deterrent to others,” he added.
Fadairo said that in Garki Local Government Area of the state, a mother of an eight-year-old girl reported to the police that when her daughter was on her way to school, the Village Head of Kargo village, AbubakarYa’u, a 60-year-old man, waylaid the girl and took her to his room where he raped her.
He, however, stated that investigations by the police indicated that the village head actually committed the crime, adding that the suspect will soon be charged to court for prosecution. Thanks for reading.
SAD: Flood Destroys 120 Houses, Farms In Jigawa
Flood has destroyed 120 houses and washed away farms and other valuables worth millions of naira in Jahun local government Area of Jigawa state.
Sai’du Yusif, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Jahun/Miga constituency at the house of representatives, made this known to journalists on Saturday after visiting the victims to sympathise with them.
Yusuf said the report from the victims indicated that about 120 houses, foodstuff and other valuables were destroyed by flood.
The lawmaker, who was accompanied by Alasan Doguwa, chief whip, and a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) official, said he came to assess the level of damages caused by the flood for appropriate action.
The chief whip, who was representing Yakubu Dogara, the speaker, donated N500,000 to the victims to assuage their sufferings.
Yusuf declined comments on his donation, saying “it is between me and God”.
But NAN learnt that he had donated the cash, 50 sacks of maize, 50 bundles of wrappers and 60 bundles of brocade popularly known as ‘Shadda’ to the victims.
He pledged to move a motion of urgent national importance at the house to find lasting solution to the flood that had been ravaging the council annually. Thanks for reading.
Rio Olympics: Dream Team VI Finally Secures Nigeria’s First Medal
The Dream team have won Nigeria a medal at the Rio Olympics after beating Honduras 3-2 to clinch bronze medal.
Nigeria started as the better side in the third place match against Honduras but wasted most of their chances at goal. In the 34th minute, Roma striker Sadiq Umar opened scoring for team in a one sided first half. The Honduras also tried to gain momentum but no avail.
In the second half, Nigeria came in with increased vigor, searching for a second goal, four minutes in to the second period, Aminu Umar got a much needed second goal for the Dream team while Sadiq Umar extended the lead seven minutes later. In the 71st minute, Anthony Lozano scored from close range for Honduras before Marcelo Pereira headed in their second from a free kick on the edge of the box barely four minutes to injury time and continued to pile pressure on the Nigerians, who nervously finished the match to claim the bronze medal in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
The Samson Siasia-led Dream team will be delighted to be the first team to win a medal for Nigeria at the Rio Olympics. Thanks for reading.
Ukrainians saw Paul Manafort's political impact up close; and it wasn't pretty
Paul Manafort, Donald Trump’s campaign chairman, has only recently become familiar to Americans. But in Ukraine, Manafort has played a decisive role in politics for nearly a decade – one that is being closely scrutinized after his name has appeared in documents that are being examined in a corruption investigation. That is why on Friday, I helped to make public more documents related to Manafort’s dealings with the Party of Regions, which he used to consult for. I remember Manafort clearly during the inauguration of Victor Yanukovych, the former president of Ukraine. On a cold February morning, men and women wearing tailcoats and evening gowns hurried towards the Lenin monument. There was a little bit of commotion at the entrance – Rinat Akhmetov, the richest Ukrainian man and the right arm of Yanukovych, was trying to make way for an inconspicuous American. It was only me and a few of my colleagues who recognized the mysterious stranger’s face: it was Paul Manafort. Manafort had served as a consultant to the Party of Regions for many years. He had just as much cause for celebration as the newly inaugurated president, since he was the mastermind behind the president’s victory. The two had worked together since 2004. After Yanukovych’s election defeat that year, Manafort was hired by him and they worked on four election campaigns (including one presidential and three parliamentary ones) together. The American consultant was recommended to Yanukovych by his business and political partner Rinat Akhmetov, who in turn was recommended by Oleg Deripaska, his Russian colleague from the circle of fellow oligarchs. That way Manafort passed from one person to another as a relay baton to later become one of the most influential players in the Ukrainian politics. The question