The Federal Government has lashed out at US Congressman Tom Marino for writing to Secretary of State John Kerry, asking the US to withhold security assistance to Nigeria on the strength of some imaginary infraction by the Buhari Administration.
Describing the letter as ”sadly out of tune with reality,” the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Sunday, said Congressman Marino was poorly informed about the issues he commented on, wondering why he did not take the pains to get first hand information from the US Embassy in Nigeria or any other credible source before engaging in what is nothing but a ‘propaganda of his own imagination’.
The Minister said by asking the US to refrain from selling warplanes and other military equipment to Nigeria based on a faulty premise, the Congressman has demonstrated a poor understanding of global security issues.
‘’Insecurity anywhere is insecurity everywhere. Had Congressman Marino understood this, he would not have made the kind of call he made concerning the US security assistance to Nigeria. The Boko Haram insurgency that Nigeria has decisively dealt with under President Muhammadu Buhari is not just a Nigerian problem but a regional and international crisis,’’ he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said Congressman Marino definitely did not have Nigeria in mind when he wrote that the US should withhold security assistance to Nigeria until President Buhari ‘demonstrates a commitment to inclusive government and the most basic tenets of democracy: freedom to assemble and freedom of speech’.
”An Administration that operates purely on the basis of respect for the rule of law and a strict adherence to constitutional order is not one to deny the citizens of their constitutionally-guaranteed rights. This Administration therefore does not need the goading of Congressman Marino or anyone for that matter to do what is right.
”Concerning running an inclusive government, had Congressman Marino done his home work before dispatching his letter, he would have realized that no part of the country is left out in the distribution of political appointments, for example, or in the appointment of Ministers, which was done in accordance with the Constitution that mandates that the President must appoint at least one minister from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
”Had the Congressman sought information from credible sources before engaging in a flight of fancy, he would have been presented with a comprehensive information on the appointment of CEOs for Federal Government’s parastatals, agencies and commissions that shows that the appoints were almost evenly matched along the line of the six geo-political zones in the country: With the North West having 51, North Central 46, North East 45, South East 41, South West 45 and South South 45,’’ he said. ‘’The Congressman may wish to note that each geo-political zone comprises 6 states, with the exception of North West (7) and South East (5).’’
The Minister described Congressman Marino’s description of the Administration’s anti-corruption efforts as ‘selective’ as a tired argument that clearly shows that the US lawmaker must have appended his signature to someone’s concocted line.
”That line was invented by those seeking to cause an unnecessary distraction from the Administration’s anti-corruption efforts, and it has been roundly rejected. Congressman Marino’s decision to exhume the dead postulation without an iota of proof is a reflection of whose side he has taken in the ongoing efforts to rid Nigeria of corrupt elements. Needless to say that the anti-corruption battle will continue unhindered, irrespective of whose ox is gored. And in this fight, only the guilty needs be afraid,’’ he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said Nigeria is delighted that US Secretary of State John Kerry, to whom the Congressman addressed his letter, is more knowledgeable, better briefed and definitely more hands on concerning Nigerian issues.
Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NEWS. Show all posts
Nigerian University Develop Fraud-Detecting Device
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.
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.