is now if he ever abused his position. So-called “shadow accounting” documents I have seen show $400,000 in cash payments were made to him, which were intended to be spent on conducting exit polls. The documents show a further $812,000 to be paid to him for engaging international observers. And, these documents, which I reported on and which were the focus of a New York Times article this week, list a total of $12.7m of payments made to Manafort. Ukrainians are concerned about the theft of public money. We want the chain of corruption to end. That is why many are troubled that Manafort’s name has emerged in this investigation. It is not just these latest revelations that cast a shadow over Manafort’s name in Ukraine. Manafort was an advisor to President Yanukovych when he pursued a divisive electoral campaign, such as focusing on the alleged infringement of rights of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine. This wasn’t an issue before, but after years of driving this idea into the heads of voters, the question of the Russian language has really become an important factor in Ukrainian politics. Subsequently, after the escape of Yanukovych in 2014, it was under the guise of protecting the Russian population that Putin invaded Crimea, violating the post-war balance of power in Europe. Manafort worked with Victor Yanukovych – one of the most notorious European politicians – for nearly 10 years. This is not a casual relationship between the client and the performer. Such long-term cooperation incorporates a general worldview and values. Now voters in America will have to ask themselves: are these values they want in their country?. Thanks for reading.
Paul Manafort resigns as chairman of Donald Trump campaign
Donald Trump’s campaign chairman Paul Manafort has resigned, in the latest convulsion to sweep a candidacy reeling from poor polling numbers and self-inflicted controversy. With voters able to cast absentee ballots in the crucial swing state of North Carolina in just three weeks and his poll numbers sliding rapidly, the Republican nominee ousted his campaign chairman on Friday, only two months after the forced departure of campaign manager Corey Lewandowski. Manafort’s exit followed another unconventional move by Trump, who hours earlier had admitted that he “regretted” the pain caused by some of his intemperate remarks this year. “Sometimes in the heat of debate and speaking on a multitude of issues, you don’t choose the right words or you say the wrong thing,” he said, in tightly scripted remarks said to bear the hallmark of new campaign manager Kellyanne Conway. Though the apology at a rally in North Carolina did not specify precisely whom he was saying sorry to, it was the first acknowledgment by the candidate that his swashbuckling style was proving self-destructive. News of Manafort’s resignation also came as a surprise to some within the campaign, and followed a slew of denials that a shakeup was under way. “I would have thought we were done with revolving chairs,” one source familiar with the campaign told the Guardian after the publication of Friday’s statement. Another person familiar with the shakeup said the change underlined how Manafort had never quite been able to communicate with Trump the way Lewandowski had. His departure meant Conway would be in charge of the messaging, whereas Bannon, a former banker, was there to run the business side of the campaign. It was also pointed out that Trump had long been uncomfortable with the campaign spending heavily to buy television commercials, a step that was taken earlier this week with Trump shelling out $4m to go on the air in Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. “He thinks he is being robbed,” said the source familiar with the shakeup. “Boots on the ground are worth it” but “media buys, mail and other stuff” were looked on by Trump skeptically. In an interview with Fox News, Trump’s son Eric suggested that the controversy over Manafort’s ties to Russia and a report this week that he had potentially committed a felony by evading the reporting requirements of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) led to the top operative being pushed out. “My father just didn’t want to have the distraction looming over the campaign, and, quite frankly, looming over all the issues Hillary is facing right now,” said the younger Trump. Who supports Donald Trump? The new Republican center of gravity Read more Manafort, a veteran political strategist, has been under mounting scrutiny as more details emerged of his role in advising foreign politicians, including Ukrainian strongman Viktor Yanukovych. His close connections to Russia through Yanukovych, at a time when Trump is trying to criticise Clinton for taking money from foreign donors for her family foundation, were proving a growing problem. Manafort first joined the campaign as an unpaid adviser in March after Trump had been repeatedly outmaneuvered in the delegation selection process by rival Ted Cruz. The veteran operative, who helped Gerald Ford win the last contested convention in American history in 1976, soon used that foothold to expand his mandate. Within weeks, he had in effect replaced former campaign manager Lewandowski, who was disdained by many within the party establishment as well as the Trump family. In a statement issued on Friday, Trump suggested Manafort’s role had peaked as an adviser during the Republican national convention in Cleveland, where rival Ted Cruz had threatened to lead a revolt, but this time expressed no regret over the departure. “This morning Paul Manafort offered, and I accepted, his resignation from the campaign,” said a statement from the Trump campaign issued on Friday morning. “I am very appreciative for his great work in helping to get us where we are today, and in particular his work guiding us through the delegate and convention process. Paul is a true professional and I wish him the greatest success.” The resignation, which contradicts claims Manafort would stay on earlier in the week, is the second moment Trump has exercised his famed slogan “you’re fired” – following the ousting of Lewandowski, in June. Lewandowski is now thought likely to make a comeback within the constantly shifting Trump inner circle, as he favours the same approach of “letting Trump be Trump” as Bannon is believed to. Trump also appeared rattled by recent opinion polling which suggests he is far adrift of where he needs to be to challenge Clinton in crucial swing states. The urgent need to confront his collapse in the polls suggests expediency, rather than a personality, may have been the largest factor leading to Manafort’s departure. At a rally on Friday night in Dimondale, Michigan, he again read off a prepared speech, with no mention of polls or crowds – two of his favorite topics for months of rallies. Instead he urged African Americans to join his “change movement”, saying, “to those hurting, I say: what do you have to lose by trying something new?” Signs of the old Trump did break through his restrained performance. At one point he went off-script, riffing to the mostly white crowd, “I am nothing more than your messenger.” Amid the Trump campaign shakeup and the apologetic address on Thursday night, Democrats rejected the notion of a new-look Trump on Friday, ridiculing a new emphasis on unifying the country that emerged on the same day as a campaign ad attacking immigrants. “In case you thought for a split second Trump was genuine about feeling regret, he is back to demonizing immigrants again in his new ad today,” said Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon. Thanks for reading.
How Agriculture Would Eradicate Poverty – Obasanjo
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has said that if agriculture is taken seriously, it could eradicate poverty.
He said this when he visited the Adamawa state government house in Yola. The former president also said that the sector could bring industrialisation to the state.
Obasanjo however promised to encourage investors interested in agricbusiness to visit Adamawa.
“Your emphasis on agriculture gave me pleasure and if agriculture is taken serious in this state, it will eradicate poverty. If you can provide a conducive atmosphere, people will want to come and invest in agribusiness.
“We will encourage those who are interested to invest in agribusiness to come to Adamawa and invest. Agriculture will not only be useful as a security too but as part of the industrialisation of the state, and as such will make the economy of this state more viable”.
He further commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his understanding about the situation in the north-east.
“To us, the issue of the north-east is special even when Mr President and I are discussing, it always form the centre of our discussion,” Obasanjo said.
“I must commend the unique leadership vision of the governor especially as he did not only focus on Adamawa but extent his vision to the entire north-east geopolitical region.”
How Kennis Music Inspired Me – Don Jazzy Reveals
Mavins boss, Don Jazzy has opened up on how Kennis Music inspired and shaped him to do better music.
Don Jazzy said he started paying more attention to music during the Kennis Music era.
“I would say I started listening more during the Kennis music time because after Storm records, then it was a time for Kennis music and they came with Tuface, Remedies and all”. keke-and-dayo
“At that point, I was still in secondary school and I was like “Yo! They were putting a lot of swags into this my work”. So I started taking note of the music and it started shaping me into what I would like to do but then, there was no way for me to do it.”
Don Jazzy also said that Nigerian music is designed to make people happy during their struggles. “Everyone is struggling; we all have a problem in the country but there are sometimes when we need that peace of mind which is when the music comes in. “While some people are consciously trying to make you aware of what is going on in the struggle, there should be other people that would keep you happy when you are going through the struggles and that is where we come in
Don Jazzy also said that Nigerian music is designed to make people happy during their struggles. “Everyone is struggling; we all have a problem in the country but there are sometimes when we need that peace of mind which is when the music comes in. “While some people are consciously trying to make you aware of what is going on in the struggle, there should be other people that would keep you happy when you are going through the struggles and that is where we come in
Change, Not Chain Is Coming, Pastor Bakare Insists
Pastor Tunde Bakare, on Friday pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari.
He assured that the maxim of change which is the slogan of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC would not translate to chain for the people.
Bakare spoke with State House correspondents after meeting the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The outspoken preacher who was Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 presidential election on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, said he was sure that the present administration would, in due time, respond to the yearnings of Nigerians.
The pastor said, “I will like to appeal to all Nigerians that we should just excise a bit of patience. This change will not become chain that will tie all of us down.
“Change for good takes time and we should just exercise a little bit more of patience. We trust that government is listening and the leaders are listening too and they will respond to the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”
Bakare said when one is driving in the wrong direction and suddenly realises one’s mistake, there would be a lot of suffering in returning to the right direction.
“Pain is part of gain. No pain, no gain. The years of wastage and all that we have done wrong have finally caught up with us.
“All we are praying for is wisdom for this government to think right and to do the right things, so that gradually, we can begin to come out of the woods,” he said.Thanks for reading.
Fraud: 21-Year-Old Student Faces 15 Years In Jail
A 21-year-old student from the of the Osun State Polytechnic, Identified as Adaramaja Olawale, was on Friday docked for alleged Facebook fraud.
The students, who reside at Abeokuta Street in Mushin, Lagos State, is standing trial on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. If found guilty, he will spend up to 15 years in jail.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Yomi Egunjobi explained to the court that the accused committed the offences on July 28, at No. 4, Moroti Bankole St., Ojodu area of Lagos State.
Sgt Egunjobi alleged that the accused made a false presentation on Facebook that one Alebiosu Adebola committed fraud. He said the accused used the complainant’s name to defraud her friends on Facebook.
“Olawale hacked into the complainant’s Facebook account and changed her password. Through fraudulent means, the accused collected money and recharge cards amounting to N16,000 from the complainant’s Facebook friends.
“The complainant’s friends called her to confirm if she were the one chatting with them and requesting for money and recharge cards,” he added.
The prosecutor narrated that the accused was apprehended in Osun by the police after it had investigated the allegation while noting that the offences contravened Sections 285 and 312 (a), (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
After reading the charges to the accused, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Section 312 provides a 15-year imprisonment if convicted.
The chief magistrate, Mrs M. O. Oshinbajo, admitted the accused to N50, 000-bail following the defence counsel’s submission for the bail application, with two sureties in like sum who must be gainfully employed.
She adjourned the case to Sept. 1, for mention. Thanks for reading.
When We Intend To Conclude Rivers Election – INEC Reveals
October 2016 has been announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the month for the completion of March 19, inconclusive election.
INEC while addressing leaders of 28 political parties in the state said it had concern that Rivers people do not have representatives at the national assembly till date.
Speaking on behalf of the electoral umpire, INEC National Commissioner in Charge of Operations, Mrs. Amina Zakari, stressed that the commission would do everything within its capacity to ensure that the election does not extent further than the last two weeks in October.
She called on politicians in the state to work hand in hand with the electoral body so that the state can meet up regarding election into National Assembly.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that this election that was suspended in some local governments is concluded. We are looking at completing the elections within October. The first week of October is out of it because that week we would celebrate our independence.
“The meeting was convened in order to evolve a way to complete the election. Because the election was more of a war, we also need to cool ourselves as well as plan new strategies.
“We don’t have a stake in the election; we are only to support democracy to survive in our country. We are giving that period to ensure that we are prepared.”
Thanks for reading.
Donald Trump tries out a new campaign tactic: saying sorry
Donald Trump marked the relaunch of his struggling presidential campaign with a shock new tactic: an apology.
“Sometimes in the heat of debate and speaking on a multitude of issues, you don’t choose the right words or you say the wrong thing,” he told a rally in North Carolina on Thursday night. “I have done that. And, believe it or not, I regret it. I do regret it. Particularly where it may have caused personal pain.”
The remarks, during Trump’s first public appearance since the appointment of a new campaign manager, are a sharp reversal of an approach that seemed to follow the adage “never retract, never explain, never apologise”.
“I like not to regret anything,” the candidate previously told radio host Don Imus in May after controversy over comments that questioned senator John McCain’s war record. “You do things and you say things. And what I said, frankly, is what I said.”
Many more such controversies have passed without regret since, but Trump’s closely watched standing in opinion polls has plummeted after he last month attacked the parents of a Muslim war hero who died serving in the US army.
On Thursday he appeared to acknowledge for the first time the damage such incidents were doing to his election standing, though did not specify which precise “personal pain” he was responding to.
“Too much is at stake for us to be consumed by these issues,” he told the unusually subdued crowd at the Charlotte convention center.
“As you know I am not a politician,” he added, to initial cheers. “I have never wanted to learn the language of the insiders, and I’ve never been politically correct – it takes far too much time, and can often make it more difficult to achieve total victory.”
The rally, which began with a long tribute to victims of flooding in Louisiana, was also unusual for relying entirely on a teleprompter. Previously the campaign’s use of prepared remarks has mostly tended to be reserved for formal policy addresses, rather than standard stump speeches at rallies.
Often stiff, the sight of Trump reading out lines rather than ad-libbing seemed to perplex a crowd not used to hearing him saying phrases such as: “I’ve travelled all across this country laying out my bold and modern agenda for change.”
The campaign for his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, dismissed Trump’s professed change of heart. “Donald Trump literally started his campaign by insulting people,” her campaign said. “We learned tonight that his speechwriter and teleprompter knows he has much for which he should apologize.”
“But that apology tonight is simply a well-written phrase until he tells us which of his many offensive, bullying and divisive comments he regrets – and changes his tune altogether.”
The use of a teleprompter was also out of keeping with expectations that this week’s appointment of outspoken Breitbart News executive Steve Bannon to take overall charge of the campaign would immediately mark a more “gloves-off” approach.
Instead, it appears part of the team’s new strategy is to attempt to draw a line under past controversies before trying to shift attention onto Clinton campaign weaknesses instead.
Aides watching the speech were pleased with its disciplined timing and suggested the influence of veteran pollster Kellyanne Conway, who was promoted to become campaign manager on Wednesday, would begin to make a difference to the tone. She is thought to be the most senior official now traveling regularly with Trump.
Yet Kirk Bell, communications director for North Carolina, denied he was disappointed with the turnout in Charlotte, which filled less than half of a venue the size of which was often packed before July’s national convention. “We got over 5,500. We feel pretty good about that,” he told the Guardian.
The newly contrite Trump did not seem to affect the behaviour of some of those supporters who did attend.
One man sparked complaints from several reporters after he individually photographed many of those sitting inside a penned-off media area at close range. Trump has been particular critical of the media’s coverage of his campaign and often appears to incite supporters to criticise alleged bias against him.
Other supporters continued to direct fierce anger toward Clinton. “She’s the anti-Christ,” one woman remonstrated with the media pen. “Chelsea isn’t Bill’s daughter,” insisted another. “He had mumps, he’s sterile.”
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Random quotes of “lock her up!” punctuated the night much as they did during the Republican convention.
But many supporters seemed to welcome the change of tack from Trump.
“I would like him to say ‘yes, I’m a smart ass’ and ‘yes, I say what’s on my mind but I hope what comes out of my mouth doesn’t take away what I’m really fighting for’,” said Christy Cranston of Charlotte. “I have never heard him say anything that was directly racist or against women. They were like comebacks for someone attacking him first.”
“He’s got to stop that,” added her husband, Chris, a self-employed flooring contractor. “The schoolyard semantics has got to end. He won’t lose my vote, but he’s gonna lose the fringe voter.”
Don Mcsheehan, a home remodeling contractor from Midland, North Carolina, agreed, but favoured only superficial restraint. “Him being himself is fine. Especially with me. What Trump has to sell is genuineness and if he becomes politically correct and canned and not off-the-cuff, he will lose touch with his base,” said the 49-year-old.
“I think he’s doing well considering he has got the whole US media against him. He’s at a 99% disadvantage. It’s good that he’s constantly in the news, but they are constantly berating him,” he concluded. “If he would learn to temper what he says just by 5% and let what is happening to Hillary get out there, he’ll be fine.”Thanks for reading.
Paul Manafort resigns as chairman of Donald Trump campaign
Donald Trump’s campaign chairman Paul Manafort has resigned, in the latest convulsion to sweep a candidacy reeling from poor poll numbers and self-inflicted controversy.
Within hours of Trump apologising for “pain” he had caused with outspoken remarks on the trail and a reshuffle that brought in a new team above him in New York, the veteran political strategist announced he would be leaving the campaign entirely.
Manafort however was also under mounting scrutiny of his own as more details emerged of his role in advising foreign politicians, including Ukrainian strongman Viktor Yanukovych.
His departure clears the way for Breitbart News executive Steve Dannon to assume full control of day-to-day operations, after he was appointed chief executive alongside new campaign manager Kellyanne Conway on Wednesday.
The resignation, which contradicts claims he would stay on earlier in the week, is the second moment Trump has exercised is famed slogan “your fired” – following the ousting of his original campaign manager Corey Lewanadowski in
Lewandowski is now thought to likely to make a comeback within the constantly shifting Trump inner circle as he shares much of the same approach to “letting Trump be Trump” as Dannon is believed to favour.
At the first public event since the reshuffle in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday, a personal wifi hotspot belonging to “Corey” could be seen among the small list of online identities present.
The rally was dominated however by a surprise change of tack for Trump, who said for the first time that he “regretted” misspeaking in the past and acknowledged his behaviour may be eclipsing the campaign’s core message.
It suggests Conway and Dannon may be attempting to use the reshuffle to draw a line under a summer of controversy and relaunch the campaign with a focus more squarely on attacking Hillary Clinton rather than defending its past behaviour.
Manafort had been brought in to replace Lewandowski with the blessing of senior figures within the Republican establishment who regarded him as a safe pair of hands who could help professionalise the campaign.
However, his close connections to Russia, at a time when Trump is trying to criticise Clinton for taking money from foreign donors for the family foundation, were proving a growing problem.
Trump is also felt to have felt increasingly surrounded by party operatives who do did not share his anti-establishment brand of politics and, as polls plunged, the 67-year-old Washington consultant proved yet another lightning rod for a tempestuous campaign.
In a statement Trump suggested he role had peaked as an adviser during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, where rival Ted Cruz had threatened to lead a revolt, but this time, offered no regret for the departure.
“This morning Paul Manafort offered, and I accepted, his resignation from the campaign,” said a statement from the Trump campaign issued on Friday morning. “I am very appreciative for his great work in helping to get us where we are today, and in particular his work guiding us through the delegate and convention process. Paul is a true professional and I wish him the greatest success.”
The Trump camp insisted that the hiring/promotion was neither the “shakeup” everyone said it was, nor a demotion for Manafort.
Manafort has been the subject in the last two weeks of multiple reports exploring his work as a lobbyist for a pro-Kremlin political party in Ukraine, work that the Associated Press reported extended to stealth donations to US lobbying firms – illegal under federal law.
